Hi everyone!!!! Gosh, it's been a long time. I'm really sorry guys. I've been so busy recently with all my coursework for school that I haven't had time to work on my fic. I hope you'll forgive me!!!!

I know that a lot of you hate what I'm doing with Artemis and Minerva, but just wait and see. It's not as bad as you think it is going to be.

So, Artemis and Holly have failed to find the documents and Minerva has announced that she has arranged for her and Artemis to get married in two weeks. Poor Arty!!!!! Well, here's chapter five.

Chapter Five

The Urn

The following few days were filled with chaos. Ever since Minerva's announcement, Fowl Manor had been littered with tailors, make up artists and wedding planners, all trying to arrange a perfect wedding for, what many would say, a not so perfect couple. Minerva had booked an Irish church for the day when Artemis' parents were to arrive home from their holiday, and immediately after the reception, the newly-weds were to jet off for a three week honeymoon in Barbados. Artemis had had no say in the proceedings and it had turned out that his parents were partly to blame for the early marriage. Minerva had rung them, suggesting the idea, and they had agreed whole-heartedly.

The new schedule meant that there was now very little time to find the Wedding Documents, meaning that Holly's nightmare of being locked up in Howler's Peak was slowly coming true. They had to find the Documents and get married before the Fowl to Paradizo wedding. It could not be any other way. In less than two weeks, Artemis would be on a beach in the Florida Keys, unable to help.

Holly was getting worried. She had not returned underground, choosing instead to stay at the Manor and research with Artemis whenever possible. Foaly was often in touch, usually to claim that the Documents were proving very difficult to find, and sometimes just to have a chat. Artemis was very rarely availiable, as he was now having to spend his spare time having suits fitted and listening to Minerva's most recent decoration decisions.

Holly was growing weary of his constant absence and often discussed it with Foaly. She sat in the boy's study and spoke with the centaur through the camera.

"You'd have thought he'd forgotten about me," she snarled, folding her arms and leaning back in the leather swivel chair which was far too big for her. "It's 'Minerva this, the wedding that...'. I might as well not be here."

Foaly raised an eyebrow. "Why, Holly, if I didn't know any better, I'd say that someone was a little jealous."

Holly's face darkened, though deep inside she knew that she disliked Artemis not being there. She missed his presence. "You know what I mean. This time next month I'll be locked away with the goblins. I can feel it."

"Hmmm..." muttered Foaly. "I'm trying my hardest to find them, Holly. You must realise that. But I've got other work on my hands at the moment. If anyone found out what I was doing to help you, I'd be out of my job before you can say 'I do'."

Holly nodded. "I understand."

A long silence followed, in which time Holly took at moment to think about everything that had happened to her in the last few days. It was rather overwhelming, even for someone as strong-minded as Holly. And now it was all going horribly wrong, and there was very little anyone could do to fix it.

"Do you think Artemis is doing the right thing?" she asked suddenly.

Foaly looked up from his work. "What, marrying you?"

"No. Marrying Minerva."

Foaly narrowed his eyes, looking suspicious. "Why do you ask?"

Holly heaved a sigh. "You know, is he ready for such a commitment? Does he love her? At the moment all I've seen is him being pushed around by her. He's gone along with everything she's done. That's not like Artemis at all. He likes to have his say. If you ask me, Minerva's caused him to change for the worse. I liked the other Artemis better, when he argued and fought for what he wanted. Minerva just seems so... controlling over him."

Foaly was wearing a small, but mocking, grin. "That's the second time in five minutes that you've mentioned Artemis and Minerva. Are you sure there's nothing bothering you?"

"Foaly," Holly snapped. "Will you just answer the question!"

"I can't. Only Artemis can decide if this is what he wants for himself. If it's not, then it's up to him to sort it out. Now, could you be quiet for a moment? I think I've just found something that might help us."

The quietness was short-lived, as the study door opened and Artemis strode into the room. He looked tired, as though he hadn't had a good night's sleep for a week, which was understandable. His face was paler than usual, his hair was not combed and was standing up at the back and his eyes had lost their special sparkle that Holly had always seen. He had returned from a suit fitting, which he had obviously not enjoyed.

"Good afternoon," he said sleepily as he entered. He helped himself to a chair and fired up a computer. Immediately, his eyes shone. This was where Artemis liked to be. "Any news on the Documents?"

Foaly's face lightened. "Great timing, Mud Boy. I've just found something promising." Both Artemis and Holly sat up in their seats. "There's a place in Jersey, La Mare Vineyards." Foaly chuckled. "It would be somewhere romantic, wouldn't it."

Artemis thought for a moment. "Jersey? That's one of the channel islands, near the border of Northen France. It used to belong to the French and has a lot of French influences. It's actually quite famous for its wine, though more so for its cows and milk, so I've heard."

"Yes, thanks for the geography lesson, Artemis," replied Foaly, glancing at Holly who rolled her eyes.

"You're quite welcome."

"Anyway, let's continue. Just inside the entrance of the vineyard is an urn. No one knows when it was built, why it was or by whom. It has often been said that Frond was fond of Jersey. It is peaceful, with little human activity as soon as you get away from the capital, St. Helier, so seems to be the perfect place for Frond to place something so important. All you have to do is fly over there, check the urn and come back. With any luck, within the next couple of days we'll have you two married."

The atmosphere was slightly uncomfortable for a few seconds as the realisation of the situation hit home again. They were to be married.

Holly coughed, clearing her throat. "There's one flaw here, Foaly."

"Go on."

She looked at Artemis, wondering if he had thought the same thing. "Surely someone has looked in this urn already? The Documents, if they were in there, will have been found."

"Like I've said before, Holly. Something as big as the Wedding Documents being discovered would have caused great excitement and would have been broadcast on every television under the world. We would have heard about it." He saw the look of doubt etched onto both of their faces." It's worth a shot, Holly. This is the most likely place I've found in three days. Besides, it's not out of your way. Jersey is a forty minute flight away. You could have gone and come back again within a few hours. I suggest you go. Now."

Artemis pinched the bridge of his nose, closed his eyes and nodded. Travelling was the last thing he wanted to do at the moment, but it had to be done. "You're right, of course." He stood, brushing out the creases in his shirt, and made for the door. "I suppose this is another thing I'll have to tell Mineva."

Before he could leave Holly grabbed his wrist. "You're going to have to tell her everything, Artemis. It's no good just telling her that you're going out for a while this time. This is serious. You two are getting married soon."

Artemis looked at her with rather puzzled eyes. "I don't see why I can't just keep this information away from her. It will be much safer. There is no need to complicate issues even further." He made to leave once more.

"Artemis," Holly cried in despair, anger beginning to boil up inside of her. "Have you learnt nothing about realtionships over our last adventures together! You can't keep secrets from the ones that are close to you. You cannot lie to her, Artemis. She has to know. If you explain why you are doing it then she should understand. And, if she truely loves you, she will let you go ahead with it."

Artemis did not reply, though Holly knew she had touched a nerve, and left the study, closing the door behind him. Emotions were always a sensitive subject around Artemis Fowl.

"What was that piece of advice for?" asked Foaly.

Holly smiled. "Just a test. I want to see how Minerva will react."

Minerva was seated in the main family room when Artemis found her. He had taken what Holly had said on board, and was churning his words over in his head. How was she going to take it?

Minerva stood when he entered, leaving her seating plan on the table, and kissed him on the cheek. Artemis swallowed, uncomfortable. Just get it over with. Holly's right. You need to tell her.

Without a word, he gestured for her to sit down, and then took the sofa opposite her. Bracing himself, he looked her in the eye, and broke the news.

Holly was waiting in the main entrance for Artemis to emerge. She wouldn't admit it to anyone, but she was looking forward to seeing how Minerva was going to take the information. She had her helmet on and was listening to Foaly.

"Right, I've just booked Artemis's ticket on the plane. There was only one seat left so Butler won't be able to go with you, I'm afraid."

"Butler's not coming?" Holly felt her heart stop. "But last time we nearly got killed!"

"Sorry, Hol, but we can't waste time. Just be quick and make sure -"

"WHAT?" The high-pitched shriek echoed around the manor from the family room. Holly found herself smiling. "I'm guessing he's told her."

Holly couldn't be sure, but she could have sworn she could hear Foaly chuckling over the microphone.

Half an hour passed before Artemis came out to meet Holly, in which time Holly talked to Butler, who was not happy with the idea of Artemis going, unaccompanied, on a public plane. When Artemis arrived he was, to Holly's horror, being shadowed by Minerva.

"She's not coming with us, is she? There's no room on the plane."

"No, no, she's not. But we have everything under control now. Minerva and Butler are to stay here and continue with the wedding plans. I've looked online and I see that Foaly has already brought a ticket, so we're all set. Butler will drive us to the airport, I'll get on the plane and Holly will fly to Jersey. We're to meet outside Jersey airport and go to the Vineyards from there. Butler, are you ready?"

Butler grunted, displeased with the proceedings. He grabbed the car keys from the hook on the wall and left the manor to go and inspect the Bentley.

Holly waited for Artemis, who turned to say goodbye to Minerva. He cleared his throat.

"Well, I'll see you soon," he said bluntly.

Minerva reached up to caress his cheek with a hand. "Be careful, Artemis. We don't want you getting hurt before our fantastic wedding now, do we."

Holly scowled. She knew what Minerva was doing; she was showing the elf who was boss. She decided to shut the blonde, French girl up. "Er... Artemis. We have to go."

Artemis glanced over at her. "Yes, of course. Well -"

But he was cut off. Minerva, realising that Artemis's attention was no longer on her, had pressed her lips onto his, kissing him deeply. She wrapped her arms around his neck, running her hands through his hair, refusing to let him go.

Holly lowered her head. She couldn't watch and was forced to leave the room.

Just over an hour later, Artemis and Holly arrived at La Mare Vineyards and stood in the car park. Conversation had been awkward between them since Holly had witnessed the kiss, but as it became clear that there was business to attend to, they put the memory to one side.

The sky was grey and a bitterly cold wind was blowing. The climate of Jersey was very similar to Ireland's and Artemis folded his arms, trying his best to keep warm. Holly had it easy, her suit warmed her automatically.

For this reason, there were very few cars parked. Artemis saw that to enter the vineyards he would have to cross the gravelled car park and walk through a wooden gate. The vineyard was small, much like Jersey itself, and quaint. Trees hung around the vines, swaying unhappily in the sharp wind and Artemis could just about make out the forms of two Shetland ponies in a paddock on the far side of the vineyard.

Artemis opened his mouth to speak and his breath came out in billowing clouds. "Right, now keep an eye out for any danger, Holly. Keep your shield on until we've entered, just in case a car comes, and if there's nobody there, you can remove it. You're the one with the gun, so if there's any sign of anything that could harm us, act quickly. We're going to the urn, looking and coming straight back out again. Is that clear?"

"Yup," replied a small voice, just above Artemis's left ear.

"OK, off we go."

Placing his hands in the safety of his jacket pockets, Artemis set off across the car park, gravel crunching under his feet as he went. Coming to the gate he unlatched it, let himself through and closed it again, silently. Narrowed eyes searched for an urn; they couldn't see one. Artemis's heart began to pound. What if Foaly was wrong and this was as unsuccessful as Niamh's house. Was this all just a waste of time?

Holly appeared at his shoulder and touched down to the ground. Artemis's doubts were immediately dismissed when she said, "I've seen it. Two rows down, in the middle of the vineyard."

Artemis followed her directions, grass now beneath his feet, striding down a row, and a second one. There were no grapes on the vines, just small leaves that were suffering from the bad weather. He turned to his right. There stood the urn.

It was just shorter than Artemis and stood majestically, surrounded by trees and thin vines. It was constructed from grey stone and moss was creeping its way from the bottom to the top. It was in the shape of a simple goblet, with what looked to be a very heavy lid sitting upon it. Artemis sighed. This wasn't going to be easy. Somehow, that lid had to come off.

He and Holly walked towards it and Holly decided to ask him about Minerva.

"How did Minerva take the news?"

Artemis blushed slightly at the mention of his fiancée. "Not well, I will admit. But I talked it though with her. She understands the problem. Anyway, let's not worry about her at the moment. It's getting the two of us married that's important at the moment."

Holly laughed. "Yes, because we're so madly in love," she teased.

"Indeed," sighed Artemis sarcastically. "Now, to get this lid off. I'm thinking you attach your moonbelt to the handle of the lid, hover and gently pull it off. You'll have to shield obviously. Are you up for it?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" she asked, and disappeared.

The process took a long time and at first it seemed as though the lid was not going to budge at all. But after several attempts the lid came free with the spine quivering sound of stone scraping stone. Artemis winced as hundreds of insects scurried from the darkness inside, desperately searching for a new home. Moss became displaced and fell to the ground and from above, Holly groaned due to the effort needed to keep the lid up.

"Are you all right, Holly?" Artemis called.

"Just dandy, thanks," grunted Holly. "Could you just hurry up, please. This isn't a feather I'm about to drop on your head."

Artemis nodded and quickly surveyed the area around him. No doubt the sight would have been enough to scare quite a few people. There was no one about.

Holding onto the rim of the goblet, Artemis peered inside, hoping. Cobwebs lined the interior and a musty smell greeted his nostrils. He squinted to see the bottom through the webs, only to be disappointed. Nothing.

"It's empty," he announced.

"Look again," Holly urged.

He obeyed, but to no avail.

"I'm sorry, Holly, there's -"

He stopped as he felt a sharp object dig into his back. There were no questions as to what it was. A pale, long-fingered hand slithered around from behind and clamped his mouth shut. Artemis froze. His heart hammering in his chest he flickered his eyes up to where Holly was hovering. She had not unsheilded. She had probably been so preoccupied with keeping the lid afloat that she hadn't seen this mysterious visitor creep up from behind him in time to warn him. But who was this person? Was it the same person who had tried to kill them in the woods and murdered Chix?

Artemis breathed raggedly from his nose.

"Well, well, well," whispered a haunting, female voice in his ear. "What are we looking for here, Mud Boy? And Captain Short, make one movement and this knife goes through his back."

Artemis gave an apprehensive shiver.

"Ooh, have I scared you, Artemis? Are you worried that I'll kill you?"

Artemis felt her remove the knife from his back, and she lowered her hand from his mouth. He didn't dare turn around. He didn't dare move. He didn't dare breath. His shoulders tensed as he felt her slide her long fingers into his hair, on either side of his head, gripping his scalp tightly.

"You'd better be good, Mud Boy, and tell me everything that I want to know. You and the captain." Her voice sent shivers rattling down his spine. Her grip tightened around his head. "But for the time being, I think it's time you had a little nap."

Suddenly Artemis realised what she was doing. But he realised too late. In a split second she drew his head back, then threw it back down onto the urn with a sickening crunch.

"Artemis!" he heard Holly shriek in horror, but it seemed to come from another world.

He couldn't see anything. The sheer pain from the blow had caused his vision to go white, his head was throbbing. It felt as though his skull had been broken into two pieces, which it probably had, and he could taste the metallic flavour of blood on his tougue.

He was quickly losing his fight to stay conscious and felt his knees hit the cold grass. His head followed shortly, and everything went black.

Ooh... cliffie!!! I'm sorry guys, I know you all hate me!!! I hope you managed to see how Holly is starting to maybe feel a little something for Artemis. She keeps talking about him... I thinks she's jealous.

And you can all kill me for the kiss!!! How could Minerva do that?! It's Minerva's way of showing Holly that she's in control of Artemis. Oh, how I hate her.

Well, anyway. I hope you liked it and please review. It's great to hear your opinions.

Aquarico.