I forgot to add the obligatory disclaimer last time. I do not own Artemis Fowl or any of the characters used in this story. Anyways, same thing as last time, Hope you like the story and I welcome comments (even the ones to correct my errors).

Fowl Manor (2 days earlier)

Artemis Fowl sat at his desk in the study pondering over the Corriere della Sera, the Evening Courier, one of Italy's leading newspapers and 84th largest newspapers in the world. He was looking for a particular piece regarding one of his most recent endeavors. He did not have to look far either. Just below the headlines (regarding the passing of the Italian Prime minister) was a long piece on the right hand side, the title of which read

"New Raphael Unveiled At Uffizi Gallery!"

Artemis allowed himself a small smile of triumph.

Although, he thought, a five-century-old painting can hardly be considered "new". Perhaps "previously undiscovered" but certainly not new.

In recent times Artemis had occupied a Robinhood-like presence in the art world, acquiring rare paintings from private collections and then donating them to various museums and public galleries around the world. Although the paintings were not always removed with the consent of the owner, the Raphael had been a completely legitimate transaction. Artemis had purchased the painting at private auction from the owner of a large American legal firm. Artemis saw these ventures as an excellent way to vent his criminal genius with little harm to anyone.

Honestly, he thought, who needs a multi million-dollar painting collecting dust on the wall?

Artemis cast a final glance at the article and then got up from his chair. He gritted his teeth as a wave of pain passed over him from the movement. Gasping slightly he gripped the desk tightly to keep himself upright as the fit passed.

"Really, this is becoming ridiculous." Muttered Artemis under his breath.

He had taken a pain tablet a little under a few hours ago and already the effects were wearing off. He had started experiencing random fits of pain for seemingly no reason a few months ago. Despite the pain, his personal physician had been unable to locate a problem, telling Artemis that he was as healthy as a gymnast and was simply suffering from a severe case of growing pains.

Healthy as a gymnast, that had made him laugh. He ought to be at least as healthy as any acrobat in the business after training with Butler regularly for the past five months. The bodyguard had decided that, given his own loss of vitality, he might not be as effective at protecting Artemis as he had once been. Therefore he had put Artemis on a regular training schedule so that, if need be, Artemis could defend himself in a tight situation. Artemis's free time was now permeated with intervals of Fencing, Martial Arts, Basic Training, and Yoga.

"Yoga?" Artemis had said. "Butler, really. I hardly think yoga will be useful when confronting a mercenary."

"Your body needs to be nimble as well as strong Artemis." Butler had said. "Raw strength is useless if your body is too locked up to use it"

"True, but I doubt an assassin would bother with fists. Firearms seem like a far more effective method of terminating a target"

"You might be surprised. A good assassin will use all of the tools available to them which means that in defending yourself you should have all of these tools as well"

Of course Artemis had protested, but Butler would not be dissuaded.

"My job, much as you might try to undermine it, is to protect you as best I can and you learning how to protect yourself is as important to your safety as I am."

" I can always hire more body guards to protect me." Artemis had said.

Butler had grinned.

"Knowing you as I do, you will not always be in a situation where you have a Body Guard on hand"

And so the training had persisted with Artemis unable to construct a decent argument against it.

Another wave of pain racked Artemis's body.

Definitely not growing pains, he thought.

Raw pain he felt he could have dealt with. But, each spasm brought on a buzzing headache, thumping in his ears, and nausea that was slow in fading. He found it very difficult to concentrate after one of these episodes.

Butler entered the room, looked around, and then came over to where Artemis was standing next to his desk

"Are you alright Artemis? You look pale."

"I'm fine old friend." Said Artemis with a small smile "My work has me a little tired at the moment."

"And what are you working on today? Not more art heists I hope"

"Well it is art," said Artemis handing Butler the newspaper. "But no. No heist this time"

"Ah yes, the Raphael. Soon there will be nothing left for the rich men of the world to display in their homes."

"Perhaps," said Artemis. "But I think I can still find a few"

"I wouldn't doubt it." Said Butler good humouredly "Anyways your parents sent me to find you. They want to say goodbye to you before they leave."

"Tell them I'll be right there." Said Artemis. "I just need to go up to my room for a moment"

He turned and walked out of the study leaving Butler standing next to the desk pensively.

Artemis hadn't been himself recently. This was not the first time Butler had found him pale and out of sorts. It was not like Artemis. Butler was worried about his young charge, but he didn't want to confront Artemis with the matter.

If he needs help, he'll tell me. Besides, thought Butler, Artemis is probably just worried about whatever scheme he's currently concocting.

* * *

Up in his room Artemis retrieved a bottle of pain medication from the drawer beside his bed and sat down to swallow one of the pills. He had considered talking to Butler or his parents about the pain, but he didn't want to worry them with what was probably just a passing illness.

Besides, he thought standing up, He had emailed Holly and told her about the problem so he ought to be contacted by either her or Folly any day now. It worried him slightly that he had not heard back from them yet. His last message had been sent over a fortnight ago. He knew that they where both busy with their work, especially Holly, who had been promoted to major. Still, it bothered him that Holly had ignored his last two messages. He considered Holly to be his best friend and he fervently hoped that nothing had happened to her to prevent her from contacting him.

He shook his head. He was being irrational. If something had happened somebody would have contacted him. He let a small sigh of relief escape him as he felt the medication beginning to work. He strode out of the room and headed down to the entrance hall to say farewell to his parents.

Down in the entrance hall his mother stood by the door watching while Artemis Fowl Sr. attempted to assist the limousine driver in loading their luggage into the car. The limousine driver was resisting help out of professional courtesy and was trying to tell Artemis Sr. to relax and that he would take care of their things.

The resurgence in the ability to use his legs had caused quite a change in Artemis's father. In addition to reforming his criminal ways, Artemis Fowl Sr. had become a much more robust and personal character and also to a loving father. Even now it was difficult for Artemis to connect the cold father from his childhood to the one he saw in front of him today.

Artemis walked down the stairs and joined his mother at the front door. Angeline Fowl smiled up at her son.

"I told your father to let the driver just go about his business but he won't listen to Me." She whispered. "Oh well. I suppose that the driver will just have to put up with him."

Out on the lawn the driver was not putting up with him. He was slightly red beneath the collar and was trying to remain calm as he explain that if Artemis Sr. did not get out of his way they would be late to the airport and miss their jet. Artemis Sr. put his hands up in defeat and walked back towards his wife and son. At a glance he moved as if he had never even lost his legs.

"Quite a disagreeable fellow." Artemis Sr. sounding not at all troubled by the "disagreeable" limousine driver.

"Well maybe if you would let him do his job dear." Said Angeline with a smile.

His father gave a noncommittal grunt and Artemis permitted himself a small smile.

"Are you absolutely sure you don't want to come with us Arty?" asked his mother.

"Yes mother," said Artemis. "I have too much work to do"

His mother frowned slightly.

"Come on Angeline," said his father. "He's old enough to decide what's best for himself." He leaned over to her and said with a wink "besides that leaves more time for us."

"Alright. Well, we will be back in a week and the Nanny has the twins." Said his mother giving him a hug. "Just try not to work to hard."

"He'll be fine," said his father with a wink at Artemis. "Besides, Butler will be here"

His parents began to head down the steps toward the open door of the limousine.

"Bye Mom. Bye Dad." said Artemis struggling to get the words out. It still felt odd to refer to his parents in such an informal manner.

They smiled, giving him a jovial wave each, and soon the limousine was rolling down the gravel drive.

Artemis watched until the limo went out of the gate and rounded the corner. Then he went back into the house and closed the door. All of the sudden Artemis felt incredibly tired. Perhaps he should have gone with his parents.

Maybe I ought to go lie down, He thought surprised by how tired he felt.

He made it up the stairs to his room and collapsed onto the bed, a dull throb sounding in his ears. He closed his eyes and fell asleep instantly.

* * *

The next mourning, Artemis was awoken by a sharp rap on the bedroom door.

"Come in Butler." Said Artemis

Butler entered the room looking distraught.

"Artemis something urgent has just come up. I need to leave for a few days to..."

Then Butler caught sight of Artemis's face.

"Are you ok Artemis?" He asked sounding alarmed.

"I'm fine Butler. I'm just a little tired. I didn't sleep well." Said Artemis. "What's happened old friend?"

"Juliet. She's been injured in a street fight in L.A. She's in the hospital right now. " He said quickly. "I was going to say that I needed to go see her but maybe I should stay here." He said with a worried glance at Artemis.

"Really, I'm fine Butler." Said Artemis. "I'm just a little under the weather. Go see your sister"

Butler cast an appraising eye over Artemis. He certainly did not look fine. But Juliet...

"I'll be back as soon as I can." He said. And left the room quickly.

Artemis shifted and sat up in bed only to be immediately knocked back down as a fresh wave of pain and headaches hit him. He gritted his teeth, the pain was getting worse. He reached for his pain medication and managed to swallow a pill. He waited, gasping, while the medicine took its effect. The pain went down but was not entirely abated. He groaned as he got out of bed and stumbled his way to the washroom. Maybe he would spend the day looking up obscure diseases.

Throughout the rest of the day the pain continued to get worse. The pain medication no longer had any effect at all. Soon his condition had deteriorated to the point where he could not move at all. 7 o'clock found Artemis curled up on his bed, shivering as spasms of pain racked his body.

"I need help."

This thought managed to pierce the fog of pain that was clouding his mind. If this continued he was sure he would die. The body can only take so much strain.

"AAARRRGG!" Cried Artemis as his head gave a nasty throb that felt like someone was driving a needle through his scull.

He fell out of bed with a crash to the floor. He needed help. But, nobody was home. No Butler. No Parents. Not even the Twins were home. There was nobody who could help him now. He began to panic slightly.

Don't panic, he thought. Panic will not help you now

He opened his eyes a crack and spotted his laptop sitting on the table next to the mirror.

Holly! He could send Holly a message. Holly would be able to help him.

It was his only hope. He clawed his way along the floor, each movement bringing more pain to his body. Sweat poured from him, dripping down his face as he managed to lift himself by the chair up to the table. The laptop was still on from when he had used it earlier. He clicked on the mail icon and scrolled down to Holly's name. He could see black approaching the edges of his vision and his legs weakened. His fingers scrambled over the keyboard, typing nonsense. He hit the delete bar, now delirious with pain. The black was filling his field of vision. He typed 4 letters "h" "e" "l" "p", hit send, and then collapsed, shivering, onto the floor.