Chapter 4

Downtown Haven

"We may have a problem." Foaly said as Commander Root walked in.

"What?"

Foaly turned around. "Well, I have reason to believe that Artemis Fowl has re-kidnapped Holly."

"D'Arvit!" Root growled. "Well, we can't rescue her immediately, the sun's up. Anything we can do?"

"Well, we still have a connection with Holly's helmet, but I don't know who'll answer."

"Try it anyway."

"We have been" Foaly rolled his eyes. "So far, nothing."

On screen, Artemis's face appeared. "What?!" He sounded upset.

Foaly and Root jumped.

"Well. If it isn't my favorite little convict." Root growled.

Artemis rubbed his eyes. "Really. I thought Mulch Diggums was."

There was a pause as the fairies realized that Artemis remembered everything.

"Now, what is it that you want?"

Foaly answered before Root could. "Actually, Artemis, the question is, what do you want? I mean, knowing you, you wouldn't have risked so much to kidnap Holly for nothing."

"Well, Foaly, you are wrong. Or, half right. I have what I want, and Holly should be back underground soon enough."

"She had BETTER be!" Root roared, "If she's not back here before ten pm, you will regret it, mud boy! I swear it!"

Artemis rolled his eyes and cut the line.

Foaly glanced at the commander. "He has what he wants?"

Root shook his head. There was no predicting what Artemis was up to, and he had a feeling they wouldn't like it.

Fowl Manor

Artemis opened the door to Holly's cell. She looked frightened again. It seemed like Artemis' mood kept changing. Best to stay on her toes.

This time, Artemis was smirking.

"You're free to go."

It took Holly a few moments to comprehend that Artemis was freeing her. "Wh..huh?"

"I said, you may leave. You are no longer bound by any of tonight's commands." Artemis stepped out from in front of the doorway, taking one of his hands out of his pockets to gesture to her the way out.

Holly stood slowly, it seemed as though she were swimming in water. Or, rather, swimming in a pool of confusion. "My stuff?"

"Butler has it by the main doorway. I want you underground by ten o'clock. That should give you ample time to perform the ritual, and technically you did check up on me. You shouldn't have any problems with that loophole." Artemis smirked again.

Holly stared at him for a moment. He had something up his sleeve... but she couldn't figure out what. He had just gotten her completely out of trouble with her officers. Well, maybe not completely. She did get captured and helped Artemis to regain all of his memories.

She shook herself mentally and almost passed Artemis without a word. Then she stopped. Artemis gave her a quizzical look, then she hugged him.

He didn't hug her back.