One would shiver at the sight of Artemis Fowl's disconcerting features. There was a time when one would scurry away in fright at Master Fowl's icy remarks, but right now, his face was pulled into a rather boyish smile of delight. After all, after his experiences with the People, he had changed. A good guy like what Butler had said the day he had been transported to the demon island of Hybras only to return to find he had been missing for three years and was the older brother of twins.
"Artemis," Butler said, "you've something up your sleeve. What have you done now?"
"Fascinating," breathed the boy, oblivious to Butler's remark. His disturbing eyes, hazel and blue, glued to the laptop screen, his eye having been switched with Holly's during the time tunnel prior.
"Artemis, are you even listening?" asked the bodyguard irritably.
"What?" Artemis looked up, startled.
"Something's up. You have that look in your eye and I'm not happy about it. It only means you've gone and gotten yourself in a mess."
"On the contrary, old friend. I've discovered a piece of information that will prove to be quite intriguing."
"And…" prompted Butler.
"According to my databases, I've analyzed my deoxyribonucleic acid……DNA as it is called and it shows that I have traces of elfin DNA now. It appears that along with Holly's eye; some of her DNA must have transferred to me, as well. However, I do not know whether this is the same for Holly."
"Wait, Artemis. Will this affect you in any way?" questioned Butler anxiously.
"Ah, Butler. Even if this has to do with science, you're going to ask if it's going to harm me when I'm the one who is mastering and proving false the theories of scientific law," chuckled Artemis. He frowned suddenly. "Though now that you mention it, Butler, if it is so, the chances of me living the average lifespan of an elf is approximately 81. But that means I'll see many of those I care for, die."
"This certainly is a predicament," murmured Butler. The full meaning hit him abruptly. "Hold it. That means, whose going to protect you?"
"Questions, questions." Artemis rubbed his temples. This was not going to be good. At first, he had been delighted with the prospect. Now he felt remorseful. Once upon a time, the cold Artemis Fowl would have done much to attain such a—an opportunity, but thanks to Captain Holly Short, he was never the same. "I'll need to think over this Butler."
"Will you tell them?" Butler said.
"Who? Oh. No. At least not yet."
Captain Holly Short paced the room, furiously. She was going to kill Foaly if that was the last thing she did. The nerve of that centaur! How dare he say that she was in love with someone! She knew very well that it was a prank, but how dare him. She had been teased and bombarded by curious and grinning fellow fairies over who the special guy was.
Just then, Mulch barged in with an evil grin. "Hey, Holly! So who is it?"
"D'arvit," swore Holly, "not you, too. And NO, Mulch. There is no one who I fell in love with. It was just a joke that Foaly thought would be fun."
"Really? Who knew the donkey had some sense of humor?" smirked Mulch. "But then again, it could be true. Is it me?" He leered at her.
Really, could this day could get any worse? "NO! Good riddance, Mulch. Who would fall in love with you anyways? I DO NOT LOVE ANYONE!!!!!"
"Touchy," remarked Mulch. He became serious all of a sudden. "You know, Holly, you should relax more. Take a vacation. This whole saving the world spree has gotten to you. Where's your fun side?"
"He's got a point for once." Foaly walked in. "You need a break. You used to be able to tolerate my pranks and even laugh a little. Now, it's as if you became older."
Holly restrained the urge to scream. "No, I don't."
"C'mon, Holly. Give it a rest. There's no more at the edge saving the world incident right now. Since it's rare that you take a break, take this opportunity." Foaly's voice was uncharacteristically gentle. "Think on it."
Shaking her head, Holly stalked out of the room.
Holly walked briskly across the street of Haven. Her mind reflected her life the past years. Then, it traveled further into the past with her as a hyper school kid. She was very different from the old Holly. Very few knew of the old Holly, anyhow. Her mind floated to what Foaly and Mulch had said earlier. Were they right? She was so occupied in her thoughts, she didn't notice the shadow looming over her until it was too late. She started to confront her stalker but before she could, something slammed into her head. Unconsciousness was immediate.