Hey guys! I decided to write this chapter as soon as possible (since it is my favorite!)! This is going to be the official romance chapter!!! :D I do hope you like it!
Also, in the previous chapter, I mentioned Hellsing. Let me warn you, that this story is NOT a Hellsing/Artemis Fowl crossover! That was a clue as to who Holly's attacker really is (and it is not Alucard). Alucard is just a clue. If anyone can catch the hints I've been throwing in, feel free to PM me and give me your idea (or you can just give it in a review. Either one suits me!). :)
Enjoy the chapter!
Pleasant Dreams
Holly was standing in a field, a light breeze ruffling her auburn hair. She looked around, frowning at her surroundings. The field was seemingly empty, and a cloudy, grey sky remained motionless overhead, casting the world in a dull, dark shadow.
She was wearing her school uniform, and she felt slightly baffled by this. Why would she be wearing her school uniform? Wasn't that just a little out of place?
Holly shivered, and she rubbed her arms, not liking her surroundings.
Suddenly she heard a rustle behind her, and the elf whirled around, her fists raised.
Artemis stood behind her, his school uniform flaring in the breeze. He smirked at her, revealing his pearly white teeth.
Holly sighed in relief, relaxing. She stepped forward, and suddenly felt Artemis wrap his arms around her. He drew her close, pressing her to his chest. She immediately felt his warmth, and she shivered against him.
Strangely enough, Holly didn't punch him or back away. She embraced him, her heart hammering in her chest. She nuzzled his neck, breathing in his scent. He smelt like pine forest, violets and parchment, and his warm breath tickled her pointed ear.
"Holly…" he breathed, his eyes closed.
The boy dipped his face lower, and he kissed her neck, his lips brushing against her skin. Holly gasped at the contact, and her eyes widened. She struggled ever so slightly, but Artemis ignored her, his lips moving up her neck. They brushed her jaw line, and before she could take a breath his lips covered hers, claiming them in a passionate kiss.
Holly couldn't quite believe her luck, and it was a few moments before she responded to him. She pressed herself against him, trying to get as close as possible. She wrapped her legs around his hips, climbing him as to get into a more comfortable position. Artemis didn't collapse from the added weight, and he stood his ground, holding her at face level. Her newly found height made things much easier for them, and it wasn't so awkward any more.
Holly moaned into his lips, as his tongue meet hers, searching curiously. She felt a spur of triumph well up in her chest, and she smiled against his lips.
The moment seemed to last forever! The two of them drank each other in, their hearts racing. They didn't care for time, and they didn't notice the clouds over head turn red and black. The world around them became dark and menacing, and it appeared as if someone had painted the world red with blood.
Suddenly Artemis gave a jolt, and he gasped against her lips, his tongue freezing.
Holly frowned at this, and she suddenly felt something hard pressing into her chest. But something else felt out of place…something far worse.
There was a metallic, copper like taste in her mouth. It tasted bizarre, and she considered it for a second, before fully realizing what it all meant.
With a cry of horror, Holly pulled her lips away from his, spitting the blood out of her mouth. She stepped away from Artemis and bent over, coughing up the blood that had managed to sneak down her throat.
She looked up, trying to see Artemis. But as her eyes fell on him, a horrific scream escaped her, the sound echoing in the air around them.
Artemis was slumped slightly, his eyes wide. His mouth hung agape, and blood dripped from his open mouth, slithering down his chin.
But this wasn't the worst part.
A hand was sticking out of Artemis' chest, the digits painted red with blood. The hand was flat and the fingers were pressed together in a stream-lined, blade like shape. Blood spread across his school shirt slowly, turning it as red as the sky above them.
The hand sticking out of her friends' chest belonged to none other than her shadowy attacker. His eyes glowed in a malicious shade of red, and his smile spread from ear to ear.
With a sickening squelch, he pulled his arm out of Artemis' chest. Blood welled up out of the huge wound, and Artemis gave a croak, stumbling slightly.
Holly pressed her fingers to her lips, a low cry clawing at her throat. Tears poured down her cheeks, as she watched her beloved fall to the ground.
He was dead long before he hit the grass.
A loud, insane laugh filled the air, and Holly gave a choked yelp, the laughter hurting her ears. She was trembling violently, fear and sorrow clouding her senses. She hugged herself, her tears staining her cheeks.
Anger and hatred welled up inside her, and she glared at her tormentor, her eyes flashing dangerously.
"You monster!" she tried to growl, but her voice came out as more of a moan than anything else.
The tall, wicked man laughed at this, and before Holly could even draw breath, a strong hand wrapped around her throat and lifted her skyward.
"Yes, that's what they always call me, now days," he purred, squeezing her throat mercilessly.
The elf let out a gasp, and she kicked and thrashed, trying to free herself. She struggled to breathe under the pressure, and fresh tears brimmed in her mismatched eyes.
"Let me go!" she growled, clawing at his pale hand. She clenched her teeth and hissed at him, trying to add as much venom to it as possible.
But he simply laughed, mocking her efforts, "Give up, girl. I'm much, much stronger than you."
He emphasized this by swinging her, and the elf cried out as her spine stretched painfully. Some bones broke in her flesh, and she cried even louder, now more in pain than terror.
Once she'd managed to control herself, the elf began to thrash again, growling and hissing. She wasn't going to give up without a fight.
She spat at him, using what breath she had.
"Damn you prick," she swore at him, lashing out with her foot.
But her struggles were in vain, and the elf began to struggle less and less. Soon she hung still, glaring at the monster before her.
He grinned in triumph, and he shook her again, charring her small frame. His other hand grabbed her chin and forced it down, making her stare at the form of her beloved friend.
"You'll join him soon, Captain Holly Short of LEPrecon. You've lost all your nine lives," he growled, as the elf closed her eyes, not being able to bare the sight of Artemis in such a horrifying state.
The shadow man let go of her chin, and slowly brought his arm back, his hand forming that all too familiar blade that had literally impaled her human companion. He grinned, as a look of pure terror crossed her face.
Holly let out one last scream, as the hand rushed towards her chest, intending to end her life.
Holly sat bolt upright in her bed, screaming at the top of her lungs in terror. She was trembling violently, and she felt like she was going to be sick.
The elf tried to take deep breathes, her hands wringing. She struggled to calm herself, and fearful tears brimmed in her eyes.
Holly had never been one to panic, or to be paralyzed by terror, but this was different. She'd gladly rather face an army of hungry trolls than be forced to see that monster again.
She wished she could run away. She wished she could run away with Artemis and never look back. But she knew that was stupid, cowardly and naïve, and she cursed herself for being so stupid. But she was getting desperate, and the fear and stress was beginning to take over, despite the fact that she had only been at school for one single day.
Maybe she could go back under ground and gather more troops…no that was definitely not going to happen.
And besides, he knows about the People and about me. She thought, remembering how he'd addressed her, using her full title.
At this thought, she realized the full implication of it. He knew of the People, and that meant she'd have to deal with him and the assassin controlling him. That way she could take down Opal, and Artemis and everyone above and below ground would be safe.
Until some other over controlling insane millionaire decides to take over the world.
But that was in the future, and she wasn't going to worry about that now. Better to deal with what's on your plate now before taking on something else.
The elf shivered in her bed, worrying. Images of Artemis lying in pools of blood filled her mind, and she covered her eyes, sickened by the horror of it all.
Holly sat up and moved her hands away from her face. She looked around her dark room, and reached out a trembling hand, searching for the switch to her bedside light.
She finally found it, and the area around her bed was cast in a warm, reassuring glow. Holly sighed in relief when she saw the sight of her empty room. She was alive and her shadow-stalker was no where to be seen.
But she still shivered, still on edge after her horrific dream. Watching her friend die like that had been the worst thing she'd ever done.
At this thought, Holly sat bolt upright, her cheeks losing their color.
The elf lunged for her phone, still trembling. She didn't notice it, but tears were streaming down her cheeks, dripping onto her black shirt.
She pressed speed dial and waited, swaying slightly. Worry clawed at her insides, causing more tears to leek from her mismatched eyes. She prayed, hoping against all hope, that Artemis would answer his phone.
Finally the child prodigy answered his voice thick with worry.
"Yes Holly, are you alright?" he asked, obviously nervous to hear the answer.
Holly stammered a bit, choking on a sob. Fresh tears streamed from her eyes, and fear ripped her apart, threatening to send her to her knees.
"Th-th-that h-horrible thing is-is toying with m-me," she tried to growl, but it came out as more of a stammer mixed with sobs.
On the other side of the line, Artemis winced. This was getting worse, and Holly seemed on the brink of breakdown. He was terrified to think of what she must have seen. Holly was strong, one of the strongest people he had ever met, and the fact that she was breaking down horrified him to no end.
"What did he do?"
It was a while before Holly answered, but when it came, it sounded almost strangled.
"H-he killed y-you, Arty…imp-impaled you straight through the chest."
Her voice was becoming steadier and less jumpy, but it was still nervous.
Artemis bristled, and he cast his eyes towards his bedroom door.
"He did…?"
"Yes…Arty, I'm not sure if either of us is safe anymore…we have to do something!" she whispered, her voice urgent.
Artemis got out of bed, and he grabbed a night robe from his clothing suite.
"I fully agree, Holly. I'm coming over now, so wait there," he ordered, heading out his bedroom door. He locked it behind himself
Holly sat bolt upright at this, and squeezed the phone in her hands, her knuckles white.
"Arty don't! Stay where you are! You can't risk going out by yourself at this time of night! It's too dangerous!" she begged, images of his impaled body flashing before her eyes. She wouldn't let that happen, she couldn't!
"I'll be fine, Holly. Just wait there for me! I'm not going to leave you all by yourself. Wait for me there, and don't go anywhere."
And with that, he hung up, and continued down the corridor, heading for the stairs.
Holly sat in her bed, staring at the phone in disbelief. He was coming to see her, in the dead of night, and all she was wearing was a night shorts and a top.
"Oh gods…" she groaned, but couldn't bring herself to climb out of bed. She knew what she was wearing was the least of her worries, and she decided to worry about her friends' journey there,
The elf ignored his previous command, and she climbed out of bed, shaking slightly from the aftershock. Holly grabbed her bag and dug around inside it, searching for her Neutrino blaster. When she found it, she stuck it in the band of her shorts, making sure it was securely in place before turning. She staggered to the door and unlocked it, opening it. She stepped out into the dark, spooky corridor, and looked left and right, doing a full combat sweep of the long corridor. When she saw no one, she shimmered out of the visibility spectrum, and began to make her way down the corridor. Even with her enhanced elfin senses, she could barely see a thing.
The elf continued down the corridor, her fists slightly raised and her back stiff, ready for action. Her mismatched eyes swept over the darkness before her, and her ears twitched slightly, searching for any noises a head of her.
She continued on like this, until she realized that she had no idea where she was, or where she was going. She couldn't see anything, and the place was eerily silent. The Captain whirled around on the spot, her eyes searching desperately for any signs of things that could indicate where she was. The corridor was too dark, and she knew the darkness was unnatural.
She wasn't alone, and she knew it.
Holly pulled out her hand gun, shaking slightly. She twirled on the spot, her ears pricked and eager to search for sounds that would alert her to any attacks.
Suddenly, she heard a hissing, eerie breath behind her, and she spun around, her gun ready. She cocked it, the gun making a loud click as it charged into life. Holly's eyes narrowed dangerously, as her officer and fighting instincts took over. She growled low, and she shrank down slightly into her characteristic fighting stance.
"Come on…I know your there," she growled, her voice thick with venom.
Suddenly, she heard another eerie breath besides her, to her left, and she whirled around again, ready to face him.
"Stop teasing me! I know you're here! Stop playing these stupid mind games with me, you sick monster!"
Just as the words left her mouth, the air began to fill with whispers and muttering. They surrounded her, and Holly froze, the hair on the back of her neck standing on end. The whispers were haunting and evil and she felt fear claw at her gut. She couldn't make out the words that were said, but the whispers were getting louder and louder, hissing around her. She could almost make out the language they were speaking in, but not the words. If her guess was right, could the whispers be…Romanian? They sounded hushed and fearful, and it was hard to make out. The voices sounded like children, and Holly felt her stomach lurch.
But she clenched her teeth, and she drew in her courage.
"What the hell is this? Did you bring in some of your sick little friends? Decided to have a party did you?" she asked, glaring into the darkness.
Suddenly, as she looked around in the whispering corridor, she saw them. Two glowing red eyes, with slim, cat lick pupils in the centre. They were coming towards her, becoming bigger as the came closer.
Holly stiffened slightly, and then pulled the trigger, sending a sizzling shot at the approaching monster. The man didn't even dodge the shot, and continued his advance upon her.
"What!? He didn't even flinch…how!?" she gasped in horror, before pulling the trigger again and again, firing more shots at him.
Abruptly, a large black tendril slammed her into the wall, and another whipped the gun out of her hand, sending it flying into the darkness. The elf cried out, as she felt black tendrils wrap themselves around her, pinning her to the wall.
Her attacker was suddenly before her, and he laughed in her face, the sound insane and vicious.
"Did you think that little toy star trek blaster would kill me? It takes a man to kill a monster! You police officers are nothing but dogs!" he mocked, squeezing the life out of her like a python.
Holly gasped, and tried to wiggle free of her bounds, pounding against the black tendrils. But her struggles were in vain, and Holly went purple from lack of oxygen, the pressure on her lungs stopping her from inhaling. She struggled, trying to breathe despite the pressure, but to no avail.
The shadow man laughed at her efforts, and leaned in, his face inches away from hers.
"Do you want to kill me, little elf? Are you a man, a dog, or a monster?" he breathed, his cold breath tickling her face.
It was too much for Holly. Blackness fogged her vision, and she slowly began to fall, tumbling into the soft, black world of unconsciousness.
But just before she lost consciousness, she heard a loud scream break through the whispers, breaking the air. The scream was of a woman, and Holly winced internally from the sound.
Artemis walked down the dark corridor, his hands slightly extended. He shivered from the sudden chill, and he prayed that he'd reach Holly's room soon. He was walking down the second floor of the girls' dormitory house, and he knew her room wasn't too far away. He remembered her room number, and he used his phone to shine a light on the room numbers, searching for the right one.
Suddenly, unexpectedly, he tripped up on something large and soft, and he gave a startled gasp as he hit the floor, the hard wood winding him.
The child prodigy groaned loudly, and he pushed himself up on his arms. His lower body was resting on something soft, and he struggled to see it in the piercing, suffocating darkness.
Artemis cursed angrily, and he patted the ground, searching for the phone he had lost in the fall.
Finally, his hand found something, and he grabbed it, his hand curling around it. But the minute it was fully in his grasp, he immediately knew it wasn't a cell phone.
He pulled his hand back, dragging the item to him. With slightly trembling fingers, he reached out again, searching for his phone once again.
Finally, his hand found his phone, and he hurriedly switched it on. Light flooded out before him, lighting a small patch of wood in the white, artificial light.
With trembling fingers, he shone the light on the object he had picked up, fearful that he was right.
A large, menacing Neutrino blaster stood before him, cocked and ready. He saw that it was fully loaded, and the barrel was hot, showing signs that it had been fired recently.
He knew who the gun belonged to.
"Oh gods, oh gods…Holly!" he groaned, his face becoming deathly pale.
The boy genius began to tremble, and he slowly cast his light down his body, his lower lip trembling.
He saw his sides, his stomach, and his hips. Then the light came across another stomach, this one more lean and tough, covered by slim, black material. The light spread out, and Artemis gasped as Holly's features slowly came into view.
His lower regions were lying on top of her stomach from when he had fallen, and she wasn't moving. She was clad in a black night shirt, complete with emerald shorts. Her face was deathly pale, and her eyes flickered behind the eyelids. Her chest rose and fell slightly, barely seeming to move at all.
Artemis hurriedly climbed off of her, horrified. He knelt next her, bending over her like a mourner. He touched her neck, pressing his fingers into her skin, searching for a pulse.
Thankfully, he could feel a strong, healthy heart beat, and he sighed in relief.
Not on the brink of death, just unconscious. Don't worry.
But he did worry. She had been attacked again, and he had no idea where her attacker was. He knew he had to get her back to her room, but the question was, how?
Artemis stuffed the gun into the band of his pants, and he held the phone in one hand. With the other, he lifted Holly's upper body, preparing to carry her.
Building up the strength from the spur of the moment, he lifted Holly up. He winced slightly under the weight, but he held her in his arms bridle style, the light from the phone shining on the ground before him.
With a great deal of huffing and puffing, he carried her along the corridor, searching for her room. He'd often glare into the darkness, searching for her attacker.
But he never came, and finally Artemis reached an open doorway. He managed to lift the phone slightly, using the light to read the number.
Thankfully, it was indeed Holly's room, and with a sigh of relief, he carried her in, walking over the threshold with her in his arms, like a newly wedded couple, but with a lot less grace.
With a sigh of relief, he placed her on her bed, making sure not to hurt her. He gazed at her for a bit, biting his lip. His throat constricted at the sight, and he looked away, his eyes downcast.
"Why me?" he asked, looking up into the heavens. He sighed heavily, and then sat down on the edge of the bed. It was surprisingly soft, and it reminded him that he was meant to be sleeping. The youth fought back a yawn, blinking rapidly.
It must be just a bit past midnight…
After this thought, he frowned, considering it. Could the time have anything to do with Holly's attack? Midnight was usually known as the witching hour, and Artemis had no doubt that her shadowy attacker preferred that time of night.
Sick parasite! All you do is make things harder for everyone! I'll find whoever it is controlling you, and put an end to this!
Artemis didn't know the full extent of it, but he was gradually growing stronger. Since his trip back from Limbo, he had been growing bolder and braver. He would never be an athlete, and he'd never be a soldier, but he was in a much better state than what he had been before. Even in the past, when he had fought against that fat Extinctionist, he had shown more strength and courage than ever before. About three years ago, if you had told him he'd one day climb up a pylon, crawl across an electric wire to rescue a lemur, wrestle an insane person, and send a pixie on a wild ride down the Irish coast in a Cessna plane, he'd have laughed in your face and ordered Butler to deal with you quickly and quietly.
"My, how I have changed! Next thing you know, I'll be getting into a full on fist fight with an insane Terrorist!" he whispered, his eyes twinkling with wonder.
Suddenly, he heard a low moan, and he turned to Holly, his eyes widening.
The elf stirred, then arched her back, her eyes screwed shut. As she arched her back, she groaned, the sound causing Artemis to shiver inwardly.
The elfin captain sank back onto the sheets, and her eyes flickered. They opened slowly, her two mismatched eyes coming into view. She blinked rapidly, her eyelashes fluttering. She looked around the room, obviously confused.
Her eyes fell on him, and she sat bolt upright, clutching her chest.
"Artemis!" she gasped, shocked by his appearance.
Artemis simply grinned. He knew that he shouldn't have, but he just couldn't control it.
Holly blinked again, and frowned at him, her brow crinkling.
"How…? How did I get here? I was in the corridor!" she exclaimed, looking around again, "There was whispering! And I heard a scream!"
Artemis sobered, and he climbed onto the bed, flopping down next her. The bed was a double, so it had more than enough room for them both.
"I stumbled upon you in the corridor. You were unconscious, and I guessed that you'd been attacked again, despite the fact that I'd warned you to stay were you where," he reprimanded, giving her a stern eye.
Holly shrugged it off, and continued to frown at him.
"But that doesn't answer my question. How did I get here?"
Artemis rolled his eyes, "How do you think you got here, my dear Captain? I carried you, of course."
Holly cocked an eyebrow at him, suddenly seeming a lot more like her normal self, despite what she had just been through.
"Really? The great, notoriously unfit Artemis Fowl carried me all the way here, by himself, without the help of a single trolley or bodyguard?"
Artemis gave her a look, narrowing his eyes.
"I must say, I am truly stunned! After everything you've been through, you still have the strength to be sarcastic and doubtful of my abilities. I'd take my hat off to you, captain, if one were to be so bold as to grace my head. But unfortunately, there isn't one, so you'll just have to accept what you've already been given."
Holly rolled her eyes as well, "You seem to be your normal self once again as well. Maybe I should get myself attacked and strangled more often."
Artemis bristled, and hurriedly waved his hands.
"No thanks, Holly. I appreciate the offer, but I prefer you in one piece, and conscious, if you can manage it."
Holly's eyes went wide at this, and her cheeks went from their normal shade to a brilliant, cherry red hue. She made a strange, almost strangled sound deep in her throat, and she averted her eyes, looking at anything else but him.
Artemis frowned, and then realized the full meaning of his words. He too turned bright red, and he coughed nervously, also averting his eyes.
"Oh dear…that definitely did not come out the way I intended," he muttered, staring at his hands.
The elf nodded in agreement, still blushing.
"We all make mistakes, Arty."
Artemis scoffed, shaking his head in dismay, "Seems like I make too many mistakes for my own good."
Holly bristled, and turned around to face him. She grabbed his face with her hands and forced him to face her. Artemis looked into her eyes, and his mismatched eyes widened in shock as they saw the determination and strength in them. Her eyes were bright, and filled with kindness and support.
"Don't say that! You've made mistakes, I grant you, but that was in the past! You've made up for it!" she whispered, her voice strong.
Artemis felt his heart melt, and his face relaxed in her hands. He closed his eyes and rested in them, marveling at their warmth and softness.
"I've hurt you…so many times…" he whispered, his voice catching in his throat.
"But you've made me happy just as many times, maybe even more! I've forgiven you, and that's all that matters. I've told you that already!"
Artemis didn't reply, and Holly softened, stroking his pale cheek with her thumb.
"I always knew I was missing something. Even when I had my job, and I thought I was happy. But I always felt like I was missing something, deep down inside. But on missions, and when we had to fight against time to save the world…I felt…whole again."
Holly laughed nervously, blushing again, "That sounds very mushy and clichéd, I'm sorry. What I mean is…you're my best friend, no matter whom or what you are! The thought of losing you is terrifying, and I want to try my best to keep you alive! You beat yourself up, even when you didn't mean what you did!"
Artemis opened his eyes, and looked at her blushing face. A lump rose up in his throat, and he gulped it down.
"It's at times like these, I wish I wasn't human," he murmured, nuzzling her hand. He threw caution to the wind and kissed her palm. He simply couldn't hold it in anymore.
Holly gasped, as she felt his lips against her hand. His words echoed in her head, and her lip trembled.
"Funny you should say that, because I'm thinking of the exact same thing," she gasped, shivering slightly.
The boy's lips pulled back into a grin against her palm, and he pulled his face out of her hands. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rolled her onto his chest, till their faces were inches a part, their bodies pressed together.
"Really now? So if I were to become an elf, you'd be with me?"
Holly nodded, too stunned by their position to care.
The boy smiled again, and he nuzzled her neck, teasing her.
"That can be arranged. But I say why wait? I'm already not entirely human."
Holly laughed at this, but it came out shaky, filled with excitement and nerves.
"You may not be entirely human, but you're still as hormonal and impatient as one."
Artemis snickered against her neck, tickling her skin, "Not impatient, just tired of waiting for so long."
"That's almost the same thing, Arty!" she argued, trying not to gasp. She could feel his racing heart beneath her, and it was causing her own heart to beat frantically, trying to keep up.
Artemis chuckled at this, but he didn't reply. Instead, he took her face in his hands, stoking her cheek just like she had done for him. He pressed their foreheads together, and he sighed, enjoying their closeness.
"I've always wanted it to be like this. But all I could do was imagine, and watch you slip away," he murmured lovingly, his eyes half closed.
Holly smiled, and she took in a short breath. She pulled away for a moment to kiss his broad forehead, her lips caressing his skin.
"I never slipped away, Arty. I was always there, waiting for you. You just never said how you felt!"
Artemis chuckled again, "So all this time, I could have done this and gotten away with it?"
Holly pulled away, and smiled at him, her eyes soft and warm. She took his breath away, and Artemis struggled to breath.
"You do know that I almost got some where with you more than once today, right?" he questioned, his voice coming out husky.
"I do, but those weren't exactly what I call professional," she laughed jokingly, her cheeks slightly flushed. She grinned at his look of dismay, and a rye chuckle escaped her lips.
"For your information, my dear elf, I thought they were pretty good for someone who's only been kissed once. You should be damn impressed, if you ask me!" he muttered sourly, obviously not appreciating the joke.
"So forcing me up against the wall and cornering me is your idea of impressive?" she asked coyly, cocking an eyebrow.
Artemis winced, "Who ever said you can get lucky on the first try deserves to be shot and assassinated. That was probably the worst saying ever created, and it is most definitely a blatant lie."
Holly laughed, and Artemis once again felt his heart melt in his chest.
Eventually, he couldn't help himself anymore. His fingers snaked into her short, auburn hair, and he pulled her closer, bringing his own lips up to meet hers. He claimed her lips and pulled her down with him, dragging her into a heat-filled, passionate kiss.
Holly stiffened slightly, and then melted into his arms, her hands sneaking round him in a warm embrace. He in turn wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing her to his chest possessively. She was slightly smaller than him, but much bigger than she had been before.
Holly groaned, as he ran his tongue along her lips, granting him access to her mouth. Her stomach did back flip as their tongues met, and she smiled against his lips in triumph.
Artemis felt like he was going to burst! He had never felt so happy in his life, and all worries floated away, leaving him light headed and full of passion. He hugged her tight, and rolled over, replacing her as the one on top. His hands began to roam her body, running up and down till finally resting on her stomach. The two were literally gasping and shivering with pleasure, as love and happiness boiled over inside of them, pushing them onwards.
Their hearts were beating erratically, and their skin grew hot to the touch. Holly, also eager to touch him, rested her hands on his chest, fanning her fingers out. One hand slithered up and around his neck, pulling him closer. Artemis took this as a good sign, and he snaked his hand under her black top, forgetting about the consequences. He touched her bodice lightly, and Holly gasped, shocked to feel his hand there.
His fingers snaked up further, until Holly let out a long, piercing cry of shock and pain.
Artemis yelped and pulled his hand away from that area, gasping for breath. He dragged his hand out of her top, and he looked at her in horror.
"Holls, what's the matter?" he whispered urgently, touching her cheek. He had known he could get in trouble for touching her so intimately, but he had never thought it would hurt her.
Suddenly, he remembered something from earlier that day. After Holly had been attacked a second time, he had found her on the ground, clutching her chest and wincing in obvious pain.
She had been clutching the exact spot he had just touched.
Holly looked up into his face, and she saw realization dawn across it, filling his eyes with horror.
Before she could stop him, Artemis grabbed the top of her night shirt and pulled it down, revealing her ample chest and cleavage. Holly gave a yelp as the cool night air met her heated skin, and she shivered.
Artemis' eyes were wide, but not from the sight of her in such an exposed state, but from something else. His eyes were frozen in horror, and a low, strangled sound escaped his throat.
Holly felt fear well up again, and she looked down at her own cleavage, searching for the cause of his horror.
Five large, coin sized welts stood out on her chest, each one red and purple, with blue jarred edges. It was slightly swollen, and there were small pin pricks of red in the centre where they had bled. They were obviously finger marks, and they looked painfully horrific.
Holly stared at them, her eyes wide.
"How…? I…I thought I healed them…" she whispered, her hand dropping down to touch one. As her finger touched the welt, she winced and pulled it away, clenching her teeth.
Artemis continued to stare, but Holly could hear his teeth meshing together as he ground his teeth.
"So...that's what that monster does to you," he finally growled, his eyes burning like fire.
Holly laughed nervously, "Yeah. He's not exactly all rainbows and sunshine..."
He softened slightly, shaking his head, "I never thought I could hate something so much...Opal will always be at the top of my death list, but this monster will always have a special place of his own!"
Holly nodded, agreeing with him. She bit her lip and stared at her wound, willing it to go away.
Suddenly, Artemis reached out and touched her wounds. He ignored her gasps, and he closed his eyes, digging deep.
"Heal," he whispered, the word riding on a breath.
For a second nothing happened, and then blue sparks erupted from his fingertips, scattering themselves on Holly's skin. They danced there for a second, twinkling like little stars on her chest, before shooting into the welts, instantly healing them. They washed over her, leaving her chest clean and flawless.
Holly stared at him in shock, not believing what had happened.
Artemis rubbed his hands together nervously, watching and waiting for her reaction.
Finally, she spoke, her voice filled with wonder.
"So you still have some magic left over…" she whispered, her eyes seeming to penetrate him, searching his soul.
Artemis shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant, "I didn't really know. I just did it, knowing it was the right thing to do. Maybe it's just instinct."
Holly cocked an eyebrow at him, suspicious. But she sighed, and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his neck.
Artemis kissed her hair, rolling off of her. He lay on his side and pulled her close, hugging her to him.
"I can't believe how lucky I am," he whispered into her hair, smelling it and marveling at its softness.
Holly laughed, and kissed his neck playfully. The contact made them both shiver with pleasure, and Artemis hugged her tighter.
Artemis rolled onto his back, and Holly rested her head on his chest, making little circles on it with a slim finger. She closed her eyes and sighed in contentment, snuggling up to her beloved.
Artemis smiled lovingly, his fingers running up and down her neck, "I think I'll stay here for the night. I can't leave you alone, for more reasons than just your safety."
Holly laughed at that, and she sat up.
"I don't know whether to slap you, or to kiss you," she laughed happily.
Artemis sat up as well, his face lit up and eager, "I'd personally prefer a kiss. A slap sounds inviting, I grant you, but not at this precise moment. Maybe next time!"
Holly laughed softly, before pressing her lips to his for once last passionate kiss. She snaked her fingers into his silky, midnight black hair, cradling his head in her hands while he hugged her waist, drawing her close. Sparks began to leap into the air, as both magical creatures enjoyed one another.
After what felt like a lifetime, they both pulled away, gasping for breath. Artemis grinned, as they both watched the sparks dancing in the air.
Suddenly, Holly yawned loudly, revealing all her little teeth. Artemis chuckled softly, before lying down under the covers and holding his arm up invitingly.
Holly smiled like a happy child as she crawled under the covers, climbing into the space by his arm. She snuggled up to him, resting her head on their pillow.
Artemis smiled, and he kissed her hair for one last time before closing his eyes.
"Goodnight, Holls," he whispered, his voice filled with love.
"Goodnight, Arty."
Soooooo did you guys like it!? I really hope you did! I'm just nervous that it's not T rated material, and that I went too far…I really hope I didn't!
I really hope you guys will be able to piece together the clues and discover who Holly's shadow attacker is! I think it should become more obvious now! If you have any idea who it is, feel welcome to tell me who you think it is!
By the way, I'm sorry if the characters appear too OOC! But I have an excuse if they are! They are both under a lot of stress and pressure! :P
I'm sorry to say, that I won't be able to update this story till the end of November. I have to study and complete my exams (sobs and glares at her school books). I will probably only be able to update once more and I will have to update my Hellsing story! For any of you who like Hellsing, you can go check it out on my profile!
Wish me luck! ;)