Chapter 4 – Mulling Over

Ireland, two fields away from Lia Fail

Holly Short descended beside an ancient oak tree. She took off her helmet and stole a breath of stale air. Then she sat, her back on the great tree, her eyes gazing upon the snakelike river slithering through the rocks. She remembered this place. This was where it all started. She completing the Ritual then…

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"Stand back, human. You don't know what you're dealing with," Holly said with her best brave face.

"I suppose you wouldn't choose a peaceful surrender…"

"…I could turn you and your gorilla into pig droppings…"

"…You are here to complete the ritual…"

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Yes. This was the exact place where Holly Short and Artemis met, albeit not in good terms. She was very mad then at that vile human. Hmm. But then, it wasn't their first and last meeting. Several others came after. The cooperation in the goblin rebellion, then the issue of Jon Spiro. She enjoyed those adventures. Those really put her skills to the test, while the Fowl kid unknowingly underwent personality transformations. All to be wasted with that stupid mind wipe. She did everything she could, but Commander Root is not a person to be opposed. She sighed.

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St. Bartleby's School for Young Gentlemen

Artemis Fowl was looking out the window. As he stared blankly at leaves falling from trees, his mind was in turmoil. He couldn't forget about those dreams that were bothering him. Who was that fairylike girl? He asked himself. Think, Artemis, think. Maybe that was one of the pictures he glanced in his internet trawls. Yes, maybe that was the real reason for all those silly dreams of his.

"…Mr. Fowl, are you listening?" the teacher said, causing Artemis to sit bolt upright.

"Yes, ma'am?" he replied, startled.

"I was asking you to determine the limit of the equation written on the board", the teacher went on.

"The limit does not exist in the equation," Artemis answered absentmindedly.

"That is correct."

Artemis then went back to staring outside, apparently doubtful of his formulated reason about his dreams. You're a genius, Arty. Think. He told himself.

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Lia Fail

"What am I going to do?" Holly said at the top of her voice. She can't leave Haven, it has been a home to her all her life. She is one of its protectors. A huge privilege. How could she waste it?

But then, this feeling she had for Artemis is a first since time-knows-when. Sometimes, she has to think about her own happiness. She sighed hopelessly. She drew her eyes to the water. It was saying something. Something that made her determined. That was when it hit her. I want to be free, free to feel what it's like to be with the one you love, free to express your true feelings.

Without a moment's hesitation, she geared up and flew back to Haven, then headed to the Operations Booth.

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Ops Booth

"So, you came up with a decision?"Foaly asked, nervous as to what her reply will be.

"My decision is final. I want to be human." She said with so much courage.

Foaly was crestfallen. "If that's what you want, then be it. Still, can I change your mind?" he inquired hopefully.

"No, Foaly, no one can talk me out of this." Her mind was set on this one.

"Very well, you seem to be sure of this." He held up his hands, a gesture of defeat.

"I'm sorry."

He went up to her and hugged her. "Do what makes you happy." Then he broke away. "But there is one condition."

"What is it?"

Foaly took a deep breath. "You will lose all your memory".

Holly was dumfounded.

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What will Holly do, now that in exchange for being human means losing all her fairy memories, including Artemis? Please r&r!