Salvete. (sniffle, sniffle, sob, sob) This is the last chapter. I hope you like it. If anyone is looking for a book/movie suggestion, Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal by Thomas Harris are both superb, if a little creepy. (And frankly, I think that Anthony Hopkins deserves a metal for his acting in them.)

Disclaimer: I don't own Artemis Fowl or Percy Jackson.

Chapter 14

After Kronos was killed, everything was chaos. The major gods were taking their thrones; the minor gods were trying to clean up; the demigods were just celebrating that they were alive. Hestia was working with a couple of the minor gods in carting away bodies of dead demigods.

Percy, Annabeth, Holly, Artemis, Thalia, and Julia were sitting by the wall. Julia was sitting with her knees drawn up to her chin, thinking. Thalia was wiping the blood off of her arrows. Holly and Artemis were whispering a little ways away from the group. They seemed fairly upset about something. Annabeth was just leaning against Percy resting her eyes—i.e., napping. All were waiting for the Olympians to begin a meeting.

Finally, the floor was cleared of dust and bodies. All the gods had taken their thrones. The minor gods, and Hestia, were milling about outside of the pillars, prepared to eavesdrop.

"I now call to order a meeting!" Zeus called. The demigods and mortals (and a fairy) all stood up and approached the center of the room. "Julia Allen, step forward."

Julia did so with wide eyes.

"You imprisoned us all in this amulet and aided Kronos with an attempted takeover of Mt. Olympus. Do you admit to this?" Zeus said.

Julia nodded. She hung her head, and her eyes were shut.

"You understand why we need to punish you," Zeus continued, glaring at the mortal before him.

The group of five behind her gaped with wide eyes.

"But Father, she killed Kronos and set you free!" Thalia cried out.

"Not now, Thalia," Zeus said.

"Sir," Artemis said stepping forward. "May I say something?"
Holly's eyes went wide. "Artemis," she hissed.

"I suppose, mortal."

"Julia was seduced by Kronos's wickedness. She didn't really understand what she was dealing with. Yes, she imprisoned you. Yes, she worked with Kronos. Julia deserves a second chance; everyone does. She made a mistake. Believe me, I know what it's like," Artemis said.

Lady Artemis smiled. Perhaps Artemis Fowl could bear her name properly. Perhaps he wasn't some dumb male.

Zeus scowled and was about to speak, but Lady Artemis cleared her throat. Zeus turned to look at her.

"Father," she said, standing up and going to Julia's side. Artemis Fowl took a step back to his girlfriend. "I will vouch for her if you give her a second chance. Her heart is pure, now that she has rid herself of the evil. Let her join my Hunters, if only temporarily, and prove herself."

Julia looked up gratefully at Lady Artemis's offer.

Zeus thought for a moment. "Let us draw this matter to a vote. Who votes to let this mortal do as Artemis suggests?"

Had Ares and Zeus voted yes, it would have been unanimous.

"Well then," Zeus said. "Julia, would you do as Artemis says?"

Julia thought for a moment. "Yes. I will."

Thalia grinned as Lady Artemis went back to her throne. Thalia put an arm around her newest sister and they both went to stand beside Artemis.

"One matter is solved," Zeus said. He turned to the remaining four. "There is still another to address. Holly Short, Artemis Fowl, step forward."

They both did so.

"Aphrodite has kindly pointed out your predicament. You have both done Olympus the kind favor of fighting for us."

Aphrodite was smirking in her throne.

"Aphrodite has nominated you both to become minor gods."

Holly's mouth fell open, and her eyes were wide. Artemis blinked, but that was the only surprise he showed.

"The Olympians, including myself, have agreed to do it, if you accept," Zeus said.

Aphrodite spoke up. "Allow me to explain my reasoning. If you are transformed into minor gods, you can go back to your regular lives. But both of you will be able to change your species or transport anywhere instantly. Your age difference will cease to matter and your lifespan will be equal. I believe you will find that you will not be able to be together any other way."

Holly and Artemis looked at each other.

"We will give you some time to think it over, if you like," Aphrodite continued.

Artemis whispered something in Holly's ear. She nodded. They turned back to the Olympians.

"We accept," Artemis said.

Aphrodite smiled warmly. "Fantastic."

Athena now spoke up. "Artemis, you will be god of science and technology. Holly, you will be goddess of mediation, and on a smaller, discreet level, you will represent the People in our court should we call you."

They both nodded, thanked the gods, and stepped back.

"Perseus, Annabeth, it's your turn," Zeus said.

Percy and Annabeth both stepped forward, holding hands.

"Father, allow me," Athena said.

Zeus nodded. "Of course."

"Percy, what you did for this young woman"—here she paused and gestured to Julia—"was remarkable. You saved her life and gave her a chance. I'm sure if your father was here, he would be proud. But, you have also promised Cupid a favor. Don't forget that."

Percy nodded.

"Annabeth, my daughter, I am extremely proud of you."

"Thank you, Mother."

"The Council has decided to offer you both godship as well," Athena continued.

"Could you give us a moment?" Percy asked.

Athena nodded.

Percy and Annabeth bent their heads together and whispered for a moment. They seemed to come to an agreement and turned to face the Olympians.

"We have decided to remain mortal," Annabeth said.

Athena may have looked disappointed, but that could have been a trick of the light.

"We respect your decision," Zeus said.

A minor god ran in and whispered in Dionysus's ear. Dionysus nodded and smiled. The minor god ran back out. "I believe it is time we celebrated the end of this war!"

And so the partying began. . .

* * *

Atlantis

Another building collapsed, and Commander Kelp heard someone yell. He would have counted his men had he been able to find all of them. A wound in his shoulder was driving him insane, but he didn't have the magic left to heal it. He peeked around the corner of the building he was hiding behind. A noise behind him made him jump. He turned to face the possible threat only to find his own brother. Trouble sighed in relief. "Good, you're okay."

"Yeah. I thought I'd lost you!" Grub said.

"Same here."

Trouble looked around again, and what he saw astounded him. "Grub, come here."

Both brothers looked around. Glowing white lights were surrounding Oceanus, tying him up with white hot ropes. Oceanus couldn't escape.

"Zeus," both brothers said in awe. Other LEP officers were coming out of their shelters and standing in the street, watching the spectacle.

Trouble said, "Holly and Fowl must have defeated Kronos. Unbelievable."

Grub nodded. He couldn't quite speak yet.

Finally, Oceanus was bound. The ropes squeezed him into dust. A girl appeared and trapped the dust into a bottle. Zeus materialized next to her. They both smiled at Poseidon and disappeared.

Five seconds of silence before the cheering started. The Olympians had won!

* * *

New York City—outside the Empire State Building

Holly and Annabeth hugged.

"Good luck," Holly said, smiling as she pulled away.

"To you too," Annabeth said.

"So are you and Percy finally. . .?"

"Yes, I think so."

Both girls looked over to where Percy and Artemis were talking.

"Thanks for you help, Holly," Annabeth said.

"You're welcome."

They walked over to their boyfriends.

"Well, Percy, it was nice meeting you both," Holly said. She held Artemis's hand now.

"Ditto."

An awkward silence.

"How are you going to get home?" Percy asked.

"Well, Hestia told us that we could fly without wings, so we were going to try that out," Holly said.

"Congratulations, again," Annabeth said.

Argus honked the horn.

"We have to go," Percy said. "Bye."

"Good-bye," Holly and Artemis said in unison.

Annabeth waved and they both got in the van. Thalia was staying with Artemis the goddess and Julia.

Annabeth smiled at Percy. "Did you really mean what you said back there? When I was dying?"

"Yes, I did," Percy said.

He leaned forward to kiss her, but she put a finger on his lips for a moment.

"Happy Birthday."

Percy thought a moment to calculate what the date was. It was August 18th and definitely his birthday.

"Thank you," he whispered against her finger.

Annabeth removed her finger and kissed him.

Argus rolled his many eyes.

* * *

When Artemis Fowl and Holly Short touched down in Tara, they were greeted by Commander Kelp and the press.

"You did it. Both of you. I can't believe it," Trouble said, shaking his head. He looked back and forth between the two comrades. "I'll let you say good-bye, and Holly can tell me what happened on the way home." He stepped awkwardly off to the side.

Holly turned to Artemis. "Good job."

"Same to you, goddess of mediation," Artemis said, chuckling.

Holly smiled. Camera lights flashed around them. "God of science and technology," she muttered. "Foaly will love that one."

Artemis chuckled. "Maybe he won't hack into my computer anymore."

"Doubtful. If he did, wouldn't you still hack into his computer?"

"Probably."

Holly shook her head. "Boys."

"You should probably go now," Artemis said. "If you stay too long, people will say we're in love."

Holly shrugged. "Maybe we are. We should give them something to talk about."

Despite being on camera, she leaned forward and kissed him on the lips. They were both highlighted by white light from the cameras. Ending it carefully, she pulled apart. "Maybe we could see about making you a consultant?"

Artemis grinned. "I'd like that."

Holly nodded. "I thought you would. I've got to go." She motioned to Commander Kelp, who was staring in disbelief at them and shaking his head at how much money he'd just lost in an office bet. Artemis nodded.

Holly was a few feet away when Artemis suddenly called.

"Holly?"

She whirled around. He held out his hand, and there was a small envelope in it. When she reached to grab it, their fingers touched briefly and their eyes met. "Good-bye, Holly."

"Good-bye, Artemis."

Holly turned around and walked away, opening the envelope as she did. In it was a picture someone had gotten of her and Artemis at Camp Half-Blood. She smiled and put it in her pocket. The press followed her into the holographic bush after getting a few more shots of Artemis.

Artemis Fowl smiled and looked up at the moon, thinking about his last good-bye to Holly. "Not in another time," he whispered. "Now."

The End of Another Beginning

***

End Notes: I pulled a small line from Silence of the Lambs. If anyone wants to know, look at the conversation Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter had in Memphis. It really is a good movie, and I hope you don't mind the slight reference.

I want to thank you for reading my story. I appreciate the attention it's gotten, the reviews it received, and your help. I hope you decide to read some of my other stories.

Sequel? I probably will not do a sequel, but I have a slight idea in mind. If you remember, Cupid told Percy that Percy owes him a favor. If I come up with something, I hope it'll be good. If you have any ideas, let me know. Until that time (if it comes) I must say, Ta-ta.

Love and Skittles,

Holly Marie Fowl and Athena