“I am older and have more control over my empathy,' said Qwan. 'That's why I didn't throw up.' And having said that, he threw up.”

“He threw his head back and sang, "'I am a centaur, yes, a centaur is what I am.' It's not like you to wax, Artemis""Foaly is singing," said Holly. "Surely that's illegal?”

“Orion brightened. "I have an idea.""Yes?" said Foaly, daring to hope that a spark of Artemis remained."Why don't we look for some magic stones that can grant wishes? Or, if that doesn't work, you could search my naked body for some mysterious birthmark that means I am actually the prince of somewhere or other.”

“So why don't we have a go? There are two of us.'Little Mike realized that his friend was actually serious. 'Two of us? Father Hillary had God Almighty helping out, and look where it got him.''I know. But we're a team. For years, since primary. Batman and Robin.''Robin got killed,' said Mike.Christy was shocked. 'He did not, did he? Jesus, I didn't hear about that.''Yeah. It was a big shock. The Joker kilt him.''That fuckin' Joker. I didn't see that coming.' ("Taking on PJ")”

“Holly clambered after him, struggling up the human-size steps. "Wait! Just wait," she called, overtaking Artemis and looking him in the eye from one step up. "I know you, Artemis. You like to play your genius card close to your chest until the big reveal. And that's worked out for us so far. But this time you need to let me in. I can help. So, tell me the truth, do you have a plan?"Artemis met his friend's gaze and lied to her face. "No," he said. "No plan.”

“We lost the crickets," she said. "Even you can't make that sound tough."..."I am Butler," he said with a straight-face. "Everything I say sounds tough. Now, get out of the lake, fairy.”

“He took a deep, shuddering breath. "Okay. I said it, it's out there. And I am fine now. So let's move on, shall we? What's the plan?”