Epilogue

The morning after all the strange truth and revelations, everyone had seemed to sink into their own thoughts with minimal interaction the next day. Even Lucille who is the most talkative out of everyone even seemed to be busy reflecting when she wasn't getting chewed out by her parents on the phone or talking to her children with Benton; however, Benton and I went walking the grounds a good part of the day. Just he, I, Snowy, and Cocoa. Benton and I didn't exchange too many words for everything we had to say we could both read each other as if we were telepathic. I myself was emotionally overwhelmed by many things, especially the fact that we have a sister and for her safety cannot contact her in any way. Benton on the other hand seemed more angry than anything. He cursed a few times and threw some stones over a pond while aiming for something that wasn't there.

"You know Fenton, we have to see this through-but in the meantime, my co-worker is still alive in the hospital...all shot up on my account..." Benton paused for a moment.

"His wife tells me he will never be able to fish again and is permanently disabled from his wounds" Benton finished with a sigh.

"That's horrible, but at least he still lives" Tintin reminded him.

Snowy and Cocoa seemed more distant than ever as we walked while disappearing deep into the woods only to appear every so often to make sure we hadn't left them.

"How's Lucille faring?" Tintin asked with concern.

"She seems alright, if she isn't, she isn't telling me..." Benton shrugged as they walked.

"Frau said all would be revealed once all the cubes are found" Benton continued on.

"Yes, and if I get any leads..." Tintin paused.

"You let me know immediately, I want to come with you" Benton emphasized.

"I will" Tintin answered solemnly.

"Aye" Benton nodded.

"So when are you returning back to England?" Tintin asked not wanting to sound like he was wanting them to leave.

"Lucille says we must leave early tomorrow and catch the fairy back, her parents are going to string us alive...my kids really miss me, I'll be glad to see them again" Benton looked up and smiled.

"I'm sure they will be happy to see both their mom and dad" Tintin agreed.

"Wished we could..." Benton sighed as they continued.

"Maybe one day" Tintin smiled.

"Perhaps..." Benton almost muttered.

It was really strange but the rest of the walk was in silence, I really felt like we said what needed to be said and then some. The next morning came faster than I could imagine. They looked for Cocoa for a long time, and almost missed the train on the count of it taking so long to find her. The Captain, Snowy, and I saw them off at the train station as they waved and Cocoa looked sad and so did Snowy.

The Captain and I were only speaking in small snippets here and there, not because there was any animosity or anything, but because even for him it was just a bit much to digest. He was more affectionate to me when we did a nightly stroll on the grounds holding my hand.

"How much longer is Chang and those two young women staying?" the Captain finally asked the question I had been waiting for him to ask.

"I'm not really sure Captain, it is kind of hard to get a flight on the fly all the way back to China you know" Tintin commented.

"I didn't mean anything by it, I was just curious...they can stay as long as they need. Chang is pretty handy in a scrap" the Captain remarked oddly.

"Sorry?" I asked a bit confused and somewhat amazed.

"Y'heard me lad" the Captain coughed as we walked through the cool October air.

I left it at that not wanting to rub it in the Captain's face. He knew something was there between Chang and I, he didn't seemed to be threatened by it now. He had been less intrusive when it came to me and Chang enjoying each other's company, but he always knew I never denied him our time when it came. The girls on the other hand always seemed a few steps behind. I think Yan was really developing a strong connection with Chang, but he always assured me he was not ready to have a family yet. We both laughed.

"So what will you do when you return home?" Tintin asked sincerely concerned.

"I have family obligations, I have received word that Agent Renaud wants me to come back to Switzerland and work with him...the job pays really well, but I don't like being too far from my family; however, I would be closer to you" Chang ended on a happy note.

"Don't be too hasty with your decision making, this is really a very difficult choice to make" Tintin underscored.

"Yes, I know, I must discuss it with my family first before I make the final choice" Chang declared.

"That sounds wonderful, your parents really love you Chang" Tintin reminded.

"Yes, I know, but if you ever need my help finding the rest of those cubes you need only say so" Chang suddenly changed the subject.

"I could not ask you to make another sacrifice as you have already done so much" Tintin replied sincerely.

"I know what these cubes mean for you and more than anything, for you no sacrifice is too big" Chang said like a true friend.

"Aww...Chang..." Tintin almost cried embracing him.

"Chang! What you doing?" Ling cried out.

"Yes, you always so sappy all the time! You make us sad too!" Yan added.

Both Chang and I laughed not getting much more time to ourselves. The Captain was busy on the phone in the other room laughing and carrying on. The next day I got a call from someone from whom I had not spoken to in such a long time. It was Skut!

"Tintin!" a deep voice with a Slovak accent replied.

"Skut!" Tintin expressed with excitement.

"How is everyone?" Skut asked.

"Fine, but...it's a long story" Tintin admitted.

"Hmm...you'll have to tell me about it sometime, but unfortunately I'm very busy with work at the moment. I'm calling you in regards to Nester's request to booking a flight for your friend Chang and two young ladies back to China" Skut quickly got down to business.

"Oh, how did you know about that?" Tintin asked curiously.

"I saw the request form as I was talking to an associate of mine, I knew right away who requested it" Skut explained.

"Oh word really travels fast" Tintin joked.

"No, not really, I just happen to be in the right spot at the right time. I should have a few seats for your friends on a plane tomorrow just before lunch" Skut continued.

"Oh I see..." Tintin said almost with a bit of disappointment in his voice.

"Is it not fast enough?" Skut asked a bit confused.

"Uh yes... yes it is, I'm sure my friend Chang will really appreciate it" Tintin quickly replied.

"Well at least I will finally get to meet Chang whom I've heard about at last" Skut laughed.

"I have to return back to work Tintin, tomorrow at 11 AM on Flight 218. Until we speak again my friend farewell" Skut quickly jumped in.

"Ok, thanks Skut and you too" Tintin said looking for something to write with.

I still don't know how Skut really knew, but I had my suspicions but didn't want to start filling my mind with that kind of paranoia nonsense. The next day Chang, Yan, and Ling went to the airport with Professor Calculus who was going back to Geneva for another conference of some sort. I had to return to work myself with Thompson and Thomson as we had a series of muggings to investigate. I really felt sick the day Chang left, Chang too was sad but promised we would see each other again soon, but Yan and Ling were very happy to finally return back to China.

The Captain not long after asked me if I had wanted to go to Northern Italy with him three days from then, and I was a bit confused as to why. It turned out he had been talking to Captain Chester who had taken a small break once he returned to visit with Enzo and his family. The news about Enzo's recovery was an absolute miracle, it made me forget about being sad.

"Come on landlubber, y'know you want to! It will give us a little time to enjoy some time together away from all the insanity around us" the Captain emphasized.

"I don't know Captain, I've already taken enough time away..." Tintin started but the Captain quickly stopped him.

"You've been working the whole time on this case! What do you think you've been doing? This hasn't been a vacation all this running around long lost relatives, cubes, monsters, and master criminals! Besides, it's only a week" he countered.

"I know but..." Tintin started but was cut off again.

"I'll call both Thompson and Thomson right now and we can fix it" the Captain said picking up the phone to call.

"No! No, I'll talk to them" Tintin stopped him.

"Don't you want to come with me?" the Captain looked Tintin in the eyes almost accusingly.

"Of course I do...don't worry I'll arrange it" Tintin said sincerely.

Deep down I kind of didn't just because I just wanted to stay here at Marlinspike Hall and relax quietly for a change. It had nothing to do with not wanting to be with the Captain, it was just I wanted some time for myself. On the other hand, I was curious to see how Enzo was doing. Both Detectives and I solved the case the morning that we were supposed to leave and quickly made an arrest. It was some foreigner from North Africa who had lost his job and was going after other people whom he had worked with. It was kind of pitiful really, but no matter the circumstances, the law is the law.

The Captain and I flew to northern Italy in Milano and met with Captain Chester. We rode all the way back to Livorno and got to meet Enzo's family. Enzo was doing well. He was still using crutches and had an arm in a sling, but looked quite well. His younger brother Leonard was shy, but he entertained us with his really talented violin playing while his very gracious mother and sister cooked. They kept thanking me for saving Enzo, but I had to remind them, it wasn't just my actions alone that saved him. Captain Chester deserved most of the credit I had told them. They lived in a small house but it was comfortable. During the dinner both Captains kept everyone engaged with more of their fascinating adventures.

"So how have you been doing Tintin" Enzo finally whispered as the Captains bantered keeping Enzo's brother, sister, and mother entertained as they kept getting their wine glasses refilled.

"I've been quite busy actually, was kind of hoping things would have slowed down. I'm just glad to see you're doing as well as you are" Tintin commented with a smile.

"It was touch and go for a bit, I was in the hospital for quite a while. Thankfully Chester's daughter and her family visited me almost everyday until I was able to get out. I stayed with them for almost two weeks until I was ok to travel back home" Enzo explained.

"That's amazing...how is Elizabeth's husband doing?" Tintin asked remembering he too had been shot.

"Yes, he was on crutches up until I got out of the hospital, but he still has a small limp" Enzo continued.

"Their daughter was pretty resilient through it all, luckily I don't think she will remember much about it" Enzo added.

"If only Chang and I had gotten their sooner" Tintin sighed.

"Don't say that! You came and that saved us" Enzo waved his hand in front of Tintin.

"Come on you two, join us with a glass of wine" Chester said as Haddock put two glasses down and Chester filled them.

"Let us make a toast! To Happiness, Peace..." Chester started.

"Friendship, Love, and..." Haddock continued.

"Long life!" Enzo finished.

"Salute!" Everyone cheered including the mother and Enzo's siblings.

"By the way Captain Chester...how are Ballard and Yates doing?" Tintin asked curiously.

"Funny you mention it. They are both more competent now than ever, except once you put the alcohol in front of them...then they are complete nincompoops" Chester laughed.

Both Captains got fairly lit that night, and they kept Enzo's brother playing all kinds of tunes all evening with the Captain promising to call Bianca Castafiore to try to help Enzo's brother pursue a career in music. I knew the Captain would regret that later which he did. The next day Chester told me his niece had been calling a lot asking about me and everyone else. I asked if he had been back to see his sister, but he had shrugged and said he hadn't had the time to visit with all the back logged work. That visit really brought me and the Captain a bit closer again. We got to relive some old memories when Chester mentioned seeing that Captain's old ship.

Oddly enough when we got back, my brother called me and had told me how Alyssa and her husband Nathan were visiting them almost twice a week and that Alyssa was pregnant now. Benton told me Alyssa wanted her own kids after seeing theirs, but she and her mother often asked a lot about not just Enzo, but me and the Captain. He told me I needed to come visit so I could see everyone, but I was a bit hesitant to say yes due to me taking so many holidays. Benton also told me he, Lucille, Alyssa, and the rest of her family were helping Benton's co-worker with as much assistance as possible. Also the church charities were assisting them as well. I was glad to hear that, I never met him but can only imagine how guilty Benton must feel. When we got back, I noticed Ms. Finch was visiting with Nestor some and helping with some of the chores. Nestor was also entertaining on the piano as well, he has quickly learned some fairly decent tunes.

Time was passing by quicker than it ever had, and not a word from INTERPOL about any of the All Seeing Eye but minor whispers. My brother called twice a week, he too was busy with his family and back to his old job surprisingly. He told me Cocoa was about to have a litter of puppies. I was really excited by the news and even told Snowy who continually cocked his head at me barking. I had many reports to write that were menial, the cases were actually mainly citations. Some degree of normalcy had returned back to my life as I woke up, went to work, came home, had dinner, spent time with the Captain, and then went to sleep. In the back of my mind I kept thinking about those creatures. I wondered if we would ever see Frau or Mik, but not one time nor one peep we heard.

I got one long letter from Chang finally. He wrote and told me everyone was fine back home, but there were a few strange occurrences that were happening but didn't go much into detail. Then he began telling me the heartwarming story of Ling reuniting with her mother and father. Chang said they had been given sanctuary permanently on the grounds in a small house. Yan really had no where to go, so Chang's family adopted her. Chang's mother took a good liking to her and she studied martial arts long and hard. Didi found her very impressive with her skills in just the couple months she had been training. Chang continued informing about how Agent Renaud had come to help them out with some other strange findings but again was vague telling me not to worry that all was well. He finished by saying he missed me and hoped we could visit again soon. I immediately wrote a nice page long letter sharing my own events since he left.

Christmas and New Years had come and gone, in some strange way I was kind of hoping something would develop, but nothing. I should have been glad really, until about mid February I got a surprise. The evening I came home one Friday during dinner, we had an unexpected guest show up. It was Skut! He came walking in escorted by Nestor and Ms. Finch who had been coming over quite a bit these days. The Professor was back taking a small break from his research.

"Why Skut! You old rascal! What are ya doing in our neck of the woods?" The Captain welcomed him heartily.

"Hey Captain Haddock! Tintin! Professor Calculus, and Snowy!" Skut said as he, took a seat at the table.

"Oh, before I forget Tintin, this is for you" Skut said handing me a manila envelope with writing in Spanish and my name on it.

"Who's it from?" Tintin asks eagerly.

"A young man I ran into while I was in Peru for a few days after a long trip. I'm kind of curious though how he knew I knew you" Skut paused to scratch his head.

"I will prepare one of the guest rooms for you" Nestor said quickly.

"I'll come help you" Ms. Finch said getting up from the table.

"I can't stay too long..." Skut started to say.

"I won't hear another word! You're staying the night and that's that" the Captain said going to a cabinet retrieving a bottle of whiskey.

"I do appreciate your hospitality" Skut smiled weakly nodding.

"Tintin" the Captain said as the young ex-reporter dashed up to his room with Snowy chasing after.

"You said you were in Peru?" the Captain asked.

"Yes, about 2 days" Skut answered.

My curiosity got the better of me. I was excited and scared at the same time. I felt like a child getting a gift and knew deep in my heart this was going to be the prelude to something new. Snowy kept barking and wagging his tail as if he too could smell adventure. I scanned the envelope reading my name and just tore into it like a birthday gift. The paper inside was like a thick scroll and it smelled like incense. The letter was not longer than two small paragraphs. It read:

Dear Tintin:

I hope these day are finding you well. A friend of mine is helping me write this letter so I want to get to the point. Some of my cousins found some strange artifact hidden in one of our temples in an old passageway. It was like some square rock and nothing like anything I had ever seen. The markings seem to be in some ancient text I have never heard of. I took it to our chief and even he was unsure about its origin. There were no legends that spoke of anything like this.

I kept the rock with my wife and I and it seemed to radiate a strange aura. One night I finally fell asleep and I had a dream about you. I dreamed that three children were standing around this stone and it was glowing bright red. Two young boys and a girl. I was like a shadow in the corner of some unknown stone room. The children turned around as if to look at me and I blinked only to see them aged about twenty years. One man was you Tintin! I have hidden the stone away with our elder and I request you come and if you might know who these other people are to bring them.

Respectfully

Zorrino

My heart began to beat faster and faster as I finished the letter, I knew it was time to take another trip, but I'm hoping this next expedition will have less criminals and monsters. I don't want any of my friends or family members to get hurt. Time has a way of revealing things which can surprise you no matter what.

- Tintin