Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters.

A/N: Ok here is chapter 2. Thanks to everyone who reviewed chapter 1. I couldn't think of a good title for this chapter, so if you have an idea, let me know. Enjoy!

Chapter 2:

Artemis Fowl sat at his desk, thinking about his recent trip back through time, and about everything he had told his mother. It was strange to think that his adventures with the People were no longer a secret. He had told his mother almost everything about his adventures, starting with the fateful day he had kidnapped Holly.

Holly. It seemed that no matter what he did, his thoughts always returned to his pretty elfin friend, who had been with him throughout every adventure. Artemis allowed his mind to wander to the things he had not shared with his mother, or with anyone. Holly had kissed him. What did that mean? Artemis sighed, frustrated. Understanding emotions was not one of his strong points. The kiss had seemed to come out of nowhere. One minute, he was being mauled to death by an angry gorilla, the next he had been healed and Holly was kissing him. Artemis shook his head. It was all too confusing, even for a genius. He and Holly were friends, of course, she was one of his closest friends. But he had lied to her, completely destroying any possibilities the kiss had presented; possibilities that Artemis had not even considered until it was too late.

Artemis put his head in his hands. He didn't deserve Holly, after what he had done. That she had forgiven him was already more than he deserved.

At that moment, his fairy communicator beeped, signaling an incoming call. Artemis blinked and stared at the ring in surprise. He twisted the ring and held his hand up to his ear, like a child playing telephone. "Holly?"

"Hello Artemis," came Holly's reply. She sounded worried.

"Is something wrong?" he asked, mentally listing all the things that would have Holly calling him less than 24 hours after she had left. The list was not looking good.

"It seems that Opal escaped from her rocky prison before the LEP could get to her."

Artemis was hit by a torrent of conflicting thoughts as he processed Holly's words and their implications. They would have to stop Opal again. He and Holly had barely survived their last encounter with the demented pixie mastermind. On the other hand, Holly needed his help; wanted his help. That must be why she was calling. "So I assume that you would like my assistance in stopping her?"

"I'm not going to force you," Holly answered, "But yes, I would like your help."

Artemis smiled at the thought of working with Holly again so soon. Then he frowned. He must keep these confusing feelings to himself until he could figure out what they ment. "Of course I'll help you, Holly. It is my fault Opal is in this time in the first place."

"Thanks Artemis," said Holly, sounding relieved. "I'm on my way to the surface now to meet with Trouble."

"Perhaps it would be simpler if you all just met here. I can have Butler prepare the conference room."

"That would be great, but what about your mother?"

Artemis flinched. He hadn't gotten around to telling Holly about his mother yet. She would probably be angry. He decided not to mention it over the phone. "It won't be a problem," he answered evasively. "I will explain everything when you arrive."

"Well…" Holly sounded slightly suspicious, "Ok. I'll let Trouble know. See you soon." She ended the call.

"See you soon," he whispered to his hand. He allowed himself a small smile. Soon he would see Holly again. He mentally shook himself and focused on the real problem. What to do about Opal Koboi.

A/N: Well, I hope you liked this chapter! Please review! I like constructive critisism and any writing tips you have. Especially any advice about the characters. Sorry about all the dialogue, I didn't know how else to write it. I'm not sure when the next chapter will be ready.