Finally! The voices are speaking to me again! Sorry about the wait, I knew what was gonna happen, I just had a hard time describing it. Still not sure how good it is, but I figured I made you guys wait long enough.

Disclaimer: Still don't own anything to do with Artemis Fowl. I am however working on a fantasy novel I do own which you can find on my profile. (Hint hint)

Chapter Twelve

Unusual Strategy

"Well, get started," Root said impatiently. "Or do you have a problem fighting a girl, Long?"

"No, sir," the young elf replied with a salute.

The two students turned to face each other. They began to circle each other, both watching for an opportunity. There was no overconfidence this time, they took each other seriously. At least that's what Root though until he noticed the way Holly was moving, deliberately stretching herself to show off her figure. Between her movements and the tight-fitting uniform little was left to the imagination. Needless to say her opponent found this distracting.

Suddenly Holly dropped to support herself on her hands and one knee, her other leg outstretched as she spun. Rowan jumped just in time to avoid being hit. He landed firmly on his feet and Holly sprung easily to hers. He threw a punch at her which she easily dodged. She quickly grabbed his wrist before he could pull back. He twisted his arm free and grabbed hold of hers in the same motion, then pulled her towards him and got her in a pincer grip. Rather than fighting him she relaxed almost seductively against him. The instant he loosened his grip she twisted around and knocked him to the ground straddling his chest and pinning down his arms. Using his legs Rowan flipped so that he was on top of Holly. For a moment it seemed clear that he would be the winner. However he was uncomfortable holding a girl in that position and immediately stood. Holly turned over and gathered her arms and legs under her as if to push herself up. Instead she shot one leg back out, tripping him again. He was back on his feet in the same instant she was.

Things went on like that for a while. Every time it looked like Rowan had an advantage Holly would remind him she was a girl and he would back off.

Finally Holly got him face down on the ground, planted one foot on the small of his back and bent one arm behind him like a chicken wing. Root waited to see if Rowan could get out of that one. Either he couldn't or he had decided the fight had gone on long enough.

"All right, let him up." Holly stepped off her opponent and turned to face Root. He waited for Rowan to stand before he spoke. "You need to stop being so scared to hurt a girl," he told Rowan, ignoring the fact that the girl in question had been fighting dirty. He turned to Holly next, "Well I have to admit that was an , er, interesting strategy, but don't count on it working in the field." If Holly could have seen the faces of the male students behind her she would have argued the point.

When Rowan turned to rejoin the rest of the class he did see them. He glared threateningly and suddenly the boys who had been staring at Holly found the floor or ceiling much more interesting. Chix was slower than the rest but he got the message eventually.

Root flipped through the papers on his clipboard, trying to find someone who might actually beat Short.

"Komodo, let's see what you can do." The only goblin in the room stepped onto the matt. Short didn't seem the slightest bit deterred.

They moved in close, watching each other carefully. When they were close enough Zarshalla whispered so that only Holly could hear, "How did you survive?"

"I told you, they aren't as bad as people think."

"Did you find another way out? Did you go somewhere else?"

"Oh, of course, I had tea with my grandmother." That was the last straw. Zarshalla flung herself at Holly throwing her to the ground and drew back a fist. A fire ball formed around it.

Short chapter, but I really felt like I needed to go ahead and get it up here, besides I kind of like the cliffie maybe it will motivate me to get the next chapter done sooner.

I'll give ya'll a break from the Dalek threats since it's been so long. Everyone gets fudge! But you can still review.

Dalek: You took too long updating! You must be exterminated!

Me: But if you exterminate me I can't write the next chapter!

Artemis: I can finish it for you!

Me: Traitor!

Dalek: EXTERMINATE!

Thanks and prayer,

RAHbooks