Chapter 79

Back to the Manor at Hand

Holly's POV:

"So, what type of spell are you supposed to be learning?" I asked No 1. We were almost to the surface now and I had yet to find out the answer to that question.

"It's a sort of complicated natural healing spell," the imp shrugged. He's been bouncing up and down almost nonstop since we boarded, and he had just began to settle down. The number one reason that teens shouldn't drink sim coffee was right next to me. I suppose he's happy to be getting back to the surface too. Though not nearly as happy as I am. There's nothing like the sunshine on your face or the gentle feel of the whipping wind.

Ugh, we couldn't dock too soon for me. Now, I was like the kid in the candy store, pulling No 1 through the lobby, looking forward to seeing my best friend. "A minute early," Artemis smirked. "How many speed regulations did you have to break?"

"Nooone," I lied.

"Of course not," he chuckled. "Hello No 1."

"Hi Artemis." Ha, I could see the genius wince at the word 'hi'. Some things never change. Not that I'd want them to.

"How have you been?"

"Wonderful, amazing, fantastic," the warlock began. And I know from experience that he can go on like this for hours on end.

"Okay. Why don't we move this conversation to another venue. Say your house?"

Artemis grinned at me, his hair still falling into his eyes, and I resisted the urge to push it away. "Of course, I apologize for keeping you two. Let's go, shall we?"

He turned gracefully, walking out of the building, and towards his car. When did this happen? When did Arty stop being the clumsy kid who couldn't run to save his life? And why hadn't I noticed this before now? More importantly, what made me notice this now?

"If you keep your mouth open any longer, a bug will fly in," No 1 teased. I glared at the kid. Apparently, everyone's a professional life coach now.

I glanced up at the car that was parked in front of me. It was the Bentley. Ugh, I hate to admit it, but I had been hoping for the silver car that I had ridden in so long ago. "Back to the Bentley?" I groaned.

"Size, comfort, and tinted widows," he added. Of course it makes sense. Today I'm Holly, the pointy-eared elf. An humans on the road could see that had there not been tints.

"Okay, I surrender," I muttered, opening the back door.

"Where are you going?" the genius demanded.

"Obviously, you and Butler are sitting in the front," I snapped.

"Actually Butler is gone with the rest of my family. I'm driving."

I looked skeptical. Of course, I've ridden with Artemis before but that had been in a small car. This was a large and powerful Bentley and I wasn't quite that confident in his driving abilities yet. "No way, I still want to live. Why don't I drive?"

He chuckled. "Shall I get a brick to tie to your foot?"

Grr. It really isn't fun to be the small elf in these human situations. "Fine, but I'm not happy about it." I climbed up onto the seat, ignoring the hand that was offering to help me.

All too soon, the three of us were zooming down the highway. The boys were talking, and I was just relaxing. The gentle hum of the car, the trees flashing past us, it was all enough to put me to sleep.

I don't think I ever fully went to sleep per say. Rather I was in the cusp right between the sleeping and waking realms.

"Holly!" Arty said, shaking me gently. "Let's go inside before you decide to fall asleep."

"Mmmm," I mumbled, unwilling to move. I was too warm. Too comfortable. He could wait just a few more minutes. Or hours.

"I'll have to carry her." His voice was far away like he was in a different room. I tried to open my eyes and protest, but I was fighting a losing battle with my very much stronger eye lids.

"No," I mumbled. Though, of course, he paid me not attention.

His car door closed and mine opened allowing the cool wind to blow into my face. The next thing that I remember feeling is being between his thin arms and hard chest. So, I'm guessing that he was carrying me.

"Put me down!" I slurred out. Though at this point, it was probably all so garbled that it just came out as mush.

Before long, my position changed as I was laid down on something soft. A bed.

"Sleep well," he whispered, kissing my forehead. And that was the last thing that I was aware of before the blackness enveloped my head and pulled me under.

A/n:

Yay! Another Chapter Down! The story's almost over. I'm so happy that I could sing, but I won't. Or maybe I will. You can't hear me.

So, you all know that this story was supposed to only be 83 chapters (yeah, I know 'only', right?) long. Well, that was after deleting some chapters of things that I thought didn't fit well. I was reading over some of that stuff, and a few chapters would fit really well. But if you guys don't want to stick around I understand, and would keep it down if you wanted me to. But, the extras are good. Reviw and let me know what you think.

Keep reading and I'll keep writing. Oh and review. Flames are welcome. They're what keep me warm and toasty at night. ;)

Remember: Reviews = happy camper. Happy camper = quicker updates. Quicker updates = you reading more. It's a cycle. Keep it going!

Yours truly, madly, and deeply,

Einstinette