Artemis Fowl and the Master Experimentation

Chapter 10

Artemis jerked awake, sitting bolt upright, panting as though he'd run a marathon. These creatures trusted him with something, but what he didn't know. Why would they trust him? All Artemis ever did was extort and pilfer, so why would this be any different? But they trusted him. The stone looked like the one that belonged to the Tiara, but much, much larger. It was important, he knew it deep in his heart, but as to why he didn't know. 

He had to get out of here.

He stood up on shaky legs and stumbled towards the sink, splashing water over his face, gasping at the sudden coldness of it. He paced around, then, trying to think of what he can do. Surely he could travel through the Void, but he was not yet strong enough to fully transport himself to another place. Perhaps if he started simply, just across his sell. He nodded and muttered to himself, walking back to the bed.

"I must be going insane," he muttered to himself, laying down.

He closed his eyes and forced himself to enter the Void Space, remembering all the strange sensations that he felt there. In an instant he was there, drowning in its blackness. He directed himself quickly, remembering the look of his cell, pushing through the inky blackness that surrounded him. Then he was there, standing in the corner of his cell. He looked around, taking a deep breath, catching sight of a figure on the small cot. It was himself. He paced forwards, looking at his insubstantially. He took a breath and the other Artemis took a breath. He stared at himself, realising how pale he was. Not just that, but how messy he looked. He shook his head, this wan't good enough, he had to force himself through. 

"Come on," he muttered, "I'm a boy genius, I can do this."

He breathed in deeply and closed his eyes, feeling the pull of the Void tugging at him, but he resisted. He had to. Instead his whole body stiffened and he felt his weak muscles stretching to their limit as he tried to pull himself through. Then, with a sudden snap, he fell backwards, hitting the wall. His eyes sprang open and looked around. He was no longer laying on the cot, but standing fully solid in the far corner of the room. He smiled like a shark, he'd done it.

Now to get out of here.

Holly was pacing the main hall way, rubbing her eyes. She wished Artemis would visit her again, tell her where he was. Then a thought she'd been having frequently flickered through her mind once again. What were they doing this to Artemis for? What was the meaning of it? It didn't make sence. She felt the air in the room change and turned quickly to face the source of the disturbance. It was Artemis, or the vague shape of him anyway. Then he was there, insubstantial and stressed looking.

"Artemis?" Holly quavered, coming forwards.

"Holly," he said, closing his eyes, "I need you to be silent."

"But-"

"Holly!"

His abruptness stunned her, but she remained silent as she watched his body tense dramatically. A whimper escaped his lips and then-

His eyes flew open and he fell forwards onto the marble floor. Holly ran forwards, putting her hands on his shoulders to help him up, felling the hospital gown beneath her fingers. She shouldn't be able to do this, should she? Unless...

"Artemis?" she said, excitedly, "You're back?"

"I certainly am," he said, looking up with bright eyes and a huge, boyish smile that was most unlike himself.

He threw his arms around Holly and she put hers about him, glad he was back. Then they broke away and Artemis stood, not feeling embarrassed about showing his emotions. He span around, elated, then turned back to Holly, coughing, embarrassed, smoothing back his hair.