Hey peeps! Thanks so much to all the people who reviewed, subscribed to my story (or me, for some) and all those. Okay, this is going to be quite a bit of an intro because I've got time (and so do you-right? *wink wink*) and stuff to say. One, something about myself (and this is for all people who are too lazy to just click on 'Captain Juliet'). I do not live in America, but where I am I am drowning in homework (especially Mother tongue-it's a wonder I haven't failed it yet) and so I just finished my holidays (sobs) and so since I have no idea how life is in Ireland(or America) I'm pretty much guessing most details for fanficts. Speaking about fanficts, I scraped my previous fanfict because it's pretty crappy and super clichéd (Opal Koboi... Stealth ore shuttles... Mulch Diggums and his dwarf rock polish... Mulch Diggums and his stomach) and most of my characters are WAY OOC (out of character). It involves a way smarter Juliet Butler devising plans to save Arty and Holly etc... So as not to disappoint those who put me on Author Alert and all of you, I'm working on a Minerva P. fanfict which I dumped about a month ago. It sounds a bit self-centered... but that's how I am, and I drive my friends crazy. That's what Mother tongue does to me. I call that a major side effect.
And the disclaimer, of course: If I owned Artemis Fowl, 1)there would be an AF movie by now 2) Juliet wouldn't be so OOC in this chapter (and pretty much everyone else) 3)I wouldn't even be writing this.
You have been warned!
Chapter 6: Enemy territory
somewhere in the forests in Dublin
Holly got to her feet shakily and assessed her injury. Bruised, cut and an ugly gash on her arm and calf. She walked with a limp and was bone tired. With her helmet nuclear battery mashed to bits and a chunk of the helmet itself gone she was lost. Fowl Manor must be somewhere around here, she thought. Maybe find an acorn to replenish her magic. It was a full moon anyway, having been unconscious during the day.
Staying there would not be an option. With her helmet down, she was on her own with no one to help. Her only choice was to return to Fowl Manor and rest before checking the situation again. Or maybe Tara, she thought.
She was close to Fowl Manor and Tara, but she was even closer to something else. The last place Holly ever wanted to find herself in like this. That something was Opal Koboi's hideout.
The hideout was actually the shuttle which was half buried in the ground. Opal insisted on that. It was surrounded by trees and bushes which managed to block part of the shuttle. The visible part of the shuttle was disguised as an old abandoned house, leading anyone around to think that. And that was what Holly Short thought when she glanced at it. She made her way towards it. Weird, she thought, a house in a forest. But it would have
to do for a temporary lodging.
Inside Opal's hideout
Mervall came in with a tray of food. "Your meal, Mistress Koboi. And did I say that I just love your new boots?" he said. Opal accepted the compliment by smiling and pointing at a table. "Put it there, Mervall." She stretched out her left boot. "It's about time anyone complimented me on things. And not just my boots, although for such lowly beings like you can start by admiring them, then when you finally realize it, you can move on to such beauty I exude, the brilliance of my plans, and so on."
As Mervall placed the tray of food on the table and making sure that his sigh was inaudible to his mistress, Opal noticed a glint of red on his finger. "Mervall," she said, "your finger. What happened? You know that it is utterly unhygienic to be serving food with a bloody finger and I cannot afford to fall sick at this stage of procedures."
"My magic ran out. I was going to replenish it right after I serve this to you," Mervall said, looking down at the floor.
"Well, you'd better learn to prioritize properly. I shall not tolerate poor hygiene by my staff."
"Yes, Miss Koboi."
"Well, you know what to do. Get an acorn and get out. And get Descant to get me another tray of food. Obviously I'm not going to touch any of that."
Mervall sighed softly and left with the tray. He left it with his brother. "So she spotted your finger, eh?" Descant said, placing it down.
Mervall nodded. "Oh, and don't forget to compliment her new boots, and maybe throw in how wonderful she looks and how brilliant her plans are. Remember what happened last time, about eight or seven years ago?"
"I get it," Descant snapped, obviously not wanting to be reminded of it. Mervall proceeded out the shuttle.
Holly saw the shuttle door open with a hiss and dived for cover. Mervall thought he saw something but dismissed it as another of Opal's mutated animals. Holly did not recognize Mervall at first and she followed him, moving fast yet silently, running from bush to tree and tree to bush.
She stopped her maneuverings when she saw what she thought was an old dilated house and realized what it was and who that person who came out would be. Then she spotted the giant window at the top of the shuttle, where she saw the unmistakable form of Opal Koboi. Opal Koboi's hideout, she realized. Wow, Holly. Some luck you have.
Mervall selected an acorn from one of Opal's genetically modified bushes which, she reasoned, would be their source of magic until she becomes queen of the world and can move from a small stealth ore shuttle to a mansion or a palace. The pixie went around the bush, where Holly saw a small, fast river behind.
Mervall planted the seed and sparks of blue erupted from the ground behind the bush. All Holly could see from where she was a small fireworks display behind the bush and tree which was blocking her view. She could have easily moved forward but she did not want to get too close to Mervall or Descant, whichever (it was hard to tell with his back to her. They were twins, after all). But what she could see was that Opal's shuttle window was facing the only bushes with the acorns while the others were filled with berries. Holly plucked a berry and rolled it between her fingers. It felt heavier than most berries and the fruit was unnaturally smooth. You never know, she thought, it could be poisonous. Careful, Captain, you're in enemy territory.
She watched as Mervall went back into the shuttle. She squished it against a tree and examined the remains of the fruit. There was a sweet smell in the air and Holly was guessing it was coming from the fruit itself. And the seed-the seed was a square, to start with. It was a really small green square with a red dot in the middle and it stuck to the flesh of the fruit. She picked the seed up, wiped it against her uniform and kept it in case she actually got out of here and hopefully give it to Foaly, who probably could make more sense out of it than her.
The bush was relatively close to the side of the stream. Still out of sight, she slipped into the stream. She went with the current until she saw the bush with the acorns. It was blocking her view from the window in the shuttle and Opal. She assumed since she can't see Opal, the pixie couldn't see her and got a grip on the bank to avoid getting washed away. She plucked an acorn, careful as not to shake the bush. Her fingers closed round two such acorns, submerged herself in the water and allowed the current to push her away.
Holly went around the shuttle and climbed out, soaking wet and shivering from the cold. Her suit and helmet wasn't helping against the cold wind which blew through the forest. Her injuries probably weren't going to heal if she just stood there freezing, so she bent down and got to work. With trembling fingers she dug a small hole in the ground, glanced at the moon and buried an acorn. Magic rushed to her in a flurry of blue sparks which targeted her various injuries, steam venting from her body, repelling the water droplets which clung to her suit.
After her magic was returned she was left with an extra acorn, which she kept in case. Now all I need to do is sneak past Opal's hideout and get to Fowl Manor, or Tara, whichever is closer. She turned on her shield and made her way across the shuttle window when she could faintly hear a familiar laugh. She stopped and squinted at the window and saw Opal laughing at something. A closer look confirmed her fears. "D'Arvit," she muttered.
Myles and Beckett Fowl were in a cage with Opal.
Fowl manor
Juliet came into Artemis's study, her hair whipping the famed jade ring over her shoulder. "You done yet, Arty?" she asked, blinking her long and attractive eyelashes. Naturally she was beautiful. With make-up she looked even more stunning.
Artemis sighed. "Unfortunately Butler had shot right at the side of the chip I found in the bird, so it will be difficult," he said, shaking his head.
Juliet frowned. "How much more time do you need?"
"As much time as you can buy. Keep her talking until I can formulate something," he said, wiping sweat from his brow. He noticed the layer of make-up. "You do know that Opal is a female pixie and that she wouldn't really admire anyone else?"
The girl laughed. "Of course. Do I look like a complete idiot to you? Maybe it's because you're a genius, the answer may be a yes, but I'm open to criticisms."
Artemis chuckled. "No you don't, Juliet. Quite the opposite, in fact.
"Oh, it's not deception. Its pure beauty," she said and went off. Whatever she plans to do, Artemis thought, it better be good. Now, I need a plan while she carries out hers.
Juliet stood at the doors, arms akimbo, smiling. Butler was far away, hiding at the exact same spot when Artemis had spoken to Opal in case she needed help. This time, Opal sent a hawk to negotiate. Eyes blazing red, the hawk landed and Opal's mocking voice sounded from it. "So," the pixie said, "has our dear genius made up his mind, or is he scared and so sends his maid to relay his message?"
"Hello and welcome to Fowl Manor. Is there anything I can help you with? I'm Juliet Butler, by the way," Juliet said, her smile widening.
"Yes, and I'm Holly Short. Now, has Artemis Fowl decided to surrender to me? Remember, I have-"
"Ooh, Holly. How's it been? See, I've always wanted that really awesome suit of yours because it's, like, black and so in fashion," Juliet said, flicking her wrist and looking dramatically like a bimbo. Butler smiled. Only her sister was capable of such antics. It was like she was born for this. And in a few moments he was sure Opal would be thoroughly annoyed. He knew two such beings with that talent, his sister being one of them.
"Are you a total idiot?" Opal said, slightly taken back. "I was being sarcastic. Anyway, Holly Short is dead, alone in the forest, her body rotting and being eaten by wild animals. She was finally killed by trolls. So-"
"What a horrible way to die," Juliet said, her large eyes widening, fingers covering her mouth. Of course, Juliet didn't believe this statement, but better to let the enemy know otherwise.
Butler was pretty sure Opal was grinning. "The absolute worst," she said with glee.
"And I'm not a total idiot. Artemis said I looked so otherwise. And I trust him more than I'm ever likely to trust you," Juliet said, pointing a manicured nail at the bird. "Anyway, whoever would listen to a talking bird?"
"I am not a bird!" Opal exclaimed. "I am a fine specimen of a fairy genius and beauty."
"I have boys admiring me too," Juliet said, flicking a strand of blonde hair in a really attractive way which was wasted on Opal. Opal took a deep breath and composed herself. It sounded like a rush of static to the Butlers.
"So, where is our dear Artemis?" Opal said, sounding like she's forcing a smile. Butler could imagine her, patience literally seeping out of her otherwise pretty features. That was what Juliet made him feel sometimes, and he was glad to see that it was directed at someone else for a change.
Juliet tossed her head, her jade ring flicking around. "Resting. Sleeping. He said, and I quote, 'If I'm going to tackle this problem I'm going to need to refresh my mind. Geniuses are supposed to have some rest, don't they?' have to admit though, he's right. I'm a wreck if I don't get my nine-or maybe ten-hours," she said.
Opal laughed. "So, Artemis is in bed snoring away? What a time when his brothers' lives are in peril."
Juliet carried on as if Opal did not say anything. "Usually ten, but when I need to doll myself up its nine. I can do my make-up in thirty minutes while others have to do it in, say, an hour? And another few hours for hair which ends up in a birds nest."
The pixie's tone of voice changed from delightful to strain. "Look, human. As I was saying-"
"And Artemis doesn't snore. Butler says I snore, but ladies, that definitely include me, do not and never will snore. Besides, who is he to criticize, because he doesn't hear himself when he sleeps." I really wished she could stop that, but if it distracts Opal for a while I guess it'll have to do, Butler thought.
Opal lost it. Firstly, the conversation wasn't about her, it was about this really self-centered Mud girl. And she was ignoring her. Ignoring her! "Stupid human idiot!" she screeched and the bird flew up, ready for attack. Butler drew his weapon but Juliet swung her head, her own weapon hitting the bird squarely on the beak. There was a sickening "crack" as the bird got hit and fell down, beak open in pain and shock.
"Naughty birdie," Juliet said, wagging a finger at the fallen hawk. "I think you ruined my hair."
"Shut up! I will take it that you are not surrendering-"
"Silence doesn't always mean consent, if that's what you meant. Besides, you've got no silence. Unless you're talking about Artemis, then I'll get Butler to check if he's done clearing that big head of his." Juliet blinked her eyes. "And while we're waiting, how about telling me how good looking I am? I only took half an hour to do it because it was rather of a last minute kind of thing and so I may not look as stunning. But natural beauty still shines through."
Opal was practically screaming. "Shut up, shut up, and shut UP! I've got the two other Fowls and I will kill them. Both of them!" Butler winced at the sharp noise.
"And Artemis has another talking bird," Juliet said although fear was creeping into her by Opal's latest statement. But her job was to buy as much time as possible. Surely Artemis would have considered all this beforehand. "So, back to my question. Do I look as well as-"
Opal screamed, a high pitch piercing sound. Butler thought he heard glass shattering. The bird rose to escape, and Opal's scream had slowed Butler's reaction time by a fraction of a second. In that fraction of the second, Juliet floored the bird, her jade ring whizzing in the air before finding its mark. Opal's shriek ended off as a gurgle as the life slipped from the hawk. She picked it up gingerly by the wing and turned to Butler.
"Good job, little sister," he said. "Now I think Opal would be leaving Artemis alone for a while." Juliet smiled and made her way to the study.
Okay, I'll admit something that this is a pretty rushed piece of work. Anyway, you got what you wanted and I'll carry on singing along to the radio. Ooh, it's The Wanted. Nuff said.