4. No way out
Holly provided Artemis with a hooded cloak, advising him to stay under cover. Then, they walked to the nearest shuttle and, thanks to Holly's LEP card, obtained the right to travel straight away. But, as both were entering the shuttle, a shrill noise sounded. A banshee was flying near the top of the dome, shouting and shouting again : " No one leaves ! Stay where you are ! The Princess of Atlantis has been abducted ! "
Immediately, worried voices were heard. Who could have taken away their beloved princess, the sweet Okeana ? She was very respected by the people of Atlantis, who would want to harm her ? Holly's face showed deep anguish. As she wore her LEP uniform, she felt responsible for the inquest, so she told Artemis :
" Mud Boy, you won't be allowed to leave the island as long as the princess is missing. So visit the city, and I'll see you when this thing is over. "
The boy nodded and the fairy flew away. Artemis was very annoyed : what if Butler told his parents about his disappearance ? Would the manservant search for him, risking once more his life to save him ? Would his parents still trust him ? It was no use lamenting. If he could help, well, he would do. After all, maybe he would escape another mind wipe… So, think well, boy. First, the palace. Artemis walked down the main road, which was paved with great silver slabs. A lot of money, surely.
The young genius was astounded by what he saw. All around him, wherever his gaze went, were signs of great wealth. The sand-coloured walls were ornamented with delicate frescoes of various fairy creatures involved in what seemed to be mythological scenes. From the finely sculpted windows hung vivid oriflammes fringed with golden ribbons. A huge turbine created thanks to fairy technology blew a little breeze that, together with a clever fitting of mirrors standing for the sun, gave the impression to the visitors that they walked in the outside world. Artemis would have felt in a human town if above him the sky was not an ocean retained by an enormous magical air-bubble, and if the birds were not turtles, mermaids, shoals of fish, sharks and dolphins.
Artemis could admire the impressive wall fountains, the groves of exotic plants that suited the built areas perfectly, the Antique statues and columns. The Island of Atlantis seemed from another age with its marvellous ancient city, but at the same time was more evolved than all the adolescent could have seen of the fairy towns. Foaly, he thought, would be in a land of wonders here. Fairy technology was discreetly blended in the environment. The street lighting, far from being aggressive as in Artemis' world, was gently dispensed by small star-shaped bulbs. The island was even surrounded by a white-sanded beach with palm trees and soft rocks that went into a calm turquoise blue sea. To put it in a nutshell, Atlantis was a real paradise.
A panicked group of Icelandic elves nearly trampled down Artemis, who was immediately brought back to reality. The young Irish stepped aside and gathered his thoughts. Ah, the princess Okeana, yes. Where could she be ? What was sure was that she couldn't have left Atlantis since all the communications with the outside were suspended. Artemis felt lost without Butler. Well, well, well… You're an adult, Artemis, or nearly. The adolescent glanced at the palace which stood on a high hill. The white-walled edifice looked like a pagan temple from its promontory. Massive pillars framed high bronze folding doors. The roof was covered with gold ; on its top was a big iridescent crystal. The energy of Atlantis. A huge source of energy that was at the origin of the island's flourishing life. That was where he should begin his investigation.
5. Investigation
Artemis had hardly put a foot on the flight of steps that a couple of guards rushed at him. Although their faces showed no aggressiveness, they had unsheathed their swords.
" Sorry, Mud Boy, but no one is admitted inside. Orders", one of them said quickly.
The adolescent was not impressed. He thought about a means of entering.
" I work for the LEPrecon of Haven City ", he said with its most composed face.
The other guard frowned.
" Mud Men working for the fairies ? " he asked suspiciously.
" I am human, indeed ", Artemis said coldly. " But the LEPrecon has its connections with my people, it's useful in certain cases, you see. "
The guards remained impassive.
" Have you ever heard of the human mastermind Artemis Fowl ? "
" That Mud Boy who foiled LEP technology ? Yes, it was a master stroke ! "
Artemis couldn't help giving a slight smile.
" Thank you ", he said slowly.
There, the two guards gasped. With a clumsy haste, they drew aside to let Artemis go upstairs. As efficient as the mesmer, the boy thought. Proudly, he stopped in front of the bronze doors. Despite his apprehension of being confronted to the sovereign of a mythical civilization, the young genius knocked at the door. Without the slightest noise, it opened. Immediately, the floor covering –white marble, at first sight –began to liquefy and soon turned blue. Then, a feminine voice was audible.
" Walk, stranger, and the abyss do not fear, if your intentions are harmless. "
Artemis swallowed hard. What were his intentions ? Harmless, of course. How could be described an attempt to save the princess Okeana ? The adolescent felt some guilt nevertheless. Was he really so treacherous, as Holly used to say ? Would he be tempted by the huge potential of the energy of Atlantis ? Would he try to steal the big iridescent crystal on the roof of the palace ? No, definitely not.
He was honest now… Artemis drew a long breath and then put one foot on the liquid surface. He closed his eyes, waiting for the fall. But, to his utmost relief, he realized he was walking on the deep blue abyss. The view of strange-looking fish and jellyfish under his feet made him quiver, although he found those creatures fascinating and beautiful with their electric colours. When the Irish genius reached the marble floor, another door stood in his path. He did not have to knock since it turned into a screen of fresh water. Passing through it, he felt a wave of sheer delight.
The room he had just entered was a haven of peace. Butterflies, small exotic birds and vegetation were harmoniously filling the place with bewitching colours, delightful songs and delicate scents. Among the pillars of the vegetal cathedral were charming stone benches covered with precious voiles and embroidered cushions. However, a man and a woman were crying silently in a painful hug. The king and queen of Atlantis. Artemis walked slowly to the ornamental lake. Its access was forbidden to any non-LEP person by red crossed laser beams. Captain Holly Short, slightly bent, was examining the stone edge of the fountain with the magnifying visor of her helmet, looking for some clues. But, by the look of her face, Artemis could easily guess she was annoyed.
She must have felt the gaze of Artemis on her, for she raised her head. Instead of the bitter comment he expected, Holly Short looked rather happy to see him.
" Any idea of how it happened ? " the adolescent asked.
" No", the fairy girl answered, shaking her head sadly. " It's a mystery. No footprints, no fingermarks. It is as though the princess has simply vanished. "
" The palace is not equipped with a video surveillance system ? "
" It is, but no view of our abductor has been recorded. The princess was on the video-tape when she entered that place, but then she sat near the fountain, and the problem is that there is a dead angle here. "
" So, either it's a coincidence, or the abductor had access to the video control ", Artemis deduced.
" All the case is here ", sighed Holly. " The guard has been stunned. "
A thought struck Artemis.
" Holly ", he said, " do you have a wetsuit and a helmet for me to dive in the fountain ? "
The fairy was about to laugh but contained herself. The Mud Boy' face was all the more serious.
" You don't need any helmet underwater. The kiss the mermaid gave you enables you to breathe without help. "
Instinctively, the adolescent touched his neck with a panicked hand, but he turned red almost immediately, ashamed. He had thought he might have gills. The captain noticed it and smiled.
" Well, hum… Holly ", Artemis stammered. " See you later… "
Whereupon, the young genius stepped over the edge of the ornamental lake and put his head underwater. His vision was perfectly clear, and once his fears disappeared, he enjoyed the freedom he was given thanks to his magical breathing. Artemis examined the sandy bottom of the fountain and quickly found out the big hole by which the sea water entered. Determinedly swimming toward the dark opening, the adolescent felt the excitement he had known four years ago, during his very first adventure with the fairies.
Despite the powerful running water pushing him back to the surface, Artemis succeeded in swimming through the hole. He was out of Atlantis, alone in the depths of the ocean. A pale glow could be seen far away above his head. Sunbeams ? Maybe. Before he could react, the adolescent was carried away by a floating creature. He was on the back of a great dark ray. Don't worry, boy, you're safe. After all, that fish can lead you to the clues.
And so it did. The graceful ray swam, or rather flew towards the surface, bringing its passenger to a group of sharp rocks. Artemis stroked the soft back of the ray and jumped on a grey rock. He was in the open air.
6. The abductor
Artemis observed the brightly lit cave that was in front of him. Crystallized stalactites trickled peacefully, creating their replica on the ground. Apart from the dried seaweeds that strewed the ground, the cave was devoid of comfort. Fairy tunics were carelessly hung on the roughness of the walls. A tiara encrusted with black and white cultured pearls crowned a thin rock. The young Irish genius entered the silent place. His clothes were dripping. Artemis heard a slight noise at the far end of the lair. He drew nearer the noise, on the lookout for any threat.
A very young fairy girl lay fast asleep. Her delicate features wore however traces of anguish. There was a small greenish potion near her red hair. She had been drugged. Artemis tried to shake her awake, but the effect of the potion was too strong. A sudden draught made Artemis look round. He had just the time to see a stealthy shadow above him before a sharp pain in his chest made him collapse. The boy was not aware of the hand that briskly pushed him against the wall.
The pain stopped as it had begun, suddenly. Panting, Artemis stood up straight again. A tall elf was facing him, hatred in his eyes. He had long blond hair and a thin moustache. His pointy ears had red scars. His short silver tunic was dripping. The big iridescent crystal Artemis had seen formerly on the top of the palace, in Atlantis, was now at the man's feet. Its extraordinary radiance was a bit weaker however.
" Does Master Fowl think he will prevent me from using the precious energy of Atlantis ? " he asked coldly.
Artemis blinked, surprised, but remained silent.
" I am really deeply grieved at your survival ! The ocean used to be less lenient. But don't worry, this time will be the last. "
The adolescent stared at the elf. So he was responsible for his journey on board the hollow trunk… All was clear now : the fairy had, by some unknown means, heard about his presence over the Atlantic Ocean, and had provoked his wreck.
" Blurred, Mud Boy ? " the elf said ironically. " Need explanations ? I agree, only to see your expression. "
He paused, smiling. Artemis started. Captain Holly Short had just emerged from the sea.
" Artemis Fowl, the only Mud Boy who ever messed with fairy people ! The great Artemis Fowl ! Mind wiped, yes, but isn't he a genius ? When would he recover his memories ? In killing you, human, I would have suppressed the only threat to the People. But, I must admit, your survival is even better. Instead of your corpse, the LEPrecon will have you, Artemis, abductor of the princess of Atlantis, and thief of the Crystal. "
" Why ? " Artemis asked, mastering his emotions.
" In both cases, dead or alive, you would have been the perfect culprit. Do you have any idea of the power of the Crystal, Mud Boy ? "
The adolescent shook his head, on the alert. At any moment, he would have to jump on the elf.
" I'll tell you ", he laughed, enjoying the moment. " That Crystal is even more powerful than all your nuclear power stations put together. It's that energy that enabled the island of Atlantis to dive into the abysses. Can you only imagine what it represents ? "
Artemis tried to hide his impatience. The elf had unsheathed a thin dagger. Holly Short seemed petrified, half-way between the shore and the immersed rocks. When would she attack ? What was she waiting ? Couldn't she use her Neutrino 2000 to knock the elf down ? Then, as though she had suddenly realized Artemis was in danger, she activated her wings and pounced on the elf. The latter was so surprised that he let go of his weapon. But he almost immediately pulled himself together and grabbed Holly's left foot, causing her to crash against a stalagmite.
For a moment the elf's face became as white as a sheet.
" Ho… Holly… Holly Short ? " he spluttered, hesitant.
7. Reunion
The LEP captain almost fainted. She was on the verge of tears. Upset, she had to cling to a stalagmite in order not to fall over backwards.
" Is that you, Holly ? " the elf whispered.
The fairy nodded slowly, her face a river of tears.
" I thought you were dead, Ryan ", she said, painfully.
" I lied ", he sighed, a look of deep sorrow in his eyes.
" Wh…Why ? "
" I had to run away, Holly ", he explained. " I had problems. "
" But you should have told me ! " cried the fairy girl with her fist clenched.
" You don't understand, Holly, my place was not in Haven City. I wanted to discover the world. To become powerful, wealthy. "
" You wanted to be a thief, that is the reason ! " snarled the captain, furious.
The tall elf shrugged.
" I needed to be "dead" to do a good work. "
" So that I could not arrest you, Ryan ! "
Artemis, who had been on the background during this reunion, picked up Holly's Neutrino 2000 that had fallen when she had crashed against the rock. Tremulously, the adolescent shot right in Ryan's chest. In a few seconds, the elf collapsed, unconscious. Artemis ran towards the LEP captain.
" Are you all right, Holly ? " he asked worriedly.
" Yes. " she said, wiping her eyes in a quick movement.
" Who is that Ryan ? "
" The elf I wanted to marry before he was reported missing ", she told him bitterly, her voice shaking.
" Oh. "
Captain Short contacted Foaly thanks to her helmet. In thirty minutes, the reinforcements came. They put the senseless elf in a shuttle and woke Okeana up with a strong potion.
" Where am I ? " the princess of Atlantis asked weakly.
Then, remembering her abduction, she began to cry.
" Don't worry, you won't be harmed again. "
" I… I was sitting near… the fountain… when I was dragged in the water… It was horrible ! "
Holly tapped the princess' hand, but she had to force herself not to weep again. She asked her to go to the shuttle. The Crystal was carefully wrapped in a special blanket and carried away. An LEP officer came to Holly Short.
" The shuttle is waiting for you, Captain ", he said politely.
" Go, I'll join you later. "
The officer complied. Artemis couldn't speak. He felt like comforting her, but didn't dare.
" Artemis ", Holly called. " Once again you did the People a favour. "
" It was quite involuntarily. "
" Yes, but the result is the same ", the fairy retorted in a laugh. " You saved Atlantis from destruction. You saved the princess too. You will be rewarded for that. "
" I only want to go back to Fowl Manor. "
" I understand. Foaly checked that for you. A merchant ship is sailing towards the island. Follow me, Artemis. "
Holly brought him to the shore of the cave. They had to swim to reach the beach. Then, on the order of the captain, Artemis made a pile of dry palm leaves, and the fairy girl used her Neutrino to set fire on it. Soon, a rushing plume of smoke rose up above the desert island. Holly took Artemis' hands and stared at him.
" So, time to say goodbye. "
" No mind wipe ? " the boy asked surprised.
" No, you regained your thoughts once, what could keep you from doing it again ? And… you're not a threat to the People anymore. "
Artemis smiled.
" Foaly has sent a signal to the ship. It'll stand for your aircraft. You just have to wait. "
" Thank you, Holly. "
The fairy kissed him on the cheek and moved away. Feeling incredibly light-hearted, Artemis followed her with his eyes until she dived into the sea. On the skyline, the merchant ship had just appeared.
The end