This chapter contains language and mild violence. Slight Fowl Twins spoilers!
Please note, the formula conversions I created for Artemis' presentation may not show properly on this site. This site totally messes up my formatting so please be aware.
I do not know own Artemis Fowl. Rights belong to Eoin Colfer. This is just my post-series fan-fiction.
Thank you JasonBall34 for being the best beta reader ever and dealing with my chaos lol.
5 Years Later
Villa Éco, Ireland
2023
When one thinks of journeying to outer space, The Great Unknown, The Final Frontier, they probably imagine the weightlessness and black abyss amongst the twinkling stars, and when that one is Artemis Fowl the Second, they most definitely imagine all of the endless discoveries and possibilities in things that could go right, and wrong. But when you are Artemis Fowl the Second, you also probably think nothing will ever go wrong as long as you've planned accordingly, and if things did go wrong, there was a plan for that too.
What Artemis didn't anticipate were the endless hours of nothingness, pondering how much time had truly gone by; how he left Earth behind so suddenly and how Minerva felt; if Holly would ever forgive him; if Butler secretly hated him for dragging him along on this ridiculous journey; if, and when, he had another triggered episode, would he be able to save them through it? To have these thoughts constantly on your mind for a little over five years without a break was not only draining on the mind, but the soul.
And even when everything he did was right, and was according to plan, there is sometimes that chaotic, freak accident part of life that slingshots you around a karmic loop, as if the universe was restoring balance. And though Butler would be taking a two year break away from Artemis, not only to heal mentally, but physically, Artemis allowed guilt and shame to bubble inside him.
"This is why I'm here, Artemis," Butler had said back when the chaos around them erupted. "To protect you at all costs."
Regardless of Butler being his bodyguard, he was also Artemis' most loyal friend. A great friend; family. And though Butler had nearly died for Artemis many times over the years, it was not until they were truly alone in the vast empty space, amongst the moon and stars, that Artemis understood true fear and isolation. An odd thing for Artemis Fowl.
And now, it had been one week since they arrived back from the universe's grasp. Apart from the twenty-four hour "nap" he allowed himself when he first arrived, this was the first time in six days Artemis actually dug his heels into the footholds of a bamboo stool, kicked back, and relaxed against the kitchen counter. We're alive. We've done it, and we're alive. Well done, old friend.
Artemis went through his phone, looking at international news when an article about his project appeared in The Wall Street Journal. He blew out a breath as his image rested on the cover, a pale Irishman looking very proud of the iridescent minerals in his hands. Artemis frowned at the image annoyed and ran his fingers through his long, black hair, the tips of it past his shoulders. He had been meaning to get it taken care of, but he'd been completely obsessed with the post-phase of his project. He was determined to make this discovery worth it for Butler, and not let their trauma go to waste. He had, at least, allowed himself a few minutes to spare at the bathroom sink to shave his wild facial hair.
In the span of six days, Artemis had managed to host three seminars at Oxford and Yale University, as well as NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida; two video call demonstrations, one TEDTalk, communicate with investors and add to his stocks, create models for distribution, and most impressively, give a living demonstration of his discovery from the Martian planet. It was a more than impressive line up, to say the least, but none of it told the story of how the trip really went, and Artemis knew he was internalizing his guilt with the success of the project. But, he didn't want to think of that now. Now, it was time to relax.
Beep beep. The espresso machine went off beside him and Artemis reached over, pouring the steaming liquid into a small white mug. It was a godsend to taste tangible things with temperature or texture, two things he hadn't realized the privilege of having when he'd taken off to space. Of course he'd known freeze-dried rations would be the only sustainable option to consume in a zero-gravity environment for half a decade, but after the third year of it, you really start to miss that burning hot coffee bean on your tongue.
"Arty, darling," Angeline Fowl smiled down at her son from the other side of the counter. The kitchen's victorian greenhouse ceiling caught the sun, its dome casting iridescent sun rays on her.
"Make me a cup too, will you?" She strolled behind her son to the fridge, her peach silk robe rippling with her long legs. She opened the large steel door and asked, "So, where are you off to now?"
"Nowhere, mother. I believe I should take a break before I run myself dry," Artemis responded lightly, sipping at his espresso. He looked down, checking his phone for notifications. "Tomorrow, however, may be a different story. I've had investors calling from-"
"Artemis, darling. Some time off sounds warranted, yes?" Angeline interjected, moving to her son's side and cradling his face into her hands. "You've been away for the last five years, my love," she continued gently. "You deserve a proper break."
"Agreed," Artemis nodded, slightly confused. "Today is that break."
"No, darling. You need a real holiday. Somewhere away from phones and tablets and science things."
"These aren't toys I've discovered, mother," Artemis replied, trying to explain himself to the worried woman. "These are elements that will benefit mankind and the planet herself. The sooner I can have them synthesized, recycled, and distributed, the sooner we can focus on other projects."
"I know, love," Angeline cut in quickly, before he could start again. "I know you're passionate about this. But the planet can wait a few days, yes? I'm sure we'll be okay." She offered him a playful smile to lighten his mood, and for a second, Artemis thought about arguing back.
We almost died for this discovery, mother. Can't you see that? But it wasn't her fault. She couldn't know. No one could. So, he couldn't help but oblige and force a smile back."Sure, mother. I can do that," Artemis sighed, resting his chin on his hand. He switched off his phone and placed it back into his trouser pocket.
"Mum, remember? I'm mum," Angeline said, kissing his pale forehead and returning to the fridge. "None of this mother business."
"Yes, mum," Artemis chuckled, getting off the stool to make more espresso.
"So, darling," Angeline questioned him, moving four brown eggs to the sizzling pan on the stovetop to crack."Have you called Holly yet?"
Artemis almost choked as he pressed the grounds into the filter. It took him a few moments, but he eventually answered honestly. "I haven't."
"Why not?"
Artemis squinted at his mother suspiciously. She knows something. What's she getting at?
"Why do you ask, mother?" When she glared bright blue daggers at him, Artemis smiled lightly. "Mum."
"Don't answer my question with another question, Arty," she said, flipping the fried eggs. "Why haven't you called her?"
Again, he had to think about the answer for a bit. "I wouldn't know what to say."
"She misses you, you know. We talk frequently, me and her. We've actually become quite good friends."
Fantastic. He could only imagine the things they'd gossip about. "Is that so?" He stopped fiddling with the filter and his eyes drifted to a large kitchen window, the morning light warm on the Irish coast. He watched the white tides crash against the rocky cliffs in deep thought. "I suppose I could give her a call."
Angeline plated the eggs and toast in front of Artemis before sitting next to him. The sound of the plate clinking on the counter snapped Artemis out of his daze. As he finished pouring Angeline's coffee and slid it to her, her elegant hand patted the top of his.
"You won't need to give her a call, love. She's on holiday at the moment in the French countryside. I think she had a few days left? Regardless," she stopped momentarily to sip her espresso. "I already told her you'd be visiting."
Artemis stared at his mother dumbfounded. So this was it. "I'm appalled," he thought aloud, shaking his head in amusement. "You've conspired against me. What are the chances of that?" He sat down, leaning back in his stool, feeling flushed as he continued. "And I assume you're not giving me a choice?"
"Nope."
"When do I leave?"
"Today, love," Angeline winked, taking a bite of her toast.
Saint-Germain-de-Coulamer, France
The Bellaziere Cottage
It took under two hours for the private jet to arrive at the Alençon-Valframbert Airport, and another forty minutes to drive to the countryside commune of Saint-Germain-de-Coulamer.
As Artemis drove the rental Tesla through the sunny hills and springtime lavender fields, he could see why Holly would pick this location. The population of the rustic rural commune was only 342 people, and with the latest COVID-19 pandemic, the world was still scared of venturing outside their doors. This meant Holly would have peace and privacy vacationing around humans. Smart.
And when five minutes were left on the gps, Artemis realized: after all his pondering for five years on the spaceship, planning on the jet, and contemplating on his drive here, he was still nervous, unsure on how to fully approach the situation. What should he say? Will things be different? Will she hate me forever?
Artemis turned the car onto a beaten pebbled path along a field of freshly-bloomed tulips, and brought it to a halt at the top of a slight hill, a few hundred feet away from the stone and vine-covered cottage. This was it. Just breathe. It's not a big deal. It's just Holly.
Artemis exited the Tesla, fixing his knitted designer sweatshirt anxiously as he stood. He glanced at the cottage once more, but this time from his advantage on the hill, he could see a petite, womanly figure beneath a bed of lavender, purple buds swaying in the breeze around her. But something was different. For a moment, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, before he realized the change.
The small figure before him was clearly Holly in her rolled–up black sweats and grey sports bra, but long auburn hair cascaded around her arms as she plucked the lavender buds into a woven basket, elfin ears poking through wavy strands of hair. Interesting.
Artemis didn't know how to approach her. Should he call her? Should he walk up? Should he just stand there and hope she noticed him? Thankfully, the third option was the winner after only a few seconds when Holly glanced up the hill, shielding her eyes in the sun. When she noticed Artemis, he could see her freeze, her mismatched eyes growing wide in surprise. They stared at each other for what felt like eternity, as if the other could not believe they were real.
Holly dropped the basket, dropping lavender bunches onto the stone path as she took a few steps forward. Artemis did the same, stepping carefully down the hill when Holly came sprinting towards him. He couldn't help but smile as she came running at him, pulling him into a grateful embrace that almost knocked him to his feet. She held him tightly, hugging him as deeply as she could, a bright smile lighting up her flushed face. And after a few seconds of squeezing a new life into him, and pulled back to look up at him.
"Hi!" she exclaimed happily, as if in disbelief he were real.
"Hi," Artemis replied, a wave of relief washing over him. "You're not angry?"
"Angry?!" Holly almost laughed. "No, my gods. I'm just glad you're back in one piece." She threw him into a hug again. "I'm so glad you're okay."
"Thank you," Artemis replied quietly, unsure if she could feel his heart lurch through his shirt.
Holly pulled back again and looked him over. "You look, I mean-" a strange look washed over her but she seemed to shake it off. "You've grown. Like, you just seem older." She reached up and tugged a piece of long, black hair off his neck. "You gave up on it, huh?
"After the fourth year," he nodded. "Your hair, by the way-"
"Oh, yeah," Holly pulled back completely this time and rubbed her neck sheepishly. "I'm, uh, being forced to grow it out."
"How does one force Holly Short to grow out her hair?" Artemis inquired in amusement.
"I sorta lost a bet with Juliet," she grinned goofily. "But anyway! Was space hard on you two? How's Butler?" She reached for his hand and led him towards the cottage. "Come on. I want to hear all about your space ventures."
The cottage was an older, rustic-style home with open windows, herb gardens, and baked clay tiles. The kitchen itself contained a pallet herb garden on the wall and was the first thing Holly darted towards. "I can make us some tea. I remember you like tea. What do you want?"
"Look at you," Artemis chuckled as he observed the cottage. "Plants, tea, sunshine. You really are a fairy."
"I mean," Holly snorted. "This would be the natural state of fairies if it hadn't been for the mud people forcing us underground."
"Touché," Artemis smirked. He leaned against the kitchen island and watched her reach for the rose and jasmine flowers on the grassy wall. "Do you need help with that? Need me to make anything?" he asked casually, crossing his arms.
"Oh gods no," Holly quipped. "I don't trust you to make anything edible."
"Please. I am not that bad."
Holly turned and raised a brow at him. "You put the mustard at the bottom of the bun…"
The edges of Artemis' lips frowned slightly and he got off the counter. "...That was one time."
"That is more than enough times for me," Holly laughed. She waved him away as she tossed flower buds into cloth tea bags. "No, seriously! Stay there. Relax, astroboy. I don't mind."
"I see I've been upgraded from mudboy to astroboy," he commented. "Lovely."
"Only the best for you, Arty," Holly winked, turning her back to him to attend to the kettle on the gas stovetop.
Artemis smiled as he fell back against the counter, just watching her. Her hair was so long that it felt almost strange looking at her. Like she was a different person. What a silly thought. Artemis focused on his nail beds as he tried to casually ask the question: "So…you and the Commander?"
"Mhm?" Holly replied quickly, back still turned to him.
"How's that going?" Artemis asked, observing her body language through sly eyes. He could tell the question made her uncomfortable when her shoulder blades tensed.
"Oh. I mean, we're not together, if that's what you're asking. He even dated Frond for a while," she said dryly, not wanting to expand on the topic.
"Ah…"
"Don't make this awkward, Artemis," Holly groaned, raising a brow at him from over her shoulder.
"That wasn't my intention," Artemis said with a small reassuring smile, looking away from her gaze as she set the tea and cups in front of both of them on the island counter.
"Speaking of exes," Holly continued on, grinning mischievously at him. "Your mom told me you and Minerva broke up. Well… actually, Lazuli told me years later that-" Her eyes widened when she realized she'd said too much. "ANYWAY… what happened?"
"She broke up with me," Artemis shrugged indifferently as he tested Holly's tea concoction. But Holly knew Artemis well and could see his eyes grow cold in the memory. "I don't blame her either. I wasn't the most attentive partner." His brows furrowed together and he glanced up at Holly curiously. "What did Lazuli say?"
"Uh… well, she heard it from Minerva. She said you were your own soulmate or something like that." Holly paused. "Your brother Myles also told me you said, 'Finally, she will have some intelligence.'" She smiled in tandem with such a fiery glare, it would make even Butler cry.
Artemis actually laughed at the statement as he threw his head back. "Oh, that! I was waiting to hear your response to that," his eyes soothed her as he smiled playfully. "It was a joke, Holls. I didn't really mean it."
"Mhm." Holls?
"It's true. You know I think you're the smartest officer in the LEP."
"That's not saying much," Holly said, tapping a foot impatiently. "But, sorry. Continue?"
Artemis fixed his gaze on the wooden island top, thinking back to their conversation. "I really did care about Minerva. She's not an awful person by any means, and I have no resentment towards her. But… it's as if she's fire and I'm sulfur."
Holly peered at him quizzically. "I have no idea what that means," she blinked.
Artemis used his hands as if he were giving a demonstration. "They're neutral elements on their own. They're not inherently good or bad, but when combined together-"
"It's toxic," Holly chimed in, understanding now.
"Precisely," Artemis agreed, thinking back. "I don't think my heart was in it."
Holly studied Artemis sympathetically. She completely got it, for she was the same with Trouble. He was a great guy, one of her best friends, but to try and be more than that? She never felt truly invested, no matter how great for her he was. Why?
You know why.
She hadn't realized Artemis was studying her expression when he broke her train of thinking.
"That's why you left that night, correct?" he asked, watching her cherubic features closely. He felt a lump in his throat as he prepared himself to ask. "You heard us?"
Holly froze over her cup of tea, taken aback by his forwardness. Dammit, Arty. Jumping the gun already, huh? She cradled her tea mug with both hands and gave a sad smile. "Uh, yeah. Honestly, I was pretty offended. That whole night was…" she trailed off.
"Very strange," Artemis nodded, answering for her.
Holly nodded too. "It was a shit-show. I didn't even listen or take your side. And I felt horrible afterwards. I really did want to apologize, but then I heard that and I felt really awkward. I didn't want to deal with you anymore." Holly looked up to see his eyes were sad as he observed her, his brow frowning with regret. "Sorry."
Artemis shook his head. "No, don't be. It's perfectly understandable. I'm the one who's sorry, Holly." He broke their gaze and now he was the one looking down at the reddish liquid. "This is quite embarrassing."
Holly smiled, trying to lighten the room. "Nah. It was a long time ago and I'm over it. Besides, I'm pretty sure Minerva was overdoing it. I doubt you're that good," she smirked.
Artemis felt his face grow hot and he tugged at his knitted collar a tinge. "Ouch. Well, that's one way to bruise a man's ego."
"Good!" Holly laughed, punching his arm playfully. "Mud men deserve it." They looked at each other's eyes once more, the gaze lingering until Holly sighed and placed her face into her hands, pouting at him. "I'm glad you're back. I've missed you."
Artemis nodded. "Of course. I've missed you too." More than you know.
A few hours later the sun had set, leaving the two in the dimly lit cottage with a fireplace and candlelight. They sat across from each other at the crackling hearth, her bundled up in a blanket and Artemis leaning forward on his elbows, ten minutes into his discoveries.
"These new minerals are chemically similar to Martinite, which is part of the Fedorite group. So, in basic terms," he tried to explain simply, "it is an isostructural, vitreous, and calcified-"
Holly held a hand up. "These are basic terms?"
Artemis grimaced playfully, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Okay. Imagine you take a mineral substance and change some of its formula from our elements to Martian elements, and then synthesize it-" he stopped again, thinking of how to explain it even simpler. "You break it down until you get the structure you want," he said, watching Holly's confusion alleviate slightly. It was cute watching her sort out what he said. "You can then run this new material through a recycler using the new elements, and can therefore create a reusable resource-"
"Okay okay okay-" she suddenly nodded, leaning forward, intrigued by the conversation.
"-by cloning the original source. You see now?" he smiled, delighted that she was understanding.
"Well, yeah. When you put it that way I get it," Holly nodded.
"Basic terms?" Artemis grinned.
"Yeah, yeah. Basic terms," she grinned back, sneering at him. "You satisfied with yourself?"
"Always. I am a genius, after all," he said simply, downing his third cup of tea. "So, about you. Why France for holiday?"
Holly leaned back on the sofa, staring into the fireplace, watching the flames lick the logs. "I mean, didn't you drive through here? Haven't you seen this place?" she threw her hands up, showcasing the cozy cottage. "You know as commodore I don't see the surface much anymore. Plus, the humans are still terrified of all these Covid variants and avoid each other like the plague. So, why not live out my cottage witchy dreams?" she shrugged.
Artemis raised a brow. "Cottage witchy dreams," he repeated incredulously. "That is a cluster of words I never thought I'd hear you say."
"There's a lot you don't know about me, astroboy," Holly winked, taking their tea cups back to the kitchen sink, smiling to herself. This feels good. Like old times. Her stomach growled just then and she popped back into the living room at Artemis. "Hey, I'm pretty hungry. Want to eat something?"
Artemis crossed his legs and put his chin into a hand, as if thinking. "Is it awful that I'm craving ramen?"
Holly's pointed ears perked up. "Ramen?! I love ramen," she said, patting her toned stomach. "It's a shame they don't have good ramen here."
Artemis casually waved a hand. "We could always go to Japan and get real, authentic ramen."
"Mmm," Holly moaned, leaning against the archway of the living room, twirling a strand of hair in her finger. "Can you imagine? In a quiet, mountain town, slurping some homemade tofu ramen."
"I happen to know a quiet, mountain town that specializes in noodle soups." He side-glanced her, and Holly recognized he was mimicking casual conversation.
"What are you up to?" she asked, crossing her arms and placing her weight on one hip.
Artemis flashed a dangerous smile at her, his eyes glistening in the firelight. "I'm asking you to come to Japan with me."
Holly blinked. "Wait… what? You mean, like, right now?" she stammered, looking around the tiny cottage panicked.
"How much longer are you here?"
"I'm supposed to leave tomorrow, actually. I was going to spend the rest of my vacation in Haven." She sat beside him and rested her hand on his forearm, making him look at her seriously. "You mean it? You'd take me to Japan?"
Artemis placed his hand on hers, offering her a soft, genuine smile. "I would take you anywhere you wanted. Just ask."
Holly's heart thumped in her chest as his hand slid over hers, and she was sure her cheeks were a bright shade of pink. A seed of doubt entered her mind but she pushed it away. "So, that's it then? We're going to Japan?" Holly asked once more, a smile of disbelief growing across her face.
"We're going to Japan," Artemis insisted, his eyes kind.
"We're going to Japan!" Holly cheered, dancing around the living room in excitement. But that seed of doubt returned, and as much as she trusted him, a part of her wasn't sure. It was too convenient. What are you up to, Artemis Fowl?
Karuizawa, Japan
Nagano Prefecture
Within the next day, Artemis had flown a private aircraft into Matsumoto Regional Airport. The trip took a little under twelve hours, with Holly napping for most of it, and with their spring morning passing through into night, the cool mountain wind settled, allowing them smooth passage as the craft landed. It was another hour of trekking uphill before they reached the mountainside town of Karuizawa, their ecolodge rental home resting atop a rocky cliff, the snowcapped Mount Asama in the distance.
They went into town briefly to search for this mystical ramen Artemis spoke of, both bundled up in long coats and scarves. If it hadn't been for their medical masks, the air they spoke would've frosted before them.
In truth, Holly was glad for the cold weather on the mountain: it meant as an outsider, she could wear a beanie over her hair to cover her ears (finally something long hair was useful for), and a mask to hide the majority of her features to the humans around her. And finally, because of the pandemic, people didn't get close enough to care to look.
Back at the rental, a concrete fireplace crackled as the two friends sat across from each other on tatami mats, legs folded in cozy pajama pants as their ramen sat steaming by their sides. The patio doors were left open on their sliders, allowing them to see white sakura blossoms blow like snow in the black night.
Holly slammed down a card onto the square board between them, a colorful 5 facing up at Artemis. "Uno," she grinned, a vindictive sparkle in her eye as she glared at the man competitively. "Draw 5, whelp!"
"Sorry, Commodore," Artemis smirked, throwing down his last card, the tiny rectangle mocking Holly with another 5 card.
"No way," Holly breathed, fixing a glare at Artemis.
"Better luck next time."
Holly rolled her eyes as she gathered the cards. "I really thought I had you that time," she muttered, shuffling the cards through her nimble fingers.
"Just play better and you will," he shrugged.
"PFFT. Okay!" Holly laughed, slightly offended.
He smiled, leaning back on an arm. He bent a knee and rested his elbow on it, the blossoms outside the doors catching his gaze. He watched the petals twirl in the icy mountain air, the wind at one point pushing them into a straight-line gust, blurring the white buds against the black mass of mountains on the horizon. Like being amongst the stars.
Holly leaned forward, watching Artemis silently, a gentle smile forming at her lips. "Where are you?" she asked softly, touching his forearm.
Artemis turned to her suddenly. "Let's go to Tokyo tomorrow."
"Why? What's in Tokyo?" Holly sat back, her smile dropping into a frown. "I don't think that's a good idea."
"Why not?" Artemis shrugged. "Just stay concealed the way you did tonight. No one will notice."
"I don't know," she bit her lip as she mulled it over. "It's a high traffic area. That's pretty risky, plus it's against regulations."
Artemis raised a brow at her. "Holly, and I mean this with genuine care: you are the riskiest individual I have ever met," he taunted. "Since when is Holly Short afraid of breaking a rule or two?"
"Since Holly Short got promoted to commodore," Holly taunted back. "I like my job at the LEP, Artemis. I'm not trying to lose it. Besides," she leaned forward, throwing an open palm between them. "We get into more trouble together than any other couple on this planet."
"Like Bonnie and Clyde, eh?" Artemis sighed, sitting forward, his fingers tapping his ramen bowl.
"Sure," Holly smiled, rolling her eyes. She shivered as she lifted her soup to her lips, sipping on the savory vegan broth.
"Well, it is a full moon tonight. You can recover your magic if you need to shield," Artemis went on, plucking a piece of rare steak into his mouth with a chopstick. "But I understand if you don't want to go. We can stay here and enjoy the mountainscape." Though he said this genuinely, there was something about his tone of voice that pushed Holly into submission.
"Fine. We can go to Tokyo," she sighed, slurping on noodles.
"What? No, it's fine, Holls," Artemis said, raising his brows. "Really. I can always come back on my own time."
"No, no," Holly persisted, shaking her head. "It's okay. We'll just go. There's bound to be something interesting if I'm stuck with you ," she joked, finishing her bowl in a few chugs. "Ahhhhh. That was soooo good."
"Are you sure you want to go?" Artemis asked as he finished his ramen as well, placing it on the woven mat. "I don't want you to get into trouble."
"Hah!" Holly shot a look at him. " You're the one always getting me into trouble anyway."
Artemis smiled, looking back at the petals outside as Holly sprung to her feet. She yawned, stretching her arms above her head. "I'm going to bed. It's cold," she shivered, wrapping a chunky throw blanket around her shoulders. "You coming?"
"I'm going to stay up a bit longer," Artemis said, getting up as well. "I had some things I wanted to check on." He picked up both dishes, bringing them to the sink.
"Hmmkay. Well, thanks for the ramen. The real thing really is the best," Holly said, roaming towards her room.
Artemis nodded to her from the kitchen. "Of course. I did promise, after all." He turned his eyes downwards, watching the wooden bowls soak in the sink.
"Get some rest, okay?" Holly stopped at her door, one palm on it as she looked back at him. "Good night," she smiled softly, a strange but soft expression on her face.
Artemis looked up in time to catch it and flashed her a soft smile. "Good night," he repeated, watching her disappear into her room.
Nishi-Shinjuku District, Tokyo
Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower
Tokyo's metropolis was a bit warmer than the mountainous Kuraizawa, but still cold enough that many of the trees had not bloomed besides the cherry blossoms, the rows of trees coating the city's clean concrete streets with pink and white petals.
After exploring a few shops and Shinjuku Gyo-en, Artemis asked Holly to pick their next destination, and of course, she picked one of the tallest and most architecturally interesting skyscrapers in the country. The pair had traveled to the Mode Gakuen's Cocoon Tower, just three minutes from Shinjuku Station.
The white-patterned building shot 204 meters, or 669 feet, into the air, its elliptical shape allowing sunlight to distribute evenly throughout the glass-skinned structure. The building itself was especially designed for the environment, with cogenerative systems installed into the walls for better insulation, in addition to its aerodynamic shape redirecting the strong winds that may flow down from the mountains or in from the ocean, dangerous at massive heights.
Of course, Holly only knew this information as Artemis recited it to her in a perfect Tokyo dialect. They looked out over the observation deck of the IT college campus, one of three colleges within the skyscraper.
"The insulated structure reduces the building's power usage, and therefore reduces potential greenhouse gas emissions," Artemis remarked in fascination as he looked out over the city forty-two floors below. "It was even built with oil dampers to exploit distortions in the core typically associated with the high frequency of earthquakes in the region." He looked over at Holly, surprised to see her still awake. "Impressive, isn't it?"
"Yup," she mumbled, watching the ant-sized humans traveling around below, leaning against the three-story window. She also replied in perfect Japanese: "It's another big, steel building. Just like all the other big, steel buildings."
"Are you bored?" Artemis asked, turning his attention to her as he tugged on his black suede cuffs.
"A bit," Holly avoided his gaze, turning to look back at the laminated white balcony above. "They just all look the same after a while."
"We can leave," Artemis shrugged, taking a step away from her, glancing at his phone screen. "What would you like to do instead?"
"There's not really a lot of nature in Tokyo…"
"Oh. Well, yes it's a city center. Maybe we could see a movie?" Artemis rambled on, glancing at his phone again. "Or go back to Karuizawa? There should be enough daylight left for a hike or two."
Holly glazed over him curiously. "You're being weird. What's up?"
He looked up. "What do you mean?"
"You're being especially talkative," Holly said, crossing her arms. "That's not really like you."
Artemis smiled at her, lowering his gaze. "You're right, dear friend. I feel guilty for dragging you here, I suppose. This was supposed to be your holiday, after all." A slow smile graced Holly's lips, and Artemis swore he could see her high cheekbones blush a subtle shade of coral.
"It's okay, Arty," she said. "You're here too. We've both gotten to do things we enjoy. I like the food and nature, you like art museums and buildings that look like spaceships." She smiled, punching his arm lightly. "I'll live."
"Well, in that case..." Artemis began again as he led the way to a stairwell, now rambling on about the building's extensive security system.
And by the next morning in Karuizawa, Holly had eaten her fill of soba, vegetable tempura and taiyaki, happily sprawled out beneath the shade of the sakura tree on the cliffside backyard. A chunky, olive cardigan hung off her shoulders as she stared into the pine trees below, wondering what forest spirits lived in there. She drifted off, gazing into the mountains in the distance.
Eventually, she turned back to the house. It was a beautiful blend of log cabin and ultramodern, with the traditional shoji doors giving a glimpse into the living area. She watched the Irishman pace back and forth on the deck, his back confident as he spoke into his phone. I wonder what that's about.
Before long he was strolling down the lawn to her, a proud smile plastered on his vampiric face. "Sorry about that. I received a call from an investor in Tokyo. They're interested in having a meeting today about the minerals I discovered and on reducing greenhouse emissions for the nation."
Holly smiled strangely, mixed feelings bubbling through her. She didn't know whether to say "Oh," or "That sucks," but neither really sat right with her. Instead, she stood quickly, taking Artemis into a hug. "That's great, Arty," Holly said pulling back, her eyes flecked with gold rings, the sign of a recently rejuvenated fairy. "Are you going to go?"
Artemis' excitement dispersed slightly, his brows drawing together in confusion. "I'm unsure. I wouldn't mind staying here, either. But," he gazed at the grass and scratched at his lightly stubbled chin, "it is a good opportunity."
"Go."
Artemis looked up and caught her gaze. "Go?"
"Yeah," Holly smiled sweetly, her locks blowing gently in the wind. "Just go. I'll hunker down the fort," she joked, walking past him towards the deck. "I started this vacation alone, anyway. I'll be okay," she smiled, walking with him back into the living room. And she meant it. He hadn't spent the last five years of his life outside Earth to fool around, and she respected that. If he wanted to talk to investors in Tokyo, so be it.
"Okay," Artemis smiled back, nodding his head in thought as he checked the time on his phone. "If I leave in forty minutes, I will be there by noon. That's if traffic allows it." He caught up to Holly, walking slightly ahead of her with his longer legs. "So, would you mind picking an outfit for me?"
Mode Gakuen Tower, Tokyo
41st Floor Meeting Room
12:30 PM
Artemis stood before his audience of at least thirty Japanese businessmen at a business table, clad in similar plum tuxedos and high-necked dress shirts. Artemis himself was dressed nicely, freshly shaven with his hair tucked away into a low bun, sporting an all-black fit. Instead of his usual suit attire, however, Holly had opted for a long, knee-length coat and black turtleneck (something she insisted was very on-trend at the moment). But the most important detail, she insisted, was his "spark of decency" necklace to be displayed front and center, so it could hopefully be of good influence to him, or perhaps bring him luck? He wasn't sure.
But unlike Artemis, where he was dressed with simple class, his audience's attire was gaudy with gold chains, designer sunglasses, and obnoxious cologne. Artemis was no fool; he knew who these men were. But a shady investor still equated business, and a business partner was a business partner all the same.
And so, Artemis stood before a fifteen-foot screen, bowing in thanks to his audience members. "Arigato (Thank you) for inviting me here today," he began, speaking entirely in Japanese. "I am Artemis Fowl the Second, as you well know, and I am most pleased to be doing business with the most highly-esteemed organization in Japan." Also one of the most disgusting organizations, but I digress. Focus.
A bald man, maybe in his early forties, sat at the front and center of the circular table. He steepled his fingers as he sat forward in his chair, his bulging biceps straining his velvet suit. "Welcome to Tokyo, Artemis Fowl. We are thrilled to finally be doing business with you. Your father and I go back many years," the man rasped, his voice like sandpaper. "How do you like Shinjuku so far?"
Artemis shifted his weight, anxious to carry on with the presentation. "Forgive my impertinence, Masaru-san, but I would prefer to skip the casualties. I know my father and you did not end on great terms. But, I hope today may fix that."
Sano Masaru smiled at Artemis with the kind of smile that made you question the deviance behind it. "How old are you now, Artemis Fowl?"
"I am 28," Artemis replied, his eyes keen on Masaru's body language.
"Hmmm, a new generation of Fowl," Masaru remarked. "Well, we are intrigued. Please, show us what you've discovered on your venture to space."
Artemis nodded once, highlighting a formula on the projection behind him. It showed the formula combination and conversion:
Martinite (Na,Ca)12Ca4(Si,S,B)14B2O38(OH,Cl)2F2 · 4H2O
Artelite (Na,Ca)12Ca5(Rd,B)14B2O28(OH,Cl)2F2 · 4Ae2 · 4H2O
Martian Quadrastite (Na,Ca)12Ca4(Rd,S,B)14B2O5(OH,Cl)2F2 · 4Ae2
"What you see before you are three formulas: one, an organic Earth mineral called Martinite. The second: Quadrastite, a Martian mineral. And when you take these two formulas, you see they are nearly identical, apart from the new Martian elements deviating it. Rd, also known as Red Dust, and Ae, Aeron." Artemis clicked his remote, flicking to the demonstration page. "When you combine these two formulas, and substitute silicon and sulfur for just red dust, as well as combine aeron and water together, we get this:"
Artemis flicked once more, a more elaborate model presented on the screen this time. "Don't mind the fancy explanation," he attempted to joke. "I usually give this speech at universities." When the room went even colder than before, he cleared his throat, highlighting the neon, bioluminescent blue gel that appeared on screen. "Artelite, a brand new mineral. It is then synthesized and recreated as a renewable resource to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, like your very building here. Essentially, I have discovered a clonable, renewable, clean source of fuel."
"This is all very nice and professional, Fowl," Masaru said, waving a hand. "But the world already has these things. Why should we bother investing into this specifically?"
Artemis was ready. He'd already answered this question several times before. "You should care because you could use this investment to not only better Tokyo, as you create more greenhouse gas emissions here than New York City, but it would also get you back onto the government's side, so to speak," Artemis insisted, his back straight and his demeanor cool. He looked at Masaru with an intense determination. "Imagine the good you could do for Japan with your influence, Masaru-san. And of course, there is the handsome profit from it too."
Masaru watched Artemis closely. "How much of a profit are we talking about here?"
Artemis flashed his famous smug smile. "This is not just your average element or mineral, Sano. These are Mars' gifts to us, handpicked by yours truly. This sort of novelty, paired with the capability to be synthesized and recreated, unlike our planet's fossil fuels, is clean, incredibly cheap, and easily distributable. With this in mind… I'd estimate 8.5 billion yen a year." When Masaru blew out a breath, Artemis raised a brow. "I take it you are interested?"
"Yes, of course. Now we are doing business," Masaru rubbed his hands together eagerly. "So where is this mineral? Where can we see it?"
"Unfortunately, both Artelite and Quadrastite are not with me in Japan at the moment," Artemis said honestly, shutting off his presentation. When he rested the sleek remote back onto the glass tabletop, a man's hand crashed down on Artemis', trapping his palm between the man and the glass.
"Excuse my bodyguard's behavior," Masaru started, almost apologetically. "But I need to ask: Did you agree to this meeting without an example of your Martian discovery?"
Here we go. Artemis gazed at Masaru coolly. "I regret to inform you that I did. This trip was last minute for me, as it was personal and not business." He lowered his head a bit, as if offering the elder man respect, despite the bodyguard's crushing weight on his hand. He stared into Masaru's eyes with serious determination. "However, I can be back in Tokyo with these materials as soon as I can leave this establishment. Holding me here would not be in your best interest."
Masaru suddenly smiled and rose from his chair, circling over to Artemis with his arms behind his back. "Do you know why your father and I ended on bad terms?"
When Artemis' brow twitched, Masaru continued, passing his men one by one. "Yes. I can see on your face that you do. Your father and I have different ways of doing business. I am straight-forward, to the point, direct. Fowls on the other hand…" He stopped in front of the two story window opposite Artemis, looking out at the Tokyo skyline below.
And before Artemis could get a word out, in one fluid motion, the huge man smashed Artemis' hand through the glass table and thrust an elbow into the base of the genius' skull, knocking him out to the floor.
"...Fowls are snakes, and not to be trusted," Masaru finished. He turned to leave the room with two men, not bothering to glance at the genius on the floor. "Search him," he ordered as he exited through glossed-black double doors, disappearing into the hallway beyond.
The sun had been set for over six hours now, meaning Artemis had been in Tokyo for nearly eleven hours. Holly sat up on the lounge chair she was using to stargaze and tapped the glass tablet streaming nordic music at her side. It read 23:11 PM.
She glanced at the fairy com ring on her finger anxiously. The little red carnelian sat innocently on the gold setting, gleaming in the moonlight at her. I should call him.
Holly paused the music with a touch and flipped the stone com open and called. She swung her legs over the chair and pressed them to the cold wood floor as she waited for Artemis to answer, but there was nothing but the crickets chirping in the night. Holly shut it off, then tried again. Maybe it was bugged, or something. But as it vibrated against her finger, no Irish voice answered. She shut it off, frustrated.
What are you up to, Artemis? Where are you?
Holly got off the lounge chair, lifting the glass tablet with her as she walked across the deck, dimly lit by the fireplace inside. Something was wrong. She knew something was wrong.
She called his cell phone on the tablet, stopping in the doorway as it rang. And then her first clue: It didn't ring until the line finished and triggered voicemail, and it didn't cut her off as soon as she called. That meant his phone was neither out of battery nor left to ring, maybe lost. That meant her call had been ignored. Rejected. D'arvit.
Holly called Foaly on her own personal device, the centaur thankfully answering after the sixth ring. "Thank, gods!" Holly sighed with relief.
"Hey, Holly! How's your vacation going?" Foaly asked. Holly was grateful his line was left on call and not video as she could hear a stampede of hooves in the background.
"Hi, um… it's… I need a favor," Holly said, getting to the point. "Can you track Artemis' fairy com for me?"
"Why? Where's your visor?"
"Uhhh…"
"You didn't bring it."
"I didn't think I'd need it."
Holly could hear Foaly snort on the other line. "Holly Short, you are always involved in some type of drama. You should know better than this."
"Thanks, Foaly. Love you too," Holly winced, leaning against the back of the sofa. "So? Can you help me please?"
"Hmm…" he mused. "What's in it for me?"
"...I'll buy you curry for a week."
"Deal." Foaly hummed the tune of Madonna's Forbidden Love as his fingers tapped away at his screen. "Looks like he's in Tokyo, Japan. Good enough?"
"Foaly, I need the specific location, please," Holly persisted, almost begging. She leaned over the couch, tapping her fingers in anxiety as she waited.
"Fine, fine… Uh, he's in the Shinjuku district. The Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower," Foaly said. "Is that where he's supposed to be?"
Holly shook her head in confusion. "Yes, that's exactly where he's supposed to be, eleven hours ago. Do scientific presentations usually take up to twelve hours, Foaly?"
"Hmm, conventions might. But just a class or presentation is usually a few hours long. Why?" Suddenly Foaly neighed. "Holly… where are you?"
"Thanks, Foaly. You're the best," Holly said quickly, cutting off the line. And as if by some miracle, the second she hung up the little carnelian buzzed against her finger, letting her know there was life on the other line.
Holly sprung up from her position on the sofa, nearly throwing the ring off of her. "Artemis! Where are you?" As she listened in, she could hear deep Japanese voices on the other line, but what they said was too low in volume for her to perfectly hear. "Artemis! Artemis, do you copy?"
"Your organization is in decline-" a familiar, self-satisfied voice said in Japanese on the com. "I have no interest in reporting you to the PSIA."
"Listen, gaijin (foreigner)," an even deeper voice replied on the same line. "Yakuza have no tolerance for rich kids like you. Your time is running short."
SMACK!
"Artemis?" Holly almost whispered, frozen by what she was hearing.
"I have friends in the underworld, Tetsuya," the familiar Irish voice choked. "I'd hate to see you get dragged to hell."
Another blunt force smack, the impact clicking off the communicator with it. The line went silent.
Holly stood stunned, flicking off her communicator. Her first pair of thoughts immediately clicked in. He's doing this now? Now, when I have nothing with me?! She didn't have her wings, helmet, or newest matte black pistol, opting for this to be a quiet, peaceful trip instead. Her second wave of thoughts arrived, striking her with anxiety: How am I going to get him? Can you hold on a bit longer, Artemis? Just for another few hours? Please.
As she raced around to her suitcase, rummaging through what to wear, Holly shook her head to herself, her last thought settling in.
Artemis. Fucking. Fowl.