6. Argument at the Ritz, First Floor

“Hello?”

“Hello, Artemis Fowl. How has your day been?” Gaia’s beautiful voice soothed Artemis.

“Eventful.” His heartbeat slowed back to normal. “Actually, I do have one question for you, in light of today’s activities.”

” I presume that would be in what I want. Correct?” Artemis smiled. She anticipated everything. Her mind was as good as his.

“Yes.” he replied.

“Well,” she began, “you know, of course, that the Veelas and the Vampires were once part of the People, and we intend to be united once more. You have no idea of the loneliness our clans have, when all we have are each other, and no contact with humans or fairies due to the magical restrictions placed upon us. Now, the spell is finally weakening, and we took that advantage and now believe you can help us to achieve our goal.”

“Well-” stammered Artemis. Stammering? he asked himself. Me? Stammering?

“Vouch for us.” Gaia insisted. “Tell the Fairy Council that you will no longer be a friend if they refuse. You have all their knowledge, and the intelligence to unleash their secrets. We can bring an army of our united clans if neccessary.”

Suddenly Artemis had no will-power. He would do everything she said. Because she was beautiful, and he loved her.

“Yes, I will.” he said, and smiled. Holly murmured to Butler,

“See the way he smiles? He likes that vampire-girl.” Butler nodded and Holly saw him smile. She herself had a very peculiar feeling inside her, like two sides of a war. Jealousy took her heart, she felt very protective of Artemis, but the admiration took her brain, admiration for the veelagirl, a desperate need to be her friend and have her favour. An odd sensation, to put it in a simple phrase.

“Well?” she demanded when Artemis closed the conversation. Artemis took a deep breath and the words tumbled out of him.

*

“WHAAAT???” exclaimed Holly, for the second time that day. “You’re going to-”

“Yes. I am.” replied Artemis coolly. “Any problems?”

“Yes.” retorted Holly. “Firstly, you’re mad! No one challenges the Fairy Council. Nobody. Not even you. But then she tells you to, and you’re off like a lap-dog. I could see the way you smiled on the phone. The Council will arrest you if you attempt to challenge them.” Artemis remained composed and cold as ice. A glint of determination appeared in his cobalt blue eyes.

“Me and an army of Veelas and Vampires?” Holly’s mouth gaped open. No words came out. “Holly, please close your mouth, unless you intend it to become a fly-trap.” said Artemis briskly, and Holly shut her mouth, still stunned. Artemis packed his briefcase with a notepad and pen, then left the room.

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