I know, I haven't updated in like, forever.

All I can say is I am so, so sorry

Holly wasn't sure what to do. She was sitting by Artemis's bedside, staring at, but not really seeing him. She knew if she really looked, it would overwhelm her, and she would cry.

Holly was certain that if she cried, she would never stop.

She suppressed a sigh. It seemed like this was all her life was now. And without Artemis, chances of leaving the Manor were next to none, at best.

She felt the guilt creep up on her, clawing at her from the inside, dragging her closer and closer to whatever hellhole it came from. She had done this. If she'd just backed away, refused to fire, Artemis would be alive. Alive, and making plans for escape.

She was lost without him.

They all were.

Holly hung her head, training her gaze deliberately on the floor. This was too much. She had to go, before she broke down again.

But before she could get up, there was a loud crash, a pounding thunder to her sensitive years.

But she had no time to form a thought as everything went black.

Artemis settled into a slightly defensive stance, turning his body sideways, still staring into young Artemis's eyes. The twelve year old just smiled, easy confidence in his features.

He'd thought he'd won.

Young Artemis let out a long, mock-sympathetic sigh. "You really think you can win without a weapon?"

He laid his right hand, palm up, out to the side, and a hand gun manifested, solidifying from nothing. "Magic anchors to the body." He said, flipping the safety off. "But it is wielded through the mind. Do you know what that means?"

Artemis said nothing.

Young Artemis grinned sadistically. "It means I'm in control." A pause. "I own your mind."

"You see, Artemis, dear, emotion is triggered by the mind. And I hate you, and want I you dead. Which clearly," He waved the gun in front of his face, as to punctuate the words. "Gives me an advantage."

Holly. Artemis thought, realization dawning. Her emotion levels the odds.

But he kept his expression blank, not yet willing to reveal anything.

Young Artemis leveled the weapon, holding it straight out in front of him.

If his trajectory was right, and they both knew it was, it should hit Artemis center chest.

He fired.

But Artemis had other plans.

He dissolved into thin air, going completely invisible. The bullet passed straight on, as if nothing had happened.

A small frown crossed young Artemis's features, darkening them. This wasn't supposed to happen.

Artemis reformed right behind him, and slid the blade through his heart. He leaned forward, right up so he spoke into his past selves ear.

"Artemis, dear," he whispered sweetly. "I don't lose."

He pulled the knife from young Artemis's body, and he crumpled. Artemis shuddered, turning away from the broken corpse. Guilt gnawed at his soul, but he pushed it back.

He grinned as the blank landscape began to fade.

Artemis Fowl was back in buisness.