Author's Note: This is the last chapter to this story. I want to thank everyonewho read this and especially those of you who reviewed. It meant a lot to me to know that there were people who read it and liked it. Thanks again for all of your support and I hope you like it.
Knight of Eternal Darkness: I really liked having Rodney in here and I thought it would be great to have him join Artemis and Holly. There's more Arty/Holly in this chapter
-anon-anon-anon-: Yeah, I found it harder to write Root then the others, with an exception of Artemis who was probably the hardest. It's hard writing about a genius when I'm not even close to being that smart:), but Root was hard too. There wasn't really a whole lot in this story of him though. And thanks, I'm glad that Artemis turned out okay.
Arainia: This is the last chapter, I'm sorry. I would have liked to keep going on but I also didn't want to drag it on either. I love fics that have a A/H/T triangle but I'm not good at writing them myself, as I'm afraid that I would make them to out of character. And yes, there is a bit more romance in this chapter, I don't think a whole lot though.
Gwaihiril: That's a good idea about the short story. I'll have to consider that. I think it would be a lot of fun, especially putting those three together.
And also thanks to: jeweljade; absolute power; Captain Arianna Trouble; ReavenDawn; StickyWicket; ShadowMagicks; OperaGustus; me, obviously;andmiroku-has-darkness
Chapter 13: Temporary Goodbyes
Holly's Home, Downtown Haven
Holly slowly woke up. She laid there with her eyes closed trying to remember what happened. It all came back to her in an instant and her eyes flew open. She was in her room, which confused her. How had she gotten there?
"You're awake, good." She looked over to see Artemis sitting in the chair near her bed. He looked tired and relief was written all over his face along with concern. That surprised Holly; she had only seen him show concern very few times.
"Yeah, what happened?" She asked quietly.
"Oak pushed you up against the wall and knocked you out."
"What happened to Oak?"
"He was shot unconscious and he and Ivy are now in jail. You've been out for a few hours. It's around midnight right now."
Holly propped herself up onto her elbow. "Oh. Where's everyone else?"
"Commander Root was here at first but had a meeting with the Council. Butler, Juliet, Mulch, and Trouble were in your kitchen the last time I checked. Trouble brought everyone food if you're hungry. By the way, you weren't joking around about being untidy. I hope you don't mind me shoving a few things onto the floor, the chair had been full of clothes."
Holly smiled, embarrassed. "No, it's okay."
It was silent for a moment until Artemis said, "Butler, Juliet, Mulch and I leave for the surface tomorrow afternoon."
"Oh." Holly wasn't sure if she was surprised or not that she was disappointed. There was more silence. Holly didn't know what to say. After a minute, Artemis got up.
"Can I get you anything to eat? I'm not sure what all Trouble brought though."
"You haven't eaten yet?"
"I wasn't really hungry." Artemis said. It was partially the truth anyway. He had been more concerned about Holly than about eating, although he wouldn't admit that to anyone.
"Well, I'll eat if you do."
Artemis gave a small smile. "Fine, only because I don't want you to starve." Holly started to get up and Artemis rushed over. "Stay in bed. I'll bring it to you."
"No that's okay. I can get up." He gave her a doubtful look but she ignored it. She swung her feet off the bed and went to stand up but her legs weren't quite ready. Artemis quickly took hold of her arm and steadied her.
"See? You can't stand up on your own yet. Just lay back down and take it easy."
"No, just…just help me to the door. By then I'll be stronger."
"Holly…"
"Artemis." She countered sternly. He sighed.
"Alright." He kept his hand on her to hold her up. When they reached the door, Artemis reluctantly let go of her and sure enough, she was able to walk on her own. He stayed close to her nonetheless. They walked out and found that everyone had moved into the main room and were watching an old fairy movie. Juliet was the first one to notice them.
"Holly! You're awake. How are you feeling?"
"Great." She ignored all of their doubting expressions. Artemis's was not only doubt but concern that he didn't even try hiding. Holly sighed frustrated. "It was just a bump on the head people."
"Well, there's food in your kitchen." Trouble informed her. "I went to Marty's, I know how you love his food."
Holly smiled. "Yeah, thanks. How's he doing?"
"Fine. When he found out you were hurt, he threw in a few extra burritos for you."
"I'll thank him later." She turned and grabbed Artemis's arm and pulled him into the kitchen. "You need to eat too. You're going to try one of those burritos. They're the best under and above the Earth."
"I'm fine. I've never been a big fan of burritos." He said as they disappeared into the kitchen, leaving a room full of amused occupants. They had spent all night trying to get Artemis to leave Holly's room just long enough to eat and yet Holly had been the only one he ended up listening to. Mulch chuckled once the two were gone so they wouldn't hear. All four of them were not as oblivious as they let Artemis and Holly believe.
"Trust me, you'll like these." Holly told Artemis in the kitchen. Artemis carefully sat on one of the chairs at the table and Holly sat right across from him. Artemis held back a smile.
"Trust you?" He repeated.
"Yeah, they're great." She rummaged through the bag and passed him a wrapped burrito. He set it down and
looked at her.
"We seem to be encountering that issue a lot lately and as far as I know, you don't even trust me and yet you now insist that I have to trust you. How very interesting." He managed to keep his face straight and his tone did not reveal whether or not he was joking around. Holly had been about to take a bite of her burrito but froze. She slowly lowered it back down to the table while studying his face.
"I trust you." She blurted out, surprising Artemis.
"Oh, you do now?"
Holly sighed. "Artemis, I've trusted you ever since going up against Koboi and Cudgeon, at least a little."
"If that's true, how come you didn't say that before?"
"You didn't give me a chance to. You were right though, friends do trust each other."
Artemis nodded, a small satisfied smile playing about his lips. He unwrapped his burrito and took a cautious bite. Holly chuckled as he took another bite so she knew he liked it. They ate in silence after that. Artemis finished his and asked for another. He reached into the bag to pull out one. As she was passing it over to him, his hand met hers, whether by accident of not she wasn't sure. They both froze, their hands touching while holding the burrito over the table. Holly raised her gaze to meet Artemis's. She felt her stomach get all fluttery. Why was she getting like this? There was no use in denying anymore that she liked, maybe even loved Artemis. But when had it happened? And why Artemis of all people? The two couldn't be more different. He was a human and a lot younger compared to her. Yet despite everything, she had fallen for him. She just wasn't willing to admit that just yet, to anyone but herself.
She quickly pulled her hand back and adverted her gaze. "Sorry." She mumbled.
"For what?" Artemis asked confused. Holly just shook her head. After a minute, Artemis decided he wanted to know something. "Holly, earlier, in the Oak's building…"
"I wasn't really thinking. I was stressed and worried. I shouldn't have…"
Artemis willed his face to stay impassive as not to show what he was really feeling. "Of course. I understand." He said, somehow able to get his voice to come out normal. He went back to his burrito and Holly felt her heart break. It's for the best, she told herself. Although, she didn't believe it for one second.
They finished and walked back out to where the others still sat. All of the room's occupants, except for Juliet who was barely staying awake, noticed the difference in the two and wondered what had happened. No one said anything with an exception of Juliet who yawned. Trouble stood up.
"Well, I guess I'll get going. Uh, I only have room for maybe two of you to drive back to the plaza." Trouble said.
"I can drive the other two." Holly offered.
"No."
"I don't think so."
Trouble and Artemis said at the same time. Holly glared at them both. "I already told you I'm fine."
"I'd still rather not have you driving yet." Trouble told her. Holly sighed.
"Fine, then the other two can stay here."
"I'll go with Kelp." Mulch volunteered. Butler, not willing to let Artemis out of his sight again, even if it was just for the night, said, "Juliet will go to." Trouble nodded and led the two out the door after saying goodnight.
"Okay, well, one of you will have to sleep on the couch while the other one on the floor. I'll get you some blankets and pillows." Holly left the room. Artemis looked over to Butler.
"I'll sleep on the floor."
"No, that's okay. I barely fit on this couch anyway."
Artemis wouldn't change his mind though. He didn't say anything, just walked over and found a place on the floor. Butler frowned.
"Artemis, you don't have to do this. Just because I'm not as fit as I used to be, or as young, that doesn't mean I can't handle one night on the floor."
"I know-"
"I'm supposed to be watching out for you, not the other way around."
"And I wouldn't entrust my safety to anyone else. I know you are more than capable of spending one night on the floor. I'm just attempting to be generous, and you're making it difficult. Now, as your employer and friend, I am telling you to sleep on the couch." Artemis said sternly. Now he knew why he had never bothered before with trying to be nice to others. They made it so difficult. It was easier to just be selfish. Butler's face had amusement written on it, making Artemis scowl.
"Thank you." Butler said sincerely.
"Your welcome." Artemis mumbled. Holly walked back in and passed out the blankets. She watched Artemis fumble with them for a few minutes before allowing herself a smirk and then went to help him. Butler had arranged himself so his feet hung over the end of the couch. Once Artemis had his blanket-bed set up, Holly left the room. "Goodnight Holly." Artemis called. She paused and then said a quick 'goodnight' back. She closed her door halfway and got into bed. She could faintly hear Artemis and Butler talking and after a few minutes it died down.
She tried for two hours to fall asleep, turning every which way but with no success. She eventually gave up and decided to get something to drink to see if that would help. As she was going to the kitchen, she noticed Artemis wasn't lying down. A quick sweep of the room told her he wasn't there at all. Frowning, she went towards the kitchen but stopped when she saw him. He was sitting in a small couch that she had by a window. She walked quietly up to him, barely making a sound, but he still must have heard her or sensed her.
"Couldn't sleep?" He asked as she sat down next to him.
"Nope. What about you?"
"I have a lot on my mind again I suppose. More so than usual anyway." They were silent as Artemis still looked out the window where part of Haven was visible. The streets were still alive with fairies hurrying along. Holly realized that the news must have spread about the Oaks capture because she hadn't seen Haven that busy since the kidnapping had started. "I don't know how you and the rest of the People can stand it." Artemis said. Holly looked up at him confused. His face was pensive and didn't look back.
"Stand what?"
"Living underground. Not being able to breathe fresh air or see natural sunlight."
"Or the stars and ocean." Holly added sadly. She felt Artemis flinch a little. Not for the first time, she wondered what all was going on in his head. "We've grown used to it for the most part. However, all of us have a part of us that wishes that we could get back up there. It's why they all look forward to performing the ritual or visiting those who do live up there."
Artemis thought for a moment. "I can understand why you hate all humans then." He said softly.
"Not all humans." She replied, just as soft. She noticed that he still hadn't looked at her and her heart twisted. After another period of silence, she said, "It was nice of you to give up the couch for Butler." He didn't say anything. "Why did you do it?"
"Is it so wrong to actually do something generous? Apparently everybody is under the impression that it's impossible for me to show kindness and I must say, that if this is what I'll get for it, I won't bother." He said coldly, surprising her. He was looking at her now, and even in the darkness, his blue eyes glinted angrily.
"I never thought that about you and don't you be like that. You've shown it a few times since I've met you but you always try to hide it. I was just wondering what the reason behind it was." She said sternly. Artemis didn't look as angry or uptight. After awhile, he finally began talking quietly.
"I just felt that the least I could do for him would be to allow him the luxury of the couch for the night. After all, he's saved my life countless times and is a very good friend, I felt that I owed him at least that."
Holly watched him closely, not all that shocked. He had shown earlier that he could care for others, but like she had said earlier, he tended to hide whatever reasoning he had for his actions. She saw him lean back and close his eyes and knew he was getting tired. She was still watching him when she yawned herself and felt the days events catching up to her finally. It wasn't long until she felt herself leaning against Artemis, nearly asleep. She felt him go tense and couldn't hold it any longer.
"Artemis?" She sat up and looked at him and he opened an eye, watching her. "I didn't mean it when I said that earlier. The kiss wasn't a mistake."
His face seemed to show his relief and he smiled. "Good." Was all he said. She leaned in and kissed him, making this one last longer than their first. After a split second, Artemis began kissing her back and his body relaxed. He moved his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him. When they eventually pulled apart, they were both panting slightly. He kept his arms around her as she rested her head on his shoulder.
Who would have guessed that she would fall in love with the People's former enemy number one? For all she knew, she could get into a load of trouble from her Commander or from the Council. But at that moment, she couldn't care less. The only thing that she cared about at that moment was how good it felt to be in Artemis's embrace.
Artemis heard and felt her breathing get deeper and knew she had fallen asleep. It was a new feeling for him to care about someone as much as he did for Holly and after the initial shock, he discovered that it was quite pleasant. He was unsure of a lot of things but he figured that it would turn out okay. He had been incredibly relieved to discover Holly hadn't meant what she said before. He figured he knew why because he had been considering the same thing. She was an elf and a LEPrecon officer while he was a human and a criminal. He also knew that there was a chance that the others wouldn't accept them together. It would be pointless to keep it a secret from them for long as they probably already suspected something. Artemis allowed himself a small smirk as he imagined Root's reaction if he found out. Listening to Holly's breathing, he fell asleep as well.
The next day, Holly drove Artemis and Butler to the LEP Plaza which was only a few minutes from her place. Juliet was still asleep but Mulch was wide awake. Artemis found him at one of the vending machines in the cafeteria. Butler had gone to pack and Holly had gone to check in with Root.
"Do I even want to know where you're getting all this money?" Artemis asked, almost scolding like as he came up behind the dwarf. Mulch jumped but when he saw who it was, he grinned. Artemis shook his head. "Isn't it a little risky stealing from LEP officers in the LEP station?"
"Nah, not really. It's just ironic and a lot of fun."
"You do realize that as soon as they find their belongings missing, they'll blame you right away."
Mulch shrugged. "That would be why we're leaving in a few minutes." Artemis smirked.
"Wait here, I'm going to go say bye to Johnny and thank him. I think I'll see if I can get some of that pie too."
Mulch went back to stuffing his pockets with food from the vending machines, so by the time Artemis got back with his pie, Mulch was almost five pounds heavier. As they were walking down the hall, Artemis noted Mulch grinning.
"What?"
"You look a lot happier than you did last night."
"I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about." Artemis said as innocently as he could.
"So, you and Holly made up?"
"Who said we ever fought?"
"Well, something happened when you two went into the kitchen, because when you came out, you looked all sad and boring, so did Holly." Artemis stayed silent and Mulch knew he wouldn't get any answer or explanation. "Are you two together then? Because, you know, that will make it kind of hard for us to keep up criminal activities if you're dating a LEP captain. I don't think Holly's the type to just turn her back to let us break the law."
"Don't worry, noting will change." Artemis assured him.
"Good, because as much as I think you two make a good couple, I don't know if I could last very long going straight."
He didn't reply but Artemis partly felt the same way. He knew it would be extremely difficult to go straight and part of him felt that he should go straight. They reached their temporary rooms and saw Holly, Trouble, Juliet and Butler were all out in the hallway talking.
"I'd appreciate it if you were to keep it quiet about Holly and me." Artemis whispered to Mulch.
"No problem, but I think they already suspect something."
"How?"
"We've all seen the looks you two give each other and your attitudes around each other."
Artemis turned red. "Oh."
They joined the others who were just talking about what they were leaving. "Artemis, you should start packing. I'm to take you four to E1 in under an hour." Holly told him as he stood right next to her.
"Alright." He was just about to enter his room when she asked to no one in particular, "What ever happened to that dwarf? The Oak's bodyguard."
Artemis froze, as did Mulch who had a half opened candy bar raised almost to his mouth.
"Commander Root cleared him of his charges from some bank robbery, sine he managed to convince Ivy Oak to surrender and saved your life." Trouble explained to her. Holly looked downright confused. She opened her mouth to say something but Artemis stopped her.
"She was already unconscious at that point." Artemis put a hand on her shoulder. She gave him a hard look but didn't question further. She would ask him later. Mulch relaxed and carried on with eating. Trouble and Juliet both watched the two with first confused then amused expressions. When Artemis saw them, he quickly removed his hand from her shoulder and took a step away. Mulch fought back a laugh so it came out a snort instead. Artemis rolled his eyes and left to pack. That only made Mulch start laughing harder, causing him to start choking. As everyone else became distracted with helping him, Holly took the opportunity to slip into Artemis's room. "I was wondering if you would come." Artemis smiled. He had already set his suitcase on the bed and was starting to pack.
"I waited until Mulch started choking." She explained with a chuckle. She knew Mulch was fine.
"Convenient." Artemis had an odd look.
"He knows doesn't he?" She asked.
"Yes. I didn't tell him, but he apparently could tell when he saw me." Artemis told her. Holly sat down on the bed
so she was facing him.
"That means it won't be long until everyone else knows." Artemis sat down beside her.
"Is that a bad thing?"
"No, but it will make it even more difficult." She sighed.
"I agree. But we don't have to worry about Mulch. He won't give us away, at least intentionally. He'll cover for us. I'm not so sure about Foaly though."
"Foaly knows too?"
"Well, he was a witness to our first kiss."
Holly smacked her head. "The iris cam. Great, that means it won't be long until Root finds out." Artemis took her smaller hand in his and she leaned against him. They were both not willing to talk about what would happen later on. There were to many factors against them having a relationship. Artemis knew they couldn't hide forever but at the moment he just wanted to enjoy it. In an hour he would be saying goodbye and he wasn't sure when he would see her again.
Outside in the hall, Mulch recovered from choking just as Foaly came up, carrying a box.
"Have any of you seen Holly?"
All but one of them looked around confused. "She was here a second ago." Butler said.
"Oh, she said she had some errand she had to run." Mulch lied. Foaly frowned.
"She said she needed these right away."
"I'll take them. I think I know where she went, so I'll deliver it to her."
Foaly thought about it. "I guess. As long as you actually give it to her." He handed the box over to him. Trouble left and Butler and Juliet went to finish getting ready. "So where is she really?" Foaly asked, surprising Mulch.
"Hey! I thought it was convincing."
"It was. They believed it. But I know better."
Mulch sighed, defeated. "She's in with Arty."
Foaly grinned. "Thought so."
"Well, don't go telling everyone. Artemis wanted it kept a secret for now."
Foaly pouted. "Too bad, I wanted to tell Julius." Mulch's eyes widened. "Don't worry, I was just kidding." Foaly assured him. "I wouldn't do that to Holly."
"If Julius were to find out, they would both need all the protection they could get." Mulch chuckled. Foaly nodded, smirking at the thought of Julius exploding when he found out. But he hadn't been lying to Mulch when he said he wouldn't tell. Even though he had decided that it was best that Holly and Artemis hadn't discovered their feelings for each other and that it would be better once Artemis had returned home, now that they had gotten together, Foaly had every intention of helping them out. They would both more than likely get into a ton of trouble and Foaly was determined to delay that as long as possible. He just wondered how long that would last.
"So, what's in the box?" Mulch asked.
"Holly wanted two communicators. I think I know why now."
Mulch walked over towards Artemis's door. "You think it's safe to interrupt?" He asked Foaly. Foaly merely smirked. Mulch knocked.
"Yes? Who is it?" Artemis called.
"Me, Mulch."
"Come in."
Mulch turned to Foaly. "I guess it's safe." He opened the door to see them sitting on the bed. "Awe, Foaly, get the camera."
"Shoot, I left it back in the booth." Foaly said, walking in. Holly or Artemis didn't even bother to move seeing as though those two already knew about them. Mulch walked over to them and gave the box to Holly. "I got those things you asked for." Foaly told her.
"Thanks Foaly."
"What is it?" Artemis asked.
"I'll show it to you later." Holly said and put it to the side.
"Okay, well, I need to get back to my booth. I'll see you before you leave." Foaly left and Mulch decided to go to. Artemis pulled Holly back down when she tried to get up.
"Hey!" As she fell onto his lap. He smirked.
"What's in the box?"
"A surprise." Holly grunted, trying to get up.
"I don't like surprises."
"Too bad."
Artemis pouted again, sending Holly into a fit of giggles. "Still think it looks ridiculous?" He asked.
"I never thought it did. I think it makes you look adorable."
"Really? I think that's a first for me." Holly chuckled again. She kissed him quickly before trying to get back up once again. "What's the rush?" He asked her.
"You're leaving in an hour. You need to pack."
"That will only take a minute. I'm comfortable right now."
Holly was too, but she knew they couldn't waist time. "Let me up you spoiled, lazy Mud Boy."
"Conceited, stubborn fairy."
Holly finally gave up, realizing he wouldn't let go of her. Defeated, she slumped back down on his lap, wondering how he suddenly seemed so strong. Although, it could have been that she hadn't been trying all that hard in the first place. "So, why did you lie for that dwarf?"
"Excuse me?" Artemis tried to act confused but Holly saw right through it.
"Don't play innocent Fowl. I wasn't unconscious for that part. You were the one that talked Ivy Oak into surrendering and it was you and Mulch who saved me. Why did you do it?"
Artemis was glad that she couldn't see his face just then because he hated to have to lie to her, or at least keep part of the truth from her. "I figured someone else could have the credit. I don't need it and he did help me save you before that." Artemis was getting annoyed with himself. Why did he have to feel so guilty? He wouldn't tell Holly the main reason was that he wanted Rodney as another partner in crime. Yet, it hurt him to not tell her that. Usually he only felt guilty when lying to his parents, mainly his mother, and that had been more than enough. Frustrated and confused, he let go of Holly and stood up. She could tell there was something wrong but didn't ask, just this once, which relieved him slightly. She helped him quickly pack all his things. They were just about to go when there was another knock at the door and Mulch came in.
"Hey, sorry to bother you again, but any of you wouldn't by any chance have another bag I can borrow would you? Mine sort of ripped."
"To much stuff?" Artemis smirked, knowingly. Mulch rubbed the back of his neck, nervously.
"Yeah, I guess."
"We probably have some in the storage room. Come on." Holly said and led Mulch out. Artemis took his bags and dragged them out to the hallway.
About an hour later, three humans, a dwarf, and an elf all stepped out of the hidden entrance at Tara. They had said goodbye to Foaly, Trouble, and Commander Root, who had all thanked them for helping. Root had kept his end of the deal and had managed to convince the Council that it was safe to leave Artemis with his memories and had let Mulch go. Foaly had equipped Mulch with more sunscreen but once on the surface, he realized that he wouldn't be needing it as it was pouring rain. Artemis had immediately began protesting when he recalled how long they had walked from the car. They would have to make that trip again, only in the rain this time.
"Oh, stop complaining." Holly told him, stepping out into the rain. The others were already heading back to the car. Artemis had hung back for a few minutes and was currently seeking shelter from the rain under a tree. He was leaning against it, arms crossed and watching her.
"Easy for you to say. Your outfit is waterproof." He said grumpily. Holly grinned and ran over to him.
"Come on." She grabbed hold of his hands and pulled him out into the rain. He flinched at first and wished for an umbrella, but he soon relented at seeing Holly so happy. In seconds, his expensive clothes were completely drenched but he paid them no attention. Holly pulled out her pack and handed him something.
"What's this?" He asked, trying to keep the gadget dry.
"I asked Foaly for two of them. It's a communicator so we can talk." Holly explained. Artemis nodded and pocketed it. "There's a catch though." She said.
"And what's that?"
"Well, the Commander called me when we were on the shuttle and said that since the Council has agreed to letting you keep your memories of the People, they expect you to help whenever the occasion calls for it."
"I suppose I can do that." Artemis said after taking a second to think about it.
"Good. I'll walk you to the car because I forgot to tell Mulch about his own proposition." They began walking and Holly put her hand in his. Artemis was new at the whole thing and Holly seemed to know that. They stopped a little ways off so they would have some privacy. Artemis had to kneel down so he was face to face with her, however, he failed to pay attention to where he was kneeling and ended up in a puddle. Holly laughed as he began grumbling about his ruined pants. She interrupted his complaining by kissing him. That shut him up, she thought before losing herself in the kiss.
Artemis eventually broke the kiss and grinned. "Still think I'm not the romantic type? I seem to recall hearing that kissing in the rain was romantic." He teased and Holly bit back a smile. Artemis was almost always so serious and composed, but she had seen a whole new side to him in the last few days.
"I think you're mistaken though. I kissed you. So that makes me the romantic one."
"On the contrary Captain, I kissed you." He was still smirking, very much enjoying arguing.
"Fowl-" He cut her off with a quick kiss.
"There, but you can keep the title of the romantic one. It might ruin my reputation if people were to discover that not only am I a cold, calculating, criminal mastermind, but I am also romantic and have a way with women…well, I wouldn't know what to do." His face was now serious, but his eyes still showed his amusement.
"Way with the girls, huh?" Holly asked, her eyes now narrowed.
Artemis nodded. "Yes, I do believe that a certain Corporal Frond had been attracted to me. Who could blame her, really?" Artemis said, doing his best to sound stuck-up and succeeded as it was not exactly a foreign act for him. Holly knew that he was putting on an act and returned the favor. She looked genuinely shocked and insulted. She gently pushed him but she underestimated her strength and overestimated his because he fell backwards, pulling her with him.
"Now look what you did Fowl. I'm all muddy."
"You're all muddy? You're not even touching the ground." It was true. Holly had fallen on top of Artemis whose back was now covered completely with mud. Holly started laughing but Artemis didn't join in.
"I think your nick name, Mud Boy, suits you perfectly."
"Very funny Captain."
"I think so." Holly got up and then helped him up and they headed up to the car. Butler was sitting up front, as was Juliet, with Mulch in the back. When he saw Artemis, he burst out laughing.
"What have you two been doing?" He asked accusingly, still laughing. Holly and Artemis both turned red.
"We didn't do anything. Now stop laughing so I can tell you something." Holly snapped. Mulch stopped but was still grinning. "The Commander wanted me to offer you a job. Actually, I don't think it was his decision but didn't have a choice."
Mulch stopped grinning. "What do you mean? What kind of job?"
"Not as an officer, but more as an informant." She elaborated and Mulch narrowed his eyes. "All you have to do is let us know of anything going on that we need to hear about. You know, like meetings where stolen goods are being exchanged, or something like that. You'll be getting paid as well. I'm also fairly positive that you would be able to remain aboveground to do it, as long as you're still able to get information up here. You'll get more specific instructions if you accept."
Mulch thought about it. "Do you need an answer right now?"
"No. Just let me know when you do decide."
"Okay, I'll consider it."
Holly nodded. She then turned to say goodbye to Artemis. "I guess I'll talk to you later. Maybe tonight?" She asked softly.
"Yeah, I'll keep the communicator with me."
"Okay. Hey, I have a lot of vacation time saved up. Maybe if you're home, next week, I could stop by?"
Artemis smiled. "I'll be there."
"Okay then. Bye." She disappeared and Artemis could faintly see her start her wings and then she shielded and was gone. Artemis shut the door to the limo and Butler started the car. As they were driving, Artemis rolled down the divider and turned to Butler.
"Butler, will you please cancel any plans we had for next week?"
"Certainly sir."
Artemis nodded and leaned back against the seat. Mulch was already going through his bag where he had wallets, passports, ID cards to get into the LEP building, and other things. Artemis recalled telling him earlier that something worthwhile may yet come from helping the LEP and he had been right. Mulch and him had gained a new partner and friend; Mulch had been offered a job that would keep him in the good graces of the LEP; Artemis had gotten to keep his memories, however on the condition of having to be on call to help the LEP whenever; and lastly and most importantly in Artemis's opinion, he had gotten Holly.
Holly watched them drive away before flying off to do the ritual and then to the shuttle entrance to return to work. She couldn't wait to get home that night and definitely couldn't wait until next week.
Fin
Final AN: Well, that's it. I really hope you all enjoyed it. I'm currently working on another Artemis Fowl fic at the moment. It's not a sequal to this one though. I was actually hoping that someone might want to edit it for me. It's a crossover, but it's one of those ones where you don't have to know about the other to read this fic, at least that's what I'm going for. So I was hoping that someone would volunteer to edit it once I'm done to see if it makes since or if I should fix it at all. It is a AH fic, so whoever wants to, might want to be a fan of that pairing. Just let me know in an email or review. Thanks again to those who have reviewed and please send one final one to let me know your final thoughts.
Aperfectattitude