Chp. 2:
Disclaimer: Nope. I don't own Artemis Fowl...Eoin Colfer does. I do own Salt, Pepper, Sugar, and Mrs. Peters. Hey Eoin, wanna trade?
'I don't have time for this,' Artemis thought as he strode back into the living room. 'I'll simply get Butler or Juliet to watch the children. Ah, there's Juliet now.' Artemis quickly stepped up to the staircase banister where the young Butler sat fingering some sort of infamous Butler weaponry. This one appeared to be a mini bomb in a bouncy ball.
"Oh, hi Artemis!" Juliet smiled as she finally looked up and caught sight of her older brother's charge.
Artemis nodded his head in greeting. "I was wondering Juliet," he began, but stopped as Juliet started chuckling.
"Mum broke the news to ya?" she giggled as Artemis frowned. "I have strict orders, from Mrs. Fowl, not to assist you in anyway with the kids unless you're in a life or death situation."
Artemis began to tap his long, key-board expertise fingers on the banister. "I presume Butler was given the same order?" Artemis finally asked, looking up.
"I'm afraid so," a low voice answered behind him. Artemis turned to meet Butler's dark gaze.
"This is going to cause a sharp delay in my plans," Artemis growled.
Juliet hopped off from the banister and cocked her head. "It's only for a…"
Butler shot Juliet a warning look over Artemis's head. When the young Fowl was in one of his moods, it was definitely not a wise idea to try and contradict him.
"I was going to finish my crystals, and perhaps work some more on the C Cube. In a few months it should be finished, that is," Artemis scowled, "if I ever get the time to complete it."
Suddenly the tuneless ring of the doorbell sounded throughout the mansion. Artemis began to rub his temple with his fingers. "I already feel a headache coming on."
Juliet smiled her encouragement before leaving to open the door.
"Artemis, you'll be fine," Butler put a hand on his young master's shoulder as shouts were heard from the main room.
Artemis narrowed his eyes. "For the children's sake let's hope so." He straightened his coat, checked his cuffs, and then set off in search of the three little terrors.