A/N: My second AF fic that I started post-Time Paradox. Still haven't read the Atlantis Complex, planning on finishing this fic first. This is my spin on what happened right after the Time Paradox. Begins with Kelp mooning over Holly, but it is without a doubt an ArtemisxHolly story.

Temporal

Chapter One:

The Trouble with Trouble

Trouble Kelp blinked, staring hard at the slight fairy that had just landed in front of him.

The Council stirred, attempting to appear uninterested by the abrupt emergence of Captain Holly Short in the middle of their otherwise dull meeting. They collectively failed, leaning forward almost as one organism to join the Commander in studying the legendary being.

Some of the newly elected members could not conceal their awe—although Holly was perpetually worried about her career and being pulled from the lines, the Council all knew by now that they could not do that. They could not lose an officer as valuable and—though none would say it to her face—downright brilliant as Holly Short. Those few were very right in being struck by the woman; she was fierce with her pixie-cut fire hair and confident stature, and had saved both worlds far too many times to still be alive.

Many had claimed that Holly's luck was running out, but had given up after her latest crisis aversion. Apparently, nothing could stop Captain Holly Short. Not rules, not nature, not Mud Men, not death, nor even Time itself. It seemed as though all the world bent before her slightest command.

And the Council knew this, by now. Of course there were still a few sticklers, unable to comprehend the self-sacrifice and dedication that it had taken for Holly to achieve all that she had, who called for Holly's immediate resignation. But these voices were old, few, and far between. No one listened to them, and they really only continued because they were such fairies that would never admit that they were flat-out wrong.

Other than those old-fashioned few, Captain Holly Short had been ensconced in the hearts of her People at last. And even though the rumors were flying thick and fast, no one dared accuse Holly of the slightest misstep during the most recent Fowl Affair.

Which is why she must be here, Trouble mused to himself, willing his face to remain completely blank. Although he himself was something of a legend, nothing he had ever done compared to what Holly undertook every time she got mixed up in the affairs of Artemis Fowl. And nothing that could ever be said by anyone under the earth could ever turn his valiant but clearly misguided heart from following hers every step of her way.

It was too bad, he mused, that they had never had the opportunity to work together after the First Fowl Affair. He would willingly give up his title of Commander for only three things: one, the rebirth of Julius Root, two, the betterment of his People, and three, one itty bitty chance with Holly Short.

Needless to say, his office was pretty secure, unless a terrorist decided he wanted his life instead of blowing up Haven.

But, that didn't stop him from speculating wistfully every time he saw her. She had grown up considerably since they had first met twenty-one years ago in the Academy, and all the promise she had held to be both skilled and beautiful had been fulfilled. A chance wasted, definitely, but maybe there was still hope someday—once things slowed down.

He carefully brought his attention back to the matter at hand, the appearance of the one woman who could make him go weak at the knees in the middle of a Council meeting. Holly hated Council meetings and quite literally had to be dragged to one whenever they needed her esteemed presence.

So why had she voluntarily come to the Council, and so dramatically as well?

"Commander," her voice rang out, effectively silencing all the others in the room with her well-modulated tone of authority. "To set your mind at rest."

She tossed him a vial of something, and the Council seemed to collectively hold its breath. He deftly caught the small tube, and held it up to the light, curious as to what she had achieved this time. If it was so wonderful, he could arrange for a proper meeting between the two of them, a debriefing with dinner for two old friends afterwards, perhaps—

His whole world shuttered and stopped as he read the label on the vial. How had she—what had she—oh gods of Haven and Earth— "How did this happen," he managed to choke out after a few painful breaths, imagining that he had to look as white as a sheet.

She smiled rather mysteriously. "When genius to rival that of Da Vinci or Einstein is coupled with my ingenuity very little is impossible, sir."

"How did you know?" he asked, attempting to regain his composure.

"Foaly explained how she had been a carrier for some time," she nodded her sympathy. "She will be alright now, I assure you."

To have his sister healthy, without the fear of her finally falling prey to the dangerous Spellotropy disease that she secretly carried in her blood— "This means the world to me, Holly," he told her sincerely, completely forgetting all formality for a moment as the enormity of what she had accomplished stunned him and brought all his hidden feelings painfully to light. "I will never be able to repay you."

"I do have a favor to ask," she said softly, and a smile that buzzed in his mind danced at her mouth, "but I will ask it in a less formal setting, Commander."

The Council began humming again, but if it was at this subtle hint at a private meeting with the Commander, the contents of the vial, or both, Trouble was not sure. "I have here an antidote to the plague Spellotropy," he declared, raising it high so that those with long-range vision could affirm his remark. "I believe Captain Short will enlighten us shortly on how this was obtained."

Holly's smile had not disappeared, and he wondered at the freeness of it. "I have only one explanation, Commander."

An uneasy feeling was creeping into his stomach, upsetting the contented hope that always sprung up whenever he talked with Holly. There was something about that smile—

"Not even the towering intellect of Artemis Fowl could have found us, sir, so, in theory, you should rest assured that it will never happen again."

This was certainly not what he had expected as an explanation. Nor did it make sense. "I'm sorry Captain. How does this relate to the antidote, and surely Fowl did discover us, so how—?"

Holly's smile was full blown now, and he did not like the look of it. "He did not, Commander, without help. Artemis Fowl could not have found the fairies by himself. "

"Then who helped him?"

"It is as they say, Commander," she grinned, her knees bending in what he recognized as the preparation of her signature Hollycopter. "What goes around, comes around."

She blasted off, laughing now, spiraling away. She paused right before exiting through the domed roof. "We helped him, of course, Commander. And if we had not, Spellotropy would be sweeping Haven once again. Remember, I will be asking for that favor, Commander."

She was gone, but a small holochip was vibrating gently on the floor in her place.

Trouble just stared at it apprehensively, not sure what to think. "Well, ladies and gentlemen," he sighed resignedly. "I suppose we will just have to watch Foaly's summary then, shall we?"

-X-X-X-

Commander Trouble Kelp was no fool, but he was a good actor. After viewing the summary and the clearly edited contents of the holochip, he engaged in animated dialogue with other council members, pretending that he wasn't affected by what he had seen. But he was now very aware of several things.

One. Koboi was probably still loose. Still a threat to the people.

Two. N°1 was more powerful than any of them had ever imagined.

Three. Holly was vulnerable to some things.

Four. He seriously probably didn't have a chance with Holly.

Not if the Fowl kid kept up his antics.

A/N: Expect Artemis next chapter. XD