Chapter 13: Loose Ends Tied Up

BUTLER'S P.O.V

I can see the faint outline of Fowl Manor, and I gradually grind the van to a halt, timed to perfection. We're in our usual spot, exactly five metres away from the Manor's perimeter.

"Good timing, Butler."

I don't bother to answer. Artemis usually makes that comment.

"Save your compliments for later, mud boy. We've got some business to attend to."

Normally, any trained bodyguard would ignore the last line, and focus on the job. Then again, not any old bodyguard would have be driving a criminal mastermind, two elves, a deranged kidnapper, and a centaur. But when Holly said the last line, it made me shiver. The gleam in her hazel eyes would be enough to drive even the strongest and most experienced man insane. But I've got a job to do. And Butlers do not crack easily. Juliet demonstrates that as her role as, 'Jade Princess'.

Thinking of Juliet makes me smile. Then my smile turns to anxiety. Is she alright? What if something's happened to her?What if...?

I scold myself, reminding myself I do not go on what ifs.

"Butler?"

That question brings me back to reality with a THUD.

"Are we getting out of this van, or are we inclined to stay in for a few days, using the little resources we have? I think living in close quarters..." He takes a glance at Holly. "...Might not be the best." He finishes. I kick myself for forgetting. Standard bodyguard behaviour- I must be off target today. Breathe. Remember what your sensei told you.

Suddenly, a blinding pain hits my mind. My knees buckle, as I experience a feeling like someone clawing through my mind, separating crucial strands of memory. The pain is boring a hole through my head, I feel like someone's forcing control of me. Then, it stops. The pain stops. In my mind I see a figure being etched in, the lines becoming bolder, clearer.

"Butler..." A throaty whisper says. "Butler... Are you there? Butler, I'm a friend. An old friend."

I know this feeling too well to ignore it. This...Creature is using its mesmer on me. I must fight it.

"Butler, don't fight me. You cannot resist."

A blanket settles on my mind, giving me floods of relief.

"Butler, I need you to do something for me. Are you prepared?"

I nod.

"Good. I need you to-"

The creature's image clears up. It's a redhead pixie, with sharp features and big eyes. It tells me of its plan, its hunger for ambition. And I listen, with awe. Then, it tells me what it wants me to do. Anxiety seeps away. How could I forget my old friend?

"Butler? Butler! Wake up!"

I'm shaken awake. Holly and Artemis are looking over me in concern. I can feel the cold of the van floor against my skin, and I know I must have collapsed.

"Are you alright, Butler? You collapsed."

I think of the pixie, and smile.

"Yes, I'm fine. Let's go inside."

ARTEMIS'S P.O.V

I'm concerned about Butler, but there's no time to worry. There is business to settle.

"So Opal is on the loose then, and the LEP are to do nothing about it?" I sip a frothing cappuccino, facing Holly, my arm resting on my high back leather chair.

"Not nothing. We'll send out search squad, and monitor surface activity, but that's all we can do for now. We have other matters."

"But this is Opal Koboi. Surely you're not going to sit back and do nothing?"

"We're not doing nothing, I told you." Holly's eyes burn with anger. I've crossed a line.

"What are we to do about..." I lower my voice to a whisper. "Minerva?"
"She'll have her memory wiped. Standard procedure."

"But after all she's been through?"

"She needs be wiped, Artemis."

Butler and Minerva sit in the furthest corner of my study, huddled by the burning fireplace. Both are drinking mugs of chocolate, and looking equally unhappy.

"Hm."

Commander Root leans forward, and bangs a fist on the coffee table. "We don't have time for this, Fowl. We'll return to Haven, and take Minerva with us. A few hours later, she'll be back in France with no recollection of this moment."

I say one word, which has been preying on my mind. "Hazel?"

We all take a look at Hazel, who's curled up in a blanket on a chair. The light given off by the fire, light up her face. She looks... breathtaking.

"We think she'll be safe. For now. But we'll be back, Artemis." Holly warns.

"I look forward to it."
Holly gives me a warning look, before flickering into invisibility. Commander Root follows, and Foaly looks unhappy.

"I'll walk my way out." He mutters, clopping grumpily out of the study.

I spot a flicker in the air, slight, but noticeable.

"Goodbye, Holly."

I watch as the invisible presence hovers over to Minerva, and she disappears. Her mug of chocolate, naturally, smashes to the ground, shards of china and hot chocolate fly everywhere.

"We probably should have thought of that."

But for once, I don't care.

"It's getting late. I will retire."

Butler walks out, understanding I need a minute alone with Hazel. I crouch down by her. I could gaze at her all day; how her dark eyelashes prettily curl up, and her mouth a heart shape. I wish she would awake, so I could see her deep brown hazel eyes one more time. I hesitate, before leaning close to her and gently kissing her on the lips. I can feel her warmth, and smell her sweet, natural perfume.

"Sleep well, Hazel."

I shut the door, behind me descending into darkness.