Hey!!! I managed to get hold of my dad's laptop, so even though I'm on holiday, I can still update! Sorry this chapter took so long, but I couldn't find the time.

Thank you all for the awesome reviews!

Here's a message to Flossi:

I got both the new Artemis Fowl graphic novels! You're going to love them! And there's a little part about it that I know you're going to love (you being dodgy and all)! I miss you lots, and can't wait to see you and Manga again! Hope your enjoying your holiday! And read Manga's new story! YOU HAVE TO!!!! Go look at my fav stories, and you will find it! It's on my profile page!

Here's the next chapter!

Nicknames and Affections

Holly stumbled up to the classroom door, breathing heavily. It had taken her forever to find her class, and it had been by pure accident that she had stumbled upon this particular corridor. She was just praying that she wasn't late.

To her surprise, she wasn't.

The rest of the students were just stepping through the door, chatting and giggling amongst themselves. Holly stepped in last, avoiding the crowd.

She looked around, and was suddenly blown away by how little students there was. She counted only sixteen, including herself. She thought there would be a lot more! But then she remembered that there was more than one class per grade.

This seemed to reassure her, so she took a another look around.

Instead of small, one seater desks, there's two by three rows of long desks that could easily fit three students. The desks were in two columns of three, and each had three chairs.

The other students were already choosing their seats, making sure to sit with their friends. Holly spotted a desk right at the front which was completely empty, and immediately bolted for the desk. She sat at the far left of the desk, and heaved a sigh of relief. She was there at last. And she prayed that she would be alone for the rest of the class.

Unfortunately, life had other plans for the unlucky Captain.

Holly dug a exam pad out her bag, and looked up, her eyes darting towards the teachers desk.

The desk was sitting next to the chalk board, and it was piled high with papers and reading books. The desk was a utter disaster zone, and it was obvious the teacher didn't take much care of it. Holly wondered where todays work was, and hoped the teacher would never find it. Report cards and tests could easily get lost on that desk.

Well, there's some good news for all those flunkies out there.

Suddenly, a young man walked into the class, carry a laptop carrier bag. He closed the door behind him with his foot, and walked leisurely to his desk, muttering to himself.

Finally, he walked to the front of the class, and stared down at them.

Holly was thrown by how young the teacher was. She estimated he was about twenty three! How could someone that young be a teacher!?

He had short, black hair which made a small curly at the top, a curly lock dangling over his forehead. He had pale, fair skin, and his eyes were dark, ocean blue. He was wearing a maroon colored button up shirt, and a black tie. His trousers were creamy white, and he wore black loafers.

He stood there, his hands buried in his pockets, his eyes sweeping over them. His stance was casual and relaxed. It was hard to believe he was a teacher.

"Well well, look who we have here! So this is the sorry excuse I have for a homeroom class." he said, his voice dispassionate.

Suddenly, his face broke into a boyish smile.

"Welcome back guys! It's great to be back. Hopefully, your marks will be better than they were last year." he called, suddenly putting on a mock grimace.

Holly looked around at the faces of her fellow classmates. They all wore happy, excited faces. Obviously, they were all familiar with this strange teacher.

Suddenly, the classroom door opened slowly, and everyone turned to stare at the latecomer.

Holly's eyes fell upon his face, and a pained groan escaped her throat.

This had just gotten a whole lot worse.

Artemis stood in the doorway, a bored look on his face. He closed the door behind him, then turned to the teacher, who was staring at him with a slightly amused expression.

"Aaah, Master Fowl. Thank you for joining us at last." he said, his voice still dull and expressionless.

Artemis nodded curtly, then took a look around.

His eyes fell on her, and a smile spread across his pale lips.

Holly shivered slightly.

The pale youth walked straight to her desk, and sat down right next to her, ignoring the seat on the far right. Holly groaned inwardly. Of coarse he'd choose the seat right next to hers!

Artemis took out his own exam pad, and dug in his blazer pocket. He took out a pen, then began to write hurriedly down on the piece of paper.

She turned away, returning her focus to the teacher.

He was still staring at Artemis, his smile gone. Then he turned to look at her.

Holly smiled warmly, trying to make a good impression.

He didn't smile back, but she saw his eyes soften.

Then he turned back to the class, acting as if the interruption hadn't taken place.

"As most of you know, my name is Mr Freeman. And let me remind you all, that I'm not your friend, or your 'buddy'. My relationship with you all remains friendly, and we all have our fun, but you will treat me with the utmost respect. I'm your teacher, not your play mate."

Some of the smiles seemed to shrink, but upon seeing this, Mr Freeman gave them all a small smile.

"But, as you all know, I'm not like your ordinary teacher. My relationship with my students goes a bit beyond the professional. If you all do as your told, I will always treat you in a very friendly manner."

The class immediately perked up, and Holly couldn't help but grin.

Suddenly, his gaze turned back to her, and his smile grew even broader.

"Well well well, look who we have here." he said, his voice still that same, dull monotone. Holly noticed that he would often slip out of the dull tone, and creep into a more excited and cheery one, but he generally kept up the same bored, dispassionate tone of voice.

"Are you new here?" he asked her, grinning slightly.

Holly's eyes shifted to the side, and she saw Artemis staring at her, his eyes lit up with curiosity. She guessed that he wasn't the only one staring.

"Yes sir." she said firmly, her voice sounding similar to the way she would address a higher ranking officer.

"Well then, stand up and introduce yourself!"

Holly stood to her feet, feeling every ones gaze burn into her skin.

"Right..." she said, thinking about where to start.

Suddenly, she felt irritationally nervous. She saw that some of the gazes felt cold and hostile, while most seemed just bored and cold. She new the feeling all to well. It was like walking into a holding cell filled with convicts. Convicts that you just so happened to put there in the first place.

But she was still thrown by their coldness. The people she had met so far had all seemed nice and friendly, but why were they all suddenly so...scary?

Then, memories of her previous years in school broke through the surface, and she finally understood.

In a school, there is a unique society . The students all have a social group, and everyone is familiar with one another. Everything is set and in place, and nothing must disrupt the order of things.

But when a new student arrives, that person is an outsider. Unfamiliar and ignorant to the natural order of things. That person is viewed as a threat until someone takes them in. And when that person does, things will pan out, and the hostilities will eventually die down, as you become familiar in their environment.

Holly decided that the best way to go would be to explain herself as much as possible to them.

Oh gods. This is not going to end well.

Suddenly, something caught her eye, and she looked down.

Artemis was smiling up at her, watching her. When he caught her eye, he smiled even wider, as he silently encouraged her.

Holly couldn't help but smile back.

Then, with a deep breath, she turned back to the class.

Best way to handle this, is to look them all in the eye! Show that you're not afraid!

"Hello, my name is Holly O'Connor. I'm Irish, and I was born in Dublin. My father's name is Patrick O'Connor. He works as a engineer. Due to his job, he travels a lot, so I have to be sent to boarding school. And...umm...well I'm here now, as you can all see!" she said, suddenly running out of things to say.

A girl with a black bob cut stuck up a hand, looking at her curiously.

Holly nodded at the bob head, indicating for her to continue.

"And your mom? What does she do? Is she a house wife, or something else...?"

Holly stiffened, and she heard Artemis' sharp intake of breath.

"My mother...died a few years ago. She was an environmentalist."

It wasn't far from the truth.

The bob head's cheeks drained of color, and she bit her lip as her eyes widened in horror.

"I'm so sorry. I...shouldn't have asked..."

Holly shook her head hurriedly, waving a hand dismissively.

"No no, it's alright! How were you supposed to know." she said reassuringly.

The girl nodded meekly, still looking miserable.

Holly sat down, and was relieved to see that most of the gazes had softened slightly.

But despite it all, a sharp pang of sadness clawed at her, and she bit her lip, looking down at her page.

Then she felt a warm hand touch hers under the desk. It was soft and shy, but still warm and gentle.

Holly looked down at her hand on her lap, bemused.

Artemis had reached across the short distance between them to lay his hand over hers. Her hand felt cold, and he gently rubbed it with his thumb, comforting her.

Holly felt blown away by this sudden burst of affection. It was way too out of character!

But, that didn't mean she didn't like it.

Gingerly, she turned her hand over, and entwined her fingers with his, accepting his comfort. She rubbed his hand with her thumb in return, and turned to flash a smile at him.

Her heart felt like it was going to explode. Happiness chased away the sadness, and she wondered why she hadn't done this sooner. She felt wanted, safe and at peace with everything. A part of her was too shocked to register what was happening, but she didn't care. Whatever it was, it felt right, and she wasn't going to ruin it.

They sat like that for what felt like an eternity, holding onto one anothers hand, then Artemis pulled away reluctantly.

As his hand left hers, Holly felt a urge to grab it again, but resisted the urge. It felt as if all the joy and warmth had left with his hand, and her heart yearned for him to touch her again. All she wanted was to be held, to know that everything would be okay. She wanted him to hold her, and for once, she wanted to let her guard down, to be able to feel and be felt. She wanted to drift, to lose her sense of uneasiness.

And she knows that there is only one person who can make her feel that way.

She opened her mouth to say something to him, but before she could say anything, the classroom door opened for a second time.

Mr Freeman heaved a loud, exasperated sigh, as a girl entered the class, look around, her expression

nervous.

"Are you all finally done? Is that the last of you? Because I'd really like to move on." he said, rolling his eyes.

The girl bit her lower lip.

"Sorry sir, but I arrived late. My flight was held back."

Mr Freeman waved a lazy hand at her.

"Fine Eve, but please warn me next time. Just sit down, please."

The girl nodded, and took a seat, dropping into the chair next to Artemis.

Mr Freeman mumbled something about ethics, then turned back to the class.

"Right, now that that's all over, lets get down to business. Last year, I promised I'd give you all nicknames. You had to earn the right to receive a nickname, and now that you're all no longer Grommies, you may now receive your nicknames and become individuals!"

The class burst into chatter, excited by the prospect.

Holly looked down, and was just in time to see Artemis drop a folded note in front of her.

Gingerly, she opened it up, and stared in awe at his neat, crisp hand writing. It looked like a piece of art work!

Dear Holly

I'm terribly sorry about what happened in the corridor...I know I've done a lot, but I just want to let you know that I feel awful about it all! I understand if you can't forgive me, but I just want you to know that I truly am sorry.

And that thing in the corridor...um...well I must admit, my social skills are a little rusty. I feel very foolish!

But I must ask, why are you here? Don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic that you're here, but I'm curious.

What is wrong? Goblin trouble? Maniac trying to take over the world? Stolen fairy technology? I can't think of a huge enough reason why you'd have go undercover here at St Bart's.

Or...has there been human contact with the people? Or is it...no, I'm not even going to suggest it. The prospect is to unbelievable. Whatever it is, I'll be happy to help.

Oh, and by the way, No1 did a very good job! The growth spell looks amazing! I barely recognised you earlier.

And I'm really sorry about your mom Holly. If there's anything you want or need, I'll be there to help. That's a promise.

And I always keep promises to my friends and family

Sincerely

Arty

Holly was shocked by his message. This was all to good to be true. Artemis had never been so...sweet.

She took a pen and began to write furiously, as Mr Freeman walked around the class, pausing and thinking as he gave his students nicknames.

Dear Arty

As I said to you earlier on the way back to Fowl Manor, lets leave the past in the past. And I do forgive you! I'll admit, I most probably would do the same for my mom. But back to my previous topic, I do forgive you, and lets get past it.

And if you do that thing in the corridor to me again, you'll lose all your front teeth! You'll have to eat all your food through a drip for the rest of your life!!!

And that unbelievable prospect? Well you'd better start believing it, because it's happened. I'm here to protect you. I have to find the person who's been sent to hurt you.

I'll tell you more about it later.

You think so? I personally hate it! This is so strange and unnatural! No1 isn't going to get hugs and kisses any time soon.

And thanks for your support Arty, it's nice to know you're here. But please do me a favour. Seeing as we're in the same class, do you mind showing me around? I'll get lost without a tour guide!

Holly

As she finished the letter, she sneaked a quick peak at Artemis.

He was laying on his arms, his head resting on them. He was looking out at the board.

But what struck her the most was his eyes.

They were filled with a deep, sad longing, and his eyes seemed to glisten with moisture. He looked sad and anxious as he waited for her reply.

Oh...Arty.

Holly felt her own heart swell up, and all she wanted was to see that smile of his.

She didn't know if it would help, but she drew a small, crude smiley face on

the letter. She had never been an artist, but at least she could draw a smiley face when she needed to.

Folding the letter neatly, she handed it back to him, letting her hand linger there for just a second longer than necessary.

He took the letter, touching her hand for a brief second, then reading his message.

Holly watched as he read, and saw his eyes soften, then his eyebrows shoot up in surprise.

Then, with a wicked grin, he writes his letter, grinning to himself.

Finally, he hands the letter back to her, smiling ruefully at her.

Captain, I must say, you really would be lost without me! Of course I'll help. Did you expect me to just walk off after just seeing my elven friend pop up in my class? No, I don't think I'll do that.

Opal, if I'm not mistaken? Well, then we really have a problem. I honestly thought this was all over.

Oh well, no use crying over spilt milk.

…

On that first note Holly, thank you for your forgiveness. But...

There's somethings I can't leave behind. If I lose my most precious memories, I'll most likely lose my sanity along with it.

Arty

Holly stared at the message, her jaw hanging.

Is he saying what I think he's saying?

Holly just stared, to shocked to move.

Suddenly, Artemis grabbed the letter, and stuffed it into his blazer pocket.

She opened her mouth to protest, when she saw the reason for his actions.

Mr Freeman had reached their desk, and was standing in front of her, wagging a finger at them.

"Now now, no love letters in my class!" he sang, smiling wickedly.

Holly opened her mouth, but no words came out. Surprisingly, Artemis did the same.

"Right, time to give the new girl a nickname...hmmmm." he murmured, pausing in thought.

Suddenly he clicked his fingers, his boyish smile spreading cross his face.

"Pixie!! That's your nickname!"

Holly gave a comic double take, too shocked for words.

When words did come, her voice was high and strangled.

"Pixie, sir? Why a pixie, of all things!?"

"It's quite simple! You're so small and cute! You remind me so much of those cute little fairy pixies dancing round the flowers!" he laughed, smiling from ear to ear.

Holly had a silent fume, and wondered just how ironic this all was.

Mr Freeman moved on to stand in front of Artemis, and his smile grew by about two centimeters.

"And finally, Master Fowl. I have the perfect nickname for you!"

Artemis looked up, looking bored.

"Your new nickname, Artemis, is going to be Rambo."

The class burst into hoots of laughter, and Artemis gaped at his teacher, stunned.

"Sir...why Rambo!?! I'm nothing like him!"

"Exactly! That's why! It's pure genius! And besides, can any of you imagine Master Fowl trudging through the forest carrying a heavy loaded machine gun, wearing army uniforms and gear with tar smeared across his face?"

Everyone shook their heads.

Suddenly, a red headed boy with bad acne whispered to his friend, projecting his voice loud enough for all to hear.

"To be honest, I think Rambo suites him nicely! I mean, have you seen him in the shower rooms!?Hell, I'd hate to see him in the happy hour!"

Holly felt her cheeks grow red and hot, as the class fell into shocked silence.

Artemis was blushing a bright shade of red, as he ground his teeth together.

Oh, Root would be proud!

Slowly, Artemis turned in his seat, glaring at the snickering boy.

"Now really. I don't believe you're in the position to make snide comments, Spotty. Forgive me for this, but I must point out, that your...size isn't what one would call 'stupendous', now is it? I mean, at least I have something to show off! I wonder, is there anyone else who hasn't noticed you sticking toilet paper down your pants as you leave the bathrooms?" he sneered, his voice loud and clear.

The color drained from Spotty's face, as everyone turned to grin at him.

Mr Freeman had a hand in front of his mouth, as he tried to hide his smile.

"Please, can we not discuss the size...or lack thereof, of Spotty's...equipment. That must be a very sensitive subject for him!"

Spotty buried his face in hands, looking on the brink of committing suicide.

Artemis grinned, as he turned back to Holly.

She shook her head in disbelief, smiling at him.

"You know what Arty? You are disgustingly devious!"

Artemis smiled ruefully at her, chuckling.

"I try, Holly. I really do!"

So, did you guys like it? I really hope you do! I worked really hard on it, and I actually had writers block for a while! But I got through it, as you can see!!

Please guys, don't be shy! Send me more reviews!!! PLEASE!!!! I NEED MORE REVIEWS!!:D

But no FLAMERS!!

By the way, Grommies are like newbies. They are the babies in the high school. The pests, and the ones that mean absolutely nothing to society!

And I made Mr Freeman after my own favourite teacher, Mr Leighton! And he just so happens to be my English teacher! My teacher is the best!

I'll update soon! That's a promise!

See ya!:)