Hey!  Torina here with another fic!  I decided to try an Artemis Fowl one this time cuz I think they're cool…  Tell me if you like!  R&R!

Torina

Chapter One: Saying Goodbye

"Commander, I have a final request."  Root raised his eyebrows in suspicion.  He was inclined to ignore Artemis and continue the mind wipe, but his curiosity got the better of him.

"Yes, Fowl?"

"May I have a few moments to speak with Holly?  Alone, if you don't mind."

Foaly, Root, and Holly looked at him, intrigued.

"And why would that be?" asked Root, a cigar in his mouth.

"That," Artemis replied, "would be mine and Holly's business.  If I were willing to discuss what I have to say in your presence, I would not have requested to speak with her alone."

Root begun to turn red, but stopped at the look on Holly's face.  She was like a daughter to him…  And she was clearly having misgivings about administering the mind wipe on Artemis.  She also looked as if she had something to say to him…  He sighed.  Oh, well…

"All right," he replied.

Foaly and Holly looked at him in surprise.  Holly's expression, however, quickly turned to one of gratification, which she quickly hid with a mask of nonchalance.  She turned to Artemis.  "If you insist."  She led him to a side room, which was mercifully empty.  If there had been anyone in there…  Holly was extremely emotional at the moment, and whoever she had to chase out of the room would probably end up needing a hearing aid.  Elves can scream extremely loud when the occasion calls for it… 

"What do you want with me, Artemis?" she asked, closing the door.  She had decided to pretend not to care that he was about to be mind wiped; to act as if she did not care for him at all, even as a friend.  But all thoughts of such behavior disappeared when she saw the confiding and frightened look on his face.  Perhaps the first time she had seen had him genuinely afraid… 

"Artemis?" she asked tentatively.  "What is it?"

"Holly…"  He looked at the floor nervously.  "As I won't remember you after today, I…  I felt I had to tell you the truth."

So we come to the true reason he brought me in here.  Holly thought bitterly.  It's only to confess to me that he did something he shouldn't have while in Haven or something like that…  This thought startled Holly.  What did I want him to have brought me here for?

"If I ask you a question, can you give me an honest answer?"

"That depends…"  Holly looked at him in suspicion.  "What kind of question?"

"Well…"  Here he clearly hesitated.  "I am of the opinion that, taking into account all we have been through together, we have become…  Somewhat like friends.  Do you share this feeling?"

Holly was perfectly aware of how hard it was for him to say something of that nature.  For a person who tried so hard to conceal all of his emotions…  And he spoke so insecurely that she was sure he was not tricking her into anything.  But then where is this going?

Holly smiled, despite her confusion.  "Yes, Artemis.  I consider us friends."  She saw the brief flicker of relief in his eyes, as if what he was trying to say would be easier to admit now.  But what does he want to admit?

Artemis took a deep breath.  It shouldn't be that hard.  I just have to tell her how I feel.  Not too abruptly, though.  I'll scare her if I do.  And I don't want her to run away.  She just has to know how I feel before it's too late.  And then she'll be the last thing I see before I lose my memory, even if I won't remember it later on…  He took one look at her and all thoughts of subtlety left him.  They had precious little time left together.  He had to tell her.  And now… 

"Holly…"  He looked deep onto her eyes.  

"Yes, Artemis?" she replied.  Why do I feel so short of breath?  He only said my name… What's wrong with me?  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.  Concentrate on the task at hand.  Hear what he has to say and get out of here before-  Suddenly she felt someone's lips on hers.  She opened her eyes, startled.  Artemis…  She smiled inwardly, then wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back.

At this, Artemis blinked in surprise.  She feels the same way…  He held her tighter.  I never expected her to care for me this deeply…  I most certainly don't deserve it.  I wonder why…  But at the moment, he really didn't care.  He could finally hold her in his arms… 

After an eternity that ended far to quickly, they pulled apart.  Artemis stared into Holly's deep green eyes, reeling.  He hardly had time to recover from the shock of the intensity of their first kiss before her lips met his again.  She held him with such love, kissed him with such passion…  What did I do to earn this?  She deserves so much better than me… He was confused, something that happened a lot when he was around her.  He pushed her away gently.  He loved her with all his heart and soul, and wanted nothing more that to hold her, kiss her, but he had to know.  "Holly…" he whispered.  "Why?" 

"What?"  Why did he push me away?  Did I do something wrong?

"Why me?" he asked stroking her hair.  "I've only caused you harm…  What did I ever do to deserve this?"

Holly sighed in relief inwardly.  So I didn't do anything…  "Artemis-"

"Shhh…"  He put a finger over her lips and sang softly to her.

"I'm always too late,

I see the train leaving.

I'm always laughing,

When it's not cool to smile.

I'm always aiming,

But somehow keep missing.

So how did you get here,

Something is wrong.

Where did I go right?

How did I get you?

How come all this blue sky is around me,

And you've found me?

Where did I go right,

How did I get you?

I don't know how I did,

But somehow now I do.

I love you, Holly.  More than anything.

I'm always driving,

Forget where I'm going.

Should have turned left

But I was singing some song.

And I, I am arriving

As everyone's leaving.

But there you are waiting.

Something is wrong.

Where did I go right?

How did I get you?

How come all this blue sky is around me,

And you've found me?

Where did I go right,

How did I get you?

I don't know how I did,

But somehow now I do.

Makes no sense to me,

No it isn't clear,

But somehow you're standing here.

Something gets to me,

It's that nothing is wrong.

Where did I go right?

How did I get you?

How come all this blue sky is around me,

And you've found me?

Where did I go right,

How did I get you?

I don't know how I did,

Where did I go right?

How did I get you?

How come all this blue sky is around me,

And you've found me?

Where did I go right,

How did I get you?

I don't know how I did,

But somehow now I do."

"It's just who you are, Artemis.  You've changed so much since we first met.  You're kind, honest-"

Artemis raised his eyebrows.  "And your definition of honest is…"

Holly chuckled weakly.  "To your friends, anyway.  You're dependable.  You make a promise and you stick to it.  You're everything I've always been looking for.

When the night won't fall and the sun won't rise,

And you see the best as you close your eyes.

When you reach the top as you bottom out,

But you understand what it's all about.

Nothing's ever what it seems

In your life or in your dreams

It don't make sense, what can you do

So I won't try making sense of you.

Love just is… whatever it may be

Love just is… you and me

Nothing less and nothing more

I don't know what I love you for… love just is.

I love you, Artemis, I always have. 

When you ask to stay and then disappear

It seems you're gone but you're really here

When every move seems out of place

But every kiss is filled with grace

Some things never get defined

In your heart or in your mind

It don't make sense, what can you do

So I won't try making sense of you

Love just is… whatever it may be

Love just is… you and me

Nothing less and nothing more

I don't know what I love you for… love just is.

Don't ever ask me for reasons

I can't get to you

Don't ever ask me for reasons

Why I live for you… I just do

Nothing's ever what it seems

In your life or in your dreams

It don't make sense, what can you do

So I won't try making sense of you.

Love just is… whatever it may be

Love just is… you and me

Nothing less and nothing more

I don't know what I love you for… love just is.

Love just is.

Artemis just held on to her for a moment.  "So…  Now what?" he asked. 

Holly laughed.  "You're asking me?  I don't know what to do.  In fact, I don't know anything…  Except that this is the happiest day of my life."  Her voice turned bitter.  "But it doesn't make a difference, does it?  Root, Foaly, and the Council are still going to mind wipe you…"

Artemis kissed her gently.  She melted in his arms, embracing him with all her might.  "My memories can be erased, but my love for you will never die." he replied.  "And I'll find a way to you.  I can promise you that.   The Council will find that I don't give up so quickly…  And that I am not so easily defeated."  His voice lowered.  "Love is eternal, Holly.  Never forget that.  I may forget you, but I will never forget how you make me feel.  And someday, someway, somehow, I will come back.  I'll regain my memories, and we will be together forever…  That much I promise."  He pulled her towards himself and kissed her.  They pulled away only when they heard a sharp knocking on the door.

"Fowl, Short!  Are you done in there yet?  We have to wipe them and transport them back above ground before daylight!  Get out here NOW!!!" 

Artemis kissed her one last time before opening the door.  They walked out silently, Holly only stopping for a second to wipe a tear from her eye.  The others looked at her quizzically. 

"Holly-" Root began.

"Not today, Commander."  Underneath her calm appearance was a sorrow so deep and raw that Root didn't even reprimand her for ordering around her commanding officer.  Whatever had gone on in there, Holly wasn't happy about it…

Foaly asked her to put the sedation pads on each of their temples so their memories could be erased without harming their IQs.  Butler came first.  Then Juliet.  Root and Foaly could sense her hesitation to put Artemis to sleep.  He reached out and held her hand tightly.  "Remember," he whispered.  "I promised.  It will be all right, I swear.  Just do it.  Everything will be fine."

A single tear slid down her cheek.  He could swear all he wanted; it wouldn't make a difference.  He wouldn't even remember he had made the promise…  She knew she would never see him again.  But he was so full of hope…  She couldn't bear to destroy it.  She simply nodded and placed the pads on his head.  As soon as his eyes closed she turned around and ran out of LEP headquarters. 

Root attempted to follow her, but Foaly put a hand on his shoulder.  "Let her go," he said.  "She just needs some time alone…" 

Root growled at him and stuck another cigar in his mouth, but he didn't try to pursue her any further.

Well?  What did you think?  Kind of angsty, I know, but it will get better!  And the ending is happy, I swear!  Please review, and Inuyasha fans should read my other fics!  Love ya!

Torina

Next chapter:  Sorrow and Memories