Running across the moor, howling in rage, was Neptune. Billie ran to him. He snarled and snapped at her, shoving her into the mud.
"N-Neptune…" Billie sobbed. "P-Please!"
Artemis was behind them. What could he do? He couldn't let her die, Kuri would never forgive him! And, he thought privately, he did not want to see her cry.
Thinking quickly, he removed the collar from Billie's neck and put it on Neptune.
The mongrel stopped snarling and licked all three of them, knocking Artemis into Kuri in his jubilation. The two of them were a tangle of limbs, ending eventually with Artemis on top.
"We've been here before." Artemis smirked down at her, then kissed her, hard and fast, before letting her go.
Kuri turned away, finger on her lips, cheeks burning.
When the two looked up again, Neptune was human and kissing Billie. Artemis looked shocked, and Kuri looked revolted.
"Familiars…" Kuri muttered.
Billie came over and extended a hand to Artemis, which he took. "Thank you. Without your help I would be dog food by now." She glanced at Kuri. "She was right. You're so smart it's scary!" Billie kissed his cheek. "Farewell, Artemis Orion Fowl II."
Kuri giggled.
Artemis' mouth opened and closed like a fish. "My name is not Orion!"