Artemis didn't know when he woke up, but he didn't really care. He could remember. Oh the amount of pleasure that had enveloped him! But he knew―he knew that life could not go on like this forever. After all, life did not translate to utopia; the land where dreams were fulfilled, where the state of pure peace and bliss could finally rest itself. However, don't worry about that now, he thought to himself. He just remembered that the new Steinway grand piano had arrived the day before. It was a model manufactured a decade ago; nevertheless, Artemis had recently taken a liking for antiques. He quietly lifted himself off the bed careful not to wake Holly from her deep sleep. He silently got dressed, with his usual dark suit and tie, dress pants, and black dress shoes. He moved quickly and swiftly towards the door, opened it up, walked out, and closed the large wooden doors soundlessly. He walked down the stairs with great elegance, as if a new man, ready to start again. Nonsense, he thought, I am who I am, Artemis Fowl, the criminal mastermind and genius. Though I CAN go for just a bit of change.
He arrived at where the majestic instrument sat noiselessly. Sunlight shined brightly through the glass doors that led to the backyard. It illuminated the room, spreading brighten the corners of the spacious room as well. Birds chirped joyously and sang their daily sonata which flowed through an open window. He sat on the cushioned bench and slowly opened the lid that concealed the lustre of the keys on the piano. It looked as if a gift from angels, so new, the keys untouched, with not a single fingerprint anywhere on the surface of the piano. He played a chord to test out the sound, revealing a beautiful sound of purity. Completely satisfied with the quality of the instrument, he began with a piece that had been subconsciously picked off the corner of his mind. It was in fact a favorite masterpiece of his, Fantasie Impromptu, Op. 66. His concentration was lined with infinite tranquility and utter placidity which flowed throughout his mind, and into his body. He realized he actually hadn't played the piano in a while, and he missed the peaceful feeling as he progressed into the varying sections of the piece.
When Holly came into the room all she saw were Artemis's fingers flying across the keyboard, his mindless gaze into the air not breaking for even the slightest moment. She smiled proudly and quietly walked over to the piano, sitting herself beside Artemis and observing his skill in awe. He didn't even seem to notice her. Finally, when the piece ended, she clapped for him and his eyes seem to turn for the first time.
"Good morning, Holly." he said happily. "I assume I have accidentally woken you up? I apologize deeply if so."
"No, it's not your fault, I woke up when you closed the doors."
"Oh." He stood up and led her to the front door. He inhaled heavily. "I know you have to go now." Holly looked around, surprised.
"H-how'd you guess?"
"You have the look on your face," he smirked. He smile faded. Holly understood his fake cheerfulness.
"You understand Arty, I can't stay forever. I still have the LEP to look after." she embraced him tightly, leaning her head on his shoulder. He complied, wrapping his arms around her in response. She gazed up at his mismatched eyes and kissed him lightly on the lips.
"It won't be the last time we meet Artemis," she reassured him. He nodded in acknowledgement; now he had his business face on.
"See you some time soon―"
"Farewell, my Angel of love."
Holly walked into the distance, only turning around once at the gate. She could see his face layered with mixed emotions. His final facial expression revealed a single note. While she thought to only a superficial degree, his mind was mysteriously intrigued by deeper thoughts. Holly sighed, confused with what she was feeling.
Despite how much he has changed the past few years. He will always be the great genius, Artemis Fowl the Second.