Of Roots, Boots, and LEPrecon Suits
Holly Short struggles to let go of the past, but she finds old feelings getting in the way. Sool has mysteriously retired, and Trouble has taken his place, only to find his first mission as commander involves finding the old one. HollyRoot
This story is set right after Opal Deception, and now (because of the sequel books and the time in which this fanfiction was written) is a sort of alternate story timeline. How could Colfer kill off Root? He was one of the best characters in the book! Well, that's what fanfictions are for: changing fictional reality! Anyways, if you don't mind a completely utter disregard for logic and physics, and you enjoy action, adventure, and a spice of romance (albeit centurial age differences), then read on!
Of Purple Bricks and Troublesome Ticks
S&D Private Investigators
The former Captain Holly Short rocked in her office chair, her boots on the desk, her head down. The exhausted elf was sleeping quite soundly.
"Don't call me Julius! You always do that before you disobey me. Save Artemis, Holly. Save him."
"I'll save Artemis next."
BANG.
"I hit it, I hit the shot!"
"I don't know. I thought you were a fraction low. Hard luck. I mean that sincerely."
"NO!"
TICK. TICK. TICK. BEEP.
TICK. TICK. TICK. BEEP.
Mulch Diggums burst into his partner's office, a half eaten sandwich in his hand. "D'Arvit, Holly! Turn that stupid computer off!"
Holly jerked out of her nightmare and fell off the chair. She had broken into a sweat and looked rather frazzled.
Mulch gave Holly a weird look. "You alright, mate?" He stuck out a grubby hand to help her up.
Holly took the hand and wiped the sweat from her brow. "Be well," she murmured, somewhat to herself, but mostly to no one, at least no one who was living. She gazed at the source of that annoying beeping, her computer.
Mulch gave Holly another weird look then walked out of the room, muttering about "strange elves," "stressed females" and "moldy bread."
Holly sat back down at her computer and tried to shake the bad dream from her memories. It had been over two months since the whole ordeal with Opal. Anytime Holly felt ready to move on, that dream would lurk back into her thoughts, and she was back at square one.
TICK. TICK. TICK. BEEP.
Holly sighed. Getting mail wasn't that fun anymore. Her inbox was flooded with complaints from old customers, pointless cases from pranksters, and the occasional slap in the face from the not-so-friendly boys back in the LEP.
Things haven't been totally horrible, however. Quite the contrary, actually. Holly and Mulch's private investigator firm has been quite a success. Those who knew of Holly's skills flocked to the building, and those who didn't went there anyway, due to the vibrant purple painted bricks that Mulch had insisted on. All in all, life couldn't be better. The hours were noon to five with Saturdays and Sundays off. It was paradise for both of them. For the most part, anyways. Sometimes Holly yearned for the fresh air, the sound of her Hummingbird wings behind her.
"Message from Commander Trouble Kelp."
Holly let out a sigh of relief. "Oh good, it's just Trouble... wait, COMMANDER?!"
Hey Holly,
Haha, I know what you're thinking: TROUBLE'S COMMANDER?! It's true! SOOL RESIGNED! Can you believe it? No one knows why! He's been after the job since before we were born, and then he just tosses it aside. The guys are saying that he's off to a nice retirement place somewhere on the surface. There was a big hype on who was going to be the next commander. I think Vinyáya put my name in, but I'm not sure. I always thought she liked me, what with my danger boy ways.
We all really miss you here at the LEP, and I'm not just saying that. Even the Retrieval boys are moping around. Foaly hasn't been the same since you left, and the same goes for Grub and even Chix. I really wish that you would come back to the team, Holly. Police Plaza isn't Police Plaza without Captain Holly Short.
This Sunday is the ceremony, and I was hoping that you would be my guest. If not as a co-worker or a comrade, then as a friend.
Until later,
Trouble
Holly leaned back in her chair, a broad grin on her face. I guess things do work out in the end! She thought. Her fingers flew across the keyboard.
Trouble,
Congratulations on the promotion. I can't think of anyone better for the job. I'd be honored to be your guest, so except me there!
Holly
P.S. Give me more time to think.
She clicked the "send" command.
Tune in for the next installment, Of Acorn Tags and Centaur Brags.
Reviews and suggestions are always welcomed!
Suggestion Topic: How much of Mulch do you want to see?