Hey people! I'm very, very, VERY sorry that this took soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo long to finish, but I have been very preoccupied! I am writing an ACTUAL book of my own! And it has a very good chance of getting published! Well, at least that's what they said! I really hope it does happen! :D
The story's name is "The Vampire and her Keeper"! Thank you to Manga and Holly Marie Fowl for reading what I have made so far! You guys are awesome!!!!! :)
By the way, here's a message to Manga Zeal. :)
You suck!!!!! : P you know why? Coz I said so! (Ps. This is a personal joke. Everything I say means the opposite!)
Enjoy my chapter!
Oh, and Alucard is sooooooooooooooo AWESOME!!! :) People, do yourselves a huge favour, and go look him up! You won't regret it ;)
Debates…?
The trio strode into a dimly lit classroom. Artemis looked around, a scowl on his face. It seemed like some very bad memories had been born here. Holly watched him curiously, intrigued by his strange behavior.
Eve was also watching the pale youth, her face concerned. She shifted from foot to foot, wringing her hands slightly. She was in obvious distress, and Holly began to wonder just how bad the situation really was.
They took their seats at the back of the class. Once again, there weren't multiple desks, but a group of six round ones. The rest all took their places, and Artemis, Holly and Eve were left with a table all to themselves.
Holly made sure to sit between Artemis and Eve. She didn't know why she had the sudden urge to separate them, but she did know that she'd sit next to her human companion, no matter what the cost.
Artemis began to rummage through his bag, muttering to himself. He dragged a notepad out his bag, and dropped it on the desk before him. He dug a pen out his pocket, and began to write on the paper, the pen shooting across the page at a furious rate.
Holly sighed, and turned to Eve, who had her eyes glued to table.
Holly leaned in and whispered urgently into her ear.
"Is this normal?" she whispered, her voice filled with worry.
Eve turned to glance at Artemis, and then looked back at the table.
"Yes. He's trying to preoccupy himself." She muttered.
Holly turned back to Artemis. The sight of him in this state was very unsettling.
He had finally stopped writing, and was now staring at the board, his dark eyes seeming to flash and sparkle.
Holly tapped his arm, and he turned to her. As their eyes met, his eyes softened abruptly, and he touched her hand.
"Yes, Holly? Is there a problem?"
She knew he was referring to her state of mind. He was undoubtedly worried about her. He knew that what she had seen could physically hurt her, and he feared for her safety. Further more, the fact that he couldn't see her tormentor made him all the more terrified for her. He was afraid to admit it, but she meant the world to him.
But, little did he know, Holly felt the exact same way about him.
"No, no problem. But…why are you so…on edge?"
Artemis frowned slightly at her, and then shook his head.
"It's nothing. Honestly, don't worry about it."
Holly couldn't help but doubt this, but she let the subject drop, much to Artemis' relief.
Suddenly, the classroom door opened, and a middle aged man with short cropped brown hair walked into the class. He wore a pair of round spectacles, and he had a scientific look about him.
Obviously not the religious type.
Artemis' glare snapped to the man, and he stared at him, the corner of his lips turned down.
The teacher dropped his bag next to his neat, organized desk, and turned to address the unfortunate students.
"Morning. It's good to see you all here! Hopefully, you have all gotten acquainted. But let me introduce myself to all the new students here. My name is Mr Johnson, and I'll be your maths teacher for the duration of this year."
A small, almost in audible groan escaped the students, signaling their discomfort and lack of enthusiasm.
Mr Johnson pretended not to notice. He pushed his glasses back up his nose with one slim finger, and then he began to pace slowly back and forth, waving his fingers at a slow, maddening pace.
At that moment, Holly decided she would dislike this teacher till the end. Not only because Artemis disliked him, but because of the way he posed himself. Prancing around like some pompous scientist, lecturing them about rubbish, things that didn't matter to anyone! It all just went through one ear and out the other. Honestly, who would ever use algebra in real life? No one, so why did he have to lecture and rant on about it?
Holly finally came to a conclusion.
Because he's a pompous English stink worm with a science degree.
Holly tried to ignore the fact that most of the reasons why she didn't liked this teacher were because Artemis didn't. She decided rather to focus on the fact that she hated maths and pompous gits.
The elf decided that from then on, she'd do the exact opposite of what the man told her to do. She didn't care if she failed maths! She was here to protect Arty, not to pass a grade! She couldn't care any less about her grades. She'd passed school once already, and she didn't need to do it again!
Holly glared at the teacher, as he launched himself into a lecture.
"Right, now that we're all acquainted, it's high time you all learn the facts. Maths is a very important subject, and I expect all of you to take it seriously…"
Holly stopped listening at that point. She was going to stick to her pledge, and since he said they should take it seriously, she wouldn't.
She took a pencil case and notepad from her bag, placing them on her desk. She tore out a piece of lined paper, and began to draw and doodle, using the lines as guides.
Soon a form began to take shape. She drew the long arms, stretched out like a pair of bat wings. She drew the long, claw like fingers spread wide, and the long, lean body curving to the side in an almost snake like sway.
Finally, she came to the head. She gave the eyes a malicious sheen, and the smile was insane and filled with blood lust. The dark hair framed his head, flowing like it would in water.
Suddenly, her pencil dropped, as she stared at her own creation.
The man grinned back at her, and the eyes almost seemed alive, just as firery as they'd been as he had lifted her off the ground after he had broken her hand.
The memory came back to her like a flash, and her hands began to tremble. Fear gripped her hard, and she tried desperately to calm herself.
Artemis watched her out of the corner of his eye. His dark blue eye drifted down to her crude drawing, as he wondered about the cause of her distress.
His eyes widened as they took in the sight of the monster on her page. He saw her shacking fingers, and the sound of her fast breathing could be heard over the sound of his own steady intake of breath.
With a slightly trembling hand, Artemis inched his across the space between them. He lightly touched her hand, and then moved his fingers to the drawing.
Slowly, he dragged the paper to his side of the desk, and lifted it to his eye level.
He let out a loud, harsh breath as he stared at the picture. His eyes took in the insane, blood-thirsty grin and the dark, dangerous eyes. He stared at the man's position; his arms spread wide, his hands forming claws in the air. His long black hair flowed around him, and he almost seemed like some bizarre spectra.
But, he knew this man was no ghost. He had seen Holly's condition after the encounter.
No ghost would ever be able to inflict that much damage to anyone!
He turned slowly to look at his companion. Her hands were clenched, and she was staring at her own fists. Her nails were digging harshly into her soft skin, and Artemis felt the urge to hold her hands in his.
"Is that…him?" he asked, pointing at the picture.
Holly took a shaky breath, and then nodded slowly.
"Y-yes. I have never been good at art, but that's a generally good idea of what he looks like." She stated, still not looking at him.
Artemis looked back at the picture. He let out another breath, trying to calm himself.
"Oh gods…" he breathed uneasily.
"Well, that's the under statement of the year." Muttered Holly, slowly regaining her composure.
"Holly…this is…disturbing, to say the very least."
The elf bit her lip, and turned away. It was as if maths had suddenly become the highlight of her life in less than five minutes.
Artemis sighed and pocketed the doodle. He'd sketch it out later and make it look more presentable.
As he looked up, his eyes meet with that of Mr. Johnson's. He was standing in front of their desk, a large stack of papers in his hands.
A scowl crossed Artemis' face, and he glared at the man, not bothering to hide is irritation.
The man smiled at Artemis, obviously enjoying the youth's inner struggle to remain composed.
"My, my! Master Fowl! It's good to see you again!" the man drawled, his words thick and sickeningly sweet.
Artemis nodded, pasting a fake smile to his lips.
"The same goes to you, Mr. Johnson. I'm looking forward to our little history lesson later. It will certainly be…enlightening." Artemis purred, giving the evolutionary his infamous vampire smile.
Mr. Johnson reared back slightly, and then smirked at Artemis.
"Enlightening? Oh yes, I'll enjoy it immensely. It's about time you learn which way the wind blows, Master Fowl."
Artemis gave a dark chuckle, the sound sending Holly's blood cold. She thought he had changed…well, maybe just a little.
"Oh no, sir. I do know which way the wind blows. Maybe that's just because I'm not a monkey. But, if you insist, I could go get you a rock to write with. Would that be easier for you?" Artemis drawled, his dark eyes flashing.
Holly nearly had a full on heart attack. Was he insane?! Speaking to a teacher with such disrespect would surely get him expelled.
But to her utter shock, Mr. Johnson pretended not to hear him, and simply slammed a maths sheet onto the table before the smirking Irish boy.
He kept his hand there, and leaned in close to Artemis, speaking in a harsh whisper.
"I expect over ninety percent from you." He growled his voice almost in audible.
Artemis shrugged, picking at the corner of the maths paper.
"Fine sir. I always get over ninety for everything I do." Artemis smirked, a sparkle in his eyes.
The maths teacher seemed to lose his nerveat that point, and he carried on handing out the papers, muttering under his breath.
Holly and Eve both took one glance at their papers, and then turned to each other. They both gave a knowing nod, and spun around to look at Artemis, both with hopeful smiles pasted to their lips.
Artemis heaved a heavy sigh, gave each of them a glare, and then grabbed their papers.
Holly grinned, and patted him on the shoulder, pleased that she wouldn't have to lift a finger.
Artemis ignored her, already writing furiously. He'd answer the question on his paper, then copy it down on theirs in light pencil marks, just to make sure they wouldn't get caught cheating.
Holly didn't like to think of it as cheating. The term seemed just too ugly.
I mean, it's me who needs to pass! And besides, I'm sure Arty wouldn't mind! Who could it hurt?
As Holly tried to find a good enough excuse as to why she was letting Artemis do her work for her, said genius passed their papers back, smiling slightly.
Both girls' jaws dropped. It had taken him less than ten minutes to finish the papers.
With shaky fingers, they took back their papers, and began to rewrite the answers.
Holly turned back to Artemis and gave him a warm smile.
"Thanks Arty." She whispered her voice sincere.
Artemis grinned, placing his hand on the table. It was shockingly close her hers, and Holly felt the breath leave her lungs. Her heart began to race, and she feared it was loud enough for even him to hear.
"It's a pleasure, Holly."
Suddenly he frowned, and his eyes fell on his hand. He stared, his cheeks slowly growing pink.
His fingers itched to touch hers, and his own heart began to race. He bit down on his tongue, trying to hold back a croak. His throat felt dry, and his heart felt like it would explode.
Witha tentativefinger, he reached out and touched her hand gently. When she didn't pull away, he began to stroke her hand, unconsciously holding his breath.
Holly sucked in a sharp breath, and closed her eyes. This all felt like bliss to her. Her senses were already on fire, and she wondered how long it would take for somebody to notice what was really going on.
Artemis embraced her hand and slowly dragged it under the table so it would be free from prying eyes. He placed it on his lap and held her hand tightly, refusing to let go. Holly embraced him back, enjoying the company. It never used to be like this, but things like this seemed to happening more often. Ever since they had returned from the past, they had been getting closer and closer, and physical contact became shockingly common. In the past, she would have probably slapped him for this brash behavior, but now she welcomed it with open arms.
Oh gods, what's happening to me?! No, no, no!!!
Her mind screamed at her to let go, but her body refused to answer, and she continued to hold his hand. After what felt like forever, she snapped back to reality, and pulled away, her eyes wide.
Artemis also seemed what he had done, and was now blushing beetroot red. He looked around, trying desperately to look any where but at her.
Suddenly, he got up, and carried his maths paper over to Mr. Johnson.
He handed the paper in, smiling from ear to ear. That vampire smile had returned again, and Holly felt her heart stop, her blood turning to ice.
The maths teacher snatched back the sheet of paper, one side of his lips turned up in a wicked, lopsided smirk.
"Seems you've finished rather quickly today Master Fowl. Was my paper too easy for you?" he asked, his voice thick and sweet, rolling off his tongue like honey.
"Well, of course I would finish quickly. I'm not an ape, Mr. Johnson. I don't need sticks and pebbles to finish this maths paper."
Holly fought back a scream. Her heart almost came to a halt, and her jaw dropped. Her eyes bugged out, and Eve wondered if she should try and push Holly's eyes back into her sockets.
But, even under the pressure of this comment, the maths teacher stood firm.
"Well then, Master Fowl. If you're not an ape, what are you? Do we have a jellyfish in our class?"
Artemis' smirk shrank by a couple of molars, and he snapped back irritably.
"No, I'm not a jellyfish. If I was, then your ridiculous theory of evolution would make sense, now would it?" he sneered, rolling his eyes.
Unfortunately for Artemis, this just went a little too far.
Mr. Johnson slammed a hand on his table, and stood to his feet, a scowl on his face.
"Ridiculous? What is so ridiculous about my theory, Mr. Fowl?"
"Evolution's got more holes in it than a Dutch dam made of Swiss cheese!" Artemis scoffed, spreading his arms slightly for more affect. Little did he know, he had just repeated himself, using the same words his past self had said all those years ago.
"Oh, really Mr. Fowl? Is your own religion clean? Are there no holes in your beliefs?" Mr. Johnson snapped irritably, his eyes flashing dangerously behind the spectacles.
Artemis shook his head in disbelief.
"You think I'm arguing about religion? Honestly, Mr. Johnson, this indeed feels like talking to an ape. I don't have a religion, not yet anyway. I despise the theory of evolution not because of what I believe in, but because the theory is just so pointless and ridiculous. Don't come down on me like a ton of bricks with that religious argument of yours. I believe in science." Said Artemis, looking the Evolutionary right in the eye.
Mr. Johnson actually took a step back. Artemis had never mentioned this in any of their previous arguments, and this new fact took him completely off guard.
Holly took the opportunity to round on her new found companion.
"A debate?! Is that what you call this!?" she growled, waving a hand in the direction of the fuming pair.
Eve shrugged, "So I understated it a bit, so what? You wouldn't have let him in if you'd known."
Holly curled her fingers around an imaginary neck, strangling the life out it.
"I'm going to kill him!" she hissed, imaging herself killing the under aged genius.
Suddenly, Mr. Johnson seemed to regain his composure, and launched straight back into the argument.
"Mr. Fowl, if you truly believed in science, the theory of Evolution would make all the sense in the world to you. What is it that eludes you so?" he questioned, crossing his arms.
Artemis sat down on the top of an empty desk, and pointed a finger at his teacher.
"Everyone has mixed emotions about this theory, Mr Johnson. I for one, think it's rubbish. Aren't we all entitled to our beliefs?"
Mr. Johnson frowned, like this was the stupidest question he'd ever heard, "Well...yes, but-"
"Then surely, you will note that not every student in this class is a evolutionary. They do not all share your...beliefs."
Artemis cast a serious glance at the students before him, and each student sank in their chairs, not wanting to be caught up in the action.
"So if not all the students share your belief, why make it your sole mission to convert me? I do not wish to be degraded or forced into following a theory which I do not agree with. Everyone is this world tries to highlight their religion or belief, arguing amongst each other. Hate and war is more often than most based on religion and belief, and to be frank, the world would be a better place if everyone just kept it to themselves. No religion or belief here is blameless...not even Christianity."
The students stared at their desks miserably, knowing what he said was true.
"People have died for religion. Innocent people have been killed and tortured, just because they were brought up with a different belief. Christianity, Muslim, Atheism, Jewish...all of them have their extremists, people who would kill and destroy lives for their chosen belief. Yes, not every Muslim likes to blow things up, and quite frankly, there's only a handful of Muslim terrorists in a ocean of Muslims, but that still does not take away the fact that religion and beliefs have been the cause of so many deaths in history that it can not be recorded. What I say next could put my head on the chopping bloke, but to me, the world would be a better place without it."
Students gasped, and Mr. Johnson's eyes seemed to pop out of his head.
Artemis smiled sadly, shaking his head as he stared down at his shoes.
"For now, I have no beliefs or religions. I just follow science and facts. Maybe one day I will adopt a belief. But for now, I'd highly recommend that you stop with this foolish attempt to draw me into the theory. May I remind you that my lawyers are watching with baited breath."
Mr. Johnson gave a happy, sick smile, shaking his head and laughing.
"So you're just going to be stubborn and ignore facts, like a common mule?"
Artemis' eyes narrowed, and he glared at his teacher, anger bubbling up inside him at the comment.
"Yes. Stubborn may be, but I mule? Most certainly not!"
Mr Johnson smiled, and walked over to his desk, beginning to write a note.
"Well in that case, I'd better just send you to the Principle and be done with you."
Artemis froze, and his eyes shot up to meet the teachers.
"For what? Disagreeing with you?"
Mr. Johnson smiled, sticking a note up on the wall.
"No, Master Fowl. That is for insulting the beliefs of fellow students and upsetting my class. You are dismissed."
Artemis turned to look at the students. They looked slightly peeved, but otherwise fine. The speech about the lives lost because of their religions had shaken them up, but they had known this already. They didn't want him to be sent to the lions den just because he had given them a fright!
Artemis sighed, and then jumped off the table, his shoes thumping as they hit the tile floor. With his head held high, he walked out the classroom, but strangely he had a smirk on his face.
But just before he passed through the doorway, his eyes meet Holly's, and he winked playfully at her.
The elf in question gave a scowl, and thrust her hand into the air, grounding her teeth mercilessly.
Mr. Johnson ignored her completely, muttering under his breath. Holly waited for him, but he still paid her no attention, flipping through some papers furiously.
Finally, Holly lost her patience, and stood to her feet, her chair squeaking as it ground against the tile floor.
Their maths teacher's eyes shot up and they widened as they took her in. His jaw slackened as he saw the ferocity in her hazel eyes. Despite her size, Holly could look quite threatening when she had her moments.
"Mr. Johnson, may I please be excused?" she asked in a slightly menacing tone, her eyes dark.
Mr. Johnson seemed thrown by this question, and it took him a few minutes to recover.
"Um…I-I don't really th-think…" his voice died in his throat as Holly curled her hands into fists, lifting a corner of her mouth in and angry sneer.
"Really, sir. I'm not asking for much now am I?" she asked, taking a small step towards the door.
"Um, no I guess not…Oh fine, you're excused, Miss O'Connor."
Holly nodded her thanks, and then rushed out the door, her heart beating erratically.
She ran down the corridor, searching left and right, keeping an eye open for Artemis.
She was about to call out to him, when a pair of hands grabbed her arm, pulling her.
Holly let out a sharp gasp, and spun on the spot, lashing out at her attacker.
Her fist connected with Artemis' chest, and he gasped, letting go off her arm. He fell back against the wall, clutching his chest.
Holly's eyes widened and she rushed over to his side, her features concerned.
"Arty, I'm so sorry!" she said, grasping his shoulders.
Artemis winced, and inclined his head to her.
"I'm fine. I just got a huge shock, that's all." He reassured.
Holly's eyes flashed, and she pulled him from the wall, scowling.
"Good." She growled, pulling him into an empty side classroom to their right. She locked the door, and then turned on him, her eyes blazing. She grabbed him and pushed him against the chalkboard, cornering him.
"Are you insane?! Have you completely lost your mind, Fowl!?" she roared, shaking him sharply.
Artemis chuckled, tilting his head back so as not to have to look her in the eye.
"Insane? No, I think not."
Holly shook him again, grinding her teeth together in shear frustration.
"Do you have any idea how stupid that was!? You could have gotten yourself expelled or hurt!?" she roared, pointing a finger at his chest.
Artemis stopped laughing and looked at her face, his eye wide with surprise.
"Honestly, Captain. Do you think I'd let myself get expelled? And how could I have possibly gotten hurt? This is a school building, not an asylum."
Holly growled, and took a step back, folding her arms across her chest.
"Is that what you think? It seems you have forgotten about my attack earlier. Let me remind you that Koboi is after you, not me. I've been sent here to protect you, and I will not have you running around getting yourself in trouble constantly! That…thing could have attacked you while you walked to the offices!" she growled angrily.
Artemis slumped slightly, seeing her point. He pushed his hair out his forehead and gave a heavy sigh.
"Now that you put it that way, I see that you may have a point. That was pretty foolish…" he admitted sheepishly.
Holly cocked an eyebrow at him, "Now that's the understatement of the year."
Artemis chuckled, and suddenly put his hands on her shoulders gently.
"I'm sorry, Holly. I didn't mean to scare you like that." He murmured softly, his eyes soft.
Holly stiffened, and then slumped under his hands, resting against them.
"I…I didn't want the same thing to happen to you." She whispered her voice almost in audible.
Artemis nodded slowly, smiling down at her. He let go off her and sat down at on of the desks, making himself comfortable.
Holly shook herself. She wouldn't have another emotional breakdown, not in front of him. She would not get all soft and emotional just over memories, no matter how much they stung.
She pulled herself up to her full height and cocked an eyebrow at him.
"Looks like someone's getting comfortable." She noted, eyeing him up and down.
He shrugged, resting his arms behind his head.
"We're going to be here for a while so we might as well get comfortable. I'm not going to spend the next twenty minutes standing up."
Holly frowned, obviously confused.
"But what about the principal?" she asked, staring at him in shock.
Artemis rolled his eyes, a trait he had picked up from both Holly and Juliet.
"I'm simply not going to go. Mr. Johnson was in just as much fault as I was. And besides, a message from mother…I mean mum, shall be more than enough to straighten things out."
Holly tried not to groan as she sat down next to him. She watched with anxious eyes as he took out his phone and began to type.
"Um…I know you're a genius and all…but won't he realize it's from you?" she asked worriedly.
Artemis patted her shoulder reassuringly as he continued to type away with one hand.
"It's fine, Holly. My phone has a direct link to my mum's phone. That way it seems as if the message comes directly from her."
Holly nodded, but still felt uneasy.
After a few more minutes of typing, Artemis gave a shout of triumph, and handed the phone to her. Holly took it and read the message, her eyebrows riding higher and higher on her forehead as she read.
Dear Mr. Dornez
I am severely disappointed in your staff. I have just received a very emotional phone call from my dear son, Arty. He is extremely upset with the way he was treated in Maths class today. He claims that his teacher Mr. Johnson verbally attacked him in class, trying to convert him to the horrible ways of Evolutionists. From what I have heard, St Bartley's is not an overly religious school, and you except all religions, so why is it that you have an Evolutionary teacher trying to convert my son to such barbarianism? I warn you, if my son receives any more emotional scars in your care, I promise you, the scars that teacher shall receive will be anything but emotional.
Please speak to this teacher. My lawyers will be waiting to see the results.
Sincerely
Mrs. Angeline Fowl
Holly looked back at her grinning friend, her jaw limp.
"Oh, you really are devious." She muttered, handing the phone back to him.
Artemis chuckled as he sent the message, his shoulders shaking as he laughed.
Holly rolled her eyes towards the heavens as she prayed for patience.
"Some things never change." She sighed.
Artemis laughed all the harder, slumping in his chair, holding his sides.
Holly finally snapped, and she clamped a hand over Artemis' mouth, silencing him.
"Laugh any harder and we may havevisitors." She hissed, her hand still pressed to his mouth.
His eyes widened, and his lips slammed shut. She felt his soft lips brush the skin of her palm, and she shivered slightly at the contact.
Wait…what the hell am I doing!?!
She tried to bring herself to pull her hand away, but just as she got the courage and will to pull away; his own hand shot up and grabbed her wrist.
She could have easily over powered him…if that was what she wanted. Instead she froze, and watched as he pressed her hand to his lips lightly in a soft kiss.
His arm wrapped around her waist as he twisted in his seat, and he pressed her to him, his lips never leaving her palm. She followed his demands, and she hugged him back, successfully entwining them both.
Her mind completely shut down at that point, and she tried to regain her footing on reality. She struggled internally, and fought back the moan that clawed at her throat.
Finally, something small clicked into place, and her mind finally took over her heart and instincts.
What in the name of all that is holy are you doing!?!!! She roared at herself.
With a heave, she pulled her hand away and pushed away from him, dropping back into her own seat. She spread her arms wide to counteract the sudden light headiness.
Artemis' eyes widened, and what color he had left drained from his pale face.
Then it all came rushing back, as his face lit up in a crimson, embarrassed blush.
Oh Commander Root would have been proud!
They both sat in silence, each one blushing in different shades of red and pink. Finally Holly gave a nervous cough and pointed at a wall clock just above the chalkboard.
"Um…isn't it about time we get moving?" she asked shakily.
Artemis' gaze shot up to the clock, and he nodded, rising to his feet.
But as they both rose to their feet, neither one of them noticed a large, red eye watching them from the back of the classroom. The eye flashed dangerously, and then faded from view, melting into the wall behind it.
Together they walked out the door and headed down the corridor in the general direction of maths class. As they rounded a corner, the bell rang out just as the maths classroom came into view.
When they reached the door, Artemis indicated for Holly to wait outside while he got the bags. He slipped through the door, leaving her alone in the corridor.
Holly sighed, and leaned back against the wall, letting her muscles relax.
But instead of her back meeting a solid, stone wall, it made contact with something fleshy and soft.
Holly bristled, taking in a sharp breath. Her eyes widened, and she looked up, craning her neck back slowly.
She then let out a horrified gasp, and her heart came to a complete halt.
The monster from earlier was grinning down at her, his eyes red and his grin spreading wider than what was ever thought possible. She was resting against his stomach, and the material of his bondage suit rubbed against her clothes. He felt cold, and a shiver of cold and fear ran down her spine.
After a few seconds of shocked silence, she shot forwards, trying to get as far away from him as possible.
But the man had other plans.
With a wicked chuckle, he grabbed her and spun her around, pinning her to the wall. Holly gasped in pain as her body slammed into the wall, and she felt her ribs begin to crack.
He spun around till he was in front of her, and she gasped as one of his hands clamped around her wrists, squeezing them mercilessly. Without a ounce of effort, he lifted her off the ground, hanging her in the air slightly above his head. His hand shot out and his fingers clung to her chest. Holly let out a cry of pain as his fingers pressed to her bodice, his fingertips bruising the skin.
The monster grinned even more, and then leaned in, a low growl escaping him.
"Look what I caught." He said his voice filled with cruelty and insanity. His voice was silky and deep, and the sound made Holly shiver. If he was an ordinary man, she thought women would swoon over that voice, but at that particular moment, it just scared the hell out of her.
Holly winced against the pain. Her mind began to shut down as her body went into shock, her fear taking over.
No! I can't…I have to do something!
With a growl of her own, Holly lashed out with her leg, her foot rocketing towards his stomach.
But he simply laughed, ignoring her efforts to free herself.
"You'll die today, elf!" he laughed, as he let go of her chest. His hand moved back, straightening out and becoming more streamlined as the fingers glued themselves together.
Holly watched his hand, her eyes widening. What was he going to do to her, stab her with his hand?
She had no idea how right she was.
With one last smirk, his hand rocketed forwards, heading straight for her stomach. But just before it made impact, it stopped dead in its tracks, and the smile slid off the mans face. He dropped Holly, and he whirled around on the spot, his face surprised.
Holly collapsed to the floor as the classroom door opened. Artemis stood in the doorway, a smile on his face, both bags slung over each shoulder.
But his smile disappeared completely as his eyes fell upon Holly's limp form. He slammed the door closed and ran to her side, rushing past her attacker. He failed to notice him, and the man grinned down at Holly, smirking at her shivering form.
For a second their eyes meet, then he was gone, and the space where he had been become completely empty.
Holly shivered, and then looked at Artemis' face as he dropped down besides her.
"Holly! Are you alright!?" he asked, his face layered with worry.
Holly nodded shakily, her hand floating up to her burning chest. She pressed her fingers to her bodice lightly, and winced as the pain intensified.
Artemis stared at her hand in confusion. Suddenly realization dawned, and his eyes widened in horror.
Holly didn't want him to worry, so she thought up a hurried excuse.
"It's just my heart, Arty. I was terrified, so my heart feels like it's about to explode.
Artemis frowned, and then nodded, believing the clever lie.
He helped her to her feet just as the classroom door opened, and the students began to file out, chattering happily.
Artemis took the opportunity and whispered in her ear.
"Was it him? If it was, then I think it's me who's going to be protecting you from now on."
Holly shivered, "Yes…but I think they're trying to take me out so they can get to you." She replied, as Eve joined them. Artemis smiled at the brunette with fake happiness, and muttered back to Holly out of the corner of his mouth.
"Either way, you're still in danger, and I'll try my best to help you. You deserve that."
Holly tried to argue, but Eve butted in, her voice bringing them both to attention.
"Come on guys! You leave me all alone in that retched classroom, and now you have secret little whispered conversations! Count me in will you?! You guys can have your little dates when I'm not here!" she growled, pointing at the both of them.
Artemis blushed, and inclined his head to her.
"We're terribly sorry Eve. We should have brought you along. By the way, what do we have next? My memory seems to be fading a bit." He admitted as the walked down the corridor.
Eve rolled her eyes to the heavens, praying for patience.
"We have break now! And because it's the first day of the semester, the food in the cafeteria is going to be really good!" she sang, her voice filled with genuine excited.
Holly visibly perked up, momentarily forgetting her ordeal, and turned to Eve, her eyes bright.
"Do they have salads?" she asked hopefully. She half registered that this simple subject was a way for her mind to calm itself, but she didn't really care.
Eve looked miffed by this question, and muttered out a gruff reply.
"Well of course they have salads. But I would never go near them…are you some kind of health freak who only eats one handful of green stuff and drinks water and nothing else?" she asked, her eyes narrowing. The thought of not eating a good helping of lasagna was enough to make Eve shiver.
Holly laughed at the good natured girl. It was nice to find someone who didn't fuss over every milligram they gained.
Oh, every cloud has a silver lining!
Sorry this took so long to write, but I've been pretty preoccupied! I hope you like it! :D
A few issues I have to address.
For all you Evolutionaries who are reading my story, no offence is intended. I am basically running with what I know. Artemis did mention his distaste for the theory in TTP, so please do not get the impression that I am biased. This story promotes no particular religion what so ever. Artemis just believes strongly in science.
*sighs miserably* Yes, i will admit that this chapter has been a huge disaster in my story. I have lost many viewers because of it, and I just want to say sorry to all the people who felt insulted and angry because of my last two attempts at this chapter...that includes silentshadow104. Sorry shadow!
It took me forever to think of something to put in, and I think I have found something that will hopefully work (winces). being a Christian, I know that religion is important, but...I do believe that religions have cause a lot have damage. My religion is even at fault as well! Please people, I'm begging you, please don't think I'm trying to degrade religion! I love religion! But we all have to admit that people have died because of it. We all know this! It doesn't mean that we all have to go and kick our religions out of our lives! I'm just saying, think about it. And that last comment Artemis made was harsh, I agree, but I have read a chapter from one of my hero's who doesn't believe in anything, and he shook me up. I took his argument and molded it into this story, because I can't bare to see my readers this angry anymore. Religion should never be brought into stories, and I'm sorry for doing it in the first place.
But let me get straight to the point. Artemis has NO religion, and he is not saying that Evolution is worse than any other religion, vice versa. He is merely pointing out that for the moment, he doesn't want a religion in his life, and he despises it when people try to change him.
To silentshadow104 and all my other upset viewers, I am very sorry. I know you have probably lost faith in this story now, but please, don't judge it on this one chapter. The rest of this story has no form of religion what so ever, and I'd appreciate it if you read it to the end.
I understand that Artemis seems way ooc in this chapter. The reason for his rudeness is because he not only disagrees with the teacher, he also really dislikes him. The two of them have been at each others throats since they first meet, and their arguments often go much further than that of evolution.
I'm sorry Evolutionists! Please don't get offended!
I personally think that Artemis does not believe in evolution. It is my own personal opinion, and I am using what I know of him.
The reason why I keep referring to Holly's attacker as man and monster is because he is a man/monster. I can't think of anything else to call him. His identity will be revealed later in the story!
I think you have already picked up that I don't like maths very much. And I am proud of it! Maths is WAY too hard! :p
I'll try to update soon! Please review! I want to reach my goal! Please don't be shy! Please!?!
Message to Manga:
You STILL suck!
Bye bye for now!