Dreams

The Long Awaited Epilogue

Disclaimer: I don't own Artemis Fowl. Haven't you heard it enough??

This Chapter is dedicated to my all time best mate, Lauren. And Lauren, just because you've read this already, doesn't mean you're excused from reviewing!

Thamks to Niki Pound. You are a star even if you say you're not!!

A/N: Ok. You know I have my ending issues don't you? Well please don't be too hard on me. I know this is the chapter everyone has been waiting for, so I'm trying my hardest. I know Verbil's motive is a very important of the story, and it's something almost everyone has commented on in their reviews.

Former Private, Chix Verbil's court case. Report compiled by Commander Julius Root. Aided by former Captain Holly Short.

Witnesses Present: Chairman Cahartez, along with the other eleven members of The Council. Commander Root, retrieval One Captain Trouble Kelp.

Charges given: Verbil is accused of attempted murder and breach of the LEP law book.

On the morning of January the 28th, the court hearing for the Chix Verbil trial sat for the first time. The victim, former captain, Holly Short, was present and seated in the benches, next to her husband, Captain Trouble Kelp. She had been advised by the council and myself, not to attend the tribunal, as it may be stressful for her, after all she's been through. But anyone who has ever tried to convince Holly Short not to do something when she has her mind made up will know that it's an almost impossible task.

Cahartez surveyed the gathered crowd below him. He switched his gaze from the jury to Chix.

"Verbil, permission to speak. Please give your statement to the courtroom. Do you swear to tell us the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"

Something in my head told me to tell the truth. Nothing but the truth.

Verbil raised his head, placing his hand solemnly on the fairy book. "I swear."

Cahartez nodded in acknowledgement, "Very well."

"I didn't go to the shuttle port with the intention of killing anyone. I wanted to get some above ground air. I needed to sort my head out. These last few weeks have been murder."

I didn't intend to use that expression. It came out before I had a chance to think. I saw Trouble roll his eyes. He hated me. I knew he did. We've never really been friends, but ever since him and Holly got married, he's been really overprotective with Holly. I can't see why. It's not like she can't look after herself. He seems to think I want to take her away from him. She's a good-looking elf, I have to admit that, but it's obvious to anyone that she loves Trouble. He's paranoid.

"I stepped out onto the platform and saw a figure silhouetted in the gloom. That was Holly, only I wasn't to know that. The all too familiar rumbling sound of the approaching magma flare echoed in the chute, filling my ears. I saw Holly stumble backwards..."

Cahartez interrupted Chix, "Is this true?" He asked Holly. She nodded. Cahartez's face softened. "Holly, can I have that out loud? For the sake of the recording."

Holly blushed. "Sorry. Yes, it's true. I did stumble. The air pressure took me by surprise."

Cahartez nodded. "Continue."

"...I reached out to steady her. I don't know what came over me; I think the combination of Holly's weight and the air pressure in the chute, made me pitch forward. This caused Holly to stumble, bringing her over the platform edge." Chix paused. Cahartez looked at Holly for conformation.

Holly frowned. Her brain was processing this possibility. It seemed plausible. "I guess that could've happened. -My initial reaction to that moment was Oh gods, this it. I'm going to die. Someone pushed me- but I know from experience, that first impressions are often incorrect."

Cahartez nodded, then turned back to Chix. "The question remains, why didn't you come forward earlier? It could've saved a lot of police time."

"I was guilty. I still am. I know that none of this wouldn't of happened if I hadn't of been there."

Holly's face darkened. Anger rose inside her. It reflected in her face. Those who knew her well knew what would come next. She looked towards Cahartez.

"Permission to speak?"

Cahartez nodded, "granted."

Holly stood up, turning to face Chix. "You're right. It is your fault. It's your fault that my career is ruined. It's your fault that my family have suffered, thinking I may never recover. It's your fault that I look like this..."

Holly raised her right sleeve, revealing her blistered skin. There was a sharp intake of breath from those close enough to see the still raw scars.

A wave of fresh guilt washed over me. I didn't know it had affected her so badly. Well I didn't know what to say. So I didn't say anything.

Holly's face cleared. "Look, it's not all your fault, not really, but I can't get over the fact that my entire lifestyle, and that of my family's, has had to change, all because you weren't as strong as you thought you were. But no amount of shouting will change the past, so there's not much point bothering."

Chairman Cahartez looked astounded, but he didn't let this put him off the case at hand. "Right. You are accused with the following, attempted murder and Actual Bodily Harm of a Mrs Holly Short. Can I have the jury's verdict?" He turned to the jury. The jury muttered amongst themselves for a minute or two, when the main spokesperson, a Major Evergreen stood up and announced their verdict to the courtroom.

"Guilty."

A/N: Okkkkk, flame if you must. But hey, it's not compulsory. Anyway, did you like? Let me know.