Chapter Two: A strange connection

I reach a massive oak door, the words engraved- Artemis Fowl's Study. Keep out on pain of death. I don't think he's joking, judging by the state of his personal protector. I nervously glance at Butler, and he nods forward. I reach for the knob, and turn.

Inside, the study is lavishly furnished. Hanging on the wall, are huge portraits of men and women, down the ages. They have the same striking blue black eyes, the same dark hair and intrigued look. They appear to be Fowls.

"No need to be shy. Come on in." The boy signals for me. I notice he is seated at a pine desk, papers neatly stacked, a white Macbook facing him. Behind him, a Victorian fireplace flickers with fire and light. I toss my auburn hair over my shoulder, to show him I'm not afraid.

"Welcome to Fowl Manor. I have no doubt you find it impressive."

I bit my lip, trying to force myself from answering him, but the force is too strong.

"To be honest, I was a little disappointed. Where I live, manors are at least twice the size of this one." The words gush out, before I can stop them. He raises an eyebrow. "I've heard of the great Artemis Fowl. To find his manor is a tiddly little thing, with no hounds for protection? You must be losing your touch, Artemis."

I say this airily, but the words have no effect on Artemis. This enrages me.

"I hardly think so. What's the name of this auburn beauty?" He asks sarcastically. My cheeks flush. I've said too much. I normally do.

"I-I'm Hazel. Hazel Dunsworth." That's odd. I never mention my name, let alone surname! This Artemis is getting a lot out of me, using his blue black eyes to penetrate into my soul.

"Interesting. Why are you here, Hazel Dunsworth?"

"U-Um..." I'm at a loss for words. I need to say something, and quick. For the first time in my life, I'm speechless. The words have gone, and I'm left looking a complete idiot in front of a cute boy. Wait, no, I didn't say that... Did I? I'm not sure. His deep blue eyes follow me, making me blush. His shaggy raven black hair falls into his eyes, quickly pushed back by his hands. For a few seconds, our eyes meet. I quickly look away.

"Assuming you have nowhere to go, you may stay the night. Butler will lead you to the room where you will stay. Now please, leave." He gestures to the door, and I slink to it, not daring to look behind me.

"Oh and Hazel?" Artemis calls. I turn to face him, hoping he'll say something romantic, something exciting. "Breakfast is at nine sharp."

I roll my eyes, stomping out of the room. Butler raises an eyebrow, surprised at my reaction.

Butler turns to me "You know, it could have been worse."

I'm tired, irritated, and my head throbs with all the thinking I'm doing. I don't have time for this. "Could have been worse? How exactly could it have: been worse?!"

"You're a thief, assuming by your choice of clothes." His gaze wanders to my black catsuit. I blush, and smooth it down.

"Master Fowl is not as kind to...intruders as he has been to you. You could've been turned into the police. I'm not sure you'd enjoy a lifetime in prison."

This is unbelievable. "A lifetime? I hardly think so. My crime wasn't that great!"
Butler looks ahead, his eyes filled with adoration. "Master Fowl has contacts. He could do whatever he wanted to you."

I'm not believing what I hear. This pale, fourteen year old boy could sling me in a cell, for the rest of my life? I'm doubtful. Then again, nothing ordinary has happened on this trip. Butler regains his composure, and strides ahead, each footstep a metre and a half. I have to run to keep up with this man/giant.

We, (or I) gallop up the giant staircase. I look around me with wonder. On the left wall, it's patterned with Egyptian hieroglyphics, patterns and symbols. I run my finger along it, feeling the coarse, dry material. I glance down, to see an amused Artemis standing at the bottom. Why is he watching me? I felt a tingle of unease run down my spine. This boy wasn't normal...

ARTEMIS'S P.O.V

I watched her descend up the staircase, running to keep up with Butler. They always did. It amused me to watch powerful businessman to jog behind Butler, their faces red with the effort. Butler always had that effect on people. This girl was...different. I'd had countless numbers of people stay in Fowl Manor, but this girl made me feel... I shook my head, and wiped my face of any emotion I might be feeling. This was no time to discussing about human emotions. There was a job to be done. I watched as the last traces of Butler and Hazel disappeared upstairs. I turned to my Macbook, which I carry with me always. Flipping it open, a 3D diagram appeared on screen, rotating, "The Crown Jewels." I whisper to myself, in amazement. Stealing the crown jewels may be cliché, but the profit will be rewarding. Since Father disappeared, it is my job to restore the Fowl family as one of Ireland's richest families. A taut smile appeared on my lips. They won't know what's hit them. Thinking of those pompous, snooty British royalties makes me shake in anger, but I must stay in control, for the Fowl family's sake. I may be one of the world's well known criminals, (something I take pride in) but sometimes I need a little magic... A plan takes shape in my head. And I know just who to ask...

HAZEL'S P.O.V

I'm lying on a luxurious four poster bed, in the middle of a small bedroom. Surrounding me are portraits of the Fowls... They're everywhere. It unnerves me how their dark eyes seem to follow me, wherever I go. Butler led me to this room, grunted a goodbye and left. I'm terrified; I have no idea what's going to become of me... I was surprised when I first met Artemis, a thirteen year old boy speaking with authority and the intellect. He's clearly a genius, but it irritates me how he's so cocky, and smug. Yet... I don't know, I just found him so charismatic. I felt drawn into him. No, I'm not going to do this again! Last time I gave my heart I was crushed. By a boy, barely a man, who was a lying, dirty, cheating rat. I'm independent now, much stronger. I don't need anyone. Family, friends, they all let you down; crush your dreams and hopes. If this Fowl boy proves a threat, it's my duty to eliminate the threat... I grin wolfishly. This is going to be fun...