I Could Smell The Roses

Batteries

Holly POV

Artemis and I don't talk in the morning. I just go around, making breakfast, washing clothes, cleaning dishes and try to keep my mind off last night. If Artemis regains his memory today of our Jon Spiro adventure, he might think otherwise of me. Hopefully. But one part of Artemis was right last night. I'll never look at him the way I looked at old Artemis, at least not until he fully regains his memory. I sigh and put another clean dish on the rack. I hear a cough behind me. Artemis is leaning against the door and watching me wash. I can't help wondering how long he's stood there.
"I was wondering if I could help." Said the Irish genius. I noticed he says the words slowly and laboriously, as if he had chosen them carefully. It wasn't like Artemis to hold back offensive speech. Perhaps he had a guilty subconscious. I nod as an answer.
"Sure. Your on drying duty. You know where the things go." Artemis stared at me.
"No I don't." I realised that it was only old Artemis who knew where things went.
"Well, the cutlery cabinet's over there." I hastily covered my tracks. Artemis looks at me suspiciously, but doesn't say a word as he picks up the drying cloth and gets to work on the plates. We work together in silence with only the sound of running water in the background. Our work becomes almost rhythmic, and before long, we're done. "Finished." Proclaims old Artemis in my mind. I shake my head. I can do remembering old Artemis later, perhaps even with him, if I'm feeling particularly emotional that time. At the moment, I have to focus on getting Artemis back to what he used to be. This time, I take Artemis to a fancy restaurant, one close to one Artemis' father might go to.. As we sit and order, Artemis looks around and takes in the rich holsters and classical music and adopts a relaxed expression. It's obvious he feels more at home here. I try to attract the attention of a waiter, but Artemis stops me and raises a finger and says
"Ići garçon." And smiles as if it's a huge joke. Then he looks confused, like he doesn't know why he's smiling. The waiter, automatically. Comes to our table. Any surprise of seeing a human in the midst of Haven is covered up exceptionally well.
"Yes, Monsieur?" Artemis orders and I add in that I want a coffee. The waiter nods and retreats. Artemis sits back and is silent for a moment, and he was probably arranging his memories around. Then he sits forward and asks me.
"May we begin?" I nod.
"So... Your father. Not quite as smart as you, but still, one of the most crafty criminals in the world. Missing after the Russian Mafia sunk his boat, the Fowl Star, on its journey with several hundred tons of coke on board. Guess what you did."
"Did I try to save him?" Asks Artemis dryly. I take no notice of the sarcasm and continue.
"Right. And what do you do once the Russian Mafia contact you showing that your father is alive? You go save him, unarmed, against the most dangerous business men on earth, other than maybe Jon Spiro and Opal Koboi. You know, you are supposed to be smart, Mud Boy." Artemis bristles.
"I'm guessing this is where fairies come into the equation. Something happens below ground, probably, like something supplied by humans. Then I become suspect number one." I hid my awe.
"Correct. Batteries are found to be supplied to the Goblin triad, the B'wa Kell, for an old LEP weapon, the soft nose lasers." And I begin the story, careful to mention everything. I tell Artemis about Briar Cudgeon's efforts to kill Julius Root, and how he used Opal as an apprentice. Then I tell him of his father's rescue, but when I say the word "ransom", Artemis has a seizure. This attracts stares from other tables, but Artemis recovers quickly. He looks up and smiles. He gives himself a few seconds to put everything he just remembered in order, then says,
"What I don't understand is why you forgave me." I smirk,
"Again, don't think about it too much. Your IQ might drop." But I'm thinking about it too. I store it away for later. Artemis and I dine in silence. Well, Artemis dines, and I sip my coffee. Once we're done, we walk home and Artemis talks to me about his father and reply while trying not to give away too much that will scramble his memories. While we walk down an alley, I hear a growling noise. I freeze.
"Artemis, did you hear that?" Artemis frowns,
"What?" I don't move, then the growling noise comes back. Artemis freezes with me,
"What's that?" He asks, I don't think the risk. I grab Artemis and pull him behind me.
"Stay back Arty!" I yell as a huge, hulking shape, hiding in the shadows, advances.
"Arty?" He mutters. I ignore him.
"Don't touch us." I warn whatever it is in Gnommish. No effect. I'm running out of options. Then Artemis pushes in front of me and says in perfect Gnommish.
"Leave." And oddly, the figure retreats. As soon as it's gone. Artemis spins towards me.
"Holly, are you okay?" He asks with worry. I frown.
"Of course. Let's go." Artemis can see that our unknown adversary bothers me, but doesn't say a thing until we're outside my home.
"Holly?"
"Yes?"
"When I stepped in front of you when we faced the thing, I felt some overwhelming feeling to kis-" I whirl round,
"What?" But Artemis has shut up like a clam. Great, more things to worry about.
"Nothing."
----
Artemis Fowl II Health Report
Memory recollection Stage 2
Complete
Witness:
Holly Short
Complications:
Possible Memory Confusion
Remarks:
Seems to be more open and emotional, perhaps is realising things he's missed first time round.