Disclaimer I don't own anything.

A/n finally, a new chapter! Yay! It's been a while since I've put out a new chapter so I thank all of you readers who are still interested in the story and haven't given up on me. Now that it's summer I'm going to have more time to write so chapters in all of my stories should be coming soon. Read and review!

The Memories of Holly Short- Chapter 2

"So who wants to be her baby-sitter?"

Everyone glanced around nervously at one another. No one really wanted to do it. Sure they admired and respected Holly, but who honestly wants to give up most of their time to watch someone who's going to be sleeping half the time. No one there had actually ever baby-sat, save Butler and Juliet, who watch Artemis constantly on a daily basis.

They all had lives waiting to be attended to where they were needed. No one really had the TIME to watch, let alone, take care of Holly. Root, no matter how lazy he may seem, actually did a lot during the day. It isn't easy ordering mindless idiots around all day long, it really isn't. And Trouble had streets to patrol and his brother Grub to watch. Foaly had to watch cartoons- I mean, develop high-tech things for the officers. Juliet was needed in America as a wrestler. Butler had to watch and defend Artemis. Artemis had money to steal and psychiatrists to humiliate. Mulch, well Mulch didn't really have anything to do but who would trust him watching anyone?

They all started looking at the others for assistance (no one looked at Mulch) until every head was fixated on Artemis, who glared coldly back at all of them. He had grown a considerable amount over the time span since he had last been in contact with the LEP. True to his word, even though at the time he didn't know why, he had bought a home gym. And surprisingly, he had used it (A/N Gasp!). He now had small, but toned, muscles that were just starting to show. He had grown approximately four inches and now he towered over the fairies (Not that he didn't before, but now he was to them what Butler is to a regular sized human). Puberty had struck the boy and his voice was deeper but it cracked at the most inconvenient moments, much to his dismay. This happened now.

"What are YoU looking at ME for?" He squeaked out (A/N The capital letters represent a jump in the pitch of Artemis' voice.), gaining a snicker from both Juliet and Foaly. Even though the others didn't show it, it was very amusing to see Artemis in discomfort. His pale cheeks took on a slight rosy complexion. He was just getting used to his sudden "change".

"Oh, come on, Arty. It's not like you do anything useful all day long. This would be a great way to spend your summer." Juliet suggested perkily. Artemis was about to remind her of his, umm, business that seemed to replenish the Fowl bank account but decided against it. He didn't really want the LEP to know; even though he was fairly sure Foaly already had some idea.

Artemis prepared for a snappy comeback when Juliet started speaking again. "It'll keep you out of trouble, too. Besides, my bro does look like he could use a break from watching you constantly. And you'll get to know Holly better. I'm sure it will be a great learning experience." She's been with my mother so long she's gaining her mannerisms, Artemis thought. She needs to get out of the house more.

"It's settled," Juliet beamed. "You'll move in at Holly's place for the summer and watch her. Oh, and don't worry, I'll tell your Mother that your staying with me in America over the summer. She'll think we're bonding or something. She'll be thrilled. I'll have one of the fairies get me and Butler home and then we'll send anything you might need for this summer. Ok? Ok."

Artemis knew it was settled. Juliet was so much like his mother that when she said something was done and decided, it was. He had no way to get out of this one. How was he to live for almost three months with Holly and a few check-ups from various LEP officers? What would he do for the summer? Watch television? That would be utterly preposterous and a waste of his time. He was about to protest with all his might when he discovered no one would care. They were all talking about Holly, his living arrangements, and various other things, as if it were final. Foaly and Root were almost done convincing Butler into letting him stay by himself. They must be extraordinarily persuasive.

Artemis had an expression of disbelief on his face, which he quickly masked when Butler came over. "If you need anything while you're down here just call and I'll come right away. Or do you want me to stay with you this summer?" Butler questioned in a fatherly way. Even though he was about to be abandoned for three months with a crazy elf he didn't want to seem helpless. For months now he had been struggling for independence and he didn't want to ruin his little, but well-earned freedom by appearing frightened.

"No, Butler, I'll be fine." He said quickly in response.

Butler nodded. "I'm going to come to where you'll be once a week, sir, to make sure you are alright. Is there anything you specifically want sent down?"

"Just my lap top, Butler." Butler smiled. He had had a feeling that would be Artemis' first choice. He hated being stranded from what he called civilization. Even though Artemis would be alone, he knew that he would be safe. LEP officers would be there over the months and Holly would always be there, even if she were basically useless. Butler nodded and walked over to where Juliet was. Juliet turned and waved to him as she and Butler left Root's office. Trouble went with them to fly them up to Tara and Artemis's possessions back to Holly's place.

Root went over and sat at his desk. He looked like he was about to kill someone. He knew that now that Artemis would be watching Holly, a disturbing thought, the brat would have to keep his memories at least for the summer. If the Council even got wind that he was back they would go crazy and have Artemis executed. Maybe that was pushing it but you never know what the Council will do when angry enough.

Foaly, on the other hand, was perfectly fine with this new arrangement. This meant that he could watch Fowl every moment he was at Holly's as of he had her whole apartment under surveillance. Fowl wouldn't be able to pull any of his schemes while Underground. Foaly was giddy at the thought of having control over what Artemis did. This was going to be great.

"Alright, Fowl. We'll get you moved in as soon as Kelp gets back with your things. Entertain yourself in the meantime and do NOT bother me. I have a lot of things to take care of and I don't need you poking your nose into my business. Is that clear?" He asked gruffly, a dangerous glint in his eye just asking for Fowl to defy him.

"Transparently so." Artemis replied monotonously. He sat down on the couch's matching chair and looked at Holly. Her hair was still drenched in sweat and her uniform still bloody but she wasn't bleeding uncontrollably any longer. Her uniform had been ripped off at her upper thighs so that the mediwizards could get to her leg wounds. For a human those scars probably would not ever heal but knowing that magic could reattach a severed finger, he knew those scars would eventually disappear. A small blanket now covered what would be Holly's overexposed chest from where they had to heal her bullet wounds. She had been through so much today he just didn't have the heart to wake her up.

After hours of waiting Trouble finally came back carrying two huge luggage bags. He looked exhausted but Artemis didn't offer a helping hand. He didn't want to ruin his perfectly manicured nails.

Root jumped up at the sight of Trouble and grabbed one of the bags, walking out the door, calling after him for Artemis to follow. Artemis was slightly perplexed. Foaly had left two hours ago to work in the OP's booth (His favorite cartoon was airing at that time.) and he had to leave. But who would carry Holly? It wasn't like she could walk, let alone stand. Then it dawned on him. He was supposed to carry Holly. It wouldn't really be all the difficult, she weighed so much less that a human, but he couldn't stand the thought of manual labor. He quickly decided against complaining. He wanted to keep his memories for a while, thank you very much.

Artemis lifted Holly with ease and held her in a cradling position. Carefully, as to not awaken the sleeping officer, he walked softly but swiftly to catch up with the commander. When he finally managed to reach them they were in a parking lot outside of the building. Thankfully and conveniently there was no one around to see them. Root walked up to a car that must have been his own, Artemis guessed, and he and Trouble placed the bags in the trunk. Root got in the driver seat and Trouble in the passenger seat. Artemis gently slid Holly into the back and sat down with her head resting gently on his lap.

They drove and drove through a maze of streets and alleyways until they pulled to a stop outside of an apartment building. It was broken down and dilapidated and seemed as if the city should destroy it only to make the city look better. The inside wasn't much better either. The stairs leading up to Holly's apartment were rickety and old. There was obscene graffiti written by malignant individuals all over the squalid walls. Finally they managed to make their ways to Holly's door. It was one of the few things that were clean in the whole building. Root stuck in a key and opened the door slowly.

If Artemis weren't the person he is his mouth would have dropped.

A/N So, what did you think? Review and tell me about it.