Chapter 17
Yo -
This is VampirePeaches, who should really be doing her own story rather than take up challenges from other people!
Please read and tell me what you think!
Hey, uh…this is my version anyway…:D
((BluAyu-LOL! This was my winner, I had alot of entries, and I was really impressed. You guys have some really twisted ideas!!!!!! LOL! This one had alot of detal and I could help but just to laugh out loud every now and then (I forgot what part it was but I remember falling out of my chair at one part...lol crazy me)....Anyways my first and second place winners!
1st Place-VampirePeaches
2nd Place- Amy Shadows
Both of you were excellent.....well detailed and I could help but just to laugh out loud in some points of the story. You guys remembered so many people in my story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL! Cammie and Ryoma.....and the blonde barbie chick((she was part of the series in the very, very, very beginning right?) I was like, "Oh wow! You guys are very observant!" And you really are, I'm glad I have readers that pay close attention! Okay, ENOUGH rambling, here's an excellent chapter by VampirePeaches!))
Just a little more than dancing
Artemis was getting rather irksome. He was expecting Holly any time soon, but knew it was too much to hope for. His mouth twitched in an ironic gesture. Artemis could admit to himself that he had been rather foolish to think she would show up. And there he was, standing outside of Saint Bartleby's, getting smug looks from all the girls that he had turned down the previous couple of days. It was only the exception of Cammie that gave him anything but a contemptuous look, receiving a small smile from her, as she walked up the drive to the school's front doors.
If Holly didn't show up now, she probably never would. And Artemis was rather sick of all the scathing looks from the girls hanging off the fellow boy's arms.
Brushing a lock of his hair back from his eyes that the wind had teased loose, he gave a barley audible sigh and fetched his mobile phone from his Armani suit pocket. Pressing his speed dial button, he held the phone up to his ear and turned to face the double doors.
"Master Fowl?" came the answer. "Do you need any help?"
As usual, Butler was there. Faithful Butler. Never once stood him up, or let him down. Gently chiding himself for getting worked up about one broken promise, he filled the gap his thinking had created.
"Butler? Please come to the dance. I will need you to take me home." Artemis' voice was even, though held a slight frosty tone in it. Butler, being Butler, heard it straight away and immediately knew that Holly hadn't shown up. Sparing his young employer the embarrassment of questioning, he merely replied "Yes Artemis."
"Good. I will meet you at the front of the school in half an hour. Do not be late."
"Yes Artemis."
Removing the phone from his ear, he turned around.
"Late entrances are not my thing, Mud Boy!"
Immediately, Artemis placed the phone back to his ear.
"Butler?"
Of course Butler was still there. Madam Ko's rule number 24 :- Never hang up the phone until the principal has. You are not bodyguard material if you hang up before the principal has, as you may miss valuable information.
"Yes?"
"Come at the usual time." And now Artemis really did disconnect. Because, late as always, was Captain Holly Short, of LEP Recon retrieval, running up the path, heels in one hand, purse in the other. Artemis' jaw dropped. Could this be the same Holly? Holly, with a little black dress on? Holly with make-up? Holly…Holly…
The person of the topic arrived up the path, slightly flushed. Popping her heels on her feet and switching her bag to the other hand, Holly straightened herself and looked Artemis straight in the eye.
"Well?" she demanded, but with a soft tone to her voice and a twinkle to her eye. "How do I look?" Smiling a little she stepped back slightly, but never broke her gaze from his.
Artemis however, was slightly shocked at the effort she had put into looking this good. Although he would probably never admit it, he had been wondering if she would show up wearing rags, spiked hair and black teeth, just to spite him. But amazingly, she hadn't. He could only wonder why…but unbeknownst to him, his wonderings were not far off…
Holly was still smiling; her foot tucked slightly behind her other in a slightly immature manner. But a small price to pay for looking human for twenty-four hours. Or however long the serum lasted for. She wasn't particularly paying attention to Foaly when he explained the dangers of it, how and when it should be used, what neutralises the results, blah blah blah… that pony never knew when to shut up. Holly had pretended to know what he was talking about, nodding on every so often, but in reality she was dreaming of the dance just a few hours later… She had been late, getting approval from the Council to go ahead with the mission, and running into Chix Verbil on the way to the surface hadn't made her life any easier. Especially as she had been wearing the outfit she was wearing to go the school dance. The stupid sprite's eyes had nearly fallen off his face onto Holly's shoes when he saw her. She had whacked him hard on the head with her handbag. Or what seemed to be a handbag.
By that point she had got slightly annoyed at Artemis' lack of response. Sort of disappointed that he hadn't said anything about how she looked, never mind a word to her since she got there, she untucked her leg, smoothed her hair back and stared at him expectantly. Artemis, finally getting the gesture, regained his composure and held up an arm to her.
"Shall we?" he said smoothly, praying that Holly wouldn't ask about the little stutter he had made just a few seconds ago. She didn't, choosing to take his arm and proceed into the school hall.
A fair distance into the earth, sat Foaly, in the Operation's Booth. Why? Because he had nothing better to do, except watch Holly through the camera he had planted in her purse. She had been totally against wearing an iris cam, (Foaly had had many speculations on what that particular reason was, and they all involved a certain Artemis Fowl…) but that still didn't stop Foaly from implanting a button camera into her purse. True, they were terribly primitive, and Foaly felt rather foolish, resorting to such prehistoric methods to spy on Holly. Still, it was worth it, to see what Holly and Artemis would be 'getting up to', at the school dance. And with Holly five foot four inches, it would be a lot easier for Arty to 'pull off any moves' on a person of his own size, instead of a midget he would squash.
Foaly just hoped that Holly paid attention to his warnings of the serum that transformed her into a human – on the outside, of course. It would have a few side affects, such as make her slightly more emotional, and act on her feelings and impulses more often. Ryoma had it under control by now, but since this was Holly's first time under the serum, the effects would be rather drastic – or funny as Foaly would put it. Also, since she would be posing as a young teenager, she would also have the gift of hormones at her disposal too.
Reaching out to grab another carrot, Foaly accidentally hit the record button in the Op's Booth. Although, whether it can be said if it was an accident, can be investigated thoroughly at a later date.
Holly felt she should have stayed below Earth, as the wave of teenage eyes found her and Artemis. She was sure that Artemis was used to it by now, but she most definitely was not. She should not be feeling like this, as being the only one of her kind was not new to her, seeing that she had had to put up with a lot of prejudice when she had first been promoted to Captain. All the male officers had always thought that this was no place for a girlie. They had, however, stopped making fun of Holly once she had beaten the high scores in the firing stimulators in the practise arenas.
This feels like the first day of high school, thought Holly, a little dazed from all the attention. Did these adolescent minds consider her unequal? Strange? Holly felt her old competitive rush come back to her, pushing her to strive to be the best. That's strange, felt Holly. I haven't felt this competitive rush since I was in high school…
She snapped straight back to attention as a blonde, in a skirt that looked more of a belt to Holly, stepped up to her and said rudely "So you're Arty's date? You don't seem like his type."
Arching an eyebrow at the bimbo in question, Artemis decided to make his voice heard. "His type? And tell me, could you define my type?"
Tossing her hair back (mostly just all over Holly) she pointed to herself and said in a very pointed voice "Well duh! Me of course!" Sliding up to him in what she obviously thought was a seductive manner, she purred "Well Arty, how about it?"
At this point, Holly lost her temper and smartly stepped in between her date and the bimbo. "So sorry Blondie, but he's taken. Why don't you just go off and make out with the first boy that comes running up?"
'Blondie' was totally taken aback by this little speech. Obviously she hadn't heard of rejection, because her face swelled and turned rather red. Holly still felt that this little Mud Girl needed some more punishment. Calling out to her, she said, "Green isn't your colour dear."
Turning to the small crowd of people that had gathered there, she demanded, "What are you all looking at?"
A tall boy who had dark blonde hair whistled appreciably. "We're looking at you, Red. You're the first person to dis Larissa. Ever! Other people are afraid of what she can do to your reputation, but not you!" The boy finished with a grin, and held out a hand. "Name's Leighton. What's yours?
Not accepting the offered hand, Holly simply said "Holly".
Turning to Artemis, she jerked her head impatiently towards the dance floor. Getting the message, he walked over, next to Holly.
"That was impressive," he said quietly.
Holly grinned at him. "It was always a quirk of mine to defend my territory." Obviously not realising the impact of these words, she turned to her date. "So, what do you want to do?"
Not for the first time this night, Artemis couldn't speak. Does Holly think of me as her territory? Could what Juliet said be true? Do I…like her? But more importantly, does she like me?
His ponderings stopped when Holly poked him. "Heyyyy…"she whined. "Don't ignore me!" Hearing herself, she was shocked. "Since when did I get so immature?" she mused out loud.
Finally, a question that I can answer. I will never understand women, said a little voice in Artemis' head. Quickly banishing the idea of people talking in his head, he answered Holly's rhetorical question. "Since you have taken the tonic to transform you into a human, it would appear that this would have some side effects. Mood swings must be one of the adverse effects."
"Great," muttered Holly sarcastically. "I get to be a moody teenager all over again. Oh joy".
At that point, a song came on. Listening closely, Holly could make out the lyrics
…Tell me babe, how many do I shed my tears?
Every heart every heart is not a gentle yet…
Squealing, she grabbed Artemis' hands and pulled him to the dance floor. "I know this song! Ryoma's always singing it!"
"Holly, I don't do dancing," protested Artemis as she dragged him towards the dance floor.
"Hey Artemis," she said rather dangerously. "You don't have a say in this. And guess why they call them dances?"
It was a rhetorical question. And this time he didn't bother answering.
Shall I do? I can never say my loneliness
Every heart doesn't know so what to say oh what to do
was afraid of darkness cause I felt that I was left alone
So I prayed for help to the distant million stars
Willingly Artemis put his hands to rest on Holly's waist, and she put her arms around his neck. Swaying slightly to the beat of the opening verse, Artemis started to relax.
Round and round the planets revolve around the sun
And we always seek after love and peace forever more
Holly could feel the music accelerating along with her heart as she danced with Artemis. Who the hell would have thought he would be such a good dancer? Wondered Holly, as he took her hand and spun her.
Growing growing woah baby we can work it out
Look up at the sky every heart is shining all today
Artemis dipped her, and she stared into his blue eyes. Like the sky on a summer's day… Puling out of the dip they slow danced across the hall, their eyes never leaving each other's.
Show me now, what kind of smile do I come across?
Every heart every heart can take a step towards the dreams
Subconsciously Artemis' mouth twitched up into a smile. Holly imitated him, and they stepped forwards and backwards, forwards and backwards, almost in a dream.
All of us what to take a lasting happiness
Whenever you feel sad, I wanna hold you
and give you a sound sleep
Is this what I want? Holly asked herself, listening to the lyrics of the song as Artemis and her revolved leisurely on the spot
Someday every hearts gonna free and easy
We have peace of mind
Someday all the people find the way to love
For the second time, Artemis dipped her but held it up to the end of the verse, giving them plenty of time to stare at each other.
Goes and goes the time goes on we are not alone
We live on together and we will find some precious things
Sometime we will smile sometime we will cry somehow
Don't forget believing yourself - tomorrow's never die
Holly remembered the times that Artemis did not know of her. True, she did find some precious things at that time in life, but the most valued thing that she found was the strength to keep on going.
There is the warm heart places on my mind
In my earliest day's there and it's so sweet
There are many stars they have talk with me so kind
They say yes always time's friend of mine so shine
Holly had changed Artemis' life for the good. She had always been there for him, albeit reluctantly, but there never the less. Although reluctantly was too strong a word…
Round and round the planets revolve around the sun
And we always seek after love and peace forever more
Growing growing woah baby we can work it out
Look up at the sky every heart is shining all today
Spinning her around, Artemis admired the way she held herself. Graceful. She was always, graceful, even if she did not know it or think it. Even when she was in combat, she could keep her balance. Something that the other recruits noticed, as well as Artemis.
Goes and goes the time goes on we are not alone
We live on together and we will find some precious things
Sometime we will smile sometime we will cry somehow
Don't forget believing yourself - tomorrow's never die
For the last and final time that night Artemis spun her, but this time, held her at arms length, until finally the song came to the closing few bars. Following the beat, he slowly gathered her back in to his arms, and held her there until the song ended.
The rest of the school had surrounded them in awe, not speaking, or laughing. Not even nudging each other and commenting. But there was plenty of that when the 'couple' realised that the general school was viewing them, dancing and basically flirting.
Holly finally realised what it was like to be a goldfish in a bowl. It had been a long time since she blushed, but there's always more than one chance to embarrass yourself. Turning a vague pink colour, she risked a glance at her date. He of course, had not turned any colour, remaining his normal pale self. Artemis merely stared at the pubescent eyes, until they started to mingle with themselves.
Turning to Holly, he asked "Would you like a drink?" It came out slightly hoarse, but Holly didn't notice that. She was a little preoccupied, deep in thought about her feelings towards Artemis.
Waving a hand in front of her eyes, he asked "Holly? Are you on his planet or hoping to be out of here?"
Immediately snapping back to attention, she answered rather hastily, "Yeah, I'm on this planet. So, uh, what do you want to do now?"
"Truth be told, this dance is a little boring." Meaning that he could not spend any 'quality time' with Holly.
Nodding, Holly replied with, "I doubt that there's anything left to do here."
"Incorrect, Holly. I believe that there are prizes to be awarded at this social gathering."
She snorted slightly. "Prizes? What for? Who can stuff the most cookies in one minute?"
The teacher who stepped up on the hall podium answered Holly's question.
"Attention students! We have the results of the dance King and Queen! Now normally the students vote, but we think that the results are unanimous."
Holly felt her mouth go dry. The little voice inside her head told her she should make a run for it. But the person behind her convinced her not to. This night had been fun, but she didn't want the centre of attention, not twice in a row at least.
"Please step up, Artemis Fowl and his date!"
Shooting her a glance, he took her hand and they walked up to the podium, the teacher beaming at them.
"Well done Artemis! It's nice to see you finally making a friend, or should I say more than a friend?" she said roguishly, winking at Holly.
Squirming slightly, she accepted the small trophy alongside Artemis. Applause followed, led by the large teacher who handed them the trophy. Stepping down, Artemis murmured to her "I think it's time we left."
"For once, I agree with you. Just let me get my bag and we can call Butler."
Silently agreeing, he walked with her to the cloakroom. Leaning against the doorframe, he crossed his arms and thought about the previous hour. He had been so worried about her not showing up, but when she did, she took his breath away. It was not a nice feeling, but at the same time he wanted to feel it every day when Holly was around. Then came Larissa. She was a pain, but when Holly referred to him as her 'territory', he shivered unintentionally. But not necessarily in a bad way…
And then there was the dancing. Artemis knew he shouldn't have done all that, but he just couldn't help himself. It all came naturally to him, after one year of dance lessons when he was eight, which his mother had forced him to take. Being the genius that he was, he could easily improvise the tune and predict what to do. Surprisingly, Holly followed his lead, matching him move for move, an equal to him in so many ways.
"Ok," she announced, forcing Artemis to pay attention. "I've got my purse, which has absolutely nothing in it. Let's go!"
"Then why did you bring a purse?" Artemis himself couldn't see the point of bringing something that had no use to him whatsoever. Holly shrugged and said, "Foaly insisted. He said that 'it matched my outfit', or something stupid like that."
This seemed strange to Artemis. How would a centaur (and a male one at that) know something about fashion? Especially one that wore tinfoil hats on his head. Brushing it off, he asked Holly "Would you like to go for a walk?"
This startled Holly. Was this the same Fowl who kidnapped her, cut her finger off and made her life miserable? Not that it was particularly miserable now but…
He was being kind. A landmark moment for this particular person. He might be up to something, said a small part of her brain that she always listened to. Except it was usually much larger than this and the voice was much louder. Say yes! Screamed the other part, in a voice that would have deafened the people in Timbuktu.
"That would be nice," said Holly after a while, just when Artemis was beginning to lose hope. Immediately perking up, he held out his arm. Taking it, they stepped out into the cold night air. Holly shivered. This ridiculous and impractical dress offered no protection whatsoever. If only she had a nettle smoothie to warm her up…
Holly received something just as good, if not better. Noticing her shiver, Artemis took off his jacket and draped it around her shoulders. Feeling the warmth from the jacket transfer into her bare skin, she shivered, but this time with delight. Seeing her shiver for the second time, Artemis hesitantly put his arm around her.
Smiling this time, she looked at him and spoke softly. "I had a good time tonight. Remind me to invite you to any parties we have in Haven."
Still in his Operation's Booth, Foaly couldn't tear his eyes away from the computer screen, feeding him live images from the dance. The cloakroom in St Bartleby's didn't have a door, giving the centaur a perfect opportunity to see the whole event. And the little song that Artemis and Holly danced to almost blew his brains out. Arty really did pull a few moves on her. Not that she was virginal innocent either. You didn't see her wearing the white dress and warding Artemis away with a clove of garlic and a stake. Holly matched him, move for move in their little dance game, with the sexy little black dress on. Where under the earth could she have gotten it? She didn't own it, and she certainly wouldn't waste the gold buying it. Someone must have lent it to her. But he didn't know of anyone that she was friends with who owned that sort of stuff. Of the right size anyway.
Then it hit him. Butler had a sister who was friends with Holly. It was more than possible, as she could have easily borrowed the dress while on the surface. And the shoes to go with it. But the make-up and the hair were all Holly's own doing, and the one reason that Foaly could think of that would compel Holly to dress up to this extent was the Mud Boy himself. A horsy grin appeared instantly on his face. He would have a field day, asking her about the dance, pretending he didn't know, while all the time really knowing what had happened. Psychology was always a good tactic to find out someone's feelings. Although, psychology wasn't altogether necessary to figure out Holly's feelings towards Artemis.
Supposed couple were almost around the school pond when Artemis felt his phone vibrate.
"I'll just be a moment," Artemis told Holly. Walking a little away from her, he opened up his phone and said "Yes Butler?"
"Artemis where are you?"
Shifting uncomfortably Artemis knew that Butler knew exactly where he was. No need to lie about it and make life difficult once Butler knew that he knew that Butler knew that he was lying.
"I'm on a walk with Captain Short. We'll be there in half an hour."
On the other end on the phone, Butler smiled. His young master was finally 'communicating'.
Disconnecting, he walked back to Holly who had sat down on the grass near the pond. "We have to go in half an hour," he told her, kneeling down besides her.
Nodding absentmindedly, she murmured "Uh huh," and moved to look at the stars. "Do you realise that it's rare to a fairy to see the stars like this and not be scared of being caught?"
"It would seem that way," he replied slightly dryly, looking up with her. The sky was an inky blue-black, the stars looking like small silver fishes swimming in an ocean of navy.
"We have to go in half an hour," Artemis said to her quietly, breaking off her reverie.
"Yeah," she agreed getting up. "I'd better go. Until we meet again, Master Fowl."
She shimmered, and then disappeared. Artemis watched the shimmer walk away, and whispered "Until we meet again, Miss Short."
"Holly! Holly! HOLLY!!"
Holly woke to the sound of Foaly screaming in her ear.
That was the fourth time she had fallen asleep on her desk that morning. Root had peered in the first three times to yell at her and tell her to get back to work. The fourth time it was Foaly, screaming at her to get into the Op's Booth to 'come and see this really great footage I found on the Discovery channel on the mating of different species'!
Holly didn't actually care to see this 'fascinating' process; all she wanted was sleep after staying up till four pm. Still, if it would wake her up and shut Foaly up she was prepared to drag her lazy carcass to the Operation's Booth.
But when she actually got there, what she saw wasn't the mating of different species. Oh no. What she saw was footage of her and Artemis, at a certain high school dance. With a grin that spread from ear to ear was a centaur that deserved eating his own hooves.
Heh heh, the end of my version. A little longer than you wanted, but never mind, I could never resist huge chapters… :D
This was written by VampirePeaches, who should be really be writing her own story… ;D