Hi oh. Without further await, I bring you Seven Days –Partheon

Seven Days

Captain Holly Short was not what you would call the most social able of the fairy folk. This is of course is not saying that she's not popular, more that this attention wasn't called for. Yet somehow she keeps finding herself in the depths of popularity to the point that there is a miniseries of her adventures that is currently in its third season. She knew entering the elite branch of the policing force of the People was of course putting a spotlight on her, but in general she tried keeping her head down and doing the best job she could. Her male counterparts ranged from indifferent to sexist, and Holly for the most part tried to be anonymous which worked well until the Hindenburg incident. Regardless of how she felt of attention it was nonetheless on her so she tried to ignore it. But when the (in)famous Artemis Fowl II is being kept underground in a psyche ward (excuse me, Secure Mental Facility) for a disease usually found only in magical beings, well one tends to find a half-dozen reporters on one's front porch. Swooping down like bats led by their questioning shrieks to her as she approached, Holly had barely enough time to raise her visor to ignore them and struggle her way to her room. She had been given a few days of paid vacation so that she may recover from the latest ordeal with Turnball, and she had intended to relax at her apartment. But of course, every time she intends something, life has a habit of calling her and asking, "Captain Short?"

"This is she."

There was a moment, clicking on a keyboard can be heard, "Hello, this is Dr. Argon."

Inwardly she groaned and a scowl was slowly etching itself on her face, "Yes, what can I do for you?"

A cough, "It's about," another pause followed by more clicking, "the patient."

"What did he do?"

Now if Ms. Short is to be considered a less than thrilled recipient of public attention, Master Artemis Fowl could be called particular of what public attention he receives. He welcomes the attention of his colleagues, and prefers anonymity with anyone else. Since whom he considers a colleague could be fit in a room, and there would still be enough space for everyone to move freely and socialize, being the Star Patient of Argon was starting to get at him a little. This mixed with the constant badgering of the nurses and reporters that repeatedly tried to penetrate his private sanctum was enough to annoy his a little. Not much though, Artemis was not the type to lose himself in distractions as petty as all that.

Even so, he did indulge himself a little. Childish, but in his defense he didn't think it would provoke a big as reaction as he had gotten.

So when Holly showed up the next day he was not at all surprised.

Day 2:

The Captain wore her uniform to the facility, which thankfully was not Argons clinic but a hospital that catered to LEP injured, and was without trouble guided to Artemis's room. She noticed that security was tight around the room even if the Eurasian shadow of Artemis's wasn't here. Butler could not be kept underground for too long, and much to his chagrin was asked (politely and kindly) if he wouldn't mind waiting on the surface for his charge. After the emotional reunion of a boy and his mother, the Butlers and Angeline were escorted to the surface with a promise of hourly reports of his progress. Holly was about to walk though the door when she decided to knock instead.

"Enter."

Holly opened the door and walked across the room, and sat down on a chair. Artemis was allowed some luxuries (however small) due to his circumstances. These luxuries included: a bed usually reserved for strapping trolls that allowed him to sleep without his feet hanging of the edges, a couple of larger chairs, a desk, and his laptop. Currently he was on his bed typing on said laptop.

For a few moments nothing was said.

Then, "How are you feeling?" 4

He didn't look up from his work, "Despite the frequent electrocution to my temple, the relentless assault of nurses, and the gasps of the reporters, it has been a delightful miniature vacation."

Holly has the countenance of someone sucking on a lemon, but she decided to forgo the usual triad with the injured Artemis, "The reporters are bugging you even here?" 5+2

At this Artemis's mismatched eyes glanced at the captain, "Holly, please don't patronize me."

"What?" 1

Artemis's sighed, "As I am confident that you would have visited me on your own accord eventually, you were obviously summoned here by Dr. Argon to counsel me."

Captain Short sighed, "And why say that," 4 intentionally keeping to four words.

The mud-boy right eye twitched briefly, so briefly that you might not have noticed it, unless of course you have spent six years travelling with him that is. He was a good actor, but Holly could see that the Complex was still ravaging his mind.

"Well, Holly I can imagine that Dr. Argon is not used to dealing with a patient of my caliber. This is why I decided that I needed to test him before I disclose anything outside the immediate entrapment of my mind."

Holly's eyes narrowed, "Arty this does not give you permission to send him crying out of the room." 15 good

Fowl sighed, and retorted, "I wasn't expecting that reaction."

"You mentioned his divorce and how his practice was failing," Holly said stunned that Artemis did not anticipate this sort of possible outcome, "Which by the way I'm told to ask how you hacked into his files without being connected to the network?" 30 good

The Irish young man put aside his laptop so that Holly would not think that he was being distracted, "Captain Short, I did not hack into the network. I just merely used acute observation."

"Explanation if you please Master Fowl." 5 + 1

"He walks with a limp being a magical creature, meaning that magic can not cure the wound. Or conversely it is an injury that did not heal correctly. I ruled out false limb when I notice that there wasn't any different impression made from his soles. I also ruled out improper healing as he progressed to the chair," Artemis pointed to the chair opposite of Holly, "The conclusion was that it was psychosomatic. Upon him sitting I noticed that he was signing paper work, cursory glance proved it divorce papers. Further inspection as he finished signing proved his financials were slipping and I inferred that was the source of the limp," Artemis thought for a moment before a ghost of a smile appeared on his face, "Elementary really."

Holly nodded and smiled herself, and then questioned, "I'm Watson now?" 5 - 2

Artemis smiled in response, happy that she stopped treating him like some sick puppy.

"But Arty, shouldn't you complete the quote fully?" 8

Artemis shook his head, "One, there is no direct quote 'Elementary, my dear Watson, Elementary' from any of the novels. Secondly if you complete the quote then you add three more words which make it one hundred and eight which is four multiplied by twenty-seven, instead it is better to make it one hundred and five so that it is twenty-one multiplied by five."

Holly looked concerned as Artemis stopped abruptly from his pacing and started to rub his forehead, "Are you okay Artemis?" 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

"My head hurts Holly," Artemis said trying to beat his sickness by challenging it but had to relent moments later when he collapsed down to his knees, "Tremendously."

Holly got up to help stabilize her friend who was already looking like he was about to swoon. She wrapped her arms around her shoulders and gave him someone to lean on.

His weight pressed on her side and her elfin ears could hear his fragile whispers.

"What are you saying, Artemis," 5 good Holly asked careful to put five words.

"Orion wants to talk to you," Artemis said weakly, "he's berating me for being the one that has to be held, that I should be stronger, and that I should be more the hero, and less the mathematician."

Holly smiled, trying to make the smile seem like the one someone would give to someone hurting. It was almost too much to her, to see him like this. A pillar reduced to kindling, a rock to sand, and any number of things Orion had told her in his insistent metaphors to what she reduced him to. She closed her eyes and decided that she would do something for the other sex that she hadn't done in a while.

She moved herself so that she was facing Artemis, he proceeded to cast his eyes down whispering Latin numerals, and she reached her arms around him and hugged him. Hugging is something that she does infrequently, but what was different about this hug is that she leaned and whispered, "Its okay Artemis. I'm here." 5 good

Artemis kept his arms where they were for many moments giving her time to withdraw, as was usual dictation of hugging procedures, but she surprised him by not letting go. Just deepening the hug instead of letting go, shouldn't she have let go by now? Usually two to five seconds. No more, no less. Five seconds would have been appropriate due to his condition. What was she thinking? For a few more moments (exactly five) he realized that he was obviously making this an uncomfortable situation for both of them, because of his inaction. So hesitantly he raised his arms and put them around her. Awkwardly at first, she was after all perhaps one less than fifth person he has ever hugged.

Furiously thinking Artemis was wondering what the purpose of this exercise was. Prolonged hugging had never sat well with and that was the case here. So Artemis disentangled himself from Holly, it didn't seem like she minded, and stood up fully. Holly just stared at him, questions dancing in her eyes, but they were thankfully unspoken. She rose up as well, with all the grace of a jaguar. And like a jaguar, her eyes never left his. Artemis found himself staring into his own eye until it seemed to swirl up and tried to reach into his thoughts. He startled back before shaking his head in a fruitless attempt to quiet the voices he heard from within. Walking wearily towards his bed he sat and put his head in both of his hands.

Holly walked as if to comfort him, but Artemis shifted his hands and held one up to her and asked if she could go away please.

Holly again looked as if she ate a particularly bad lemon, but said that was fine and that he could call upon her anytime. Then with a pat on his shoulder, she thankfully left.

Day 3

Captain Holly Short made her way to visit Artemis again, but was interrupted when Dr. Argon had asked her to come into his office. She was not dully surprised that the Commander of the LEP was there, this after all was a LEP installation.

"Short."

"Commander Kelp."

"I'm glad we have the introductions out of the way," Jerbal limped over to his desk, "but we have important business to discuss."

Trouble Kelp nodded, "Yes, it concerns the mud-whelp."

Both Holly and Trouble sat down on the chairs opposite Dr. Argon. Trouble made an effort to appear relaxed, but must have had some trepidation of the topic, because his posture became ramrod stiff. Holly on the other hand made all the effort to appear respectful, but felt uncomfortable. She didn't know why, just a feeling. A feeling that usually proved correct.
"Right now the mud-boy is staying as a guest in this facility," Trouble began after a pause, "But to put it bluntly he cannot stay here for the rest of his treatment."

Dr. Argon picked up his cue, Holly wondered if they rehearsed, "Treatment that might take weeks, maybe even months."

"Months? I thought a few weeks of Electroshock therapy and medication would clear Atlantis Complex's?"

"Ordinarily yes, but unfortunately those statistics are only viable if the patient was one of the People. Also with the patients preexisting mental instability we can not be completely sure of the previous estimations."

"Preexisting conditions?"

Dr. Argon nodded, "Apparently Artemis has been creating these identities for a while. There were no names or set personality until the Complex started to affect the main psyche, but regardless this is an unusual case of Atlantis's Revenge if you don't mind the informal phrasing."

"This hospital just doesn't have the equipment on hand to deal with something of this magnitude. So the council and I have decided to bounce him to Dr. Argon's clinic."

Jerbal nodded excitedly, "Yes, Opal's room has been made available for him, and we have a highly trained staff equipped to handle him."

'Handle Artemis,' Holly thought, 'Those poor fools have no idea what there getting into.'

"Thank you for the update," Holly said, "but why was I summoned into the discussion? It sounds like it's already taken care of."

Trouble's eyes narrowed slightly, "A member of the council believed that we did not involve the mud-boy in our deliberations and as such they believe that you should be able to counter argue on his behalf. If your arguments have value I have the ability to override the council's decision."

Holly was surprised, "Isn't that a little extreme?"

"The member believed strongly that Artemis's accomplishments allow him to have a little say in where he goes."

Dr. Argon looked a little dispirited but quickly rose to the occasion, "I have names and addresses of the hospitals that could take care of the patient, but I think you'll find that mine is the most accredited."

Captain Short quickly scanned the names and found that she wasn't all that duly impressed. This was a lot of responsibility, and while she was humbled that they picked her for it she found that she didn't like the idea of sending him to Jerbal. Acclaimed doctor he was and there was probably no one better to treat Artemis, Holly had a sneaking suspicion that it would be leaked where Artemis's treatments were taking place and that a full out media circus would camp outside his room. But there weren't that many alternatives either.

"How long do I have to decide?"

"We're kicking him out at the end of the week."

Holly looked up, a questioning look in her eyes.

"At the end of the week," Jerbal announced, "Artemis will have received over twenty-four hours of intensive EST and several hours of therapy. By then he will have stabilized and all the personalities will have formed. Then it is merely taking all of the fractures and forging them back into one complete being."

The elfish captain nodded her major in healing had covered Atlantis Complex, and also it was a common alignment for the People. But the difference was that Artemis was a human, ordinarily the inherent magic of the fairy helped with healing process. Only Artemis could make a fairly easily cured disease and make it crippling disorder.

"Can you tell me what kind of treatment he'll be receiving in the next couple of months?"

Trouble shoot a questioning glance at Holly, Holly responded to this glance with, "Fowl will have questions, and I would like to ask him his opinion. It is his life after all."

Both Kelp and Argon nodded, "Well Captain Short, Master Fowl will be receiving five hour EST followed by a confidential" Holly doubted that very much knowing the Doctor's terrible habit of writing disclosed biographies, "discussion of his manifestations, and then a regiment of exercise. Then he rests, being closely monitored by the staff. It's key for his recovery that he remains in a safe environment."

Holly nodded thinking absentmindedly; she looked at both of them and stood up, "Thank you both you have given me a lot to think about. I'll make sure to contact you at the end of the day."

Trouble stood up as well and said that she was dismissed and that he expected her response quickly so he can relay it to the council.

Holly made her way to Fowl's room distracted by the conversation she had had earlier. She was about to enter the room when she stopped and knocked.

"Enter."

She opened the door and walked in. The first thing she noticed was that all of the furniture was moved around and that Artemis was currently lying down on the floor in-between two chairs.

She was about to walk further in the room when Artemis held up his hand and said, "Holly while it is good to see you I must warn you that today I am experiencing highly counterproductive compulsions. For starters you must stay in the right side of the room, and talk in sentences with multitudes of fives. Also avoid the number one less than five. Please sit."

The elfish women nodded and walked over to the right side of the room and sat on the bed, she then picked her words carefully, "Artemis we need to talk."

Artemis from his position on the floor nodded, and proceeded to stand, taking two seconds to stand, and three seconds to sit down. He attempted to smile comforting but came across as pained and asked, "What seems to be the problem, Holly? Another world catastrophe?"

"No mud-boy it has to do with you treatment."

Artemis frowned, "Holly that is nine words."

Holly scowled, "Artemis I need you to pay attention this is about where you are going to stay they can't keep you here for much longer. They're thinking about moving you to Dr. Argon's clinic."

"Captain Short that is only thirty-three words, do I need to constantly remind you to keep track of your words?"

Holly found herself counting, but it was mostly counting to make sure she didn't hit the teen. She had to remind herself that he did warn her that he was in a particularly obsessive mood.

The elfish captain sighed and said, "Artemis I have some misgivings about putting you in the same room that Opal was staying in. Also Argon has a terrible history of being a glory hound and like you said his practices is losing a little of its stability so I'm thinking a different clinic would be better, but unfortunately he is the most qualified to deal with the Complex," she counted back and then added, "one, two, three."

Artemis looked up, "Very amusing, sixty-two words of actual content and an addendum for my sake, thank you."

Holly Short flashed him a smile, and quickly explained, all the while keeping track of the numbers, to Fowl the discussion she had with the commander and the doctor.

Artemis looked very tired, but said, "As much as I hate to say this, I do not have the information to answer that question. I will have to trust your judgment."

A sigh, "I was afraid you were going to say that."

A narrowing of eyes, "That was nine words Holly."

Holly gave him a look and said, "I'm going to go now. I'm going to check the other hospitals and see if any of them look capable,"

Artemis nodded and said, "Make sure to walk diagonally."

Holly made her way diagonally out of the room when Artemis stopped her, "Holly."

"Yes?"

A smile formed on his face, "Thank you for helping me."

Holly left and after several hours of looking all the hospital's Dr. Argon recommended were on the same level, if not worse, than Jerbal's clinic. She still didn't have an answer for either of them, and was finding herself running out of time. On her way home, she stopped at a smoothie stand and grabbed her favorite. Walking home she passed many tourists that tried to stop her for directions, but right now she had bigger concerns than helping find the location of Frond's Sword. Her apartment was still covered with the parasites and it took all her strength not to bat the first one with her smoothie.

Her apartment was small but for her was spacious enough. Living underground had some luxury and that luxury was spacious rooms. She lived in a single room flat, but when trying to compare that to what it would be in human standards, it would be the equivalent of a three room apartment. Holly had a room for herself, a common area with kitchen annexed, and a small space that she converted into a workout area. In the common area there was a green couch that had once been in her father's apartment, a few chairs and dining table that accommodated the few guests she entertained, a small television for the infrequent nights she felt like turning off her brain, and a small desk with a highly encrypted workstation that kept her current LEP reports in. The kitchen was stocked, but due to her frequent missions above ground was packed mostly with items that were not easily perishable. The work out room is where she spent many a day at, working her frustrations and listening loudly to her music. And her bedroom was off limits. These are the only things that have been confirmed: a small bed, a dresser with some photographs, and a closet.

Holly sat down on the couch, stretching out her slightly tired muscles, and asked herself the same question that she had been asking herself all day.

'What am I going to do?'

While she had initially supported the doctor's clinic, she now feels that Artemis needs someone closer in his life taking care of him. Atlantis Complex is tricky and Artemis could come out very different than what was initially started with. Maybe if she was around she could influence Artemis to come back…maybe she should. Hm, best to sleep on it.

Day 4

Holly again was summoned into the room by Dr. Argon. She was surprised not to see the commander in person but saw him on Jerbals screen.

"Okay, Captain let's try and keep this short."

Holly blinked.

"No pun intended."

"Thank you."

Dr. Argon glided over lazily to Holly's side, much like a vulture descending slowly to check out a carcass, "Have you decided where the patient is to stay? I of course need some time to prepare a room if he is to come at my facility."

"Actually," Holly began, "I was wondering if it would be possible if he made appointments instead of staying full time at a hospital?"

Both were taken back, before Dr. Argon responded, "Well yes it would be possible it would only take a few hours, but he must be monitored extensively."

Holly nodded, "In that case, Commander Kelp I was wondering if Artemis would be able to stay with me."

"No."

Captain Short stared at the screen, and asked, "Why not?"

Trouble looked taken back, "You wanted me to say yes? Holly…I mean Captain Short there is a lot of responsibility in taking care as Dr. Argon has explained. Also how do you intend to monitor him? There is the fact that I do not want the mud-whelp being deeper in the city where he might be able to do some serious harm. Also if he's at the hospital we can keep a solid guard on him"

Holly waited for him to finish, "Commander with all due respect and to you as well Dr. Argon, Artemis has spent many years of his life defending the People and I feel he deserves more than being strapped in a hospital with Dr. Publicity and watched by a troop of LEP breathing down his neck."

Holly paused letting it sink in before she continued, "My reasons for him staying at my place are: one, he's comfortable around me meaning that it will facilitate his healing, second, I am a highly trained medic and officer of the LEP and can handle guarding one principle, and thirdly, if he gets out of hand I will help the EST with my own instrument," she said patting her buzz baton.

Trouble seemed to be channeling the previous commander (beloved commander, most LEP do not consider Ark Sool as a successor, more like a place holder for Trouble) because his cheeks were starting to get a little red but calmed down after a few seconds, "Captain Short, it still doesn't redress the fact that he needs to be monitored 24/7."

The captain in question nodded, "I'd be willing to use my vacation time."

Trouble glanced over at Dr. Argon, "Would it work Doctor?"

Dr. Argon swallowed, he sensed that his next choice of words might cost him the possibility of having Artemis Fowl in his hospital. He had to pick his words carefully. After a few moments, "I suppose it is possible, but there are a few needs that would need to be addressed, such as he can't sleep alone in a room."

Holly raised an eyebrow, "Why not?"

"At any time a splinter depressive suicidal personality might develop," Jerbal said walking over to his desk and pulling a small hand held computer, "Although rare it is a serious side effect. If he is in a room though that he feels safe in and knows someone is there the less of a possibility that it will occur."

"Then it is not a problem, I have a couch."

Trouble blinked and leaned back in his chair, feeling the responsibility of command. He didn't like the idea of the mud-boy being in Holly's apartment, but some of her fears were more than justified. Many fairies did not like the idea of protecting Artemis Fowl so many of them might be less than comforting to their charge. Also Dr. Jerbal Argon was a terrible publicity hound, building a fortune on exploiting his patients, i.e. Opal. The only problem he had was, "How will you get him to his appointments? Many of the People will not like the idea of any mud-man walking the streets, no matter how helpful they've been to the people."

"Due to the amount of reporters on the case, it seems to me commander that they are more curious than overwhelmed with fear about Artemis Fowl being here. I think that the People are more welcoming of Artemis than other mud-men."

"Be that as it may," Trouble retorted, "I am going to say if you miss one appointment Fowl is to be relocated to the hospital, deal?"

Holly nodded, "It's fair enough, commander."

"Then I am going to tell the council of our decision. And remind Fowl that while he is welcomed to stay in Haven to not get comfortable."

"Understood."

"Dismissed, Captain Short."

There of course would be more to talk about, but for right now it was enough. Holly knew that Dr. Argon was disappointed, but knew that since Artemis was still going to him for his appointments, he still considered it a win for him. Also, Holly would have to familiarize herself with all of Artemis's personalities. There was still much work to do.

Holly walked to Artemis's room and was about to enter when she stopped. She knocked on the door.

"Is that you Ms. Short? Please come in."

Holly shuddered a little, knowing who awaited her on the other side. Orion was lying down in bed; the room had again been reorganized with the bed on the left side. His eyes were partially closed like he had been sleeping.

"I apologize for not getting up, but I have just received a not to mild shock to the head not too long ago. Whatever wands they used hurt immensely. But I digress, how are you my fair lady? Are the day's tribulations not weighing you lovely heart down?"

Holly resisted the urge to roll her eyes, "No, I'm fine Orion."

Orion's face lit up, "Ah so you knew it was me? Be still my beating heart for I think I might swoon soon if you don't. But as overwhelmed with happiness on seeing you visit me, I must question your coming here," Orion smiled a big smile, "Perhaps you are here to at long last return feelings so lovingly expressed to you?"

Her face suggested not, but Orion pressed on, "But ho no, I believe not. A pity assured, but I shall warm you heart soon enough."

She shook her head, but Orion countered, "I know my words don't come out the way I intend them to, but if you wait around I'll make you fall for me."

Holly blinked.

"I promise."

"I'm going to go now."

"May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand. Farewell my love."

"We're underground Orion."

He waved his hand dismissively like it didn't matter. And with that she left.

Holly entered her apartment, vowing that the next time she saw a reporter that she was going to buzz them with her baton. She wandered to her gym, turned the music on loudly and proceeded to work her anger on pushing weights that most of her colleagues could only look at awe.

Day 5

"So how many personalities have formed?"

Dr. Argon typed into his computer, and gave a response moments later, "Five, but Orion comments that there was three more than that. Artemis refuses to admit of them because that would ruin the count."

Holly nodded, "What can you tell me?"

"Artemis and Orion are the two major personalities. You already know Orion is one of the ways Artemis has escaped dealing with feelings of guilt by making Orion unable to feel guilt, just Romantic feelings. But he also has created different personalities for alleviating guilt. One is Cerberus, an unfeeling entity that Artemis created so that he can do criminal acts without feeling remorse. He says that Cerberus is the one in charge to look over his best interest. There is Orpheus, who Artemis created to be able to escape in the arts. Musical talent, architecture, painting, scientific papers, novels, and even some of the romance novels he has published were helped by Orpheus. Usually Orion is attributed for the romance novels, but he claims the better ones are Orpheus trying to out do Orion. One is unnamed mostly due to his mentality, but has been dubbed Rook. He didn't seem to mind. Rook is a complete recluse, and refuses to talk to us."

"What about the other personalities?"

Jerbal leaned back in his chair, "Orion says that they are minor personalities, newer ones that developed due to stress felt during your last mission. We haven't seen them yet, but Orion says they're there."

Holly looked over the reports, and there seemed to be large amount that wasn't being said, but she'll read over them later.

Dr. Argon continued, "He says two of them are siblings that represent baser instincts and are currently trying to storm into the castle that Artemis resides in and defile him," Holly looked in disbelief and Jerbal just nodded, "and the third is someone that Orion said was dangerous."

"Dangerous?"

"Yes, apparently Orion says that this personality is more than capable at killing others."

Holly shuddered, "I didn't even think Artemis had those urges."

A shrug, "He's human Holly. No matter how smart or advanced, something in them wants to hunt. Hunt prey and kill it," shaking his head, "Barbarians."

A somber moment passed, and then Holly broke the silence, "So you are saying that Artemis will be fine to travel in two days?"

"That is my guess."

"Thank you doctor. I think I will see the patient now then," Holly made her way to the door, before stopping and turning around to face the doctor, "before I go, do you know which personality is in effect?"

Jerbal looked into his personal computer, "I believe Orion is the principle personality."

A loud sigh, filled with annoyance, "Wonderful."

She walked to his door, and hesitated. Orion was in there. Bracing herself she knocked. There was silence for a long time. She knocked again, a little louder than the first time. Alarmed, she decided to walk in. Opening the door, she noticed that it was reorganized so that the bed was width wise against the wall on the far side. The chairs were on either side of the room and the desk was in the center. Orion was lying on the bed, and the sounds of deep breathing could be heard. Holly smiled and walked quietly to his bed, his right eye twitched slightly, but aside from that made no indication that he had awakened. What was it about this boy that made him a target for trouble? She almost laughed, but restrained herself. Maybe latter she would tell that joke to Foaly.

As she quietly left, her whisper carried softly in the room, a gentle breeze, "Don't worry Artemis, we'll get you back. And a year from now, when we look back at this and laugh, I am so going to punch you for subjecting me to Orion."

Day 6

"Holly, we have travelled to many a place, I have risked my life for your sake more times than I can count, using my talents for the greater good, and even turned away from a life of crime for you, so may I ask you a question?"

"Yes?"

"Why in Frond's name am I helping you move your furniture," a certain disgruntled dwarf asked while doing said moving.

"Well convict, you were my first pick because I thought you had the most experience moving heavy objects around to new places."

Mulch Diggums tried to keep an innocent expression, but innocence was not his strongest point and quickly gave it up, "Fine, I'll bow down to that, but I want a typical dwarfish reward after this."

"I am not paying for you to disgust me in public."

"Come on its just one meal."

"No."

"Then just a couple rounds of vole curry then."

Short peered over the couch at her companion and gave him a look, "No, because a couple of rounds means ten."

"I guess you don't want my help then," and with that Mulch lowered his side of the couch.

Holly made a noise of exhaustion, "Fine, why don't we compromise and go to Atlantis restaurant?"

Diggum's stuck his tongue out, "Fish food, no thanks. Can't stand it since that stint in the depths. Why not Spud's?"

Short knew this was not going to go anywhere fast, but at least he was helping. Maybe he is trying to turn a new leaf.

"You know it's so much harder to go to all the good spots, you know since you rejoining the LEP and all, well and that mini-series isn't helping either."

A snort of derision, "I really wish that the LEP hadn't released the rights of my story to those developers. Have you seen the show? Rubbish."

Hours were spent moving all the furniture so that it would better accommodate her new roommate, all the while discussing the various nuances' and glaring inaccuracies of the show, Mulch's activities being a bounty hunter, several tall stories of Dwarfish labor, and finally.

"How is the little mud-boy doing?"

"Better."

Mulch leaned into his seat typing into his cell phone and placing an order for delivery. Both had agreed that since Holly was paying, they can just stay in and order out take out.

"And?"

"It's Artemis. He can make changing clothes into a global crisis."

The former criminal nodded, "Dwarves really don't get Atlantis's Revenge all that much, but I knew a pixie that had it once."

"What happened?"

Mulch made an uncomfortable shrug, "Uh, spent the rest of his days convinced he was Gob Firestarter, king of all the goblin people. Last I heard, was locked up in a clinic for trying to burn down a dwarves clan house."

And that was always the case, Atlantis Complex was a very serious disorder and while it was easily curable, it doesn't mean that it was always successful. Sometimes the therapy just triggers something and suddenly you have an entirely new person.

The food didn't arrive quick enough, even though it arrived barely a few minutes later, and while digging in Mulch asked in-between bites (and during much to Holly's annoyance), "Whs ew mubin uff awon?"

A partially chewed piece of food moved from its rightful place in Mulch's mouth to Holly's cheek, propelled by his attempt in conversation. Holly raised one hand to wipe it off all the while glaring at her otherwise oblivious dinner companion.

"If you must know Artemis is moving in with me."

Suddenly Mulch started to choke and making sounds like he was going to project his food over the dinning table, but what one doesn't know is that while dwarves have powerful teeth to crush rocks, debris, and even wildlife, their throat muscles have long since evolved to the point that they facilitate this crushing making it easier for the stomach to quickly digest and recycle. Still this is not something anyone wants to see, and for a few moments Holly had to sit horribly transfixed as Mulch 'chewed' his food from his throat.

After he finished swallowing his food, and taking a very liberal drink, paused and exclaimed, "What? Do you know what this means?"

Holly raised an eyebrow; Mulch was actually a little taken back as he stared at Artemis's cold blue eye, "No I don't."

"It means," Mulch said happily, "Day owes me a pound of gold. He said that French mud-girl was –"

"Mulch, if you are talking about what I think you are talking about, remember that I have a buzz baton in close proximity and a very short fuse at the moment."

"I suddenly forgot what I was talking about."

Holly's glare did not let up as she continued to eat.

"So," Mulch said picking up his second course, "whs ew mubin n?"

"Because I think it would better than sticking him with Dr. Argon."

A nod.

The conversation changed, and the night was a happy one.

Artemis dragged his furniture to its new designated position, all the while berating himself. The bed was the last piece to be moved and it was always the most difficult. He grabbed one end and tried pulling it, but it refused to budge.

Struggling with it for five seconds, he turned his head to look over his right shoulder and asked, "Would you mind helping me?"

Orpheus was sitting at the chair, typing away on the laptop, looked up from his work, and shook his head, "Artemis I am in the middle of forging an epic that I believe should rival Homer himself."

Orion was leaning against the doorframe listening carefully with his eyes closed, "I wonder why Lady Holly didn't join us today. I miss her like the tides miss the moon during the day."

"Quiet you adolescent, Romantic, simpleton, I grow weary of your constant and unwarranted affections for Captain Short."

Orion fixed Cerberus with a glare, but Cerberus ignored it walking over to Artemis and grabbed the other side of the bed. Giving him a look, Artemis nodded and both moved in rhythm to move the bed to the center of the room. Rook watched attentively from his post on top of the bed.

"Get off the bed Rook."

Rook blinked before saying quietly, "That's not my name."

Cerberus clipped him in the ear, "Artemis is tired and has no time or desire to name you. As such you will adhere to that name," a glare formed that would chill the hearts of anyone that saw it, "Do you understand that Rook?"

Rook met his glare without missing a beat, but none the less did as he was told and got off the bed, letting Artemis lay down.

"Thank you Cerberus. For everything."

Cerberus countenance did not change, gave no indication that he acknowledge his thanks, before walking over to Orpheus and assisted him in his work. Orion walked over to Artemis and placed a hand on his shoulder, and smiled gently. Artemis felt his eyes getting heavier and heavier, images of fives keeping him safe.

Day 7

"So far we have names for all of Artemis's personalities, and that he has been responding well to the medications we have given him."

"Does that mean he's safe to travel?"

Dr. Argon rose from his chair and limped over to the door, "Yes, why don't we get him?"

Holly and Trouble nodded rising from their chairs and walking with the doctor to Artemis's room.

Jerbal walked to his door and opened it, "Artemis, are you ready to go?"

The room was reorganized with the bed in the center, and the desk and chairs near the door. Artemis was sitting on the bed, wearing his Armani suit, with his laptop in its case on his lap. He stood up sliding the case of his lap and at his side.

"Yes good doctor, I'm ready."

Trouble walked over to Artemis and said, "Fowl."

"Commander Kelp of the LEP."

"I just want to make something clear. What I said on the boat still stands. I don't like having you in my city, and I hope for your speedy recovery so that we can send you on the first shuttle out of here," Trouble pointed a finger at him, "I also don't care about any of your accomplishments, you break even a jay-walking code I'll send you to the medical ward in Atlantis."

Artemis blinked, and his eyes seemed to unfocused, then suddenly regained clarity. He smiled a vampire smile, "Good to know Commander."

Trouble nodded wearily knowing that Artemis just said four words in a sentence.

"May I ask a question before I go," Artemis asked smiling in a tone of voice that chilled the room.

"Go ahead mud-boy."

"Being commander of the LEP is a political position correct," Trouble's eye's narrowed, but he nodded opening his mouth to speak, before Artemis interrupted him, "I am not saying that politicking was the only reason you got the job. Of course one has to be qualified to be considered, but I was going to make an analogy and I wanted to make sure you understood. You see life is like politics in a lot of ways. You want more friends then enemies," Artemis then walked calmly to the door before looking at the commander with a smile and tone of voice that seemed benign and friendly, "I just want you to remember what it's like to have a Fowl as an enemy. Good day commander," and then promptly walked out the door.

Everyone in the room was staring at where the boy had exited the room.

"Cerberus," Dr. Argon said nodding.

Holly looked over to the commander, and when he nodded, she left the room.

This was going to be a long couple of months.