Miwako wasn’t in the best of shapes, but she was still able to fight. She ran swiftly up the stairs, ignoring the banister and taking the steps two at a time. She noticed the huge manservant up ahead. This was the person Holly must have been talking about. She moved in close, quiet as a cat.

Butler didn’t notice the girl. A mistake that could haunt him forever. She clapped his temples and he was out like a light. Butler’s last thought was of his sensei, scolding him for being tricked by a little girl. 

Miwako regretted having to knock the man out, but it was do or get locked in a cell with a boy your age watching your every move. She rounded the corner, flipping the small ‘pocketbook’ up for a layout of the building. Foaly’s invention. She leapt up and climbed the banister. A bonus for ruining stained oak.

She opened the study door silently. Artemis Fowl was waiting for her. “Ah, Miss Miyano. I trust that you did not disable the security cameras?”

“I will be soon!” she retorted, punching the Irish boy in the face. “I really don’t have time for this, Fowl. If you’re hoping to date, forget it!”

She disappeared in a flash, not waiting for Artemis to regain his senses. As she passed the doorknob, she heated it, causing it to melt. “Now you can’t get out.” she said.

Holly scaled the banister. “Cudgeon’s got a troll in!” she shouted to Miwako. “If I were you I’d get out!”

“What about you?”

“I’ll be fine!”

Miwako frowned. Cudgeon got a troll in? This couldn’t be good. But Holly had more experience with trolls. She decided to leave her to it.

Outside Fowl Manor, Miwako was hustled out of the time-stop area. Root looked her over. “Glad to see that you came out alive and well.”

Miwako was puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“I mean Fowl knocked out a full Retrieval team.” Root roared at her. “You nkow how serious that is, Captain?”

Foaly trotted up to her. “Miwa, where have you been?” he said.

Miwako smiled at the sight of the centaur. “Can we talk back at Police Plaza?”

As soon as Holly came out with the gold, Foaly launched the bio bomb. “Really, I don’t know why that Fowl boy wanted to mess with you, Miwa.” he tutted while typing away.

Miwako shrugged. Her LEP acorns flashed as her shoulders moved. “I’m not sure myself.”

Root looked at the manor. “Rinsed. Okay, full blackout. We’re going in there.”

Miwako crept along the bushes, careful to avoid mechanical eyes. Holly and Root covered the entrance.

As she entered through the back and followed to the front, she heard sounds of vomiting, and winced.       

Some other stories by kuyokiartemis:

• Opposite Twins Part I