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Chapter Four: The Reunion (Holly Meets Artemis)

Fowl Manor

Dublin, Ireland

Approximately 2 p.m. Mud Man Time

(Artemis' point of view)

It had been two days since Captain Short had fainted in Artemis' arms. Being seventeen, Artemis had been returning from the college he had been studying in, in his new car and accompanied by his ever trusty sidekick, Butler, when he had passed by the meadows, and noticed Captain Short.

The way she had looked had scared him, and this was saying something as Artemis was usually a person of little emotion. She had a crazed look in her eye, and was jabbering nonsensically about hearing 'some voice'. Although it had been four years since he had last seen her, he had to admit that she still looked as pretty as ever, apart from the little hysterical fit she was going through.

Lucky for the captain, Artemis was allowed to bring her home and put her under Juliet's care, because his parents were currently on a honeymoon. Ever since his parents had reunited, they had made it a point to go on a vacation on their own every year, to rekindle the lost love between them. Artemis wisely decided not to go, knowing very well that his presence would only hinder the path of recovery his parents' marriage was being put through.

But now what would he do with Captain Short? He couldn't keep her in Fowl Manor forever, his parents would come back and then he'd be questioned. Furthermore, this could trigger the start of another cross-species war, which was a very dangerous thing. Artemis had no idea how to get in touch with the LEP; the technology used around the house was advanced, but it still wasn't as advanced as that of Foaly's.

Artemis sighed. How ironical it was that when he wanted a fairy, he had to go to such lengths to kidnap one. Now that he didn't want one around, she practically came to him. Heartless as most people had labelled him, Artemis didn't wish to leave Captain Short out in the Irish countryside and let her get eaten by sheep, for after all, this was one fairy he owed his family's happiness to. Not to mention, it would be a waste to see such good looks wither in the stomach of a voracious lamb.

Artemis' thoughts reverted back to Captain Short's temporary loss of sanity. It really didn't seem like the strong, vibrant woman he once knew, and respected.

And although it had been four years, Artemis had never grown accustomed to the name Holly, it seemed only right to keep on calling her Captain Short, as there was a great distance between them that could never be closed. They were from different worlds, literally and metaphorically. Sometimes trying to analyze Captain Short made him wonder how he had ever managed to write psychological advice under the name "Professor Roy F. Stewart".

Artemis was shaken out of his silent reverie when a moan resounded from the other room. Striding out of his study, Artemis entered Captain Short's room. She seemed to be waking up. Meanwhile, Juliet was nowhere to be found.

"Captain Short?" Artemis tried tentatively.

He saw Captain Short glance fleetingly over at him, before shutting her eyes again. "Wh...Where am I...?" she bleated feebly.

"In my honourable abode," replied Artemis. "You apparently decided to lose consciousness and I was forced to drag you back here."

Captain Short tried to get out of bed, but instead, lost her balance and fell on Artemis, who collapsed on the ground.

"Gee, Captain Short. I know you're eighty and desperate for a man in your life but I didn't know you were that desperate," Artemis said amusedly.

Captain Short groaned and rolled off him. "You flatter yourself. What makes you think I would want to touch you with a ten-foot-pole?!"

"Your actions didn't seem to explain that when you fainted into my arms," replied Artemis smugly.

He watched Captain Short fume. "Did I look like I had a choice? No! Although come to think about it, maybe I should have let the sheep trample over me before I let myself get touched by you!"

Artemis smiled coolly. "Ah. The sheep would have been a very unlucky one."

Captain Short groaned. "Youuuu....if I didn't have this pain in my head, I'd throttle you."

Artemis smiled again. "Juliet and Butler have been fairly useful in brushing up my defense skills. Are you sure you want to attack me?"

Captain Short snorted. "And what are you capable of? Scratching my face?"

Artemis narrowed his eyes. "Don't tempt me."

Captain Short grinned. "Small boy trying to act tough."

Artemis regarded her calmly. "Little girl who needs to grow up."

Captain Short scowled. "You have no social life."

Artemis gave a small smile. "Neither do you."

Captain Short looked bemused. "And how would you know, Mr Know-It-All?"

"Apart from a friendly working relationship with Commander Root and Foaly, you don't seem to be friends with anyone else. Unless you consider me as your friend of course, which I highly doubt."

Captain Short gave a shiver. "That's one thing you're right about. I guess your intellect isn't stuck somewhere in your butt after all."

Artemis smiled. "Is there any need to carry on this pointless conversation?"

Captain Short smiled back. "No, I don't think so," she said sweetly.

"I'll be in my study if you need me."

"I would never find a need for you," Captain Short replied.

"Be nice, Captain Short. You are staying in my house after all."

"It's not like I had a choice," Captain Short answered. Artemis shook his head and went out of the door. He took a notebook out of his pocket and wrote some notes.

Pretends to be a scathing spitfire. Puts on strong front. Very defensive. The real Captain Short is hidden beneath layers of fierce character. The real Captain Short is emotional, sensitive and sentimental, as seen in 'the voice' incident.

Artemis was sure Captain Short was hiding something from him. And it had something to do with the voice. Funny as it may be, he realized he was actually starting to worry for her. Did it have something to do with his deep admiration for her?