Disclaimer: Artemis Fowl and related characters are not mine. They are the
property of and are copyrighted to Eoin Colfer.
Scene Four: This is so Victorian.!
Alexei's hand automatically flew up to cover his bare ear. He couldn't help the sharp gasp he emitted nor could he cover the horror that broke over his features. Aidan was staring at Alexei in absolute surprise and Artemis was looking quickly from Alexei to the earpiece and back. The earpiece had landed right next to Artemis, and he moved to pick it up. Alexei reacted more quickly and he snatched it up and put it back on as hurriedly as he could.
Artemis and Aidan were now both staring avidly at Alexei while the rest of the class was staring avidly at the three of them. Amidst this startled silence, Father Patrick walked in the room. Father Patrick was a tall, spare man dressed in the strict habit of a priest complete with the trademark collar. He had a long face and light gray hair with sharp brown eyes framed by metal-rimmed glasses.
"Good morning, good morning, class," he said briskly. "And while I appreciate your silence, I would appreciate being in your seats more." He strode to his handsome mahogany desk and began flipping through the sheaf of papers on it. Without looking up, he said, "Aidan, you know where you're seated I trust. Mr. Fowl, I don't even want to know why you're on the floor. Just get back to your seat. Ah, the new student. Already looking injured on the first day." He finally looked up from his papers. His gaze was keen and it easily seized up Alexei's stricken countenance. "Whatever it is, I'm sure it's not life threatening."
"Sir, one of those weird metal things fell off the new student's ear," volunteered a golden blond haired boy. The rest of the class murmured in assent.
By now, Alexei's racing heart had begun to calm. The LEP had not been so optimistic to believe that Holly would not be separated from her earpieces. In the event that she lost her earpieces, Foaly had prepared mini hologenerators that simulated human ears to cover her elven ones. They were cleverly concealed in tiny silver studs attached on Holly's ear and were switched on when the earpieces were removed. Predictably, they would not stand close inspection. Anyone with a sharp eye would be able to see the way Holly's hair shifted to admit for the long ears and the battery would last twenty minutes at most with the risk of the hologram flickering. That was the primary reason Holly had been so frightened. Even though the hologram did not flicker, she was almost sure Artemis would see her ears. If not Artemis, then Aidan might have. The boy had sharp senses for certain. The class was not a big threat. They were far away enough to dismiss any sightings as hallucinations.
"Ah, those would be his hearing aids since he has a genetic hearing disorder, correct?" deduced Father Patrick cleverly. "Are they damaged?"
"Uh, no, sir," stammered Alexei. For a moment or two, the priest gazed at Alexei and the boy thought he saw something flicker in those brown eyes. It was gone as soon as it came.
"Since you're already in the front, why don't we begin class by introducing yourself," suggested the priest, sitting down on his seat. "And unless Aidan and Mr. Fowl would like to introduce themselves as well, they should go to their seats. Last warning."
Aidan automatically moved to his seat, but Artemis was not so easily moved. His piercing gaze and eyes were turned at full intensity on Alexei, and he continued to do so even when he sat down on his seat. Alexei resisted the urge to snap a glare Artemis's way, but instead settled for a cough and tugging at his collar.
"Have you forgotten something, Mr. Forster?" asked Father Patrick.
"E-excuse me?" asked Alexei faintly.
Father Patrick nodded to Alexei. "Your tie. You forgot your tie," he said in a bland voice.
Alexei blinked. Holly was faintly aware of what ties were in the Mud Men culture. It was a strip of cloth used to fasten the collars around their necks, disturbingly like a leash. So that was what that bit of cloth was for. She had left it on top of her unmade bed back in the dormitory.
"Oh," mumbled Alexei, "Um, sorry, I was. in school in Japan and we didn't have ties back then. I'm still adjusting."
"No doubt,' said Father Patrick critically. "Now sit up straight and introduce yourself."
Alexei coughed once more and focused his gaze in a point anywhere in the classroom that was not in Artemis Fowl's direction. "My name is Alexei Forster," said the red haired boy evenly. "I really don't live anywhere considering I go wherever my father's job takes him as a diplomat. But, um, he thought that it wasn't very good that I didn't stay in the same country for a whole year much less a school so he sent me here. There's really nothing about me that's very interesting so."
The class murmured in interest. One girl whose hair was arranged in a French braid asked, "What sort of places have you gone to?"
Alexei glanced at Father Patrick who was listening intently just to make sure he was able to answer the question. "Um, I've been to France and Italy. the pasta's great in Italy." muttered Alexei lamely. Truth be told, the one time she had spent a large amount of time in Italy had been the incident with the troll three years ago. She had crashed into a birthday party, knocked out a troll, knocked out the rest of the humans, and had been knocked out herself out of exhaustion. Needless to say, she had not eaten any pasta.
"You said you went to Japan? Could you tell us about Tokyo?" asked another.
Alexei fought the urge to scowl. "Tokyo's a really crowded city," he stated simply.
There was silence from a little of the students in class who clearly sensed Alexei's unspoken hint. However, most of them were not that astute and question after question followed about Tokyo, other countries he'd been in, what it was like being the son of a diplomat, what were the girls like in other countries etc. Alexei felt most uncomfortable, feeling the eyes of a rather enthusiastic and curious class of little Mud boys and girls on her. Holly was a friendly, good-humored fairy by nature. Under normal circumstances, she would have not been too annoyed at the various questions being asked. However, these were not very normal circumstances. She was undercover for heaven's sake! So Alexei answered as monosyllabic as he could to every question that went his way.
A chill voice sliced easily through the chatter as knife would through butter, commanding the attention of every single person in the class from the very first syllable that dropped from his lips. Perhaps it was the authority and power strangely combined with ennui underlining the quiet voice that made it heard. It was not the volume truly, but there was intensity in that voice that made it reverberate without being loud. "What's the name of your father?" asked Artemis, his face and eyes bland. He seemed indifferent to all the chatter. To everyone, he maintained a faintly curious expression, as if a passing notion caught his fancy.
Alexei, without meaning to, glanced up and saw indifferent, chill eyes gazing at him expectantly. Anger flamed in Alexei's hazel eyes and he dropped his gaze. Damn the boy. Artemis knew that the best way to ask questions and get them answered would be in front of a large crowd of people where she could not simply refuse. Cunning as always. Holy didn't even want to know why Artemis wanted Alexei Forster's father's name. The answer would be most likely something she didn't want to happen. So much for undercover around Mud people.
Fingers clutching the book bag clenched the handle so tightly the knuckles turned white. Alexei rolled his eyes and said quietly in a clipped voice, "Philip. His name is Philip." After that, Artemis spoke no more although Alexei was sufficiently unnerved.
After two minutes of what seemed like interrogation, Father Patrick finally called to the class, "All right, that's enough about Mr. Forster. If you have anything else to say, socialize with him on your own free time. Alexei, kindly take your seat beside Mr. Fowl." Alexei didn't know which he dreaded more: being interrogated by Mud people or sitting beside public enemy number one, Artemis Fowl. Each step the red haired boy took seemed like an age and he kept his eyes on his feet, focusing on not bumping into anything, and flicking his eyes upwards only to make sure that he was going the right direction. Within thirty seconds, Alexei had seated himself. Holly's ears, within the earpieces, were beginning to burn. She could feel Artemis's gaze, keener than a scalpel, taking in her appearance.
"I've already graded the essays on." said Father Patrick, but Holly didn't hear anymore. Although her gaze was dead straight and calm, her nerves were tingling. She shot a glance once in Artemis's direction, but he seemed to be paying her no heed. On the contrary, he seemed to be focusing on what Father Patrick was saying, face as emotionless as a block of ice. If she hadn't known Artemis better, she would have dismissed her notions as signs of paranoia but, accordingly, underestimate Artemis Fowl, just one slip with the Irish boy, and he'd turn the tables against you as effortlessly as the sun pulled the planets around it.
Alexei maintained a cool, aloof face to the rest of the world, but it was not impossible to detect the signs of agitation on his countenance. And Artemis Fowl was a master of reading other people's emotions. Alexei Forster was hiding. He was hiding something beneath the surly exterior. The raven haired, slender Irish boy allowed the new student to glance his way surreptitiously several times while Artemis listened with half his attention to what Father Patrick was saying. There was something incredibly strange about Alexei Forster, this so-called son of a diplomat. He seemed particularly upset when Artemis reached for his earpiece. It had been an instinct really. The metal contraption had fallen to his side. It had fallen exterior up so he had not been able to glimpse the mechanics within, but it seemed so strange. Almost as strange as the way Alexei's hair parted around near his ears almost as if. Artemis tried and failed to put it into concrete thought, but he felt it teasing the edge of his consciousness. Artemis was not an avid fan of ESP, fascinating subject as it was, but he had the strangest sense of déjà vu around Alexei that was strangely set off by everything else about him. It's the eyes, decided Artemis, There's something very familiar about the eyes if anything. Artemis glanced sidelong as Alexei took something out of his book bag. The eyes were hazel with a strange sheen in them. It was almost as if there was something in the surface that made them stand out abnormally. Were they contacts? Artemis couldn't be sure without looking closer and attracting Alexei's attention. He turned his gaze back to the white board where Father Patrick was laying down notes.
The back of Holly's neck was prickling once more, and the elf stifled the urge to strangle something. Someone was looking at her for sure. Was it Fowl? A glance to her right revealed that it was not he. But she couldn't be sure. A quick, searching glance at those in front of her quickly told her that no one there was staring at her. Holly bit her lower lip and dropped her pencil. She went down on her knees to get it and was able to crane her head to get a clear view of all those in the back of her. She caught Aidan glancing away. Aidan? Was it Aidan then? The elf's pulse sped up as she pondered whether Aidan had seen her ears. But wouldn't he have said something if he saw her ears? Mud people usually did. But Mud people did not usually look like fairies.
As Holly returned to her seat, thoughts chased themselves around her mind, confused and frantic. Dare she try and mesmerize Aidan? Would her magic let her? Hypothetically, if she was capable of automatic healing, then she should be able to mesmerize anyone. Even Artemis. Holly glanced to her right once more. Artemis was tapping something into his computer console. But mesmer had not been tried on someone who had been mind wiped before. What were the chances of mesmerizing someone who had already been mind wiped anyway? This had to be a first in LEP history. She wasn't completely sure what the effects of a mesmer on a mind wiped mind were. And Artemis Fowl was not someone you wanted to take chances with. And Aidan is? prodded a voice, unbidden inside her mind, Is he someone you want to take chances with as well? A discreet glance to the back left where Aidan was revealed that the boy was doing the same thing as Artemis, typing furiously in his console. No, came the answer, quite firm and strong, I don't know who or what he is, but I know that I need to be very careful around him.
The rest of the class passed more or less uneventfully. Aidan was not in her math class, and Alexei assured him that he was capable of finding his way back to the Monastery from the classrooms. The two would meet up later in the cafeteria. The elf was no longer very sure how to act around Aidan except to be natural. Aidan did not seem to be the type who appreciated plastic smiles and laughter, but neither did he seem to tolerate unnecessary and useless chatter. If the situation did not please him, he had a habit of clamming up instead of voicing his opinions. A reserved, easy going Mud boy, decided Holly, who could easily be taken advantage of by other people if Aidan's not careful. He did not display any more signs of interest in Alexei except to be of some help navigating the Cathedral. Neither did he mention the incident with Alexei's earpieces. Again, Holly was undecided on whether to monitor him closely or to drag him into a dark corner, mesmerize him and have him spill his guts. She eventually chose the former as the effects of the latter were still unknown and could well be disastrous.
Artemis also did not display any signs of interest to Alexei. He ignored him like he did everyone else, gliding throughout the hallways with the unmistakable elegance and grace only a predator could exude. It was almost sad to watch Artemis toy with the people who dared cross his path. But she also had to admit that Artemis only took his time to thoroughly harass someone, with only his voice and gaze might she mention, if the said someone put himself in Artemis's way. And no one did. At least not intentionally.
He did attract the admiring glances of several girls in the hallways and classes Holly noticed. Artemis's effect in a hallway was near incredible. As soon as his footsteps were heard, the noise level died to discreet. A thousand eyes followed his progress. Small, discreet glares from envious or fearful males, the frightened girls were looking at anywhere but him, some were quite forcibly ignoring him going on their way chattering, while other females quite openly flirted with him. Small pockets of females that dotted the hallways giggled and whispered behind palms or purposely posed to attract his attention. Artemis ignored them, and continued on his way, a solitary figure parting the crowds as easily as sunlight sliced through the shadow. It was easy to follow Artemis's slender figure sailing down the hallways.
Alexei coughed slightly to get Aidan's attention. "That Artemis Fowl. he seems to be quite the character," commented Alexei.
"Mmm," said Aidan, face dispassionate and eyes staring ahead. But Alexei knew he had Aidan's attention by the way Aidan's gray eyes flicked ever so slightly to Artemis's back.
"Do you know him?" asked the red haired boy, pressing the issue. The two of them were walking briskly to Alexei's Calculus class. Luckily enough, Aidan's class was near by so he did not have to leave Alexei. Artemis seemed to be going the same path as they, which unfortunately brought him into Alexei and Aidan's attention.
"Yeah," said Aidan.
"How?"
"We've been schoolmates ever since we came to school in St. Bartleby's," answered the gray eyed boy.
"Oh," said Alexei, eyes drifting towards Artemis. "Do you know him personally? Have you ever talked to him?"
"Only a few times," said Aidan. "Do you know him?"
"Excuse me?" asked the red haired boy, thrown off by the question.
Aidan glanced at Alexei's surprised countenance. "I asked if you knew Artemis. You seem interested in him. And back in the class just then. you seemed eager to get away. From him."
Alexei's breath caught in his throat imperceptibly, amazed at the acuity with which Aidan perceived his surroundings. "No," said Alexei after a long moment of hesitation, "no, I don't. I've. only heard about him."
"I see," said Aidan. He had stopped by a door in which Artemis had disappeared into. "You sure you don't need help going back to the Monastery?"
"Of course not," said Alexei. "I'll see you in the cafeteria."
Aidan nodded minutely and left for his own classroom. Alexei frowned at his disappearing back before turning his attention to the classroom
Artemis was seated somewhere in the back, idly looking outside the window. A tall, sultry female of striking beauty wearing the St. Bartleby's uniform for girls in such a way as to make it cling seductively to her curves was tiptoeing behind Artemis, a voracious glitter in her dark eyes.
"You don't even want to try sneaking up on me, Isolde," said Artemis in a voice that bespoke of boredom.
"When did you see me?" asked Isolde, pouting. She sat on Artemis's desk, forcing him to look up to her. She pulled on her luxurious dark hair, the sheen in them reflecting off the sunlight. Dark locks were fashionably curled at the end and was gathered in a high ponytail that accentuated her sensuality.
"I didn't need to see you," said Artemis flatly. His sapphire eyes were hooded and his face was stolid.
Isolde cocked her head to the side, her smiling revealing perfect white teeth. "Is that any way to greet an old friend?" she asked.
"We were never friends," replied the dark haired Irish boy with a tone of finality. "And if you'll kindly leave before the teacher gets here, I would very much appreciate having my desk back."
"You seem to be concentrating awfully hard on a class you know you'd ace anyway," continued the dark haired girl. She leaned towards him, closing the distance between them. Her voice dropped a few octaves, "What say we ditch this class, hmm?"
Artemis was watching her as emotionlessly as ever, but there was wariness in his eyes. His breath caught in his throat at Isolde's proximity and his lips parted in tiny surprise. Beyond Isolde's shoulder, he saw hazel eyes widen, watching in complete and utter shock made only far too obvious with the jaw dropping. He snapped to his senses and averted his face, irritation flashing in his sapphire eyes. He quickly scooted his chair back and stood up. "Don't do that," he snapped.
Isolde seemed momentarily surprised before she regained her composure. "Of course," she said, and there was a hint of sulk in her voice, "We'll finish it later." She went to her desk but paused by Alexei who had remained rooted to the spot, eyes cast down. "Oh, you must be the new student everyone's talking about," she smiled at the new boy. "Rumors are going around that you're father is a rich minister."
Alexei mouthed words soundlessly before looking up and saying, "No, my father is just a diplomat working for the United Nations." His voice was bland, but there was a burning curiosity in his eyes as he gazed at her. "Who are you?"
"My name is Isolde O'Ciardha. My father is the CEO of Ciardha Enterprises," she said, smiling.
"Oh," said Alexei simply before walking to his seat. Isolde seemed taken aback by Alexei's terseness, but was distracted by the arrival of their teacher.
Alexei was, by now, very confused. Thoughts tangled and battled inside, each demanding attention and each just adding to the forest of questions growing inside his head. Holly knew that Artemis was by now about sixteen or so, and that he must have some relationships with Mud girls his age, but she hadn't expected something so.. She hadn't expected a public display of intimacy with another Mud girl. For heaven's sake, it was a classroom. And for reasons she had yet to decipher, she didn't like this Isolde. Not one bit.
The red haired boy winced as the teacher called his attention sharply back to class. Alexei hastily bleated out an apology. When the teacher's attention was safely diverted elsewhere, Holly winced once more. Just when the teacher had called her, there was a sharp pain in her chest. Come to think of it, she'd been having chest pains for a while now. She just hadn't mentioned it to anyone in fear that they would use that as an excuse to pull her out of this assignment. Back then, there had been other issues to attend to and the pains had only been faint and passing. Now, it seemed as if someone had just slapped her on the chest with a big stink worm. Repeatedly. Alexei frowned and put a hand over his chest. His heart was beating very quickly, but also erratically. No good. Even she knew that. All of a sudden, she just wanted to get out of the classroom. The bell that rang at twelve-thirty could never be welcomer.
Alexei hastily gathered his things, barely noting to take down the homework that had been assigned, and went out the door. A hand flashed out to catch his wrist and Alexei quickly dodged to the side, eyes flashing in surprise and hostility. Isolde stared at him with something akin to delight cleverly hidden inside her brown eyes. "You really are defensive, aren't you?" she asked.
Alexei shrugged coolly, trying to ignore how his sudden movements made the hammering on his chest escalate. He stooped to pick up his fallen book bag, ignoring the curious stares of the students who were walking down the halls. He would have ignored Isolde completely and strode down and out the Cathedral had she not decided to socialize.
"Listen, Alexei, I know you're a new student so I was wondering if you wanted to have lunch with my friends and I. It'll be really fun," she promised with a smile.
Hazel eyes gazed suspiciously at Isolde's pleasant countenance. No, not pleasant. Isolde was pleasing to the eye, sultry and beautiful, but she was not pleasant. There was a trap hidden somewhere behind the friendly brown eyes, the inviting smile, the beautiful face, and the sensual form. "No, thanks," said Alexei, trying to sound amiable but instead coming out strangled, "I was going to have lunch with Aidan."
"Well you can invite Aidan too, silly," laughed Isolde. Her eyes flickered past Alexei and the boy stiffened.
"Artemis," smiled Isolde eagerly. "Would you like to have lunch with us too?"
The latest person she invited to have lunch with her was just exiting the Calculus class. Artemis's only response was an indifferent, freezing glance that all but shouted the response Alexei was tempted to say: Hell no.
"Or would you like to have lunch with just me?" flirted Isolde.
"I'd like to have lunch with you," said the raven haired boy softly, "about as much as I'd like to have lunch with a cannibal."
Isolde smile faded only half a notch before she asked brightly, "May I speak with you alone, Artemis? Alexei, excuse us. You won't miss where I sit in the cafeteria."
Alexei discreetly watched as Artemis very reluctantly allowed Isolde to lead him somewhere beyond her vision. Holly was surprised. Not because Isolde had invited Artemis, but because Artemis allowed himself to be lead off. Artemis, as far as her memory went, never let anyone make him do anything anywhere and at any time. It seemed totally against character. "What are you up to, Artemis?" murmured Alexei underneath his breath. He gasped, his vision swimming as his heart reeled. "Wh-what's going on?" muttered Alexei. "What's happening to me?" No! she thought desperately, fighting for consciousness though she could already tell by the blackness eating her vision what was happening, not again! This is so Victorian..!
Scene Four: This is so Victorian.!
Alexei's hand automatically flew up to cover his bare ear. He couldn't help the sharp gasp he emitted nor could he cover the horror that broke over his features. Aidan was staring at Alexei in absolute surprise and Artemis was looking quickly from Alexei to the earpiece and back. The earpiece had landed right next to Artemis, and he moved to pick it up. Alexei reacted more quickly and he snatched it up and put it back on as hurriedly as he could.
Artemis and Aidan were now both staring avidly at Alexei while the rest of the class was staring avidly at the three of them. Amidst this startled silence, Father Patrick walked in the room. Father Patrick was a tall, spare man dressed in the strict habit of a priest complete with the trademark collar. He had a long face and light gray hair with sharp brown eyes framed by metal-rimmed glasses.
"Good morning, good morning, class," he said briskly. "And while I appreciate your silence, I would appreciate being in your seats more." He strode to his handsome mahogany desk and began flipping through the sheaf of papers on it. Without looking up, he said, "Aidan, you know where you're seated I trust. Mr. Fowl, I don't even want to know why you're on the floor. Just get back to your seat. Ah, the new student. Already looking injured on the first day." He finally looked up from his papers. His gaze was keen and it easily seized up Alexei's stricken countenance. "Whatever it is, I'm sure it's not life threatening."
"Sir, one of those weird metal things fell off the new student's ear," volunteered a golden blond haired boy. The rest of the class murmured in assent.
By now, Alexei's racing heart had begun to calm. The LEP had not been so optimistic to believe that Holly would not be separated from her earpieces. In the event that she lost her earpieces, Foaly had prepared mini hologenerators that simulated human ears to cover her elven ones. They were cleverly concealed in tiny silver studs attached on Holly's ear and were switched on when the earpieces were removed. Predictably, they would not stand close inspection. Anyone with a sharp eye would be able to see the way Holly's hair shifted to admit for the long ears and the battery would last twenty minutes at most with the risk of the hologram flickering. That was the primary reason Holly had been so frightened. Even though the hologram did not flicker, she was almost sure Artemis would see her ears. If not Artemis, then Aidan might have. The boy had sharp senses for certain. The class was not a big threat. They were far away enough to dismiss any sightings as hallucinations.
"Ah, those would be his hearing aids since he has a genetic hearing disorder, correct?" deduced Father Patrick cleverly. "Are they damaged?"
"Uh, no, sir," stammered Alexei. For a moment or two, the priest gazed at Alexei and the boy thought he saw something flicker in those brown eyes. It was gone as soon as it came.
"Since you're already in the front, why don't we begin class by introducing yourself," suggested the priest, sitting down on his seat. "And unless Aidan and Mr. Fowl would like to introduce themselves as well, they should go to their seats. Last warning."
Aidan automatically moved to his seat, but Artemis was not so easily moved. His piercing gaze and eyes were turned at full intensity on Alexei, and he continued to do so even when he sat down on his seat. Alexei resisted the urge to snap a glare Artemis's way, but instead settled for a cough and tugging at his collar.
"Have you forgotten something, Mr. Forster?" asked Father Patrick.
"E-excuse me?" asked Alexei faintly.
Father Patrick nodded to Alexei. "Your tie. You forgot your tie," he said in a bland voice.
Alexei blinked. Holly was faintly aware of what ties were in the Mud Men culture. It was a strip of cloth used to fasten the collars around their necks, disturbingly like a leash. So that was what that bit of cloth was for. She had left it on top of her unmade bed back in the dormitory.
"Oh," mumbled Alexei, "Um, sorry, I was. in school in Japan and we didn't have ties back then. I'm still adjusting."
"No doubt,' said Father Patrick critically. "Now sit up straight and introduce yourself."
Alexei coughed once more and focused his gaze in a point anywhere in the classroom that was not in Artemis Fowl's direction. "My name is Alexei Forster," said the red haired boy evenly. "I really don't live anywhere considering I go wherever my father's job takes him as a diplomat. But, um, he thought that it wasn't very good that I didn't stay in the same country for a whole year much less a school so he sent me here. There's really nothing about me that's very interesting so."
The class murmured in interest. One girl whose hair was arranged in a French braid asked, "What sort of places have you gone to?"
Alexei glanced at Father Patrick who was listening intently just to make sure he was able to answer the question. "Um, I've been to France and Italy. the pasta's great in Italy." muttered Alexei lamely. Truth be told, the one time she had spent a large amount of time in Italy had been the incident with the troll three years ago. She had crashed into a birthday party, knocked out a troll, knocked out the rest of the humans, and had been knocked out herself out of exhaustion. Needless to say, she had not eaten any pasta.
"You said you went to Japan? Could you tell us about Tokyo?" asked another.
Alexei fought the urge to scowl. "Tokyo's a really crowded city," he stated simply.
There was silence from a little of the students in class who clearly sensed Alexei's unspoken hint. However, most of them were not that astute and question after question followed about Tokyo, other countries he'd been in, what it was like being the son of a diplomat, what were the girls like in other countries etc. Alexei felt most uncomfortable, feeling the eyes of a rather enthusiastic and curious class of little Mud boys and girls on her. Holly was a friendly, good-humored fairy by nature. Under normal circumstances, she would have not been too annoyed at the various questions being asked. However, these were not very normal circumstances. She was undercover for heaven's sake! So Alexei answered as monosyllabic as he could to every question that went his way.
A chill voice sliced easily through the chatter as knife would through butter, commanding the attention of every single person in the class from the very first syllable that dropped from his lips. Perhaps it was the authority and power strangely combined with ennui underlining the quiet voice that made it heard. It was not the volume truly, but there was intensity in that voice that made it reverberate without being loud. "What's the name of your father?" asked Artemis, his face and eyes bland. He seemed indifferent to all the chatter. To everyone, he maintained a faintly curious expression, as if a passing notion caught his fancy.
Alexei, without meaning to, glanced up and saw indifferent, chill eyes gazing at him expectantly. Anger flamed in Alexei's hazel eyes and he dropped his gaze. Damn the boy. Artemis knew that the best way to ask questions and get them answered would be in front of a large crowd of people where she could not simply refuse. Cunning as always. Holy didn't even want to know why Artemis wanted Alexei Forster's father's name. The answer would be most likely something she didn't want to happen. So much for undercover around Mud people.
Fingers clutching the book bag clenched the handle so tightly the knuckles turned white. Alexei rolled his eyes and said quietly in a clipped voice, "Philip. His name is Philip." After that, Artemis spoke no more although Alexei was sufficiently unnerved.
After two minutes of what seemed like interrogation, Father Patrick finally called to the class, "All right, that's enough about Mr. Forster. If you have anything else to say, socialize with him on your own free time. Alexei, kindly take your seat beside Mr. Fowl." Alexei didn't know which he dreaded more: being interrogated by Mud people or sitting beside public enemy number one, Artemis Fowl. Each step the red haired boy took seemed like an age and he kept his eyes on his feet, focusing on not bumping into anything, and flicking his eyes upwards only to make sure that he was going the right direction. Within thirty seconds, Alexei had seated himself. Holly's ears, within the earpieces, were beginning to burn. She could feel Artemis's gaze, keener than a scalpel, taking in her appearance.
"I've already graded the essays on." said Father Patrick, but Holly didn't hear anymore. Although her gaze was dead straight and calm, her nerves were tingling. She shot a glance once in Artemis's direction, but he seemed to be paying her no heed. On the contrary, he seemed to be focusing on what Father Patrick was saying, face as emotionless as a block of ice. If she hadn't known Artemis better, she would have dismissed her notions as signs of paranoia but, accordingly, underestimate Artemis Fowl, just one slip with the Irish boy, and he'd turn the tables against you as effortlessly as the sun pulled the planets around it.
Alexei maintained a cool, aloof face to the rest of the world, but it was not impossible to detect the signs of agitation on his countenance. And Artemis Fowl was a master of reading other people's emotions. Alexei Forster was hiding. He was hiding something beneath the surly exterior. The raven haired, slender Irish boy allowed the new student to glance his way surreptitiously several times while Artemis listened with half his attention to what Father Patrick was saying. There was something incredibly strange about Alexei Forster, this so-called son of a diplomat. He seemed particularly upset when Artemis reached for his earpiece. It had been an instinct really. The metal contraption had fallen to his side. It had fallen exterior up so he had not been able to glimpse the mechanics within, but it seemed so strange. Almost as strange as the way Alexei's hair parted around near his ears almost as if. Artemis tried and failed to put it into concrete thought, but he felt it teasing the edge of his consciousness. Artemis was not an avid fan of ESP, fascinating subject as it was, but he had the strangest sense of déjà vu around Alexei that was strangely set off by everything else about him. It's the eyes, decided Artemis, There's something very familiar about the eyes if anything. Artemis glanced sidelong as Alexei took something out of his book bag. The eyes were hazel with a strange sheen in them. It was almost as if there was something in the surface that made them stand out abnormally. Were they contacts? Artemis couldn't be sure without looking closer and attracting Alexei's attention. He turned his gaze back to the white board where Father Patrick was laying down notes.
The back of Holly's neck was prickling once more, and the elf stifled the urge to strangle something. Someone was looking at her for sure. Was it Fowl? A glance to her right revealed that it was not he. But she couldn't be sure. A quick, searching glance at those in front of her quickly told her that no one there was staring at her. Holly bit her lower lip and dropped her pencil. She went down on her knees to get it and was able to crane her head to get a clear view of all those in the back of her. She caught Aidan glancing away. Aidan? Was it Aidan then? The elf's pulse sped up as she pondered whether Aidan had seen her ears. But wouldn't he have said something if he saw her ears? Mud people usually did. But Mud people did not usually look like fairies.
As Holly returned to her seat, thoughts chased themselves around her mind, confused and frantic. Dare she try and mesmerize Aidan? Would her magic let her? Hypothetically, if she was capable of automatic healing, then she should be able to mesmerize anyone. Even Artemis. Holly glanced to her right once more. Artemis was tapping something into his computer console. But mesmer had not been tried on someone who had been mind wiped before. What were the chances of mesmerizing someone who had already been mind wiped anyway? This had to be a first in LEP history. She wasn't completely sure what the effects of a mesmer on a mind wiped mind were. And Artemis Fowl was not someone you wanted to take chances with. And Aidan is? prodded a voice, unbidden inside her mind, Is he someone you want to take chances with as well? A discreet glance to the back left where Aidan was revealed that the boy was doing the same thing as Artemis, typing furiously in his console. No, came the answer, quite firm and strong, I don't know who or what he is, but I know that I need to be very careful around him.
The rest of the class passed more or less uneventfully. Aidan was not in her math class, and Alexei assured him that he was capable of finding his way back to the Monastery from the classrooms. The two would meet up later in the cafeteria. The elf was no longer very sure how to act around Aidan except to be natural. Aidan did not seem to be the type who appreciated plastic smiles and laughter, but neither did he seem to tolerate unnecessary and useless chatter. If the situation did not please him, he had a habit of clamming up instead of voicing his opinions. A reserved, easy going Mud boy, decided Holly, who could easily be taken advantage of by other people if Aidan's not careful. He did not display any more signs of interest in Alexei except to be of some help navigating the Cathedral. Neither did he mention the incident with Alexei's earpieces. Again, Holly was undecided on whether to monitor him closely or to drag him into a dark corner, mesmerize him and have him spill his guts. She eventually chose the former as the effects of the latter were still unknown and could well be disastrous.
Artemis also did not display any signs of interest to Alexei. He ignored him like he did everyone else, gliding throughout the hallways with the unmistakable elegance and grace only a predator could exude. It was almost sad to watch Artemis toy with the people who dared cross his path. But she also had to admit that Artemis only took his time to thoroughly harass someone, with only his voice and gaze might she mention, if the said someone put himself in Artemis's way. And no one did. At least not intentionally.
He did attract the admiring glances of several girls in the hallways and classes Holly noticed. Artemis's effect in a hallway was near incredible. As soon as his footsteps were heard, the noise level died to discreet. A thousand eyes followed his progress. Small, discreet glares from envious or fearful males, the frightened girls were looking at anywhere but him, some were quite forcibly ignoring him going on their way chattering, while other females quite openly flirted with him. Small pockets of females that dotted the hallways giggled and whispered behind palms or purposely posed to attract his attention. Artemis ignored them, and continued on his way, a solitary figure parting the crowds as easily as sunlight sliced through the shadow. It was easy to follow Artemis's slender figure sailing down the hallways.
Alexei coughed slightly to get Aidan's attention. "That Artemis Fowl. he seems to be quite the character," commented Alexei.
"Mmm," said Aidan, face dispassionate and eyes staring ahead. But Alexei knew he had Aidan's attention by the way Aidan's gray eyes flicked ever so slightly to Artemis's back.
"Do you know him?" asked the red haired boy, pressing the issue. The two of them were walking briskly to Alexei's Calculus class. Luckily enough, Aidan's class was near by so he did not have to leave Alexei. Artemis seemed to be going the same path as they, which unfortunately brought him into Alexei and Aidan's attention.
"Yeah," said Aidan.
"How?"
"We've been schoolmates ever since we came to school in St. Bartleby's," answered the gray eyed boy.
"Oh," said Alexei, eyes drifting towards Artemis. "Do you know him personally? Have you ever talked to him?"
"Only a few times," said Aidan. "Do you know him?"
"Excuse me?" asked the red haired boy, thrown off by the question.
Aidan glanced at Alexei's surprised countenance. "I asked if you knew Artemis. You seem interested in him. And back in the class just then. you seemed eager to get away. From him."
Alexei's breath caught in his throat imperceptibly, amazed at the acuity with which Aidan perceived his surroundings. "No," said Alexei after a long moment of hesitation, "no, I don't. I've. only heard about him."
"I see," said Aidan. He had stopped by a door in which Artemis had disappeared into. "You sure you don't need help going back to the Monastery?"
"Of course not," said Alexei. "I'll see you in the cafeteria."
Aidan nodded minutely and left for his own classroom. Alexei frowned at his disappearing back before turning his attention to the classroom
Artemis was seated somewhere in the back, idly looking outside the window. A tall, sultry female of striking beauty wearing the St. Bartleby's uniform for girls in such a way as to make it cling seductively to her curves was tiptoeing behind Artemis, a voracious glitter in her dark eyes.
"You don't even want to try sneaking up on me, Isolde," said Artemis in a voice that bespoke of boredom.
"When did you see me?" asked Isolde, pouting. She sat on Artemis's desk, forcing him to look up to her. She pulled on her luxurious dark hair, the sheen in them reflecting off the sunlight. Dark locks were fashionably curled at the end and was gathered in a high ponytail that accentuated her sensuality.
"I didn't need to see you," said Artemis flatly. His sapphire eyes were hooded and his face was stolid.
Isolde cocked her head to the side, her smiling revealing perfect white teeth. "Is that any way to greet an old friend?" she asked.
"We were never friends," replied the dark haired Irish boy with a tone of finality. "And if you'll kindly leave before the teacher gets here, I would very much appreciate having my desk back."
"You seem to be concentrating awfully hard on a class you know you'd ace anyway," continued the dark haired girl. She leaned towards him, closing the distance between them. Her voice dropped a few octaves, "What say we ditch this class, hmm?"
Artemis was watching her as emotionlessly as ever, but there was wariness in his eyes. His breath caught in his throat at Isolde's proximity and his lips parted in tiny surprise. Beyond Isolde's shoulder, he saw hazel eyes widen, watching in complete and utter shock made only far too obvious with the jaw dropping. He snapped to his senses and averted his face, irritation flashing in his sapphire eyes. He quickly scooted his chair back and stood up. "Don't do that," he snapped.
Isolde seemed momentarily surprised before she regained her composure. "Of course," she said, and there was a hint of sulk in her voice, "We'll finish it later." She went to her desk but paused by Alexei who had remained rooted to the spot, eyes cast down. "Oh, you must be the new student everyone's talking about," she smiled at the new boy. "Rumors are going around that you're father is a rich minister."
Alexei mouthed words soundlessly before looking up and saying, "No, my father is just a diplomat working for the United Nations." His voice was bland, but there was a burning curiosity in his eyes as he gazed at her. "Who are you?"
"My name is Isolde O'Ciardha. My father is the CEO of Ciardha Enterprises," she said, smiling.
"Oh," said Alexei simply before walking to his seat. Isolde seemed taken aback by Alexei's terseness, but was distracted by the arrival of their teacher.
Alexei was, by now, very confused. Thoughts tangled and battled inside, each demanding attention and each just adding to the forest of questions growing inside his head. Holly knew that Artemis was by now about sixteen or so, and that he must have some relationships with Mud girls his age, but she hadn't expected something so.. She hadn't expected a public display of intimacy with another Mud girl. For heaven's sake, it was a classroom. And for reasons she had yet to decipher, she didn't like this Isolde. Not one bit.
The red haired boy winced as the teacher called his attention sharply back to class. Alexei hastily bleated out an apology. When the teacher's attention was safely diverted elsewhere, Holly winced once more. Just when the teacher had called her, there was a sharp pain in her chest. Come to think of it, she'd been having chest pains for a while now. She just hadn't mentioned it to anyone in fear that they would use that as an excuse to pull her out of this assignment. Back then, there had been other issues to attend to and the pains had only been faint and passing. Now, it seemed as if someone had just slapped her on the chest with a big stink worm. Repeatedly. Alexei frowned and put a hand over his chest. His heart was beating very quickly, but also erratically. No good. Even she knew that. All of a sudden, she just wanted to get out of the classroom. The bell that rang at twelve-thirty could never be welcomer.
Alexei hastily gathered his things, barely noting to take down the homework that had been assigned, and went out the door. A hand flashed out to catch his wrist and Alexei quickly dodged to the side, eyes flashing in surprise and hostility. Isolde stared at him with something akin to delight cleverly hidden inside her brown eyes. "You really are defensive, aren't you?" she asked.
Alexei shrugged coolly, trying to ignore how his sudden movements made the hammering on his chest escalate. He stooped to pick up his fallen book bag, ignoring the curious stares of the students who were walking down the halls. He would have ignored Isolde completely and strode down and out the Cathedral had she not decided to socialize.
"Listen, Alexei, I know you're a new student so I was wondering if you wanted to have lunch with my friends and I. It'll be really fun," she promised with a smile.
Hazel eyes gazed suspiciously at Isolde's pleasant countenance. No, not pleasant. Isolde was pleasing to the eye, sultry and beautiful, but she was not pleasant. There was a trap hidden somewhere behind the friendly brown eyes, the inviting smile, the beautiful face, and the sensual form. "No, thanks," said Alexei, trying to sound amiable but instead coming out strangled, "I was going to have lunch with Aidan."
"Well you can invite Aidan too, silly," laughed Isolde. Her eyes flickered past Alexei and the boy stiffened.
"Artemis," smiled Isolde eagerly. "Would you like to have lunch with us too?"
The latest person she invited to have lunch with her was just exiting the Calculus class. Artemis's only response was an indifferent, freezing glance that all but shouted the response Alexei was tempted to say: Hell no.
"Or would you like to have lunch with just me?" flirted Isolde.
"I'd like to have lunch with you," said the raven haired boy softly, "about as much as I'd like to have lunch with a cannibal."
Isolde smile faded only half a notch before she asked brightly, "May I speak with you alone, Artemis? Alexei, excuse us. You won't miss where I sit in the cafeteria."
Alexei discreetly watched as Artemis very reluctantly allowed Isolde to lead him somewhere beyond her vision. Holly was surprised. Not because Isolde had invited Artemis, but because Artemis allowed himself to be lead off. Artemis, as far as her memory went, never let anyone make him do anything anywhere and at any time. It seemed totally against character. "What are you up to, Artemis?" murmured Alexei underneath his breath. He gasped, his vision swimming as his heart reeled. "Wh-what's going on?" muttered Alexei. "What's happening to me?" No! she thought desperately, fighting for consciousness though she could already tell by the blackness eating her vision what was happening, not again! This is so Victorian..!