Chapter 11: The Truth Can Be A Hard Thing

(No-one's P.O.V in particular!)

Artemis stirred in his sleep, Minerva watching him carefully. Even in his sleep, I feel drawn to him. She was beginning to regret what she was going to do, but Minerva Paradizo does not rest until the job is completed. It was one of the reasons why she was in the top ten list of DANGEROUS CRIMINALS. Right behind Opal Koboi, of course. Minerva remembered the first time she had met Opal Koboi. It was in a French prison, and she had asked Opal for a share of her mealworms. Opal had responded by spitting in her face. Opal, too, had a desire to control the world, and Minerva had (delightfully) found that the two made excellent business partners, and crime partners. It was from then on they decided, together, they'd rule the world.

Unlike some people she could remember, Minerva was a trustworthy girl. She hadn't been tainted by jealousy, or betrayal. Opal had, and she intended to "accidently" dispose of Minerva. Poor Minerva was out of her league, and she didn't know it.

In one of her school reports, a teacher had described her as, 'gifted and extremely determined.' Another had written, 'A headstrong, intelligent, stubborn girl. A dangerous combination. I recommend she gets psychological counselling.'

Afterwards, the teacher had an unfortunate "accident". Minerva was once such a sweet and kind girl. Now, twisted by bitterness

and hatred, she would never be the same.

"Minerva," Artemis mumbled. "Don't do it. Oh God, please don't."

She knew he was stuck between the worlds of reality and dream, but she couldn't help feeling her heart thud when he mentioned her name. I must go through with this. For my own sake.

Five minutes later, Minerva was resting her head on her knuckles, staring intently at Artemis when he awoke.

He groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Where am I?"

"You're back where you begun. In the warehouse."

Suddenly, he sits up straight. The memories must be flooding back by now.

"Minerva...?"

Automatically, I'm by his side, stroking his hair and comforting. I help him to get up, before remembering who I'm facing, and shove him to the ground.

"What was that for?!"
"I hate you, Artemis. Three years I waited for you to return. Three years. And when I find out you've returned, I don't even get one. Measly. Phone call. Just one, to contact me, to reassure me you're OK. It's because you're selfish, Artemis Fowl. Once you're dead and this is all over, I can sleep peacefully."
"Minerva, listen to me. This is insane. I'm sorry I never rang you, or emailed you, or even... Texted."

We both wince simultaneously.

"Just because I didn't contact you, didn't mean I stopped caring about you." He keeps his tone calm, which enrages me even more.

"You don't, though. You love this... Hazel girl. I saw the way you looked at her. I'm just going to be a faint memory from your past." My voice grows higher and louder. "FORGOTTEN. I'M JUST A VAGUE MEMORY, JUST A-"

I crumple down onto the floor, sobbing hysterically. Artemis shushes me, and strokes my hair, wiping away my tears. I soon calm down, lying there in Artemis's arms. I can feel his warmth, and would've lain there all day had we not been interrupted.

"Well, well, well. Minerva Paradizo and Artemis Fowl. The two lovebirds."

We both look up, to the mocking image of Opal Koboi.

"I knew you would betray me," She continues, oblivious to our glares. "I knew you wouldn't be able to resist him, and that's why I had a little Plan B."

"Opal. Good to see you again. How's Briar Cudgeon?"

She scowls, which is quickly replaced by a look of triumph.

"Too late to be making jokes, mud boy. In a few minutes, you'll be nothing but ashes. Bring 'em in, boys."

Two goblins roll in heavy cannons.

"You wouldn't."

"Oh, but I think you underestimate my full power, Minerva. You forget who I am. Opal Koboi, the scheming genius."

Minerva opens her mouth to retort, but Artemis stops her.

"Tell me, Opal. What exactly is your evil plan to rule the universe?"

"I'd love to stay and chat, but I have a universe to rule."

She lazily signals at the goblins, and saunters out.

"Farewell. For the last time." She cackles.

An ugly goblin with a lip piercing cracks his knuckles. He exchanges a glance with the other, before pressing a few buttons, grinning. The goblins sprint out, preparing themselves for an explosion.

Nothing happens. Artemis and Minerva wait, both equally confused. The two return, brows furrowed. A common look among goblins. Finally, one of them speaks up.

"What happened?"

"I dunno. Mistress Koboi told me to press these buttons here," He points a scaly finger towards the control panel. "And run for my life. She said the explosion would come soon afterwards."

Artemis Fowl had too many victories to know this was a perfect opportunity to gloat.

"Having a little mishap, boys?"

"Shut your gob, Fowl," The ugly one grunts.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Mistress Koboi has tricked you. I wouldn't put it past her."

"She wouldn't. Would she, Jimbo?" He turns to the pierced goblin.

"Nah. Don't listen to him. He's trying to mess with our heads. Mistress told us he would."

"But what if she did, Jimbo? I don't trust her, I don't." The slightly smaller built goblin looks panicked.

"Quit your yapping, and get to the job at hand."

"Why are you so mean to me, Jimbo?" He pouts. Jimbo looks aggravated.

"I'm not mean, you're just such a whiny, pathetic-"

Whilst the goblins bickered, Artemis shot an amused glance at Minerva. She looks petrified, Artemis thought. She's never been on the losing team. He awkwardly stretches an arm over Minerva's shoulder, who looks surprised, but pleased.

BOOM!

The door flies off its hinges, and Artemis could make out the distinct outline of four figures whilst the dust settled. A female elf steps into the light given off by the flimsy basement bulb.

"Holly. You came."

"No time for the pleasantries, Artemis. We've gotta get out of this place, and back to Fowl Manor."

"Good idea. Come on, Minerva."

"Minerva?" Holly's lip curls. "I'm not letting that girl come back with us."

"Holly, there is no time to be petty. Either Minerva comes with us, or I stay here with her."

Holly struggles. A side of her wanted to bring Minerva back, the kind, forgiving side. The other side told her, Are you seriously considering bringing her back?! After all she's done? In the end, her forgiving side won.

"Fine. Just keep her away from me."

Holly was confused as to why Minerva looked exactly like Holly, except streaks of pale blonde was returning to the auburn locks. She'd have to ask later.

"Wait!"
Holly, Butler, Foaly, Commander Root, and Minerva turned to Artemis, in surprise.

"What about the real Hazel?!"

Eventually, realisation dawns on each one of their faces. Holly was irritated, Butler was annoyed at himself for forgetting, Commander Root was exasperated for having to do another rescue, Minerva was slightly jealous at Artemis's obsession with this girl, and Foaly was... well, who knows? He was too preoccupied with nibbling on a carrot a metre long.

"I'll get her, Master. It won't take me long."

No-one bothered arguing. Then again, who would with the man who looked like the Incredible Hulk's uncle?

"Don't get hurt, old friend." Artemis fondly patted Butler's shoulder.

Butler doesn't reply, just nods, and jogs outside. It wasn't until he was out of view that Minerva said, "How does he know where Hazel is?"

There was silence.