Authoress Note/Disclaimer: I, unfortunately, do not own Eoin Colfer and therefor do not own any of his characters... so in this story I only own... um... the plot!

All words in italic are thoughts and those that are italic and centered are the texts. Also, all speach will be in "quotation marks"

Chapter 1

FOWL MANOR – IRELAND

Artemis Fowl lay on his bed. Why couldn't he sleep?

He'd had trouble sleeping ever since he and Holly had rescued Jayjay from the past.

It must be that Opal had escaped. That had to be it!

The Irish youth sighed. There was no point lying to himself as well as everyone else. The thing was, he didn't know what affect the truth would have one him. After a moment, he realised that it wouldn't make any difference. His subconscious had accepted the reason for his depression long ago.

He sighed again. Well, here goes. He thought.

The truth was... Holly, in short.

Ha, my sense of humour isn't improving.

Holly had been one of his best friends. But she had become increasingly distant since they came back from the past until eventually they only contacted each other once a month. At the most.

Of course, he knew why. And she had every right to ignore him after he had lied to her. But he had thought that they were even after he had arranged the telegram to Commander Root.

Even if his elf kissing days were over, he had thought that they'd still be friends, at least.

Artemis's phone beeped. Minerva had sent him another message? He rolled over and picked up his mobile. At least one of his friends still contacted him. And that friendship was getting stronger by the day.

A RIVER BOAT – VENICE

Minerva pressed the send button on her phone, smiling delicately as she thought over the text that she had just sent:

"Hello Arty! How are you? I wish you could be here with me!

Venice is beautiful at night, but it's not quite the same without

you. I haven't seen you in two weeks! But I'll be home soon. Will

you come to visit when I get back? Lots of love, Mini."

Her smile widened, gaining her admiring looks from men on the passing boats. She and Arty were getting close.

Her hand tightened on her phone as it vibrated. He'd replied! He was fast... he must have been waiting for her message! Her heart fluttered.

"Good evening Minerva. I am well, yourself? I am glad

that you are having a good time in Venice, it is a lovely

city. I am afraid that I won't be able to make it to France

as I shall have to look after the twins. Would you like

to come and visit me here instead? I'm sure Juliet would

enjoy your company too. Yours, Artemis.

Minerva read the text a few more times, just to make sure.

Enjoy your company TOO? She thought. He must like me! At this her thoughts became incoherent. The prospect of spending even ONE night at Fowl Manor...

Of course I'll be there Arty! Why will you

be looking after the twins? See you in a few

days! Mini.

She leaned back in the boat, and admired the lights of night time Venice. It was stunning, as Artemis had said.

Thoughts of Artemis began to circle her head. Soon, she knew, he would be HERS.