Chapter 25

The Arrival: Artemis and Butler- Part 1

RECAP:

"What?" I asked feeling a bit self-conscious.

"Nothing," he replied. He went to the hook by the door, but I was there first. I snagged the Vanquish keys and smirked at my old friend. I treated him to my best vampire smile.

"I'm driving."

Artemis's POV:

"Maybe you should slow down," Butler suggested from his seat next to me. To look at his slightly slumped shoulders, you would think that he was relaxed. But, you would be wrong. It is an act to simulate relaxation. Butler is always rather nervous when I drive and there's no reason to be.

I glanced at him out of the corner of my eyes. "Nonsense, I'm an excellent driver," I protested.

"Yes, you are. But going this fast on this isolated, forest road is dangerous for anyone."

I looked at the speedometer. It read 160 k/h(kilometers per hour. Is equal to about 100 miles per hour.). I'll admit, it was a bit faster than what was smart. I slowed down to a more reasonable speed. "Is that better?" I asked sarcastically.

Butler's mouth quirked in his 'grin'. "Much. Now, I don' t have to worry about being a greasy skid mark on the side of the road." Honestly, I don't know what I do to deserve such slandrous comments.

"Hmm, Artemis?" Butler asked, probably to make sure that I was paying attention.

"Yes, old friend?" I said rather warily. I still remembered what our last tete a tete had been about and I had no desire to hear it again.

I didn't fool Butler. "No need to be wary. I just want to know why you're in such a hurry."

"No particular reason," I shrugged.

"In a hurry to meet Juliet's friend, aren't you?" he asked me. "Trying to get Holly off of your mind?"

I looked away from him and back towards the road. "Hardly Butler."

"Whatever you say."

I looked out of the window and saw the endless stretch of trees. "Be careful or you'll miss the turn," Butler reminded me.

"Damn," I cursed as I did miss the turn. I made an illegal U-turn and made it this time.

"Distracted?" Butler asked and I just growled.

I followed the curve of the road to the parking lot. I couldn't help but look at the squat, gray building in distaste. "Hard to believe that this is one of the 'coolest' places in Dublin," I said spitting out the word 'coolest'.

Butler smiled a genuine smile. "What were you expecting, a mansion?"

"Nevermind," I grumbled, pulling into a spot at the front of the lot. I turned the car off, but made no effort to remove the key.

"Ready to go?" Butler asked smiling slightly. "Are you ready to meet Juliet's friend?"

"In response to your first question, yes. And to the second, I leave to you," I replied, pulling the key out of the ignition. I climbed out of the car, and casually inspected my clothes. Not a speck of dust, perfect.

I walked towards the glass-front doors with Butler right behind me. Right outside of the door was the usual red, velvet rope. How cliche.

"Yes Artemis, it is a cliche," Butler said before I could say anything. Sometimes, he knows me too well. I really do hate to be cut off before I can say what I want to.

Behind the rope was a tall man. Though not nearly as tall as Butler. He had dark skin and hazel brown eyes. His hair was in the ridiculous 'dread-lock' style. He was muscular and would have seemed threatening to any man and impressive to any woman. I'm sure that was the point in hiring him.

"Hello," he said in a deep voice. "I am Adonis." Fitting. Adonis was the greek man with looks who charmed the goddesses and angered the gods. Though his looks only led to his death and misery as his blood stained the river.

"Artemis Fowl," I said shaking his hand. He tried to crush my fingers as most muscle men do when they meet another man. When I pulled my hand back it stung a little, but I refused to give him the satisfaction.

"Butler," Butler said and Adonis's mouth dropped open. I suppose even 'bouncers' know legend when they see it. His blue diamond tattoo and title as the third deadliest man in the world precede him.

"Yes sir," he said jumping forward. "And this must be the Artemis Fowl that I've heard so much about." Amazing, how he didn't know me when I introduced myself and now I'm 'the Artemis Fowl' and he's hear so much about me. It never ceases to amaze me how one word, Butler's name, can change people's attitudes.

"Yes, I am," I said giving him a vampire smirk. I couldn't help but relish his shiver and involuntary step back.

"Ah, Mr. Butler sir. I'd love to talk trade or train with you one day?" Adonis had seemed so tough at first, but now he was like a child who had just gotten to meet his childhood hero.

"Pleased to meet you," Butler said shaking his hand. I noticed that his grip was relatively light when dealing with Butler.

The two looked as if they were going to start 'talking trade'. "Excuse me, but I would like to go inside," I said both loudly and clearly.

"Of course, Mr. Fowl," he stammered. Mr. Fowl. I must say, I like that.

I handed him a euro bill. "Ah, Mr. Fowl. It is too much. The cover charge is only 15 euros ($20 for Americans) for each of you.

"Keep it," I insisted.

"Are you sure?" he asked, already slipping the bill into his pocket.

"Quite."

After a few stammered 'thank yous', he managed to get the rope down. He opened the door for us and as we were entering, he remembered his job. "Welocme to the Phenom. I sincerely hope you have your own bit of amazement here tonight."

We stepped inside of the building. The foyer area was just like the outside, gray and unimpressive. There was a large gray metal door on the opposite wall. "Well, I suppose we should go have some fun," I said with a half-hearted attempt at enthusiasm.

"Relax, Artemis. It was your idea to come here. Besides it won't kill you." Butler put his arm on my shoulder, thankfully keeping his weight off of me.

"I reached out, opened the door and was hit by a wall of sound. "Hmm, soundproofing?"

"Yes, to give privacy no doubt."

I proceeded into the club and looked around. "Impressive," I remarked impassively as I looked at the large room in front of me. The black walls with what was supposed to be 'star-like' dots. As an art conessieur, I can safely say that it looked like a kindergardener's project. Then there was the large dance floor, small metal tables, and the bar.

"These strobe lights are going to give me a head ache," I complained.

"Don't whine," Butler chastised.

"I am not whining. Fowls do not whine," I said. "Unless you're Beckett," I tacked on as an afterthougt. Beckett never stops whining.

"Butler chuckled. "Come on, let's go to the bar."

"Fine," I agreed. The bar was typical. Another cliche. High stools, wooden bar, and rows of alcohol behind it. I sat on a stool in the middle of the bar area, and Butler took the seat next to it.

"Would you like a drink?" the blond, unkempt bartender asked.

"No thank you." I really did not want any drink poured by that man. To be honest, I didn't really want a drink at all.

"And what about you, sir?" he asked warily, obviously put off by Butler's size.

"Scotch on the rocks, please."

The bartender hurriedly poured the drink and passed it to Butler. Butler swirled the drink before draining the cup dry. "Ah refreshing," he smiled.

"Quite," I said. "Now, what are we supposed to do?" I didn't know the answer and though my pride was taking a hit, I still needed to know. My pride would heal, eventually.

My old friend smiled a little more. I suppose he can and did guess what I was thinking. "Well, people usually dance, talk to girls or boys, and/or get sloppy drunk." From what I could see around me, his statement was correct.

"And what shall we do?" I asked flipping my hair out of my eyes. It was annoying me and made me feel like a child again. "Definitely not the third one."

"Of course not. You're not old enough to drink," he laughed. "What about the first one?"

Dancing. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "No, and that only leaves," I began but was cut off.

"The second one. Talking to girls."

"I think I have an even better plan," I grinned enjoying the moment and relishing my intellect.

Butler raised his eyebrows, a sign of burning curiosity from him. I smiled at once again having the upper hand. "And what's that?" He sounded somewhat wary, as if I was proposing some heinous scheme.

"Let's find your sister," I played my trump card. Butler cares a lot more for his sister than for 'having fun'.

"Fine," Butler answered, his eyes showing submission. My eyes scanned the crowd, trying to find her, but she was nowhere to be found. "Well, at least we know that she's here." I raised my eyebrows in disbelief and skepticism.

"And how do we know that?" I asked.

"Intuition," Butler said obviously hiding somehting. Before I could ask, he changed the subject. "Ah look. There's you girlfriend."

I automatically knew who he was talking about. I could see her blond curly head from here. Minerva Paradizo, fellow genius and friend. "I don't have a girlfriend," I argued.

"Of course not," Butler shrugged. "Though she does look rather pretty tonight." Yes, I did look at her after that. In my defense, anyone else would have done the same in my position.

She dressed in a way that was physically pleasing. Though it was not how I would expect her to dress. Her blue skirt was very short, her shirt was very low, and her heels were very high. "I suppose," I commented emotionlessly.

Butler only said. "Hmm" as we continued to watch her. I felt like some kind of outsider, looking in at things that I wasn't supposed to see. That was not enough to make me look away.

I watched her stomp about in high heels that should have caused her to stumble. She seemed angry or upset. She continued to stomp right up to a table where a blond girl was sitting alone. Minerva sat down and began to talk to the girl. At first, they both seemed rather calm. They were having a conversation but I couldn't see their lips to know what was going on.

All of a sudden, the blond's eyes widened in anger and she stood up, knocking her chair over. She was much taller than Minerva and much more fearsome. She seemed almost ready to hit her which was not surprising since Minerva has a penchant for making enemies. Though, this seemed to be rather sudden, even for her.

Butler smirked at me. "Should we do something to help her?" he asked, though he showed no sign of moving.

"No need," I said. My friend Shry was behind the blond girl. She rested a hand on her shoulder and seemed to be trying to calm her down. It seemed to be working, because the blond's body released the tension that it had been holding. Minerva's back arched and she seemed to be wary. Shry turned to her and spoke. After a minute or two Minerva turned and stomped away.

"Hmm," I mused. "That blond girl seems to be rather skilled."

Butler looked as though he was trying to keep a straight face. "Yes, her stance was that of one who had learned and mastered several martial art styles."

"Curious. Surely Minerva isn't foolish enough to pick a fight with someone so much stronger than she is."

Butler raised his eyebrows. "Never stopped you, did it?"

"No," I grinned. "But laa of my battles could be won with me brain and not brute strength."

"True," he said, probably thinking over the many adventures that had gotten us to where we are. "Shall we go get a table?"

"Yes. Let's go." Butler and I got to the table, but both of us were worried about the frailty of the chairs. We held out breath as he sat down. Thankfully, the chair was stronger than it looked and we were both able to breathe a sigh of relief.

As I looked around, my eyes were once again drawn to the blond girl whose name I didn't even know. She was sitting a the bar with Shry and there was another girl beside her. "See anything you like."

I grinned at my old friend. "Not really, Butler. I don't think 'clubbing' is for me."

"Just give it some time, Artemis."

"Mmmm," I mumbled glancing back to where the girl had been sitting. She was gone. I scanned the area, knowing that she couldn't have gotten too far away.

"Lost her?" Butler asked, the corner of his mouth twitching.

"Who?" I asked, though I knew good and well who he was talking about.

"The young lady from earlier or perhaps Minerva?"

"Neither. The only 'young lady' that I am looking for is your sister."

"Mmmm," Butler mumbled but let it go. Just as I was about to say something, a familiar voice interrupted me. Interuptions seem to be happening to me constantly lately.

"Hey Arty," a voice said as her hands went over my eyes. "Guess who?"

"Hello Minerva," I said while trying to keep the annoyance out of my voice.

"Oh Arty, how did you know it was me?" she squealed.

I grinned a bit. "Intuition."

"Oh, you are so smart. I'd expect nothing less from a genius of your caliber."

Her words drew attention to her hands which were still over my eyes. Needless to say, it was quickly getting annoying. "Your hands please?" I gently grabbed her hands and moved them off of my eyes. The first thing that I saw was the smug, satisfied smirk on Butler's face. I could feel the head on my own, but I still threw Butler the darkest glare that I could muster. Which, he of course, ignored.

"Mind if I sit down, Arty?" She asked in the type of cooing voice that you use to soothe an angry toddler.

I grimaced at the word, 'Arty'. "You know that I don't like being called 'Arty'," I reminded her as gently as I possibly could. Nonetheless, I stood and pulled a chair up for her. She may be the most annoying genius that I know, but she is still a female who deserves respect. Mother would kill me if she ever found out that I was rude to a woman.

I held out the seat for her. "Of course you may sit with us."

She sat down and grinned as I pushed it up to the table. "Butler, I'm sorry, I forgot my manners for a moment. How are you?"

"Quite well, Minerva. And yourself?"

"Fantastic," she grinned. "At least I am now." As she said that she tried to wind her fingers with mine and bat her eyelashes. I gently pulled back. "So, what brings you guys here tonight?"

"Out for an evening of fun," I told her, letting her get what she wished from it.

"Me too. I had to get away for a weekend," she said and put her hand on my knee. I shook it off. She pouted, but didn't say anything.

"And how's your father?"

"Oh, he's fine. He's been wondering where you are." She leaned in close to me and flipped some of her curly hair over one shoulder. "You should come visit. Daddy would really enjoy that."

I glanced at Butler. She was obviously not talking about 'Daddy'. "I'm rather busy at the moment."

"Of course, but as long as we're here..." Her hand was rubbing on my knee again.

"What did you have in mind?" I asked, trying to keep my calm.

"How about a drink?" She asked batting her eyelashes again. I looked closely and saw the clumps that her mascara had left.

"No thank you," I replied.

She leaned in even closer, which was surprisingly still possible. Her hand was still moving on my knee. Her hand started to move up and down, getting closer and closer to the center. "How about dancing? With me?" she crooned.

"No thank you," I repeated nervously. Her hand was almost up to the top of my thigh. I would not let her get any higher. I jerked my chair back so hard that it almost fell.

I looked back at Minerva, expecting to see anger or pain in her eyes. She only looked mildly amused. "Arty," she pouted. "When are you going to stop playing hard to get?"

"Minerva, I am sorry but I am not playing hard to get," I admitted. "I am not interested in you in that way."

"Whatever," seh said standing. "Call me when you realize the truth: we belong together." She turned and flounced off to the dance floor.

"Artemis," Butler chided. "When are you going to stop playing hard to get?"

"Not interested, Butler."

"True," he chuckled. "It's more like you're impossible to get."

"Oh Butler," I said shaking my head. "That was not entertaining."

"What was she doing under the table?" he asked both grinning and changing the subject.

I saw no reason to refuse to talk. That would only make it seem worse. Though, I don't have to tell the whole story. "She was rubbing my knee." The way I said it made it seem like that was it.

"And?" he coaxed.

"What and?"

Butler gave me an indulgent smile, like he was dealing with a particularly slow child. "Now Artemis, you wouldn't almost fall out of your chair to get away from her for nothing. What else was she doing to you?"

I sighed. Sometimes, I for get just how clever Butler is and how well he knows me. Which, will be detrimental if I ever have to fight him again. We barely made it the first time, and would be lucky to do so the second. I tried to pull myself out of these dreary thoughts and back into the present. "She began by rubbing my knee. Then, her hand started to move slowly upwards to my thigh..." I said hesitantly as Butler cut me off by laughing so hard that he shook the table.

I leveled a glance at him to show my displeasure. He caught my glare and managed to calm himself. "I'm sorry Artemis, but that was funny."

"Butler, you are forgiven. If you will answer one question for me?"

"You only have to ask and I'll answer it," he assured me, obviously pretending to be sorry for laughing at me.

I took a deep breath to prepare me for the onslaught of humiliation that was about to come my way. "Is it normal for me to have felt a bit of...pleasure at first?"

I could tell that Butler was trying to restrain his laughter. After a few moments, he had calmed down enough to tease me. "I never thought that I'd be teaching you about male anatomy."

I could feel the heat rushing to my face. "What do you mean? I know all about male anatomy."

"Calm down, and I'll explain it to you."

"Yes of course," I said complying with his wished. "I am always calm."

Butler snorted but continued with his lecture. "Of course you know about the anotomical differences of the male and female body?"

I nodded and he pressed on. "Well, at your age, every action and reaction, especially those with the opposite sex are tied to your center. Even though you don't like Minerva, her rubbing was still pleasureable ecause it was going close to your center. Remember, at this age most young men are totally controlled by it."

"That was her goal," I realized. She wanted me to act in a way that was... not myself. "She's so conniving," I said in awe and appreciation.

"Yes, a real chip off of the old block," he smiled. "But remember that this does not work on women. They're ruled by emotions, not physicality."

"Just one more question?"

` "You may ask as many as you would like, Artemis. I'm a bit surprised that you want to talk about this." I was also surprised. Though, the thrill of new knowledge was enjoyable even if what I am learning is not.

"After the second of pleasure ended, I felt waves of anger, frustration, disgust and even a bit of guilt," I admitted. "Is that abnormal?"

"It would be more abnormal if you didn't feel that way," he assured me. "The body reacts in unreal and seemingly unusual ways."

"So, what exactly was my body trying to say?" I asked. This is very strange. My body is taking on a persona of its own. That will have to be fixed. Note to self: do research at home.

"The first thing that you need to do is isolate your emotions," he began.

"Check," I cut in a he had been doing to me. It did not seem to bother him as it does to me. I suppose he has gotten used to it by now.

"And next you need to decide who these emotions are directed at." I tried to speak but Butler cut me off as soon as I opened my mouth. Perhaps, it really does bother him as much as it bothers me.

"Are you angry with her for bringing up these feelings or are you angry at yourself for reacting?" he asked with a knowing smile that told me that he already had an opinion. Though of course, he plowed on before I could say anything.

"And frustration. Are you frustrated with her for knowing how it would affect you and using it or are you frustrated with yourself for being ruled by your body like any normal teenager?"

I realized that it would be pointless to try to say anything. He wouldn't let me talk until he finished his lecture. "As for guilt, it's obvious. Guilt is a self-inflicted emotion. In this case, it probably stems from that split second of pleasure. You must feel like you're betraying someone close to you."

"Now," he said. "You just have to figure out who you're feeling guilty about and to whom your feelings stem."

"Thank you for my psych analysis," I said rather dryly.

I didn't get to say anything else because the D.j.'s voice came on over the speaker system. "Hello ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Phenom, where amazing things can and do happen." I couldn't resist rolling my eyes at the overrated slogan. "I hope you have a good time and remember: I take requests."

The D.J. started the next song and I groaned as I recognized the song."My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard, And they're like It's better than yours, Damn right it's better than yours, I can teach you, But I

have to charge."

"Awful," I said shaking my head in disgust.

"What's awful?" Butler asked. "Besides the fact that we just had a deep, emotional, philisophical conversation in a club."

"I was referring to the music of our time."

Butler sighed. He had heard this time and time again, but my old friend is somewhat patient. "What has the evil music industry done this time?" I chose to ignore his sarcasm and make my point.

"It has lost all true musical expression and feeling," I ranted. "Listen to this song. The whole song is an innuendo."

"Yes," Butler said in a bored voice. "Now talk about the depreciation of lyrics over the past ten years alone."

"Nevermind," I said. We just sat listening to another awful song. This one was the world-wide phenomenon 'Single Ladies'. I looked out at the dance floor and saw Shry dancing. Her blond friend and a red head was dancing with them. I sighed but resisted the urge to comment.

Thankfully, that song was also soon over. The next song started out and I saw another blond girl shaking her hips to the beat.

"I think I found your sister," I told Butler.

End of the Chapter

A/n:

Woo-hoo! Another chapter down. This is my Christmas present to each of you. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and may God bless each of you. Anyway, the next chapter will be the continuation of this one. Hope you enjoy it. I hope to update this story soon. Keep reading and I'll keep writing. Oh and remember to review. Flames are welcome. They're what keep me warm and toasty at night. ;)

Remember: Reviews = happy camper. Happy camper = quicker updates. Quicker updates = you reading more. It's a cycle. Keep it going!

Yours truly, madly, and deeply,

Einstinette