A/N: I own nothing to do with Artemis Fowl.

Chapter 6: He Wouldn't Let Me Explain

45 minutes later Holly quietly entered the Ops Booth. She saw Artemis meditating and as much as she knew he shouldn't be disturbed, she had to. Disturb him that is.

"Artemis?" She said.

He opened his eyes and looked at her.

"Yes Holly? What is it?" He asked.

"Well first we should be at Koboi labs in 15 minutes. Second I wanted to ask you a couple things."

Artemis got up and put back on his jacket. "Yes?"

"Well do you think we're doing the right thing? I mean think of all the things that could go wrong." Holly said.

Artemis paused, "I know. But it's better than the alternative. Besides, we always make it."

Holly rolled her eyes, "This could be an exception. Anyway Foaly said you were talking with Trouble when I was performing the Ritual. What were you guys talking about?"

Artemis smirked. "That's none of your business."

Holly punched him lightly on the shoulder, "It is so my business. Now spill."

"You do know that that is terrible grammar." The prodigy said, "However I will tell you that Major Kelp does still care for you. But I won't go into it any farther. He should tell you this himself."

Holly smiled and impulsively threw her arms around the surprised teen. "Thanks Artemis. You're a really good friend..." She stopped talking as they heard something clatter outside the open Ops door.

Holly quickly walked over to it and pulled it open. All she could see was someone disappearing around a corner.

"What is it?" Artemis asked.

"I don't know." Holly admitted.

Foaly came around the corner. "Hey Holly. What's up with Trouble?"

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Well he was walking away from this direction looking very upset. I don't know. I thought maybe you knew."

Artemis looked at Holly. "It appears that Major Kelp is the one who saw us. I think he has the wrong impression. Maybe you should go talk to him Holly. Set him straight."

Holly nodded and ran in the direction that Trouble had taken.

"And hurry! We have to leave in 3 minutes." Artemis called after her.

"What does she have to set straight?" Foaly asked.

Artemis just looked at him.

Trouble walked swiftly down a corridor.

See. He thought bitterly, She doesn't love you any more. She loves that mud boy. I bet it was really amusing for Fowl to hear that I'm still in love with her.

It was just a hug. His angel side said gently. Hugs don't mean inner feelings.

Yes but it's Holly. Trouble argued. Holly never hugs someone unless she really likes them. She's never even hugged Foaly and he's almost her best friend.

No comment. His angel side said and disappeared.

"Hey Trouble! Wait up!"

Trouble turned around to see Holly running up the corridor.

"What?" he asked bluntly as she put her hands to her knees and panted. She looked up at him.

"What you have to understand is..."

"Look Holly I understand. You love the mud boy. That's fine with me. Now I think you have to go? You've only got like 9 minutes." With that he turned on his heel, leaving a very upset Holly with tears in her eyes.

Holly met Artemis, Mulch and Doodah in a shuttle they were taking.

"Where's Trouble?" Doodah asked as Holly entered the vehicle. "We have to go."

"We're going without him." Holly said shortly (no pun intended) sitting down, and putting her head in her hands. Artemis looked at her, got up, and sat next to her. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"He didn't believe you, or he didn't let you explain?" He asked gently.

When Holly looked up he could see tears in her eyes.

"He wouldn't let me explain. And what if we don't make it out alive? He'll never know the truth."

Artemis looked at her gravely. "I'm sure we'll make it out alive."

Mulch and Doodah just looked at each other, not understanding a word of the conversation.

A/N: If you review enough, then I'll update faster. Btw the next chapter is called Torture.