Stone Heart

Chapter Six (Arguing with your conscience)

Disclaimer: From now onwards, I am only going to write disclaimers for the first chapter of my fics, because if I didn't own Artemis Fowl at the beginning, then how likely is it that I'll own him at the end? Not very.

A/N: I'm sorry if I haven't replied to certain reviews. My computer hasn't been working properly, and I haven't been receiving my review emails.

Bold writing Holly's Optimistic side.

Italic writing Holly's pessimistic side.


Commander Root's Office, Police Plaza, Haven City

Julius Root surveyed the three fairies present in his office over steepled fingers. He wasn't in the least surprised that there had been a fight, and Captain Short had had something to do with it. If she wasn't such a good officer he would've considered her a liability to the force.

However, he still cared about her welfare, and was slightly worried about her because she was deadly silent. No rushed excuses, or unbelievable explanations, not even comments about sexism and how unfairly females were treated. Something was very wrong. But what?

The two females stood either side of Trouble. He still had hold of Holly's shoulder.

Different emotions filled the room. Jennifer seemed relaxed, but then she'd never been on the receiving end of Root's temper before and didn't know what to expect. Trouble looked stricken, he still had hold of Holly's shoulder; he didn't want to let her go. Holly was silent, her face was blank. She was desperately trying to forget everything. It wasn't working.

Finally, Root spoke.

"I have reason to believe that you've been aggravating one of my officers." This was obviously directed at Jennifer.

She shrugged, "Not particularly. I can't help it if people cannot control their tempers." She gave Holly a dirty look.

Holly didn't reply. She just clenched her fists and gritted her teeth.

Root glanced at her. "But you had no right to resort to physical violence, Short."

Holly muttered "Sorry." It was obvious she didn't mean it, Holly Short didn't do apologies. She certainly wasn't going to apologize to Jennifer.

The commander turned back to Jennifer. "If I have any reason to believe that you've been distracting any of my officers from their duties again, then you're fired. Clear?"

Jennifer nodded. "Crystal."

Root motioned for her to leave, and she did, shutting the door behind her.

"Good riddance." Holly muttered under her breath.

"What was that Short?" Root asked, giving her a look.

"Nothing sir."

"Good." He looked at the pair. "What the hell is going on with you two? One minute you're all over each other, the next you're at each other's throats."

Holly shot a glare at Trouble and shrugged her shoulder free of his grip. "Go on. Why don't you explain." It wasn't a question, it was almost an order.

Trouble took a deep breath. "It's all a complete misunderstanding…"

Root sighed, impatiently. "Get to the point, Captain."

Holly spoke for him. "We've spilt up. Because ONE of us is a liar, a cheat and…"

The Commander cut across her. "I take it you're not referring to yourself, Short. Anyway, I don't want sob stories, I want explanations."

"Ask him." She turned to face her husband. "Well, it looks like you've got what you wanted." She flicked something at him. The something was circular and shiny. Her wedding ring. It landed at his feet. "I'd keep that if I were you. Who knows, you might need it sometime soon."

She turned, and walked from the room.

Root called after her. "SHORT! Get back here!" Holly ignored him.

"Go after her Captain. Make sure she doesn't do anything stupid."

Trouble stooped to pick up the ring, and then strode from the office, following Holly.

It wasn't until Holly reached the steps leading from the building to the street, that Trouble caught up with her.

"Holly, wait!"

She paused, turning her head. "What?"

"Holly, please, let me explain. I love you; I didn't do what you think I did…"

Holly thought for a second. Maybe he was telling the truth… Then again, maybe he wasn't.

She could almost feel the two halves of her conscience arguing with each other.

Of course he's telling the truth, he loves you, just give him a chance. What harm can it do?

He's lying! Don't listen to him; you're better off without him.

No you're not. Look what you've been like for the past two days; a total wreck. You still love him, just tell him!

You're a Short. They don't just break down. They keep on going.

You were a Short. Then you married Trouble. Technically you're a Kelp. And you are breaking down, how are you supposed to keep on going when it feels like half of you is missing?

Holly opened her mouth, "I still…" But she couldn't say it. A lump had risen in her throat and she just couldn't get the words out.

"You still what, Holls?" Trouble asked, looking concerned.

She shook her head, and turned around, walking away down the street.

Well done! You know you did the right thing!

No you didn't. You missed your chance. Why didn't you listen to what he was trying to tell you!

You don't need him. You're an independent woman now; you don't his shoulder to lean on.

Yes you do. You've lost you're soul mate; you just have to get him back.

Back at Police Plaza, Trouble watched Holly walk around the corner, obviously going back to Lissy's. He walked down the remaining steps to the pavement, and walked away in the opposite direction.

Holly turned around and sprinted back to Police Plaza.

You know it makes sense, after all what harm can it do?

She rounded the corner only to see that the steps were empty. He had gone. She sat on the bottom step, and put her head in hands.

See, he doesn't love you. Otherwise he would have waited.

"D'Arvit!" she swore foully, "To hell with him."

A/N: Sorry that Amber hasn't played a big part in the story. Although she isn't one of the main characters in this fic, she will appear in the next few chapters.