TW

Contains elements of PTSD. Be advised.

This chapter contains explicit language and implied/light sexual content.

Thank you again to my betas for always being there for me with encouragement, support, and great advice and editing!

PhoenixPyres

TheFowlestofthemall (Hunted)

Venompen

Lower Elements Police Plaza

Holding Cell B, High-Risk Ward

There were only three times that Holly Short could remember being this angry.

One was when she was a tiny tot playing in the preschool sandbox, when a chunky gremlin had pushed her face-first into the sand, burying her new toy. At this point, Holly had really thought her dolly was dead. Buried. Smothered. She dug that doll out as fast as her chubby little fingers could muster, and jammed its limbs up the nostrils of the kid gremlin. Little Holly was removed from that preschool, and never allowed back.

The second time was when she'd finally gotten a boyfriend in the Academy. Holly had been wildly insecure after her parents' deaths, desperately needing someone to latch onto and care for her. She considered that maybe she shouldn't be replacing her dead parents with a random male, but she didn't care anymore at this point. The 60s were meant to be wild anyway. And so, Holly had finally gotten her first boyfriend. He was a shy, booknerd elf who seemed nice enough. Holly remembered the pit in her stomach drop and catch ablaze after she went to class the next day, and caught Lili Frond making out with her boyfriend. She'd now lost her boyfriend, her dignity, and her virginity. Thus, this marked the second time Holly had been so angry, she'd just decked Lili Frond's face right then and there.

And lastly, and probably most obviously of all, the last time Holly had ever felt this kind of rage was when she was kidnapped and held for ransom by the juvenile criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl the Second. She'd decked his smug, pasty face back then as well, and since then, more than once. Now, she was certain she'd get one more hit between those two stupid, perfect blue eyes. That was, if she didn't shoot him first.

There was indeed a fourth time - when Julius had been blown to pieces before her and there was zero she could do about it - but she refused to acknowledge that any time soon. As the guilt from burying it deep inside her kept trying to bubble to the surface, she took a deep breath and sighed, stuffing it back down. There were three times, then. Just three, until today.

So, Commodore Holly Short fumed under her visor as she marched through the jail's dark hallway, the electrifying, crackling current above her head the only source of light. The doors and ceiling were electrified to ensure prisoners stayed put, but also created a slightly strobing effect to stun the inmates. Holly could see through her visor's night vision just fine though, passing a few officers here and there until she was isolated at the end of the hall.

Holding Cell B-78. Right where she needed to be. She ripped off her name tag and stuffed it into her pocket, smoothing out her uniform. From her helmet, she requested access to Cell B-78, waiting for the system to accept her high-rank as authorization and disarm the door handle. The electrical buzzing fizzled out, leaving the metal blank and hot to the touch. Holly entered without another thought.

In the corner of a clean, spacious cell sat a jumbo pixie, comfortable in his red velvet armchair at a desk with a cigar between his lips. Green smoke circled his silver head and he flashed a gold-filled smile at the anonymous officer. "Well, hello there. I wasn't planning on getting any guests today. Who might you be?"

Holly looked around the room quickly, sticking close to the exit. "Nice little cell you got here. I'm guessing you have friends?"

"I have friends everywhere, darling," he grinned through a thick puff of emerald smoke. "Now, who are you?"

Holly wrinkled her nose in disgust, ignoring the cringe crawling up her spine. "What does the name Artemis Fowl mean to you?" she asked instead, deflecting the way Artemis would. Not that I'm giving him credit or anything.

"Artemis Fowl?" Goliath spat, his features twisting angrily. "You mean that conniving, pale, vampire of a human that set me up?" Goliath snorted. "What about him?"

"Where is he?"

Goliath leaned forward, peering close at Holly. "What's it to you?"

"Tell me."

"You have to give me more than that, sweetheart," Goliath grinned his gold-gilded teeth at her again. "What's in it for me?"

Holly clenched her fists at her sides. Sweetheart. What the hell. "What's in it for you?" She huffed in her helmet, restraining herself before she said something she'd regret. Maybe it was better to hustle him. "If you tell me his location and stay on your best behavior, I can see about getting you released. Sound like a deal?"

Goliath chewed it over before grunting, "The Black Alley. If I'm right, my guess is that he took over my company at Phobos Tower." He shook his head. "You know, I haven't heard from a single one of them. Traitors, they are."

"Thanks," she nodded, turning to leave when Goliath surged forward, yanking her back with a tight grip on her forearm.

"I've told you what you want," he stated coldly. "Now, why don't you see about clearing my charges."

"Don't. Touch. Me." Holly broke his grip on her arm by twisting right, shoving Goliath away from her. He slammed back into the desk, his eyes angrily widening at her.

Holly felt another wave of anger burst through her and she screeched in frustration, ramming his cell door open with her shoulder and then slamming it closed as hard as she could. "Fuck this shit," she grumbled, storming off to leave Police Plaza and venture into the depths of Haven.

Lower Levels, Haven City

Dawn's Cosmetics, Milk District

At first glance, Dawn's makeup store was exactly as one imagined it: a trendy little boutique suited for the fairy youth with rows and rows of hair products, cosmetics, and skin care; a shop you wouldn't dare catch a straight, cis-male fairy inside of. And that was exactly how the patrons and owner wanted it.

Beyond the aisles of iridescent eyeshadow and glittery lipstick was the secret door that led to the basement of the shop, and only those who'd been initiated knew the code to unlock the entry into the depths below. Since this was Holly's only preferred way of getting into the alley, she moved through the shop with ease, her fingers sliding a rosé lipstick up, flicking up a lavender blush at another aisle, and twisting a "Better Than XXX" mascara tube. She looked around casually, making sure no one was watching her before heading through the backroom door. A lock unclicked at the end of the storage room, and past the dozens of aisles of cosmetics, fizzled the unlocked hologram-door. She darted through it, taking the numberless elevator into the underground below.

The Underground, Haven Caverns

K-Club

There was only one place tucked away beneath the fairy metropolis and its black market - and only females and similarly-identifying fairies knew of its existence. It was a place to not only hang out and feel safe doing so, but the main event of the K-Club was its Ring Rush Event. In other words, were you someone who was recently pissed off? Maybe denied a promotion? Heartbroken? Lied to and used by your stupid genius best friend that you just want good things for? This was the place to beat the shit out of it - and Holly loved that.

Holly wouldn't admit that she could be considered a "violent" person… but she couldn't deny it felt good to punch your anger out on someone's pretty face from time to time. The guilt was avoided when she'd get socked back, and usually after most fights, the two competitors would heal and laugh it off.

The current Master Champion of Ring Rush was none other than the fabulous and deadly human, Ms. Juliet Butler herself. How Holly managed to sneak Juliet into Haven's underground was a mystery itself, and one she would never tell. In fact, where were we?

Holly frowned, stepping out from the rickety, rust-eaten elevator doors into the booming bass above the fighting ring. She took a deep breath as she approached the balcony, her armored gloves smooth against the onyx rock.

Massive pillars of pink tourmaline shards generated electrical currents above the ring, circling the arena with zaps and crackles as the crystals charged the cavern club as a generator, its pulse beaming down strobes of magenta light. Around the ring were dimly-lit lounges with couches and tables, made for comfortable viewing. Without an event going on, the space was used as the hangout spot. Several fairies littered the common room below - some chatting and drinking, others showing off their latest moves.

Holly spotted the elves she was hoping to find - Vera, an edgy, golden elf with a powder blue bob, was chatting alongside their friend Dalí, a slim Silver Fox elf with short, platinum blonde finger waves and dewy skin as dark as the night sky. Holly huffed as she trekked down the metal stairs to the lounge, marching to the girls quickly as she lifted her visor. They spotted the officer heading towards them, and Dalí's eyes squinted over at her.

"Is that Holly?" she asked loudly, a friendly chime in her voice. She waved a hand over. "Hey, girl! Long time no see!"

With Holly a few feet away, Vera asked over the booming electronic music, "How was the surface?!"

Holly frowned at both girls, stopping in front of them with arms crossed. "It was fun, I guess. I need your help," she switched topics, her tone urgent. "Where is Keni?"

"Dunno. I think she's at Phobos still," Vera shrugged.

"Why?" Dalí pitched in, slurping on a canned energy drink.

"I need to arrest someone in Phobos Tower," Holly explained impatiently. "Can you call her? I don't have her number."

"Ooo," Dalí cooed, her tawny eyes sparkling. "An arrest?! Can we help?"

"Yeah. You can't go in there dressed like that," Vera sneered. "You'll get jumped immediately."

"Yeah, I know," Holly exasperated, tearing her helmet off. She shook her hair out, long braids falling to her waist.

Vera stepped forward and snatched one of her auburn braids, running her fingers through the silky ends. "It's getting so long!" she teased, tugging on it a little. "You learn to like it yet?"

"Better not cut it," Dalí added, slurping the last of her drink and tossing it across the room towards a recycler can. She landed a perfect shot. "Yes!"

"Nice," Holly raised a brow. "But no, I hate it, and yeah, I know. I can't cut it-"

"'Til it reaches the cheeks of your ass," Vera and Dalí interjected in unison, both with shit-eating grins.

"Yeah. I know," Holly grumbled walking briskly past her elfin friends. "Can you call Keni over while I change?"

"Damn," Dalí pouted. "Not even a please?"

Holly frowned at her deadpan. "Please."

"Of course, babe!" Dalí replied cheerily, winking at Holly as she dialed Keni on her projector watch.

"Can I put a wig on you?" Vera asked as she caught up to Holly's pace, the sinewy officer snorting beside her.

A quick trip to the locker room had Holly dressed in black, baggy overalls with a white long-sleeved, shoulderless top underneath. She made sure to stash her badge, cuffs, and Neutrino 5K into her many pockets. And, with Vera's insistence, she had settled on a short, silvery bob wig with fringed bangs, her braids tucked neatly underneath.

Holly played with her new 'do in the floor-length locker room mirror. "Ya know… I don't hate it."

"It totally suits you," Vera grinned, running her fingers through the wig behind her. "You could pass for a Silver Fox elf, honestly. You could be Dalí's sister!"

Holly rolled her eyes. "Dalí is much prettier than I could ever dream of being." She strolled for the exit, Vera running after her.

"The hell are you saying?" Vera groaned behind her. "You're hot as fuck." She raced by Holly, smacking her butt on the way past. "Own it, bitch!" she hollered, running back to the table before Holly could stop her.

"Ooh! Nice look," Dalí complimented as Holly caught up to them.

"Thanks. You hear from Keni?" Holly asked impatiently, scanning the club for the pixie. "What's her hair color this time?"

Dalí nudged her shoulder, nodding to their left. "Look for yourself."

Strolling towards them was a lean pixie with bouncy curls and space buns, her magenta hair having faded into a soft lilac. Her sweet, youthful face was the only saving grace behind her dangerously glaring eyes.

Vera called out to the pixie, waving her over. "That was fast!"

"It's easy to stay under the boss' nose when you're basically running him," Keni smirked, tossing a lilac wave over her shoulder. She looked Holly over as she closed in their gap. "You changed your hair on vacation?" was the very first thing Keni asked her, brows squinted in confusion.

"It's a wig," Holly explained quickly. "I need to arrest someone at your tower."

The corner of Keni's lip curled slightly and she crossed her arms. "Yeah?" She took a step forward, her height matched with Holly. "Who?"

Holly faced her friend head-on, her determination unwavered. "A human."

The curl in Keni's lip grew larger. "Oh? Is that so? Why him?"

Vera and Dalí were heavily invested in the background, both leaning their pointed ears in with concentrated eyes. Holly swore she saw Dalí munching on popcorn at one point.

Holly looked her friend over. "Why him? He's a goddamn criminal, Keni. What the fuck do you mean? You don't know him. You don't know what he's capable of. What he's capable of doing."

Keni thrust her hands forward, trying to calm her elfin friend. "Hey, chill. I'm not a dumbass. I'm just trying to figure out what you have on him."

Holly paled. She suddenly realized she had nothing, and if Keni rejected her entry into the tower, she wouldn't be able to even attain a warrant without proof. She groaned. "Listen. I talked to Goliath, and he said he was in your tower. That he took over everything. He probably has your guys blackmailed, right?"

Keni nodded. "Yeah. But… Holly, he's my boss now. If he goes down… we don't have anyone. Plus, he's damn good at what he does. What if I go down with him? I can't risk that."

Holly was in a pickle. She had to convince Keni. There was no other way. She considered for a moment she could just put Artemis on the spot back home and demand answers, but when has that ever actually worked before? He. Wouldn't. Talk. To. Her. Did he not trust her at this point? After everything? Out of everyone, wasn't she the one person he could talk to? The more and more she dwelled on it, she felt herself regain the rage from earlier and reset her determination. She nearly growled at Keni. "I need to arrest that son of a bitch if it's the last thing I ever do, Kens. I swear to Frond."

Keni peered at her. "Isn't he your boyfriend?" she giggled.

"My boyfriend? Fuck no. I brought him here so he could be normal. So he could heal. So he could be safe. THIS is NOT what I signed up for. In fact, this wasn't even my idea!" Holly raved, jabbing a finger in the air. "He's taking advantage of my hospitality. Of my friendship. He's taking advantage of my fucking city, and my fucking people!" Holly pressed her face into Keni's, the pixie surprisingly calm. "So, no. No. He is not getting away with this. I refuse. Let me arrest him, Keni. I know he's done something. Let me do it. Please."

Keni stared at the flushed elf for a second, and instead of anger being the emotion that settled on her face, it was sympathy. She reached forward, taking Holly into a hug. "You need to punch someone, my dude. Need a punch? You can hit me, 'kay? One hit, that's it though."

"Keni, I don't want to punch you right now. I want to punch that foul Fowl."

"If you punch him, can I watch?" Vera pitched in with her hand raised.

"That violates SOP, but I wish." Holly stepped back, escaping Keni's embrace. "So?"

Keni sighed and handed her a black card. "The guys and him are having a meeting on the 15th floor. No one should be around to stop you at the moment. This gets you in everywhere, 'kay?" Holly nodded and reached for the card when Keni whisked it away quickly. "On one condition."

"What?" Holly moaned.

"Don't touch my guys. Make this clean. Take Artemis, in and out."

Holly leaned in, whispering into Keni's long, pointed ear. "Do your guys have weapons, Kens? Be honest."

"Hah! Of course not," Keni scoffed. "We're not fools, Holly."

Holly didn't believe her but didn't dwell on it. "Fine. Deal," she nodded, snatching the black card from the pixie's manicured fingers. She nodded to their elfin friends and took off, making for the exit of K-Club and into the Black Alley above.

Phobos Tower, The Black Alley

1st Floor

The Black Alley was situated above the cavern that K-Club was hidden in, and so it took Holly a little under five minutes to jog through the maze of tunnels into the Alley's chaos above. Holly, as an LEP officer, was obviously not a fan of the Alley's existence, and despite the issues it had brought upon Haven and its fairy people, the Council refused to do anything about it. She was sure corruption was at play here somewhere, and maybe Artemis could be the one to expose it. That was, after his befitting jail sentence for whatever Holly could snag him for. And as she passed through the iridescent doors of the psychedelic Phobos Tower, she mulled over all the things she could catch him for. Blackmail? Bribery? Laundering? Smuggling? Arms dealing? She almost didn't want to think about it. It made her stomach roll.

Keni was right, as expected. The tower was entirely empty, spare the receptionist desk at the front. But Keni had already warned the receptionists to leave, so Holly was in the clear. She wandered a few warmly-lit hallways until she reached the elevator. Holly took a quick breath as she stared at the industrial contraption.

This is it. She nodded to herself, using the black keycard to get into the elevator, selecting the round 15th floor button. It lit up and the elevator dinged, shooting her up the tower. The higher the floors, the more her stomach rolled, nausea mingling with her outrage.

Phobos Tower

15th Floor

And by the time the grated door re-opened, Holly found herself infuriated . Her blood boiled hot as she marched through a beige marble lobby towards a set of mahogany double doors. She could hear several male voices from within and she halted, deep, shaky breaths filling her lungs.

Please, Holly thought, her eyes like lasers on the door. Please, do not be on the other side of that door, Artemis. Please. Don't let it be you.

She clenched a fist, the other on her matte Neutrino in its holster, and took one more deep, long breath. On her exhale, she kicked open the doors, slamming them into the wall. Lo and behold, past the olive lights that fanned the office and the desk that was too small for him, sat a well-groomed, pasty-faced, stupidly handsome human in an all-black suit and tie. His eyes snapped to her in wild shock, not recognizing her at first.

"What the fuck is up, Artemis?" Holly shouted, her question more of an accusation, her limbs vibrating in fury. "What's up, huh?! Whatcha got goin' on here?!"

As the two shared an intense stare-off, the company members freaked out around him.

"Who the hell are you?!" Palo the sprite shouted.

Suddenly, Artemis realized who the fairy in question was. "Holly," he stated simply, a confused smile growing on his ever-reddening face. "Your hair…"

Holly tore the bob off her head, throwing the wig on the carpeted ground. She ripped her badge out, exposing it to the males in the room. "Artemis Fowl the Second, you're under arrest. Put your hands up and turn around."

"The fuck?!" Meatball grunted angrily next to Artemis. "Under arrest?!"

"Yeah, we're innocent!" Bumble chipped in.

Artemis shut them down with a dismissive wave of his hand, and all idle chatter silenced. Artemis kept his gaze firmly on Holly as he stood from his armchair, towering over the fairies. "Hello, Commodore. I wasn't expecting your presence here-"

"Turn around, Artemis! You're under arrest!"

Artemis raised both hands slightly to calm her. "Unfortunately, Commodore, you have no cause to arrest me, as well as no permission to be in this establishment. This is private property, and you are trespassing, which in turn, incriminates you being here."

Holly twirled a black card between her fingers. "Think again. I was let in here, fair and square," Holly hissed, pocketing the card. "I've had enough of this. Just come with me and this will all go smoothly."

Artemis' lips pursed. She knows Keni, then. But he could address that later.

"I see. Well, Commodore, I can do no such action," Artemis announced, firm in place behind his desk as he gazed down at her. "As you see around you, there is nothing illegal for you to detain me for. So, unless you can find something in your line of sight, I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave the premises at once."

"What makes you qualified to tell me to leave?" Holly challenged, stepping a few feet closer. "Do you have any documents saying you own this building? Is your name attached anywhere?"

"Of course not," Artemis smirked, his fingertips tapping the desk. "I'm not a moron, Holly. However, my associates here-" he threw an open palm in their direction, "-will be more than happy to tell you to leave, considering their names are on the building's records."

"Artemis fucking Fowl," Holly seethed between her teeth. "You are absolutely, and irrevocably, the most despicable creature I have ever met."

"I'm impressed," Artemis croaked, pleased with her. "That may be my favorite thing I've heard you say yet."

"ENOUGH!" Holly roared, lifting her Neutrino 5K out of its holster, both hands aimed at Artemis's head. "Put both hands up and turn around! Do not resist arrest, Fowl!" Your gun? Really? She hadn't expected to actually take it out, and she didn't intend to fry him with it, but she couldn't deny that her anger was getting the better of her, burying the rational part of her deep within the sea of wrath that she was having trouble controlling.

With Holly's Neutrino out and aimed at the Irish genius, the Company members quickly reached into their own jackets, a flash of gunmetal glinting underneath one. Artemis was quicker and hurriedly waved them off, halting the fairies in place.

"But, sir-!"

Artemis shot Bones the gunsmith a dark look, and the gnixie hybrid sighed, muttering under his breath.

Holly caught onto the movement though, and her mouth fell into a pissed gasp as she glared at Bones. "What was that?" she asked calmly at first then turned her gaze to Artemis. "Your guys have weapons? Wha- Are you serious, Artemis?!"

Artemis shrugged. "I don't know what you're talking about, Commodore."

"I WILL SHOOT YOU, ARTEMIS!" Holly roared, tightening her grip, her eyes burning through Artemis' soul. "I swear on my life, I will shoot you!" Would I? Would I really?

Artemis raised a brow at her, his smug mouth chuckling. "You won't."

"I swear to Frond, Artemis Fowl," Holly warned, hoping it was her death glare that sent a bead of sweat down his temple. "If you don't stand down right fucking now, I will blow you so far into the universe you're going to wish you stayed on Mars." Oops. Too harsh?

Artemis blinked. Her threat cut a little, but regardless, he tested her. He slowly moved around the desk. "I know you, Holly," he smiled softly, taking a few steps towards her, his palms raised.

"Stop right there, Artemis!"

"You don't trust me? After everything?" he continued, pushing onwards. "Let's be reasonable here."

"I'm warning you!"

"You won't shoot me-"

He was almost right. Barely. A laser singed his left ear, blasting a tiny, circular beam into the panelled window behind him. Alert and stunned, Artemis' hand flew to his throbbing ear. He brought it back, watching a trickle of blood roll down a pale finger. She actually shot me. He fixed his bewildered gaze back at her. Perhaps I've miscalculated.

Holly's shoulders rose with each quick breath, her own eyes widening at her work. Oh shit. "Do not test me, Artemis. Surrender and turn around," she ordered, her weapon still perfectly aimed at the scorched spot in the window. Close enough. She could feel bad about it later. "You're under arrest, do you understand? I'm taking you in."

Artemis' jaw set firmly from grit teeth as he bore an icy stare into Holly's hazel eye, refusing to acknowledge the blue one beside it. He took a long stride towards her, challenging her with his domineering presence.

Holly gasped as he pressed his torso against her barrel, her body frozen stiff like a gargoyle. Was he serious right now? Holly kept her disposition, but couldn't help uttering a small, "Wha-?"

Deep, austere eyes returned her vexed glare. Artemis' thick brow twitched in irritation, nodding to her pistol. "Do it," he taunted, pressing his vested abdomen further into her barrel.

Holly didn't know whether to back down or stay strong. She couldn't show weakness here, not with Artemis. If he sensed even the smallest ounce of softness from her, he would eat her alive. She blinked salty sweat from her eyes and for a split second, she wasn't looking at Arty, her best friend. She was looking at Artemis Fowl II, the ruthless human who had held her for ransom. She ignored the chill that crept down her spine. "Artemis Fowl, you have now resisted arrest. I'm forced to report to Commander Kelp if you do not-"

"-Technically, officer, there is nothing present for you to arrest or even detain me for," Artemis interrupted coldly, raising a brow at the matte Neutrino still buried in his blazer. "And unless you have a warrant to search this establishment, I'll have to ask you to lower your weapon and leave. Perhaps with a warrant next time."

"As Commodore, I-"

"You still need a warrant or cause for search, in which you have neither."

Holly wheeled away from Artemis, side-stepping him with her gun still aimed. She nudged her head to the goons beside the desk. "Your guys have weapons! That's highly illegal-"

"Where are these alleged weapons in your line of sight?" Artemis countered quickly. "There are none. Your suspicions are not sufficient, and you still need a warrant. I've brushed up on your laws, Holly."

"If I go to Trouble, you'll be deported from Haven indefinitely. He will have you banned, Artemis." Holly was nearly pleading with him at this point. "Is that what you want? To be isolated? Because I won't allow it."

Artemis recognized the dilemma she was hinting at, but wouldn't say aloud. She was scared to leave him alone. She was afraid for him to be on his own, wasn't she? She doesn't trust me. Artemis's heart dropped. She has no reason to. But she shot me.

He straightened, forcing himself to continue their power exchange. "You realize that you've just shot an unarmed man, correct?" Artemis sneered. "If you go to the Commander and he discovers his best officer is unhinged and has shot an innocent man, well… I'm not sure that would bode well for you."

Holly's mouth dropped a little. She was appalled with him, but even more so with herself. "You wouldn't dare."

The Irishman's lip lifted into a tight smirk, sapphire eyes glinting menacingly. "I wouldn't?"

Holly's shoulders slumped a little, realizing he was right. She was unhinged. I really shot him. Holy shit. I've ruined everything. "Fuck you, Artemis."

"Detain me once you've obtained a warrant," he pressed on, his voice husky and frigid. "Once the LEP has found I've done nothing wrong, your Commander will have no reason to-"

Holly groaned and lowered her pistol, retreating out of the office. She practically flew through the hallway into the caramel-marble lobby, back into the rusty, industrial elevator. It was no good; she was arguing with a damn lawyer here. Despite his threat, he was leaving her with no choice. She had to report him to Trouble. She needed that warrant. If his goons had guns under their jackets, who knows what else was in this damn tower?

Artemis glanced at The Company, strolling back to his armchair. "I'd give you twenty. Maybe ten if she's lucky."

"Twenty, sir?" Pauly repeated.

"Minutes," Artemis snapped, hovering over his desk. "Twenty minutes for her to come back with an entire squad. Nineteen now, since you're losing time."

"That's not necessary, Boss Man!" Palo exclaimed, jamming his thumb on his chest proudly. "We are The Phobos Company. This is our fight!"

"Absolutely not," Artemis scoffed, moving back around the desk and casually taking his seat. "The fewer people involved means less time wasted. You will leave and remain hidden; she'll have no cause to hold me, and will be forced to acknowledge my innocence."

"We got guns, sir," Bones panicked, throwing his palms out and hobbling forward. "We got a whole armory downstairs!"

"Then clear it out," Artemis snapped between gritted teeth, his daunting demeanor chilling Bones' bones. "You have eighteen minutes now."

As Bones scrambled out of the office down the hall, Pauly hovered forward, his iridescent wings rippling in the air. "And our records?" Pauly frowned with a serious slash on his brow. "We're in the millions right now. We don't have time to hide those funds, Boss."

Artemis was silent as he scrolled on his phone for several seconds. "Done," he cleared his throat, lifting the Faetek phone to wave it in front of his accomplices.

"Done?" Pauly blinked

Artemis set the device down and steepled his delicate fingers on the desktop in thought. "Yes. I control the Ops Center from this phone. I've just cleared it out. If they run any tests, all of our records are clean. There's no evidence we've done anything incriminating." This wasn't entirely true. He had several saved copies stored in Holly's apartment, somewhere he knew the LEP wouldn't look. What he intended to do with them, however, was only something he knew. It was a shame Holly had found him out so quickly, but his plan remained the same, albeit a little more rushed than before.

"So, um," Bumble shifted awkwardly towards Artemis, reaching his miniature hand out. "You want me to heal that for you, Boss?"

"Leave it," Artemis grunted, waving him off.

"Are you really gonna snitch her out for shooting ya?" Jewels the hairy dwarf asked gruffly in the back.

"Of course not," Artemis chuckled, thinking of a future where he can tease her about it. "I have no animosity towards Commodore Short. It can be a souvenir of my time here."

"Jeez," Palo sighed, smoothing his bleached braids back. "Your girlfriend's really something, ya know?"

"I can't believe she shot you," Jewels added, shaking his head.

"I can," pitched in Meatball gruffly. "Elf chicks are crazy as hell."

"Yeah, that's why they're my favorite," Palo drooled between the two.

"Holly is not my girlfriend," Artemis exasperated. "Why does everyone think we're dating?" he muttered under his breath. As if Holly would even consider that.

He hadn't intended to receive an answer but Bumble jabbed his finger in the air. "You guys date in the Fowl and Fairy movies. I thought it was based on real life."

"I regret to inform you, it is not. You have fourteen minutes now," Artemis warned from his desk, rubbing his forehead in annoyance.

"So, we just leave?" Palo asked, approaching the human. "What if you're arrested? What happens then?"

"I will be arrested dear, loyal sprite. However there is no reason to fret. I've planned for this," Artemis said nonchalantly, typing away a code on his Faetek screen. He shot another glance at the Company. "Thirteen."

Phobo's goons filed out, and Artemis checked the security cams on the office's holo-screens. The armory was cleared out and the company members were gone. With a quick security wipe, Artemis made it appear as though they'd never come into work in the first place. With everything set and in position, Artemis had one last step. Using a bot system over the fairy network, he typed a quick text, sending it off to Keni.

Artemis: You know what to do. Don't betray me this time.

Artemis wiped the message from his IP address and shut off the phone, falling back into his chair. He found himself staring at the black ceiling, his eyes playing tricks and casting shapes in the dark.

Was what he was doing so wrong? And he didn't mean legally, but morally. Was he blind to reality? No. Once he could explain himself, Holly would surely forgive him.

But what if she didn't? She shot me. His hand went back to his tender ear, the tip of it swollen and sticky with coagulated blood.

No. I've ruined our friendship, haven't I?

Artemis' eyes dropped, blankly staring at his deformed shadow sprawled across the glossy wood top. He already wished he'd never been here, that she never took him in, but now the guilt intensified threefold. She always does so much for me. All I can do is die for her. That's not friendship. That's toxic. I'm toxic. Fire and sulfur.

Why won't I just die?

Artemis' head fell into his hands as he awaited his fate. A numbness spread through him, turning his feelings into apathetic notes stored and locked away for later, or maybe never. He sat in silence. Waiting. Not feeling. Just waiting. Alone.

Upper Levels, Lower Elements Police Plaza

Commander's Quarters

"I need a warrant."

"Why are you dressed like that?" Commander Kelp asked instead, a charmed smile growing on his cheeks. "Not that it's bad. You look cute."

Holly nearly shrieked, but stopped herself. "Did you hear anything I just said?"

"You want a warrant," Trouble shrugged, sitting back in his chair. "Where's your uniform, Short?"

"Not want, need," Holly shot back, ignoring his question about her clothes again. "I need a warrant, Commander."

"Mhm. And why do you need a warrant?"

Holly blew a quick breath. This was it. If she told Trouble, it was over. Artemis was done for. Was it worth it? Haven's safety and security was potentially on the line with Artemis acting as some sort of Black Market Overlord. Why was he reverting to crime anyway? Was it to rebel against his father? Wasn't the whole point to go clean? What the hell, Astroboy? Were they even friends anymore? What even were they? Friends were honest with each other. Trusted each other. They don't shoot each other, either.

She had to choose. Artemis? Or her people - Haven?

Fuck.

"Holly?" Trouble asked gently, his hand covering her clenched fist. She hadn't realized she was hunched over on his glass desk, the wrinkle of her nose and creased brow contorted in distress. "Are you alright?"

Holly's mismatched eyes snapped to him, meeting his violet gaze. "I need to arrest Artemis Fowl."

Trouble instantly paled. He already knew he wasn't going to like this.

And he didn't.

Phobos Tower, The Black Alley

15th Floor

At least a dozen boots marched through the lobby of Phobos Tower, their stomps quieted by the grey carpet. But Artemis knew they were coming. This would be no ambush.

The office doors flew open and Artemis Fowl greeted the LEP officers on the other side with a slight wave and a fanged smile. "Hello, officers. Fancy seeing you here."

A strong and bronze-skinned elf stepped forward from the squad, long auburn braids flowing behind her. Artemis smirked at her despite his sinking heart. "Finally obtained that warrant, officer?"

Holly kept a slight distance, holding up the warrant for him to see. "You're under arrest by the LEP on suspicion of illegal currency transactions. We also have a warrant to search the premises. Put your hands up and turn around. You are not obliged to say anything unless you wish to do so, but whatever you say will be taken down in writing and may be given in evidence."

Artemis kept up his facade, wearing his sly smirk as a mask. A few fairies scooted by him, thrusting his arms behind him. One slapped smart-cuffs onto his wrists, the lock sealing and buzzing softly. "Arresting criminals out and about, Commodore?" Artemis questioned Holly, his smirk shifting into a devious grin. "That's a stoop below your pay grade, isn't it?"

Holly frowned. Of course he would. She ignored the comment, rounding up her officers. "Alright, take him in." As Artemis was escorted out of the office, she nodded to several officers clumped together beside her. "Spread out and search the building and servers. Mark anything of interest."

As her officers spread out and began tearing the building apart, Holly watched Artemis being taken away, only the back of his raven-haired head visible to her as he disappeared behind the elevator grate. He didn't turn to look at her as the grate closed on them, dropping them back into the Alley below. Holly stood in the center of the office, her heart heavy in her chest.

You better have an explanation for this, Artemis.

24 Hours Later

Lower Elements Police Plaza

Holding Cell F-1, Protective Custody

"Artemis, are you decent?" Holly's voice asked through the three slits in the metal cell door.

Thankfully the Irish genius was still clad in his suit and tie, albeit the latter was hanging loosely off his neck. Artemis had spent the last few minutes with his back against the concrete wall, casually micromanaging his surface business accounts in his mind when Holly's voice pleasantly broke his concentration. His head snapped towards the door, alert. "I am, Commodore. You may enter."

The cell door slid open, and a helmeted Holly Short stood in her moss-green uniform on the other side. She twirled a pair of handcuffs in her right hand and lifted her visor up. "Hey, Artemis. Are you okay?"

"Spare your concern," Artemis stated with little effort. He inched towards her at a snail's pace, holding his wrists out. "You're taking me to have a chat, so let's not waste time."

"Artemis-"

"-I don't think we're on a first name basis at the moment," he stopped her coldly, lifting his wrists to her face. "Shall we continue, Commodore?"

Holly had done a lot of investigating within the twenty-fours Artemis was locked in protective custody, and at this point, she was left even more confused and with more questions than answers.

Foaly the centaur, the LEP's technical wizard, had tinkered around with his security system, and it took him nearly sixteen hours into the search to discover it had been tampered with. Not only that, the real footage revealed something much more ominous. Deep within the lower levels of Haven's Saw District was a tiny, mostly empty tech shop. The looped footage had shown the shop with very little business, and definitely no delivery boy humans. But when Foaly recovered his trashed data, the high-rise camera revealed a certain scrawny delivery boy entering the shop in the wee morning hours, and leaving the tech shop by dinner time. Of course, it wasn't enough to incriminate Artemis with anything, and they couldn't prove he tampered with Foaly's system, but Holly didn't need to reveal that.

He wasn't going to talk to her now and she wasn't going to force it. In a way, she felt she didn't deserve to. What if she was wrong? What if he had some overly complicated plan he wasn't telling her about? But why go through all of this? What for? She needed to find out - for Haven's sake, and hers.

Lower Elements Police Plaza

Detention Cell 4

Weak wrists were shackled to a plastic tabletop while slightly dirty fingernails tapped the surface impatiently, unable to do much else. The interrogation room was unremarkable and could've easily been found anywhere in the world. A white brick holo-wall fizzled opposite him, hiding the officers observing him from the other side. A dingy, bright bulb swung in front his face, making Artemis feel like he was in a silly 90s crime flick.

He actually recognized this particular interrogation room, it being the same one the late Commander Root and Captain Holly Short had grilled him and Butler in at least fifteen years ago. He couldn't help a small smile tug his lips. The nostalgia of the memory was nice, and even nicer he had a memory with a tangible location. This was real, then.

Finally, after about forty minutes of sitting in dead silence, a figure entered the dark room. Artemis glanced over, wrinkles creased deeply around his eyes. He knew who the figure was. Time for some fun. "Hello? Has someone entered? I'm afraid you're too tiny for me to see."

Commander Kelp stepped into the bulb's light and sat opposite Artemis Fowl, the shorter male's amethyst gaze fixated on him. The elf officer was in his LEP emerald uniform adorned with medals, his chocolate-colored crew cut neat and clean without the presence of its helmet. He frowned silently at Artemis' mockery.

"Oh, it's you, Commander," Artemis greeted scornfully, straightening his back in his tiny seat. "I must say, I'm rather surprised they sent you in first."

Trouble snorted, a deep slash across his mouth. "Yeah, Fowl? And why's that?"

"I was hoping they'd send someone in with at least a scrap of intelligence, but it appears I was wrong."

Trouble's jaw tightened a little. He knew getting a confession without the mesmer would be difficult, but it wasn't his first rodeo with the arrogant Irishman. Trouble leaned forward onto his elbows. "I wouldn't talk about intelligence, Fowl, considering you're in here and shackled to this table."

"I'm sorry," Artemis jeered, his smirk deepening. He peered over at the holo-wall where knew the others were. "Could we get him a platform, or perhaps a booster seat? It's hard to take him seriously when I can't make eye contact-"

"Listen, Fowl," Trouble snapped through gritted teeth, his fist clenching on the table. "I allowed you into this city. Holly allowed you to stay with her. She fed you. Gave you a place to sleep. She's your friend." His fist tightened, growing white against the white plastic top. "Why would you do this to her? Why would you betray her?"

Artemis was more than familiar with police interrogation tactics. He knew what Trouble was doing, but he hated that it was working. Artemis refused to admit it, but his mental state was ever-weakening, and if they wanted information out of him, all it might take would be an emotional push. One finger pressing him, and he'd dissolve into crumbs. He needed to be careful to keep his emotions in check, and Trouble was the perfect person to rile them up. So, Artemis sighed, covering up his internal struggle.

"Hmm, very good tactic there. Bringing up my relationship with Commodore Short. Very good as an emotional sore point. You could have Short interrogate me instead."

"Can't," Trouble shrugged. "She's a conflict of interest."

"Ah. A shame," Artemis started, tapping his pointer finger against the table. "Using the Commodore would've been much more effective."

Trouble peered closer. "How so?"

"Simply put, she can retain information, whereas you can't."

"Alright. You know what, Fowl-"

"Trouble," Holly's soft voice cut into his ear-flesh speaker, one of Foaly's newer designs. "Don't let him get to you. Remember, this is Artemis. You need to keep your cool and he'll talk straight with you."

Trouble growled but regained his composure easily. He ruffled back what little he had of his crew cut. "How old are you again, Fowl? 16? 17?"

Artemis' eye twitched. "28…"

"Oh, could've fooled me. You still argue like a child," Trouble retorted, stony-faced.

Artemis laughed a little under his breath, his lips held in a tight-lined smile. "Oh, very good, Commander. Now you're getting the hang of it."

"Just talk to me. Man to elf," Trouble continued casually, crossing his legs and leaning back in his chair. "What would possess you to join the Black Alley? Despite your extensive criminal background, of course."

"Did the Commodore tell you she forced me to become a delivery boy?"

"Oof. For what place?"

"Cub's Deliveries."

Trouble threw his head back, unleashing a hearty laugh. "Yikes!" He crossed his arms and looked over at the shimmering holo-wall. "Seriously, Holly? Please tell me we have footage of him wearing that."

"We do," Holly spoke into Trouble's ear again. "Foaly recovered the footage of him entering and leaving the Alley repeatedly."

"Wonderful," Trouble nodded in amusement. He looked back at Artemis with pained joy creasing his brow. "Hmm. So, you had enough of being a delivery boy and then, what? Decided you'd rather return to the criminal life instead?"

"I've not done such a thing," Artemis said with a confident aloofness, shrugging. "I'm also certain you have no evidence that I have."

"So, you deny having any part in the Black Alley?"

"Illegal ventures, yes. I deny that accusation."

Trouble grinned, leaning in. "We have footage of you entering and leaving a shop known to contain an entrance into the Alley. Do you deny this?"

"Is entering the Alley itself illegal?" Artemis challenged, the tiniest corner of his lips pulling into a smirk. "From what I've read up on your laws, the Alley itself isn't illegal. Only the activities and crimes committed there. So? Do you have a real reason to detain me yet? Or are we still wasting each other's time?"

"You haven't taken any money from the Alley?"

Artemis nearly rolled his eyes. "Obviously not. Would you like to check my Haven City bank account? Perhaps my off-shore accounts?"

"We will. And you're going to give us that access." Trouble glanced at the wall. "You hearing this, Foaly?

"Loud and clear, Commander!" Foaly's nasally voice sang in his ear from the Ops booth. "I'm running his accounts for any suspicious transfers or deposits now."

Trouble turned back to Artemis. "So, you looped the security footage-"

"I deny any part in that," Artemis interjected adamantly. Of course, it had obviously been the Irish genius, but he knew Foaly had no way of tracing it to him. "You holding me here in this very room is proof that Foaly has no evidence against me, either." He shrugged again, his smirk growing larger. "You may want to write this down, Commander. I can repeat it again slowly for you."

Trouble leaned all the way forward and shoved his nose into Artemis'. His violet eyes began to swirl pools of molten gold and he bore his gaze into the Irishman's blue ones. "Listen to me, Mud Whelp," Trouble bewitched the human with the mesmer. "What illegal activities have you done in the Black Alley? Did you have any part in Goliath Knopp's arrest?"

Artemis tried to break the mesmer , regretting pushing the Commander to this point, but Trouble's push was too strong and his mental state too thin. It was too late. A veil of warmth washed over him and an invitation unfolded in his mind. The world was foggy and muted besides the imaginary words swirling around him.

Take me in.

Can you stop it?

Can you stop me?

The words were never spoken, yet the mesmer enchanted his mind, subduing him with the sensation like written whispers. He gave into the warmth like a blanket, cautiously stroking it, inviting it in carefully. I can't. Artemis swayed gently in his seat, unable to break Trouble's eye contact, most resistance and inhibitions wiped clean. But Artemis Fowl II was not the average person, and despite his ill mind, he contained an overwhelming genius that would be hard to conquer.

Trouble noticed Artemis mindlessly tugging at his shackles, as if trying to break away from the mesmer's hold over him. Trouble sighed, waving his hand around casually. "Hate to mesmerise you Fowl, and puncture that precious IQ of yours, but my patience is thin and frankly, I don't trust Foaly's weird toilet plunger machine."

"Retimager!" Foaly whinnied over the line, stomping a hoove back at his booth. "Besides, I hate to see the mudboy drop some IQ points." He looked into his palms defeatedly at the memory, fond of his work. "I lubed that brain myself."

"Foaly, please-" Holly facepalmed over the comm, trying to rid the image from her mind. "The last thing I want to think about right now is you lubing Artemis Fowl's brain."

"You just repeated it," Foaly neighed. "How does it help if you repeat it?"

Trouble nearly broke his concentration, unsure whether to burst into hysterical laughter or punch them both. Instead, he softly grunted, "Can you two please shut it? I have a human with an IQ of over 200, actively under my spell, and I can't afford to lose focus." He took a short breath and blinked quickly, bearing his mind into Artemis' again, imagining a curtain sweeping over the Irishman's will. "So. You're mesmerised right now?"

"Yes," Artemis replied instantly, his pupils growing larger, darkening his piercing irises.

"Hmm…" Trouble mumbled, leaning forward to examine Artemis' eyes closely. "Do you wear contacts, Fowl?"

"He doesn't," Holly replied into Trouble's ear.

"I do. Sometimes. Not always."

Trouble silently absorbed the information, nodding softly. "When do you wear contacts? Fashion? Medical?"

Artemis' jaw tightened a little, trying to rebel against replying. "P-protection."

"Protection?" Trouble leaned into one eye, examining closely. "Against what?"

"Fairies. The mesmer. I am defenseless as a human. I created measures to protect myself," Artemis answered honestly. There was nothing incriminating to hide there anyway.

Trouble nodded again. "Interesting. Are you wearing them now?"

"No," Artemis replied emotionlessly.

"No? Why not?"

"Several reasons." Despite being mesmerised, Artemis couldn't resist showing off his intellect. "First, you already know I can be mesmerised. Wearing contacts to fool you wouldn't work. Second, I've been in a cell for over twenty-four hours. It's highly inadvisable to wear contacts for that long. I'm not going to damage my vision for absolutely no reason."

"Hmm…" Trouble pondered again. "But how can we be sure? Maybe…" He sprouted an idea (he was proud when he had those) and grinned, never breaking his focus from Artemis' loopy daze. "Let me ask him something he would normally never admit to." He shrugged a shoulder for Holly to see on the other side.

Holly hesitated. Knowing Trouble and his resentment towards Artemis, this could get personal, and quickly. She chewed her lip, mulling it over. "You're the Commander, sir. You call the shots. Just…don't be mean, Trouble. And make it quick please. I really don't want to touch his IQ."

"Perfect." Trouble's grin grew larger and he leaned back a bit, observing Artemis closely. "So, mud whelp. You're in my hands now." Trouble pushed the mesmer a little more, ensuring the human couldn't resist. "Is it true Holly Short kissed you?"

"Yes," Artemis nearly groaned, the sound more muted than he'd like.

Trouble clapped his hands together in raw entertainment, grinning ear to ear. "Oh. I'm going to enjoy this."

"Gods, Trouble," Holly muttered from the observation room, her tomato-red face in one hand. "Really? That was thirteen years ago."

"Still classic," he commented under his breath. He leaned into Artemis again, elbows fully on the plastic top, "Why do you have a hatred for me?"

"A hatred for you?" Artemis nearly sneered, again wishing he had a stronger will. He couldn't even form his own thoughts anymore. "Please. I think you're an idiot. I don't hate you."

"Nice. Thanks for clarifying," Trouble sighed, rubbing his hand through his face as he whipped up ideas to torture the mud whelp with. Suddenly, one struck him and before he could really think if it was wise to ask, his impulsivity got the better of him. "Do you see Holly Short as more than a friend?"

"Trouble! That's not appropriate!" Holly protested from the other line, her heart sinking into her stomach.

"I…" Artemis' brows furrowed together and his wrists subconsciously tugged back on the shackles, trying desperately to resist the warm swell that beguilled him.

Say it, the mesmer crashed into his mind, pulling him down into its grasp. "I- I don't-" Say it. "I can't!" he panicked, bucking to get away from Trouble.

"Answer me!" Trouble pushed, leaning into the cowering human. "Do you see Holly Short as more than a friend?"

"Stop!"

"I-I don't know," Artemis answered, and he realized it was honest. He didn't actually know how he saw Holly, he realized. He cared about her more than anyone else in the world. She was his best friend, obviously. But, did he see her as more than that? Before he could dwell on it, the idea was lost to him, overtaken by the new wave of mesmer.

Despite the shouting commodore in his ear, Trouble persisted, lost in the moment and control. "Yes or no answers only."

Artemis chewed his lip over, the realization that he was no longer answering consciously slipping away. Whatever the mesmer drew out of him was buried so deeply, not even Artemis anticipated the answers he'd give. Still, he resisted with every fiber in his being. "Ah…I…"

"Answer me!"

"Yes!" Artemis blurted. A vein in his forehead pulsed in distress, the table groaning against his struggle.

"Yes, what?" Trouble pressed further, his grin almost as impressive as his pointed ears.

"Yes, I-I-"

"ENOUGH!" Holly burst in, charging straight to the table and cutting between the males. She glared at Trouble with seething rage, almost shielding Artemis from him. "I said stop. What the fuck are you thinking?"

"Stow it, Short," Trouble declared, standing up to press his face into hers. "You told me I could."

"I said don't be mean," Holly started, jabbing a finger in his face. "That was a total invasion of privacy, and you threw my name in there. How could you?"

Trouble looked between Artemis and her for a few moments. "Even now, you're protecting him," he snarled. "When are you going to make him take responsibility, Holly? He's a criminal. Why don't we take what we know from him? Don't stop me now."

"Then be a professional and be my Commander. Not my jealous ex-boyfriend." When Trouble's gaze turned cold on her, Holly facepalmed again. "Fuck. Just, let's stop for today? We can find other ways of investigating for evidence-"

"Get back in the room, Short," Trouble commanded, his authoritative demeanor restored and his chest plucked out proudly. "I'm in charge here." He leaned in and whispered in her ear, "I'm sorry. You're right. That was uncalled for. I'll be better." He pulled back and nodded to her, his expression solemn and bold.

"Yes, sir," Holly frowned, risking a guilty glance at Artemis. "Just ask about the Alley and be done with it, please." He already hates me. She strode off, leaving the pair alone in the room once more.

Trouble cleared his throat and sat back down, knuckles rapping the table. After thinking for a few minutes, he stopped, looking at Artemis' flushed and clammy cheeks. "Aw. Is the great Fowl embarrassed? I would be too if I were you. Crushing on your best friend? Yikes."

"Trubs," Holly warned. Trouble waved a hand at her as if to reassure her. She didn't feel reassured. "Stop posturing and be straight."

Trouble leaned forward on his knees, bearing a deep gaze into the human once more, linking their connection so the mesmer absorbed Artemis' mind again. "So, the Black Alley," he started, drawing the words out. "What illegal activities have you committed so far?"

"None," Artemis answered simply.

"Huh?" Trouble blinked, leaning in a little closer. "What do you mean, none?"

"I have not committed any illegal activities in the Black Alley."

"What?" Trouble stole a glance at the holo-wall and back at Artemis. "How's he doing this?"

"He's totally mesmerised," Holly insisted, shaking her head in shared disbelief. "There's no way he's lying."

"He might be a genius, sure," Foaly pitched in. "But he's still just a human. Hmm… ask him about Goliath Knopp."

Trouble nodded and rubbed his chin. "Hey. Fowl. You knew Goliath Knopp?"

"Yes."

"Did you send his debts to us for Foaly to flag?"

"Yes."

Trouble grinned. "What on earth possessed you to do that?"

"I wanted to take over the Company and the Alley."

"So… you're the big boss of the Black Alley at the moment?"

"Yes."

Trouble shook his head in amazement. "Holly, you've brought a monster into Haven, ya know that?"

Holly groaned and rolled her eyes on the other side of the windowed holo-wall, keeping her thoughts to herself. She couldn't help but sink into curiosity though. What was Artemis' plan if it wasn't illegal?

Trouble had the same thought on the other side. He rapped the table top with his knuckles again. "What are you doing that's so different from Goliath?"

"I want to clean the Black Alley," Artemis answered immediately with no resistance. Somewhere deep inside his subconscious, stored far away, he almost cheered, grateful to finally reach the next phase of his plan. "I want to help your people, and clean Haven."

There was a long, uncomfortable silence that stretched across each person listening in. No one knew what to think. Could it be true? If so, was it even possible? The two elves and centaur were frozen in awe and disbelief. What?!

Foaly spoke first. "His accounts came back clean. In fact, he appears to be completely broke. You know, I hate to say it, but I think he's telling the truth. But we have to be sure."

"How can we be sure?" Trouble grumbled under his breath. "What more can I already do?"

"Just keep going," Holly hissed into the mic as if Artemis could hear her.

"How would you clean Haven, Fowl?" Trouble spat, peering at the subdued human closely, the bulb's light casting an eerie shadow across his face. "Just how do you intend to do that?"

A small smile graced Artemis' lips. "Artelite," he answered proudly, his body relaxing and hunching down a bit.

"Ar-what?" Trouble repeated incredulously, raising his brows at the human like he was crazy.

"Ar-te-lite," Artemis repeated slowly, his smile growing a little more cocky against flushed skin and blank eyes. "A mineral I created out of Martian quadrastite, inspired by Earth's martinite. It can be synthesized and reduced to a gel. It can be used as a power source or as a source of fuel."

"What the hell is he talking about?" Trouble asked, thick brows furrowed together in confusion. "Fuel? Power source? Martian?"

"He went to Mars and found this new source of fuel," Holly explained, thinking it all over herself. She tried to remember what he told her back at the cottage in the French countryside. It was only a little over a week ago, and yet it felt like ages. "He used it to power his space suits, I think. I think he said it was clean and ethical, too."

"Okay, so," Foaly started, and Holly could practically hear him rubbing his hands together in excitement. "Artemis sent me some data when he first reached Mars a few years ago, but what I got was limited and probably outdated. Though, if this is the same mineral I'm thinking of…" Foaly trailed off, and when Foaly was left speechless, it left everyone else nervous.

"What?" Trouble and Holly asked in equally enthusiastic unison.

"I think we need to take this to the council if he's serious about cleaning the Black Alley, and Haven. He could either do some fantastic change, or some serious damage. And I like Artemis. I really do respect the guy. But, this just seems like a loaded missile ready to fire out of a dwarf's behind."

"Again - don't need the imagery, Foaly," Holly shuddered, annoyed. She leaned forward on the control panel, thinking for a bit. What would happen if they brought Artemis before the Council? How could they prove they didn't fake the mesmer? Holly didn't want to risk mesmerising Artemis again. She was sure they'd already dropped an IQ point or two, and that would be enough to prevent Artemis from ever talking to her again. She then realized something. "So… is Artemis… innocent?" She looked up in horror, guilt taking its grasp of her throat, choking her.

"I think he actually might be," Foaly tittered away on his keyboard, clacking through the keys for any more information. "Sure, he's running the Alley in his own weird, messed up way, but I can't find any crimes or illegal activity on his end. I think he's innocent."

Holly paled. Did I just… and he's innocent. He's- She felt tears well in her eyes with resentment and shame. She bit down on her lip to keep them from falling down. "So, I fucked up."

"No," Trouble argued, leaning back, not quite breaking the mesmer's hold yet. "You didn't. You made the right move here. Yeah, he's your 'friend', but you have a backbone, Short. That's a good thing." Trouble stood and dropped the mesmer, releasing the human from his magickal hold. "Alright, let's set up a meeting with the Council. Put Fowl back in his cell for the time being."

Artemis' shoulders and head slumped forward. The warm blanket was slipping off him now, dropping him back into the reality of the dark, ominous concrete room and his tiny chair. His mind felt exhausted and his eyes heavy, the vein in his head throbbing painfully. He started to shake himself out of his daze when his forced confession slammed into him like a wrecking ball.

I said yes. I said yes? Why did I say yes? How could he feel that way about Holly and not be aware of it? There must've been a loophole somewhere. Maybe, more than a friend meant best friend? Yes, he did have to admit, he did crush on Holly quite a bit throughout his teen years. It couldn't be helped. But since then, those feelings had transitioned into those of respect. Admiration. Friendship. Platonic adoration, even. He remembered back to Ibiza, when Minerva accused him of being too codependent on Holly. Was it true? Did he still like her?

Holly stood in the doorway, watching silently. A corporal entered the dim interrogation room and removed Artemis from his shackles, shifting them behind his back instead. His eyes mistakenly caught hers but he shifted them instantly, keeping them to his sides instead. Holly felt her heart pound as he got up and was led closer to the exit. Why did Trouble have to expose Artemis like that? Now she felt awkward, like everything she said or did would lead him on. Maybe there was a misunderstanding? Maybe it was a tiny inconvenience?

They avoided each other's faces as Artemis passed by her, and Holly was glad he couldn't see her bright coral cheeks. This sucks. And it's all my fault.

After gathering herself and her things, Holly was ready to exit her office when a knock rapped at her door. She hesitated for a second before opening it, one Commander Trouble Kelp on the other side. She frowned and prepared to stroll by him when he caught her elbow, gently holding her back.

"Holly."

"What?" Holly wheeled on him, her temper flaring now. "Come to laugh in my face how I was wrong? How I fucked up?"

Trouble's deep eyes flattened and his jaw softened, his whole expression relaxed. "Of course not. I wanted to apologize properly." He dropped his grip on her elbow, his eyes firm on hers. "I was unprofessional and I embarrassed you because it pleased my ego. You're a great officer, Short. You really are fantastic, even though you scare me most of the time. But I trust your instincts. Even the best are off-kilter sometimes."

He sighed and stepped away from her, preparing to let her go. "Anyway, I'll leave you to it-" when she cut him off with a kiss to his cheek. He stopped mid-sentence, his cheeks blushing as violet as his wide eyes. He mulled over whether to ask her or not. Was this the right time? He went for it anyway. "Holly. About us…"

Holly froze too, her eyes locked on his. Oh no. "Yeah?"

Trouble sighed again, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, this is hard for me, okay? But, you know how I feel about you. Do you… I mean…" He broke their gaze to look at the steel-paneled wall beside them. "Do you return Fowl's affections? Is there a chance we could ever… you know…"

Holly shook her head involuntarily, unsure how to react. Why did he have to do this now?! "I-I can't answer that right now. Sorry. I'm too- scrambled-"

"Yeah! Of course-"

"Ya know?"

"No, yeah. Yeah, I do. Sorry," Trouble chuckled nervously, moving out of her way. "I'll leave you be, Short. Good work today."

Holly nodded awkwardly to him and silently walked past, leaving him in her office alone. She took a deep breath as she entered the hallway, overwhelmed with the last twenty-four hours.

And simultaneously, both the Commodore and Commander thought in unison:

I need a nap.

48 Hours Later

Lower Elements Police Plaza

Holding Cell F-1, Protective Custody

"Artemis."

Artemis barely glanced over his shoulder, his eyes lazily lifting to the figure in his cell doorway. The last three days in his cell were nothing short of boring and a waste of time, but they weren't as difficult as he presumed Holly would assume. Artemis had developed an enormous amount of patience the older into his twenties he grew, and his time in space exemplified that. Still, he was bitter, lonely, and still embarrassed from having his deepest, innermost secrets exposed. Physically, he may have been fine, besides the tip of his ear, but inside he had to admit he felt a little worn down to the bone, like layers of meat had been stripped off his personality, leaving him bare. Raw, he decided the word for it was. It was raw.

"The council reviewed your case. You're due in court in a week, but until then you're free to go." She slid the cell door fully open, standing on the inner side of his cell. "So? Let's get you home, okay?" she asked gently, approaching him slowly, as if afraid he might make any sudden moves.

"Perfect," Artemis said lightly, getting off his cot and running his fingers through the rough stubble . "I'm due for a hot shower and a proper nap." He walked by Holly without another word, never making eye contact with her.

"Are you okay? You know, having been in here alone for so long?"

"Fine," Artemis shrugged. "I spent five years in space. This was nothing."

"I'm sorry," Holly blurted, stopping him in his tracks, his back to her. "I'm sorry I shot you. I'm sorry I caused this whole thing." Her shoulders drooped, but she didn't cry. She refused.

"Let's go," Artemis said after a few awkward moments, continuing down the hall with or without her.

Holly watched him trudge off for a bit and then slowly followed behind, her mind astray with all the ways she could fix this, all the things she should've done instead.

Upper Levels, Haven City

Mulberry Row Condominiums

Apt 224

"I'm moving out."

The statement caught Holly off-guard; it was the only thing Artemis had said to her in the time they'd arrived back and been at the apartment. It was nearly 10 PM HST, the city lights alive and twinkling in the pitch black sim-sky outside the windows. She shook her head in disbelief, following him into her dimly lit bedroom. "What? Why?"

Artemis strode into her closet, collecting his clothing from their respective hangers. He wanted to avoid as much conversation as possible. He didn't have the energy or the care at the moment to argue. "I think it's wise, considering everything."

"Artemis," Holly started, following him towards the closet, leaning on the doorframe. "About what Trouble did-"

"It's fine," he cut off coolly. "It's not about that." He moved past her with bundles of clothes in his arms and placed them gently on her bed.

Holly watched him silently pack for a few moments. She got off the frame and sauntered towards him with her arms buried in her hoodie. "Are you sure? If you want to talk about it-"

"I don't want to talk about it. Thank you."

"Where are you going to go?" Holly asked, chewing her lip anxiously. "You don't have any money."

"I have a room at Phobos tower. I have everything I need there."

Holly reached her hand out to touch his forearm. "You can't live in the Black Alley. That's dangerous-"

"You can't make decisions for me," Artemis whipped around, his voice calm but his wrinkled eyes miffed. "And, frankly, it's unfair you make decisions for me, and make me out to be a burden the entire time, when I'm actively trying to get out of your hair."

Holly took a step back, surprised by his temper. That wasn't usual for him. "Arty-"

"Don't call me that," he interjected emotionlessly, turning his back to her to continue packing.

Holly felt her own temper starting to flare, but unlike Artemis', it was not controlled and icy. Hers was a burning, angry flame - a wild force of nature that destroyed everything in its path. She took a step forward, her eyes like embers in a forest fire. "You don't know Haven like I do. You barely speak Gnommish well enough to pick up slander. How are you going to live on your own?"

"I've been on my own my entire life," Artemis declared insistently, watching her from over his shoulder now. "I will be fine. I refuse to be a burden to you any longer."

Holly tugged at her hair, throwing it up in a messy bun frustratedly. "Why didn't you just tell me what you were doing? Why did you keep me in the dark like always?"

Artemis turned, his hardened features softened for the first time in days. He gave a sympathetic sigh. "I had just started… I expected you to find out eventually, and I knew I could use that to my advantage in several ways. But, I really had just started getting everything ready."

You found me out a little early, to be honest. He wanted to admit it to her, but he was too resentful, or as the twins called it: he was salty. He'd been discovered too early, he'd been wrong about her shooting him, both of which were frustrating enough. But to have his secrets - ones even he didn't realize yet - be forced out of him for her to hear? It was humiliating. He wanted out. He needed space to think. To plan. It was the only thing that could give him solace at the moment… "Besides sleep," he muttered to himself aloud, grabbing his forehead in frustration. "I-I need some space. Please."

"No!" Holly scoffed, offended he thought he had a say in this. "Listen: Why didn't you just tell me? Why would you wait for me to figure you out? Don't you realize how manipulative that is-"

"Yes!" Artemis snapped, finally broken down enough to have most of his walls shattered around him like glass pieces. "Yes. And that is precisely why I need you to leave me alone." He closed in their gap, his hand gentle on her shoulder. "I'm not good for you. I'm not…" He shook his head, struggling to find the correct vocabulary that embodied his feelings, but nothing really seemed to work.

"I'm not a good friend to you. And I know you feel responsible for me, but I really can handle myself." Holly. He didn't say her name aloud. He was still petty enough to avoid it, but he felt so guilty. It was precisely why he needed to leave her alone. She deserved better than this. "You deserve better than to deal with me."

"Uh-huh," Holly shook her head and her arms, adamantly getting in his space. "I don't like that kind of talk. That kind of talk scares me."

"I'm not going to do anything." Artemis rolled his eyes. "Please leave me alone. I'd like to end this conversation."

"Too bad."

"Then I forcefully eject myself from this conversation," he countered, sitting on her bed. "Why don't you go project your insecurities on the Commander instead?" Artemis muttered loudly enough for her to hear, trying whatever he could to get her off his back at this point.

"What the fuck did you just say to me?" Holly asked quietly through grit teeth, her hand clenching into a fist. "You do not get to talk to me like that in my home, on my fucking bed that I haven't slept in, in days!"

"Then. Let. Me. Leave," Artemis grumbled, glaring at her. "That, or leave me alone so I can sleep this off."

"Fuck you, Artemis Fowl," Holly yelled for the second time in a few days, charging out of her room and slamming the door

Artemis was tempted to shout something snarky at her but held his tongue. Be mature now. You're nearly 30. He sighed, his brain throbbing painfully in his head. He felt exhausted. Selfish. Foul. A foul Fowl. He groaned, falling back onto her bed. This fight felt strangely familiar, sending him through a loop of deja vu. It was like their fight years ago, in Ibiza. Was he toxic then too? Was there anyone he wouldn't be toxic with? He turned over, allowing the soft duvet to welcome him into a warm hug of sleep.

Four hours later Artemis awoke suddenly in Holly's bedsheets, scrambling around in alert confusion. When he realized he wasn't in danger, he fell back into her bed, running a hand over his face. His eyes landed on the pitch black ceiling, streaks of neon yellow and green light dancing across the room like a laser show. He thought back to a few hours before, remembering where and what happened.

Beep.

His phone pulsed gently beside his chest and he clumsily searched around for it in his sleepy daze.

Keni: Hey boss. You ok?

Artemis groaned, running a hand over his eyes one more time. What did she want now? He had to admit, they got along quite well in his time at the tower, and he liked her coolness and ability to command attention effortlessly, even if it was a little selfish at times. But besides that, she was his employee. Nothing more.

He ignored her message, resting his phone on his chest to look back up at the ceiling, watching shadows dance in the abyss of the night. If he apologized to Holly, would she forgive him? He didn't feel as upset as he had earlier, rest having thankfully calmed him down. But he did feel guilty for the way he treated her, even if it was for her own good.

Beep.

Artemis raised a brow, glancing at his phone again.

Keni: News said you got out. Is it true?

The news? he wondered. He looked at the Gnommish front news page of Haven's internet network, Acorn.

Artemis Fowl the Second, human criminal mastermind genius extraordinaire released from jail! Was his arrest in relation to the Goliath Knopp case? What is a human doing in Haven?! Read for more inside!

Artemis nearly chuckled. "Human criminal mastermind genius extraordinaire?" he mumbled aloud. Well, that's not bad at all, is it? Except that he was now on the celebrity hot list, and every paparazzo in town would be after him. "Fantastic," he said sarcastically, about to shut his phone off when another text rolled in.

Keni: If you're out, you should come over. We can all celebrate your release.

Artemis's fingers hovered over the keyboard, unsure how to respond. Eventually, he decided he wanted to talk things out with Holly instead.

Artemis: Hello, Keni. Yes, I've been released. Everything went according to plan. I'd like to come over perhaps tomorrow and discuss the next stage of our Company's progress. Until then, I bid you goodnight.

He got off the bed, placing his phone back into his pocket. Okay. Just talk to Holly. She's probably asleep, so be gentle. He nodded to himself, finding the courage to whip up the discussion and exit the bedroom.

Artemis scratched his dark stubble nervously as he strolled into the living room, starting with, "So, I've slept a bit, and I'd like to apologize, Holly. I was completely-" He stopped speaking when he realized he was talking to empty space. Holly wasn't in the living room, on the futon, fast asleep. Where was she?

"Holly?" Artemis called out, a little worriedly, looking around. She wasn't in her kitchen, nor in her bathroom or toilet room. He opened her front door, scanning her hall a little ways before giving up and strolling back into her apartment. Maybe she went for a jog to clear her mind? Maybe she was getting a late-night snack?

A whiff of a musty, unpleasant odor wafted by his nose and he wrinkled it in disgust. It was then he realized the smell was him, as he hadn't showered in the last three days. He grimaced and made for Holly's bathroom. I'll call if she's not back by the time I'm done.

About thirty minutes after a soothing, hot shower, Artemis fixed himself into some grey pajama pants and a navy sweatshirt. He towel-dried his hair as he stepped into the living room, looking around for the elf again anxiously. Where are you? He tossed the towel onto her couch, grabbing his phone off her acrylic coffee table. He dialed her number and waited. And waited. And it rang, and rang.

Hey! You've reached Commodore Holly Short's voicemail. If it's urgent, please call back again-

Artemis clicked, biting his lip in annoyance. Was Holly okay? Was she in danger? He put her on dial once more, tapping his foot restlessly against the soft rug.

Hey! You've reached Commodore Holl-

Artemis canceled the call, frowning. He wandered into the bathroom, finding his sapphire fairy comm ring on the glossy counter. He rang Holly on the ring, and after three rings, it clicked off. Artemis blinked. She rejected his call. He called once more, just to be sure. It clicked off after two this time. He blinked again, his brow furrowing together in panic. Was Holly okay?

He raced back out into the living room, calling her on his phone once more. If she didn't answer this time, he'd be forced to trace her location. The phone rang, and rang. It rang, and rang some more when:

"WHAT?! Are you dying?!" Holly scrambled out of breath on the other line. "What do you want?"

"Where are you?" Artemis questioned, noting her elevated breathing and irritation. "Are you jogging at 2 am?"

Holly rolled her eyes on the other line, trying her best to catch her breath, it coming in erratic, short bursts. "Yes, Artemis. I'm jogging at 2 am," Holly replied sarcastically.

"Hah. You're definitely jogging alright-" Trouble sneered in the background before Holly shushed him.

Artemis froze on the other line. "Was that-?" His heart dropped into a deep pit in his stomach. "Oh."

"Can I go now?!" Holly stammered before the line was cut off without an answer. She stared at her phone in shock before chucking it across the room. "Fuck it."

Artemis hung up, not bothering to ask much more. He really didn't need to. The answer was blatantly obvious.

His thoughts traveled back to the Commander's mesmer probe a few days prior. If he didn't see Holly as more than a friend, why did the reality of her sleeping with Commander Kelp sting so much? He felt like his heart was torn in half. He felt like a fool. A stupid, little fool. No, he couldn't like Holly. That wasn't good for either of them. He had to stop it. He had to end this silly little crush now, before it was too late.

Beep. Beep.

His phone trilled gently in his hand and Artemis glanced at the screen defeatedly.

Keni: Cool. I can't believe you got out so quick. Totally thought you were another Goliath.

Artemis smirked at the message, responding quickly.

Artemis: I am what happened to Goliath. He and I are nothing alike.

Keni: Clearly. Kinda hot, to be honest.

Artemis blinked at the screen. Hot? Was he hot? Was that day hot? Was Haven hot? He decided she most likely meant the first option and rolled with it.

Artemis: Me? I'm a human, you know.

Keni: LOL so? The only difference between us is our height and ears. Oh and that pixies are smarter than humans. ;)

Artemis: Are you certain? Your grammar says otherwise.

Keni: OH?! Bring that slick mouth over here and we can talk about grammar, MudMan.

Artemis rubbed his neck a little, unsure whether he should take the invitation or not. Did he find Keni attractive? Well… yeah, he concluded. It wasn't like she was a stranger, and it could provide a nice distraction. Then he remembered she was the whole reason Holly was let into the tower in the first place. Keni had deliberately disobeyed him and betrayed his trust… So why was he so willing to overlook that now?

Artemis threw his face into his hands and smiled a little in shame to himself. Even I don't have control over my male instincts this time. Fantastic.

He looked around Holly's empty apartment, the image of her with Trouble piercing his mind. He cringed, running his hand through his hair. The empty, dimly lit apartment was lonely. Artemis was always lonely. He didn't want to be lonely for once. He didn't want to think. He sent a quick text to Keni.

Artemis: I'm unsure you deserve it, to be honest.

He sent it without really reading it before realizing how it sounded. He gripped the bridge of his nose, quickly sending off another text.

Artemis: We'll speak later. Goodnight, Keni.

Artemis tapped the phone on his palm for a few minutes, mulling it over. His eyes caught Holly's futon in their wandering and he froze again. I need to move on. And then he decided.

The Black Alley, The Underground

Room 403, 4th Floor, Phobos Tower

A hefty knock at the wooden door prompted a certain, lilac-haired pixie to answer it, swinging it open with both confusion and curiosity. She looked up, taking in the tall, freshly-groomed human with lecherous eyes and matching grin. He was in an oversized black coat and navy turtleneck, casual slacks and loafers to match on the bottom. "I didn't know you were on delivery duty."

Artemis raised a brow at the pixie, caught a little off-guard. "I'm not?"

Keni leaned in, patting his coat lapel. "Oh. Well, you brought me a snack, so…"

Artemis realized she meant he was the 'snack' in question and he rolled his eyes playfully. He leaned against the doorframe, avoiding her intense gaze on him like a predator on its prey. "I don't know what I'm doing here," he admittedly honestly.

Keni grabbed him by the lapels, wheeling him backwards into the darkness of her room. "Yes, you do." The door closed behind them, the night still young and full of uncertainty.