This chapter contains explicit language and mild violence.

Thank you so much to Phoenixpyres and Neveroutoftime for helping me with this chapter! I'm so grateful for your inputs and help. It really gave me motivation, so thank you!

A/N: And thank you readers! Your feedback is what keeps me writing and putting out on schedule (somewhat on schedule), and it gives me life honestly. It makes the process really fun and wholesome. You guys really brighten my day. ✨️

Somewhere in Ireland

"Who am I, Fowl?"

"Paradise."

The dark sack was ripped off Artemis' head and he squinted, blinded by the cool fluorescent lights overhead. He sucked in fresh air as his vision adjusted, the shape of a woman before him. He blinked repeatedly, the world sharpening around him. Much to his surprise, they appeared to be in the lounge of a large, decrepit LEP shuttle, the walls and floor coated in tarnished aluminum and titanium. A small workstation filled with books, tools, beakers and the like sat on his left, two sliding doors on his right. But, the shuttle wasn't as shocking as the woman before him.

Artemis' eyes closed for a moment, expecting the woman before him to be glamorous, limber and blonde. But when they snapped open, she met him with a devilish grin that rivalled his own.

"Coucou (Hi), Artemis." Strangely, that devilish grin was the only faithful piece of his memory.

Shifting his focus from her poisonous, burgundy smile, he took in the rest of her face. Ruby red strands of straight hair brushed his knees, her head adorned with an American flag trucker hat. Sultry, black eyeshadow contoured intense, grey eyes that blazed behind thick rimmed-glasses.

"You- look- ah-" His focus was diverted by the dark markings on her neck, following them to her exposed shoulders. Her cream-colored skin was smothered in swirly Gnommish tattoos, a few only blocked by the skimpy, French-printed tanktop across her bust. Artemis didn't mean to look, doing so out of total shock rather than desire. He was intrigued by the immense differences, his gaze wandering to discover more. Her body had changed, even if it was slight. She was still in great shape but her hips were wider, shapely in her bleached, ripped jeans. Her chest bumped into his own, shooting his focus back up to meet her eyes.

Artemis cleared his throat. "You look different," he grunted in English, scanning her one more time. He nodded to her tattoos. "Are those real?"

"Oui." Her voice was her own now, French and feminine. Minerva leaned into him, her hands on either side of the armrests of his chair.

"They suit you," Artemis complimented. He diverted his gaze to trickle over the abandoned shuttle walls. "This, however, does not. It appears you've been in hiding. Are you a convict? Hence, your disguise?" He couldn't help sinking into a slick grimace. "I'm assuming you didn't win that Nobel Peace Prize of yours. Perhaps you had to resort to stealing one instead?"

Minerva smirked, but the stillness of her brows and dark stare offered a warning, and she wasn't feeling friendly. "You're one to talk. You've stolen- how many awards now? Twenty?" Her smirk turned vampish as she tilted her head. "But you've always been a hypocrite. You're just upset that the hunter has been hunted."

Artemis chuckled, setting his jaw. So, this is how their reunion would go. "You know, Min - I've always wondered when we would meet again, and how that interaction would unfold. I know our break-up was rather… explosive. That said, I can't imagine I've ever done anything to you that warrants this-"

"Artemis, shut up," she snapped, slapping a firm palm over his mouth. "This has nothing to do with that pathetic excuse of a relationship. This has nothing to do with how shitty a boyfriend you were. So, be quiet. Listen for once in your turgid life."

"I can' spek," Artemis replied into her palm, rolling his eyes like a child.

Minerva pressed harder, forcing his shaggy head back. "Who the fuck do you think you are, with your grubby little fingers, taking over The Black Alley? You've destroyed every business connected to it. Cleaning the entire market? With the Council?" She released his mouth and stabbed his temple with a manicured finger. "T'es stupide? Aller dans l'espace, ça t'a cassé le cerveau? (Are you dumb? Or did you break your brain in space?)"

Artemis gave a pompous snort, his eyes azure slits as he watched her carefully. "At least I've gone to space and done something spectacular. You? Well… I'm not sure you can say the same," he gloated.

Minerva threw her head back, unleashing a dangerous cackle that further chilled the frigid air. She moved off Artemis, crossing her arms as she took a step back. "I thought you were going to 'change the world'," she mocked with air quotes. "You could be anywhere you want right now. Anywhere on the surface. Yet, you're in Haven? In my domain."

"Well…" Artemis gave a slick smile as he eyed her. "If you hadn't messed it up so terribly, I wouldn't have had a reason to go in and fix it for you."

"Fix it for me?" Minerva giggled behind her hand, waving it off moments later. "Sorry. It's just… You went to space for five years. Five years, and you came back with what, Artemis? One rock? All that time in space, and all you managed to accomplish was a singular substance that you had to create yourself? Do you have anything from Mars, Artemis?"

Artemis stilled, a dark expression taking over his smug features, nostrils flaring slightly. She always knew where to strike him, didn't she?

Minerva laughed at his reaction, clapping her hands together in caustic joy. "Oh! I'm sorry. Did I hit a sore spot? Seems you have more of those than the moon, nowadays. Though, I'm sure you know all about that with your precious Luna Minor."

"I'm impressed," Artemis retorted. "Even with my being amongst the stars, in the vastness of space, you were obsessed with me. Is that why you have me here? To gloat? So you can feel better about your circumstances? I'm not sure which is more pathetic: my failure to prevent this, or your perpetual obsession."

"Obsession?!" Minerva gasped in amusement. She moved in again, tracing a finger across his cheek. "Oh. La cocotte. Non, non. The only person who has ever been obsessed with you is yourself. That is why you are still sad, single, and alone."

"I'd much rather be single than be involved with someone like you," Artemis sneered.

Minerva pulled her hand back, her hand covering another fake gasp. "Oh! Let me guess: you still like Holly, and she still doesn't like you."

Artemis forced a laugh, throwing his head back. "It's funny you've mentioned her. I remember you being sooo threatened by her. Is that why you've dyed your hair red? To look more like her?"

"And you say I'm obsessed?" Minerva clicked her tongue. "Haven't you wondered why she won't return your affections? I'm sure it's because of how unhinged you are. Ooh! Is that why you have so little from your expedition?" Her gaze met his, satisfaction twinkling in her eyes. "Non… Don't tell me, you actually had a mental breakdown in space?"

"I might've," he spat. "But unlike you, I still managed to make something of myself."

"Artemis, you're bound to a chair, in my shuttle." She crossed her arms with an arched brow. "You're entirely at my mercy. You can front as much as you want, but that doesn't change your circumstance."

"Well, I sincerely hope for your sake that when Holly finds you, she will bring Butler," Artemis smiled, sinister and cold. "And when she does, I'm more than certain your circumstance will change."

Minerva smiled. "Except that she won't."

Artemis hesitated, anxiety building in him with every second he waited. "What did you do?"

"I left her a ransom note," she sneered, a long red nail tapping patiently across her arm. "Come alone, or he dies."

Artemis breathed a sigh of relief, his austere exterior returning. He chuckled, straightening his back to look fully at Minerva. "That's even worse for you."

"Why's that?"

"Butler has a soft spot for you, as you know. Without him to hold Holly back… well, she may just kill you."

"Will she?" Minerva scoffed. "With her little fairy gun?"

"Oh, her gun won't kill you," Artemis taunted with a satisfied grin. "But her fists might."

Holly doesn't have her gun, he remembered. That's right!

"I guess we'll see," Minerva said unbothered, walking away from Artemis with a deliberate sway of her hips, tinkering at her work table. "So? Why are you in The Alley, and not on the surface giving TED talks, or whatever?"

"TED talks," Artemis patronized, rolling his eyes. He watched Minerva's back as he shifted in his small chair, determining if the Neutrino was still wedged in his trousers. "As if that's all I have to offer."

"You're intolerable." Minerva glanced at him from over her shoulder. "How Holly manages to put up with you is beyond me."

"May I remind you, you chose to put up with me for two years."

"Yes," she answered, eyes back to the worktable. "Which I promptly ended when I realized you were a waste of my time."

"Oh, yes," Artemis kept on, using the conversation as a distraction as he shoved tied wrists into the back of his slacks. "Because living in a derelict shuttle is the family lifestyle you always wanted. How peachy."

"At least I have a family," Minerva mocked, tossing ruby strands over her shoulder. "What do you have? A few rocks? Where's Butler? Where's your family, Artemis? If you went missing, do you really think your parents would notice?" Although he couldn't see her, she couldn't help but smirk to herself. Causing him emotional strife was just so satisfying. "I'm surprised your mother even remembers your name. I thought they'd have replaced you with the twins by now."

"My relationship with my mother may be complicated," Artemis began. His fingertips brushed cool metal, wrapping them around the barrel carefully. "But at least our relationship exists. Your mother hasn't called since you were 12. You talk of me being intolerable, but your own mother found you so unworthy she'd rather run off with the gardener."

Minerva stilled, halting her tinkering. She craned her head around slowly, heated eyes on Artemis. "You want to play that game?" She dropped her screwdriver with a clang, resting her hip against the table. "I may not have a relationship with my mother, but I'd rather be motherless than have a mother that pretends to love me. Angeline has always cared more about herself. And I know how much you love her, but it's a shame she doesn't feel the same."

Artemis froze in place, the pistol halfway out of his pants. Blood boiled his veins as he fumed, unable to do anything about it. "You should speak for yourself. I, for one, sincerely hope that you never choose to have children. The second your child challenges you, you'll take off faster than your own mother."

Artemis barely got the sentence out when Minerva's palm smashed into his cheek, the force nearly jerking him off the chair. He twisted his neck, testing his jaw as he shook the stars from his eyes. "Well. I suppose that was warranted," he chuckled as he straightened his posture.

"You don't know anything about me, Artemis," Minerva growled, grabbing his face and shoving it away. "So, shut your mouth, or I'll shut it for you."

As soon as Minerva strode back to the table, Artemis resumed pulling the Neutrino out of his trousers. Now, burn the rope. Gently. Carefully. He slipped a lithe finger into the tiny slot, tugging on the tiny trigger slightly. Slow. Slow. Go slow. He could feel heat sizzle around his wrists and used the chance to distract her again. "Minerva. Be plain with me. Why am I here? What do you want?"

"You're a genius. You can't figure it out?"

Artemis clamped down on his lip in concentration, eyeing the sizzling rope from over his shoulder. "I'm assuming you have business in The Black Alley."

Minerva chittered to herself but didn't bother to turn around, focused on her task at hand. "I don't just have business with The Alley. I run the entire Alley. How do you think I've tracked your whole operation?"

"You- ?" Artemis nearly halted his progress as he absorbed the realization. "I see. You're my anonymous contact to the surface. All this time, I imagined a gangster, perhaps disguised as a farmer. I never imagined I was dealing with you." Artemis would've smiled had he not felt like smacking the grin off his ex's smug face. "I'm genuinely impressed. You've really done something for yourself, being the top smuggler for Haven City and all. But what do you want from me, exactly?"

Minerva let out a dramatic sigh, peering at him over a tattooed shoulder. "Suspend your operation, and reverse your work with the Council."

"Or? Or what, Minerva?" Artemis grunted, annoyance growing throughout him. He was genuinely irritated, quite a feat for one to accomplish, unless you were a particular ex-girlfriend. "What will you do if I refuse? Will you kill me?" he laughed.

"Keep talking," she rolled her eyes, "And I just might."

"I don't think that's in your best interest."

"Why?" Minerva snickered. "Your little girlfriend will shoot me with her little fairy gun?"

"No." Click. "But I might."

Minerva spun slowly, eyes narrowed down the barrel of the Neutrino in Artemis' hand. "Heh. That might be the first cool thing you've done in your life. Congratulations." She held a palm up, as if to halt him. "Now put the gun down."

"Let me leave, and you'll never see me again." Artemis aimed broadly at her throat, resting his right hand beneath the left. "Don't make me shoot you."

"You'd shoot me, Artemis?" Minerva put a palm over her heart. "Me?"

"If I have to," Artemis warned, his left pointer finger hovering over the trigger.

"Ah. I see." Minerva clicked her tongue as her hand snaked down the worktable. "I'm not going to tell you again." She knew Artemis was no marksman, and his aim was worse than a kindergartener with crayons. She whirled on him, her own silver derringer pistol aimed coolly at his chest. "Drop your gun. Now."

It was a situation Artemis had seen Butler in time and time again, but Artemis was not Butler, and thus, found himself in a scenario he had never imagined - at least, not with Minerva. His gaze grew hard as he stared down the double-barrel, eyebrows cinched together in concern.

"Woah. Min. That's a real gun." He held up his right palm as an offer of peace. "Not a fairy blaster. A real gun. You can kill me with that."

"You think I don't know how a gun works?" Minerva scolded. She cocked the pistol, inching steps closer to him. "Drop your gun now."

Hardened, dark stares challenged each other, neither willing to back down. Artemis felt his heart speed up, anxiety building as he eyed her wavering finger. "You'd kill me?"

"Drop it, Artemis," Minerva warned. Her finger brushed the trigger, her aim still swift on chest. "I won't say it again!"

"The Neutrino won't kill you. You're not in any real danger-"

"DROP IT NOW!" Minerva roared, both hands on the firearm now. She shifted her weight side to side, obviously unnerved by the standoff. "I'm not messing with you, Artemis!"

"Listen, Min. The Neutrino might rearrange your brain cells a little, but it won't-"

"NOW!" Minerva shouted, her eyes wild with rage. "I SAID NOW!"

"Maman?"

Hill of Tara, Ireland

Chute E1

I lost Artemis. I lost Artemis.

Holly couldn't believe it. She kept going over the scenario, the memory of frantically searching the gassed penthouse still fresh in her mind.

I lost him. I lost Artemis.

A shocked gasp caught in her throat and she choked, smothering her wings' throttle as she hit her brakes, suspended in midair. She sucked in a breath of fresh air, glancing up at the grey, foggy sky above her. Ireland wasn't known for its bright shining skies, and today was no different. Fitting for her mood, she supposed.

Holly reopened the throttle on her wings, soaring through a low-lying cloud. Artemis' location beeped steadily on her visor as she followed the suggested route to a point on the eastern coast of the island. She clamped down on her lip, holding in her panic and stress as best she could.

I have to call Butler. I have to. "Call Butler," she spoke into her helmet mic. The AI came to life, prompting the call screen on her display.

'Call Butler?'

Her heart sank into her stomach, broiling up nausea. Maybe she'd throw it up along with the contents of her stomach too. Delivering this news to Butler would not be fun. But it had to be done. "Yes."

After several rings, Butler finally answered. "Hello, Holly," he greeted jovially, a bit of hustle and bustle in his background. "Good to hear from you!"

"I fucked up," Holly blurted. She hadn't meant to open with that, but it'd come out like word vomit. Oh, well. Too late now. "I need your help. Please. It's urgent."

There was a moment of tense silence before Butler finally asked, "What happened?"

Holly sucked in another breath, trying her very best to stick to her training and keep her composure. "It's Artemis. He's- He's-" She shook her head, trying to calm her shaking voice.

"Artemis?" Butler grunted, all levity replaced with deep concern. "Where's Artemis?"

"I- I fucked up," Holly cried, bursting into tears. Gods dammit, you emotional elf. "I'm so sorry, Butler. I'm so so sorry. I tried so hard, Butler. I tried so hard-"

"Where is Artemis?" Butler repeated with increased urgency.

"I- He- I-"

"Holly, pull yourself together!" Butler said gruffly, the jingling of keys in his hands. "Remember your training. Calm down, soldier. Tell me where Artemis is."

Holly nodded to herself. He was right. She couldn't help Artemis like this. She swept her tears away, blowing out a frustrated breath. "Artemis has been kidnapped. They left me a location and I'm on my way there now, but it says to come alone, or he dies." Holly sent him the coordinates, swiping away another annoying tear. "They'll kill him, Butler. But obviously I have to tell you. I have to."

"I know. Thank you for telling me." There was a second of silence before he continued, "These are the coordinates?"

"Affirmative."

"They didn't ask for a ransom?"

"Negative."

"Copy. I'll send you an updated location we can meet at. Okay?"

"Okay," she replied with determination, despite feeling small and meek.

"You did good, soldier," Butler said gently, the beep of his car following suit. "Now, let's save my wayward charge."

Minerva's Shuttle

Somewhere in Ireland

"Maman?"

The new voice was so little, so innocent, that it froze any hostility like frost suspended in air. Artemis noted Minerva's rage shift into immense distress, her glasses unable to hide the wide eyes glued to his right. Artemis turned away from her pistol, unable to resist the urge to investigate the voice behind him. Creased eyes trickled over slowly, terrified of what he would find.

A tiny girl in yellow pajamas, no more than two feet tall, stood in an ajar doorway, chubby fingers nervously playing with the tight blonde coils that swarmed her youthful face. She pouted at Minerva, deep worry imprinted on her broad brow. "Mama? Are you okay?" she asked in French, the words barely legible.

Artemis blinked, unable to process the information before him. "Ma-?" Had the toddler called Minerva mama? Jolts of shock slivered down his flesh as he snapped back to Minerva. "Mama?" he breathed, his chest swelling with gulps of air.

"Go back inside, bébé," Minerva demanded gently, also in French. Although her focus unwavered off the little girl, her pistol's aim remained firm on Artemis. Minerva jabbed a finger at the door. "Go, bébé! Inside, now!"

"Who's he?" she asked instead, taking a step further into the room.

Artemis whipped back to the girl, finally accepting the new reality. He lifted his palm in surrender, kneeling over to slide the Neutrino across the metal floor, to the opposite side of the room. He held up his other palm as he slowly straightened up, showing Minerva he was unarmed. He wanted to speak, to say something - but for the first time in his life, he was genuinely too astonished. He would've frowned at the amount of first times he'd had in the span of a few months, but perhaps there was a first for everything.

"Bébé, maman is okay. We're just playing a game. See?" Minerva held up her gun, softly placing it back on the worktable. "Maman won! So, we're just going to talk now, okay?"

"Okay. But why is he here? I want to play-"

"Numi! Inside! Now!"

The small child, Numi, stuck her tongue out at the red-haired woman as her fists landed on her hips. "Ugh! Fine!" she yelped, storming back into the hallway.

When the sliding door closed behind her with a pneumatic hiss, Minerva gripped her forehead in irritation, sputtering curses under her breath. "Mon dieu. Putain de merde."

Artemis hardened his gaze at Minerva, his grimace growing increasingly disturbed. "Why do you have a child with you?"

Minerva peered at him, an annoyed frown stretched across her face. She didn't speak - she let her expression do that for him instead.

"Why is there a child with you?" Artemis repeated more adamantly, tensing his shoulders as he approached her when he had a sudden realization that halted him. He felt as though his entire soul had slithered out of his body through his feet. His cheeks paled, and he was sure his knees would buckle any moment. He gulped, eyes wide. "Is she…? She's not-?"

"No, you moron," Minerva groaned, resting against the table as she readjusted her trucker hat. "She's not yours. Don't be stupid."

Artemis felt his soul return, breath filling his grateful lungs once more. "Oh, thank gods." It wasn't an expression he'd ever used before, but he'd heard Holly say it enough times that it felt appropriate for the moment. He took a big sigh of relief, refocusing back at the issue at hand. "But, she's still yours?"

Minerva crossed her arms, her glare burning into him. She struggled with how best to frame things, what exactly to say. She eventually gave up, dropping her focus to the floor with a soft nod.

Artemis raised his palms and took another slow step forward, as if approaching a wild animal. "What's going on here?" he asked calmly. "Just tell me."

Minerva clamped down on dark lips, her thin brows furrowed together. She shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose in irritation, selecting her answer carefully. "I got married," she announced suddenly. Her serious stare flicked back to him. "Just listen, oui?"

He nodded. There wasn't much more to say.

"When you left. I met someone, a fairy, and we married. It was illegitimate, but he was the love of my life." Her eyes darkened when her gaze moved back to the floor, as if reliving the memory. "So, we had a child. Like you mocked me earlier, it was all I ever wanted. My own happy, little family.

"He died. He was killed, by ACRONYM. The same anti-fairy organization that hunted your brothers." Minerva gazed back at him, studying the increasing confusion on his pallid face. "Did you even know about that?"

"I- I didn't."

"Pfft. Well, when they found our hideout, my partner died protecting us. His name was Terran. They shot him with anti-magick, the same substance I used against Holly. Except, unlike hers, his didn't dissolve. His was a silver bullet coated in it. He died. He was killed instantly."

"That's terrible… I'm very sorry to hear that." The rest of her sentence processed, shaking him to his core. "Wait, you had Holly shot?" Artemis inquired rapidly, trying his best to ignore the boiling blood in his veins. "When? What did you-" His eyes widened and he stormed at her, resisting the urge to wrangle her throat. "What did you do to Holly?!"

"Artemis, she's fine! I designed it to be non-fatal. She's on her way to get you now." Minerva threw up her hands to stop him, shoving him back. "You don't remember? In Haven? I saw it on the cams. My crew shot you too," she said, nodding to his right shoulder. "They weren't supposed to. But, now you see why I didn't trust them to tranquilize you."

Artemis took a few breaths to calm himself down. This sort of protective rage was new to him. He'd never been an aggressive person, but he couldn't decide if it was Minerva that brought it out of him, or if it was the overwhelming instinct to keep Holly safe. Perhaps both, he concluded. But still, why couldn't he remember what had happened? She said you were shot. Perhaps the events that occurred are too intense to recollect?

Artemis shook himself out of his thoughts, running a clammy hand to smooth his bangs back. "I'm sorry about your husband. I can't even imagine what you're going through. But, how is any of this going to get me to help you?"

"ACRONYM hasn't stopped hunting, Artemis. They've had a resurgence in Brazil, and they haven't stopped hunting. They're looking for Numi. My baby is next.

"There is nowhere on this planet I can take my baby girl. There is no country, no city, no island, where she will be safe. Trust me. I've tried."

"I understand, and I am terribly sorry this has happened to you. Truly, I only wished the best for you. But I am confused how you think I can help."

"You live in Haven. A human. Living in Haven. How is it that you , Artemis Fowl, are allowed residency amongst the People, when you're not even a fairy yourself? My daughter? She cannot pass for a human. She is too small, too unique, too smart. Her magick is strong, even for a hybrid. Keeping her hidden away on the surface is no life for a child. No life for a fairy. She deserves to be with other children. She deserves to be with her people. She deserves to be safe."

It was all coming together now, and he could visualize her plan in his head. "So, you want me to help you immigrate to Haven." He grunted in frustration, gripping his forehead. "Why not call me? Why go through all of this just to capture my attention? This only makes things harder for you."

Minerva shook her head in disagreement. She wasn't confident, even well-spoken like usual. Her arms trembled slightly, clearly unnerved. "I wanted to contact Holly. Even Lazuli, but I heard she went rogue. And then, I saw your name amongst my contacts. I couldn't believe it. Artemis Fowl. Out to shaft me once again."

"Okay? So why didn't you just call? Leave a text? Unless-" he gave a small gasp of realization. "You're on the run from the LEP as well?"

Minerva nodded. "They found pods in our smuggling chute, and traced them back to me. Lazuli helped me escape last year. I've been in hiding ever since. I couldn't risk contacting you and you turning me in, or telling Holly, or being tapped, or whatever. Especially considering she arrested you…" she raised an unimpressed brow. "Besides, you owe me a favor."

"Do I?" And then he remembered. He'd never kept his promises to her while they dated. His final promise had been to grant her one favor, any favor, when he returned from Mars. Artemis sighed, stroking the dark hair along his jaw in thought. "Alright then. I understand. Your decisions may not sit well with me, but I've no idea what it means to be a single mother. I've no idea what you're experiencing right now. So…" He peered at her as he scowled, "I'll bury how I feel about you, and I'll help. But I can't guarantee Holly will. She's fiercely protective of me, and there is a chance she'll turn you in."

Minerva refused the sentiment, shaking her head angrily as she bolted towards him. "Absolutely not! Absolutely no one will tear my baby girl away from me. No one." She was scarier than Artemis had ever seen her, which, for Minerva, wasn't often. But her unhinged aggression was a newer trait. It was likely motherhood, he assumed. Motherhood forced even the sweetest of women to be terrifying. "Numi will not be motherless. She will not be motherless like I was. I fucking refuse it-"

"I know. I know. I understand." He ran his hand down a long face. "You should give me back my communicator," he suggested, lifting his empty middle finger to wiggle it in her face. "Let me call Holly. Let me tell her I'm safe."

"Don't flick me off, idiot." Minerva shrugged, arching a brow. "Did you not hear anything I just said? No calls, Artemis. No contact. She'll get here when she gets here."

"I hope for your sake she brings Butler."

"Why?"

"I wasn't kidding, Min. She might actually kill you."

Southern Coast of Ireland

Shippool Woods

The purity of undisturbed nature was one of several reasons Ireland was considered one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Even on a gloomy and fogged afternoon, Shippool Woods radiated mystical beauty.

Holly remained shielded as she landed gently, lush, emerald grass crunching beneath her boots. Her elfin ears tingled when she tore off her helmet, tuning in to the trickling of a creek nearby. The chill, misty wind rustled her braids as the breeze whispered amongst the evergreen trees, their leaves eager to spread their message. She inhaled another fresh breath. She was so enamored with the coastal air and flora, she'd nearly forgotten why she was here. Nearly.

A red dot beeped on her wrist locator, and Holly followed the path a little deeper into the brush, the sounds of running water growing louder. She eventually came upon a mossy bank beside a steady stream, hesitating as a giant, bald human hunched over a boulder. He had donned a grey long-sleeve knit, complete with a bulky black Kevlar vest and matching combat pants. The human in question was none other than Artemis' loyal bodyguard and oldest friend, Domovoi Butler.

Holly let her shield slip away, materializing a few feet away from the man. He knew she was there, of course. He turned to investigate her before she could greet him, deep creases around his dark eyes. Despite their situation, his chiseled face remained kind and calm.

"Holly," Butler said, turning to fully face her. He couldn't help breaking into the tiniest of smiles, but didn't approach her. "It's been years."

"Yeah." Holly nodded, her cheeks burning at the sight of him. She mindlessly played with her braids, tossing them over her shoulder. "You look great. I'm glad you're okay."

"Same to you."

Holly chewed on her lip, opening her wings' throttle so she could hover at Butler's massive height. "Can I have a hug?" she pouted, messing with a braid.

Butler's smile fell and he opened his arms to her. "Of course. You never need to ask."

Holly surged forward, burying herself into his chest. "It's good to see you," she whispered. At least she wasn't crying now - it'd be much too embarrassing to lose her composure in front of him. She pulled back but kept at arm's length, pressing a friendly kiss to his cheek. "I've missed you, big guy. You look a little smaller than I remember."

"Yes, those would be the joys of space." Butler nodded to her braids, his eyes bright with curiosity. "Those aren't regulation. What happened?" he asked.

Holly snorted, playfully jabbing a finger in his face. "Your sister is what happened! This is all her fault!"

"That sounds about right."

They chuckled together, the sound eventually dying off as they itched to resume their mission. Butler broke the silence first, studying Holly's distressed brow. "So, what happened?"

Holly exhaled a deep, annoyed breath, and gave him a brief but detailed run-down of the events of the hours prior. She didn't bother apologizing, or begging for Butler's forgiveness. She held her chin high, determined to fix her wrongs, for it was all she could do. A million apologies wouldn't save Artemis.

"So, Artemis is armed?" Butler asked her, turning back to the briefcases stacked on the boulder.

"He should be."

"Does that mean you're not?" Butler clicked open a briefcase, revealing a Sig Sauer P365 with a threaded barrel and silencer suppressor atop padded foam. He put the pistol together in seconds, handing the grip to Holly. "You can take this if you need it."

Holly gulped, her eyes hardening on the metallic gun. She reached for the grip, feeling its weight in her hands. "I don't like human firearms."

"I know," Butler frowned. "But I need you armed, Commodore." He put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't use it unless you need to."

Holly glanced back up at Butler, trusting his sternness, and nodded. She had to loosen her holster a bit to wedge the human gun inside, but it held nonetheless.

"Okay. I go in first, like the note stated," Holly announced, her eyes more fierce than a wind storm. She slipped her helmet back on, changing her locator to the note's location. 2 min. "Meet you there," Holly said to Butler before she zipped off, breaking through the mist like it was a web, her figure blended perfectly into the clouds above.

Butler cocked his own modified Sig 1911, advancing through the lush woods silently. Branches snapped beneath his boots and the fog was thick as it clung to the trees, but he didn't focus on anything but Artemis' location. Whether or not his charge, his dearest friend, was alive, was not something Butler could allow himself to contemplate. Saving Artemis was not an option - it was a given.

Kinsale Coast, Southern Ireland

Holly's locator beeped rapidly as she approached an empty coastline, angry white waves crashing into the rocks at the cliffside. If only she had a minute to appreciate the view.

Holly checked her locator again, confused about the location. Was there meant to be something here? There were no buildings or people in sight. She switched to her thermals, when - there!

Three red dots were directly below. Holly switched her sights, now able to see the shielded shuttle below. "Butler," she said into her comm. "There's three bodies in a shielded shuttle. I'm dropping down now."

"10-4."

Holly hovered down, her boots light on the blades of grass. She approached the shuttle along its side, careful to keep out of view. She looked around to ensure her surroundings were clear when she unshielded, eyes squinted at the woods behind her. "Do you see me?"

"Affirmative."

Holly plucked the human pistol from its holster, her grip tight as it weighed nicely in her hands. She flattened herself against the surface, slithering along the wall until she felt the entrance. She halted, checking the door on her filter, and reaffirmed her grip on the pistol. She blew out a steady stream of concentrated air, calming the jitters in her nerves.

You are a trained hostage negotiator. Forget this is Artemis. Concentrate.

The entrance hissed and heaved to her surprise, her eyes darting around the clearing as the shuttle suddenly materialized beside her. The main door power-lifted upwards, revealing entry into the shuttle. Holly lifted the Sig and aimed ahead as the door lifted over her head.

Do what you need to do.

Minerva's Shuttle

Moments Before

Artemis wrung his hands as he paced back and forth, his dress shoes clacking against the metal floor.

"How much longer?" Artemis whined, resting his back against a titanium wall, eyes traveling the interior of the shuttle out of boredom. "Where did you bring us, anyway?"

"We're in southern Ireland, on the coast," Minerva replied nonchalantly, largely ignoring the Irish male in front of her. She tinkered with the derringer handgun on her work table, using a screwdriver to replace its current grip for a thicker, sturdier one.

Artemis crossed his arms, studying her intently. Eventually, he felt compelled to ask, "Why would you choose the life of a fairy smuggler?"

Minerva smirked to herself, not bothering to glance up. "It was Terran's lifestyle. I just wanted a taste of the fairy world. Curiosity killed the cat, I suppose."

"Right, but you're a genius." Artemis shrugged. "And admittedly, you're brilliant at times. You could've been anything you wanted."

"I still can."

Artemis opened his mouth to retort her answer but was interrupted by the ringing alarm that reverberated from the cockpit.

Minerva's head shot up, intense eyes glued to the largest door across them. "She's here."

Artemis moved off the wall, eyeing Minerva reach for the peashooter. "If she sees you holding that, she will shoot," he warned in gravely tones, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest as he stood in front of her like a shield. "You're putting yourself in danger."

"I can't risk it, Artemis," Minerva insisted, shaking her head stubbornly, ruby locks flowing at her waist. "I can't."

Artemis didn't reply, rolling his eyes instead as they turned their attention to the hiss of the pneumatic seal of the door, watching the aluminum seal lift, allowing dim sunlight to flood the shuttle's interior. This was the moment of truth.

Here we go, Artemis thought, lifting his palms, preparing to calm the officer coming through. He felt a bead of sweat dribble down his temple as they waited for the doorway to clear, squinting while their vision adjusted. The silhouette of a petite but strong fairy was centered amongst the light, iridescent wings fluttering behind her a hundred miles a minute.

Holly rushed forward, the Sig aimed at the figure before her when she blinked several times, her nose wrinkled in confusion. "A-Artemis?" she gaped, eyes roaming his figure in awe. She dropped the pistol to her side as she hovered towards him. "You're-? You're-?" She didn't get to finish her question, eyes drifting to the mysterious woman behind him. But what was even more concerning, this human woman was armed.

"Stay back, human!" Holly aimed the Sig at the woman's tattooed shoulder before either could react. "Drop the gun!" Holly ordered in English, reaching a hand out to grasp Artemis, shoving him out of the way behind her. "I said drop it! Now!"

"Holly," Artemis interjected, his touch gentle on her shoulder so as to not jolt her. "Holls, it's okay. It's just-"

But Holly was hyperfocused on the woman, shouldering Artemis off her. "Drop the gun now!"

The entire scenario had Minerva's nerves tossed around like a riptide. She couldn't resist the instinct to lift her gun at Holly's, both barrels staring each other down. Only one gun holder was calm and alert, the other was shivering and shaking apart.

"Drop it!"

"Holly, it's just-" Artemis tried again, but it was no use. Holly shoved him back harder, backing them further away from the woman.

"Now!"

"It's Minerva!" Artemis shouted. His next move was risky, but he couldn't allow things to escalate. He jumped between their guns, both of his arms raised to block their standoff.

"Holy Frond!" Holly immediately dropped her gun to her hip, her glare on him fiercer than a dozen suns. "What the fuck are you doing?!"

"It's Minerva! It's okay!" he explained quickly, turning back to motion at Minerva's firearm. "C'mon."

Minerva groaned but complied, lowering the gun and placing it on the table behind her. She lifted her palm to show she was unarmed, throwing a grimace Holly's way. "There."

Holly shoved the Sig back into her holster, eyes narrowed at the human behind Artemis. "What do you mean that's Minerva?" She shook her head in disbelief. "That's not Minerva-"

"It is. She's disguised," Artemis said, placing both hands on Holly's padded shoulders. "I'm okay."

Holly looked him over, and he was telling the truth. Nothing looked broken, or was bleeding, and his vitals on her visor proved that. He didn't seem to be in pain. "But? I don't-?" She didn't understand, but when the realization seeped in that it was, in fact, Minerva, who had kidnapped Artemis, who had set up this entire scheme, Holly slowly trained her gaze on her. "She-?" Her eyes widened in rage, teeth grinding together. "Oh hell no."

Holly felt a volcano erupt inside of her, her limbs felt so light and bubbly that if it hadn't been for her wings, she may have floated off in anger. She tossed Artemis out of her way and flew towards the French woman, tiny fists tight at her sides.

Artemis reached out to catch her but she was too fast. "Holly, don't-!" But it was too late.

Holly slammed her fist into Minerva's cheek, sending the woman careening into the titanium wall. "You bitch!" Holly screamed. Her training wouldn't help here - this was personal now. She smashed another fist into the other cheek, pummeling the woman into the wall.

"Holly, stop!" Artemis tugged on his friend's arms, doing what he could to tear her off of Minerva, but his efforts barely slowed her down. "Holls, listen to me!"

"What?!" Holly seethed. She held Minerva's skimpy tank in place against the wall as Holly rounded on him. "How can you possibly defend her?! We almost died!" She snapped back to Minerva, shouting in her face. "Artemis nearly died!"

Before any other words could be said, a shrill and innocent voice tore through the tense air. "Maman!"

Numi dashed across the shuttle, buckling her knees beside her mother. "Non, Maman!"

Holly released Minerva in shock, letting her slump to the floor. The preschooler pressed her palms to her mother's bloodied cheeks. Deep violet magick swarmed her limbs, encasing her mother's flesh with purple sparks. Each spark was strong and purposeful, seeking out the flesh it needed to sew and heal, and sinking further to heal the injuries beyond. Holly backed up as the violet halo engulfed them, purple light glowing off the walls. Holly's gaze grew wider by the minute. This child… but she looked human?

"What is this?" she asked in disgust, curling her lip at Minerva. "What the hell did you do?"

"Leave mama alone!" Numi shrieked at Holly in Gnommish, her shrill voice layered with the hypnotic mesmer along with any nightmares the small girl could imagine, conjuring up the scariest things her young life had seen and encountered.

But Holly, like any reasonable, sociable fairy turned her sights on Numi, her eyes bearing into the small girl's mind. Her visor suddenly flashed, like a cat's in dim light, and she reflected back any magick the preschooler had tossed at her, Numi's own nightmares and scares swarming her head like a violent, indigo sea.

"Numi?!" Minerva came to, grasping her daughter's head gently. "Baby, what is it?" She rounded on Holly, eyes wild behind glass frames. "What did you do to her?!"

"It's a fairy thing. You wouldn't understand," Holly snarled, tearing off her helmet, her glaring sights still set on Numi, watching the girl writhe in horror. "Now she knows not to try her magick on fellow fairies." Holly landed swiftly on the ground beside them.

"If you hurt her, I will kill you," Minerva growled at Holly, the knuckles on her fists white.

But Holly shrugged her off. "She's completely fine." She turned to Minerva, brows wrinkled deeply in disappointment. "Why do you have a fairy child?" She looked back at Numi, unable to believe her eyes. "Why is she-?" She turned to Artemis for answers, unable to find the words that matched her thought process.

"She's mine," Minerva snapped quickly, holding the girl close to her chest.

"Yours?" Holly gave a sharp laugh, eyes darting between the woman and her daughter. "What do you mean yours? You're a human. She's a-" Holly ate her own words, speechless the longer she stared at Numi. "She's…a…" She fell a few feet back, shaking her head in disbelief, her eyes like melons. "What?! You-?"

"Yes. She is mine," Minerva scowled, getting to her knees with Numi wrapped around her chest. "As in, I grew her. Inside me. For eleven months."

"N-no," Holly continued, aghast. She turned to Artemis, wishing he'd say something, but he was silent, worrisome eyes over their backs instead. "Artemis. Say something."

"Hm?" He turned his attention back to her.

"She's-" Holly jabbed a finger in Minerva's direction. "She's lying-"

"I don't think she is," Artemis replied sternly, glancing at Minerva and Numi.

Holly looked between them, unable to wrap the situation around her head. On one hand, she felt disgusted. Had the child not been present, she may have expressed that. A hybrid baby? A human and a fairy reproducing? It was a myth, like out of fairytales. Something like this hadn't been seen in nearly a century. How had Minerva even managed that?

On the other hand, Holly felt compelled by compassion to understand more. She reached a singular finger out to Numi, forcing a small yet stressed smile across flushed cheeks. "Is this your mother?"

Numi nodded. She reached out to meet her fingertip as Minerva watched silently, peering at Holly closely out of concern as their fingertips touched. A tiny indigo glow bloomed from the impact, trailing into the air like magickal dust. Numi gripped Holly's finger, analyzing the fairy before her in awe.

"You're like papa," she breathed in Gnommish, suddenly bouncing in her mother's arms. "Another fairy! Another fairy!" Numi tore from Minerva's chest, latching onto Holly instead.

"Numi! Don't, baby," Minerva said gently, reaching to retrieve her daughter from Holly. "Sorry-"

"It's okay," Holly waved her off, glancing down at the miniature blonde head buried in her chest. Holly peeled her curls apart curiously, examining the girl's ears. There they were - sharp, pointed ears hidden beneath the wild bed of curls. "You've never met another fairy?" she asked, her heart cracking in two.

Numi shook her head, giant brown eyes peering at Holly. "Only papa." Numi puffed out her chest, jamming a fist to her hip. "Papa is out being brave right now! Mama says he's a hero, and that sometimes it takes time for heroes to come home." Numi turned to her mother, her eyes bright and hopeful. "Right, maman?"

Minerva was trying her best to keep her composure, her breathing labored as her eyes watered. "O-of course, baby." She avoided Holly's suspicious gaze, glancing at Artemis instead, her subtle expression screaming, "Don't you dare."

He got the message, nodding to her in understanding, but Holly gasped beside him, covering her mouth with her hand.

Don't worry, baby. Daddy's a hero, remember? He'll be home soon.

A single tear escaped Holly's left eye, leaving a salty trail down her cheek. Minerva's expression, Numi's innocence - it reminded Holly of when her own mother had kept her father's death hidden from her, until Holly had figured it out nearly a year later.

"Holls?" It was Artemis' voice that broke her out of the memory, his tone was softer than usual. He placed a tender hand on her shoulder, stroking the padding softly. "Are you alright?"

"Don't cry," Numi said abruptly, reaching her tiny palm out to touch Holly's cheek. "Maman told me 'pretty girls don't cry.'"

Holly couldn't help but smile, giving the girl a determined nod. "Don't worry. It was just a mean memory."

"Yeah!" Numi agreed, flashing Holly a teeny-toothed smile. "Mean memories go BOOM!" she giggled, bobbing her head forward for emphasis.

Minerva chuckled, her hostile, mama-bear demeanor finally relaxed a few notches. "Alright, bébé. Come here." She lifted her arms to scoop her daughter when she caught a shadow in the corner of her eye, freezing in place. Her eyes darted left, fear spiralling through her as she made out a beast-like figure in the shadows of the shuttle. She jumped a little when she realized who the figure would be. "Hi."

This caused further intrigue, each of the group craning their necks to follow Minerva's gaze.

Artemis recognized him instantly, jumping to his feet, unable to take his eyes off the man. "Butler…" A sad smile broke on his lips, his dark brows furrowed in guilt. He thought of several things to say, finally coming out with, "You look well."

Butler stepped from the shadows, his arms crossed sternly across his vest. "I wish I could say the same for you," he joked, nodding to Artemis' tattered dress shirt. "You said you were okay. Are you?"

"Yes," Artemis nodded assuredly. "I promise. Thank you." There was a rigid silence that drifted between them. The last time Artemis had seen him, they'd arrived on Earth and gotten Butler to the nearest hospital. After that, he was left to his cottage in Duncade, free of Artemis and his deadly schemes… just for a while, anyway.

"Always getting into trouble, aren't you, Artemis?" Butler sighed. "Thankfully, you seem to have this one handled on your own."

"I've handled a few things on my own now."

"Ahem," Holly cleared her throat, elbowing Artemis' ribs lightly.

"Yes, not without Holly's help, of course," Artemis grumbled, giving her a playful glare.

"Maman," Numi whispered, ducking for cover in her mother's chest. "That man is scary."

"I know," Minerva said, running her fingers through the girl's hair. "He is scary, but I promise he's the best friend you could ever have." She glanced up at Butler. It was a sorry look. She could see his disappointment rolling off of him like steam. "You're always safe with him."

"Numi," Holly said. "That's your name, right?"

"Yeah," she replied meekly in Gnommish, still hidden in her mother's chest.

"Why don't you go to your room for a bit? I think the grown-ups need to talk."

"Come on, baby," Minerva agreed. She got to her feet, the little girl latched to her like a koala. "Just for a minute, okay?"

"Okay."

Long, awkward minutes passed when Minerva emerged alone from the smaller door on their left, her hands wrung nervously together as she shuffled forward.

Holly crossed her arms, meeting the woman in the center of the room. "I understand you have a child now. I understand you're a single mother, and you're scared, and protective." She threw her hands up, motioning to Butler. "And I say this right now, right here so Butler can hear." Holly stared at her with heated passion, the tips of her ears burnt red. "Artemis and I almost died. No! Actually!" She jabbed a finger in Artemis' direction now. "Artemis did die. He was dead for a good minute or so. And because you shot me, I had no magick, Minerva. I had to resuscitate him! With CPR! HE NEARLY DIED!"

Holly was shaking with rage. It took all her restraint to keep herself from bashing Minerva's face again. "And Artemis doesn't hold that against you because he doesn't remember it. He doesn't remember, but I do. And that was not fucking okay."

"May I explain?" Minerva inquired quickly.

"NO! I don't care what your reasons are-"

"Holly," Butler interrupted with a firm hand to her shoulder. "Let her speak."

"Are you taking her side, Butler?!" Holly whirled around, eyes burning into him. "After what she did to Artemis?!"

"I'm on Artemis' side, as I always will be," Butler corrected her gruffly. "But I'd like to hear what Minerva has to say." He nodded in Minerva's direction, as if reassuring her to continue.

Minerva stood before the trio, taking a deep, steady breath. She explained to them as she had to Artemis, detailing her dilemma, and how there was nowhere to go and no other way to contact Artemis.

"So you kidnapped him?" Holly interjected mid-explanation, still fuming at the woman. "Surely there must've been another way?"

"I debated other methods, but I will be honest." Minerva's gaze drifted between Artemis and Butler. "I was resentful of Artemis. I could've picked a more serene route, but after everything we've been through… and him coming into my domain, destroying my network and my income? He needed to be put in his place." Minerva glared at Butler, who glared back, only his was scary and domineering. But Minerva didn't feel threatened. Instead, she felt sorry. "Artemis was never supposed to get hurt. I prepared anti-magick for Holly so she couldn't use it on me when she rescued him." Minerva turned to Holly now, a sour snarl on her burgundy lips. "I'm sorry Artemis nearly died, but that was entirely on you. You were leading him. I saw it all. He went over that railing because of you."

Holly surged forward but Butler grasped her arms, holding her back in a bear-hug. "You psycho bitch! This never would've happened if you just hadn't kidnapped him!"

"We can debate the ethics of Minerva's methods later," Artemis chimed in, suddenly weary of his silence. He took a step forward towards their encounter. "For now, we need to form a plan. Holly-" He looked at her, getting lost in the fire of those mismatched eyes.

Even like this. She is so beautiful.

Artemis gulped, focusing back at the task at hand. "Are you on board with moving Minerva into Haven? I know she's a risk, but their lives are at stake. Besides, I can't imagine you'd like seeing them torn apart?"

Holly's fire sizzled out, a wave of depression washing over her instead, cooling the steaming tips of her ears. Her eyes grew increasingly sad the longer she stared at him, the corners of her lips pulled into a frown. She sighed, grimacing at Minerva. "No. I wouldn't want that. Ever." She sighed louder this time, dramatically running a hand over her face. "Fine. I'll see what I can do."

Holly wedged her helmet back over her head, pulling up her contacts to call the commander. "Trouble is not going to like this."

Police Plaza, Haven City

Commander's Quarters

"No."

Holly leaned forward on Trouble's desktop, her sweaty palms fogging the glass. "Trubs, just listen-"

"I said no." Trouble leered at Holly in irritation, jamming his finger onto the tabletop. "You are not permitted to bring any more humans into Haven." He pointed the finger at Artemis in the corner of the room. "This one is already enough to deal with. Speaking of, why is Fowl in here?"

Holly turned to stare at Artemis as well, both elves and Artemis exchanging silent, deadpan stares for half a minute.

"...Ignore him."

She turned back to Trouble, pretending Artemis wasn't there. "It would be massively irresponsible for us to block Haven's access to Minerva and her daughter. I saw her child's display of power. She may be a hybrid species, but her magick was as strong as any fairy child. And, also," Holly leaned in, her brow determined and shoulders confident. "Minerva isn't a regular human. She's a genius. She may be useful to us, so long as we place her on some sort of probation for her crimes. Perhaps she can do some work for us, instead?"

"No, Holly," Trouble refuted, shaking his head frustratedly. "No means no."

"Trouble, her kid used her own mesmer on me. That's a huge no-no. Minerva, as a human, isn't equipped to handle the magickal aspect of her daughter's development. If we are truly concerned for our kind being discovered via the surface, why would we not move them here? And we can't just abandon them. We don't leave our kind behind."

"We can move the kid, then. Fine. It's her birthright." Trouble threw his forehead into his hands. "But the mom needs to stay in her own world. She can not, and will not, move here."

"I can't allow that."

"No? And what're you going to do, Short?" Trouble stood, leaning in to shove his nose against Holly's. "Can you imagine how the Council will react to this? They will have my spine up my asshole-"

"I know! But, I can't leave her orphaned." Holly's lip trembled, emotions bubbling up inside her again. "You know I can't. You know I can't leave her motherless."

"She won't be orphaned," Trouble, sitting back down, eyes back to his holo-screen. "She'll be adopted to a nice family. Case closed."

"Commander. Please," Holly pleaded. "Look at me."

When he did, tired eyes set upon her, he sighed. "It really bothers you, huh?"

"You know why. You of all people should know."

Trouble gripped his forehead again, growling under his breath. "I hate it when you do this." He glanced up with a sigh. "Fine. Let me guess, you already smuggled her down here?"

Holly gave a playful gasp, a dramatic hand over her cheek. "You think I'd smuggle a human into Haven?!"

Trouble didn't reply. He just blinked.

"I'm by the books now, Trubs. I mean it."

"Okay. Well, she doesn't have a visa. How're you getting her in here?"

"She kindaaa already has a shuttle… and knows the chute routes."

Trouble glared at her, drifting his focus between her and Artemis in the corner. "She has what?"

"It's an older model. She said she found it in one of the abandoned tunnels. Fixed it up, runs like butter now. She can get herself down here. You just need to give me the word to allow her clearance."

Trouble fumed at her, his nostrils flaring. Eventually, he settled down, rolling his eyes. "She meets with the Council first thing tomorrow. No exceptions."

Mulberry Row Condominiums, Haven

Apartment 224

The day had been much longer, stressful, dangerous, and unexpected than either Artemis nor Holly could process. The day had begun with sweet kitty kisses, fluffy, homemade waffles, and bright smiles. Nearly twelve hours later, the duo arrived home exhausted.

After sending Butler back home and promising they'd meet the following day, Artemis had gone ahead and rented Minerva and Numi a furnished unit on the fourteenth floor of Holly's building. And now, he was home, finally able to change out of his tattered suit, and replace it with a much cozier, softer cashmere long-sleeve and sweatpants. All after a second, much-needed shower, of course.

Artemis tossed damp bangs from of his eyes as he walked into Holly's living room, the synthetic fur rug soft beneath his toes. He threw a small smile in her direction, observing her get comfy in her pajamas, massaging the back of his neck anxiously. Why did he feel nervous all of a sudden? Perhaps it was just nerves from earlier in the day?

"Any chance Meowington will be back soon?" Artemis asked, breaking the ice.

"Maybe. He comes and goes. He'll probably pop in when we're least expecting him," Holly said, laying down and bringing her blanket up to her chin. "Anyway, we should get some sleep. We have an early morning tomorrow."

"Yes. That we do." They caught eachothers stare, a long-winded silence rippled between them, as if the other wanted to say something more, but both were uncertain. Neither were brave enough to ask; not after the day they'd just had. So, Artemis gave in and took a step back, his gaze softening on the elf below him. "Goodnight, Holls."

"Goodnight, Arty."

"You did fantastic today. Really, you were spectacular." Another awkward silence, and Artemis cleared his throat. "Sweet dreams."

"Thank you. You too."

Artemis had managed to succumb to sleep in Holly's bed, tangled in her mess of sheets after only a few hours when he was promptly awakened by frantic screaming. He shot upright in bed, his first concern was for Holly's well-being. He rolled out of bed, stumbling around in the dark as he struggled to see. Artemis crashed into the wall beside his ajar bedroom door, rubbing his nose in irritation as his vision adjusted to the dark.

"NO! NO! ARTY! NO!"

Artemis shook himself out of the daze, trudging into the dim living room. A single lamp casted a golden glow in the corner of the room, leaving a warm halo wrapped around Holly's snoozing figure. But she wasn't alseep peacefully, as Artemis had been. She was tossing and turning, her face bright red and soaked in tears, her eyes clamped shut.

He raced to her side, shaking her gently in her panic. "Holly. Holly! Wake up!"

"No! No! Please! Please!" she screeched, clawing the air as if for freedom. "Artemis! Please!"

"Holly!" Artemis shouted. He was shaking her shoulders desperately now, even placing a hand to cradle her cheek. "Wake up!"

Holly stopped her distress when she felt his touch, burying her cheek deeper into his hand. A few incoherent mumbles escaped her lips as her eyes fluttered awake, opening to the worried human above her. Holly blinked again, unsure if the gorgeous human holding her was real, or still part of her dreamworld. She nudged his hand again, whispering, "Hm? What happened?"

"You were having a nightmare," Artemis said quietly, his thumb stroking her cheek fondly. "You were shouting my name. Saying no. You were very upset."

Holly suddenly broke into tears, the memory of her dream intertwining with the memory of their chase earlier. "You almost died," she choked out, gripping his shirt and burying her head into his chest. "You- you don't remember. But- but you almost died. You- you-" she sobbed, hiding her face in the soft fabric of his shirt, her tears leaving behind wet stains. "I can't lose you again. I can't. I can't."

"Shhh. It's okay now." Artemis held her close to him for as long as she needed him, running his fingers through her thick, auburn waves. "We're okay now, see?" She nodded, crying into him until her weeps softened, eventually replaced by tiny, rhythmic breaths. After what felt like an hour, Artemis pulled back, observing the elf in her slumber. She seemed to be at peace, her mind kinder now.

Artemis pressed a light kiss to her forehead, unable to resist the urge to show affection for the friend he held so dearly. He pressed his forehead against hers, her face warm and flushed against his icy skin. "Goodnight, Holly," he whispered, carefully peeling her off of him, settling her back into the blankets of the couch. He braced himself to stand, preparing to separate from her and leave her to her slumber, as they had done so many times before.

But, unlike all those times before, Holly grasped his shirt tightly. She opened her eyes lazily, pouting at him. "Stay. Please," she murmured, her grip tighter on his shirt, tugging him back to her, unwilling to let him go. "Please."

Artemis blinked once. He could feel the heat burn his cheeks, spreading through his limbs, dropping butterflies into his stomach. How could he ever say no to those pouty lips and pleading eyes? She wanted him to stay. So, he obliged.

"Okay." He sat down beside her, waiting for her to sit up so he could wedge himself behind her. Holly pressed herself into him as he wrapped his arms around her waist, falling back slowly until his temple hit the pillow.

Artemis couldn't believe his current predicament. He was holding Holly to his chest as she snuggled herself deeper into him, burying her whole face into his soft shirt. He was certain she felt the wild thumping in his chest, her cheeks smothered so close to his heart. He had to accept it: he wanted this. He wanted her. He wanted to hold her close to him at all times, to turn her tears into smiles, and to fade all her trials and tribulations away. His fingers found themselves tracing shapes in her hair, on her bare shoulder, eventually braving the small of her back. He couldn't help but plant another kiss to the top of her head, letting his chin rest atop the auburn mess of hair.

She was really snuggling him. Holly! Snuggling him. Asking him to stay. He couldn't believe it. He couldn't wipe the stupid grin off his face. He couldn't move, terrified it would wake her and cause her to surely come to her senses. So, Artemis closed his eyes, burrowing his face into her hair, letting the clutches of sleep take him once more, though this time was much better.

This time, he wasn't alone.