Hey guys! I'm so sorry I didn't update sooner! Out of nowhere I had to go somewhere on holiday, and I had no Internet access there! It was so depressing! And it took me forever to write this! But I hope it was worth the wait!

This chapter is more centred on Eve, but I think it will still be exciting. It will probably answer a lot of questions for you, so have fun reading! Oh, and you will notice that they often seem to say something in a different language, and it is your job to find out what it is. Go use a translator or something, and just know that it is all in the same language, so don't go looking at some other random languages. Have fun discovering what they mean! ;) Here's a clue. it belongs to a country in Europe!

Have fun!

The Dawn of Understanding

Eve watched them from the shadows, scowling in anger as she watched the boy and his beloved companion stare at the weapon before them. She clenched her fists mercilessly, squeezing the long, black shotgun that stood at her side, the weapon even darker than the shadows that moved towards it, the tendrils caressing it lovingly. The shadows swirled around her, whispering and brushing through her hair. But Eve ignored them, her red eyes glued to the two figures before her.

She gave a growl of rage, and the shadows thrashed about her, moving like whips due to her immense anger.

Artemis had hurt her new found companion, and she wanted revenge. If she could, she'd shoot him now and get it over with. But they had other plans for him.

I have my own soon enough, Fowl. I'll make your flesh burn, and will soon beg for me to kill you.

She grinned in malicious delight at the thought, but the grin was soon wiped off her face as Artemis lifted his gun up, holding it to the light. Holly leaned in to get a better look, and he handed it to her, allowing the elf to cradle the deadly weapon in her small hands.

Eve recoiled from the sight of the gun, her eyes flashing in fear. But she shook herself, her expression changing to a scowl of disgust.

"What's that boy doing with something like that?" she murmured, shrinking further back into the comforting shadows.

Without warning, Artemis and Holly got to their feet. They didn't make physical contact, but they moved together, heading back down the corridor, walking close together.

Eve began to follow them, sticking to the shadows. She moved low to the ground in a predatory fashion, her red eyes glowing hungrily. She slipped her beloved gun over her shoulder, letting it hang at her side within easy reach. The menacing shotgun hung on its sling, swaying slightly as the girl stalked after her prey.

The two companions didn't seem to notice her presence, and they walked on, talking softly as they strode down the hall. Eve strained her ears to hear what they were saying, and she caught brief snatches of the conversation.

"Arty, if your theory is correct, then that means that my...stalker is being controlled by someone else. But that would mean that the middle man would have to be close by during the attacks," Holly whispered, and Eve drifted closer to hear more, scowling in her struggle to catch the conversation.

Artemis' eyes shifted nervously, and he cast a nervous glance around before replying.

"The middle man doesn't have to be close by. Your attacker is taking orders from it, doing its bidding."

Holly nodded in agreement, and Eve growled, the shadows swirling around her nervously. Anger at the intelligent teenager rolled off of her in waves, and she clawed her hands, her fingers itching to grab her gun.

But Holly whispered something to her lover, and Eve snapped out of her haze of rage, cursing at the fact that she had just missed what she had said. The pale girl shifted closer, drifting closely behind them.

Artemis nodded seriously, "Yes. The middle man is being controlled by her. It forms a type of food chain, don't you agree?"

Eve stopped short, a frown creeping across her pretty face. Where the hell did that come from? To her understanding of what they were saying, she was the middle man. Yes, this was true, but the controlling thing threw her off balance. Since when was she being controlled? And technically, she wasn't controlling her new lover. She was merely helping him. But something about the way Artemis spoke about it all suggested something that she didn't know about, and this made her nervous.

But she snapped out of her troubled musings when the two students stopped, and she jogged closer to them, the shadows hugging her tight in a desperate attempt to keep her safe and shielded from sight.

Artemis leaned in close to Holly's ear, whispering something to her ear. The elf frowned, but she nodded, stepping close to him to kiss him before moving away, disappearing around a corner.

Eve watched as Artemis stood there, silent as the grave. Now would be the perfect time to take him out, but she could feel that something was amiss. Why had he just stopped there?

Unfortunately, she realized what was happening too late. The pale boy spun around, his black handgun drawn. Blue sparks danced up and down his arm, spreading across the gun, making blue light shine off the clean ebony surface.

"I know your there. I'm not stupid. I can see your shadows moving around you. You must be pretty foolish to think they can hide you."

Eve bristled, staring head on at the barrel that was aimed at her heart. She began to step back, and she shivered as the shadows quivered in fear, shifting and swirling nervously around her.

Artemis began to advance, his eyes narrowed as he gained on her. Eve gave a silent gasp of horror, and she began to back up, moving faster and faster backwards.

But soon her back hit something hard, and her red eyes widened in fear. She was cornered, and the scowling teenager was just a metre away from her.

Artemis stopped just short of her, and the blue sparks on his arm rushed forwards, shooting like a bullet towards the shadows. Artemis narrowed his eyes slightly as he focused, using his mind to direct the flow of magic.

Eve watched as the sparks rocketed towards her, and she began to close her eyes, waiting for the inevitable hit to land.

But two strong arms curled around her, and she heard a loud growl behind her. With a tug, the hard wall behind her shifted, and she slipped back, her body coming to rest on something soft.

Artemis disappeared as she was swallowed by darkness, the shadows dancing joyfully around her. She heard another growl behind her, and she smiled, turning in the arms to gaze up at her savoir.

"I should have known you'd come for me. But I thought you'd be too weak to do that."

Her dark companion scowled at her, his red eyes flashing dangerously. He hugged her tightly, pressing her to his chest as they hovered in the dark world around them.

"I am weak, my dear. You should learn to be more careful when you stalk your prey. The hunter can always become the hunted," he chided, his chin resting on her head.

Eve shrugged, her hands coming up to play with his long ebony hair, "I know, but I kind of like it like this. Don't lie and say you're not enjoying yourself," she purred, her one hand resting on his chest while the other came up to wrap around his pale neck.

The dark young man thought for a second, before letting out a dark chuckle, pulling her up to align their faces. With a hungry growl he claimed her lips, grabbing her roughly.

Eve smirked against his lips, her arms coming up and around to fan her fingers on his back, her mouth opening to give access to his serpentine tongue.

The shadows danced around the pair, swirling and slithering to and fro. The sighs and gasps of the two lovers filled the dark air, and Eve gave a gasp of pleasure as his pale hands roamed over her, touching all too forbidden places, making her skin become hot to the touch.

They pulled away, gasping for air. When she gained enough air in her lungs she giggled, nuzzling his neck as she buried her head under his chin.

The man grinned, hugging her tight as he stroked her long brown hair. He wanted to do more, but unfortunately, now was simply not the time.

But he'd have what he wanted soon enough, and he was sure he would enjoy every minute of it.

They floated like this for what felt like a lifetime, suspended in the darkness. But suddenly the man stiffened, and an animalistic hiss escaped him, his mouth coming open to reveal his dagger like teeth.

Eve frowned and looked up at him, her head cocked to the side slightly, her red eyes questioning.

"What's wrong, Regele mea?"

The man looked down at her, his eyes dark and angered.

"It would appear we have a visitor."

Eve instantly knew who he was talking about, "So our friend has popped in for another visit. How nice. I doubt she will be please, though..."

Her lover gave a growl, glaring off into the darkness, "You know I don't like her, meu sub. There is something wrong with her. We shouldn't even be dealing with her in the first place."

Eve shook her head, looking off into the same direction.

"We can't do anything about it now. And besides, I'm dying to see that boy and his little fairy bride lying a pool of their own blood. Don't you want that?"

He bristled, and he growled in rage, his eyes flashing dangerously.

"True. We should kill them first. But let me warn you that that little she devil will not live to see the next moon. I don't like her one bit, and I can tell she doesn't intend for either off us to walk out of here alive...or at least, in one piece. It would appear she was beaten to the punch."

Eve chuckled at that, leaning in to purr in his ear, "Oh, you have such a wicked sense of humour."

He grinned at her, licking her cheek before looking back into the darkness, his eyes distant.

"You ask for a lot, mea sub. But I shall do as you ask. But I expect something in return for my troubles."

"You will receive all the payment you want soon enough. Just stay patient," she said, her eyes glowing bright red in the darkness as she stroked his cheek, watching the insane grin spread across his pale features.

"Good...very good. I assume you'll keep your word."

With that, they rushed through the shadows, gliding though it effortlessly. Eve clung tightly to him, and she laughed, her hair swirling along with the shadows.

Suddenly they came out of the stream of shadows, and the man touched down, Eve clinging to him like a monkey.

Eve looked down at their bodies, and she blushed, noticing their awkward position, her legs wrapped tightly around his hips. Her face turned tomato red, and she looked away, not meeting her soon to be lover's eyes.

He chuckled at her, and placed her on the ground, giving her a perverted grin.

But they heard a loud cough, and both shadowy figures turned towards the sound, their red eyes flashing dangerously.

A small finger sat on Eve's bed, her legs crossed elegantly. Long black hair fell in waves to the bed, falling across the sheets like a black waterfall. The figure was incredibly small, but it was obviously a woman, due to her rounded curves and her amble chest.

Her face was childish and almost human, but with slightly pointier features. Her eyes were a dark, chocolaty brown colour, and her skin was pale, standing out against the black bodysuit she wore. Her arms were crossed on her knees, and she tapped her manicured fingers impatiently, her long, claw like nails clicking in irritation.

"You finally decided to show up. What was so important that made me have to wait here for your miserable hides to get here?"

"It's none of your concern what and where we do things, Koboi, so I'd stay silent if I were you," the monstrous man growled, his fists clenching. The shadows in the corners of the room seemed to rush towards him, swirling around the dark clothed monster.

Opal sniffed in disdain, her eyes narrowing dangerously.

"I suggest you keep your pet on a leash, human...or whatever it is you are. That is no way to address his master's master."

Eve stiffened, and nodded, trembling slightly. She looked at her 'pet', and he scowled, sinking slightly on the spot. The shadows retreated, and he stepped behind the girl, a low growl escaping him.

Opal gave a dazzling smile, revealing sharp, shark teeth. She clapped her hands, her eyes bright and mocking.

"Well done! Amazing what a firm hand you have on him, my dear. May I ask do you appreciate him?"

Eve frowned at the question, her eyes confused, "Of course I appreciate him, Ms. Koboi. Why ask such a strange question?"

The pixie shrugged, her finger coming up to tap her chin thoughtfully. She cocked her head to one side, her eyes lit up with sadistic mirth.

"Oh, it is just a thoughtless question, my dear. Maybe if he is not to your satisfaction, we can put him to sleep, like an old, mangy dog."

Eve bristled, but didn't say a word, trembling slightly with fear. She knew what this woman could do.

But her companion wouldn't stand for it. With a roar of rage her lunged at the evil pixie, his claw like hands extended. Shadows solidified and shot through the air like spears, heading straight for Opal's heart.

Opal growled, and her eyes suddenly flashed red. Red sparks burst into life on her fingers, and she pointed at the approaching monster, her face twisted in a merciless scowl.

Red lightning burst from her fingertips, slicing through the man like red hot blades. They shattered the shadows like onyx glass, black shards falling to the floor.

One red bolt sliced straight at his stomach, breaking as it hit him. Red sparks danced on his flesh, burning his grey bondage suit, and his eyes widened in horror, a gasp of agony escaping him.

He dropped down to his knees, his body shivering. Eve cried out in fear, and she rushed to his side, dropping down next to him. Tears slid down her face, and she cried along with him as pain cursed through his shivering body.

"N-n-no...more. N-no m-m-more...n-no more!" she pleaded, hugging him tightly.

But Opal merely chuckled, ignoring the girl's pleads. Her eyes shone insanely, and she began to laugh, her chuckles filling the small room along with the moans and cries of the tortured monster.

"I said no more!!!!!!!" Eve roared, her red eyes shooting up as she lunged bodily at the insane, murderous pixie. Opal barely had time to gasp as the girl crashed down on her, moving as fast as lightning. She pushed Opal way back on the bed, scrunching up the covers and making the whole bed buck under them.

With a cry of animalistic rage she lashed out, her fist crashing into Opals jaw. It broke instantly under the onslaught, and blood gushed out of the woman's mouth, falling to the bed sheets. Opal cried out, her eyes widening in horror and pain.

"You dare hurt him!?! You foolish witch!!!" Eve screamed, grabbing the pixie's head and squeezing it mercilessly, her teeth clenched and her lips pulled back in a snarl. Opal closed her eyes from the sight, digging deep within her for the control she needed to calm the girl.

Eve growled, and pulled upwards, raising it up before banging it on the wall. Opal gave a gasp of pain, and the red sparks faded away, releasing the paralysed man on the floor.

But Eve was too lost in her rage to notice. She raised the pixie's head one more time, intending to land the killing blow.

Opal's eyes flashed open, glowing red with stolen magic. Red sparks erupted on her skin, darting into the girl's flesh. Eve gave a howl as she was thrown back, crashing into the wall behind her. She fell to the ground, shivers racking her body.

Eve coughed, blood trailing down the side of her mouth. She winced and groaned, and looked up at the pixie.

Red sparks danced around Opals jaw, and she grinned, her jaw fully healed. They danced around her skull, healing her fractured cranium from when Eve had pounded it against the wall. Her eyes shifted back to their original colour, and she watched as the two companions healed themselves, dark shadows dancing on their skin.

Eve coughed again, and she raised herself to her hands and knees, her arms still trembling. She looked to the side at her partner, and she noted that he was recovering. His face was twisted in a scowl, and he glared at the pixie, hatred rolling off of him in waves.

Opal sighed, fully healed. She turned to them and smiled wickedly, wiggling her fingers as red sparks danced around them.

"This is exactly how I like things done. My servants on the floor, cowering at my feet like dogs under their master."

"We're no servants of yours, you miserable sow!" the man growled, his eyes aflame with anger.

Opal wagged a finger at him, shaking her head, "No, no, no! That simply won't do! If you continue to speak to me like that, I think I'll have to cut out that awfully long tongue of yours!"

He looked like he was about ready to lunge at her again, but Eve shook her head, her eyes pleading.

The man scowled, and came to her side, lifting her onto his lap. He sat down on the floor craddlingthe girl in his arms, and he gave Opal his fiercest death glare.

Opal clapped her hands together in mock delight, her eyes filled with equal hatred.

"Well, now that that's over, let's move on down to business, shall we? I presume the mud boy was killed."

There was a hint of warning in her last words, and Eve shivered, averting her eyes. She tightened her grip on her dark companion, not wanting to say a word.

"Something came up...we couldn't complete the mission, Ms. Koboi," she finally murmured, clenching her muscles as she waited for the hit to land.

There was a moment of silence, and then all hell broke loose. Opal let out a scream of rage, dropping off the bed. She raised her hand and slapped Eve across the face, making the girl gasp. Opal grabbed her jaw and pulled her to face her, her brown eyes glaring into the girl's red ones.

"I give you a simple task, and you can't complete it? You worthless, shivering piece of troll droppings! You will pay for your failures!"

Eve glared back at her, her fists clenched, "If I were you, I'd be directing my anger at the boy. He was the one who ruined it. I shot at Fowl, but the elf took the blow instead. I thought it would be better to let the elf die, but that boy had other plans."

Opal stiffened, and another roar of rage left her. She stood to her feet and kicked the desk, swearing in Gnomish.

"D'Arvit! That blasted elf! I'll cut off every one of her fingers and make her dance on her hands for all the trouble she's caused me! That human scum was meant to die today!"

Eve watched as the pixie vented her frustration, and she jumped in shock as her companion spoke up, his voice layered in contempt.

"You have more than that to worry about, little fairy. That human managed to find himself a weapon...a gun that fires blessed silver bullets."

Opal froze in mid kick, her foot suspended in mid air. Her foot dropped to the ground, and she cast a suspicious eye at the shadowy figure.

"You must be lying. Show me proof. The idea of Fowl carrying a gun is so ridiculous that it's impossible."

Eve squeaked as he rose to his feet, placing her on the ground. He drifted over to the pixie and posed his hand before her eyes, his index finger hovering before her.

Opal stared at his finger, her brow creased in a frown. But suddenly she gasped, her eyes going wide as her pupils shrank to the size of a tiny dot, her eyes turning red, mirroring the man's.

Eve watched the pair in awe, holding her breath. The two of them posed like this for five minutes, till finally the man lowered his hand, his finger dropping down to the pixies chin, her jaw hanging as she gaped slightly at him. He pushed her jaw back up and withdrew, smirking at the paralyzed pixie.

Opal stood still and silent for a moment longer, before gasping, her eyes turning back to their original chocolate brown colour. She breathed in heavily, her chest heaving as she fought for control, her fingers trembling.

Eve stared at the pixie in disbelief. She rarely saw her in such a state, and she didn't seem so terrifying now. Hell, she could take her out in her sleep!

But Opal soon snapped out of it, shaking herself. She gritted her teeth and nodded her eyes ablaze with hatred.

"I see. You weren't lying, Night Walker. That brat seems to have gotten his hands on a big old bloody water pistol."

Eve gave a huff, standing to her feet, "If it was a water pistol, he'd be dead by now. That gun is something to look out for."

Opal looked at the pale girl, her head tilted to one side, "But you to have gun of similar design. Why not use it? Come on, show it to me!"

The brunette tugged the strap off her shoulder, bringing her gun around. She showed it to the pixie, holding the ebony shotgun for her to see.

Opal reached for the gun, and Eve dropped it into her hands. With a cry of alarm Opal dropped the gun, letting it fall to the floor.

Eve gasped, but a shadow caught the gun as it fell, cradling it. It lifted it back up, and Eve took it back, holding it close to her.

The deranged pixie glared at the gun, shaking her head, "D'Arvit! I should have known that thing would be so damn heavy. I should have known, since i was the one who gave the damn thing to you!"

Eve shrugged, taking the gun and holding it up in one hand above her head, lifting it up and down like a weight.

Opal scowled and dropped back down on the bed. She took a few calming breaths before finally speaking, her tone commanding.

"Change of plans. We attack tonight. The mud boy's death can't wait any longer."

There was silence for a moment, before the room was filled with deep, insane laughter. Eve looked up at the monster beside her, and she watched as he laughed, his face twisted in malicious joy.

"Excellent! Just excellent! Finally, it's time for a real battle! I've waited too long for this!"

Eve stared at him in awe, before grinning and turning to the excited pixie.

"Yes, Ms Koboi. Consider them both dead. Neither of them will live to see the sun rise."

Opal laughed, before getting to her feet. She admired herself in the mirror for a second before glaring at the two dark figures, her eyes cruel.

"You'd better not fail. I plan on being there when the time comes, so I expect the two brats to be served on a silver platter...or gold, if you can manage it."

Eve was about to reply, but the small woman disappeared, fading away in a haze.

The girl shook her head in disgust before turning to her pet, a lopsided smile on her face.

"You heard her. Let's get going. I know the perfect way of getting them in the right place, at the right time. Killing them will be a true pleasure!"

"You never fail to please me, mea sub." the man smirked, his voice containing no hint of sarcasm as they disappeared into the shadows.

Artemis waited for Holly outside her room, shifting anxiously from foot to foot. He thought about his earlier encounter with her shadowy stalker, and he shook his head, slumping against the wall.

I'm way in over my head with this...

There was comfort in the fact that he could do damage to him, but he still wondered why he hadn't died in the first place.

Casting a nervous glance around, he took out Persephone, holding it up before his eyes. He popped out the clip, and he dug a bullet out, admiring the silver tip.

Then realization dawned, and he closed his eyes, trying not to chuckle at his own stupidity.

They were the average bullets, the ones he had intended to give back to Butler. He had completely forgotten about the ones in the gun, and had given the rest back to him.

He reached into his pocket and felt about, before cursing his luck. He'd left the case and the clips back in the locker room.

Oh, this just keeps getting better and better.

He was about to consider running back to the gym to fetch it, but Holly opened her door, poking her head around the corner to smile at him.

"I'm done. Do you want to go back to your room now, or haven't you had enough excitement for today?"

Artemis chuckled as she closed her door, locking it. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to his side.

"My dear captain, I've had enough excitement to last me for a week. I could say a lifetime, but then I would be lying."

"And being honest Abe, that would be a true disaster, wouldn't it?"

Artemis winced, but otherwise ignored it, "We have to go back to the gym first, so no, we can't get to bed yet."

Holly did something very uncharacteristic, giving him a pout and puppy dog eyes.

"No fair! And I was so excited too!"

Artemis blushed, his cheeks turning blood red. He choked awkwardly, and Holly smirked, glad to see her teasing having an affect on him.

"Yes...quite," he coughed, his cheeks still red with embarrassment.

They walked down the corridor, moving close together, their arms wrapped fondly around one another. The corridors seemed strangely lighter somehow, and Artemis wondered where their shadowy enemy was hiding.

They reached the stairs, and Holly gasped, stopping suddenly.

Artemis looked down at her, one eyebrow raised, "Is something wrong?"

Holly shook her head, running for the stairs. Instead of taking the steps she jumped, launching herself off the top.

"No! I forgot my blazer! If another student finds it we're all screwed!" she called back, landing expertly, her knees bent and her hand coming down to touch the floor.

Artemis chose not to take such a dramatic approach, and he took the stairs two at a time.

Holly disappeared round the corner, and he gave a huff, jumping off the last step.

He reached her side, and he watched as she held up her tattered blazer, scowling at it.

"It's a shame really. I thought you liked the school uniform," he noted, smiling at her.

Holly shook her head, "Do you really think that's the problem?"

She turned to show him the blazer, and he winced, shrinking back slightly.

The whole back of the blazer was ruined, torn to shreds. Bits of it fell to the ground, string trailing behind it. The edges were jarred and burnt, indicating were the shotgun bullet had hit.

"Ouch."

Holly rolled her eyes, clenching her fist around the ruined material.

"That pretty much sums it up."

She walked to a nearby bin, and she rolled it up, tossing it into the plastic bin.

Artemis frowned at this, coming to her side.

"Is that at all wise? Anyone can find it there and see the blood on it if they take it out."

Holly gave him wink, a devilish smile on her lips.

"Do you expect any of the girls in this school to dig around in the trash?"

The genius had to agree with her logic, and they continued on, making their way out the door. They stepped out into the sunset, and they admired it for a second before jogging to the forest path, steering clear of the shortcut they had taken earlier. They jogged through the forest, often stopping to cast nervous glances at the shadows.

"Artemis, did you really not see him when you shot him?"

The boy in question frowned, his broad forehead creasing as he cast a glance at the elf beside him.

"Him? Who are you referring to?"

"Who else have you shot today? I'm talking about my starker, Arty!"

Artemis nodded before replying, "In that case, no, I didn't see him. Not really. I get this feeling when he's around, and he's not that hard to miss. You can tell he's there when the shadows start acting strange. You've seen it yourself. It's not that difficult to explain."

Holly nodded, gazing at the gym coming up in front of them.

"True. It just surprised me that you're shots were so accurate."

Artemis put on an offended look, "Oh, your lack of faith wounds me. Practice makes perfect, and believe me, I practiced a lot."

Holly smiled fondly, stopping to hug him. She looked up at him, her lips inviting.

"I agree practice does make perfect. who was I to doubt the great Artemis Fowl?"

Artemis caught the hint, and he kissed her, pressing his lips to hers. Holly shivered against him, her hands coming up to tangle themselves in his raven black hair. She moaned against his lips, her tongue brushing against his as she explored his mouth, adoring the taste of him.

After a minute of pure bliss they pulled away, their eyes half lidded, their faces close together.

"You know, moments like these make it all worthwhile." Holly murmured, resting her forehead against his. Artemis closed his eyes briefly, drinking in her smell. He adored their closeness, and he prayed for the moment to last.

But fate was cruel, and they both knew the moment couldn't last forever. They had pressing issues to deal with, and personal time alone would be a rare luxury in the battle that was to come.

They pulled away reluctantly, cursing their situation. At that moment, Holly began to think that living with Artemis wouldn't be so bad. She wanted something permanent, and the idea of moving up a step and living with him would make her life more enjoyable. It felt hasty, but she knew that in their lives, things had to be hasty, and if not, it would never happen.

It was funny to think that she had such a long life span, but she had to rush through thinks like she could die the next day. Often, like now, that truly was the case.

They walked to the gym, enjoying the silence that hung over them like a warm blanket. They reached the doors and went their separate ways, collecting their gym bags.

Artemis reached his locker, and dug around in it before pulling out the black case. He placed it on the table and cracked it open, opening it with a metallic click.

He found the needed clips, and he took out the odd one, letting it slide out the gun. He placed it aside, well away from the other clips, and he picked up one of the more dangerous clips, the black holder filled to the brim with deadly, exploding silver bullets.

"Excellent," he murmured, slamming the clip into Persephone with ease. The gun gave a loud click, registering the new rounds inside it.

Strangely, the gun felt more ominous now, and he looked at it, running a finger over the words engraved below the name.

"You really are dangerous...but let's hope you keep your promise," he whispered, knowing that the gun would never be able to hear him, but doing it to soothe his own raging emotions.

He tucked the ebony gun away, sliding it into the holster under his arm.

But he heard something behind him, and he whirled around, his pulse skyrocketing.

Luke was standing in the doorway at the far end of the room, his body framed in the doorway. Artemis stared at the teenager in horror, his eyes wide. He noticed that Luke's eyes were red from crying, and that his pupils had shrank in shock.

"What? Artemis...what the hell are you doing!?" he shouted, staring at the place where Persephone had been just moments earlier.

The genius felt his mind shut down, and he became lost for words. How hadn't he noticed Luke before? The room had been dark, but surely he would have noticed him there!

Artemis shook himself and took a step towards the panicking blond, his hands raised in a sign of reasurance.

"Calm down, Luke. It's nothing for you to worry about."

But Luke took a step back, his face twisting in anger, "Don't talk crap! I saw that gun you had in your hands! What game are you playing!?!"

Artemis began to panic as the boys voice level grew, and he realized they were at risk. Luke's cries of rage could alert a teacher, and he had no doubt Luke would report him. He had learnt that Luke detested guns, and the fact that his new friend was walking around with one at school was a sure fire way to enrage the Greek teenager.

"Calm down, Luke!" Artemis pleaded; taking another step forwards, but instantly regretted it. Luke stepped forwards as well, his fists raised. His face was twisted in shocked anger, and he shook his head, jabbing a finger at the Irish teenager.

"Don't tell me to calm down, Fowl! What the hell are you doing with a gun at school? Do you want to get someone killed?! That thing had death written all over it!!"

Artemis knew things would just get worse, but strangely, a wave of calm washed over him, and he smiled sweetly, digging down in search of the magic that dwelled within him.

He found it, and with a smile he began to step forwards, his one hand raised in limp pose, his index finger raised slightly. Blue sparks danced around his fingers, and he spoke soothingly to Luke, his voice thickly layered with the Mesmer.

"Now now, Luke. No need to be so loud. Let's have a civilized conversation. Man to man, like gentlemen," he purred, sparks dancing around him as rogue magic went flying.

Luke froze, his eyes going wide. He shivered, trying to fight Artemis' strong fairy magic, but the harder he fought the worse it got, and soon he was almost driven to his knees at the sight of the pale youth, magic radiating off of him in waves. he just looked so...enchanting.

"But...the gun...you..."

"There, there. It's alright! No need to get over excited, dear friend! There is no gun here! What on earth would make you think I'd even look at one of those dreadful things!?" he purred sweetly, as if he was talking to a spooked animal.

Luke struggled, but the boy's eyes seemed to mesmerize him, burning into him. He felt calm and fatigue wash over him, and he had to fight the sudden urge to crawl into a ball and fall asleep. Had that been a gun he had seen? It could very well have been a trick of the light. And besides, why would someone so beautiful and caring carry a horrid thing like that around?

Artemis smiled, glad to see the boy's defences crumble at his touch. He pushed harder, sending more waves of his magic at the defenceless Greek.

Yes! Deeper, deeper! Relax, Luke. Don't you feel tired? Maybe you should go to sleep...

"Aren't you tired? My, my, you must have been up at the break of dawn! Your head must feel soooo heavy..."

At his words, Luke began to sway on the spot, the Irish teenager's beautiful voice lulling him to sleep; like a lullaby.

"Yes...I think I should go to sleep now..."

"What an excellent idea. Just remember, I was never here, and I had no gun with me."

"Yes...you were never here..."

Artemis nodded and smiled, giving Luke another quick burst of mesmerizing magic.

"Good boy. Now I suggest you get to sleep now. You don't want to keep Eve waiting now, do you?"

"Eve..." Luke murmured dreamily, before falling to the floor. He was asleep before he even hit the floor.

Artemis smiled, and the blue sparks faded, drifting away on the air like tiny fireworks. He shook his head to clear the slight dizziness that threatened to overcome him, and he turned around, preparing to head back out the door.

But he stopped dead in his tracks, as he came face to face with Holly's shocked face, her mismatched eyes the size of saucers.

Oh...D'Arvit...this is not good.

And that's it! I hope you guys like it! The end is nigh! Here comes the last few chapters! It's a pity, but I promise there will be more stories to come! :)

Thank you to all my viewers for the awesome reviews! You guys are awesome! I hope this story far exceeded your expectations, and that it will not disappoint you! Thank you all for your support!

Once again, I apologize for the wait! The next one won't take as long! :)

Please review this chapter! I'm aiming for 170 reviews! Please? Oh, and no flamers! I really hate those! Please share a kind word, and make people happy with all your lovely reviews! remember, they make you smile! (gives a huge, dazzling smile)

Bye bye! Write to you all soon! ;)