Disclaimer: Well I guess I didn't add in a disclaimer for the first chapter so here goes; I do not own Artemis Fowl in any way that I wish and any similarities to any characters/ places/ creatures/ personal insanity are purely coincidental unless stated for in the book (I mean you wouldn't be reading this fanfic if you hadn't read the book right?) Anything else clearly is the right and property of Eoin Colfer ß the author obviously (Hey, if he was reading this, I'd be extremely flattered) and Puffin Books. Any unauthorized usage will be severely dealt with: Think Fairy, Think Again.

Chapter 2 – The Letter

Meeting at the study ten minutes later, Artemis and Butler got down to their plan.

"What news has got you?" cried Artemis, as he re-booted his Mac computer and quickly scanned it for any new developments.

"I've received news from a Maurice Diggory with the note to 'Meet me at the Fowl Manor cellar on the 20th' addressed to you, Artemis."

"Pardon? Did you check where it came from?"

"Yes but that's the surprising point. It's not an email… it's a letter."

"A letter? Curious, where is it now?"

"I've sent for it to be screened for any harmful substances at the lab. We'll get it back this evening. But the content of the letter has been scanned onto your computer under 'Questionable Adversary'."

Artemis clicked open the folder and read through the letter. It says:

To Master A. F. the Second,

If you have received this letter, I trust you and Butler are in the best of health and that my letter has not been intercepted. I would have contacted you sooner but for an annoyance in my part of the 'World'. I am Maurice Diggory and whatever I need to tell you, I would prefer to do it in person. Just know that I am an ally though you have no reason to trust me. Another reason why I had sent a letter instead of the mandatory email is because from my 'World', there is an intelligence agency, The Centaur, who would have easily tracked me down. It is crucial that I meet you on the 20th in the manor's cellar. I have a great deal to inform you. Until we meet, kind sir.

Yours truly,

M. Diggory

"Rather odd letter, don't you think so Butler? His handwriting looks like chicken-scratching."

"Perchance he was in a hurry, sir? From my judgment, Mr. Diggory is in need and running from some higher authority,"

"Wonderful, a fellow criminal seeking help. But clearly, I think Mr. Diggory seems to know us well. He left a lot of clues in his letter, like he wishes for us to remember him. Look how he enquired of our health, how he would have contacted us earlier…"

"He places the word 'World' in inverted commas, what could that mean? And 'The Centaur'? I have not heard of such an agency. Furthermore, why does he wish to meet us in the cellar?"

Artemis suddenly stood up, his vampirish grin for once forgotten. In its place was a wide unadulterated smile that shone, "Butler! I feel that our Mr. Diggory can help us in filling the empty lot."

Butler was quite shocked at the look on his principal's face, for never had he seen such a happy expression especially on his young master. Artemis quickly schooled his features but he could not keep the joy from creeping into his voice.

"Now stop gaping there, Butler. It's time for us to prepare for our meeting with Mr. Diggory. We have three days. As for our Mr. Diggory – be prepared for a long explanation" said Artemis serenely, this time with his prominent vampirish smirk in place.