The leather souq

Artemis sat in front of a sniper window, trying to withstand the stink of pigeon faeces for the second time that day as he waited for Butler to come back from the rescue mission in the Extinctionists' compound. Dust covered everything in a light, fine powder. He dusted his suit off; a fresh, clean suit Artemis had changed into after enjoying a long soak in the jet's Jacuzzi. The workers had left for the day, the sun had finally set, taking its warmth with it, and in the evening gloom, the moon making its way up towards the heavens, Artemis saw the vats of dye look up, their pale, eyeless faces glaring at the sky, reflecting the gentle light of the moon. The only thing Artemis could hear was his breathing, regular and loud in the comparative silence of his surroundings. He had not felt this nervous since… actually, Artemis could not remember the last time he felt nervous. What was there to get nervous about when one was a genius? He looked at his watch. Nine-thirty. Two hours and seventeen minutes since the Learjet had landed in Fez airport after Artemis had commanded Butler to turn back. He still remembered the satisfaction on Butler's face as Artemis issued the command. Artemis began to pick microscopic lint off his blazer's sleeve. Soon he heard a light regular tread down in the souq, heading in his direction, and a few minutes later Butler came in through the door, breathing regularly, with small beads of sweat trickling down his craggy face.

"Well?" Artemis asked, prepared for the worst.

Butler answered steadily, "The female got out." Artemis noticed that Butler did not meet his eyes. He's hiding something. Then Artemis caught the implication.

"The female? The other one was there too?"

"The hairy one is dead," said Butler, nodding, "He attempted a rescue and it didn't work out."

Artemis gasped. "Dead? Dead?" He would not believe it. How could the hairy man die? Artemis felt guilt and grief slowly build within him, subtle as the tides that silently rise and cover entire shorelines.

"Repeating the word won't change its meaning," reprimanded Butler. "He tried to rescue his friend and Kronski killed him for it. But what's done is done, eh? And at least we have our diamonds. We should move out for the airport. I need to run the pre-flight checks." Butler tried to control his voice, suppress his anger. Artemis did not respond. Butler glared at the diamonds in their bag, slouched on his young master's lap, glimmering like a pile of fallen stars.

Because of you, someone died! Butler wanted to shout his anger and grief at the stoic Artemis. But he was not paid to voice his opinion or to teach young Artemis the ways and morals of the world. He had already influenced Artemis too much on this mission. He was paid only to protect the life of Artemis, no matter how close their relationship was. So Butler stood there, barely controlling with rage and sorrow, as he waited for Artemis' next order.


Below the Extinctionists' compound

Sana landed onto a soft, rubber-like pad and let go of Artemis' hand. She sat up, and for the first time, Artemis noticed her presence, saying softly, "Sana, mindspeak with me." Sana obliged, sliding into the older boy's mind easily.

You're getting good with this. Sana caught a thought about bins and fairies.

Thanks.

Why are you here?

Holly told me you were still in the crowd, so I went after you. I saw you fighting Koala-man and ran to the stage thing, but when I landed on it, the floor disappeared and I grabbed your hand and fell and I thought I was going to die but I didn't and –

I get the point, Sana. If I am right,Artemis looked around, I have a feeling you just leapt from the frying pan into the fire.

Artemis got on his knees. Let's get off this thing first, and then we can try to escape. He prepared to roll of the mat, but before he could do so, metal bands sprang out of nowhere and began to slide around the pair. Sana felt Artemis shove her in the back, and she stumbled and fell off the mat, rolling over the edges of the metal bands. She sat up just in time to see the metal bands trap Artemis securely.

Artemis! Are you okay?

Yes, I'm fine. However, it seems like we can't explore anymore. Shield, Sana. As I said, if I am right, you will need to shield. Just in case something happens, Artemis sent. Immediately after he said that, a purple gas began to be pumped into the chamber.

Hold your breath. It is probably a sleeping gas of some sort to subdue irritated animals. Sana held her breath obediently before realising that the gas only covered the pallet. Finally, the gas crystallised, covering Artemis with purple flakes.

A hiss of gas near her made Sana turn around. A section of the wall next to Sana had disappeared, and in it stood a fairy. She only came up to Sana's elbows, but the fairy had an aura that made her seem bigger than she really was. The fairy stepped into the light, and Sana gasped. Immediately, Sana clapped a hand over her mouth before realising that no one had heard her cry. The fairy was beautiful. Huge round eyes in a pale, alabaster face looked out from a head that seemed oversized for her diminutive, but slender body. Soft, full pink lips were set over a pointed chin, and a shimmering cascade of hair flowed over her back, ending just above her elbows. Then the fairy's face twisted grotesquely, and the spell of her beauty was shattered. Sana stepped back from the obvious hostility emanating from her. In her mind, Sana heard Artemis hiss softly in annoyance.

Who is she, Artemis? Is this fairy what you were thinking before?

Yes. She's a pixie, and her name's Opal Koboi. I've had to defeat her twice already in the future, both times to prevent her from taking over the world.

You're kidding! Sana thought incredulously. Twice?

Yes, twice. How many times must I save the world from this loony? He sighed resignedly. I can't really tell you about it since I'm from your future and affect what happens… What I can tell you is that she is extremely intelligent and dangerous. No matter what happens, do not let her see you!

"This is not a lemur," said Opal, pointing a shaking finger at Artemis. Her voice was childlike, but it lacked the innocent charm that a child possessed. She tapped one toe impatiently.

"This is not a lemur," she repeated, "I know it is not a lemur because it has no tail and it seems to be wearing clothes. This is a human, Mervall. A Mud Boy."

Mervall is one twin of the Brill brothers, and will help Opal escape... Artemis' mindvoice trailed off.

And? When is this? What happens?

Can't tell you. Sana could tell he was enjoying stringing her along.

Fine, be that way. Sana thought, injecting her mock-exasperation into her mindvoice. What can you tell me?

A pixie Sana had not noticed materialised in the doorway. "I don't understand it, Miss Koboi. It was all set up for the lemur. You mesmerized Kronski yourself."

The two humans tuned out. I can tell you that the other twin is Descant.

That's it?

Basically. His amusement was palpable.

Thanks for the info, Artemis, Sana sent sarcastically, I really appreciate this piece of essential knowledge.

"… Miss Koboi is, after all, perfection itself. Perfection does not make mistakes."

"Exactly. Well said, Mervall…"

Does Opal actually believe that, Arty?

Yes. She actually does think she is, quoting Mervall, 'perfection itself'.

I'm glad you defeated her twice. Don't think I could stand her if she became ruler of the universe.

So am I, Sana.

They continued to mindspeak to each other, distracting themselves from their current situation, until Opal Koboi began to stride powerfully from the room, red boots clicking on the floor. Mervall, following his master, picked up the pallet on which Artemis lay and wheeled it arduously after his boss. Sana followed trepidatiously, still shielded, walking silent and cat-like. Thank goodness for her dancing teacher! He was a positive stickler for light, silent walking while dancing in order for his pupils to do all sorts of movements without sounding like a herd of elephants. She resolved to thank him in her next lesson, until the party of four walked out of the passage into a large, harshly lit laboratory, the sight of which drove all thoughts out of her head.


The leather souq

Ten minutes had passed since Butler had back from the Extinctionists' compound, the bodyguard still standing silently behind Artemis, looking around alertly, his emotions now becoming a calm, serene lake. Artemis had not moved for the past ten minutes, the young Irish boy still sitting in front of the window, an arm placed casually on the lower edge of the window. The bag of diamonds still sat slouched on Artemis' lap. It tipped to one side as Artemis' leg twitched, and Butler snapped his eyes towards him.

Suddenly, a group of heavy footfalls could be heard coming to the souq, and Artemis' head snapped up and leaned carefully over the edge of the window for a better vantage point. A few seconds later, the girl skidded through the entrance of the souq, her feet throwing up plumes of dust. The moon bathed everything in a gentle, silver light, throwing shadows everywhere throughout the area. The girl stopped, considering where she could hide, panting slightly, before running towards the doorway of where Artemis and Butler were hiding. Suddenly, one of Kronski's guards appeared, ghost-like, in the doorway, holding a dull knife, stalking stealthily out of the doorway. Fear dashed across the girl's face as she reacted almost simultaneously to the guard's appearance, turning violently towards the wall where Artemis' window was situated, losing a shoe in the sudden movement. She ran towards it, her gait uneven from the loss of her shoe, before two more guards, one holding a net, blocked her path. Artemis recognised the net as a weapon of ancient Roman gladiators, but it was clear that the fairy did not. Confusion etched in her face, she dashed, one more time, towards a dark alleyway where a man could barely fit, before yet another of Kronski's guards appeared, dirty hair reaching his waist. The guards formed a circle on the edges of the souq, arms outstretched, herding the girl to the centre of the souq. She stood there, as tightly coiled as a spring, turning this way and that as the guards wove their way in and out of the vats, their faces grinning horribly.

Artemis watched in shock. He had already caused the death of one of the party, would he cause the death of this creature too? Artemis shook his head. Something shifted its weight on his thigh. He looked down, and saw the diamonds winking from within their housing. Inspiration struck through the boy's mind. He looked up, back towards the figures in the centre of the souq. Artemis' heart thumped as he saw the guards less than a meter from the girl. He drew a hand into the black bag, then Artemis threw the diamonds he had withdrawn as hard as he could towards the group.

"Help!" The cry, despairing, fearfully, rose from somewhere in the tightly knit group. The diamonds glittered in the air, falling like a shower of rain. The guards stopped their advancement. They looked up as a group, looking, smiling, arms outstretched as the diamonds fell through the air, hitting them, landing in the dust with little plumes of dirt flying, landing with soft plops into the pungent dyes.

Then a voice, this time gravelly and male, cried out, "Des diamants!" The guards' formation wavered and broke as they scrabbled through the dust and, in several places, the dye vats to collect as many diamonds as they possibly could. Several scuffles broke out over the diamonds. Artemis smiled grimly and reached his hand into the bag again. The fairy in the centre of the souq stood there, unbelieving, head turning as she looked around the area wonderingly. She glanced in Artemis' direction just as he was withdrawing his hand. The fairy smiled slightly, then jumped back startled as a guard dived past her leg. She turned around, saluted in Artemis' direction, and raced out of his vision, one hand holding her lost shoe.

Artemis spoke. "Let's go, Butler." The boy rose and walked out of the room, unaware of his bodyguard's happy and satisfied smile.


Below the Extinctionists' compound

Sana followed Mervall and the 'unconscious' Artemis down the centre of the laboratory. Tears welled up in her eyes as she saw that, all around her, large cages were stacked on top and next to each other. The cages were barely big enough to fit the animal housed inside it, cooping the animals inside their cages, waste and dirt covering the floor of the cages where little grey pellets littered the floor of these cages, presumably the food that the animals ate. The animals were a different matter altogether. Where once there were majestic animals covered with soft, silky fur, ruling over their land and territory, there were now animals cowering against the bars of the cage, their gentle eyes glazed with pain. Birds who once reigned over the sky, feathers splashing the blue vaults gloriously with colour now huddled pitifully on the floor of their cages, feathers unkempt and falling out. Who could bear to do these barbaric acts to innocent animals who never did anything wrong in their lives? In front of her, the small pixie had already reached the centre of the lab, where numerous pallets were lined up in a circle, every pallet occupied by a sleeping animal covered here and there by plastic looking pads. Sana hastily wiped a hand over her eyes and contacted Artemis.

Arty, are you okay? Sana sent, unconsciously seeking comfort from her adoptive brother.

Yes. It'll be over soon. Artemis continued to send reassuring words and images to the girl, as if he could feel her emotional turmoil. Then,

Ugh. What is that?

Sana looked up to see Mervall unpeel one of the plastic things off a tiger. The underside of the pad was covered with spikes, dripping with some unknown substance.

"Full to the brim, Mister Super Genetically Modified Leech Mosquito thing. You are a disgusting abomination, yes you are. But you sure know how to siphon brain fluid. I'd say you're due a squeezing." Mervall left Artemis' pallet and walked over to a fridge, pumping a foot pedal to open the door. The fridge was filled with rows and rows of glass beakers, and the tiny figure ran his fingers over each one until he found what he was looking for.

"Here we go. SibTig BF."

That is disgusting. This is a depraved, horrible place. We need to get out of here. I will formulate a plan, and when I tell you to do something, follow my instructions to the letter. Understand, Sana?

Yes, sir!

The first thing I want you to do is to hide behind a cage somewhere and stop shielding. You will need to save every drop of magic you have, just in case we will need it later. Then wait for my instructions.

Got it.

Sana withdrew from Artemis' mind. Looking around, she found a cage near Artemis' pallet. The cage was occupied by a sleeping bear, its bulk hiding Sana's lithe frame. She unshielded, and looked on as Mervall parked Artemis' pallet into an empty space next to a tiger, whose four paws stood up stiffly in the air. Sana could feel the tears coming again. Struggling to control herself, she did not notice the soft clicks of a pair of boots hitting a hard floor until she heard a soft, female voice behind her.

"Well, well, look what the cat dragged in." Sana whirled around to see Opal's obsidian eyes drilling a whole into her head.

"How did you get in here?" Opal continued, her voice soft and mild, belying her earlier ear-piercing performance in the room under the flames. "My mind tells me you snuck into this place when the Mud Boy fell through the flames instead of the lemur, but how come you weren't there in the room?" She twitched a finger, and Mervall scurried to her side. What? But Mervall was treating Artemis with those leech things! Sana twirled around. Mervall was definitely there, choosing a leech to place on Artemis' bare arm. Turning back to Opal, Mervall was still standing next to her.

Opal laughed at the obvious display of confusion. "This is Descant, the twin brother of Mervall, who is looking after your human friend behind you." Understanding dawned on the girl. Artemis had mentioned them earlier!

Opal smiled evilly. "Descant, get her." The pixie moved to Sana's side and grabbed her arm. Sana hit and punched randomly, trying to shake his grip off her arm, but the pixie evaded all her blows, never once letting go of her arm.

Descant leant down. "Sorry," he whispered into Sana's ear, then karate-chopped at a pressure point at the base of her neck, using a move used by the ancient Chinese martial artists to combat their enemies. Just released from the red river hog's cage, he still sported bruises the size of rock melons from where the river hog had head-butted him. The memories still fresh in his mind, he did not want to experience Miss Koboi's wrath again, willing to do anything for her to avoid a punishment like the river hog. So he watched unemotionally as the girl slumped down on to the ground, her eyes closing, her breath becoming even.

"Pick her up," Opal commanded coldly. "Put her in my office, and tie her in my chair."

"Yes, Miss Koboi." Descant knelt down, his bruised body screaming with pain, and hefted the girl onto his shoulder. Trying not to let the taller figure of the human touch the ground, Descant slowly made his way to Opal's office.

***

Something warm was shining down on Sana. She opened her eyes blearily. Where am I? The room was all white, except for a wooden desk in front of Sana, tied to a chair. Opal Koboi sat on the far side of the desk, her feet on the table, watching what was going on in the lab. She noticed the girl waking up, and smiled, showing off her perfect teeth.

"Hello. Welcome to my office. Usually it's Mervall or Descant here, but they're treating the animals. Besides, I need to talk to you myself." Opal swung her legs off the table. She leant forwards, one hand supporting her head. Sana squirmed in her chair, trying to escape Opal's gaze as well as trying to loosen the knots on the ropes tying her to the chair.

Opal continued to talk. "I want to know who you are, how you got in here and how much you know. That's all." Opal smiled innocently. Sana shivered at the pixie's total change in character.

"What's your name?" Opal asked.

Sana glowered at the pixie. Opal looked at her. "Why don't you talk? Cat got your tongue?" Sana reflected dully that that was the second cat reference in ten minutes. Opal frowned. "Speak, Mud Girl! Or can't you speak?" Sana shook her head. Opal pressed a button on the keyboard. Immediately after pressing the key, the chair let out an electric shock. Sana cried out silently in pain.

"Now, now," said Opal, her voice hardening as she spoke, "It seems like you really can't talk, can you?" She got up and walked over to the other side of the table, sitting down on top of the desk. She cupped Sana's chin delicately, lifting the girl's head up to meet her gaze. She smiled dangerously. "That won't stop me though. Let me tell you a bit about this chair. This baby took me three years to develop, and can detect lies from Mulch Diggums himself. Every time you lie, the chair will give you a shock. Isn't it smart? It's so sensitive it even works on mouthed answers. If you don't mouth your answers, I'll just press the button again. Either way, unless you tell the truth, I win. But hurry up. I haven't got enough time. If you keep dallying, I'll just suck your memories out of your brain directly."

Sana met Opal's eyes furiously. The pixie frowned, understanding what Sana wanted to say. Her eyes glittered with a perilous light. "I won't suck your memories out of your head yet, if that's what you wanted to know. Why would I want to do that? That's no fun. I want you to tell me everything. Now. What's your name?"

Opal stared hard at Sana's lips. Sana swallowed hard, and mouthed her name.

"Anna McOwan." This time, when the electric shock came, Sana refused to cry out. She bit the inside of her mouth hard, trying to escape the pain, which left as swiftly as it came. Opal glared at the younger girl.

"Let's try again. What's your name?" Opal's voice was laced with anger and hatred. Her grip on Sana's chin was like iron.

Her mouth shaped the syllables carefully. "Anna Mc –" Opal cut her off.

"I know that's not your name. Give me your real name." The last sentence was layered with bass tones. Sana felt like melting into the sweetness of that voice.

"Sa –" Sana stopped, horrified at what she was about to reveal. She tried to shake her head to clear it of Opal's magic, but Opal's grip was too strong. Instead, she closed her eyes and began to breathe deeply, just like how Butler taught her a few weeks ago. Her mind began to be clear of the fog Opal had clouded it with.

Opal's voice cut through the fog. "I see. You won't give me your information voluntarily. Fine. Be that way. I'll take it from you anyway. And I was looking forward to a bit of fun too…"

Sana felt Opal get off the table and come near her. A smooth, cool finger touched Sana's forehead gently. Sana stopped attempting to meditate, and mentally observed Opal's actions warily. Before she knew it, a snaky tendril of Opal's mind had wormed its way into Sana's mind. However, even before Sana started reacting, Opal's tendril stopped, and began jabbing at Sana's subconsciousness, where her memories were stored, trying to find a weak point in the structure. Gradually, Sana realised that Opal couldn't reach her memories, although she didn't really know why. Sana grinned, elated, then began to attack Opal's mind with her own. She felt the pixie flinch. Suddenly, Opal withdrew, and the Irish girl opened her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Sana. Duty calls. Seems like your boyfriend has escaped from his pallet and is wandering around the complex. Nice meeting you." After that announcement, Opal stalked out of the room. Although no one could see it, Opal had just had the hell scared out of her by the power she found in Sana's body. Magic users could only take memories from someone with less power than themselves. Opal, through her extraction of various brain fluids from all kinds of animals, had gained more power than any other creature on or under the Earth. So, theoretically, Opal had access to all the memories of all the creatures on and under the Earth. Except, not a moment ago, when she had tried to siphon off Sana's memories, she could not even penetrate the magical barrier surrounding the girl's subconscious, let alone steal her memories. Opal shivered, and quickly strode through the corridors towards the Mud Boy. That girl back in my office has more magic in her than me…

The minute Opal left, Sana began to try escape from the bonds her hands were tied in. She began twisting her wrists slowly, remembering something Juliet had told her a while ago, and soon her attempts were rewarded when the ropes slithered to the ground. Sana stood up, stretching, working the kinks out of her limbs. Her hands, numb from being tied tightly together by the rope, began to get pins-and-needles. Sana winced and began to massage her hands. Walking over to Opal's desk, Sana saw a screen filled with mini-screens from cameras all over the complex. In one of them, she saw Artemis wearing some weird looking goggles, and Opal walking towards him. Next to the mini-screens there was a map of the complex. Sana grinned with relief. Even better, the office was marked in red, and the spot that was Opal was blinking in red as well. Have to get to Arty. Have to get to Arty. Chanting it like a mantra, Sana memorised the directions to Artemis and Opal, took off her thongs and tied them together with the rope, slinging them around her neck. Padding quietly with bare feet, she walked over to the door and opened it, peering into the corridor beyond. Empty. Her heart pounding drum-like, Sana crept as quietly and as quickly as she could, following the directions from the map she had memorised in just a few seconds. Was it the second corner, or the third? She couldn't forget now! She turned the second corner, and was rewarded by the sound of Opal's voice floating down the corridor. She hadn't turned too early after all! Sana slunk down the corridor, and she heard Opal exclaim,

"Exactly, you bright Mud Boy. That wonderful lemur brain fluid is the last ingredient I need for my magic boosting formula."

Sana heard Artemis sigh. "Magic boosting formula? Listen to yourself."

Opal began to rant for the second time in a few hours. "I had a whole bunch of lemurs before but the LEP appropriated them to cure some plague…" Sana used this distraction to slip into Artemis' mind.

Arty? Sorry for not being able to help.

Sana! Glad you're okay. I'm controlling the computer system right now, and after she finishes her little speech, I'm going to open the all the doors of the cages. Use that to get out.

Okay. See ya later!

See you outside!

Sana walked towards the bear from before, keeping to the shadows. The minute the cage doors opened, all the animals went berserk, leaping, crawling, slithering, flying, squawking, out of their cages and leaping towards the fire pit. Sana leapt onto the shoulders of the bear the moment it charged out of its cage, and tried to stay on the bucking animal. The bear rushed past, following the melee of animals down the cavernous lab to the corridor beyond. Sana clung to the bear's matted fur desperately, and looked behind her. Opal was blasting away like a demon, animals collapsing immediately after coming in contact with her magic. All around her, cages fell down like collapsed Lego buildings; fridges spilled its fluids across the floor. Behind her, Artemis leapt on to the back of a stripy horse that was not really a zebra but kind of looked like one, and both horse and boy leapt on to an operating table, jumping from one table to the next. Opal had given up on magic and now wielded a laser gun, which explained the number of collapsed animals in an arc around her. Now aiming at Artemis, she let loose a shot just as a group of weird looking animals hurtled between the two. Artemis had now finally reached the corridor to the pit. He twitched his fingers.

In the flame pit, where a whole herd of animals had already gathered, a ramp began to descend slowly down the pit. The animals screeched and howled as a feeble light began to pour down the pit, bringing fresh air with it. Birds flew out of the pit, screeching their freedom for all to hear. Smaller animals climbed on to larger animals, all waiting for the moment when the path to freedom reached the floor. The minute the ramp touched the ground, the animals surged towards the ramp, climbing higher until they reached the top, where, squished together for the shortest amount of the time, they burst out into the dining hall where Kronski once reigned, and leapt out of the entrances into the plains stretching out under the Moroccan night sky. The gathered Extinctionists past in a blur as the bear Sana was still riding galloped out of the compound, their cries of shock muffled under the cries of freedom emitting from the animals. Next to her, Artemis rode his mount with the expertise of an Olympic equestrian. Soon, a small craft flew over the two animals, scooped up the two humans, and flew away swiftly.

In the fairy shuttle, Artemis and Sana lay spread-eagled in the cargo hold. The last ten minutes had been fantastically, unrealistically dream-like. Suddenly Artemis sat up, and hurried quickly to the cock-pit, where Holly and Jayjay sat. Sana followed more slowly.

"This may seem like a silly question, but is Jayjay…" Artemis' voice trailed off.

Holly spoke. Her voice sounded exactly the same as her mindvoice. "No. Autopilot. And nice to see you alive, by the way. You're welcome for the rescue."

"Once again, I owe you my life. Now, I hate to move directly from gratitude to petulance, but why have we slowed down? Time is running out. We had three days, remember? There are only hours left."

"We were pinged by something at the compound," said Holly, tapping the screen. "Someone's computes have down-loaded our schematics. Can you tell me anymore about that?"

Sana struggled to stay awake through their explanations. She slid down the wall she was leaning on and sat down on the floor. Drowsily she heard their discussions and banter. Sana jerked awake. She couldn't sleep now! Sana shook her head vigorously, trying to clear it of the fog that clouded her brain. Her head, in the process, hit the wall with a loud crack, the pain making her brain wake up partially. The other occupants, noticing the sound, turned her way. The dwarf, the one, Sana presumed, who had swallowed Jayjay earlier in the souq, burped in her direction. Sana cringed.

"Sana! Thank you for helping earlier," Holly said, getting out of her seat and crouching in front of the girl.

Sana scrabbled for pen and paper. I didn't really do anything, she wrote slowly. The only help I contributed was telling Arty where to go. I have to thank you for saving me back there.

"Oh, right. You're still in your no talking phase. You told me about that five years later or something like that. And no problem. It's become a rather annoying habit. I've saved the whole of this Mud Boy's family already. I don't mind saving you though. I'm your au –" Artemis clapped his hand over Holly's mouth.

Bending down to Holly's ear, Artemis whispered, "We can't tell her yet. You have to give her the note, remember?"

Sana watched their exchange with suspicion. She shrugged, and yawned widely. She had plenty of time to weasel information out of them after getting a good sleep. So thinking that, Sana dropped off quickly, becoming oblivious to the discussion that followed afterwards.

oOo

The sun was disappearing over the horizon as the shuttle coughed and spluttered into the rear courtyard in Fowl Manor. Holly and Artemis began doing checks on their surroundings. Sana stood talking to Mulch, the dwarf. The two had become good friends on the long trip to Fowl Manor.

Bye, Mulch, wrote Sana. I'll probably see you sometime in the future, if I keep hanging with these people. Not that I'm from the future.

"Yeah, you probably will. Try to stop them from kissing each other. It's not good, having interspecies couples."

Sana grinned. Jayjay leapt into Sana's arms, waving its paw at Mulch. It began chattering.

Hey, look, Mulch. Jayjay's saying goodbye to you.

Mulch looked suspiciously at Sana. "Do you understand what the lemur's saying?" Sana nodded. Mulch, surprised, whistled. "How come you never told me you have magic?"

Didn't I? Well, you know now, don't you? Sana wrote, shrugging.

"Yeah, I guess."

Artemis took Jayjay from Sana's arms. Soon, after Holly, Artemis and Mulch had said goodbye to each other, Mulch was left behind in the shuttle as the others hurried into the Manor, opening and closing the back door softly. Artemis led the way as the four moved through the hallways, Holly guarding the rear. Artemis unconsciously scratched Jayjay's head.

Holly, looking stressed, said, "Come on, Artemis. Number One is weaker now, so we have to jump soon."

Artemis navigated the stairs carefully, Sana and Holly following his exact footsteps. "Nearly there. Seconds away."

Finally, they reached the study, where everything was left exactly the same as nearly seventy-two hours ago. Holly's shoulders slumped, shaking, revealing an exhaustion and tension she had kept hidden until now.

"I thought you were dead," she said.

Artemis smiled wryly. "Me too. Then I realized that I couldn't die, not in this time."

"I presume you're going to explain that to me."

"Later. Over supper. Now can we open the time stream, friend?"

Sana, who had been walking around the room, suddenly swished open the bay-window curtains. The younger Artemis and Butler stood there, wearing foil suits. Butler unzipped his suit, revealing a large gun strapped to his chest.

"What about a time stream?" said the younger Artemis. Sana groaned. As the two Artemises argued over the finer details of their points, Holly sank to the ground, her hand over her heart. Sana ran over to her, putting an arm around her shoulders.

Sana slipped into Holly's mind. Holly, what's wrong?

The magic. It's fading. Holly's mindvoice was haggard with pain. Sana frowned, concentrating on a way to help Holly.

How did you get here? How do you get magic if you run out? Sana asked.

I got here through a demon warlock's spell. He also topped up my magic this time by giving me a booster.

An idea began to form in Sana's head. Do you think it'll work if I gave you some of my magic to keep the spell strong?

I hope it does.

OK, then. I'll try it. Sana sat properly, arm still slung across Holly's shoulders. She reached out to Holly's mind, creating a connection, then reached into her own mind to the blue bit of her mind she had noticed earlier when Opal was torturing her. Grabbing a whole mindful of the sparks, Sana sent them down the connection to Holly. Sana could feel Holly bending the magic to keep the spell strong.

Is it working, Holly? Sana asked, after sending about half of her sparks to Holly.

Yep. I can feel the spell staying strong now. Thanks, Sana.

The two looked up in time to see the older Artemis snip off the last lock of hair and finish off his explanation of their actions. The shock on Artemis the younger was palpable. The two Artemises regarded each other gravely. Then the younger Artemis said something unexpected.

"I'm coming with you."

"No, you're not." Butler said, alarmed. "I can't protect you properly in the future with these people."

"It's my mother, Butler," said Artemis simply. "I must save her. Now I charge you to stay by her side until I return. Anyway, how could they hope to succeed without me? Now," he continued, turning to Holly. "How do we go to your time?"

Holly stood up. "Everybody, stand around me." Everybody crowded around her. Then Butler spotted Sana too.

"Sana, you're not going. Two Artemises are enough," Butler objected. He waited as Sana took her pen out.

She's my mother too now, Sana reminded him gently, I have to go back and help. Besides, I'll help you keep this one, Sana pointed to the younger Artemis, Out of too much trouble, OK?

Butler hesitated, and then nodded. Sana turned around to face Holly, who smiled and continued issuing instructions.

"Focus on your destination. It should be easier with Number One's magic directing us, but its better safe than sorry. OK, here we go." Holly activated the magic. Artemis the younger looked at his arm dissolving in mid-air.

Holly grinned wickedly. "Chin up, Mud Boy," she said, "And watch out for quantum zombies." Before they dissolved completely, Holly had the satisfaction of seeing the panic in young Artemis's eyes. Then they were in the time stream.

Sana looked around curiously. The time stream was a space filled with sparkling waves, stretching on for eternity. A crimson thread pulled them through the tunnel, leading them to the right time and exit. All around her, she could feel the others' minds. The two Artemises were, once again, arguing, this time about ending Schubert's unfinished symphony or something in B minor. Holly was wrapped up in thought, and Jayjay was calm and unruffled, taking it as it comes. Then Sana felt someone else's mind in the river, but that unknown presence soon disappeared, so Sana did not dwell on it. Suddenly, they approached a place with a brilliant white light, through which the crimson thread lead, and then the party of five formed back into physical forms on the plush carpet in the Fowl study.

They were in the future.