Hi everyone! I just barely squeaked this chapter in before my "deadline" of the movie being released! (And wow, am I super nervous about it!) I meant to have this done sooner, but I'm not going to lie. I procrastinated quite a bit. Partly because I wasn't 100% sure how I was ending it. After some debate, I think this is a good, open ending. And honestly... I think it was maybe time.

As of right now, I haven't decided if I will be writing a Book 3 or not. I want to. I truly do. I just need to think of a good enough plot line. I love writing Diana, Artemis, and the others, so I would like the opportunity to keep their story going. Perhaps one day (soon hopefully) I will write more. By all means, if you have an idea, I am open to hearing it!

That being said, stay tuned for my final (???) author's note sometime in the next couple days. When I've had time to collect my thoughts and all that good stuff- both from this book and the movie. My guess is early next week. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday-ish.  Also, if you still wanted me to do a Q&A like we talked about previously, send me those questions! DM, comment, whatever. I'll answer them.

Without further to do, here is the final chapter in this story. Hope you all like it.

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 Even as an adult, sunlight did not suit Artemis. That was why he was carrying an umbrella while he walked through the gardens at the manor hand-in-hand with Diana, even though it wasn't raining. The sun was shining brightly, and a warm, early summer breeze was messing up his usually perfect hair. He was willing to let that slide. It had been a wonderful day thus far, and he wasn't going to allow something as trivial as wind to ruin it.

It had been close to a month since the ordeal with Ortherion, and all had been relatively well. The Earth had soon returned to normal temperature wise- or as normal as it could given everything. Classes had finished soon after they had returned to their university. It was nice to not have to worry about exams for a few months. Alex had returned home to the States. She was still having a difficult time dealing with Sebastian's untimely death, and Artemis certainly didn't blame her for that. Alex had decided that being at home with her family would be better for her mentally. At one point, he had overheard her chatting with Diana about transferring to a school back home. Diana had been upset by it, but for obvious reasons, also couldn't blame her for wanting to get away from Ireland. One tragic adventure had likely been enough for the young woman.

He was, however, shocked that the LEP had allowed her to keep her memories of the events. Artemis hadn't inquired about it, but he assumed it was likely because of Alex's friendship with Diana. The girl had been sworn to secrecy, and was hopefully making up some story about what happened to Sebastian if someone asked. As horrible as it sounded. Artemis had felt incredibly guilty about what had happened to Sebastian, and had anonymously paid for his funeral services. It was the least he could do. After all, if it wasn't for Artemis stealing the gem, Sebastian would've never gotten involved and would be still alive.

But he was not worried about Alex right now. In all honesty, he had a lot more pressing matters on his mind than their friend's plight. He only hoped that everything went according to plan. This was to be no ordinary stroll through the garden. This was to be life-changing, no matter which way it went. He was uncharacteristically nervous, and Diana noticed it.

"You okay, Artemis?" her voice asked, breaking his thoughts. "Your hand is sweaty."

"Oh, um, yes. I'm fine," he answered. "It's just... a bit warm out today, that's all."

Diana seemed to buy that answer. "It is warmer today than it has been recently. Maybe it's because the sun is out for once," she replied, hardly hiding a laugh.

Artemis looked over at her and smiled. The bright sunlight danced across her face, enhancing the red undertones of her normally brown hair and eyes. "It's a rare, beautiful day," he agreed, but he certainly wasn't thinking about the weather.

Silence fell over them for a moment, as the two of them came to a stop in front of a blooming lilac tree. Artemis looked up at the small purple flowers, the harsh sunlight piercing through the gentle blooms. He took a deep breath before he lowered the umbrella, closing it as his gaze shifted to the ground. It would be an easier conversation without him holding onto an umbrella, so he leaned it against a nearby bench.

"Something wrong, Artemis?" Diana asked.

Artemis shook his head. "Nothing is wrong, love," he assured as he turned to look at her. "I just... have some things I wish to discuss with you."

Diana frowned, and Artemis knew immediately that he had used the wrong words and had caused her to worry. "Alright. What about?" she asked, her voice soft and concerned.

Artemis took her hand in his once more, and led her to the bench. The two of them sat down, and all was silent again for a few moments as Artemis thought over his next words carefully, trying to avoid causing her any more distress.

"I've been thinking a lot about what has transpired the last few months," Artemis began. He took a deep breath. "First of all, I do believe I owe you an apology."

"For what?"

"I had made a promise to you, a promise that I was no longer living a life of crime," Artemis explained. "And I broke it. By breaking that promise, I caused damage that I can never undo. I know words are only words, and my actions cannot be undone. I am sorry that you, your friend, and her lover got dragged into a mess I made. All I can do now is assure you that it will not happen again."

Diana nodded slowly, but it took her a few moments to say anything. "I forgive you." She sighed as her gaze shifted to the ground. "You lived a criminal lifestyle for years. It would be foolish for me to assume that you could so easily break it. One relapse in the nearly three years we've been together isn't that bad. I mean, it is, but it also could've been so much worse."

"I appreciate you thinking so, but one mistake is one too many in this case," Artemis responded quietly. "People are dead because of me." He paused to take a shaky breath. "And it is because of that I am making a new promise to you. Never again will I use my talents for evil."

Diana looked up at him. "Never?"

"Never," he repeated. "Either one of us could've met the very same fate as Sebastian. We very nearly did." Artemis squeezed her hand gently in his. "And losing you is not something I could handle."

Diana blinked a few times. Artemis noticed her eyes were shiny from tears forming. If she was crying now...

"I couldn't handle losing you either," she replied, finally meeting his gaze. "Why do you think I went after that troll like I did?"

Artemis smiled. "I do believe you said it was because you were crazy about me," he answered. "Which really brings me to the point of this little garden stroll and conversation."

Diana raised an eyebrow. "Telling me you were officially done being a criminal wasn't it?"

She was catching on. "Only part of it," Artemis admitted.

"What is it, Arty?"

It had been a long time since Artemis had felt this nervous. He took another deep breath, willing his heart to slow down. "When I said I couldn't handle the thought of losing you, I meant it. You have seen the best of me, you have seen the worst of me... and yet you stayed," he started. "These years we have spent together have been nothing short of breath-taking." He paused again, contemplating his words carefully. "I have been thinking a lot about our future recently, and I have come to the conclusion that nothing would make me happier than spending the rest of my life with you."

Diana brought her hands to her mouth for a moment, her eyes wide. "What are you trying to say, Artemis?"

Artemis swallowed hard, trying to keep his nerves in check. "What I'm trying to say," he started, but then he got choked up and had to start over. "What I'm trying to ask is if you'd give me the honor of being my bride," he explained. He moved from his seat, and knelt on one knee in front of her. He reached into his pocket, and pulled out a small box, using his thumb to pry it open to reveal a shiny ring. "Diana, will you marry me?"

Diana was certainly crying now, but the smile on her face assured Artemis they were happy tears. The young woman nodded vigorously, and that alone made Artemis smile before she even spoke. "Yes, Artemis. I will."

He stood slowly and pulled Diana to her feet with his free hand. Artemis removed the ring from the box, shut the box and stowed it back in his pocket, before he slid the ring onto her finger and pulled her into a tight embrace. A few tears slipped from his eyes, unchecked. She had said yes. All the weeks of preparation and pep talks had finally paid off. Her head rested on his shoulder, and he could feel some tears seeping through the thin material of his shirt. Neither one of them spoke for a few moments, soaking in the happiness. After what seemed like an eternity, Diana pulled away from Artemis slightly, looking up at him. She had a huge smile on her face, and it was contagious.

"I love you so much, Arty," she said quietly.

"I love you more," was his reply.

Diana promptly closed the distance between the two of them, planting a passionate kiss right on his lips. It caught Artemis off guard for a moment, but soon he was kissing her back with just as much fire. But as quickly as it started, Diana pulled away again, still looking up at him with watery eyes.

He reached up and gently brushed some tears off her face. "This is only the beginning of the rest of our lives together. All I know is that if those years are anything like these first few, we are in for quite the ride."

Diana smiled. "Bring it on."

Artemis smiled back at her and shook his head. "What would I do without you?"

She laughed a little. "I'm not sure you want the answer to that one."

"Touché," Artemis replied. He offered her his arm. "Shall we resume our stroll, future Mrs. Fowl?"

Diana linked her arm with his. "Of course, love," she answered.

Artemis picked up the umbrella again, promptly opening it. Couldn't get a sunburn, after all. His parents and Butler were in on his plan, and were going to take some pictures of the two of them when they returned. While Artemis truly didn't mind how he looked in said photos, he certainly hoped to avoid the uncomfortable state that came along with sunburns. But admittedly, he was too happy to care about physical appearances right now. He had gotten the girl of his dreams to agree to marry him, and that was more important than anything else. He smiled again, and shook it from his mind as the two of them began walking through the garden once more. Historically, the Irish had horrid luck, and yet Artemis couldn't help but think he was the luckiest man alive.

"We're going to have to tell Holly," Diana said, breaking the silence and his thoughts.

Artemis glanced off to his right, noticing a blurry patch near a tree up ahead. His smile turned into a smirk. "Somehow I think she already knows."