Chapter 4
Leaning back in his specially designed chair, Foaly tapped a finger on his chin. The Ther Drace? Sounded like some little gang trying to make a stand in the world. Someone who obviously knew about Humans – although, who couldn't, they covered a large percentage of the world – but knowing of the fairy folk? Perhaps goblins? No, they were still all part of the Magic People.
He made a decision then and there. Artemis may not want much contact with him, but for the price he was being paid Foaly wasn't going to let Artemis off that easily. No way. For the first time in history, Foaly was going to take a holiday; he was due for one anyways.
"Holly, for gods sakes, what are you doing? I thought you said you could fly this thing!"
Holly smiled sweetly at Foaly, she'd agreed to come along under the pretense of aiding Foaly with a cover up on his holiday, centaurs wouldn't be too easy to explain. Not surprisingly it was really to aid him on his expedition to investigate up north. This of course was still something Foaly had to run across Holly.
"Of course I can, Foaly, but as you well know, Root refused us one of the better shuttles."
Foaly grumbled some more at this, Root was decidedly grumpy about the whole matter. He'd decided that his computer expert shouldn't take a holiday in these times and had done everything to deter him from going. Of course, once Foaly's mind was made up, he really took on his horsey ancestry – stubborn as a mule, as Root put it. And when Root had finally relented, it was one of the oldest models still around that Foaly was given.
Holly gently pushed the levers this way and that, steadying the pod as much as possible. "By the by, Foaly, why in Haven, are you taking a trip earthside?"
"I have a little business to do." Foaly really didn't want to talk much, the crazy tilting and turning of the pod was making him just a little queasy.
Immediately suspicious, Holly demanded, "Business? What kind of business? This wouldn't be any kind of Fowl business would it? Because if it is Foaly, I swear I'll have you shaved."
Foaly thought of how he'd look shaved and shuddered. He'd hate to be shaved, he'd be the laughing stock of Haven, not to mention the butt end to every joke in Police Plaza, because his rear end would seriously be showing big time. He decided to misinterpret her question purposely, "Foul? Of course not. I wouldn't dare."
Holly didn't look too convinced, but she kept her mouth shut nonetheless. "Very well, where are we going then?"
Not being able to help himself, Foaly blurted out, "Fowl Manor." He received a look that could kill with a ride to go along with it.
"Tell me again Foaly, why do we need the Fowl boy?"
"For a great number of reasons. Mainly because he was the only person on earth, and under, who seemed to be even remotely interested in the matter."
"Ah yes...this 'up north' thing." Holly smirked, she was skeptical of Foaly's beliefs sometimes, especially now with him blabbering on about a possible Third Race.
"Just knock on the door ok? And remember to keep the illusion up. I'm a pony-"he grimaced; he was a most proud centaur, completely full of himself, "-and you're my owner. We want to ask Artemis if he wants to come out a play... Got it?"
Holly nodded and adjusted the pink bonnet tied on. Foaly thought she looked almost cute until he saw the expression on her face, "Holly, this won't work unless you smile!"
She grunted and replied, "You wouldn't be smiling either if you had to wear this ridiculous dress." She pointed to the matching pink dress, "Why can't we just contact him some other way?"
"Because, like I told you before, when Root distracted me, Artemis was able to scan my computer, he knows how to block my computer. He knows my computer signature! I'd have to have a completely new computer set up for me to be able to get into his."
Holly just nodded as if she understood it all. Computers having signatures...indeed. She self-consciously straightened her dress then reached up for the door knocker. Rapping it twice, she let it fall back into place. A moment passed, and then another. No one answered the door. "D'arvit!"
"Just give them time. Just remember how big this house is."
"No, not that, my communications link is going off."
"What? Turn it off! Someone's going to be answering the door any second!"
"It's under this stupid dress Foaly! Along with the rest of my arsenal."
"Well hurry up then, it'll look a little strange for a little girl with a highly technologically advanced cell phone." Foaly couldn't move his arms, otherwise he'd help her out, but it was all part of the illusion to make him look like a little docile pony.
Finally, fumbling through the folds of pink satin, Holly pulled out the tiny device, "Holly here."
"Ah hello Holly, can I speak with Foaly?"
A little frazzled, Holly handed the phone over, "It's for you."
"I don't have any arms; hold it up to my face."
Holly did so. If anyone had seen them, they would have thought it cute that a little girl with a highly advanced looking toy cell phone was having her pet pony talk to whoever was on the other end of the line.
"Foaly. Where is my gold?"
"Oh. Hello Artemis."
At the mention of the Fowl boy's name, Holly, with her free hand, sliced across her throat.
Foaly shrugged to the maximum of his ability, "Your information wasn't satisfactory. I want my moneys worth."
Artemis laughed coldly on the other end, "I agree, I out bargained you considerably. Fine, what do you want?"
"Answers would be nice."
"Yes. I agree – what we both need."
Artemis opened the door at this point. His cell phone not in sight, on closer inspection, Foaly saw that it was merely a miniature piece that fitted in the ear. Artemis beamed, "Why hello little girl, how can I help you?" Although the comment was mocking, it was full of mirth and friendliness.
Holly scowled, "My dumb pony here, he wants to talk to you."
From another room in the house, Holly and Foaly could hear Artemis's mother call out, "Arty? Who's at the door dear?"
Artemis's eyes darted to Holly. They both knew at what cost it had been to have her there now. All debts were paid, but Artemis would always feel a sense of owing to Holly. "Just a friend." Mirth gone, Artemis looked to Holly, "Come on, we'll go out back. I've recently constructed a small building that is mine completely. No bugs can be placed there – we'll be safe from prying eyes."
Following Artemis around the back of the mansion, Foaly nudged Holly, "What was that look all about?"
"What look?"
"When Artemis's mother called, he gave you a funny look."
"Nothing. I don't know."
Foaly snorted, sounding very much like the pony he was supposed to be.
Artemis called out over his shoulder, "Are you hungry? I could get us some stuff," he paused, he almost giggled, but his old self contained it. "You know, drinks, snacks...hay..." He couldn't help himself and he burst out laughing at his own little joke.
Holly contained her impish laugh, while Foaly glared at Artemis. This was so unlike Artemis to kid around. Then raising a brow he turned to Holly, wondering if she'd noticed it too. There was a complete change to Artemis. He was still the brilliant mastermind, but now he was whole, more his age. Something had filled the gap.
Holly nodded, seemingly able to read Foaly's thoughts, she mouthed, "Parents. Family."
Foaly smiled. Artemis was complete; he just hoped that it didn't affect the mastermind he was.
Pointing to one of the five monitors set up in his building, Artemis showed them his records of the occurrences up north. "As you can see here from this angle, a much larger 'thing' left about an hour and a half after the first, same direction as the first, but without the effects of the first one." Typing in a few sequences, Artemis swung the view around. "This one was a lot harder to track. It seriously only showed up a half dozen times, the computer filled in the rest." Another scene popped up and showed what Artemis had meant.
Scene after scene came up, each from a different angle, different types: heat sensory, mass concentration, speed. Foaly was particularly intent, Holly hadn't a clue what she was looking at. All she knew was that she was looking at something almost the same every time.
"Hold that one!" Artemis quickly stopped the slide show action and brought up the image Foaly had wanted. "Zoom in on it." Again, Artemis obliged. What it showed shocked even Holly. A shiver went down all three of their spines, albeit it took a little longer to get down Foaly's.
Whatever this thing was, it was definitely not humanoid.
Leaning back in his specially designed chair, Foaly tapped a finger on his chin. The Ther Drace? Sounded like some little gang trying to make a stand in the world. Someone who obviously knew about Humans – although, who couldn't, they covered a large percentage of the world – but knowing of the fairy folk? Perhaps goblins? No, they were still all part of the Magic People.
He made a decision then and there. Artemis may not want much contact with him, but for the price he was being paid Foaly wasn't going to let Artemis off that easily. No way. For the first time in history, Foaly was going to take a holiday; he was due for one anyways.
"Holly, for gods sakes, what are you doing? I thought you said you could fly this thing!"
Holly smiled sweetly at Foaly, she'd agreed to come along under the pretense of aiding Foaly with a cover up on his holiday, centaurs wouldn't be too easy to explain. Not surprisingly it was really to aid him on his expedition to investigate up north. This of course was still something Foaly had to run across Holly.
"Of course I can, Foaly, but as you well know, Root refused us one of the better shuttles."
Foaly grumbled some more at this, Root was decidedly grumpy about the whole matter. He'd decided that his computer expert shouldn't take a holiday in these times and had done everything to deter him from going. Of course, once Foaly's mind was made up, he really took on his horsey ancestry – stubborn as a mule, as Root put it. And when Root had finally relented, it was one of the oldest models still around that Foaly was given.
Holly gently pushed the levers this way and that, steadying the pod as much as possible. "By the by, Foaly, why in Haven, are you taking a trip earthside?"
"I have a little business to do." Foaly really didn't want to talk much, the crazy tilting and turning of the pod was making him just a little queasy.
Immediately suspicious, Holly demanded, "Business? What kind of business? This wouldn't be any kind of Fowl business would it? Because if it is Foaly, I swear I'll have you shaved."
Foaly thought of how he'd look shaved and shuddered. He'd hate to be shaved, he'd be the laughing stock of Haven, not to mention the butt end to every joke in Police Plaza, because his rear end would seriously be showing big time. He decided to misinterpret her question purposely, "Foul? Of course not. I wouldn't dare."
Holly didn't look too convinced, but she kept her mouth shut nonetheless. "Very well, where are we going then?"
Not being able to help himself, Foaly blurted out, "Fowl Manor." He received a look that could kill with a ride to go along with it.
"Tell me again Foaly, why do we need the Fowl boy?"
"For a great number of reasons. Mainly because he was the only person on earth, and under, who seemed to be even remotely interested in the matter."
"Ah yes...this 'up north' thing." Holly smirked, she was skeptical of Foaly's beliefs sometimes, especially now with him blabbering on about a possible Third Race.
"Just knock on the door ok? And remember to keep the illusion up. I'm a pony-"he grimaced; he was a most proud centaur, completely full of himself, "-and you're my owner. We want to ask Artemis if he wants to come out a play... Got it?"
Holly nodded and adjusted the pink bonnet tied on. Foaly thought she looked almost cute until he saw the expression on her face, "Holly, this won't work unless you smile!"
She grunted and replied, "You wouldn't be smiling either if you had to wear this ridiculous dress." She pointed to the matching pink dress, "Why can't we just contact him some other way?"
"Because, like I told you before, when Root distracted me, Artemis was able to scan my computer, he knows how to block my computer. He knows my computer signature! I'd have to have a completely new computer set up for me to be able to get into his."
Holly just nodded as if she understood it all. Computers having signatures...indeed. She self-consciously straightened her dress then reached up for the door knocker. Rapping it twice, she let it fall back into place. A moment passed, and then another. No one answered the door. "D'arvit!"
"Just give them time. Just remember how big this house is."
"No, not that, my communications link is going off."
"What? Turn it off! Someone's going to be answering the door any second!"
"It's under this stupid dress Foaly! Along with the rest of my arsenal."
"Well hurry up then, it'll look a little strange for a little girl with a highly technologically advanced cell phone." Foaly couldn't move his arms, otherwise he'd help her out, but it was all part of the illusion to make him look like a little docile pony.
Finally, fumbling through the folds of pink satin, Holly pulled out the tiny device, "Holly here."
"Ah hello Holly, can I speak with Foaly?"
A little frazzled, Holly handed the phone over, "It's for you."
"I don't have any arms; hold it up to my face."
Holly did so. If anyone had seen them, they would have thought it cute that a little girl with a highly advanced looking toy cell phone was having her pet pony talk to whoever was on the other end of the line.
"Foaly. Where is my gold?"
"Oh. Hello Artemis."
At the mention of the Fowl boy's name, Holly, with her free hand, sliced across her throat.
Foaly shrugged to the maximum of his ability, "Your information wasn't satisfactory. I want my moneys worth."
Artemis laughed coldly on the other end, "I agree, I out bargained you considerably. Fine, what do you want?"
"Answers would be nice."
"Yes. I agree – what we both need."
Artemis opened the door at this point. His cell phone not in sight, on closer inspection, Foaly saw that it was merely a miniature piece that fitted in the ear. Artemis beamed, "Why hello little girl, how can I help you?" Although the comment was mocking, it was full of mirth and friendliness.
Holly scowled, "My dumb pony here, he wants to talk to you."
From another room in the house, Holly and Foaly could hear Artemis's mother call out, "Arty? Who's at the door dear?"
Artemis's eyes darted to Holly. They both knew at what cost it had been to have her there now. All debts were paid, but Artemis would always feel a sense of owing to Holly. "Just a friend." Mirth gone, Artemis looked to Holly, "Come on, we'll go out back. I've recently constructed a small building that is mine completely. No bugs can be placed there – we'll be safe from prying eyes."
Following Artemis around the back of the mansion, Foaly nudged Holly, "What was that look all about?"
"What look?"
"When Artemis's mother called, he gave you a funny look."
"Nothing. I don't know."
Foaly snorted, sounding very much like the pony he was supposed to be.
Artemis called out over his shoulder, "Are you hungry? I could get us some stuff," he paused, he almost giggled, but his old self contained it. "You know, drinks, snacks...hay..." He couldn't help himself and he burst out laughing at his own little joke.
Holly contained her impish laugh, while Foaly glared at Artemis. This was so unlike Artemis to kid around. Then raising a brow he turned to Holly, wondering if she'd noticed it too. There was a complete change to Artemis. He was still the brilliant mastermind, but now he was whole, more his age. Something had filled the gap.
Holly nodded, seemingly able to read Foaly's thoughts, she mouthed, "Parents. Family."
Foaly smiled. Artemis was complete; he just hoped that it didn't affect the mastermind he was.
Pointing to one of the five monitors set up in his building, Artemis showed them his records of the occurrences up north. "As you can see here from this angle, a much larger 'thing' left about an hour and a half after the first, same direction as the first, but without the effects of the first one." Typing in a few sequences, Artemis swung the view around. "This one was a lot harder to track. It seriously only showed up a half dozen times, the computer filled in the rest." Another scene popped up and showed what Artemis had meant.
Scene after scene came up, each from a different angle, different types: heat sensory, mass concentration, speed. Foaly was particularly intent, Holly hadn't a clue what she was looking at. All she knew was that she was looking at something almost the same every time.
"Hold that one!" Artemis quickly stopped the slide show action and brought up the image Foaly had wanted. "Zoom in on it." Again, Artemis obliged. What it showed shocked even Holly. A shiver went down all three of their spines, albeit it took a little longer to get down Foaly's.
Whatever this thing was, it was definitely not humanoid.