Artemis Fowl: The Unpredictable Future

Chapter 27: Winds Of Change

As Artemis and Foaly retired themselves to the confines of the hidden lab, Caballine left outside to tend to what was left of her garden. Charlie chose to lend his assistance to her. He knew he wasn't technologically adept enough to be of any help to the scientists in the house. Holly and Rachel were in the bedroom, deciding that there were a few things they needed to talk about before their departure.

"I guess that explains why we got all down and dirty with each other." Rachel nervously laughed She scratched the back of her head, "It also explains why Artemis asked me such a weird question before he left to find you."

"He asked you a weird question?" Holly tilted her head.

"Oh yea. He asked if I was always attracted to girls. It was just kinda out of the blue." She leaned back and bobbed her head from side to side, smiling. "I told him that I was, but it wasn't until I met you guys that I wanted to try anything. As amazing as it was, I think I'll stick to girls though." Rachel winked at the elf.

Holly laughed and playfully punched her in the shoulder, "Becoming so close to another girl never even crossed my mind before I came here. No offense Rachel, but I think I'll stick to guys." She laughed She lied back on the bed. "Do you think I could get your advice on something?"

Rachel stretched back, lying next to Holly and stared at the ceiling, "Shoot it by me Cap'n!"

Holly rested her hands behind her head, "Well... When Artemis and I return to our own time, it's possible that we won't have the same feelings for each other. I mean, there was always something about him that I admired. It crossed my mind a few times but it's just... unethical. He's a human and I'm an elf." She breathed in and looked to the side, "There is actually this other elf back home who confessed his feelings to me. We work together in recon. His name is Trouble Kelp. I was so shocked and confused when he told me. He was always portrayed as the dignified older brother to everyone in the force, myself included."

Rachel turned to her side and rested her arm under her head, looking at Holly with her usual innocent look, "What did you tell him after he confessed?"

Holly rolled to her side and returned Rachel's look, "I told him I would have an answer after my vacation with Artemis. Obviously, I'm more confused now than I ever was. I just don't know what to do anymore." She looked down towards her pillow.

Rachel tapped her lips with a finger, thinking. "Well... what was your first thought when he told you?"

Holly turned and lied flat on her back, huffing out a sigh, "My head is telling me to give Trouble a chance. Even if he isn't 'the one' for me, he makes more sense to try a relationship with. We're the same species and there would be a lot less complications in the long run if we last."

Rachel rolled over on top of Holly, sitting on her pelvis with her hands outstretched beside Holly's ears, staring into her mismatched eyes a few inches away. "And what does your heart tell you?"

Holly expression softened, not noticing her hand sliding up and resting on top of her chest while her lips failed to conceal a smile. She looked down and whispered, "Artemis..."

As his name escaped her lips, Rachel closed her eyes as the warm, soothing sound resonated in her ears. She crawled off of Holly and stood by the side of the bed, placing her hands on her hips. "Sounds to me like you have your answer!"

Holly sat up, but her smile faded, "Rachel, I will outlive him by several centuries." She clutched at her chest, "As he would age older and older, I will barely have aged physically only a few years." She wrapped her arms around herself and looked down, "On his deathbed, I will still look like a mature child and will have to continue on without him. He can't cheat death forever."