Disclaimer: I don't own Colfer's things. Sorry!
From the looks of the house it was near the 19th century style, remodeled to fit a modern family's needs. It was not a house out of a fairy tale though. It was more American. With its pillars and large windows that had balconies just screamed Victorian. While the ancient oak trees and willows led to the front step next to the gravel road, the white house seem to be as if in a painting with its red out lines and the setting sun behind it.
Gracefully, Angeline Fowl rang the doorbell with a long manicured nail and waited. It seemed as if a stampede of Elephants were rushing down the hall and were about to crash against the door, but only the quiet and polite Temair pulled back the door. She smiled widely at the guests as a child peeked out from her dress and ran back into the house.
Standing back and pushing the door wider, she allowed from the Fowls and a Butler to enter the hallway. "Come on in! Do not worry about shoes. We no long bother with that." Soon, she had everyone's coats on hangers and in a closet and was ushering them down the vast hallway.
Spilling out into the master living room (for in this house there were bound to be many), Artemis could see onto the second and third floor as he settled down into a couch that sat parallel to that of the railing on those flights. Above him were two long skylights that seemed to catch the fire of the setting sun and burst out on to the multi-layers of the house. Complementing the effect was a small rectangular oak table and a few chairs. This table adorned tea, crackers, and cheeses from around the world. Mr. Fitzpatrick came from one of the adjourning hallways and smiled kindly to his guests.
"Go on sit down, Artemis if you would like to join the kids they are upstairs." Just a suggestion, did Artemis want to risk it? If he stayed he could conduct his will and his way, and if he left he would be a responsible adult and be out of the way for his parents to talk to another adult. Gracefully Artemis bowed his head and started off. Perhaps he could claim he'd gotten lost and never found the door. John stood before him as Artemis rounded the second floor.
"Hey," John leaned over the railing to shout at Mr. Fitzpatrick, "We might get a little louder; John and Steffy are fighting over the mike."
"That's fine Sean, no blood shed. Please try and entertain yourselves with Disney." Was the comment, and John (or was it Sean?) saluted his captain and started to march away but paused and re-traced his steps. Artemis sighed, he'd been spotted.
"Oh! Hello there! You're that boy Steffen and Li ana were fighting about. I can't remember your name." The man had the same emerald eyes as his brother and the same dark hair. Only difference is that this man was a little less masculine. "So, I guess we'll have introductions here. Hello, I'm Sean." Sean's head tilted to the side and he smiled at Artemis.
Artemis extended his hand. "I am Artemis Fowl the Second."
"Artemis! That was it, such a nice name" Artemis got ready for the comment and felt what most likely was a glove shake his hand. "Well, at least now I'll have a face to the name and it should stick! We'll let us go up stairs to where everyone else is."
Taking Artemis by the shoulders and marching off up another flight, Sean led the other boy to another section of the house. After a few turns (it was a wonder Artemis didn't push Sean's arm away) Artemis found himself entering a room that was painted black and white. These colors were not depressing, instead they were almost exihilerating. One wall was stripes, the other white with wisps of black and the opposite of that that was black with white wisps. The ceiling was all white while around the corners were small swirls of black. Black and white squares served as the carpet pattern and it. A large beat up leather couch was filled with people, who did not bother to turn to look at the new arrival.
The door was shut behind him as Sean spoke up. "Hey! Look what I found wandering the halls."
"And you left him intact, I'm impressed Sean." Artemis recognized John's deeper voice immediately.
Sean's hand left Artemis' shoulder and so did the comforting and warm feeling. "Thank you John, I try so hard." Sean's lighter voice seemed to flutter off his lips.
"I wasn't lost." Commented Artemis and Steffen waved him over. Decided to join the group Artemis went to the couch and waited.
"That's true, you were just heading up."
"Yeah, I doubt it would take long to find us with all this noise."
"Unless he wanted to get lost."
"I would. Especially if I had to be your friend Steffy."
"Fuck you Seth."
"STEFFEN! NOT IN FRONT OF LI-ANA AND EMIL."
"He does that all the time Philo." Li-ana smiled at the smaller dark haired boy sitting next to her. She was dressed in a different outfit and sitting next to another boy. But, unlike his other siblings, this boy had dark red hair and gold eyes.
Sean broke in between the bickering just in time. "OKAY! So we don't confuse Artemis here, why don't we act civilized for once and introduce ourselves." He seemed to find everything in good humor.
"Well," this time Artemis knew it was John. "I believe we've met before. I'm John and I am the eldest."
Sean leaned on his brother. Artemis was right. "And we met just a few moments ago on the stairs. I'm second, but only by 17 minutes, and my name is Sean." They were twins.
By this time Artemis had made it to the front of the couch and was now being addressed and seen by the other siblings. "You met Temair, she's next. But I'm Philo, and it's nice to meet you Artemis." Philo had the same dark hair as his sisters and their eyes.
"Steffen." Was all he got from his supposed 'friend'.
"Ouch, cold Steffy. Anyways, I'm Seth and I fall into sixth place, though I'm sure you've done the math." This boy had blond hair and green eyes with amber outlines magnified by small glasses.
Suddenly, the room fell into silence. All eyes were focused on the red head on the couch. Artemis waited and watched as the boy smiled at him and pointed to himself. Great, a game of charades was the thought that was traveling a one thousand times per second. Only this time, the game did not make sense.
The boy was trying hard to make Artemis understand and none of the siblings were going to help him out. Soon, both boys became flustered and the redhead pulled out a pad of paper and began to scribble something down and handed it to Artemis.
Emil, my name is Emil, Artemis.
"Emil?" the boy nodded and clapped. Great, next they'll give me a cookie. Artemis sighed and they moved last to the line.
"Hey! I'm Li ana and I'm the youngest!" The small child bounced happily on the couch. This made the other boy, Emil, bounce as well.
"You all realize we're going to have to do this again downstairs right?" Seth piped up, taking the microphone away from John and handing it to Sean.
"Damn..." Sean stepped up and poked a few buttons to see what song he would get. "Oh well, no one can fight my charm."
John rolled his eyes and sat in one of the chairs. "And what songs were approved by his Dictatorship?"
"Disney."
Philo adjusted himself. "We'll just pretend Jesus Christ R'n'R is Disney." There was a soft sigh to Artemis' right.
"What will you sing young Artemis?" Sean turned on his heel and smiled at the boy. Artemis felt uneasiness for a moment, but it was squashed when Steffen opened up his mouth. "Fat chance."
Artemis tried to make the blow less deadly. "I don't sing."
"Ah, well see now!" Sean clapped his hands together and nodded in Emil's direction. "Emil and him can partner up and be silent together."
"And loose face."
"I'm not going to get guilt tripped into singing."
"Well then, watch me veto your ass out of this room." THWACK! Steffen was then pegged by a pillow and once again, all eyes were on Emil. His cheeks were puffed out and his hands were on his hips, sending the message of 'you have crossed the line'.
Steffen glared back as well, but shrugged suddenly and plopped down on the couch, but, before he did he was sure to grab Artemis on his way down. Artemis was dragged in between Emil and Li ana, with Steffen sitting next to him.
"There was no need to man handle me." The rebuff came coldly.
"Would you prefer me to seduce you, Sir Fowl?" Artemis stiffened as the boy pulled closer.
"Top 10 things I never wanted to hear from Steffen." Sean replied, playing with the volume. "Hmm. Steffen, give me a song to sing."
"How about Think of me? You're actually able to hit those notes." Steffen looked very sincere and
Sean laughed lightly at the thought as he shook his head and said. "Fuck you." Everyone knew he didn't mean it.
Emil giggled softly to himself and scribbled something down onto the piece of paper, nudging Artemis softly.
Sean can't sing low. Don't ask anyone why, but he sounds better singing a girls part. Just like Aunt Wood, she can only sing the guys part.
Artemis looked over the note and nodded. Of course, some guys just never have their voice change, and some girls never discover their higher cords.
Steffen leaned closer to Emil. "Don't worry. You don't have to write back, just talk. But, you will have to learn how to read Emil speak."
"Are you giving him a chance Steffen? Sean was ready, and cast the cord behind him and steadied himself. "How very unlike you."
"I'm a giving person." Steffen waved his hand slightly and Artemis ignored him.
"Well, next time," Sean began to start the song, "Think of me...Think of me fondly. When we've said goodbye. Remember me once in a while; please promise me you'll try."
A few minutes past, and soon a few hours, and everyone (but Emil and Artemis) had sung a song. Though, karaoke was dropped and talk began. The Fitzpatrick family was very interested in the young Fowl heir.
Li ana was the boldest (surpassing Steffen by just a little) asking Artemis every type of question a child could ask. Most of the questioning revolved around, 'why would you choose my brother' and 'what were you on'. Philo would sometimes nudge her and tell her she was being too noisy, and with that, Artemis would agree. Sean and John just watched as the other siblings interact with Artemis, seeing if there were any rough patches that they would have to referee. Watching to seeing if they could trust him or not. Artemis though, believed he did not need their approval, and found ways to stop unnecessary questions from ever happening. But, somehow, Li ana was sure to come up with more.
"Li ana he's going to deck you if you don't stop pestering her." Philo snapped, glaring at the younger girl.
She protested by turning her head towards her brother and shaking it as hard as she could. "No he won't."
"Yeah, but that big guy down stairs might." Seth replied. Artemis noticed Emil rolling his eyes at all of them.
"Stop it you all. Here Artemis, if we can't get you to sing, would you please humor us with a simple card game?"
Artemis slipped into his poker mask. "Alright, what's the game?" Steffen removed himself from the couch, and everyone else formed a circle, leaving a spot for Artemis to join them.
Before him Artemis noted that there was a pile of cards and there were more than just a regular deck. Perhaps 5 decks in one. He raised his eyebrows and waited for the cards to be past out.
"The game is Egyptian Rat Screw! The whole point of the game is to get all the cards. The way you do that is you slap the doubles." Seth shuffled through his deck.
John (who was left of the dealer) explained the game while Artemis simply nodded his head. "The face cards, including the ace, have certain powers. Let's say I lay down an Ace, Li ana must get another ace or a face card within four cards, if not, I get the pile. With kings it's three cards, queens get two, and Jack one. Think you got it?" This was another favorite among the boys at his school, and he knew it could get violent fast.
"Alright, let's do this." John flipped. A round of swears, bashed hands, and won piles of cards ensued. Artemis soon learned the key to the slapping, you had to memorize when doubles were popping up. Naturally he was getting better.
It was turning out to be a long very long game due to everyone slapping in and winning the jacks. Emil and Sean had yet to fall out once, both Steffen and John had slapped in twice, Li ana, Artemis, and Seth had dropped out about four times. Soon, Steffen had kicked Sean out of the game. Artemis waiting for the double jacks, slapped when Seth set it down, making Seth jump a little, and Emil sighed in relief.
John had given up, Li ana soon died; Seth was still fighting with one jack. Both Emil and Steffen were trying to order their major decks of cards while Artemis kept alive with half of the jacks (which really seemed to have pissed Steffen off). Somehow, both Emil and Artemis had slapped away Steffen and Seth, sending both boys into a foul mood.
"Boys, and Li ana, dinners ready. I suggest you put the cards away and come down." Temair had popped her head in the doorway, gave them a brief smile, and waltzed her way back to the kitchen.
Seth was the first to get up. "Well...We'd ask you to count your decks but we don't have time, let's go."
"No fighting." Sean waggled his finger at the two boys. Artemis was about to reply but he stopped.
"No playing the switch game." Li ana preened her self as she slipped her hand into Sean's as they walked down the stairs.
Well, dinner followed suit, as did introducing everyone to everyone else. Angeline was beaming with admiration at the mass amount of children. It was indeed, a very peaceful meal. There were no awkward silences. Artemis said very little and was seated between Temair and Emil only to have Steffen a crossed from him. Artemis Senior was seated next to John and butler while Mr. Fitzpatrick sat next to Angeline.
Artemis eyed the meal. He noticed it was a fish meal, no peas, carrots, or mash potatoes. Steffen must have noticed because he snickered. Artemis saw Emil move a little out of the corner of his eye and then saw Steffen crumple over his plate. He allowed himself a small half smile: the boy had it coming.
Artemis and his parents had left only moments ago, and the Fitzpatrick children had hunker down into a deep discussion. Points were being brought up and vetoes had been issued and voices were being raised. Parli-pro had almost been tossed out of the room.
Emil settled down between Seth and Steffen, beaming at Sean and clapping. Steffen sent him a death glare with a reply attached. "That's not the point; you don't have to be with him Emil."
"When he comes here we will be." Seth pointed out, sipping on his tea.
"Steffen, on what grounds do you not want him here." John was digging though one of the many cupboards trying to find himself a drink of some sorts.
Shooting up and out of the couch Steffen stormed around the room, fling his arms this way and that. "Our grounds! I refuse to be forced to make friends with someone I don't care for! That's not friendship!"
"But you do know him." Li ana answered, tearing out her bows and handing them too Temair.
"You know what I mean." Steffen rounded on her and she nearly decked him in the thigh.
"Well, Steffen I think I have something in my pocket here..." Sean looked through his pockets and smiled.
"Don't you-"
"What's this? Oh my, a POCKET VETO." Withdrawing his hand from his pocked, Sean was able to make the 'Veto' motion.
"This is anarchy!" He cried, flinging one of the couch pillows at Sean, who skillfully dodged to the side.
"Okay, anarchy." John just smiled back.
"What I am trying to point out Steffen is that Artemis Fowl is going to try and become your friend. It would be easier on everyone if you got along. Sure we expect you to bite each other's heads off the first few days, hell, maybe weeks." Sean had now rested his head against Emil's shoulder and smiled at the fuming Steffen of doom in front of him. "But...I think you'll both be good for each other"
Steffen stood there defiant. "Fine, but I still stand firm against it."
"Then motion has been past and moved on. Does anyone have any comments?" Silence met the eldest boy, grovel dropped, and everyone drifted off to their separate rooms and to sleep.
Yes, I know those are not correct parli-pro. Notice it was said that it has all but been thrown out. Also, Temair is not a replacement for their mother. Also, I'm not anti-feminist or feminist. Temair is who she wants to be. She's very lady like and the such while Li ana is more tom-boyish. They are who they are. So hush.
