Chapter 2: Future Shock

After the four hour debriefing, the main highlight of which was the mention of Artemis acquiring some magical ability, Holly had been released to 'acclimatize to being three years out of time' as the Council had put it. It was a full session of Council which debriefed her, due to the fact her 'mission' had affected all the fairy people and introduced a major population increase in the form of an -as of yet undetermined number- of Demons.

The Council were predictably worried at the prospect of a magically endowed Artemis Fowl but breathed a collective sigh of relief when Holly explained it was only temporary. Then, of course, there was Foaly. (Who had been listening and even watching the -private- debriefing. Though strict interpretation of fairy law stated this wasn't illegal.)

"That cunning little-" Foaly said as he ambled along side Holly on their post-debriefing stroll.

"Yes Foaly, can we talk about the less recent past?"

"Sorry Holly, it's just I knew- well I thought I knew just how smart that Fowl really was then he turns round and does this," Foaly continued, the very image of indignity.

Holly fazed out, she knew that when Foaly stopped talking long enough to notice that Holly wasn't listening he'd address her directly. Haven had changed, she couldn't see it as much a sense it. It had moved on, moved in the normal flow of time. She had not and that frightened her. It frightened her because it isolated her, made her different.

"-but you know what Holly I think Haven is all the better to have you back," Foaly said addressing her but something had caught Holly's eye. An tree, older even than she. Though, she wasn't really that old for a fairy, I mean she'd be eligible to vote soon…

Holly went over and laid her palm against the rough bark of the tree. She felt the magic in her veins sparking off the magic in the tree, she 'reconnected' to this newer world on a level that went beyond the physical, emotional or even the spiritual. Then she looked up and saw the cherry blossom fluttering in the artificial breeze, as it had on her last walk through this park, three years yet just a fortnight ago.

Holly was reminded that some things never change.

--0--

Artemis rested for six hours (after a bath, he hadn't learned the fairy trick of 'venting one's pores magically' yet and didn't feel confident enough to experiment ), he felt he'd been awake for years. Which, in a way, he had. Butler then prepared a meal and Artemis feasted on the most delectable food he'd had in three years. Even if it was only seared scallops, plaice with rocket and fennel accompanied by cordon blue style clams.

"Artemis is Holly okay?" Butler said as Artemis finished. He noticed something in the way the -now shaven- bodyguard asked the question.

"Yes, Holly is fine but I sense you are not enquiring about her safety."

"Well, while you were sleeping, you muttered something about Holly in danger and you said 'I let you die alone. I was your friend and I let you die alone'." Butler told his charge without meeting his employers eyes. To be truthful Butler feared the worst and thought Artemis may be suffering from some kind of post traumatic delusion that Holly was still alive. One does not mourn the loss of someone close without just cause, even while dreaming.

"Ah, I suspected there would be repercussions. Holly died Butler but I managed to save her in time," Artemis smiled at his little joke but this only worried Butler more.

"You say she died but you managed to save her. How?" The manservant said in slight disbelief.

"Temporal paradox, I know but the alternative doesn't bear thinking about," Artemis said extracting a golden disk from his suit's breast pocket, "You can talk with her if you'd like but I'd prefer it if you didn't mention my new abilities. Call Holly."

Artemis handed his phone to Butler as Holly answered.

"Since you're the only one who has this number, I know it's you Artemis."

"Holly, how was your trip?" Butler asked.

"Hi Butler! Wonderful thank you. Though when you saw me leave three years ago, you couldn't tell from the look on my face," Holly replied laughing lightly.

"As I recall you had the look of someone falling from a great height facing rapidly approaching terra firma."

"Ah, I was only kidding. You should see me moving at Mach three straight through a magma tunnel chasing four vole curry smugglers or better yet the look on their faces!"

"I can imagine. Glad to be back home?"

"Yep but I better go before Foaly bites my head off, tell Artemis to call me sometime!"

"Will do. Hope to see you around sometime."

"Promise. Bye!"

Click!