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Kole_Locke
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#26
Old 12-16-2012, 09:16 PM

CHAPTER 12 (PART - B)



Allan didn’t waste any time that day. They quickly made their way to the east end of London to an old bar that Alan made a huge contribution to. It was dark and dreary looking inside. Many chronic alcoholics sat at the bar drinking listening to the radio. The bartender was a shifty slim young man running back and forth making sure every patron had a full mug. Allan walked in inspecting everyone carefully as Tom and Mikhail walked noticing the small tables and a tall woman with long dark brown hair facing a small bulletin. Allan grinned and sailed up to the finely shaped woman wrapping his arms around her. She spun around ready to slap him then when she realized who it was she calmed down just a little.

“Allan, what are you doing here?” she asked with surprise.
“Nothing my turtle dove, seeing your pretty face always makes me happy,” he said as his hands began to go a little lower.
“I don’t know if I feel the same way you player,” she said removing his hands from her behind and moved away.
“Oh come on love! You and I go a long way back!” Allan protested.
“That was a long time ago silly man!” she continued her work as the other patrons just ignored him.
“That was his sweetheart many years ago” Tom whispered to Mikhail.
“Hmm… she’s not bad looking” Mikhail replied looking her up and down.
“Old times aren’t dead? Besides, you owe me a favor” Allan reminded her.

She batted her eyes a few times then looked back at him in a distasteful way, “I’m not that kind of girl.”
“I’m not talking about that… but if you want for old time’s sake…” Allan gestured nodding.
“No thanks, I’m quite fine” she turned around reaching for something under her bar.
“Listen lass, you do owe me a favor, and I need your help with some troubles…” Allan paused.
“What kind of troubles?” she looked up at him slowly with her dark eyes.
Allan walked over to the bar and whispered in her ear, “Crimson Heads, I need them…” he leaned back.
The woman thought for a moment nodding, “Is that it?” she asked incredulously.
“Yes, unless of course…” Allan continued but was immediately stopped as she threw up her palm.
“No, I don’t… not interested, but since you did help me get started I do at least owe you that” she finished.
“I know you still got love for me Tessie!” he winked.
“Allan—don’t misunderstand my actions, I’m simply paying off a debt, you and I are finished” she stated firmly. “When this task is complete, I don’t want to see you in my bar again…” she concluded getting back to work. Allan stood there for a moment lustfully staring at her.
“Alright, if that’s how you want to play!” he thought angrily to himself.
“Take a table and sit down!” Tessie instructed.

“Now you’re giving us orders?!” he thought but still complied. They sat in the far corner under a small lit lamp. The woman came over with a pitcher of ale and three glasses.
“Don’t worry about it, it’s on the house, just stay out of my way and your request will be delivered in a few hours… now I need to go make some phone calls” she said disappearing in the back.
Allan was upset, he didn’t like being turned down, by anyone, as a matter fact a dark fantasy played in his mind; but, the only thing keeping him from acting it out was that this favor was more important than his carnal desires.
“Free ale boss, you can’t beat that!” Tom laughed pouring himself and Mikhail a glass.
“Put a sock in it will you?” Allan said annoyed.
“Do you want some ale boss?” Tom asked.
“If I want it, I’ll get it” he answered but wasn’t really referring to the ale.
“Suit yourself boss, just leaves more for us” Tom carried on.
“Mmm… not half bad, you English have a way with fine ales!” Mikhail nodded.

About thirty minutes went by and Allan was still pouting. He got up and walked up to the bar.
“What do you need sir?” the young man asked. Allan eyed him for a moment. He looked rather dainty to Allan. He didn’t have much muscle on him and he was slim and sly looking. His dark hair was wet and combed back to make him ‘pretty’. Allan guessed he was no older than twenty.
“Give me something…strong” he whispered.
“Hawker's Sloe Gin?” he asked.
“Yea, why not?” he looked at the other patrons catching a side glance.
“What are you looking at?!” Allan looked at two of them.
The young bartender turned around looking at him with a bit of trepidation.
Tessie finally came out of the back when the bartender handed him his drink.
“It’s on the house, please, go sit down!” Tessie looked him dead in the eye.
Luckily Allan was still sober, “Does she always act this way?” Allan whispered to the bartender with an evil grin as he returned to his seat.

XXXXXXXX

Seven hours later the bar began to fill up. Allan, Mikhail, and Tom had quite a few drinks. Luckily Tessie had the cook in the back bring them bangers and mash with a piece of fried fish on the side. Mikhail and Tom had already drank four pitchers, but they were seemingly quiet drunks, so she kept a nice buffer zone away from the rest of her patrons to make sure it stayed that way. Another bartender showed up and the other bartender was bumped down to serving bar food.

Allan was drunk but had enough sense about him to keep his emotions in check. Tessie walked over to their table when she had finally had some contacts finish the deed.

“Allan, you have a delivery in the back, so make it quick” she replied.
Allan was sitting musing checking out two other ladies that were sitting at a distant table. “Did you say something missy?” Alan smiled.
“You heard me…” she said coldly.

Alan looked at her deep brown eyes then her body with much lust. He stood up and gave her one sad look with his ice blue eyes. “I’ll pay you” he offered grabbing her ass.
She instantly pushed him away, “Get out! Take what you came for and leave, I never want to see you again!” she whispered coldly under her breath trying not to make a scene.

“You’re a whore, and you always will be love, too bad for you!” he sneered as he motioned for his companions to follow him outside. They were quiet and entertained watching Allan try desperately to get Tessie to sleep with him. Tessie only pointed to the door.

Allan walked out and whistled at the two women sitting at the far table and Mikhail and Tom did as well. There were two men who turned around and gave him a disgusted look.

“What are you two playing at? Turn around before I knock you around!” Allan said as his aggression was beginning to brim over. They got up and began to walk towards him, Allan laughed taking out his gun and fired one shot in the air. Everyone screamed and the two men quickly dropped to the ground.

“This place is a shit hole!” he shouted as the entire bar got quiet looking at him.
“Get out now!” Tessie shouted back showing Allan her gun. He put his gun away.
“Oh a bird like you knows how life on the streets goes… don’t you my lady of the evening!” Allan shouted one last time. He quickly scanned the bar once as the young bartender stood at a table nearby. Allan reached over and pinched the young man's butt.

“That’s a lovely arse you got there boy! You’ll make a good bitch for some bloke someday!” he laughed finally exiting. Right as they were leaving, a puddle of water lie near the door as Mikhail and Tom turned around, they slipped and fell flat on the floor.
“You idiots! Up!” he said pulling them both up. The bar now erupted in laughter. Allan and his companions drove back around and picked up his package delivered as promised. Two men with crimson red bandanas were beat and tied up unconscious inside a crate.

“Good! Throw them in the trunk, let’s get out of this shit hole!” Alan spat again.
“Whatever you say boss!” Tom agreed as he and Mikhail put them in the trunk and drove off.

The alcohol had more of an effect than Allan thought but he was still in control. He drove back with their damaged car. He had half a mind to go back to Tessie’s bar and just wreak havoc on the place, but he had enough fun for one day. “Time to get back to work,” he thought.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 12-22-2012 at 07:00 PM..

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#27
Old 12-17-2012, 05:22 PM

CHAPTER 12 (PART - C) end of chapter 12



Lento could feel this evening there was much dark energy around. He read the book Herr Wagner wanted him to read silently practicing pronunciations. None of this stuff was familiar to him. He hadn’t witnessed anything of the caliber. It all sounded like something that came out of a fairy tale book, or at least a dark fairy tale book. He was almost kind of interested just to see if the ritual would actually work, but then he realized to his relief there was no need for actual human sacrifice. Lento read some foot notes that said, ‘A demon has no physical form in our world; and therefore, humans are the driving forces of both good and evil, and it is through humans that good and evil do battle.’

Lento still could not figure out exactly what the purpose for doing such a dark ritual was for. It seemed Herr Wagner had his sites temporarily elsewhere, but he decided he was not going to question Herr Wagner’s motives for his mood swings were quick to come about. It was getting late and he was starting to wonder if Allan and the other’s had succeeded in doing what they set out to do. Ivan had already fallen asleep after eating a large bowl of clam chowder. Lento began to change into his dark robes and it wasn’t only a moment after he finished Mikhail returned.

“You’re back” Lento greeted.
“Allan is one crazy man” Mikhail laughed.
Lento noticed Mikhail’s eyes looked a little red and glossy.
“Not as crazy as Gaspar…” Lento commented.
“No, nothing like Gaspar, Allan can be fun when he gets a few drinks…he’s a real ladies man you know?” Mikhail took off his shoes climbing into his cot still laughing.
“Ladies man? What are you talking about?” Lento asked curiously.
“Oh his old friend, but she was a beauty!” Mikhail smiled dreamily as he turned over to get comfortable.

“Allan? A ladies man? Don’t make me laugh…” Lento commented, but before he could finish Mikhail was already snoring.
“He’s drunk…” Ivan opened his eyes.
“How did you guess?” Lento smiled sarcastically.

Lento grabbed his bird mask and made his way to Herr Wagner’s chambers. It was a full moon, and down below in the mess hall crew members could be heard playing cards, drinking, or taking part in other vices. Lento wasn’t quite sure what to expect as he made his way past a couple of random crewmen who gave him strange looks. Lento began mentally preparing himself for what was about to take place blocking out all other sounds of life.

When he arrived, Gaspar stood by the door talking to a couple of other crew members in a low voice. Lento didn’t have time to eavesdrop and continued into Herr Wagner’s chambers. “Good you are the last member, now lock the door behind you,” a man with an Indian accent instructed. “We only have thirty minutes before the height of power, we must begin the ritual immediately” the Fakir said hiding behind his mask and robes.

Lento locked the door and the continued down the secret corridor. It was lit by dim lights when they entered the room, and a couple of grey robed men stood at the door like sentinels. Two other people were dressed in the same robes and mask themselves while one person wore red robes and a happy expressive mask as one would wear at a masquerade. Disturbingly, in the center of the room, the pentagram had a man tied down arms and legs stretched following the downside symbol. He wore a crimson red bandana and he worse no shirt as symbols were painted on his chest in blood. His mouth was gagged as he struggled in vain to break free.

“I am glad to see everyone in attendance” the man in the red robes spoke. “Tonight will be our true first test to achieve power from this ancient book of the dead!” he said holding up a really old leather bound book.

“Many think they have authentic copies, but are nothing more than fraudulent texts!” he continued as everyone took their place at one point of the star of the pentagram. “Tonight, let our enemies be afraid of our new rising power, I hope all of you have been practicing your pronunciation of the incantations, one mistake and it could be certain death for us all…” he finished.

One of the grey robed men hit a gong, “It is time to begin!” the man with the red robes said pulling an easel holding up a black mirror next to him. They began chanting in Latin at first, then an unknown language for five minutes saying the same three lines over and over. Lento started to pay attention to the black mirror. It appeared that some formless being was taking shape on the other side of it.

The man on the floor suddenly stopped struggling as a horrified look of fear remained etched on his face as he stared straight up to the ceiling. A final crescendo of chanting finished and an ice cold draft blew into the room from some unknown source. The man’s eyes closed and everyone became silent.

A couple of moments later his eyes reopened, no longer their original color but blood red. He began to grunt inhumanly and shake violently. Without warning he broke his restraints and stood up growling and hissing eying the entire group. Lento began to worry as he realized what had just happened. The man attacked one of his fellow members of the circle and picked them up by their throat. The man screamed as he tossed them half way across the chamber as if they were nothing more than a rag doll. He proceeded to attack everyone and everything in his path. The grey robed men tried to restrain him, but without success. At last, the red robed man took out an old looking gun looking at the man with red eyes.

“Come with me… to Hell!” the man hissed as he charged at the man in the red robes.

The man in the red robes shot him once in the chest and he only looked down putting his hand on his chest licking the blood off his hands, then continued after the red robed man. He shot twice and a third time, but the man got his hands on the man in the red robes knocking his mask off trying to choke him.

It was Herr Wagner, to Lento’s horror he saw when the possessed man grabbed Herr Wagner, one of Herr Wagner’s eyes was red as well while the other was an ice blue color. He pulled out his ceremonial dagger and choked out a few words and stabbed the man causing a dark fog to spew out of his mouth and he fell lifeless on the floor. Lento had never seen such a thing although he had heard of demonic possessions and priests trying to exercise them out, but nothing like this.

Herr Wagner placed his mask back on. “Tomorrow night we try once more with the other one…clean up this mess and be gone!” he said angrily as he began one last chant at the altar blowing out a huge black candle that burned in the center. They did as they were told and not one of them dared to speak.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 12-22-2012 at 07:15 PM..

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#28
Old 12-19-2012, 12:29 AM

CHAPTER 13 (PART - A)


That evening was a long one for Tintin and Enzo. It was almost eight O’clock when they finally finished plowing half of the last part of the garden. Bob stepped outside wearing a black sailor’s cap and a grey sailor’s jacket inspecting their work.

“Did you guys plant all of these as well?” he said impressed.
“No, both captains did,” Enzo answered wiping the sweat off his brow.
“Well it looks good, it appears Frederick and Archibald is not only good seamen, but also good farmers too! Maybe all of you can finish the last part tomorrow,” Bob said hopefully.

“It shouldn’t take too long,” Tintin took a deep breath resting on his garden hoe.
“Well both of you go get cleaned up, the Mrs. will have dinner ready shortly,” he said satisfied with their work.

Tintin and Enzo walked back inside as Alyssa was still busy bustling around the kitchen while Nathan helped her set the table. Nathan saw Enzo and Tintin and discreetly whispered to them.

“Fenton, Enzo, just wanted to say, good job!” Nathan winked.
“Thanks” Tintin and Enzo smiled but it felt strange being called Fenton but yet it felt right.
“Enzo, you can have the shower first…” Tintin patted him on the shoulder.
“Are you sure?” Enzo asked quietly.
“I’m sure, go now before I change my mind,” Tintin said walking towards the den as Bob had just joined Haddock and Chester in the living den again.

“Movies these days, they’re way too dramatic!” Haddock complained.
“It’s the whole point of them, they want to market on our ‘feelings’,” Bob laughed.
“That’s Hollywood, producer of many movies these days” Chester nodded.
“Americans and their Hollywood, I remember when a good book or going to see a magician was the real entertainment” Haddock remembered.
“Aye, back when you had to actually use your imagination” Chester agreed.
“It’s not so bad, it’s good for when you just get home from work and you feel too lazy to hold your eyes open and read…I like nice mindless entertainment” Bob disagreed.

Tintin walked in the living den as Captain Chester and Haddock had already cleaned up for the evening lounging around while he and Enzo slaved the last few hours. The three men sat burning their pipes commenting on a movie on the television.
“Ah, Tintin, I hear you and Enzo just about finished, good job lad!” Haddock commented.
“I’m ready for a cup of hot tea after I get a nice hot bath, then I’m going to bed” he announced yawning from exhaustion.
“Well you got to fill your belly first” Chester laughed.
“A growing lad like yourself needs to eat” Bob agree.
“Growing lad? I’m twenty-five years old, I’m no lad anymore,” Tintin sounded slightly annoyed.
“You got to eat, Alyssa did most of the cooking” Mary Ann pointed out.
“Yea, her beef stew is legendary around here” Nathan added.
“Ok, ok, we’ll see how I feel after I get a hot bath…” He said leaning against the wall.
“Me, Chester, and Mary Ann are running into town tomorrow and I’m sending a short telegram back to Marlinspike to make sure Cuthbert doesn’t decide to fly hear instantly. He says he has something for us?” Haddock shrugged.
“What else did the professor say in his letter…wait a minute! You guys are going?!” Tintin’s hopes were dashed to go see Benton.

“Yes, all of you can stay and do the household chores this time” Mary Ann laughed.
“Oh…” Tintin sighed looking down at the floor.
“You don’t think it’s fair?” Mary Ann asked detecting a bit of disappointment in his voice.
“No, it’s just that…” Tintin paused as Chester, Bob, Haddock, and Mary Ann listened a bit closely.
“Oh…never mind…” Tintin looked up seeing Enzo dressed already in his pajamas with a brown evening robe.
“I’m going to get a bath, I’ll be back…” he said disappearing upstairs.
Enzo watched as Tintin rushed past him, “Did I miss something?” he asked as everyone now looked at him.
Alyssa wanted to speak up but rather than going into another long detailed account with her father about their earlier escapade, she wisely kept her mouth shut.

XXXXXXXXX

Tintin was glad to get out of those grimy clothes, “Just one more day of it” he thought as his exhausted limbs finally began to relax in the warm bath water. Tintin was not happy with the thought that he may not get a chance to see his twin brother again. He realized that Haddock wasn’t completely sure of his story. Captain Chester seemed to share Haddock’s doubts as well despite Alyssa and Enzo’s same account. Tintin realized it was just Haddock’s way of trying to keep him out of trouble, but sooner or later Tintin thought that his Captain Haddock had to realize that he cannot always be there to protect him.

Tintin had to always rely on himself growing up with Mrs. Finch after he reached fourteen. Tintin really loved how his partner was always just a step behind. It had been a few times Haddock had rescued Tintin from certain death and vice versa. Tintin found it all annoying at the same time though, because he had always managed without anyone but himself and Snowy for awhile. Then it finally hit him as he lied there relaxing in the tub that he hadn’t seen Snowy most of the evening. “Where could he have got to?” Tintin thought.

Hopefully Benton would call, or maybe even drive over; but, what if he didn’t? What would Tintin do? “I’ll walk over there if I have to. I’m not letting this opportunity to find out who I am and what happened to mom and dad just slip through my fingers!” He whispered to himself. “Even if I have to go alone, if I let this opportunity pass me by, I’ll never forgive the captain or myself…” he sighed. “Well I guess I’d better hurry up and get back down there before I’m missed” he thought as he finished bathing.

XXXXXXXXX

Snowy trotted down Boxted Road back and forth enjoying the cool breeze blowing through his fur until he saw an old grey cat. His dog like instincts kicked in and he immediately began creeping up on the feline digging in the trash of a neighbor’s house. Deftly the cat pulled up some fish bones with a nice chunk of meat on it. Snowy saw a double prize, beat up the cat and then take the bones, not a bad deal for him he thought. Quickly Snowy charged at the old grey cat as it turned around and sprinted with the fish in its mouth.

The cat was quick, but so was Snowy, for five minutes Snowy chased the old cat through and around the neighbors’ yards. “You can’t get away!” Snowy barked.
“Drats!” the cat hissed dropping the fish on the ground. The cat quickly glanced at the fish and Snowy, “You win for now!” the cat hissed again leaving the prize on the ground.
Snowy gave up the chase and claimed his prize with pride. Suddenly another brown fox terrier just a bit smaller than himself came trotting down the lane. “Who is…she?” Snowy thought as he stood holding the fishbone in his mouth. She spotted him, approached, and then stopped once she reached a certain distance. “She’s not bad looking!” Snowy began wagging his tail. The brown terrier began smelling the air and shortly thereafter she too began wagging her tail. Snowy noticed she looked a little malnourished.

Snowy approached her and laid his prize in front of her, “Here take it” he barked.
“I can’t take your food” she barked back.
“Don’t worry about me, my master feeds me well,” he began panting realizing she could use some meat on her bones.
“Thank you” she devoured the meat left on the bones.
“Where’s your master?” Snowy whined. The brown terrier finished the small meal.
“I don’t have a master anymore…” she lowered her head.
“What do you mean you don’t have a master anymore?” Snowy began sniffing her.
“All I remember is that I was put in a cage after something happened to the old man I lived with and dumped out in this neighborhood, and I’ve been here ever since just getting by,” she explained whining.
“That’s horrible!” Snowy frowned.

“I was the runt out of a litter, so no one wanted me,” she finished.
“Humans call me ‘Snowy’, what’s your name?” Snowy continued wagging his tail.
“I don’t have a name. The humans never gave me one,” she frowned back.
“You look like you haven’t eaten in days! Let’s go get you something to eat!” Snowy led her through trash can after trash can yielding only one chicken bone with hardly any meat on it.
“Get out of there you no good beasts! Go on! Get out of here!” a man came out of his house with a broom swinging it at them.
“Quick! Follow me!” Snowy turned the other way to run.
“Where are we going?” the brown fox terrier barked while running behind him.
“My master will feed you, you’ll see!” Snowy barked back as they ran back down the lane.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 12-26-2012 at 12:11 AM..

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#29
Old 12-19-2012, 11:39 PM

CHAPTER 13 (PART - B) end of chapter 13



Tintin stood by the stair well still thinking about not being allowed to go see his twin. The more he thought about it, the more upset he became. Tintin did not like feeling such negativity, especially towards the man he loved. He knew Haddock just didn't understand, but Tintin could not allow Haddock to stand in his way to finding out more about who he really was. The fact that Haddock had doubted him showed him that trying to reason with Haddock may not work.

“I need to calm down, I don’t want to lose it in front of everyone” Tintin thought.
Tintin came down stairs as everyone was sitting at the table already eating. His seat was the only empty one, and Alyssa and Nathan just smiled at him helplessly as everyone was already helping themselves to the huge pot of Alyssa’s beef stew. Nathan got up and used the ladle to fill Tintin’s bowl.

“Here you go, eat up mate!” Nathan motioned putting it at Tintin’s seat with a spoon.
Tintin began to wonder just exactly what Alyssa told Nathan or if it was even worth worrying about.
“I hear that all of you have to leave Thursday, that’s a shame” Bob frowned.
“Why is that?” Tintin asked curiously.
“I was going to invite all of you to come with us on a fishing trip” Bob explained hopefully.
“My daughter will be expecting me now, I just called her early this morning,” Chester sighed.
“Tintin and I have important matters to attend to back home,” Haddock said apologetic.

“What kind of business? There’s no business like the fishing business!” Bob laughed. “It would have been really nice to have had two experienced captains on my schooner. I’ll wager that the experience combined from the two of you would be the equivalent of five trained sailors!” Bob complemented.
“Nothing special really--it just comes second nature after a while…” Haddock accepted the complement graciously.
“Indeed, Mary Ann has told me about some of your trips out at sea…” Bob continued.
“Stop trying to flatter us into coming along with you,” Chester laughed.
“Oh come on Frederick! You know it’s true!” Mary Ann nagged.

Tintin continued to eat his stew and it was really tasty. The beef was well cooked and the vegetables were well chopped. The stew was still nice and warm. He didn’t pay too much attention to them going on back and forth about a fishing trip. Alyssa and Enzo kept looking at each other and then at Tintin able to read his unhappy demeanor. Haddock was too busy engaged with Chester, Bob, and Mary Ann. Tintin finished his stew helping himself to a second bowl.
“You like the stew?” Alyssa asked quietly.
“It’s absolutely wonderful!” Tintin nodded.
“She’s quite the cook!” Nathan agreed.
Enzo sat too far from them to make an audible comment that would cut through the other conversation, so he picked up his spoon once he and Alyssa made eye contact and nodded his head finishing his bowl.
“Have you seen Snowy?” Tintin asked a little concerned.
“No, I thought he was upstairs with you” Alyssa replied.
“Wait a minute… I do believe we saw him down the lane on our way home. I wasn’t sure if that was him or not,” Nathan remembered.

“Nuts! I’m going to have to go out and find him” Tintin sighed.
Nathan got up and walked to the front door, “Blimey! I didn’t know you had two dogs!” he exclaimed.
“I don’t…” Tintin followed him to the front door and peeked out. Snowy was there with a smaller light brown curly furred fox terrier.
“Come on Snowy…” Tintin motioned but Snowy as he opened the door but Snowy just sat there staring at him.
“Come on Snowy!” Tintin repeated, but Snowy sat there obstinately.
“What’s the matter with you Snowy, you got a new friend?” Tintin regarded him curiously and he barked.
“Ohh…he’s got him a girlfriend!” Nathan laughed.
“Snowy? A girlfriend?” Tintin thought for a moment.
“I don’t know but Snowy needs a bath!” Tintin replied seeing his white color dinged by dirt.

Alyssa came outside to see what was going on. “Oh look!” she smiled. The brown dog immediately walked to Alyssa licking her hands. “She’s cute, but she needs a bath” Alyssa nodded.
“First thing in the morning, bath time Snowy” Tintin told him. Snowy whined a little.
“Sorry Snowy, you’re going to have to sleep downstairs tonight until you get a bath. Have you been digging in the neighbor’s trash?” Tintin asked almost accusingly.
Snowy only looked innocently at him.
“This dog has no collar or tags, and she looks really hungry” Alyssa said petting her. “I’ll put her up for the night after she gets a bath” Alyssa said looking at how dirty she was. The little brown dog only sat there trying to look cute.
“She is cute, but would be much nicer looking with a bath” Nathan agreed. “Come on, let’s give them both a bath” Nathan put his hands up.
“Ok” Alyssa agreed as Snowy and his new friend looked at each other as Nathan and Alyssa led them upstairs to the bathroom for a bath.
“You don’t have to do that?” Tintin replied.
“Don’t worry about it!” Nathan waved as he and Alyssa disappeared with the dogs upstairs.

“Oi! What are you bringing in here?” Bob cried out seeing both dogs run upstairs ahead of Alyssa and Nathan.
“Another dog?” Mary Ann looked a bit confused as Alyssa and Nathan ignored him.
Tintin shut the door and returned back inside with an innocent look on his face.
“What mischief are you up to?” Haddock glanced at Tintin.
“None of my doing” Tintin threw his hands up. “I’m going to bed…” he said disappearing upstairs.
“He seems to have gained another pet” Chester nodded.
“Another dog just like Snowy, only a light brown” Enzo pointed out he said getting up to go join in the mayhem.

Tintin returned back to his room without his evening tea just glad to have a little solitude. He could hear Snowy and the other dog getting bathed as Enzo, Nathan, and Alyssa did so boisterously. He felt bad for not taking part in the fun, but his muscles felt sore and ached terribly. He couldn’t imagine how Enzo even had the strength to be as active as he was. He curled up in a fetal position on his side of the bed pulling his pillow closely to him and within a few minutes he was asleep.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Tintin could feel his world changing around him as he fell into a deeper sleep, and before he knew it he returned back to the dark forest in his dream. Tintin was running as fast as his little feet could carry him, he could hear his brother screaming for him to run. He didn’t want to leave his brother behind, but there wasn’t much he could do to help. It was like he had no control of his body this time, he could only see the foggy surroundings of the forest.

“Get back here you little rat!” a man shouted.

He could hear a dog barking ferociously several yards behind him. Tintin’s small body allowed him to go and craw through places which the man pursuing him could not access so easily. It was almost as if he knew these woods. Faster and more nimble his feet carried him. The dog seemed to be further behind than the man. Tintin noticed a small clearing up ahead as there was a couple of large trees sitting almost in a semi-circle. He quickly climbed up one of the large trees finding a small hallow just big enough for him to get in and hide as the heavy foliage seemed to block most of the view from below.

It wasn’t much longer afterwards the man and the dog arrived in the small clearing.
“Find him!” he ordered the dog. Tintin could not see as he was crouched in the hollow.
“You stupid dog! Find him!” the man shouted with much frustration. After a couple of moments of searching the area frantically he heard the dog and the man scamper off.

He began to try to climb down the tree but his foot got caught between two strong twigs on one of the branches. He frantically reached for another branch to grab onto but missed. He began falling and falling and woke again with his heart racing.

XXXXXXXX

Haddock could be heard out in the hall conversing quietly. “…so we’re dealing with an evil cult? So what are they hoping to accomplish?” Haddock’s voice sounded a bit serious. Tintin couldn’t hear Chester as he seemed to be speaking a bit lower. “I hope we don’t run into them anytime soon…”
“You get some rest Haddock. We’ll be leave early in the morning,” Chester spoke up just a little.

Tintin turned over really not too happy with Haddock for seemingly dashing his hopes earlier and covered back up. Tintin closed his eyes and began trying to recall his dream to his conscious self so he could try to see if maybe Benton was having the same kind of dreams.

The door hinges squealed as Haddock opened the door.
“Blisterin’ barnacles! Stupid door!” he cursed under his breath shutting it.

Tintin appeared to be asleep and Haddock had a hard time telling since the lamp light was off. The only light coming through was the light in the hall that filtered underneath the door cracks. Haddock quietly felt his way to his side of the bed and took his boots off and began to change into his pajamas.

Tintin felt the bed shifting back and forth until Haddock finally crawled under the covers. Tintin really wanted to be left alone and hoped that Haddock would just go to sleep as he was facing the opposite way. Tintin was curious about what Haddock and Chester were discussing about the All-Seeing-Eye, but just didn’t have it in him to want to converse with the captain.

“Tintin…” he heard the captain whisper, but didn’t respond.
“Fenton…Fenton Hadley?” Haddock whispered, but Tintin still didn’t respond though using the name did make Tintin feel a bit warm and think about how it sounded.

Haddock knew Tintin well enough to know that Tintin was not happy with him, so Haddock moved behind Tintin easily and carefully slid his arm around him kissing him once gently on the neck. Tintin wasn’t in the mood for romance, at least not while he was upset. After a few seconds, Haddock withdrew his arm just before he whispered something in Tintin’s ear which Tintin’s heart always thawed when he heard it. “I love you Tintin…” A pang of guilt hit Tintin hard making it difficult for him to go back to sleep and distracting him from any other thoughts. Tintin wanted to roll over, put his arm around his captain, and whisper it back in his ear; but, principality kept him from doing so allowing himself to betray his emotions.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 12-26-2012 at 12:30 AM..

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#30
Old 12-20-2012, 09:09 PM

CHAPTER 14 (PART - A)



The next morning came slowly. Tintin didn’t sleep well, he heard Haddock waking up at the sound of a loud knock at the door. “Coming Chester, just a couple of minutes!” Haddock answered as he rummaged through his suit case. He put on his casual brown suit which consisted of a brown sports jacket, trousers, belt, and cream colored button up shirt. The sunlight was filtering in the room as Haddock quickly combed his hair.

Tintin could hear him but still refused to open his eyes and acknowledge him, so pretended to be asleep. Haddock quickly walked over to Tintin’s bedside and planted a nice kiss on his forehead.

“I’ll see you soon landlubber, you stay of trouble you hear?” he whispered then stepped out of the room.

Tintin felt bad for not acknowledging Haddock but still couldn’t help to feel bitter towards him at the same time. He lied there alone with his thoughts until he heard Mary Ann’s car start and roll out of the driveway. Tintin lied there trying to go back to sleep since the sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon as residual light from the morning begun to filter in the room.

After fifteen minutes of just lying there, Tintin decided to just get up and get on with the day. Another a knock broke his train of thought.

“Tintin, breakfast is downstairs when you’re ready…and you got a friend out here that wants to see you…” Alyssa said outside his door.
“Oh thanks Alyssa, I’ll be down in just a couple of minutes” Tintin sat up. He got up and searched through his suitcase. He had one more outfit that Haddock had hastily packed those few days ago. He had one more pair of clean socks in his suitcase, a pair of grey trousers, some undergarments, shirts, and then a red sweater.

Tintin wasn’t too fond of the red sweater remembering Professor Calculus had bought it for him last Christmas. He tried to be gracious about the gift, but Tintin was not fond of the color red. He folded it back up and placed it back in his suitcase.

“Tintin?” another familiar voice spoke accompanied with a light knock.
“Yes Enzo,” Tintin answered looking at the sailor pants and the grimy tank top not wanting to put it on.
“Are we going to finish plowing the rest of the plot today?” he asked.
“Yes, just give me a few minutes. We need to eat first…” Tintin responded as he began to change into the nasty work clothes.

Enzo made his way downstairs as Tintin finished getting ready for this long begrudging day. The more he thought about it, the more the anger began to return to him, but he didn’t want to go downstairs and take it out no Alyssa or Enzo since they were both partially responsible for that life changing fated encounter. He quickly went to the bathroom for a shave. His facial hair grew really slow. He could go almost three days before he even had any stubble as he brushed his hand across his face it still only felt slightly sandy.
He joined Alyssa and Enzo downstairs with a happy welcome from Snowy jumping all over him.

“Snowy!” Tintin smiled as he looked so clean. Tintin bent down and picked him up smelling the fine scent of soap.
“Good morning Alyssa, Enzo,” Tintin smiled.
“We got a new member to add to your household now” Alyssa announced. “I present Cocoa,” she moved out of the way and the cute little light brown fox terrier came running to Tintin.
“Cocoa!” Tintin was amazed at how much cleaner and softer her fur felt once he began to pet and smell how neat she was. She was still kind of small and needed to eat more.
“She’s still small, but that shouldn’t be a problem as long as she’s here” Alyssa commented.
“Bella!” Enzo smiled at Cocoa as she ran to him excited from receiving so much affectionate attention. She jumped up in his lap and continued to lick his chin.

“Such a lovely dog, it’s a surprise nobody else decided to give her a good home” Enzo shook his head petting her affectionately.
Enzo sat at the table in the same clothes Tintin was wearing. He looked just as tired as he did.
“I apologize for not cooking something better, but this was the easiest to prepare” Alyssa said putting a small pot of oatmeal on the table and a bowl full of scrambled eggs along with a plate of toast.
“Oh the orange juice…” she retrieved the pitcher of orange juice out of the ice box.

“Oh don’t apologize, this is fine” Tintin shook his head approvingly.
Alyssa had a couple of bowls of food for Cocoa and Snowy and sat it down on a floor for them. Snowy and Cocoa each began to enjoy a medley of fish and beef mixed with a can of dog food.
“Look at them, so content” Enzo said watching Snowy and Cocoa eat.
“I don’t look forward to the task ahead…” Tintin mentioned as he sat done helping himself to a plate of breakfast.
“Si, nor I…” Enzo echoed his sentiment.

“Things shouldn’t be too bad for me, mom and both uncle Archie and Frederick got up early and ate already. I shouldn’t have too much to do today other than prepare lunch which will be simple” Alyssa replied taking a seat.
“I’m happy with whatever you prepare me” Tintin smiled.
“It’s not a problem, I actually like to cook because usually around this time it’s just me and my mom for lunch” Alyssa replied.
“Tintin, is Benton Hadley really your brother?” Enzo boldly asked as he finished his breakfast.

It was a bit of a sore topic for Tintin but the fact that his friendly acquaintances wanted to comfort him didn’t make it so bad coming from them.
“Well, there are many coincidences…” Tintin commented.
“I’m sorry… what does ‘coin-cid-ence’ mean?” Enzo asked slowly.
“Basically, it means that there are too many events in both of our lives that connect us,” Tintin explained.
Enzo nodded slowly digesting the statement and the context of the word.

“Well let’s finish this job before they get back, I want to be done with this manual labor” Tintin said finishing his orange juice.
“I don’t feel like doing it either” Enzo complained.
“Well let’s get started so we finish sooner” Tintin prompted Enzo.
“Fenton, I will let you know if your brother calls, I’ll keep an ear out for the phone,” Alyssa replied drawing a hopeful look from Tintin. Suddenly, Tintin felt a little better.
“Let’s go Enzo!” Tintin finally smiled.

XXXXXXXX

Haddock, Mary Ann, and Chester took a relaxing ride through the countryside reminiscing about a couple of places they went fishing and just strolling around.

“I remember when Alyssa, your older daughter Carol, and my daughter Elizabeth were playing around in that old barn while we fished” Chester smiled.
“Yea, I remember Bob had too much to drink and both of you had to fish him out when he fell into the river,” Mary Ann laughed.
“You remember that?” Haddock grinned.
“Oh yes, I remember it like it was yesterday. I just returned back with the girls and next thing I know, I see the three of you swimming in the river!” Mary Ann smiled nostalgically.

“Looking back that was funny! Bob was acting a fool and rocked the boat while he was standing and fell in…luckily Haddock and I weren’t too far gone” Chester agreed.

“It’s nice to take just a leisurely ride out of the house” Mary Ann said as they arrived in town. She parked in a familiar area in downtown Colchester.
“So Haddock, how do you feel about a good round?” Chester asked already knowing the answer.
“Does a mackerel swim in the sea?” Haddock smiled.
“Aye! That’s the Archibald I know!” Mary Ann laughed as they walked to the local pub which already.

The sun was almost halfway up now as they sat at the half-way filled bar with people eating and drinking. They sat at a table near the front of the pub. Haddock sighed for a moment drawing a little concern from Mary Ann.

“Are you ok Archibald?” Mary Ann asked carefully.
“I was thinking… maybe I was a bit too hard on Tintin, what do you think Mary?” Haddock wondered.
“He is twenty-five, a grown man, I was more disappointed in Alyssa, but I understand as of late we really haven’t been out. Well you know your own business Archibald...so are you his guardian?” Mary Ann asked curiously.
“Sort of…” Haddock nodded carefully.
“Well we did do a bit of the work yesterday, so I think it’s their turn while we get a break” Chester rationalized.
“Maybe after a drink we should be heading back…” Mary Ann too began to feel guilty.
A young lady walked up to the table with a pen and pad in her hand, “What can I get you?” she smiled.
“We’ll start off with a good round of your finest!” Chester nodded.

The waitress walked off toward the bar, Chester could tell Haddock felt conflicted, his old friend was easy to read. Chester did detect a subtle amount of animosity in Tintin’s attitude the previous night.
“What’s on your mind Frederick?” Mary Ann asked noticing Chester reading Haddock.
“Aw, it’s nothing…” he smiled redirecting his attention.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 12-28-2012 at 12:57 AM..

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#31
Old 12-22-2012, 06:00 PM

CHAPTER 14 (PART - B)end of chatper 14



The day drug on for Enzo and Alyssa, but for Tintin it was worse with each moment he kept looking towards the back door hoping Alyssa would come out and tell him he had a phone call. It was noon and no one had returned yet. Tintin surveyed the rest of the plot. He figured that if they kept working hard for the next hour they would be finished.

“If you keep looking up, the phone will not ring, and Alyssa will not come out to tell you the news you want to hear” Enzo rationalized trying to redirect Tintin’s attention.
“I can’t help it Enzo, I want to see my brother” Tintin answered flatly.
“Are you really that sure he’s your brother?” Enzo asked curiously.
“Of course! He’s got to be my brother…I feel it in my heart and soul. You saw how much alike we looked in every way?” Tintin explained as he seemed to plow faster as he spoke.
“Yes, but he has a heavy English accent” Enzo pointed out.
“That would make sense since he has been living there close to fifteen years” Tintin justified.
“I hope all is as you say it is” Enzo wished for him.

Clouds began to roll across the sky as the winds started to pick up as the sun began to hide behind the grey clouds.

“I think it’s going to rain soon” Tintin commented.
“We’d better hurry up then” Enzo replied trying to move faster but his arms weren’t cooperating. Tintin too felt like his arms were going to fall off.
“I think I may take a nap myself when we’re done” Enzo began rubbing each arm.
“Not me, I don’t care how badly that I hurt, I will see my brother…even if I have to walk” Tintin said adamantly.
Enzo continued working and smiled shaking his head.
“What was that about?” Tintin noticed Enzo’s expression.
“Haddock and Chester thoroughly questioned Alyssa and I about what happened the other day…” Enzo sighed.
“What did you tell them?” Tintin asked curiously.
“We told them the truth. We don’t know what you and Benton discussed for over an hour back in his room…” Enzo stopped.
“What did they say? Did they believe either of you?” Tintin questioned.

“I really don’t know… Chester told me from now on if I’m with you and something like that happens that I’m to demand to be brought back here immediately. He was serious, probably more serious about this than other issues he should be more serious about” Enzo finished not sure if he really made sense or not.

“Is that so?” Tintin shifted his demeanor slightly.
“You’re not mad at me are you?” Enzo noticed his facial expression changing.
“No Enzo, it’s not you…” he said confirming what he had been feeling all yesterday. It was rare Tintin had ever been upset with Haddock for over stepping his bounds. Tintin shared just about everything with Haddock, and any disagreement usually was cleared up within a few hours thus diffusing any later tension. This was unexplored territory for Tintin, and he felt Haddock needed to trust him to do his own personal quests. According to what Enzo had just said, Tintin saw it as a way of Haddock using Chester to manipulate Enzo into tipping a situation in Haddock’s favor should a similar scenario play out.
“I think that’s good enough! What do you think?” Enzo asked as he looked up in the sky to feel a drop of rain cool his brow.
“I think it looks good enough--let’s go get cleaned up and get something to eat” Tintin said patting Enzo on the back.

At that moment, Alyssa stepped out the back door of the house and Tintin’s heart about jumped to his throat with excitement as his eyes met Alyssa’s trying to read what she was going to say before she actually did.

“Lunch…and I got a phone call for a Fenton Hadley!” she suddenly smiled.
Tintin sprinted past her to the phone, “Yes?” Tintin answered anxiously.
“Fenton?” a similar voice answered back but with a heavy English accent.
“Yes, Benton, it’s me Fenton” he said with unsuppressed excitement.
“Have you had lunch yet?” Benton asked.
“No, I’m getting ready to though…” Tintin said looking around the kitchen to see what Alyssa had prepared.
“Would you like to join me and my wife for lunch?” Benton asked.
“Of course!” Tintin beamed.
“Well, it just so happens I’m in Colchester right now, do you need me to pick you up?” Benton offered.
“Yes, I don’t have access to a car today, if it’s not any trouble for you…” Tintin finished.
“Not at all, as soon as I stop by the bakery for Lucille I’ll be there shortly,” Benton replied.
“Do you know how to get here?” Tintin asked with concern.
“I know where Boxted Road is, I’ll be there in thirty minutes,” Benton finished.
“Ok talk to you soon!” Tintin said as Benton hung up the phone.

XXXXXXXXXX

Mary Ann, Haddock, and Chester were busy laughing again by the window of the pub until Chester began rubbing his eyes and looked out the window.
“What’s wrong Frederick?” Mary Ann said turning around in her chair just briefly catching a glimpse not sure what to make of it.
“What’s all of this fuss about?” Haddock said turning around in his seat but not seeing anything.
“It couldn’t be…” Chester said walking toward the door.

“What are you talking about?” Haddock’s curiosity finally got the better of him. He followed Chester to the doorway to see for himself. Haddock stepped out onto the sidewalk and looked to his left then to his right and to his dismay he saw a young man with a grey flannel shirt, a pair of jeans, and a pair of boots. Instantly it hit him, Tintin had come to town somehow although he was oddly dressed.

“Ahoy! Tintin!” Haddock shouted down the street. The person in question did not respond as he was a block away by this point.
“I swear! Don’t ignore me!” Haddock shouted louder as he began to pursue the person.
“Wait!” Chester called out chasing after Haddock.
“Tintin! I know it’s you!” Haddock shouted again.
Chester could only see a grey flannel shirt and a similar looking face as the person turned to glance at them and kept running. The only thing that made him think it wasn’t Tintin was the short ponytail.
Mary Ann wasn’t sure what to make of their outburst of behavior so she got up to see what the matter was. By the time she stepped outside of the pub Haddock and Chester were getting ready to turn a corner and disappear.
“Oh brother…” she rolled her eyes as she sat back down and finished her ale. She thought for a moment and realized this was more than likely just a case of mistaken identity.

XXXXXXXXXXXX


“So he’s actually coming?” Alyssa asked excited for Tintin.
“Yes, and not only that, but I’m going to have lunch at their house” Tintin sounded like an excited child.
“Listen Fenton, I really think you shouldn’t be mad at Uncle Archie…” Alyssa said pouring herself a cup of tea.
Tintin was a bit taken aback by Alyssa’s sudden candidness.
“He only seems to want what’s best for you…” Alyssa stopped when Enzo returned from the bathroom.
“I’m ready for some scones!” Enzo said smiling seeing the tray of baked goodies Alyssa had just made.
“Yes, jam and tea is on the table…and if you need sugar it’s on the counter” Alyssa pointed while giving Tintin a somewhat serious look.

Tintin didn’t know how to take it as it seemed to flush his cheeks not knowing just how much Haddock may have said to Alyssa in his drunken stupor. It wouldn’t have been the first time Haddock said a bit too much; but, luckily the people he spilled his stories to were usually good acquaintances or close friends.

“What did he say to you last night after you told them what happened?” Tintin sat down pouring his self some tea as well.
“He said that…” Alyssa started but was cut off by Snowy and Cocoa running to the door barking loudly.
“Please don’t let them be back already!” Tintin hoped.
Tintin only heard one car door open and shut and suddenly there was a knock at the door. Alyssa went to peek out of the eye hole.
“It’s Benton” she turned around and then opened the door.
“Welcome to my home Benton” Alyssa smiled.
“Thank you!” Benton smiled brightly.
“Would you like to join us for tea?” Alyssa asked.
“I’m afraid I cannot, my wife is expecting me back home as I got off early to come and see Fenton…and take him home for a visit with the family” Benton explained.
“Hello Benton!” Enzo waved turning around in his seat.

Tintin only half way finished his tea and put it down. “Hello Benton, as you can see, I’ve been working all day” Tintin sighed letting Benton see his grimy dirt stained pants and sweat drenched grey tank top.
“Well take a minute and clean up and we’ll go shortly” Benton smiled.
Tintin quickly dashed upstairs.
“Catching lots of fish today?” Enzo asked.
“Actually it’s been kind of quiet today, so they let me off not too long afterwards,” Benton shrugged.
“Maybe all of you caught all of the fish” Enzo joked.
“I hope not, I need the job!” Benton frowned.

“So I hope you gentlemen enjoy your visit” Alyssa sat down just as Tintin reappeared ten minutes later wearing a pair of black trousers and his red sweater which he was not overly fond of.

“Presto! That was quick!” Enzo laughed.
“He has been hoping you would show up since early this morning” Alyssa pointed out.
“Alyssa, Enzo, it was a pleasure again, I hope we can meet sometime soon, please forgive my lack of invitation since Fenton and I have much catching up to do” Benton apologized.
Enzo and Alyssa walked out the front door and watched as Tintin and Benton got in the car and drove off.
Snowy and Cocoa tried to catch up to the car but it was too late. Snowy sadly returned with Cocoa following behind.

“Prepare yourself Enzo, Haddock isn’t going to be happy about this…” Alyssa warned.
“I just hope Captain Chester doesn’t blame me for any of this…” Enzo sighed.
“You have no control over Fenton’s actions…you and I knew this would happen, so let’s not worry, besides our tea is getting cold,” Alyssa returned back inside.

Enzo was really naive to a lot of things but a bit of insight afforded to him by Alyssa opened his eyes just a bit more as he began to see partially what Alyssa was talking about. It was a couple moments later another car pulled in the drive way. He sighed and closed the door. It was going to be a long day.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 12-28-2012 at 02:09 AM..

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#32
Old 12-25-2012, 04:17 PM

CHAPTER 15 (PART - A)


Dear Cuthbert,
Sorry to worry you, lots of happenings. Coming back soon, please don’t leave Marlinspike Hall. We will be back in by Friday at the latest. See you soon!
Haddock


Professor Calculus put the letter down on the table. “My word, I hope everything is ok!” Calculus thought.
“You’re tea sir” Nestor said brining tea to Cuthbert.
“My pee?!” Calculus gave him a funny look.
“Your TEA!” Nestor mouthed slowly.
“Oh, I’m sorry ha ha ha!” Calculus laughed. He took out his hearing aid and placed it in his ear.
“Sorry, I take it out when I sleep at night” Calculus smiled.
“It’s quite alright sir… I’m used to it” Nestor smiled.
“Sit down and join me please Nestor” Calculus sat thoughtfully reading Haddock’s letter over and over.
“Yes sir, is something troubling you Professor?” Nestor said setting the tray down on the small table with the tea.
“I feel like there’s something I’m forgetting to do…” Calculus continued to think.
“You need to contact both of the detectives sir…” Nestor reminded.
“What would we do without you Nestor, thank you! That’s exactly what I need to do!” the professor said fumbling with his notebook.
“Professor, we also have the Bolt grandchildren to work on the grounds today…” Nestor mentioned.
“Oh that’s lovely, give them each twenty francs when they finish” Calculus said trying to find the detectives’ phone number.
“Actually professor that’s what I need to discuss with you…” Nestor sat down and joined him for tea.
“Hmm… oh yes Nestor, go on…” the professor replied absently.
“Mr. and Mrs. Bolt wanted to know if their grandchildren could stay for dinner…” Nestor finished.

Professor Calculus heard him but it didn’t hit him as he had just found the phone number of the detectives.
“I need to call the detectives…what? They want us to pay and feed them too?” Professor Calculus asked suspiciously.
“Well, apparently Mr. and Mrs. Bolt have some ‘business’ to attend to” Nestor said evenly.
Professor Calculus thought for a moment, “What would Captain Haddock say to that…but Captain Haddock isn’t here. Hmmm… well that’s fine give them each fifteen Francs instead, and they are to sit on the other side of the table” Calculus finally concluded his thought on the issue.
“What do you think Nestor?” Calculus turned the question to him.
“Well sir, the two elder kids are fine, but the youngest one likes to snoop and asks too many questions” Nestor replied.
“Well, I trust you to deal with it as always Nestor. I’m sure a few extra helping hands would be useful for you” Calculus concluded walking over to the phone dialing the detectives’ phone number.
“Very well sir, they will be here at two O’clock” Nestor finished his tea thinking how the older brother and sister were actually useful but the youngest brother had a tendency of snooping around if you left him to his own device.

“Hello detective” Calculus spoke.
“Yes, a telegram arrived, from them…” Calculus answered.
“You’re leaving for London in the morning? Whatever for?”
“Oh my word! Unbelievable!” his face contorted to shock.
“The cult is there you think?” Calculus said giving Nestor a shocked look.
“That will be fine. You can meet me at the gate…” Professor Calculus hung up the phone.

“I’m going out with both of the detectives. I should be back by the evening. Remember Nestor, they aren’t to go anywhere near my lab” Calculus instructed.
“Yes sir,” Nestor nodded finishing his tea.

XXXXXXXX

Professor Calculus met both of the detectives at the gate of Marlinspike and they went out to a café in Brussels. The day was beginning to get cloudy as they found the café that both Thompson and Thomson adored. It was a small place, which in late spring had tables and chairs for those wishing to sit outside for a wonderful view of the plaza they were in; however, they hadn’t put them out just yet.

“I was hoping they would have had the seats outside…” Thompson complained.
“Indeed, a day like this would have been nice to enjoy outside” Thomson agreed.
“It would but it does appear that it will be raining soon” Calculus said glancing up.
They walked inside and stood by the bar each ordering a coffee. The café had its usual patrons stopping in for lunch or a quick break from their daily activities.
The professor began digging through one of his coat pockets.
“Na professor, it’s on us” Thompson smiled as he paid the barista.
“Thank you!” Calculus smiled as he took a sip of his coffee.
“Now to business…” Thompson started. “Precisely!” Thomson finished.
“Oh yes, Captain Haddock and Tintin are leaving England tomorrow and should return tomorrow evening or Friday morning by the latest” Professor Calculus informed quietly.

“Well at least we know Tintin is safe!” Thompson smiled.
“…but unfortunately INTERPOL called us and we must leave this evening for London to investigate four murders” Thomson said ominously.
“What?!” Professor Calculus exclaimed.
“Yes, three were shot and one was brutally stabbed to death…and two of them were girls” Thompson elaborated.
“Well, can’t Scotland Yard deal with their problems?” Professor Calculus asked incredulously.
“We have reason to believe that cult may be involved in these murders” Thomson replied.
“Thompson could you please give me the sugar?” he said tasting his coffee as he liked it a bit sweet.
“Sure thing Thomson!” he said reaching absent minded for one of the condiments on the bar handing it to Thompson.
“So this happened in London?” Professor Calculus asked suspiciously.
“Indeed it did…” Thompson answered as Thomson began sweetening his coffee.
“Well, the both of our friends aren’t in London…they’re in Colchester” Calculus sighed with relief.

“We also heard a report of a merchant ship called the Sea Serpent that almost wrecked a schooner in the North Sea, and by reports, it was heading toward London hmmm….” Thompson mentioned.
Thomson took a nice sip of his coffee and suddenly spit it out on the floor. “Thompson, I asked for sugar! Not salt!” he stuck out his tongue gasping in distaste.
“Oops…” Thompson smiled.
Professor Calculus couldn’t help but giggle at their constant antics even though the matters were serious.
“Relay to Tintin that staying at Marlinspike for any prolonged amount of time is not a good idea” Thompson added.
“Tell him not to worry about his job, that he will still get paid. We are going to join up with Scotland Yard with this investigation” Thomson concluded.
“Well gentlemen, I do hope you take the proper precautions” Calculus said with concern.
“Never fear, we take our job seriously!” Thompson said assertively.
“Precisely!” Thomson agreed. Professor Calculus just nodded at their quasi-confident statement.

XXXXXXXXXX

Nestor sat at the piano after the gramophone finished playing Chopin’s ‘Nocturne in E Flat Major’. He nodded thoughtfully and began thinking of an old folk tune he remembered growing up and tried to find the notes on the keyboard.
“They make it look so easy!” Nestor thought.

“Alas my love you do me wrong to cast me off discourteously…” he sung to himself with some melody in his voice. After a few minutes of searching for the correct pitch he was able to find the first few notes of the melody to his astonishment.

He remembered a small conversation he had with Madame Castafiore’s accompanist during their last visit as he stressed scales were the basis to understanding the keyboard. Nestor opened the piano bench taking out a small music book with scales and warm ups in it practicing his hand positioning. After twenty minutes of practicing a C Major scale one hand at a time, the doorbell rang.

“Oh drats!” he thought quickly hiding his music scale book back in the piano bench. He knew how Haddock hated listening to repetitive scales and arpeggios when Wagner practiced, and even more so when Bianca sang. Nestor had secretly began practicing when he received the book Wagner sent him the day before when Calculus was in his lab not wanting anyone to know of his personal musical endeavors. The doorbell rang again.

Nestor rushed to the door and it was the three Bolt grandchildren: Peter, the oldest with sandy blond hair and brown eyes who was thirteen. The second was Elise, with same color hair and hazel eyes, but just a year younger. Their youngest brother was Michael, a young dark haired child with green eyes only nine years old.

“Good afternoon Mr. Nestor” Elise and Peter greeted him politely.
“Good afternoon to you too Ms. Elise, Mr. Peter,” he smiled. Nestor liked working with Elise and Peter as they would do as they were told without having to be supervised. Michael on the other hand was easily another story.

“Weekly chores…” Nestor thought for a moment. “Yes, Peter, you will be in charge of cutting the grass of the front of the manor today. Elise I will charge you with pulling the weeds out of the walkways and working in the flower beds watering them. As for you Michael, you will help your sister pull weeds, and please do as she asks. I will be preparing dinner if you need me, everything you need is on the left side of the manor” Nestor finished.

“Understood Mr. Nestor” Peter nodded running for the lawn mower.
“Mr. Nestor?” the youngest one raised his hand.
“Yes Michael…” Nestor responded not surprised he had a question.
“Can I use the bathroom please?” he sighed.
“Ok, but hurry, we need to be done with the chores by six O’clock,” he said letting Michael in.

“I’d better follow and make sure that’s all he does…” Nestor thought to himself as he showed Michael the downstairs guest bathroom. He remembered the last time he trusted Michael to go back outside when he was finished, he found him in the parlor trying to take out one of Haddock’s Unicorn ship models from its case. He didn’t want Haddock to end up turning Michael over his knee as he knew how touchy Haddock was about his artifacts. Nestor waited patiently outside for him for almost twenty minutes.

“Michael, are you ok in there?” Nestor finally spoke up getting a bit impatient.
“Sorry I had to poop” Michael said as he could be heard washing his hands.
“Ok sir, return back outside please…” Nestor said showing him back outside when he came out.

Nestor locked the door behind him so they would have to ring the bell if they needed him. Nestor returned to go back in the kitchen and could hear someone trying to get back in the front door. He quickly peeped out the eye hole and saw little Michael trying to quietly sneak back inside, but the door would not open for him. Nestor smiled and returned to the kitchen satisfied no one would get in unless he wanted them in.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 12-30-2012 at 03:26 AM..

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#33
Old 12-25-2012, 11:52 PM

CHAPTER 15 (PART - B) end of chapter 15



Enzo and Alyssa were sitting around waiting to see Haddock when he walked in. Neither wanted to take responsibility if blame was going to be thrown around. They heard the happy trio get out of the car laughing all the way to the door. “I’m sure that wasn’t Tintin!” Mary Ann was laughing.

“I don’t know…it could have been!” Chester wasn’t so convinced
“I’m confused, why would he wear a wig?” Haddock carried on.
They finally came in as Enzo and Alyssa both smiled waiting to see Haddock’s reaction.
“Hello!” Chester entered first.
“Hello Uncle Frederick!” Alyssa smiled.
“Captain!” Enzo greeted.
“I’m sure Tintin is here Archibald, it was all a mistake I’m sure” Mary Ann said as she entered.
“I haven’t prepared a big lunch…” Alyssa said regretfully.
“Don’t worry, we ended up eating at the pub after Archibald and Frederick went chasing after some other lad who looked like Tintin” she replied.
Alyssa and Enzo gave each other a fearful look.

“Tintin had better not of scampered off without telling me…” Haddock mumbled under his breath. Haddock glanced around the kitchen and living room, and no signs Tintin. He peeked out the kitchen window into the back yard, still no Tintin.
Haddock immediately bolted upstairs.

“Where is Tintin?” Chester asked both Alyssa and Enzo.
“Don’t tell me he bolted?” Mary Ann asked in disbelief.
“His brother came by…” Enzo finally spoke.
“Yes, he came by and they left together…” Alyssa finished.
“We finished the work in the garden though!” Enzo smiled sheepishly.
Chester glanced out the window and nodded.
“Indeed you did, but when did Tintin leave?” Chester asked.
“Just before you arrived” Alyssa answered.
“I thought that guy looked like Tintin!” Chester now seemed convinced.
“Did he wear a grey flannel shirt and have a ponytail?” Alyssa asked carefully.
“Why yes he did!” Chester nodded in disbelief finally coming to a full circle.
“That bloke was Tintin’s brother?!” Mary Ann still wasn’t convinced.
“They left together Captain” Enzo concluded.

Alyssa walked up to Chester nonchalantly, "Uncle Frederick, I think Uncle Archie should give Tintin a little bit of breathing room if you know what I mean?" she whispered.

Chester regarded her strangely not knowing how to take her as he glanced from her to the stairs waiting for Haddock to come racing down. Alyssa glanced back at him and shook her head.

“One Hundred Thousands of Blisterin’ Bright Blue Barnacales!” Haddock could be heard shouting upstairs as he rushed back down.
“Alyssa, Enzo, where’s Tintin?” Haddock almost demanded trying to keep the edge of his voice.
Alyssa and Enzo both looked helplessly to Captain Chester.
“I can’t believe it” Mary Ann realized.
“Haddock, I think you and I should go for a walk” Chester said motioning for him to come outside with him.
“We need to go find Tintin right now!” Haddock said anxiously looking at Mary Ann.
“Haddock, we need to speak…” he said grabbing Haddock by the arm leading him out.

Mary Ann only looked confused not sure what to think. Haddock was angry and worried at the same time as Chester led him out. It was in the afternoon and it was beginning to drizzle outside. The clouds seem to rolling in fairly fast. Chester saw Haddock was about to explode and thought it best to try to diffuse his friend before he ended up leaving too many clues out in the open.

“Chester, we got to go find Tintin!” Haddock said anxiously.
“Haddock…” Chester sighed not really sure where to begin. “I think maybe he feels a bit smothered...” Chester said leading him up the driveway.
“Boulderdash! He’s naked without me!” Haddock said confidently.
“Haddock, if this is truly his brother, then you have to understand that maybe he feels like this is something only he can unravel. What would you do if the roles were reversed?” Chester reasoned with him.
“Why, I’d take him along with me with no questions asked…” Haddock replied triumphantly again.
“You’re not helping me Haddock” Chester almost laughed as they took a left down the lane.
“What if it’s a trap by that All-Seeing-Eye cult we spoke about last night?!” Haddock answered nervously.

“Alyssa and Enzo seemed pretty sure there was more than a case for this ‘Benton’ being Tintin’s brother” Chester explained. “I don’t think a cult member would take Tintin to his house with two friends, introduce him to his wife, two kids, and not invite Enzo and Alyssa again. If so you’d think he would want to eliminate any witnesses!” Chester tried to reason again.

“Alyssa is your niece, and Enzo… you don’t love Enzo like I love Tintin…” Haddock said bluntly under his breath.
Chester laughed again, “There you go assuming things you know little about Haddock, you’re so predictable as always,” he continued smirking. Luckily Chester didn’t see any of the neighbors out walking around trying to make sure other ears didn’t hear this sensitive conversation.

“What do you mean?!” Haddock demanded.
“Well for one thing remember my daughter's mother’s sister?” Chester reminded.
“Um yea? So what’s your point?” Haddock said impatiently.
“Well my daughter's mother told me awhile back that her sister did like you then, but complained about how…overprotective and jealous you became just during the few times the two of you were together” Chester expounded.
“She don’t count, you know how she was…besides… I didn’t love her” Haddock dismissed the point.

“Yes I do, but the fact remains that even I saw it then and I am seeing it now. Let Tintin figure this out…” Chester said trying to make sense.
Haddock laughed almost hysterically.
“What’s so funny?” Chester asked curiously.
“You hypocrite! You’re doing the same thing to Enzo” Haddock laughed. “It wasn’t just my idea to keep Tintin safe you know” Haddock pointed out.
Chester felt a little irritated by the response but knew Haddock was right. “You’re never going to change are you?” Chester sighed.
“Don’t give me that boulderdash! You’re partly the same and you know it and I know it!” Haddock pointed out. “You just hide it better!” Haddock finished giving him a playful nudge.
“Ok ok… I tell you what… if we don’t hear from Tintin by later tonight we will go looking for him later?” Chester put his hand out to Haddock.

Haddock regarded him closely really wanting to go that second, but reluctantly agreed and shook Chester’s hand.

"Tintin knows that all of you are returning back to Marlinspike tomorrow doesn't he?" Chester asked curiously.
"Of course he does, I told him the other afternoon" Haddock nodded.
"He'll be back Haddock, just trust him" Chester smiled.

They had walked a ways down the lane as the skies had darkened and the rain began to pour.
“Ten Thousand Thunderin’ Typhoons!” Haddock shouted.
“Blastin’Blunderin’ Banshees!” Chester yelled as they ran quickly back to the house. When they finally made it back, both of them were sopping wet.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 12-30-2012 at 03:34 AM..

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#34
Old 12-27-2012, 06:10 AM

CHAPTER 16 (PART - A)



Benton and Tinin drove peacefully through the countryside as the skies began to slowly turn grey. Tintin felt guilty for not even leaving a personal letter for his captain, but realized that he really needed some time to discern a lot of the past with his own personal insight. This was a reality that Haddock could not shield him from. He was now ready for his personal quest to find out his true identity and begin to shed these shrouds of mystery that has plagued him for so many years. Tintin knew at any moment he could be assertive and revert back to his survival mode, but one link and one link alone kept him forever tied to his companion. The one thing that allowed him to tolerate all of his captain’s shortcomings, and it was love.

“Looks like rain clouds” Benton noticed.
“Rain isn’t going to ruin my day” Tintin smiled.
“That’s a good attitude to have Fenton” Benton nodded.
“So what’s your wife Lucille cooking for us?”
“She is fixing some nice sandwiches. I hope I’m not taking you away from your friends for too long…”
“Think nothing of it…but I am returning back to Belgium tomorrow I’m afraid” Tintin sighed.
“That’s unfortunate, my work keeps me busy so I don’t have much time to travel” Benton explained.
“Well perhaps you could stay a bit longer…” Benton suggested.
“Maybe…it’s amazing so you’re a father of two!” Tintin changed the subject as the rain began to pour.

“Bloody rain!” Benton complained rolling up his window turning on his windshield wipers. Tintin quickly rolled his up too before he got drenched.
“So yes, I am a father of two as you have met Matthew and Heidi, intelligent children. With each passing day the never stop amazing me with what they learn,” Benton bragged.
“Have you traveled with your children much?” Tintin asked curious about where they had been.

“A few places which Lucille’s father sent us to for holiday. He generously sent us to New York City for a short time where I worked as a banker briefly about a couple months. I became bored with it and missed being home back in England. We had some money and traveled to Brazil which was an interesting trip,” Benton nodded emphatically.
“Impressive, I was in Chicago and New York City too…” Tintin commented.
“What did you think of the States?” Benton asked.
“Different, but a nice place all the same, I was sad to leave after all of my exploits reporting on mobsters. Especially chasing after one by the name of Smiles” Tintin remembered the affair.
“You’re chasing after mobsters and you’re a reporter?!” Benton asked incredulously.

“Well, I became an investigator a few years back for a couple of gentlemen back in Brussels. I enjoyed writing articles, but my problem was my moral ethic would usually end up taking over as I became part of the story myself” Tintin explained.
“Nothing wrong with working to keep our neighborhoods safe,” Benton nodded thoughtfully as they made a few turns leading towards the road that led to Ipswich. “So what else did you do in the States?” Benton prompted Tintin.
“I had some close calls with some of the Native American Indian tribal folk and the ‘cowboys’, thankfully Snowy has been my most faithful companion while traveling the world,” Tintin finished.

“Wow you just seem to have an incredible streak of luck, when we get home I want details” Benton replied with interest.
“How was Brazil?” Tintin asked in turn.

“It was a fascinating place. Both Matthew and Heidi were only three at the time, so they probably remember little. I too had a couple of close calls as Lucille and I had left the children at the resort with babysitters so we could take a tour in the rainforest. We ended up getting caught up in a gun battle with drug smugglers. We were taken hostage for a few days, and we were both beginning to fear we would never see our children again…” Benton paused to slow down to let some pedestrians cross the road.

“So what happened?” Tintin asked with anticipation.
“I was determined we would survive, I would not leave my children father and motherless like you and I had been. Lucille and I tricked the guards thinking we had escaped…but I think I should wait until Lucille is present to correct me as I retell the events. She’s a brave woman and by looking at her, you would never know it,” Benton smiled.

“Wow, it sounds like you’ve had a couple adventures yourself” Tintin’s interest began to peak.

It wasn’t much longer until they arrived back at Benton’s home. The scene was tranquil as the pasture in distance could be seen as the rain began to taper off. Tintin noticed the curtains in the window shuffle around until a small face popped up with a huge smiled and the curtains quickly closed. As they got out of the car both of them could hear happy shouts, “Daddy’s home!”
“It appears we’re being expected” Tintin smiled.
“Indeed” Benton said taking a small sack out of the back seat.
“Welcome home love!” Lucille came to the door dressed in a white blouse and long grey skirt.

“Thanks!” Benton said giving her a quick kiss on the lips.
“Welcome back Fenton” she smiled. Lucille was wearing a purple bandana covering most of her hair except a few long bangs that hung to the side. The bandana also wrapped around most of her long ponytail that cascaded down to her lower back.
“Thanks Lucille” Tintin said kissing her hand.

“Daddy! Daddy! Did you bring us sweets?” both Matthew and Heidi said jumping around him curious what he had in the sack.
“Yes I did, but not until after you eat” he smiled.
“Matthew, Heidi, say hello to your Uncle Fenton” Lucille announced.
Matthew and Heidi seemed to know no strangers for they came running up to Tintin and began to hug his leg. “Hi Uncle Fenton!” they both shouted.
“Did you bring us sweets too?” Matthew asked hopefully.
“I want sweets too!” Heidi smiled.

“Your father says no sweets until after you eat” Tintin winked patting them both on the head.
“Come sit it’s time to eat!” Lucille shouted from the kitchen. Both of the children ran into the kitchen.
“Are you ready to eat Fenton?” Benton asked.
“Sure” Tintin nodded.
Benton sat the sack down on a table in the corner of the living den and led Tintin through the kitchen to a small dining area in the corner. The table had about five chairs with a purple table cloth over it. Even the wooden chairs were painted purple.
“Wow you really like purple” Tintin commented.
“I don’t know what it is about that color but I’m drawn to it” Lucille tried to explain.

“You saw the bedroom, I wanted green, but she insisted on purple” Benton laughed.
“We actually decided with a coin toss as to who was going to choose the color of the room when we moved here” Lucille explained with a bit of a smirk. She quickly moved by the stove where she had a tray of sandwiches already made with a large bowl of sliced apples.
“Sorry if this isn’t to your liking, I’m not the greatest cook” Lucille admitted.
“No please, don’t worry about it, having something to eat is good enough” Tintin shook his head.

“We had a ham for dinner yesterday, so I took the left over and made ham and cheese sandwiches. Benton is a much better cook than I am. If you’re still hungry afterwards, I got a box of biscuits for dessert,” Lucille went on.
“Please, eat up brother!” Benton urged Tintin.
Tintint took one of the stacked sandwiches made on the tray as Benton put half a sandwich and some sliced apples on a plate for Matthew and Heidi. Tintin took a bite and the sandwich was as Lucille said. It wasn’t the best, but it was far from the worst he had ever eaten. He noticed both Heidi and Matthew were quietly eating staring at him.

“Matthew, Heidi, it’s not polite to stare” Lucille scolded her children.
“He looks a lot like daddy!” Heidi smiled mischievously.
“Yea!” Matthew began whispering to his sister.
“Matthew, talking about people in front of them is especially impolite!” Lucille scolded him again.
“They’re my little munchkins!” Benton smiled.
“Let’s eat now, we’re going over to see your grandmother after we finish” Lucille told them.
“Is Uncle Fenton coming with us?” Matthew said still unable to stop staring at Tintin.
“No Matthew, your father would like to spend some time with his brother, so stop nagging him and eat,” Lucille scolded again.
“It’s ok…” Tintin shook his head not minding the attention from the kids.
“Mom, can Uncle Fenton play with us before we leave please!” Heidi pleaded.
“If you’re Uncle Fenton doesn’t mind…” Benton said looking to Tintin.
“Of course, I don’t mind taking a little time to get to know my niece and nephew” Tintin smiled brightly.
“Hurray!!” both the kids shouted.
“…but you have to finish eating, if you don’t then Uncle Fenton won’t play with you” Lucille added.

The kids became quiet and started to eat their sandwich and apples. Benton and Lucille seemed quite impressed on how quickly the children were already taking an interest in their uncle. It wasn’t long before they finished.
“Ok, now go wash your hands and wait for daddy in the living den if you want sweets too!” Benton said with much animation.
Both Heidi and Matthew ran to the bathroom.

“Walk! Don’t run please!” Lucille shouted behind them.
Matthew seemed like a spitting image of he and his brother at that age. Tintin wanted to ask a million questions at once but didn’t want to overwhelm his new family members too quickly.
“So they’re twins?” Tintin asked.
“Yes, Matthew is the older one as he was born first” Lucille explained.
“Before you go play with the kids I will finish what happened in Brazil” Benton said getting Lucille’s attention.

“Oh, we were lucky to escape with our lives!” Lucille said dreadfully.
“I know…good thing you’re a bit of a tomboy!” Benton teased.
“Benton!” Lucille laughed.

“Ok Fenton, we were able to hang from the ceiling beams where they had us locked up. As soon as the guard walked in, we both jumped down on top of him and was able to wrestle his gun away from him” Benton continued the story.
“The heat was unbearable!” Lucille commented. “It wasn’t long before that terrorist’s friends came running after us with guns. They fired in our direction several times. Luckily Benton had enough rounds to fire back as to discourage them some from following us,” Lucille paused taking the children’s plates off the table placing them in the sink.
“Lucille picked up that guard’s machete and that alone saved my life!” Benton added.
“How so?” Tintin asked with renewed interest.

“When we were running away we ended up using all of the bullets to discourage
our pursuers. We were lost for hours, sweaty, tired, hungry, and close to being delirious. I leaned on a tree and an anaconda bit my leg and began to wrap around me. I thought I had one bullet left but I had none. I struggled with the big snake. Lucille slashed it one good time with the machete, and then it sprang at her barely missing. I picked up a rock and hit it one good time distracting it while Lucille swung again scoring a more deepening cut on the monster…” Benton paused.
“It slithered away as fast as it could once I slashed it that time. We were slowed by Benton’s injury. An hour later we came upon a tribal village and they wrapped Benton’s leg and led us back to the resort. After hours of police reports they let us go and we were glad to be gone.” Lucille finished the tale.

“So what happened to those terrorists? Did they get caught?” Tintin asked curiously.
“We’re not sure, later we heard that some were caught, but not all of them” Benton replied unsure.
Matthew and Heidi came back in the kitchen and stood by their dad. “Dad can we have sweets now?” Heidi asked.
“Can Uncle Fenton play with us now?” Matthew asked tugging on his dad’s grey flannel shirt.
“Ok, let’s get us some sweets then shall we?” Benton said leading them back into the living room.
“So just how many adventures have all of you had?” Tintin asked curiously.

“There were a couple of other strange incidents that happened…but we’ll save those tales for another time. Better not keep the kids waiting” Lucille laughed.
Tintin nodded and walked in to see the kids’ eyes a glow as Benton opened a tin can filled with various colored hard rock candy.
“I want a blue one!” Heidi begged.
“I want a red one!” Matthew also begged.
“Ok kids hold on…” Benton said fishing out the colors they wanted.
“That’s all you get for now” Benton said replacing the lid back on the tin taking it back to the kitchen.
“Uncle Fenton, come help me build a castle!” Matthew said leading Tintin near the toy box.
“I want Uncle Fenton to come play with me and my dolly Suzie” Heidi said fishing out her rag doll. Tintin noticed on closer inspection it had purple yarn for hair and worse a long purple dress.
“I asked first Heidi” Matthew complained.

“Come on kids I’m right here! I can play with both of you! Why don’t you tell us how you want your castle to look for you and Suzie” Tintin smiled with a warm feeling that was completely new to him. Tintin got on the floor with Matthew as they moved blocks around and started to build a wall as Heidi and her doll handed them the blocks occasionally complaining the wall was too small for Suzie.

Benton and Lucille peeked out of the kitchen. “Amazing isn’t it?” Benton whispered.
“It’s like they’ve always known him…” Lucille smiled.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 12-31-2012 at 11:06 PM..

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#35
Old 12-28-2012, 12:12 AM

CHAPTER 16 (PART - B) end of chapter 16



The hours slowly ticked away and Haddock become increasingly more anxious not knowing how Tintin was or where he had gone. He wanted to ask Alyssa and Enzo if they knew anything else, but he didn’t want to seem like he was smothering Tintin. He knew Alyssa and perhaps Enzo remembered how to get to this ‘Benton’s’ house. He went back upstairs to his room with Snowy and Cocoa. “If Tintin is not back by later tonight, I’m coming after him!” Haddock decided. He took a book from downstairs which was an old Charles Dickens novel, ‘Oliver Twist’ which he had read before. It was one of his favorite books since he met Tintin because it reminded him of Tintin. Haddock would smile at the thought of how Oliver was adopted by Brownlow at the end of the novel. Almost like how he had adopted Tintin into his home and heart.

He too thought a lot about Tintin’s past since this allegedly was a brother Tintin was to go see. He met Tintin at the tender age of sixteen when he came through that portal. The captain only saw him as an unfortunate casualty of putting his nose where it shouldn’t have been, but he was glad he did otherwise they may never have met. Through the years he watched Tintin grow into a fine young man with a noble heart. Three years later he remembered how their relationship began to slowly evolve into something he never thought would happen as they spent more time together going on leisurely journeys to many parts of the world.

Haddock realized he needed to calm down as he realized he was over thinking things again. He also knew Chester was right about what they had discussed but saw he too had a hard time taking is his own advice.

“Where did Tintin go?” Snowy whined to Haddock.
“What’s wrong Snowy?” Haddock asked him as Snowy sat staring at him with his deep brown eyes.
“That’s how my master left me” Cocoa whined to Snowy.
“You too Cocoa?” Haddock looked at the small brown dog.
“Both of you worried about Tintin?” Haddock asked rhetorically.

Snowy cocked his head at the Captain and jumped on his lap as he sat at the desk.
“I think Tintin wants to do this alone…” Haddock frowned at Snowy.
“But why?” Snowy continued to whine licking Haddock’s hand.
“Tintin won’t abandon us, I know that” Haddock said scratching behind Snowy’s ears which he liked.
Snowy jumped down and went to lie down next to Cocoa. “He’s right, Tintin wouldn’t abandon us” Snowy told Cocoa.
Haddock noticed Cocoa had a large patch of white fur on her neck that trailed all the way down to her stomach.

“You’re cute! I guess we’re going to have to make room for another family member eh Snowy?” Haddock smiled.
“Yes!” Snowy barked.
“I have a home now!” Cocoa barked.
“Yea, you’ll like it back at Marlinspike, we got lots of space and open land!” Haddock spoke to Cocoa.
Snowy and Cocoa looked quite content. “He’s right, Tintin will be back. He’s with that other guy who looks like him” Snowy thought.
“Captain Haddock, dinner’s ready!” Enzo shouted from the hallway.
“Alright, be down in a minute!” Haddock answered back.

XXXXXXXX

Thirty minutes later Lucille took the kids and they left as Lucille had mentioned they were going to see their grandparents. After she left, Benton took out a bottle of gin which Tintin wasn’t too happy to see.

“Would you like a bit of gin and tonic with me Fenton?” Benton asked taking two glasses out of the cabinet.
“If it’s all the same I’d rather not…I’m not much of a drinker” Tintin admitted.
“Oh come on, just one drink and I won’t ask you for another,” Benton pressured as he was already pouring him a small glass with a couple of shots in it.
“Ok, but just this one, I don’t mind a couple pints of ale but spirits make me sick” Tintin told him.
“Well Lucille doesn’t like it when I drink either” Benton admitted. “She threw one bottle out one night telling me that she didn’t want me drinking in front of the kids” he shook his head.
“I don’t blame her” Tintin agreed.

“I only drink when they’re not around” Benton explained. “Lucille doesn’t mind as much when it’s just the two of us as long as I don’t get carried away,” he finished.
Tintin thought for moment watching Benton drink wondering what it would have been like had he been the alcoholic and Captain Haddock the one who wasn’t the drinker. The thought was a little entertaining watching his brother drink.

“Come on, drink up brother! To our reunion!” Benton made a toast.
“To our reunion” Tintin echoed back with a toast, and Tintin quickly drank it all getting a sour reaction on his face.
“Not much of a drinker are you?” Benton laughed.
“No, I really don’t like spirits” Tintin said with one eye closed looking like he was about to gag.
“Is there anything else about Grandmother Hadley you know about?” Tintin asked.
“I’ve been up that way several times hoping that the remains of the old estate or that the property would yield some new clues…but I found nothing” Benton answered pouring his self another drink.

The hours went by fast as they exchanged stories. Tintin shared the stories about his adventures discovering the cigar drug ring, how he met Chang and foiled a plot in Shanghai China, and ultimately how he met Captain Haddock. Tintin wasn’t sure whether he should share everything with Benton, especially about the nature of his relationship with the captain. Tintin also mentioned how they met Calculus during the hunt for Red Rackham’s treasure. Benton’s eyes grew bigger at the mention of treasure.

“So you actually found it? Where was it at?” Benton asked with excitement. It was at that moment Lucille finally returned and Tintin sighed in relief hoping Lucille would take away that bottle of gin from Benton. Benton quickly poured his self another glass, drank it, quickly and then put the bottle back in the cabinet.
“How can you do that?!” Tintin gave him a contorted gagged look.
Lucille came in to see them sitting at the table in the dining room. Lucille immediately noticed the smell of the gin.

“I see you didn’t wait long to begin” Lucille looked at him accusingly.
“Come on Lucille, I’m just celebrating having my brother Fenton here with us. Oh! He has some interesting stories too! You should hear them” Benton began speaking a little louder.
“You don’t have to shout dear, I’m right here!” Lucille rolled her eyes.
“Well you gents go into the living den, I’m going to make bangers and mash tonight…the one thing I know how to make” Lucille said leading them into the living den.
“I’m sorry Lucille” Tintin apologized before he left the kitchen.
“Just keep him occupied until I’m done” Lucille whispered back to him.
Tintin gave her wink as he left.
They both took a seat on the sofa, “Yea, she doesn’t like when I drink” Benton nodded.

“You kind of remind me of the captain” Tintin compared him.
“So what’s this captain man you live with look like anyway?” Benton asked curiously.
“Why do you ask?” Tintin looked at him funny.
“Well…a couple of old sods were chasing me earlier when I was in town. I thought maybe they were a part of that gang of sailors I beat in a game of darts wanting their money back,” Benton laughed and let out a loud belch.
“Dart game? I thought you said you were being strong armed…yesterday?” Tintin asked confused.
“Well they did that too… but they knew I had money…” Benton went on.
“What did the ‘old sods’ look like?” Tintin asked again.
“One had a red mustache and the other black hair with a beard…that’s all I remember, I was busy trying to get away, they were shouting at me but I don’t know what…I just didn’t want to end up in another fight” Benton explained.
“Oh really? That was the captains, both of them!” Tintin laughed.
“You know them?!” Benton looked surprised.
“Yes, the black bearded man was Captain Haddock and the other was his best friend Captain Chester. They must have thought you were me!” Tintin laughed almost uncontrollably.

“No wonder they came after me…you and this captain of yours must be really good friends” Benton commented.
“You could say that…” Tintin thought.
“Let’s watch a little tele” Benton said turning the television on. Benton began changing through the channels trying to find anything that the antenna would pick up.
“Here’s something!” Benton said getting a clear picture.
“This evening a horrific discovery was made in London down by the…” Benton changed the channel before Tintin could get the finished message.
“Turn it back Benton, I want to hear that…” Tintin said wanting to know what was discovered.
“Oh come on, the news is the last thing you want to hear…” Benton continued changing the channels until he found an evening program.
“Oh this should be much better… this is a great show, let’s watch it until it’s time to eat” Benton smiled.

Tintin didn’t want to be rude so he just sat and watched the show as he noticed Benton seemed to be getting drunker as the evening went on as he had smaller bottles hid in the sofa. Tintin noticed he had a small flask like the captain kept on him most of the time and would sneak a swig when he thought Tintin wasn’t looking. Tintin knew that for most folk who were alcoholics, there was usually a reason why they drink so much. Having only a couple of days to pull out all of a new family member’s secrets didn’t seem realistic. Benton would be a lot harder to crack than Haddock because if Benton and he truly were brothers, and they thought alike, Benton would be holding a bit back too.

Tintin was afraid Benton would get too drunk to have any intelligent conversation with eventually. Somewhere in the middle of his evaluation and comparison of his current situation he realized Benton had dosed off. Tintin quietly walked up to the televisions and found the previous channel Benton had passed, but by the time he returned to the channel the news had already finished.

“…no… not my brother!” Benton mumbled.
Tintin glanced at Benton’s face as it contorted to anguish and terror. “…run brother!” he mumbled again.
Tintin continued to watch his brother as he slept uneasily. “You abandoned me! Leave me alone!” Benton continued to talk in his sleep.
Tintin remembered the same words in his dream, ‘run brother!’ Tintin’s eyes widened in amazement, there was no mistake. Benton Hadley was indeed his brother. Was he having the same exact dream?
“What secrets are you hiding brother?” Tintin muttered under his breath.
Tintin got up and walked in the kitchen, as Lucille was making the final touches for their dinner.

“That actually smells quite delicious” Tintin commented.
“Thanks Fenton, this is Benton’s favorite dish just so you know” Lucille smiled.
“So tell me, those three guys that attacked Benton? Were they strong arming him, did he have a debt, or what?” Tintin questioned curiously.
Lucille peeked back in the living den cautiously. “He does have a tendency to go to the pub play for money playing darts. He’s really good and sometimes people take losing personally.
It finally made sense to Tintin what had happened. “I see…” Tintin didn’t know what to say. His twin brother, so much alike but yet so different the more he learned about him.
“I like your ring” Lucille commented without looking at it.
“Uh…thanks!” Tintin smiled.
“Who got that ring for you?” Lucille said adding some more spice to the food.
“A friend” Tintin answered quickly.
“A friend huh? Alyssa tells me this friend of yours is her ‘Uncle Archie’” Lucille didn’t even look up at him.
Tintin’s face almost immediately began to turn red. “What did Alyssa say?” Tintin asked almost not wanting to know.

“You and Benton were busy chatting so Alyssa and I chatted in the kitchen while Enzo played with the children; he’s good with kids you know…” Lucille paused to put the food on a large plate since it was finished.
“I noticed you wear that ring on the same hand and finger I wear my wedding band” Lucille commented nonchalantly.
“That doesn’t mean anything!” Tintin said defensively.

“Before we wake Benton up I want to tell you story. I had an uncle, who preferred the company of men. He never married, but he had a friend that lived with him. He was the best uncle I ever had, but mom and dad demonized him saying he didn’t live the way that we’re supposed to,” Lucille stopped a moment to look Tintin in the eye.

Tintin knew exactly where this was going, but just decided to remain silent and listen.

“One day when Benton and I were about sixteen and eighteen, we already were interested in each other but we were proper about it. We snuck out one evening against my parents’ wishes. We were attacked by a ribald group of sailors while we were walking along the harbor. Benton was no match for them, and of course I didn’t just let them try to take me!” Lucille paused.

Tintin’s head was swimming but was too interested to not listen to Lucille’s tale.
“My uncle and his special friend happened to be out that evening and found those perverts trying to take us against our will aboard a ship. Never had I seen such heroism…they single handedly fought five of them off saving us from a horrible certain death. I will never forget that and forever will I always love my uncle for his bravery. Who he loves is of no consequence to me, he’s still my uncle and I will love him even after the day I die” Lucille finished.

A single tear began to roll from the corner of Tintin’s eye as he realized the message Lucille was trying to tell him. “What happened to your uncle?” Tintin asked.

“He and his partner moved to the States, and where in the States? I do not know” she shrugged her shoulders. “So I ask you, is this special friend also your lover?” Lucille asked bluntly.
“Yes…” Tintin admitted quietly.
Lucille smiled warmly at him, “Welcome to the family brother!” she hugged him.
“I would love to meet him” Lucille smiled.
“Yes, there isn’t another that will ever take his place” Tintin said emotionally.
“Soooo!” Lucille and Tintin both looked up to see Benton slowly shuffle into the kitchen.

“I smell Bangers and Mash! My favorite! Let’s eat!” he smiled.
Tintin was terrified for that moment, would his own brother accept him just as Lucille did? Tintin was too frightened to find out so he just sat down at the table. Benton’s hair was half pulled back and hanging in front of his face. He looked half awake and half asleep. The three of them sat down and began to eat.

“What did you dream about earlier on the sofa?” Tintin boldly asked.
“Nothing I care to discuss right…hic…now” Benton said getting a mouthful of food.
Lucille ate and just glared at Benton.
Tintin ate about half of what was on his plate and he felt the tension in the air was so thick it could have been cut with a knife. He couldn’t finish it although it was really delicious.
“Why did you choose to get drunk tonight?” Lucille asked calmly.
“Because I wanted to…hic-up…is that…is that… a problem?” Benton responded drunkenly.
“Yes Benton, it’s becoming a problem! Excuse me Fenton I need to go the ladies room!” Lucille got up frustrated with Benton.
Benton just continued eating as if nothing was wrong and dropped his utensils on his plate when he finished. Tintin didn’t dare say a word, in this state, maybe it was better that he didn’t speak to Benton.

“So Fenton…hic… tell me you’re not…hic-up… like that…” Benton replied.
The statement caught Tintin cold. He could feel his insides shutting down as his heart rate seemed to double in speed and the hair on the back of his neck stood up.
“Brother…hic…I asked you …hic…a question…” he said looking clumsily at him.
“No, I’m not!” Tintin answered assertively.
“Don’t lie damn it!” Benton yelled as he slammed his fist on the table causing the plates to vibrate.
“So you and that…hic…cabin boy lover!” Benton shouted.

“Ok it’s true and I’m not changing that for anyone!” Tintin didn’t back down.
Benton jumped out of his seat a lot quicker than Tintin expected and he throttled Tintin knocking him in his chair backwards. Tintin blocked Benton’s quick but clumsy grasp by lowering his chin blocking access to the front part of his neck.
Benton drew back to punch Tintin but Tintin moved his head in time for Benton to miss and hit the floor. Tintin’s muscles ached from all of the work earlier so he had a problem moving fast. He tried to get up as quickly as he could. Benton clumsily tried to stand then he reached for a club he had by the icebox.

“I will not…hic…have that in my…hic…family! You got five seconds to get out…hic…of my…hic-up…house” Benton stated flatly.
“Fine!” Tintin said angrily. He carefully walked by Benton ready to move if he decided to swing the club at him.
“1…2…3…4…” Benton began counting.
Tintin quickly dashed out the front door. The sky was already darkening as the sun had already set. He walked out of the driveway as the door flew open.
“Fenton! Fenton!” Lucille screamed coming running after him.
Tintin turned around as Lucille ran to him. “I’m so sorry…” she apologized over and over.
“We should not have discussed my personal business…” Tintin said flatly.
“I’m really sorry…” Lucille apologized again.
“It’s too late now, no need to worry…I’m going home, Lucille, thank you for accepting me into the family, but unfortunately the one I need acceptance from won’t give it to me” Tintin replied without emotion.
“Let me drive you home…” Lucille offered.

“No it’s ok… I’ll walk…Besides Benton has the keys…” Tintin said hugging her gently then turned and began walking down the dark road towards Colchester. While Tintin walked he could hear Lucille and Benton arguing loudly as it echoed over the fields.

“I didn’t want this to happen…” Tintin thought as he walked. His muscles were sore but yet he continued to walk, his mind was swimming with so many thoughts that weariness didn’t affect him. It was going to be a long walk.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 12-31-2012 at 11:28 PM..

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#36
Old 12-29-2012, 02:47 AM

CHAPTER 17 (PART - A)


The hours went by slowly, back at Captain Chester’s sister’s home. Chester brought Haddock out of his room as he, Enzo, Haddock, and Alyssa played ‘Go Fish’. Chester focused on keeping Haddock’s mind occupied. Bob and Nathan arrived home a little earlier than usual and dinner was leftovers from the night before reheated.

“Where’s Tintin?” Bob asked noticing his absence.
“He’s visiting someone he knows…” Chester answered.
“I didn’t know he knew anyone around here” Bob said surprised.

The dinner table was fairly silent. Enzo’s entire body was now feeling the full effect of the manual labor, he really just wanted to go take a bath and go to bed. Alyssa watched Haddock carefully noting his anxious fidgeting constantly watching the clock. Mary Ann really didn’t know what to think of everything going on, but thought it was better not to mention too much to her husband since he had worked all day. Chester did most of the conversing with Bob about work. Nathan seemed especially exhausted when he returned and didn’t have much to say.

“It’s a real shame all of you have to leave tomorrow” Bob reiterated again.
“Elizabeth will be expecting me soon, and I have a crew up on the Sirius in Glasgow waiting for me by Monday” Chester explained again for the fifth time.
“What about you Archibald? What about you and Tintin? Surely you would like to earn a little money,” Bob asked again.
“Sorry Bob, we got business back home, and I’m not worried about money…” Haddock said absently glancing back at Chester.
“Well if you change your mind…” Bob reminded.
“That’s probably not going to happen Bob” Chester ended that discussion.
“The garden looks nice” Nathan noted.
“Oh that… you have Enzo and Tintin to thank for that” Chester pointed out.
Enzo looked up and smiled weakly feeling his muscles aching.
“I guess we can finish planting the seeds this weekend” Nathan commented.
“Yes, it really was nice since we didn’t have to borrow a tractor” Bob laughed.

“What?!” Chester, Haddock, and Enzo glared at Bob at once.
“Well one of our neighbors lets us borrow his tractor sometimes to do our fairly small plot we have, for a small price…” Bob explained.
“Why didn’t you just do that?” Chester demanded.
“We have money you know!” Haddock cut in.
“Well, I figured I had extra help at home, so I thought I would put it to use…” Bob reasoned.
“We were supposed to be on holiday…if you had a tractor or could have gotten one, we could have had all of that done in half a day!” Chester replied with a bit of aggravation.
“Hard work was what my ole dad used to tell me was the key to a good living” Bob went on.

“I’ll show you work you, you…” Haddock’s anger was starting to boil over by the look in his eye. Even for a seasoned captain who was fairly active, manual farming wasn’t an easy task. Chester’s and Haddock’s limbs were not free from being sore from the previous day of toil.

“What time is it?” Alyssa said noting both of her uncle’s outrage. Even for her Uncle Frederick, he had a temper like her Uncle Archibald, and when he would lose it, both were the same.

“It’s almost nine O’clock” Mary Ann answered trying to quickly diffuse the situation knowing her brother’s signs that his temper and Haddock’s was getting ready to spill over.
“Maybe it would be a good idea if you go pick Tintin up, surely by now he’s ready” Mary Ann suggested with a mock smile. At the mention of going to check on Tintin Haddock’s anger was diverted.
“I think that is a great idea” Haddock commented enthusiastically.

“I second it!” Chester smiled to Haddock wanting to get away from Bob before he felt the urge to say some unpleasant comments to him or worse. Bob was basically a good man, but his ideals had a way of infuriating folks sometimes. Chester had even employed him on the Sirius in the past and some of his methods of work sometimes landed him in trouble. Chester had a couple of private discussions with Bob, but for some reason or another, they just didn’t stick.

Chester agreed that hard work was to be valued, but smart efficient work even more so. The tension between a couple of Chester’s crewmen had escalated to the point of some minor altercations which Bob suffered a black eye for his uncompromising ethics. During a meeting with his crew, Chester realized it was more than a couple of crewmen who had a problem with Bob’s methods.
Rather than demote or outright kick his brother-in-law off his ship, he decided to visit his sister and explain the situation; and luckily, she was well connected enough to help him get the current position he had on a fishing schooner. Skills were required, but on a small boat not an extreme amount of thought and hierarchy took place.

“Here” Mary Ann got up and picked her car keys off of the counter handing them to Chester.
“Thanks Mary,” Chester smiled.
“Don’t mention it, you blokes just don’t get into any mischief” Mary Ann winked.
“Let’s go Haddock,” Chester motioned.
“You don’t have to tell me twice” Haddock nodded emphatically.
“Do you know the way Enzo?” Chester asked him.
“I’m not sure I could remember now that it’s dark” Enzo replied unsure.
“Nathan you want to take a lift out for a bit?” Alyssa whispered to Nathan.
“That’s fine,” Nathan nodded.
“We’ll go with you” Alyssa volunteered herself and her husband.
“Well is everyone leaving us behind?” Bob asked giving them all a strange look.
“Not everyone…” Alyssa laughed pointing to Enzo.
“I’m not feeling so well, so I’m going to bed,” Enzo stood up stretching.
“It’s ok Bob, we can watch a little tele” Mary Ann suggested.
“I can go if all of you need me” Bob smiled.
“That won’t be necessary…” Chester replied almost immediately.

Chester led everyone out. “You drive since you know where it’s at” Chester handed Alyssa the keys getting in on the passenger side.
“How far is it from here?” Nathan asked.
“Maybe about fifteen, twenty minutes, not horribly far” Alyssa shrugged.
“Well let’s go!” Haddock said anxiously.
Alyssa started the car, turned on the lights, and they were off.

Alyssa began thinking about the chat that she and Lucille had privately. She knew that what she thought was really none of her business and gossiping like a busy body was unlike the way her mother had brought her up. She wanted to talk about it with someone; but, when she tried discuss it with her mom she would just tell her it’s none of their business and leave it at that. Alyssa never planned on saying anything but Lucille asked who Tintin lived with and if he was married. The secret Alyssa thought she knew was like an over flowing damn. Alyssa also noticed Captain Haddock wore the same kind of ring that Tintin wore. She noticed how Haddock seemed to be a bit on the overprotective side adding further to her suspicions. Alyssa could not hold her tongue and told Lucille her suspicions about Tintin’s and Haddock’s relationship. It was then Lucille shared with Alyssa the story about her own uncle.

A sinking feeling hit her stomach as she felt she betrayed Tintin. She hoped everything was ok and that she didn’t cause any damage for Tintin. Lucille seemed like an intelligent young lady and seemed very compassionate. When Alyssa felt sure that Lucille would not betray her trust she felt better.
“Is everything alright Alyssa?” Chester asked her as she seemed trained on the road not listening to a word anyone was saying.

“Oh, I’m fine…” she raised an eyebrow as she turned on to the road that led towards Ipswich.
A car approached flying down the opposite lane swerving back and forth.
“Alyssa, watch this guy!” Chester warned.
“That guy is drunk!” Haddock shouted.
Alyssa slowed down trying to avoid the other car, but as the car got closer it swerved back into their lane.

“Alyssa! Watch out!” Nathan shouted. Alyssa screamed as the car came barreling down the lane head on and she had to swerve off the road as Haddock and Nathan were thrown on top of one another. Chester luckily was wearing his seat belt like Alyssa. The car spun around facing the opposite way in the field.
“Gangsters! Hooligans! Morons! Misguided Missles!” Haddock poked his head out shaking his fists.
“What a bunch of ignorant buffoons!” Chester mumbled.
“Sorry Uncle…” Alyssa looked up as Haddock got off of Nathan who was pinned underneath him.
“How many bottles of whiskey did they drink?!” Nathan shook his head slightly stunned.
Alyssa tried to move the car out of the field but the wheels were spinning.
“Looks like we’re going to have to push this hunk of metal back in the road” Chester said after Alyssa’s third attempt to get back on the road. Haddock, Chester, and Nathan all got out behind the car.
“On the count of three, give it gas Alyssa!” Chester shouted.
“One, two, three, push!” Chester shouted.

Haddock, Chester, and Nathan gave it all they had as Alyssa’s wheels began spinning as fast as they could; and suddenly, the car went flying out in the road as Chester, Nathan, and Haddock fell into the dirt.
“Sorry!” Alyssa looked back from the window seeing the trio spitting out dirt brushing off their clothes.
“Never mind, let’s just go!” Haddock said slightly annoyed as they got back in the car.
“At least we’re all safe…” Alyssa sighed in relief.
“I wonder why Tintin just didn’t phone the house?” Nathan asked suspiciously.
“They don’t have a phone” Alyssa replied.
“Oh that would explain it” Nathan shrugged.
Haddock stayed quiet in the back intently watching the road noting the way.
“So Nathan, does Bob work really hard out there?” Chester asked curiously.

“He works as hard as anyone else… of course he and the captain of the schooner sometimes get in a row about where the best spot is sometimes or the amount of fish they catch. He’s just like that and probably won’t ever change” Nathan explained.
“Sounds about right…” Chester nodded.
It wasn’t much longer until they finally arrived.
“This is it?” Chester looked at the small house amazed to see a young couple have something fairly decent.
“This Benton must have a good job!” Haddock seemed a bit impressed.
“Lucille’s family is fairly well off and gave that house to them” Alyssa burst their bubble.
“Your mom and dad never gave us a house” Nathan laughed.
“Her parents did let you guys move back in” Chester pointed out.
“He was just joking Uncle Frederick” Alyssa gave her uncle a strange look realizing Chester wasn’t in a very joking mood as they got out of the car.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-04-2013 at 05:59 PM..

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#37
Old 12-30-2012, 02:02 AM

CHAPTER 17 (PART - B)


The cool night air was setting all over the countryside. Tintin followed the road to the best of his ability using the residual light from distant residents and occasional moonlight that peeked through the dark cloudy skies. He had been walking for well over a couple of hours so his legs and arms were wracked with fatigue. He just wished he could be back at the house, warm in bed with the covers wrapped around him or his captain holding him gently. Tintin avoided being seen by passing vehicles just in case some old enemy happened to be driving by. He realized he had a knack for running into danger even when he wasn’t looking for it, which made him successful as a reporter.

His mind was so full of thoughts that it made him forget the searing painful fatigue his limbs felt while walking on the side of the road. The red sweater was made of wool which protected his chest from the cool air. All of these thoughts were of little consequence as he kept replaying the events of the evening that took place at Benton’s house. How did Lucille just pick up so much about him so quickly? Was he that much of an open book? Lucille and he had spoken no more than thirty minutes during their last visit. Did Enzo or Alyssa say something to her? Even then he knew for them it would have been mere speculation.

He was so saddened by the prospect of not knowing anymore about his roots. He wanted so much to be part of his niece's and nephew’s life. He wanted to enjoy the friendship of a sister-in-law, and more importantly, it made him sick to think that a meeting with his long lost brother would turn out to be nothing more than meeting some judgmental drunken swindler. How his expectations were let down made him so sad, but he couldn't accept what happened, it just couldn't end like this.

“How stupid I was to think this could have been so much more…” Tintin muttered as he continued walking.

“If only I had listened to the captain…” he thought suddenly realizing all the irritation he felt towards Haddock disappearing. Maybe all of this was pay back for going off without a care he thought. He knew Haddock didn’t like it when he would just decide to go off without telling him anything about what he was doing, where he was going, or without checking in to let Haddock know he was alive and fine.

Off in the distance Tintin heard a car speeding down the road his way. He saw it was swerving back and forth. Tintin moved into the field to avoid possibly being seen or hit. Once it got closer it hit a bump in the road and spun out of control. Tintin ran further out into the field afraid that it may come barreling at him but it ended up spinning onto the opposite side. Before the car came to a stop it tipped over on its right tires for a moment then fell over on its side. A slew of curse words began flying out the window.

“Great snakes! I hope they're ok! Maybe I’d better go help them!” Tintin said to his self as he ran towards the car lying on its side. The engine was smoking and the tires that were off the ground were still spinning.

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-04-2013 at 06:27 PM..

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#38
Old 12-30-2012, 02:41 AM

CHAPTER 17 (PART - C) end of chapter 17


Chester and Haddock were the first to get by the door as Haddock began hastily knocking. There were hardly any lights on inside the house. A small old black sedan sat out front where they parked.

“Is anyone home?” Chester asked Haddock peeking through the window. Nathan stayed in the car with Alyssa not wanting to get caught up in any more possible trouble. Haddock knocked again.

“Tintin! Benton! You come out this instant!” Haddock shouted.
Suddenly the door slowly opened as Haddock and Chester backed up quickly. They both quietly listened until someone bolted out of the door screaming with a huge club in his hand.

“Come to rob me have you?!” he screamed swinging wildly at Chester and Haddock as they both dodged. Alyssa backed the car up to shine the headlights on them to see what was going on.

“Uncle Archie and Frederick!” Alyssa shouted.
“It’s a mad man!” Nathan jumped out of the car to help them.
Alyssa realized a second later it was Benton with his hair all over the places wearing his grey flannel shirt and jeans angrily swinging at anyone near him.
“We aren’t here to rob you crazy!” Chester shouted at him.
“Oh yea? Then what are you brigands here for then?” he demanded.
Haddock finally got a good look at him in the light and was flabbergasted at just how similar he looked to Tintin, only it was Tintin without a haircut.

“Billions of Blisterin’ Barnacles! You DO look like Tintin…or Fenton!” Haddock exclaimed.
“What!?” Benton came at him swinging.
“Yeowl!” Haddock quickly moved out of the way as Benton rushed him.
“Stop this nonsense!” Chester tried to close in on him but Benton quickly spun around and swung at him too barely missing.
“You hit me with that club boy and I’ll make you eat every last splinter you hear!” Chester yelled.

“How dare you compare me to that…that…man loving sissy!” Benton raged. “Now I remember you two! Cabin boy lovers!” he screamed as Nathan ran up. Benton charged his newest foe swinging catching Nathan by surprise grazing his shoulder. Nathan fell back on to the ground just as Benton was about to club him again, but Chester and Haddock closed the gap grappling the club away from him.

“Get your tentacles off me you ugly sea squids!” he shouted in a drunken rage.
“Shut up!” Chester said as Haddock secured his arms and Chester covered his mouth.
“We need to do something with him! He’s trying to bite my hand!” Chester snarled.
“Sorry boy, hate to do this to you but you need to calm down!” Haddock said throwing him down and giving him one good punch knocking him out. Benton slumped down to the ground quietly.

“Wait!” a woman’s voice cried out.
“Now what!?” Haddock said glancing up.
A woman came out of the house.
“Lucille!” Alyssa said getting out of the car.
“Please don’t hurt him… he’s drunk beyond anything!” Lucille explained turning on the outside light.
“Who are you?” Chester demanded.
“I’m his wife! Why are you here?” she asked squinting in the light until Alyssa turned off the headlights.
“We are looking for Fenton” Haddock replied.
“We haven’t seen him since Benton came for him at the house” Alyssa spoke up.
“Alyssa? I’m sorry, the two of them got into an argument about…” she looked Alyssa in the eye and Alyssa put up her hand already knowing why.
“We don’t care about that right now, we just need to know where Fenton is” Haddock explained.

“Benton flew into a drunken rage and after a little fight Fenton left. I was going to drive him home but Benton hid the car keys…you may have passed him along the way” Lucille explained.

“Well let’s put him inside for now” Chester said picking Benton up throwing him over his shoulder.
“Where do you want us to put him?” Chester asked.
“Just lie him down on the sofa” she said picking up empty bottles of gin.
“Thunderin’ Typhoons! How much alcohol can this boy drink?” Haddock was immediately astounded.
“A lot I’m afraid…he normally doesn’t drink so much” Lucille frowned.
“This is enough alcohol to stop a whale’s heart!” Chester said laying him down on the sofa.
“Nice house” Nathan commented.
“Thanks, it was a gift from my parents” Lucille smiled.
“It’s a nice gift too!” Nathan commented.
“As I told you earlier…Alyssa’s parents aren’t as well off” Chester sounded a little irritated.
“I didn’t mean it like that” Nathan wondered where all of this was coming from all of the sudden.
“Forget it…” Chester shook his head.
“Now I see what Tintin…er—I mean Fenton was talking about” he said looking at Benton’s skin, his hair, and his size.
“I thought so too” Lucille nodded.
“Listen…uh….” Haddock looked at her not knowing how to address her.
“I’m Lucille Hadley” she nodded.
“Well, Ms. Hadley, I would love to stay and chat with you some more but we need to find Fenton” Haddock explained.
“I know please, just Lucille. Before you go…” she said disappearing back down the hallway for a moment. Quickly she returned with a small silver locket.
“I want Fenton to have this, and I’m sure Benton would too if he was of sound mind” Lucille said handing it to Haddock. Haddock quickly scanned the locked as it had the initials P.L. engraved on it.
“Whose initials are these?” Haddock asked.
“I think they may be their father’s” she explained. “What’s your name?” she finally asked.
“I’m Captain Archibald Haddock” he nodded.
“Oh, so you’re Captain Haddock” she smiled.
Alyssa quietly began shaking her head at Lucille. “What do you mean?” Haddock looked curiously at her.
“It’s nothing, you’re right, you’d better find Fenton he’s been gone for almost two hours now” Lucille advised.
“Well young lady, I hope you will be ok” Haddock nodded looking at Benton on the sofa then the rest of the house.
“I’m Captain Frederick Chester, pleasure to meet you young lady” Chester said politely as he walked out.
“I’m Nathan, Alyssa’s husband” Nathan smiled as he exited.
“Thanks Lucille” Alyssa whispered as she was the last one to leave.
“Never mind that… just find Fenton and make sure he’s ok” Lucille whispered back.
The four of them returned back to the car and returned from the way they came.

XXXXXXXXXX

“Hello there! Are all of you ok?” Tintin said running over toward the accident. One man crawled out with his head bleeding but otherwise ok. Tintin crossed the road, “Hey are you ok…” Tintin called out to the man slowly standing by the car as he could hear a few voices still cursing. The man shook his head still a bit stunned but looked at Tintin who still was not fully able to be seen.

“Who are you?” the man asked.

Another guy began slowly crawling out of the window side.
Tintin ran to the window despite how fatigued he was, “Here take my hand” Tintin said using his reserve strength to help the guy out.
The other two guys climbed out slowly with Tintin’s help still dazed from the accident. Tintin could smell whiskey in the car.
“Drinking and driving does not make a good combination” Tintin shook his head. After a few moments one of the guys looked carefully at Tintin.
“You’re voice sounds awfully familiar! Don’t we know you?” one man said suspiciously.
“I don’t believe so…” Tintin said fairly sure.
"I think we do!" the man replied closing in on Tintin.

Another guy grabbed Tintin from behind, “Hey! I just helped you! What are you doing?!” Tintin exclaimed trying to fight back but his tired limbs were no match for this man’s strength.

One of the guys pulled him around where the headlights were still shining. “We do know him! It’s that little hooligan who interfered!” Another guy commented.
“Oh well, we wasn’t looking for him…but we can get even with him too!” Another guy commented.

Tintin realized they were the three ruffians that pursued them up in Ipswich.
“You shouldn’t have jumped an innocent man… three on one?! You think that’s fair?!” Tintin said struggling.
“Innocent?!” one man laughed. “He made off with half our pay, challenging us while we were drunk to a bloody game of darts! He’s the one who doesn’t play fair!” one man explained.
“That’s your fault for getting drunk in a bar and losing control of your wits” Tintin retorted.
“Well mate, that’s not how the world works! So now you got two choices!” one man spat as he spoke spraying Tintin with his whisky like spittle.
“You either take us to Benton and you’ll only get half the beating, or we take all of it out on you!” he gave Tintin the ultimatum.

Tintin felt the guy’s grip slacken just enough to where he pulled his arms out of his grip dropping to the ground. The guy behind him bent down to grab Tintin but bumped heads with the other guy as Tintin crawled right between his legs.

“Get him!” the first guy shouted. One man with a patch on his eye swung at Tintin and he easily dodged, but the forth guy shoved Tintin down on the ground. Tintin tried to roll away but the man jumped down pinning Tintin down.

Tintin’s strength had failed and he could not push the guy off of him.
“Get off of me!” Tintin shouted.
“You are very stupid, now we are going to take out revenge for not only what you did but also for Benton too! It's amazing how much the two of you look alike! It'll make it all the more satisfying!” the first guy said taking out a knife. The other guys pulled Tintin up.

“Hold him still, I want to carve our names in his skin!” he laughed.
“No!” Tintin screamed but could not move.
“Boss! There’s someone coming down the road!” one guy warned.
“Hurry! Let’s hide in the fields until they pass!” he said as they drug Tintin out of sight and hid.
“Help! He—“ Tintin started to scream but one guy covered his mouth.

XXXXXXXX

“Alyssa, look at that!” Chester pointed to the car lying on its side.
“I bet that was that drunken car that came at us earlier!” she guessed.
“Stop, let’s have a look and see if everyone is ok” Chester told her.
They pulled the car over and got out. The car was on its side with the headlights still on and the engine smoking.
Nathan ran ahead of Haddock and Chester and began climbing to peek inside a window.

“Be careful Nathan!” Chester warned.
“There’s no one inside!” Nathan shouted back.
“I wonder what kind of maniac this car belongs to?” Haddock asked.
Haddock took a look inside noticing a burning cigarette
"This car looks like whoever left it just left it recently" Haddock pointed out.

Alyssa stayed in the car watching but noticed something odd in her peripheral vision. She backed the car on the road having the car face into the field and she saw four maybe five men moving deeper into the fields.
“Uncle Frederick! Look into fields ahead of the car!” Alyssa shouted.
At that moment Tintin was able to get a scream out, “Help!”
“Tintin!” Haddock yelled looking where Alyssa had the lights pointed seeing the four guys taking Tintin away. Haddock did not hesitate and bolted with renewed vigor after Tintin’s captors. Chester ran right behind him.

“You stay back there Nathan and guard Alyssa and the car!” Chester ordered.
Nathan joined Alyssa in the car, “There’s four of them! You think your uncles can handle four goons?” Nathan asked with a little concern.
“I hope so…” Alyssa said with a little concern.
“Alyssa, open the trunk” Nathan said anxiously.
“What’s in there?” Alyssa she said hitting the trunk release.
“Trust me on this!” he said jumping out of the car and returning back searching on the ground for small stones.
“What are you doing?!” she exclaimed.

The four guys turned and saw Haddock and Chester coming and turned to face them. Two of the guys were already a bit drunk and battered from the wreck. Each one of them took a wild swing at Haddock and Chester which both captains pulled off the same maneuver. Each of them blocked and grabbed the fist that was thrown at them and returned with an opposite hook followed with a jab to the stomach. The two guys were stunned and both captains threw them to the ground fairly easily giving both another jab in the face before the third guy came at them.

“Haddock, let’s show these guys what true strong arming is!” Chester smiled evilly.
“Oh yes!” Haddock nodded remembering as the guy came running at them. Chester and Haddock crisscrossed their arms reaching out for each other’s hands right before he came up at them and ran into him clothes-lining him right under his chin instantly knocking him out instantly.

“Get them Captains!” Tintin cheered trying in vain to struggle. The last guy pulled out knife and put it to Tintin’s throat.
“Don’t come any closer!” he warned. “I’ll cute his throat!” the man’s voice sounded shaky.
“Don’t do anything daft now!” Chester warned.
“You kill him and we’ll kill you next!” Haddock yelled.
“Just let him go, and we won’t hurt you” Chester tried to reason.
“I want both of you to turn around and walk aw--!” he didn’t finish. Chester and Haddock looked dumbfounded as he let Tintin go and fell into a heap on the ground.
“Captain!” Tintin cried.
“Tintin!” Haddock cried back as Haddock took Tintin in his arms embracing him tightly.
“I’m sorry captain, I’m sorry I ran off… I was so stupid… I should have listened to you!” a tear rolled down his cheek.
“It’s alright landlubber, I should apologize for boxing you in…it’s alright now, let’s just go home” he whispered in his ear.
“How did he just fall?” Tintin asked turning around to look.

Chester and Haddock looked back dumbfounded at the unconscious guy who held Tintin at knife point and looked back toward the car, but couldn’t see in the distance because the bright headlights obscured his vision.

“Good job Nathan! You finally put that slingshot to good use!” Alyssa said giving him an affectionate kiss on the lips.
“Aww it was nothing!” he smiled heroically.
“Let’s go men, we can call the police when we get home to come to pick up this rubbish!” Chester smiled motioning for Haddock and Tintin to follow.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-04-2013 at 07:06 PM..

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#39
Old 12-31-2012, 05:22 AM

CHAPTER 18 (PART - A)



Tintin collapsed in Haddock’s arms from exhaustion on the way to the car and that was all he remembered. Working the field was hard on his back and arms and the emotional exhaustion took its toll. Chester and Haddock drank into the night with Mary Ann, Bob, Nathan, and Alyssa. Snowy was glad to see Tintin back in one piece. Cocoa was just glad to see everyone happy. Enzo had already gone to bed. It was almost a bittersweet night as none of them knew when they would see each other again. It began to sink in this may be their last night together for a long time. They talked more about the past than what had just happened. Nathan of course bragged about his skills with his slingshot some which Chester and Haddock praised him greatly for. Alyssa couldn’t help though to feel bad for Lucille and Benton. The late evening was short lived as one by one they each began making their way back to bed as if trying to delay the next dawn.

The next day came before they knew it. Tintin woke up feeling much better than yesterday but his limbs were still a little sore yet he was ready for the day. Again, Haddock was already up and downstairs enjoying some time with his old friend. Chester and Haddock were busy carrying on about days gone by again. It seemed they had an endless wealth of stories which Tintin knew he only had heard barely half of Haddock and Chester's adventures at sea. Tintin seemed a little perplexed at first then realized that they were leaving later that day. He woke up in the comfortable room just looking around thinking how much he was going to miss this place, despite the fact he was ready to get back to the comfort of Marlinspike Hall. Snowy and Cocoa jumped on the bed licking him.

“Hey you two!” Tintin laughed.
“Come on Tintin everyone is waiting for you!” Snowy barked.
“…and there’s food” Cocoa barked.
“Fine you two, just let me change” he smiled. The captain had put a long night shirt on him and neatly folded his black trousers and red sweater over the daybed.

Tintin rummaged through his suitcase but could not find anything else decent to wear. He didn’t want to wear that red sweater thinking maybe that may have been what jinxed his meeting with his brother yesterday. He still felt down about the whole affair and he knew he would for a while; however, Tintin was more determined to start digging up information on his side. It was then Tintin decided someone he was going to go pay a visit to as soon as he returned home.

“Come on Tintin!” Snowy barked as Tintin was slowly putting his clothes back on.
“Give him time Snowy!” Cocoa barked.
“You ready to go to your new home Cocoa?” Tintin smiled and pet Cocoa on the head.
“It’s a lot bigger than here even” Snowy told Cocoa.
“Wow! It must be really big!” Cocoa was impressed.
Tintin led them downstairs wearing the red sweater again.

“Good morning landlubber!” a friendly gruff voice greeted.
“Good morning captain!” Tintin smiled joining them at the table. Mary Ann had fixed a full English breakfast. Everyone was already up eating but stopped to acknowledge Tintin as he entered the room.
“How are you feeling lad?” Mary Ann asked.
“I’m still a little sore, but fine otherwise” Tintin said stretching before he took a seat.
“You really gave us a scare last night” Chester reminded.
“How did you get mixed up with the likes of those?” Mary Ann asked curiously.
“I saw their car crash, so I wanted to help naturally. They realized who I was before I recognized them” Tintin explained.
“Yea, I thought they looked familiar” Alyssa commented. “They nearly plowed right into us on the way to Benton’s…Nathan and dad wanted to wish you a safe trip home” she added.

“You tell them I said thank you for everything too” Tintin nodded helping his self to a little bit of everything set on the table.
“So when are we leaving?” Tintin asked.
“Shortly after we eat” Haddock nodded sadly.
“Yes, I’m going to lend you the Shooting Star” Chester smiled.
“But…” Tintin gasped.

“I got the Sirius to come back and pick up a shipment and the rest of my crew in Antwerp; besides, the two of you will be doing me a favor by docking it back there” Chester informed. “Think you can handle it?” he winked.

“Of course, I got one of the best captains by my side to help me” Tintin smiled.
“Don’t you mean help ME landlubber?” Haddock said jocularly. Everyone at the table began to laugh.
“Enzo, you look a little sad” Mary Ann said noticing the shy boy.
“I always enjoy visiting here, it’s so refreshing to my soul” he replied poetically.
Everyone regarded him curiously, “He’s a poet and didn’t know it!” Chester winked.
Another chorus of laughter erupted.
“So now it’s time for King Archibald and Prince Fenton to return back to their palace” Alyssa commented.
“Me? A king? Don’t be ridiculous, I wouldn’t know the first thing about being a king…well I would be fair to all of my subjects” Haddock said giving it a quick passing thought.
“I feel like a prince already… but yes being fair and just to one’s subjects is crucial” Tintin agreed.
“Would you want to be King of England?” Mary Ann jokingly asked Tintin.
“I don’t know if I could handle the pressures of royal life…I never gave it much thought really” Tintin said honestly.
“Speaking Fenton…” Haddock remembered something important and everyone became quiet.
“Ms. Lucille Hadley wanted me to give this to you…” he said taking a silver locket out of his pocket on a long silver chain. Tintin reached over the table and took it in his hand. “She said Benton wanted you to have it” he finished.
“Pierre L. that is or was my father’s name” Tintin replied.
“You do bear some resemblances to him lad” Haddock admitted.
“Well, I’ve already decided, I will find out what happened to my parents and why they disappeared” Tintin declared.
“Here we go again…” Haddock said taking out his pipe lighting it.
“Do you have anything to go on?” Mary Ann asked curiously.
“Well, nothing but memories and faded dreams…but I have been having strange dreams as of late…” Tintin shrugged.
“You got a lot of work to do” Chester nodded.
“I know…” Tintin sighed.
“Well I’m going to prepare a farewell basket for you blokes so you don’t starve to death on your journey back across the water” Mary Ann said collecting various food such as scones and biscuits.
“When are we leaving captain?” Enzo asked Chester.
“As soon as we take them down to the harbor and see them off, then we are taking a train up into Scotland. Make sure you have everything packed lad” Chester answered.
“Yes captain!” Enzo said running back upstairs.
Everyone got up and began clearing the table.
“Yea Tintin make sure you don’t forget anything… and I packed most of your stuff last night. Check and make sure I didn’t miss anything” Haddock reminded him.
“Yes” Tintin followed Enzo upstairs.
“If only Tintin could be as docile as Enzo” Haddock whispered to Chester once Tintin disappeared upstairs jokingly.
“Aye Haddock…careful, that’s what’ll get you in trouble now!” Chester laughed playfully shoving Haddock.

Tintin packed everything but the nasty sailor pants and grey tank top in the suitcase. Then he took one last look in the room thinking again how much he was going to miss this place even though he had only been here a few days.
Tintin walked down the hall as he saw Enzo closing his suitcase seemingly thinking the same thing most likely.
“Enzo!” Tintin called out to him from the hall.
“Yes Fenton” Enzo smiled coming out with his suitcase. Enzo looked different somehow Tintin thought. His hair was combed to the side and he looked a bit smaller and not as stocky.

“Remember that question you asked me a couple days ago?” Tintin reminded.
Enzo stood thinking for a moment, “Which one?”
“About the first ship mate?” Tintin reminded.
“Oh yes! What about it?” Enzo asked smiling.
“Yes, I am… how about you?” Tintin asked somewhat curious himself.
“He tells me sometimes that’s what I am” Enzo shrugged.
Tintin and Enzo looked at each other for a moment and both began laughing.
“I’ll meet you downstairs” Tintin said taking one more final look into his room as Enzo returned downstairs. “I don’t know what it is about this place!” Tintin said closing the squeaky door Haddock vowed to oil.

Tintin walked down the upstairs hallway towards the mirror outlined in gold painted swirled wood. He focused on his reflection as he walked closer to it until he finally reached out touching the surface of the mirror with his fingertips.
“Somehow brother, things will be made right between us…” Tintin promised his self. “For now… we go our separate ways once again” he finished letting go of the mirror walking downstairs.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-08-2013 at 11:24 PM..

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#40
Old 12-31-2012, 10:39 PM

CHAPTER 18 (PART - B) end of chapter 18



By the time that Tintin returned downstairs, Alyssa and Mary Ann were finishing up the last of the dishes. Haddock and Chester were straightening up the living room while Enzo was helping sweep up the kitchen. The picture became permanently engraved in Tintin's mind, "So this is what it felt like to be part of a family?" he thought.

“Late spring cleaning?” Tintin commented as he saw how diligently everyone was finishing up.
“We got to leave the house as we found it lad” Chester explained.
“It’s going to be too quiet around here again” Mary Ann commented as she put away the last dish.
“Well guess we will be back to our old games again mum” Alyssa laughed.
“I just hope we don’t run into that last buffoon that got away” Mary Ann shook her head.
“There were only three weren’t there?” Tintin asked curiously.
“No lad, there were four remember?” Haddock corrected.
“What did the police say?” Tintin asked not remembering the call they were going to make.

“The police happened to be coming through shortly after we left and found three of them out in the field, the forth disappeared” Haddock explained.
“Oh no!” Tintin exclaimed.
“Well I doubt he will be much trouble if he knows what’s good for him” Chester nodded.
“I hope Benton will be alright” Tintin shook his head.
“I’m sure that buccaneer can fend for himself” Haddock laughed.
“Buccaneer!? What do you mean?” Tintin asked confused.
“He was quite the boisterous character with numerous bottles of gin…” Chester agreed.

“He attacked us with a huge club when we came to the door looking for you…we didn’t hurt him lad, at least we just did what we had to do to keep him from hurting us or himself” Haddock explained to him.
“You sure none of you hurt him? He’s the only blood relative I have, despite our differences, I would be crushed if something were to happen to him” Tintin expounded.
“We were more concerned about you Tintin” Chester admitted.
“Thank you Chester, but blood is blood” Tintin nodded.

An awkward moment passed, “Well gents, are all of you ready for your long journey?” Mary Ann redirected them to the present moment.
“Yes Mary Ann, I hope it isn’t too rainy up in Scotland” Enzo said looking out at the cloudy sky. The sun peeked through in small intervals throughout the patches of clouds.
“Rain is a fact of life Enzo my boy! May as well get used to it, this isn’t Italy you know…” Chester laughed.
“If you’re going to go we’d best get you on your way” Mary Ann prompted everyone.
“Are you coming with us Mary Ann?” Tintin asked not seeing when Mary Ann handed Chester the keys to her car.
“The car is too small for all of us to fit lad” she smiled.

Mary Ann and Alyssa walked with them outside to the driveway as Haddock and Chester stacked their belongings in the trunk. At that moment the local milk man came by.
“That saves us an extra trip into town!” Mary Ann commented.
“Here you go Mrs. Addinson!” the young man said handing her a couple of bottles full of fresh milk.

“Wait!” Alyssa said running inside emerging back out after a minute.
“Take a picture of all of us please!” Alyssa asked the milkman handing him an old camera.
“Ok” he said examining it.
“I don’t do photos well” Haddock objected.
“Come on mate, we need this to add on to our memories” Chester reasoned.
“Ok…” Haddock agreed.

“I think the picture would look the best in front of the house” Alyssa suggested as Mary Ann arranged everyone from tallest to short at the front door of her house.
Haddock and Chester stood in the back as Tintin stood in front of Haddock, Enzo in front of Chester, and Mary Ann and Alyssa in the center being the shortest. Everyone crowded together. Haddock and Chester each reached around getting their arms around everyone else while everybody made pleasant smiles and within a blink of an eye the camera flashed, once, twice, and three times, and those moments were captured in time forever.

“These should be good enough” the milk man said shaking the photos that were now developing. After a couple of minutes the photos were nice and defined.
“We can each keep one, thank you very much and sorry for holding you up” Mary Ann apologized.
“It’s no problem at all” the milkman said getting back into his truck driving off to the next house.
Mary Ann handed Haddock and Chester each one of the three photos.
“I guess this good bye for now Archibald, Tintin or Fenton, whichever you prefer to be called” Mary Ann said hugging Haddock and Tintin.
“Don’t you wait so long before you come and see us next you hear?” Mary Ann pointed out.
“Don’t worry, I will sis…” Haddock hugged her back laughing.
“Tintin, you take care of my adopted brother and yourself ok?” she said hugging him as her eyes appeared to be a bit watery.
“I will Mary Ann…thank you for your hospitality, it will never be forgotten” Tintin embraced her.
“Well, I’m not good with goodbyes…” Alyssa said trying not to cry hugging Tintin.
“Don’t worry Alyssa, you can always write us anytime, feel free to bring Nathan with you for a visit at our palace!” Tintin joked.
“Take care and farewell Fenton Hadley” Alyssa swallowed her tears.
“You help your mother now and be a strong woman” Haddock said embracing Alyssa.
“Oh I won’t forget, you just stay out of trouble Uncle Archie” she sighed.
Chester started the car as he and Enzo were already inside waiting on them.
“Hey what about us!?” Snowy barked.
“Yea don’t forget us!” Cocoa barked as well.
“You two take care of your master ok!” Mary Ann pointed at them as they jumped in the car.
“Aren’t you gents going to say your goodbyes to Mary Ann and Alyssa?” Tintin asked.
“We’re coming back and they’re going to take us to the train station” Chester said sitting in the driver’s seat.
Haddock got in the front as Tintin joined Enzo in the back as they all waved goodbye one last time as they were leaving the homestead behind.

“You like Glasgow?” Tintin asked Enzo as they drove down the road.
“It’s ok, it’s just a bit too rainy for my liking” he nodded.
“Well that’s all of Great Britain though” Tintin justified.
“I guess when you’re used to sunny skies that we see over in the part of Italy I’m from, it’s hard to get used to such a change” Enzo explained.
“You’re a sailor, that’s part of it” Tintin reminded.
“So what’s your schedule?” Haddock asked Chester.
“First stop will be in Dublin Ireland, then it’s across to the Americas…” he trailed off.
“Americas?” Haddock looked surprised.
“Yea New York City, then Miami, and then to Progreso Yucatan in Mexico” Chester sighed.

“That’s a lot of area to cover for one voyage, anywhere else?” Haddock was impressed.
“Then we have one last shipment back to London and then we return to Antwerp” Chester finished.
“That will take a while to do all of that” Haddock nodded.
“Aye, but the payoff will be big as we are supposed to pick up some expensive cargo in Progreso” Chester nodded.
“What kind of cargo?” Tintin interjected.
“Art and artifacts” Chester replied.
“Just the kind of thing you like Tintin” Haddock commented.
The ride went by too fast for Tintin. The ride to Mary Ann’s house took a long time, but getting back to the harbor didn’t seem to take half as long. Before he knew it, they parked not too far from the docks.
“We’ll help you cast off won’t we Enzo?” Chester smiled.
“Aye captain!” Enzo smiled back.

The Shooting Star was out not too far as they came upon one of the boat tenders. “Chester! You’re back! Setting off back to Antwerp?” a middle aged guy with a scarred face asked.
“Not this time, I’m lending my boat to my old friend Haddock, you remember him don’t you?” Chester asked.
He wore a pair of glasses as he carefully looked at Haddock and his expression changed, “Oh Captain Haddock! Where have you been?” he asked recognizing him.
“Hello Scotty! Here and there… I rarely get out these days, only for big commissions” Haddock explained. “I didn’t know you were here?” Haddock replied confused.
“Yea, my eyesight has been failing me, so my son and I settled here with a good harbor job. My seafaring days other than minor fishing are over. I heard you were enjoying the good life…somewhere on the mainland” he replied.
“I guess you can call it that” Haddock agreed. Tintin and Enzo laughed.

“Well let’s get you gents cast off, I got to go pick up a few others shortly” Scotty said leading them into his small motor boat. He took slowly them to the Shooting Star.
Tintin carried Snowy and Enzo carried Cocoa during the small boat ride.
“Scotty, do you mind giving us a few minutes?” Chester asked him.
“Sure, but not too long…” he agreed.

Enzo began checking a number of things while Haddock and Chester went down below to the engine room to check and make sure things were in order for their trip back while Tintin helped Enzo got the anchors up. Shortly after, Haddock and Chester met Tintin and Enzo on the bridge.
“Well mate this is it” Chester nodded sadly.
“Come on me hardy! It’s not forever, you’re going to come to Marlinspike Hall and you can bring Enzo. We can stay home and kick back or we can paint the town red!” Haddock laughed.
“That sounds great! I should have some time when I finish this run for another week…” Chester remembered.

Everyone walked down to the common area and back on the poop deck. The boat tender was waiting at the other end of the boat patiently.
“It’s been great, we need to do this more often old friend” Chester smiled.
“Aye, we do!” Haddock smiled back as Tintin noticed both of the captains’ eyes had become watery.

The two big captains embraced each other in one big bear hug.
“Anytime, anyplace old friend!” Chester replied.
“You too! My home is your home! If you need anything, it only needs to be said!” Haddock told him.
“Signore Haddock, it has been a pleasure!” Enzo said giving Haddock a hug.
“Now you take care of my old friend you hear!” Haddock hugged him back.
“I will do my best captain!” Enzo spoke like a sailor.
“You take care of my old friend Haddock now!” Chester said giving Tintin a strong hug. Chester and Haddock were both strong men, maybe a little too strong Tintin thought.
“You bet Chester! Next time it’s your turn to tell us the stories” Tintin reminded hugging Chester back.
“Signore Fenton Hadley…I hope you find the rest of your family” Enzo smiled at Tintin giving him a quick hug.
Snowy and Cocoa stayed quietly by Tintin and Haddock’s side watching them.
“You ready to cross the great water?” Snowy asked Cocoa.
“I’ve never seen it…but it’s beautiful” Cocoa answered.
“Thanks Enzo, you be a good first mate!” he whispered laughing hugging Enzo back. “I look forward to our next meeting” Tintin finished.

“Ok Chester…” Haddock nodded and Chester nodded back as they began their initial greeting as they had years ago.

“Fidgy fidgy fidgy!” they shouted loudly getting in each other’s face.
The boat tender turned around not sure what to make of it.
“Boodle, boodle, boodle!” they rubbed their bellies and rubbed their hats on their head.
“Aye! Aye! Aye! Ayeyeee!” they finished with one foot in and one fist on their side and one foot out as they grabbed each other’s hand for on last shake.
“Is everything ok there?!” Scotty yelled.
“Yea! We’re coming!” Chester said as Enzo followed him on to the boat.
“So long old friend!” Haddock cried out on last time as Chester and Ezno waved back.
“So long to you too old friend, bon voyage!” Chester shouted.
“Well landlubber, let’s get this tub going!” he said rubbing his eyes.
“Aye aye captain!” Tintin said following him up to the bridge.

Snowy and Cocoa trotted behind Tintin and Haddock. The small yacht started and soon they were out in the bay on their way back to Antwerp. The sun came out just a little more illuminating the way. Tintin walked next to Haddock’s side as he steered the small yacht and put his arm around him. Snowy and Cocoa both barked with their tales wagging next to them.

“I hate goodbyes captain” Tintin rubbed his eyes too with his other hand.
“I know, so do I landlubber…so do I…” Haddock agreed putting an arm around Tintin as they watched the harbor disappear behind them.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-08-2013 at 11:46 PM..

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#41
Old 01-02-2013, 06:37 AM

CHAPTER 19 (PART - A)


The trip back across the North Sea was fairly uneventful. Snowy and Cocoa began chasing each other around the bridge a couple of times excitement.

"Snowy, Cocoa, calm down" Tintin laughed since it was a while since last he saw Snowy so happy. Tintin took a nice stroll on the main deck to watch other passing ships as they were getting closer to Antwerp. Sea gulls began to increase in number which Tintin had learned that usually meant they were getting close to land. When he returned he found that Haddock had found Chester’s secret whiskey stash.

“You’ll never do…” Tintin laughed when he caught Haddock red handed taking a fairly big swig out of a bottle he had just opened.
“Chester would have wanted me to have it” Haddock grinned taking another swig.
“Don’t drink too much, we still need to catch the train back to Brussels and home” Tintin reminded.
“You’re starting to look better as each day passes Cocoa!” Haddock smiled at her.
Cocoa began wagging her tail as she sat next to Snowy.
“You know something Tintin my boy, Chester always was more successful than I” Haddock said taking a deep breath.
“Why do you say that? I mean you have probably been through more than he has” Tintin disagreed.
“Maybe so, but all that I have obtained was through luck lad” Haddock nodded.
“You were destined to gain Marlinspike captain! How can you say that?” Tintin shook his head.

“I mean he earned almost everything he has by sheer hard work” Haddock concluded.
“You’re saying our adventures weren’t hard work?” Tintin looked at him strangely.
“Blisterin’ Barnacles…no lad! That’s not what I meant” Haddock sighed shaking his head. “You see, Chester’s life was solid hard work without anything extraordinary with a couple exceptions” Haddock articulated surprisingly to Tintin.
“Well I was paying for my own flat before we met, you know that already. I worked and still do” Tintin wasn’t sure where Haddock was going with this but thought it may be the whiskey.

“I was just making it day to day before we acquired Marlinspike lad, most of my money was tied up in my business of shipping cargo…Redrackham’s treasure and you turned my life around…next thing I know I have this great mansion” Haddock expounded.
“Chester doesn’t have a mansion” Tintin pointed out.
“I didn’t earn the mansion through hard labor. Chester earned just about everything through his own sweat and toil…” Haddock continued with his idea.
“Well we could always forfeit everything and become paupers captain, and live a poor but happy life” Tintin joked.
“Don’t be silly lad!” Haddock laughed filling his pipe with the cherry extract tobacco that was left in the pouch on the bridge.

“…and God bless each and every one of us!” Tintin quoted Tiny Tim from ‘A Christmas Carol’.
“Ok Tiny Tim!” Haddock laughed.
“Don’t smoke all of Chester’s tobacco now!” Tintin scolded jocularly.
“Boulderdash, his daughter will have more for him when he arrives in Glasgow” Haddock said taking a relaxing puff.
Tintin decided to make his way down to the common area.
“Before you get too comfy lad, make sure you have everything together for we will be making harbor shortly.
“I just want to walk out for a nice fresh stiff sea breeze” Tintin smiled.
“I got something stiff for you right here boy har har har!” Haddock joked.
“Captain!” Tintin blushed.
“Don’t give me that look! It’s just you and me...and you're NOT that innocent” Haddock laughed.
“Sorry captain, I’m just too conservative I guess…” Tintin half smiled walking out.

Tintin watched as familiar landmarks began to be revealed the closer they traveled into the bay. Tintin was excited about going home, although another part of him felt like it died back in England. He was thinking about some instances how his brother and he were different. One instance was that his brother spoke some French and preferred English whereas Tintin’s preferred language was French. It made sense since each grew up in different countries. Benton also seemed a bit rougher around the edges in some instances but Tintin knew that his own experiences made him a bit more on the insightful end of things Benton didn’t seem to pay attention to.

The sea breeze blew calmly as more boats became ubiquitous the further inland they traveled. Tintin could not stop analyzing his situation or thinking about his brother. Benton did have a refined side to him, but he seemed to wear a couple of different masks. He realized that only after two meetings he still could not possibly know someone even if they were family. The more he thought about it, the more he began bringing himself down trying to figure out a scenario where things would work themselves out, alas he could not. For the first time in a long time Tintin could not seem to work out a solution to his dilemma. He knew that taking Haddock with him would only end in a violent result of more than likely the captain knocking the daylights out of Benton, and he didn’t want to see that.

Part of Tintin was upset with Alyssa for chatting with Lucille about things that were none of her business, but he knew she didn’t mean any ill will. Tintin thought it was too much too soon, and he knew his thoughts were correct. He thought maybe in time Benton would have been more accepting.

Unfortunately for now, Tintin had other questions that needed to be answered. He felt as if he was running around in circles with one foot nailed to the floor the more he thought. He felt two small nudges on his legs as he looked down to see Snowy and Cocoa next to him.

“Aren’t you happy to be going home?” Snowy barked.
“We’re almost on land again Snowy, and it won’t be long until we walk back through those iron gates of Marlinspike” Tintin smiled.
“I like the name it, it sounds like there would be plenty to eat there” Cocoa barked.
“Usually there is plenty to eat!” Snowy barked happily.
“Well Snowy, you’ll have your paws full showing your new friend around the grounds” Tintin sighed and continued walking around the small yacht.
“There’s something not right with Tintin” Snowy replied to Cocoa.
“How so?” Cocoa watched Tintin disappear around the other side of the boat.
“My master is a master of many thoughts, it’s hard to understand what he thinks at times” Snowy continued staring in Tintin’s direction.
“The human mind is much too difficult for us dogs to understand Snowy…I don’t know that any of us ever will” she rationalized.
“He’s raised me ever since I was a puppy and I will never abandon him” Snowy declared.
“He gave me a home so that’s good enough for me” Cocoa agreed.
“Let’s keep an eye on him Cocoa, who knows what’s going through his head” Snowy said following Tintin as Cocoa came running after.

Captain Haddock liked how the Shooting Star rode across the water. The engine was good and the ship was built just the way it needed to be built for its size. Haddock was about to take another swig of whiskey then realized he’d better save some for when they returned to Marlinspike.
“Ahoy Tintin! We are arriving in the bay, won’t be much longer!” Haddock shouted through the open window.
“Aye Captain!” Tintin responded even though Haddock could not see him.

Haddock could see the bigger merchant ships and noticed the American naval ship had left the port. Haddock nodded thinking that he didn’t want to have to teach those meddling sailors another lesson. Luckily Tintin had not asked Haddock any more difficult questions concerning his brother. He didn’t want to tell him he had to make Benton relax. The appearance of Benton was definitely uncanny Haddock thought. Haddock was afraid that his relationship with Tintin may become an obstacle should he ever find any of his family. Haddock felt secure that Tintin would not abandon him, but still felt saddened by Tintin’s pain. Haddock knew that his mom’s side of the family in Scotland would never approve of Tintin and himself together. He wasn’t close to his mom’s side of the family as they were a strange lot, even by Haddock’s standards.

Haddock looked at his watch, “It’s a wee bit past lunch…I’m sure Tintin must be hungry, I haven’t seen him eat” Haddock said to his self.
They were approaching the dock areas as they slowed down to get close enough to Chester’s spot on the docks for the Shooting Star.
“Ahoy Tintin! I need you to help guide me” Haddock shouted.
“Aye Captain!” Tintin said running to the front of the ship with Snowy and Cocoa tailing him.
Haddock carefully steered the wheel and slowed down to crawl. Tintin had his hands up motioning the captain.
“Just a little more…Great!” Tintin put both hands up nodding.
Haddock turned the engine off and packed one of Chester’s bottles of whiskey into his suitcase taking half of what was left of Chester’s cherry flavored tobacco. Tintin was busy lowering the anchors as Haddock came out to help him tie the rest of the knots and secure everything else.

“Did you eat any of Mary Ann’s scones?” Haddock asked seeing Tintin carrying the small sack of scones.
“I’m saving some for Cuthbert and Nestor” Tintin smiled thoughtfully.
"You'd better not be starvin' yourself landlubber!" Haddock scolded
"I'll eat when we get home captian" Tintin assured.
“Where do I put the keys at?” Haddock asked himself.
“Oh that’s right! We forgot to ask Captain Chester where he wanted the keys to the Shooting Star at…” Tintin nodded.
“We need to figure out what to do with them before we catch a train back home” Haddock said as he and Tintin helped Snowy and Cocoa off the boat once it was secure by the pier.

“We can go by the pub not far from his flat” Tintin’s eyes lit up.
“Why that’s a great idea! Chester is friends with all of them there, and we can get us something to eat while were there” Haddock smiled patting Tintin on the back.

“Thanks Captain, Chester did say he was well connected there” Tintin pointed out.
“Good thinking landlubber! Sharp as usual” Haddock shook his head approvingly as they walked off the pier to the dockside. They quickly began making their way back into town by foot as Snowy and Cocoa were no more than a couple paces behind.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-11-2013 at 03:30 AM..

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#42
Old 01-02-2013, 10:27 PM

CHAPTER 19 (PART - B) end of chapter 19


A man sat in a dark room chained to the wall by his legs. Two young Asian girls clung to each other lying on a blanket crying themselves to sleep each night, afraid they may see that evil man again they knew as Gaspar. The man wore a reddish crimson headband which could only be seen during the day through a small window that would allow a small amount of daylight in. The man was chained by his wrists too so he could only move a few feet from the wall. He saw the girls hiding in the corner when the daylight finally illuminated them.

“You there! You have to help me!” he grunted.
The girls were frightened of him and were speaking in a language he could not understand.
“Please, I’ll do anything…” he gasped in exhaustion. One girl was brave enough to get closer to him looked at him carefully with the use of the limited amount of daylight.
“You got to take this chains off me…my mate is gone…they’ll kill us all!” he said frantically.
“I…sorry….I no speak English…” was all the young girl could say.

He was able to get a few glances at her. She appeared to be sixteen maybe as old as nineteen. The other girl could not be seen as she was concealed by the shadows in an opposite corner.

The girl who approached him saw the chains but was too afraid to get much closer to him. She realized even if she wanted to help him she could not. She had nothing to take the chains off. She figured he was a prisoner just like she and the other girl were, but the thought of having a man put his hands on her again made her want to vomit. She remembered the evening before some more men came and took the other man with the red bandana and he never came back.

“Would this happen to me and the other girl?” she wondered. They didn’t chain the girls as they were too weak to fight back. They were only given a canteen of water and two bowls of rice to eat leaving them malnourished. Too much had happened to her, they had been prisoners for almost a month now. After a week she had lost track of exactly how much time had went by. The man looked horribly bruised she kept thinking maybe somehow someone would find them and save them from this fate worse than death she thought. She heard the metal door creaking as it normally would when they were opening it.

Two men came in with bowls of rice and a canteen.
“Here you go girlies!” one man said putting the bowls near the corner and the third bowl just close enough the chained man could reach it.
“Eat up mate, I hear this may be your last meal! Hehehehe!” he laughed.
“Come on! Let me go! I’ll give you anything!” he pleaded.
“Shut up!” the men said as they closed the door again.

The older girl ran over grabbing their bowls of rice speaking to the other girl encouraging her to eat. She hadn’t been there as long as she had been. She was still in shock, but eventually she began nibbling at her bowl of slightly undercooked rice. The girls shared the canteen of water which was still half full.

“Water!” the man gasped to the girls sticking out his tongue looking up.
The girl was trying to understand what he meant as he kept making faces. He stretched his chains and lowered his head with his mouth open hoping the girls would understand. The older one shook her head and took the canteen thinking she finally understood and poured slowly for enough water to fall into his mouth for the man to get a few gulps.

“Bless you girl!” he thanked able to wet his dry throat and parched tongue.
The girl quickly returned back to her corner as she and the other girl quietly conversed in their own language. Both of them hoped the burly man with the black bandana didn’t come to see them today as they hadn’t seen him in a couple of days. The older girl wished she could speak the language and understand what this man was speaking about. Only one man could speak even a little of her native tongue, and it was the one man she didn’t want to see.

XXXXXXXX

Mary Ann and Alyssa hugged Enzo and Chester as they boarded the train as they made the last call for boarding.
“You call me when you get to Elizabeth’s you hear?” Mary Ann reminded her brother.
“Of course mother” Chester joked rolling his eyes grabbing his sister by the shoulder.
“I’m serious!” Mary Ann looked at him.
“I will be on the Sirius when I get to Glasgow” Chester continued joking.
“You are one crazy brother! Just make sure you visit me regularly” Mary Ann finally slugged him one good time laughing. Chester was the only family Mary Ann had left from her side of the family other than her children and her niece.

"Would you find us a compartment Ezno?" Chester replied.
“I will…” he said as he and Enzo carried their luggage on to their compartment.
“Take care of my Uncle Frederick!” Alyssa pointed to Enzo through the window.
“Don’t worry, he will take care of me!” Enzo joked.
“Good, I’m glad to see your sense of humor emerge finally!” Alyssa laughed.
“Come back soon Uncle!” Alyssa shouted as they lowered the window in their train compartment.
“You take care of your mother dear!” Chester waved.

Soon after the train whistle began to sound as the doors were closed by the conductors, and slowly the train began to roll away as Chester and Enzo watched until they could no longer see Mary Ann or Alyssa.
Chester sat back and took a deep breath.
“I’m missing out on so much family life by being a sailor…but the money is just too good” Chester justified.
“I haven’t seen my mom or my brother in almost a year” Enzo reminded Chester.
“I know lad… I’m going to send you back to Italy after this next trip so you can spend some time at home” Chester rubbed Enzo’s head.
“Grazie signore!” Enzo thanked.
“Don’t be thanking me yet, we still got a long journey ahead of us” Chester reminded him.
“When will we get to Glasgow?” Enzo asked curiously.

“Hmm…we have to take the train into London first and connect with another train, and that’s where the ride will be really long. From London to Liverpool, Carlisle, and finally Glasgow…hopefully we will arrive before nightfall” Chester said glancing out their compartment door. Other people were moving around getting settled, until an older man dressed in a suit with a cane entered and took a seat next to Enzo. Enzo politely moved next to Chester. The old man regarded him rudely as he moved. Next, the old man took out a bottle of perfume and sprayed himself a couple of times. Chester turned his head about to gag. When the smell finally reached Enzo he put his hands over his nose.

“It’s going to be a long ride…” Chester thought. The older man smiled with satisfaction. He looked like he was more than well off as his clothes were trendy. "One of those..." Chester thought.

XXXXXXXXX

Mary Ann and Alyssa finally arrived home ready to get back to their normal daily routine. When they were opening the front door Alyssa could hear the phone ringing.

“Mum, the phone is ringing!” Alyssa mentioned.
“I know! I can’t find the bloody key within this huge mess of keys on the ring!” Mary Ann said searching through a few similar keys on her key ring.
“Ah, here it is!” she said opening the door.
Mary Ann ran in to answer the phone which was still ringing.
Alyssa carried the small sack of purchases they bought on their way home inside.
“Hello?” Mary Ann answered.
“bonjour est le Capitaine Chester ici?” a young man’s voice replied.

“Excuse me? Good morning to you too!” Mary Ann answered.
Mary Ann listened carefully but nodded, “I’m sorry I don’t understand French”.
“Here, you try to speak to them, I speak almost no French…” Mary Ann handed the phone to Alyssa.

“S'il vous plaît parlez lentement?” Alyssa said slowly.
Alyssa listened as the young man spoke slower. Alyssa’s French wasn’t great but she could speak enough to understand as she studied French with a friend she had from France. Mary Ann watched her face change from fine to confused, then somber.

“Je vous remercie beaucoup!” Alyssa finally answered and hung up the phone.
Her face looked a bit flustered.
“What’s wrong?” Mary Ann looked confused.
“It seems that Uncle Frederick and Archie are being tracked by some not so friendly acquaintances. I couldn’t understand everything, but this young man is the son of a fisherman who owns a pub in Antwerp who heard some of the conversation” Alyssa explained.

“What are we going to do? We have no way to telling them…” Mary Ann buried her face in her hands.
“We can call Elizabeth and tell her to have Uncle Frederick call us right away rather than upset her…” Alyssa thought out loud.
“We can send a telegram to Marlinspike today and they will get it later or tomorrow” Mary Ann added. “Let’s do it Alyssa, call Elizabeth now and I will write the telegram…God protect us all!” Mary Ann stressed.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-11-2013 at 03:52 AM..

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#43
Old 01-04-2013, 11:17 PM

CHAPTER 20 (PART - A)

Tintin and Haddock arrived in the harbor of Antwerp just a bit past after noon. More clouds were moving in and the winds began to pick up a little. The harbor was full of activity. Merchant ships were importing and exporting goods, while men in transfer trucks were busy loading and unloading cargo on the docks. People were shouting at one another from the ships, the cranes, and the trucks while others were busy tending their boots on the piers.

“We need to find a taxi soon captain” Tintin said noticing rain clouds.
“Where’s Hans when you need him” Haddock said remembering their last driver.
“Well we won’t find a taxi by just standing around on the docks, we may as well start looking” Tintin said looking around.
“Well landlubber let’s march!” Haddock prompted him as they began making their way walking into town with Snowy and Cocoa following. They walked several blocks without seeing a taxi.
“Heck with it! We may as well walk the rest of the way” Haddock said with frustration.

“There’s a taxi ahead!” Tintin noticed.
Haddock and Tintin rushed toward the taxi but a big woman and a tall man reached it first.
“Crumbs!” Tintin pouted.
“Maybe they are going the same route?” Haddock mentioned as they arrived.
“Excuse me sir and madam, but do you mind if we share the taxi?” Tintin asked politely.

The woman had a minx scarf wrapped around her neck while she was carrying a toy poodle. The man wore a sports jacket and had a long snobbish looking face.
“I don’t think there will be any room” the man replied.
“Fifi needs her space!” the big woman huffed.
Haddock examined the size of the taxi. It was not small, as a matter of fact, it was bigger than normal and there would have been room for Tintin in the back and Haddock could have sat up front.
“Boulderdash! You can make room for us!” Haddock said annoyed.
“I’m really sorry sir, but my wife and her poodle need their space” the man decided.
“Thank you Wilfred! Hmph!” the woman stuck her nose up.
The driver judged the space in his car, “Yea, there’s enough room, you two can get in too” the driver disagreed with the snobby couple.
The little poodle began growling at them and quickly Snowy and Cocoa made their presence known as Fifi quickly became quiet.

“Oh look, those two stray dogs have upset Fifi!” the woman complained.
Snowy and Cocoa began growling.
“I’m sorry mam, but those two ‘stray’ dogs belong to us!” Tintin replied sarcastically.
“Who cares…” the woman shook her head.
“Sir, I will pay you double the fare if you only allow us to ride” the snobby man replied.

The driver looked at the wad of cash the man began taking out of his wallet.
“I’m sorry sir, I’m in it to make money…” the driver looked apologetically to Tintin and Haddock.
“Blisterin’ Barnacles! I’ll pay you triple!” Haddock grunted.
The snobby couple looked at Haddock in surprise, “I’ll pay you four times the amount!” the snobby man replied.

The driver looked helplessly at Haddock once more.
“Again, I’m sorry, I cannot turn down such an offer mister” the driver frowned looking at Haddock.
“Some people have no consideration for others!” Tintin gave the two a disgruntled look.
“Fine! You take that overstuffed elephant and long necked giraffe and get them away from us! Don’t forget their ugly little squeak box!” Haddock blast out the driver. The couple gave an outraged look as they got in the car.
“Come on Tintin let’s go!” Haddock shouted storming off down the block as Tintin and their dogs followed.

Thirty minutes later they finally arrived back at the pub they had been a few days ago not far from Chester’s flat.
The pub was fairly empty with only a couple of patrons drinking around the bar.
“You!” a young man said rushing up to them with a serious look on his face.
Haddock and Tintin looked a bit startled at first as they took a seat at the bar while Snowy and Cocoa sat underneath them.
“You’re Caleb?” Tintin asked.
“Yes! We’ve been trying to reach you and Captain Chester…I called his sister’s house but she said all of you had already gone” he said anxiously.
“What’s wrong lad?” Haddock asked with concern.

“A man with a gaunt face with a black bandana and a man with a long nose and face wearing a black first mate’s hat came in talking about following Captain Chester. They also had two American sailors and a higher ranking US officer with them” Caleb expounded.
Haddock and Tintin immediately became concerned about their friends.
“Did you hear what their names were?” Tintin asked as the description sounded familiar.
“Gaspar…and…” Caleb rubbed his head thinking.
“That was Captain Chester’s old first mate, he was the one who tried to abduct Enzo thinking it was me” Tintin nodded.
Haddock almost impatiently was waiting for Caleb to come up with another name almost sure he thought he knew who else may have been involved.
“The other man’s name started with an ‘A’ I believe…” Caleb said trying to remember.

“Allan!” Haddock and Tintin exclaimed at the same time.
“Thunderin’ Typhoons! What’s that turncoat up to?!” Haddock exclaimed.
“Hopefully Mary Ann and Alyssa were able to get in touch with Chester and Enzo and make them aware they may be following them too” Tintin shook his head.
“I think Chester can hold his own… we’d best not waste much more time and see what the professor wants so we can get back over there” Haddock agreed.
“They may be waiting for us back near Marlinspike” Tintin guessed.
Tintin took out his wallet and found Hanz number. “Caleb, can you call this cab driver for us, we need to get to the train station quickly” Tintin asked.
“Sure” he said taking the card.

“I hope nothing happens between now and then…” Tintin covered his mouth.
“You and me both lad!” Haddock agreed.
“Please be careful when you leave” the woman behind the bar advised.
“Thanks madam” Tintin smiled.
The bartender poured them both a mug of ale and she put her hands up. “Don’t worry, just be careful and make sure you warn Captain Chester” she mentioned.
“We’ll do our best” Tintin nodded.
“Thank you!” Haddock and Tintin nodded graciously as Caleb brought Tintin back his card a moment later.
“He said he will be here in fifteen minutes” Caleb nodded.
“We appreciate your kindness” Haddock acknowledged him.
Haddock took a long drink as Tintin slowly raised the mug to his lips while Haddock watched him take a nice healthy gulp. Haddock took one more gulp smiling always happy to see Tintin drink with him which was a rare occurrence.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-11-2013 at 02:26 AM..

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#44
Old 01-08-2013, 02:09 PM

CHAPTER 20 (PART - B)end of chapter 20


The ride to London was only an hour, but an hour too long for Chester as once the ‘perfume man’ began flooding the compartment with his scent. The perfume smelled like a combination between leather and a strong mint which overwhelmed the senses. Enzo kept his hands over his nose trying to filter out the smell while Chester was trying to figure out if he was doing it on purpose. He could no longer handle how strong the smell was and opened the window. He hadn't had the window open more than a minute until the snobby man began complaining.

“Sir, could you please not leave the window open, I do believe I’m feeling a chill!” he said putting on a pair of gloves.
Chester sat down and ignored him as Enzo only watched quietly.
“I beg your pardon SIR, but I did believe I said I have a chill!” he spoke a little louder.
“Youre p-" Enzo started to answer but Chester waved motioning for Enzo to remain silent.
“Well!?” the man’s voice began to crescendo.
“I HEARD you the first time sir” Chester replied calmly.
“Well if you don’t mind, close the bloody window!” he demanded.
“Well if you don’t mind, stop putting on your smelly perfume! Quite frankly sir it’s making us sick!” Chester retorted.
“Well I’m sorry if personal hygiene is important to me!” he said insultingly.

Enzo watched gradually how Captain Chester’s face begun to change from a light color to a scarlet red. He wondered how long Chester could keep up such a diplomatic facade with such an offensive man. Chester took a deep breath.

“Perfume does not help personal hygiene sir; it merely masks the fact that you probably have a body odor problem!” Chester nodded.
“Aren’t you the presumptuous one? Had it ever occurred to you that maybe I’m using the perfume to mask YOUR odor?” He shot back.
Enzo thought this was it, Chester was going to let him have it but Chester only laughed.

“Listen you stiffa uppa lippa… if you don’t learn to use the proper manners your mummy taught you then I’ll be more than glad to teach you a lesson right now” Chester warned calmly as his face was betraying his diplomatic façade.
“Don’t threaten me! Do you know who I am?!” he glared back.
“No, nor do I really give a shrimp’s scampi, so I’m going to give you one last chance to put a sock in it” Chester smiled patronizingly.

“I’ll have you know that—" he pointed and in a flash Chester had him by his coat pressed hard back against his seat.
“I warned you, do you have anything else to say?” he whispered quietly with his fist ready.
The train was slowing down and the man looked at Chester with contempt and fear.
“Police! Police! Help!” the man shouted.
“That’s what I thought, all of you rich folk are all full of hot air, now be gone with you!” Chester said throwing him down on his seat.

“Grab your belongings Enzo, I do believe we are getting off now” Chester said calmly as the man continued to shriek. Chester led Enzo to the opposite side of the train. They finally stopped as a conductor and some others finally went to the crying man’s assistance.
“That’s our cue to get moving” Chester prompted Enzo as they leaped off on to the platform.
“We won’t get in trouble will we captain?” Enzo asked rushing after him.
“No, there were no witnesses, they ask us, we simply deny it” Chester said leading him into the train terminal.
The train station was full of people coming and going and there was a line near the ticket booths.
“Perfect!” Chester rubbed his forehead.

The line was moving fairly fast thankfully as Enzo kept looking behind them expecting station police accompanied with that rich man but instead saw two of the most unlikely characters he had ever seen. Two men wearing black suits with canes and bowler hats came shuffling behind them in line going back and forth about something. Their odd expressions and big noses with black mustaches gave them each a quirky identical look

“Don’t you have the paper?!” one man tried to question quietly.
“I thought you had it Thompson” the other replied.
"Didn't I leave it on the table for you after breakfast Thomson?" the other man stroked his mustache.
"You picked up before I had the chance to get it" Thompson remembered.
"That's right, then I handed it to out on the way out the door" Thomson reminded.
Thompson took out his wallet and began looking in it and fortunately found the paper.
“Oh! Why, it’s here in my wallet?” Thompson smiled foolishly.
Enzo couldn’t help but to watch and be entertained by this hapless duo.
“Enzo” Chester put a hand on the young man's shoulder signaling for him to turn around and mind his business.
“Yes captain” Enzo did as Chester wanted.
“I hate going to that side of London” Thomson complained a moment later.
“Yes, nothing but ruffians and brutes” Thompson agreed.
“I just hope Tintin and Captain Haddock make it home safe” Thomson nodded.
At the mention of Tintin and Haddock, both Chester and Enzo involuntarily turned around.
“What about Tintin and Haddock?” Chester almost demanded regarding the pair suspiciously.
“Oops…” Thomson covered his mouth holding his cane.
“Who are they?” Thompson pretended throwing his hands up.
“The two you just mentioned” Chester said cocking an eyebrow.
“Well who are you?” Thomson demanded.
“You tell me who you are and I’ll tell you who I am” Chester looked said putting his hands on his hips pointing.
“Captain” Enzo said gently tugging at Chester’s arm.
“Not now Enzo I’m busy…” he said absently eying Thompson and Thomson.
“But captain it’s our turn!” Enzo tugged at him again.

Chester turned around to the man in the ticket booth waiting impatiently.
“Sorry, two tickets to Glasgow please” Chester replied with a flustered face handing the money to the vendor. The ticket vendor only rolled his eyes cutting two tickets handing them to Chester.
“The platform number is on the ticket, don’t be late!” the vendor warned as Chester moved over as the two detectives bought a couple of train passes.
When they finished purchasing their passes the walked the opposite way, but Chester didn’t let them off the hook that easy and followed them as Enzo kept up behind him.

“You really don’t know who we are do you?” Thompson asked smiling coyly.
“I wouldn’t be asking you if I did now would I?” Chester retorted.
“I suppose not…” Thomson said furrowing his eyebrow.
“We are the Thom(p)sons detectives…no relation” the answered in unison quietly as they turned to face Chester.
“Oh!” Chester began to finally recall a bit of what Tintin had told him.
“You’re Tintin’s boss!” Chester figured it out.
“Shhhh!” Thompson scolded.
“Don’t even mention his or the captain’s name” Thomson continued Thompson’s thought.
“Why?” Enzo asked purposely.
“We can’t tell!” Thompson stated.
“Classified information!” Thomson finished.
“Classified you say?” Chester whispered. “You mean about ‘The-All-Seeing-Eye’?” Chester whispered mysteriously to them grabbing both of their attention.
“What do YOU know about that?” Thomson said pointing his cane at Chester suspiciously.

“Come here you two” Chester motioned for the two detectives to get close as he began whispering that Haddock and Tintin were in England but wouldn’t say anymore.
“How do you know so much?” Thompson asked curiously.
“Because, Haddock came to me first for help…Haddock and I go back…a LONG time” Chester continued speaking in a hushed tone as they were huddled together.
“Whew!” both detectives sighed in relief.
“Let’s walk over to a corner where no one can hear us” Chester suggested leading them to a fairly empty platform.
“So why are you two here?” Chester asked finally.
“Here investigating four murders” Thompson answered flatly.
“Let me guess, it has something to do with that cult” Chester guessed correct.
“Precisely, we are here to investigate” Thomson nodded.
“I hope the two of you have someone helping you” Chester said assessing their worth in a sticky situation.

“Yes, as a matter of fact there is another agent INTERPOL has called upon that should be arriving here by train soon whose been following them” Thompson smiled.
“That's a relief” Chester smiled back, Enzo disappeared for a moment back in the main area of the train station.
“Thank you Captain Chester, I think I actually do remember you now” Thomson said trying to think.
“Yea, Captain Haddock spoke of you on a couple occasions… and we remember coming by almost five years ago at Marlinspike” Thompson recalled as well.
“Yea, and you were so drunk!” Thomson rubbed in.
“I know… I don’t remember what happened a couple of the nights I was there” Chester nodded shamelessly.
"It's alright, every now and then you need to enjoy yourself" Thompson laughed.
"Indeed, or enjoy someone else!" Thomson tapped his cane on the ground.
"You two are entertaining, I'm sure Tintin never has a dull moment" Chester sighed with a grin.

Enzo came rushing back, “Captain! That rich snobby man has a couple police officers with him looking for us!”
“What’s that?” Thomson regarded Enzo curiously.
“I had a run in with some rich man who thought he could get away with being not only cheeky, disrespectful to the hilt with insults!” Chester paused. “So I shook him up a little to make him quiet” Chester finished.

The detectives looked around and could see three officers and a rich well-dressed man carrying on to the police as if some major injustice had taken place.
“Where’s your train?” Thompson asked.
“A couple platforms behind them it looks” Chester said glancing at his tickets and the platform numbers.
“Leave this to us, thanks for the information, consider this our thanks!” Thomson nodded as they walked out towards the police and the irate rich man.
“That’s our cue to board our train” Chester nudged Enzo as they tried to slip by but the rich man saw them pointing at them frantically shouting, “There they are! The ruffians, I want those men arrested!”

“No! No! No! You’re mistaken sir, we know them and you’re lying…” was all Chester and Enzo heard the detectives say as they quickly walked past them as the cops regarded them suspiciously. Chester and Enzo boarded their train and quickly hid in one of the train seating rooms.
“Hopefully no one else makes you mad captain” Enzo laughed.
“Don’t you make me mad!” Chester joked as he pinched Enzo’s cheek one time.
“My aunts do that ugh!” Enzo laughed back rubbing his cheek afterwards.

Less than ten minutes later the last call was announced to board the train. A few more people got on as a young couple shared seating with them and at last, the train whistle blew and slowly it began to depart. Chester and Enzo took one more glance out the window and there were no signs of pursuit as they both sat back smiling.
“Yes, the rich don’t always get what they want!” Chester agreed as Enzo grinned.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-12-2013 at 03:19 PM..

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#45
Old 01-10-2013, 04:05 AM

CHAPTER 21 (PART - A)

The night gave way to a horrible nightmare as anger and fear overtook him. He felt like part of him hated the world. An impending doom he felt was awaiting him as his head felt like it had just been hit with a steel beam. He returned back to that horrible night in the forest as he watched his brother run for his life while he was carried away. The nightmare didn’t stop there as he began feeling the pricks of needles, the immobility of a restraining belt to a table, the constant darkness, and faceless abusers doing horrible things to him. The nightmares would end the same way they started leaving him feeling frightened, empty, and alone. Some things he didn’t want to remember.

This night he was eleven years old again back in a nice manor full of antique furniture and old paintings. This young man lived with an old widow who lost her husband in the Great War. Even though he had only been living there a few weeks he felt as if this place was truly home. The old woman who adopted him showed him nothing but love and spoiled him greatly, taking him to shops buying him so many nice clothes and taking him dining at fancy restaurants. The young man had been distrustful of many people since to him it seemed he had this irrational fear or perhaps it wasn’t irrational. Never had anyone gotten so close to him so quickly, he truly believed this woman was his grandmother.

The young boy was dressed in a grey Sunday outfit wearing a pair of dress shoes. An older woman wearing a long lavender dress with a white blouse sat on a red upholstered chair with grey hair put up in a bun. A massive grandfather clock was ticking in the background while the fireplace crackled and illuminated the room.

“Use the poker on the wood” the older woman instructed.

“Yes grandmother” he said giving the fire a small boost adding a small log in.

“Tonight you must take this shoe box which holds very important things to you...and our family” she said handing him the small box. The boy opened it and looked at its contents for a moment and closed it.

“Right now, you are not ready to know the truth, but don’t worry in time you will…” she smiled.
“What is all of this stuff inside this box?” he asked curiously.
“You must keep all of it safe and never let anyone have it” the older woman spoke seriously.
“Yes grandmother!” the young boy nodded taking the small shoe box filled with sentimental items and a strange stone with green engravings holding it tightly. He held the box standing by the fireplace as the old woman sat in her chair. "I won't fail you grandmother!" the boy said with conviction.


The scenery faded away as the boy heard a cat hissing and meowing loudly and a loud crackling outside of his room. “What’s going on? Why is it suddenly so warm?” the young boy thought to himself as the cat was clawing at the door.

He had fallen asleep in his Sunday outfit reading a book on his bed. He quickly slipped his shoes on and opened the door. An intense heat assailed him as the cat ran down the opposite way down the hall.

“Grandmother!” the young boy shouted as he ran towards his grandmother’s bedroom opening the door and a minor back draft came rushing at the young boy. Instinctively he turned around getting his backside burned. The boy screamed in pain running the opposite way when he heard a gunshot below. He quickly ran down the stairs hoping against hope that everything was fine as the fire began to quickly spread.

“Where are the keepsakes!?” a man demanded wearing a mobster style hat. Another man dressed similarly stood over his grandmother who was lying face down on the floor. The young boy’s eye widened in horror, “Grandmother!” he screamed.

“Don’t let…them have it…RUNAWAY!!” his grandmother cried out with her last breath. “NO!!!” he screamed as a beam fell down blocking the stairway bottom.
“Get the boy!” a man shouted as the other man fired gunshots at him. The young boy retreated back upstairs running to his room. Every movement he made felt as if skin was burning and peeling off his back. The rest of the rooms were blocked by burning furniture except his room. He went inside locking the door behind him quickly grabbing the small box in his room opening his window.

The door was being forced open he looked down as it was almost twenty feet below the cat had followed him in and was meowing helplessly at him. He looked down spotting a couple of rose bushes when the door burst open. Quickly he grabbed the cat and jumped out the window falling landing on to one of the bushes. The window shattered above him as he landed. His back felt as if it was on fire and the bush scratched him all up. The pain was so horrible but he knew he had no choice but to run.

More gunshots were fired but the boy wasn’t sure how close or far they were from him and didn’t bother to look back. “You won’t escape you little brat!” a haunting voice said with a malice that made him wonder if the man was even human. He kept running into the fields as the cat jumped out of his arms and ran ahead of him. He blindly followed the cat as it seemed to want him to follow it. The boy’s strength was about to end when they finally came upon an old truck that was running filled with hay. The cat jumped in and using his last reserve of strength he climbed into the hay on the back hiding his self and darkness took him as the truck began to drive off.


XXXXXXXX


Benton woke up with a searing pain assailing his back at first but as he began waking it mysteriously vanished. He got up grabbing his throbbing head and then instinctively began looking for a bottle of gin, but had found that all of his bottles of gin were gone.

“Lucille!” he shouted still grabbing his throbbing head. He got off the sofa smelling quite badly. Bits and pieces of the nightmare still hung in his mind just as some of the events that had taken place the night before. He was still recovering as he glanced at the clock on the wall as it was almost lunch time.

“Lucille!” he shouted again but got no response. He searched the house without any traces and the bed had not been slept in. Benton did remember slightly stumbling to the bathroom to barf as he had way too much to drink. He remembered getting really upset with Tintin as if he had done something to him really bad, but couldn’t quite remember what exactly. Light hurt his eyes. He looked in the children’s room and everything was in place. He did remember Lucille taking the kids to their grandparents’ house and then slightly remembered he and Lucille had a minor argument from his account.

“Fenton?” He said calmly, but nothing seemed to make sense, he almost expect Fenton to be around but realized he had blacked out and not much remained in his memory other than the recent vivid nightmare which he could not forget. That nightmare replayed many times and it was the same every time.

He walked back into the living room and looked out the window thinking maybe Lucille had taken the car, but it was still there. Quickly he drew the curtains back as his eyes began to hurt. His head was throbbing like a beating drum. He wanted more gin to make it go away, but he drank the last of the orange juice in the icebox and ate an apple unable to focus on anything without his eyes hurting.

Benton figured he went on a drinking binge last night and that was simply it. He saw some papers on the table and a pen but didn’t bother to look. All he cared about was going to his bedroom as soon as he finished eating, draw the drapes closed, turn off any lights, and go back to sleep until he felt better. He walked over to the sink and washed his face to no avail. Benton figured Lucille was probably visiting her folks down the lane. He glanced at the papers thoughtlessly, “Probably a shopping list for me” he thought as he walked back to the bedroom and lied down in the bed and in fifteen minutes he was fast asleep again.

Benton woke up four hours later only this time the shades were pulled back.
“Lucille? Fenton?” he said slowly sitting up. He walked around the room and saw a paper and pen sitting on the dresser. Benton went to the bathroom to get him a quick bath so he could get out of his sweaty clothes. Another thirty minutes later after cleaning up, he finally picked up the paper as he was finishing getting dressed in a pair of blue jeans and a green jumper. It was no shopping list, it was a letter addressed to him in Lucille’s hand writing.

Dear Benton,
I’ve decided to stay at my parents for the next couple of days because last night you went too far. You lost control again and I really want you to think about your drinking problem. You evidently forget what my uncle did for us when we were youngsters as you demonstrated with how you dealt with your brother’s secret; and how you dealt with his companions when they arrived to find him. I’m appalled to be your wife at this moment because of that. You’re not the man I married. I’m just glad the kids weren’t around to see you act so foolishly. I know you are dealing with demons inside but it still doesn’t give you the right to take it out on anyone else, your brother, or me. I want you to take this time to think about how you’re going to make things right with your brother or this could be the end of our marriage. I hope you didn’t decide to skip work today, and if you did I’m going to be extra angry with you. Don’t bother coming over because right now I really don’t want to see you.

If you really care about our marriage and family, you will be ready to make things right with not just me, but also your brother.
Lucille

Benton’s mind began swimming with all kinds of thoughts as his headache was still hanging on him, but this letter didn’t help.

“What did I do?” He thought. He remembered her uncle and his lover and then realized that his brother was the same way. Benton wasn’t as accepting as he had hoped he could be, but this was his brother. He wanted Fenton to be someone who was supposed to be special and not have any flaws according to Benton’s expectations. This wasn’t the brother that Benton had imagined. Benton felt that there was no way he could possibly be like this.

Benton still had mixed feelings about man on man relations, but because of what Lucille’s uncle and lover had done for them, it changed his mind enough to be a bit more accepting even if Lucille’s parents weren’t. Lucille was right about one thing. Benton had a lot of demons and some which he had never shared with her. He cared about their marriage and he felt bad for whatever he did but the mixed feelings would not go away just yet. He did care about their marriage and loved Lucille greatly and the thought of losing her brought him to a sobering state of mind.

He still wasn’t totally clear about what had happened but he figured until he spoke to Lucille and found out the details, he had no idea what to answer for. He knew to bother Lucille right now probably wouldn’t be a good idea. He figured tomorrow after work he would go see Lucille so they could talk about it. Luckily he had the day off planning on his brother being around today. He turned on the television and just decided he was going to be a hermit the rest of the evening not feeling like talking to anyone else for he had no one around he could talk to that he trusted.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-14-2013 at 07:34 AM..

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#46
Old 01-11-2013, 01:48 AM

CHAPTER 21 (PART - B) end of chapter 21


Allan was beginning to get bored back on the Sea Serpent and Gaspar was getting more crazy as each day went by. Lento stayed in his cabin most of the day amazed by what he saw that night. A man with demonic possession was something that he had not seen in such a display previously. Tom stayed busy working with the rest of the crewmen since Allan had finally got sick of the crew’s disgruntled attitudes and said everyone had to work equally.

This did not sit well with his inner circle except for Tom who was loyal to Allan to a fault, and Allan knew that and would always make the work load easier on his best mate. Even among evil people one would like to think even if there is only a flicker of light left, that there is always a chance to see the light of day again.

Gaspar didn’t mind it so much as it was a way to get his physical aggression out. No one wanted to get into any arguments with Gaspar as he was very quick to become confrontational if he felt the slightest disrespect. Mikhail and Ivan were put to work as well since they were low ranking members in the secret circle. Only higher ranking members were privy to secret meetings and missions. Engineers were got paid the best and if they complained it became a problem because it actually took skill which was something that you couldn't just hire anyone to do, and Allan knew that. Lento stayed locked up in the cabin reading book after book that Herr Wagner piled on him.

Lento was learning more and more with each passing hour. He wished he had his own private cabin to practice what he had learned. The only distraction he had was the mysterious black haired woman, with luscious red lips and bright forest green eyes. Her pale skin was as fair as Snow White’s. She seemed to have faith in his powers, but why? He wanted to know what her relation to Herr Wagner was.

Another ritual was scheduled for later tonight which made him nervous. He wondered why the other failed or why it went awry. Controlling a demon’s will was a very difficult thing to do, but he was sure Herr Wagner had that basis covered. It was exhilarating and yet terrifying at the same time to do such a dark yet powerful act. Lento kept thinking about Herr Wagner’s secret, was he himself possessed? Again, Lento did not want to provoke any anger from him. He was also curious about who the fifth member in their group was. He only knew a couple of them by name.

A knock at his door broke his train of thought. He knew it wasn’t Mikhail or Ivan as they would just try to come in before they knocked. Lento got up from his small desk to open the door and revealed a somewhat bigger guy with a belly and a big nose. He wore a monocle and a nice but casual suit. Each of his hands wore adorned with two rings. A gluttonous sign as far as Lento was concerned. This man appeared to enjoy the materialistic things life had to offer which was a sign that person had too many attachments in this world.

“May I help you signore?” Lento asked.
“I was told by Lady Ravena to get insights from you about tonight’s ritual” he said casually.
“…and you are?” Lento asked.
“I’m sorry signore I am the fifth member of your group… Roberto Rastapopoulos” he said shaking his hand.
“I’m Basilio Lento Signore, welcome to our circle…I was expecting Dr. Mueller” Lento replied politely.
“He’s busy with… something very important” Rastapopoulos replied slowly. “I’m amazed and need to know more so tonight I can focus my energy” he finished.

“I see… so then Signore Rastapopoulos let us get down to business…” Lento responded picking up another book flipping through countless pages and began answering questions in regarding meditation techniques to understanding energy around one’s self. Rastapopoulos lit a cigar while Lento thumbed through the book listening intently as Lento nonchalantly opened the port window and continued.

XXXXXXXXXX

Allan was up in the bridge relaxing after a long day’s work watching everyone doing their evening chores until he spotted Herr Wagner accompanying a mysterious woman off the ship.

“What’s this?” he said to himself taking a pair of binoculars.
He watched both of them get into a cab and drive away. Allan wondered what an exotic looking woman would be doing on such a strange vessel as their own.

“Admiral Allan, Herr Wagner left this for you” Gaspar entered handing him two envelopes as he entered the bridge.
Allan opened a telegram first. It was from an old acquaintance of Allan’s.

Allan, Tintin has been spotted somewhere between Colchester and Ipswich, I would start in Ipswich first, hope this helps…

Allan’s eyes grew wide in amazement as he let out a pompous laugh.
“What’s so funny?” Gaspar asked feeling self-conscious.
“I think I may have a lead on where Tintin is” Allan smiled. “I knew I could count on old friends to help us” he said lighting a cigarette in triumph.
“What about ship duty? Herr Wagner has forbid us to leave the ship” Gaspar said with much resentment.
“Herr Wagner is paying us well enough that I really don’t care…eventually our paths will cross and Haddock will be with him” Allan replied darkly opening the other envelope.
“What about Captain Chester?!” Gaspar nodded.
“Don’t worry, your path and his will cross as well…trust me my twisted friend” Allan winked.
“Yeah!” Gaspar’s gaunt expression turned into an evil smile almost like that of a rabid dog.

Admiral,
You are the only one competent enough to carry out this mission. Sources tell me that Tintin is in between Colchester and Ipswich. I give you leave to go after him, I trust your sources. Gaspar, will take over the ship…with supervision. Take trusted companions to help you succeed. We will be leaving shortly after midnight and will dock in Glasgow. We will meet you there Saturday afternoon. We will set out shortly after six in the evening. I know you will not disappoint me Admiral. I look forward to your success.
Master Lieutenant Herr Wagner

Allan’s expression become even more upbeat, “Looks like I’ll be going ashore again” his voice sounded with excitement.
“I want to get off this dark tub too” Gaspar’s mouth watered.
“Sorry to be the one to disappoint you, but you will need to take place of Captain in my Absence first mate” Allan said flatteringly.
Gaspar was angry yet happy at the same time at the thought of being captain.
“You will set course to Glasgow shortly after midnight, I will meet you there…don’t let me down” Allan answered his unspoken questions getting a satisfied nod out of Gaspar.
“Anything else…Admiral?” Gaspar answered with hidden excitement.
“Yes…” Allan turned around just as he was about to leave the bridge. “Don’t wreck the ship” he laughed.
“Why of course not…Admiral” he smiled wickedly. Allan left the bridge quickly as Gaspar tightened his fist walking around the bridge finding a captain’s cap in a cabinet. He took out the binoculars and began spying around the ship for a moment.

“Skipper, I’ve just been informed we are leaving tonight” one of the higher ranking sailors asked.
Gaspar put on the hat and began acting more superior than ever.
“That’s Captain Gaspar, and yes we will be” Gaspar said with an extreme pompous stare.
“What happened to the Admiral?” he asked.
“He’s on temporarily leave” he smiled, I am captain until further notice” Gaspar nodded.
“Yes sir!” he stood at attention.
“Dismissed!” Gaspar said forcefully as the man left the bridge. “I could get used to this” he thought.

XXXXXXX

Allan searched the ship finding Ivan and Mikhail and then finally Tom.
“I want all of you to collect a small sack of things and meet me by the gangway in twenty minutes” Allan instructed.
“Where are we going boss?” Tom asked curiously.
“Why, we’re going on a man hunt” Allan said adjusting his gun.
“That sounds like fun boss!” Tom smiled in delight.
Ivan looked at Mikhail curiously. “We travel lightly gentlemen” Allan instructed as Tom quickly ran to his cabin.
Ivan and Mikhail quickly returned back to their cabin to see Lento and Rastapopoulos busy studying.
“Can you two come back a little later?” Lento asked but suddenly noticed they were quickly gathering a few belongings.
“Where are you going?” he suddenly changed his question.
“Allan is taking us ashore” Ivan answered quietly.
“Ashore?” Lento asked a little unsure.
“He says we’re going on a manhunt” Mikhail added.
“Ah a hunt for Tintin…it’s a shame I cannot go, that would be so much more fun” Rastapopoulos lamented.
“We will see you in a couple of days Lento” Ivan informed.
“I see…well take care, and don't cross Allan...” Lento warned. “I wish you buona fortuna, ciao!” he waved as they closed the door behind them as they left.
“Now where were we?” Rastapopoulos asked.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-14-2013 at 07:55 AM..

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#47
Old 01-12-2013, 04:50 AM

CHAPTER 22 (PART - A)

A month ago…


It had been almost a week ago since the middle aged Chinese woman lost her teenage daughter. She went to the police in Hong Kong and it seemed that no one could help her. Many of her friends went searching with her. She was determined to find her daughter. They only had each other most of the time. She worked hard as her husband worked at sea fishing and would be gone for weeks at a time. After almost a week the only clues she had was that her daughter was accompanied by two men and forcefully drug on a small boat and spirited away. Another young man told her that the pimps were abducting girls to sell for the sailors. She found the red sash that she gave her for her sixteenth birthday which had her initials. The grief was too much for her to bear but she knew she had to be strong.

She arrives at a police station in Hong Kong begging for help but it was as if the police were afraid to discuss her case with her.
“Please kind sir, I beg of you…my daughter” she cried.
“I’m sorry mam… we cannot help you… sorry” the police officer nodded sadly.

The woman was sad and angry at the same time. Such indifference to human suffering was beyond her comprehension. She didn’t know what to tell her husband when he returned. He dearly loved his daughter and had high hopes for her happiness. He worked so hard for his family’s happiness. He was a man of extreme virtue and of high respect for women which was the reason why she married him. They had moved to the city in hope of a better life.
Her options were diminishing as her hopes began to change to despair.
“Madam…” a whisper said to her as she left the police station. It was a young man who was off duty she recognized. She saw his compassionate face as he wore a black kimono with straw sandals.

“You can help me?!” a glint of hope sent her heart racing.
“Shhh…yes, I can take you to someone who will help you find your daughter” he whispered.
“I thank you a thousand times” a smile appeared on her face for the first time since her daughter was taken.
“I want you to meet me at midnight at the Cat’s Crossing, and bring a sack of your belongings. We must travel under the cover of night” he whispered.
“Anything!” she whispered desperately.

The woman returned to their small home and she retrieved her savings and a sack full of personal belongings and did as she was told. She left a note for her husband and explained all that had happened and folded it and left it on his mat. The time could not go fast enough for her, but eventually the time came to meet and she did. The young man stood discreetly at the crossing waiting for her.

“We must leave and take the train north east” he whispered leading her away.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to get my daughter back” she whispered.
It was a three day journey and they traversed the country side until they came to a temple. It was nightfall when they arrived without any signs of trouble.
“Where are we?” she asked her guide.
“The Sons of the Dragon, they are great people and will help you” he said taking her to the front gate.

The temple was majestic looking as guards came and let them in after the guide whispered a secret phrase to the quiet sentinels standing watch. A tall man wearing a ceremonial robe walked up to them as they stood at the door of the temple. The guide began whispering for a few moments and led them inside. The temple was decorated with ornate paintings and vases. Tapestries hung on the wall with great Chinese architecture. The woman had never been to see such a temple but once in her life when she traveled with her family to Beijing. It felt peaceful at this temple. The tall man dressed in a dark blue ceremonial robe and a cap led them to a waiting room with mats. Her guide disappeared with him. A few minutes later he returned with tea for the three of them.

“My friend tells me your daughter is missing” the tall man said taking a seat.
“Yes, they say that she was sold to some sailors and that’s all I know” she explained.

“I am Didi, and I am getting ready to take a journey to Tibet to go visit my brother who is learning the way of the peaceful warrior” he said benevolently. “My friend here tells me he knows who did it… we suspect an evil world order cult may be involved” Didi finished.

The woman looked shocked at first not knowing what to think.

“Please, calm yourself, it is late and tomorrow morning I leave first thing for Kathmandu, but I ask you remain here for your safety. I will have a room prepared for you to stay in” Didi explained as he left the room then led the woman to a comfortable room which she could not remember the last time she had slept in such comfort.

“Here take all of my savings” she pleaded handing it to Didi.
“No, no, we don’t need your money, keep it. It sounds like a powerful adversary is behind all of this, we fight a common enemy” Didi said gracefully.
“I must return to Honk Kong tomorrow, I just wanted Mrs. Lam to arrive safely” the guide said.
“Thank you Ying” Mrs. Lam thanked.

The peaceful night lightened Mrs. Lam’s heart enough to where she could sleep feeling hope that somehow she would see her daughter again. The next morning Didi left before the sun rose and flew to Kathmandu with some help from his fellow Sons of the Dragon. It was a long journey but Didi was one of the Sons of the Dragon. He took the red sash with Mrs. Lam’s daughter’s initials on it. Didi knew even for one so well trained going into the snowy mountains alone was not a good idea, so he began to look for a guide which would be a two or three day journey.

XXXXXXXXX

A young Chinese man sat in the courtyard meditating with his staff. He was nimble, fit, and his muscles were well toned. He wore a small green cap and wore a green kimono as green was his favorite color. He let his hair grow out and kept it in a long braided ‘dragon tail’ he liked to call it. It had been two years he had been in Tibet near the place where he almost lost his life; and, it became the place where he traveled to pursue a personal quest. He had so much to be grateful for. Twice he had been given the gift of life. He could not ignore this inside belief that there was a reason why his life had been spared. He wanted to make a difference in this corrupt and evil world he lived in full of injustice.

He was brave but had lacked the strength to stand up and fight, so he decided he wanted to take his training with the Sons of the Dragon a step further. He left London and returned home and decided to return to Tibet shortly after he arrived home. He had been busy in London working and training with his adopted uncle which was a strict lifestyle. He had very little leisure time. He had only been to visit Tintin once and Tintin visited him once. He missed his dear friend whom shared a strong link through their souls.

Tintin became more involved in his life as Tintin had written in his last letter saying that he had discovered the greatest treasure in the entire world. This made him happy but when he said what it was it became bittersweet. Chang did get to see Tintin for his twenty first birthday which turned out to be a dramatic time considering the events. It was after that visit that Tintin wrote in his letter that Captain Haddock was the treasure he had been seeking all along; but, said that he would always have a special place in his heart for him. Chang had chances to go see Tintin but wanted to honor his family by working diligently. He couldn’t blame Tintin for falling in love with Haddock. After all, it was Haddock who would have made the ultimate sacrifice. It was Haddock who took Tintin into his castle, it was Haddock who stood by Tintin when he was hurt badly before they went to the moon. How could Chang compete with that? Chang would have done the same for Tintin in Haddock’s place, but Chang was wise beyond his years and saw the ferocity in which the captain put out when it came to the love of Tintin. Even if at the time he was only trying to be fatherly during their visit in Tibet those years ago, Chang could feel Haddock's strong sense of loyalty. Chang couldn’t understand it at that time, but as he became older and wiser, the pieces of the puzzle began to fit.

Chang remembered the awkward visit he and Tintin had when Martine relentlessly pursued him after the Alph-Art affair during his twenty first birthday. Tintin had to deal with that while Chang thought the entire incident was funny on one aspect but sad for Ms. Martine who had no clue about Tintin. Haddock was so worried that Chang became Haddock's confidante constantly asking him questions that he deciphered as “Am I going to lose him?” Martine would also ask Chang about Tintin. Chang would laugh and tell them both not to worry but to let Tintin search his own heart. It was then Chang knew that his continued presence would only further complicate things, for he knew Tintin also had feelings for him. Before Chang left he asked Haddock to make him a promise, and it was no matter what to keep Tintin safe. Haddock vowed to Chang that as long as he drew breath nothing would ever happen to him. It was Chang’s way of giving Haddock his blessing. Chang was happy for he knew he and Tintin still shared an unbreakable friendship.

Chang was very accepting and had decided it was time to return back to his family who Tintin helped him find. Shortly after he returned they wanted to arrange a marriage for Chang. Chang was not interested in anything prearranged, instead he wanted to make his heart, body, and mind stronger so that one day he could repay his debts. It was the honorable thing to do. Didi had always taught Chang that honor was above all the most important thing. Chang agreed to a certain extent but knew some things only life experience could teach.

All of these inner thoughts, he let them go when he decided he wanted to grow spiritually within the monastery. Thoughts of how Tintin was doing surfaced from time to time as he had not written him in more than two years. Chang had spoken to Tintin in his dreams and sensed Tintin was happy and that was all Chang cared about. The monastery walls had afforded Chang an inner peace working and doing his daily chores in addition to his training.

“Brother!” a familiar voice said snapping Chang out of his meditative state.
“Didi!” Chang stood up happy to see someone else from his family.
“Brother, I have a request for you…” Didi was quick to mention. His guide stood by the gate catching his breath.
“Let me help you with your things, we can discuss this over tea brother” Chang smiled. Chang sensed urgency in Didi’s voice but didn’t want to get into such a discussion until they could get comfortable.
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Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-16-2013 at 07:12 AM..

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#48
Old 01-12-2013, 01:42 PM

CHAPTER 22 (PART - B)end of chapter 22


Once they were settled in, Chang and Didi had a long talk about home, family, and then the dark news. The guide relaxed in another room observing the monk’s customs. The monks were very respectful of Chang as he observed their way of life but focused on learning the way of the peaceful warrior. The news was dark tidings for Chang as a little bit of the corruption seemed to already be filtering into his non-polluted world of peace.

“That’s horrible” Chang’s reaction was mortified.
“Yes, Mrs. Lam is now resting back at our house” Didi finished.
“Mother and father have been very busy as of late, we fear that the opium trade may be back in business in Shanghai again” Didi explained. “I have to return with some associates as we have an investigation ongoing” Didi continued.
“Anything truly serious?” Chang asked with concern.
“We’re not sure, but we are to investigate which was why I have come to you for help” Didi implored.
“Of course brother, but do you have any leads thus far?” Chang asked.
“We have heard of a cult called the All-Seeing-Eye that has an elaborate circle -throughout the world which uses drugs and other immoral activities to fund their evil endeavors” Didi said quietly.
“My dreams have been haunted recently as if an eye sees everything that I do...it seems to follow me” Chang confessed.
“So you sense a great evil at work as well brother?” Didi asked.
“Indeed” Chang agreed taking the young girl’s red sash into his hands. “I must inform the Grand Abbott of my decision” Chang nodded feeling his moment had finally come for him to reemerge from his cocoon.

Chang respectively entered the Grand Abbott’s chamber and dropped the sash accidently as he approached.
“Ah peaceful warrior, I see your time has come for you to go back out into the world” the Grand Abbott greeted already knowing the nature of his visit.
“Yes Grand Abbott, I come to ask your permission” Chang bowed humbly.
The Grand Abbott regarded Chang with benevolence, “You are young, but wise peaceful warrior, you are not the child I first met, you are ready and have my blessing” he finished with a slight nod.
“Oh thank you Grand Abbot!” Chang bowed again.
“Wait!” another familiar voice said drawing Chang’s attention.
A monk wearing burgundy robes walked in as Chang turned around to acknowledge him.
“Blessed Thunder!” Chang replied in surprise seeing him holding the red sash in his hand. He slowly began to rise into the air. The Grand Abbott was silent with intrigue.

“The young flower you seek is in the belly of a black serpent that swims across the great seas, but beware peaceful warrior, great evils lurk around and within this great black serpent. Dark shadows from the abyss are coming… you and your friends, great heart, rumbling thunder, powder snow, and a new ally dusty wind will once again be reunited. They will be key to your success peaceful warrior and clouded heart I see along with violet rose are in great danger as they are important to great heart…more of great heart and rumbling thunder’s friends are also in danger…red fire and young…” he paused floating in midair.

“…and…darkness is com-ing…aargghh!” the room darkened for just a couple of moments he suddenly fell to the floor.
“Blessed Thunder!” Chang ran to his aid while making sure to remember his riddles.
“What happened” Chang asked him this being the first vision he had ever witnessed as he was trying to hide his amazement.
“Why, I don’t know?” Blessed Thunder replied never really able to remember his archaic messages the he randomly delivers from beyond.
The Grand Abbott had a grave look on his face.
“What is it Grand Abbott?” Chang asked with more concern.
“The powers are shifting…this is the first time in many years I have seen darkness this close from afar. You are dealing with something much more powerful than I’ve seen in a long time” he replied honestly.
“Is there any hope for success Grand Abbott?” Chang asked sincerely.
“This is your destiny Peaceful Warrior, Blessed Lightning speaks of it… for good or ill you are now intertwined and have a role to play and yet I know not of anything else but know that you must follow your destiny” the Grand Abbott concluded.
“I see… then I will go with my brother and we shall leave right away” Chang bowed again.
“Go forth Peaceful Warrior and may the light be on your side” he wished good fortune.

XXXXXXXXX

Chang packed his things and within an hour he, Didi, and the guide began to make their trek back down to Kathmandu. The air was cold and the snow was deep from the long winter. The three men trekked down the mountain almost another hour when the snow on the ground began to lessen until there were only small patches in intervals. Even at this time of the year the power of cold the mountains possessed did not seem to diminish much. Later Didi stopped in his tracks.

“What’s wrong?” the guide asked.
“I sense a strange presence” Didi said scouting the area. The snowy mountains were still around them as they were making their way to the lower slopes.
“I see nothing” the guide shrugged.
Out of nowhere a black bull came running at them.
“Watch out!” Chang yelled as the three of them scattered in different directions. It first ran after Didi who dived out of its way. Then it began to focus its attention on Chang.
“Watch out brother it comes for you!” Didi shouted. The guide watched in disbelief never seeing such a creature that roamed in these parts.

Chang looked at the glossy eyes of the beast that seemed to have an odd glow about them. It began charging at Chang. Chang turned back the opposite way and began to lead it away from Didi and the guide. Right when Chang felt the beast on his heels he did a somersault dodging a charge but the beast turned around quicker than Chang anticipated until it cornered Chang at the bottom of a cliff.

“I have to help him” Didi said with determination trying to get the beast’s attention throwing well aimed stones drawing stone cold stares from the beast, but it had its sights on Chang.
“Come get me you stupid ox!” Didi taunted. It turned momentarily to regard Didi but something even more amazing happened in that instant.
“The Yeti!” Chang’s eyes widened as it jumped from some unseen ledge in front of him blocking the beast’s path to Chang.
“The yeti has come for us too! We’re doomed!” the guide shrieked.

The beast did not expect this new foe as the yeti rushed forward pushing the beast by the horns with amazing strength. The beast pushed back almost coming to a stalemate in strength with the yeti as it roared angrily and began pushing even harder.
The yeti had cleared a path for Chang. The yeti gave a quick sympathetic look to Chang and shook his head towards their destination.
“Thank you Migou! That’s twice now for you you saved my life” Chang reached out to him as the yeti turned back to deal with the out of control bull.
“Come on brother we must run while we have a chance!” Didi prompted him.
“This way!” the guide led them as they ran.

Chang looked back and could see the yeti struggling with the huge bull at the edge of a cliff they had passed. Chang’s heart was with the yeti hoping he would emerge victorious. He looked back again to see the bull falling in the distance once they had ran a hundred meters, and as soon as it hit the ground it disappeared. He heard one more roar from the yeti then all was silent.
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Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-16-2013 at 07:28 AM..

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#49
Old 01-13-2013, 08:35 PM

CHAPTER 23 (PART - A )


The trek down the mountain seemed more dangerous than it should have been. They began to move swiftly until they reached the foot hills as the cool chill began to subside some. Chang and Didi both had this feeling they were being watched but could not tell by who or what. The guide seemed even more skittish as they went on. They were making great time and had to make camp as nightfall approached.

“We must make camp sahib and regain our strength” the guide urged them.
Chang and Didi were tired but their will was still just as vigorous as ever. They found a place in a wooded area and set up a tent. The backpacks they carried were light.

“Is something wrong sahib?” the guide asked noticing Chang’s unsettling mood.
“No, just be cautious” he shook his head. Didi was watching the area too, something didn’t feel right.
When the guide began to get settled in the tent Didi quietly motioned for Chang to move out of earshot of the guide.

“I don’t like this feeling… we take turns watching” Didi advised.
“Agreed!” Chang nodded instantly.
“Go get some rest, I’ll wake you in a few hours” Didi nodded.

Chang tried to rest in the tent, but a shadow seemed to hang over him. Didi kept watch outside meditating as his senses were heightened. The slightest sound would have set him off. Nothing but an eerie feeling filled the air as if something that wasn’t there was. Didi kept his senses heightened calmly in his meditative state. Chang had finally drifted off to an uneasy slumber tossing and turning and muttering words. Didi felt a cold draft for a moment that chilled him instantly but a couple seconds later the sensation was gone.

XXXXXXXXX

It was cold, the juniper branches weren’t very comfortable but he wasn’t strong enough to move, or so he thought. The wind was unable to reach him which kept it from being too bad. Only a blanket kept him warm which the yeti gave to him. He wondered if he would ever see home again, but thanks to the yeti he was still alive. Chang was alone but he felt he had made a new friend. The yeti was warm and at nights when the cold was unbearable would keep Chang close and shield him from the frigid air.

Chang had dreamed of Tintin coming to save him, but it was only a dream Chang thought. The yeti left around his usual time. Chang could feel strength back in his body again mysteriously. Chang didn’t remember this happening as he finally realized he was reliving a memory in his dream. Now Chang got up and went outside the cave covering up with the blanket as the wind began to cut through him with its icy breath. His black hair swayed in the wind as he began walking out of the cave. He kept walking for what seemed like hours up and down through valleys not letting the cold affect him.

He heard voices up ahead and he ran toward them, it was Tintin’s! Excitement filled him until he saw what was happening.
“No lad you must cut the rope, it’s the only answer!” Chang heard Haddock’s gruff voice resound.
“Never! We’re both saved or we die together!” Tintin screamed back.
Chang got closer, looking and remembering Tintin telling him this story.
“Fine! I’ll do it, no sense in both of us dying!” Haddock yelled taking out a knife trying to cut the rope.
“What are you doing?! Stop!” Tintin screamed, but Haddock dropped the knife.
“Where was Tharkey?” Chang wondered as he didn’t see him.
“Tintin!” Chang shouted.
“Chang!” Tintin slowly looked up to see him.
“I’m coming Tintin, just hold on!” Chang shouted as he tried to climb down the rocks as quickly as he could.
“I don’t know…how much…longer…I can hold on” Tintin’s voice began to sound more labored.

Chang moved as fast as his body would let him but just as he was about to reach Tintin he heard a loud gasp as Tintin was suffocating and fell off the rock. Chang turned around in terror to see Tintin and Haddock plunging to their doom.

“Tintin! Haddock! Noooooo!” Chang screamed.

Suddenly life felt it like had no more meaning as a wave of dark anguish swept over him like a tsunami. He heard the thud at the bottom of the cliff as Snowy was the only one standing there howling for the dead. Quickly Chang looked around him.

“No! This isn’t what happened! Stop toying with me you demon!” Chang screamed out over the chasm as his voice echoed loudly.
“Wake up brother” Didi shook him. “You were having a nightmare, you wish to sleep more?” Didi asked him with concern.
“No, I’m ready to watch” Chang wiped a single tear from his face.
“Ok brother I leave the rest to you,” Didi said as Chang took his place outside the tent.

Chang took out his staff and began twirling it around practicing moves with precision since he had a lot of penned up energy. “I was weak then, but not anymore” Chang thought in defiance.

The next day they finally arrived in Kathmandu taking a short visit with their uncle, but due to the nature of their mission they left the next day back to Honk Kong. The journey was long back to the temple. Many suspicious characters seemed to be watching them. They finally arrived back home, but before they could even get through the courtyard of the temple they were greeted by a foreign man and their parents.
“Our sons have returned, this is most fortunate” Mr.Wang replied.

“We need the help of one of your members” a tall brown haired man with long sideburns explained.
“I am Agent Renaud from INTERPOL, I was sent to enlist the help of your most competent member” he said seriously.
“I am afraid we have other missions in Shanghai” Didi nodded.
“My son is here to help Mrs. Lam find her daughter” Mr. Wang nodded.
“What a coincidence, we are looking for human trafficking criminals” Agent Renaud explained. “They say a ship called the Sea Serpent has ties to this trafficking” he continued.
“Wait! Did you say ‘Sea Serpent’?” Chang asked incredulously.
“Yes” he nodded.
A middle aged woman stepped outside, “So this will be my daughter’s savior” she smiled looking at Chang.
“I will try on my honor mam” Chang nodded.
"Please promise me you will find my daughter" she said desperately.
Chang could see the pain in her eyes but didn't know if he could, but before he realized it, the words came out. "I promise Mrs. Lam, I will find your daughter" Chang walked away slowly after bowing politely to her. He walked over to Agent Renaud and asked him about the Sea Seprent.

"I wished we could help you Mr.Renaud" Didi sighed.
"Tell me more about this Sea Serpent" Chang asked politely.
“Why do you ask?” Agent Renaud asked.
"I had a vision about a sea serpent..." Chang said archaically.
"It's a big black merchant ship supposedly" Agent Renaud answered.
“I will come with you” Chang mysteriously agreed. Agent Renaud nodded strangely at Chang’s willingness to leave with him.
“Excellent, we leave for Zurich Switzerland tomorrow then for further debriefing” he smiled.
“…but brother, we what about Mrs. Lam?” Didi asked with concern.
“I feel strongly this serpent is where I will find Mrs. Lam’s daughter” Chang replied suddenly.
“Then you have my blessing brother” Didi nodded.
“Come, let us feast this evening and enjoy our family and friend’s company. Tomorrow morning, you depart,” Mrs. Wang said standing at the front door.

The rest of the evening they ate and exchanged information about the All-Seeing-Eye Cult. The family and their agents of the Sons of the Dragon were horrified to know their fears were confirmed. Mrs. Lam shared stories about her daughter and their family background. After hearing Mrs. Lam’s story Chang was more determined to find her daughter. Mrs. Wang was very happy to see her adopted son but feared for him not sure if he was ready for such a mission by himself. Didi felt confident in his brother as did his father. Before they went to bed Didi took Chang to the training room they had.

“Brother, I want to see you spar with me before you leave, I must know you are strong before I send you off” Didi said as they bowed.
“Fine brother” Chang bowed as they began sparring.

Their fists flew like lightning, as they each dodged and feet flew up in a harmonious dance of pseudo violence. Didi could not land one single hit on Chang but in return Chang had a difficult time trying to find a hole in his brother’s defense. Didi closed in thinking he had his brother but in a wild display of his skill Chang completed two fast backward handsprings and a somersault then almost swept his brother off his feet. Didi came down for a quick punch but Chang reversed the maneuver.

A sudden clap sounded, “Well done my son!” Mr. Wang said entering the sparring chamber.
Both Didi and Chang faced each other and bowed.
“You fight with passion brother, I have no worries now” Didi bowed.
“I bring only honor to our family” Chang bowed back.

They chatted into the early morning until sleep over took them. The next day Chang left with Agent Renaud to the Honk Kong airport. Chang couldn't help but to rid himself of the feeling that they were being followed as they journeyed to Honk Kong. They finally arrived just in time at the airport. They quickly checked in and boarded the huge plane as it was big and spacious inside. Chang sat by the window as Agent Renaud sat next to him and nodded thoughtfully as Chang watched Hong Kong disappear from his sight.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-17-2013 at 11:16 PM..

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#50
Old 01-14-2013, 02:30 AM

CHAPTER 23 (PART - B) end of chapter 23


The plane ride was long and monotonous as he drifted to sleep for a short nap. Chang leaned against the window watching as the cloudy skies were a little dark as it must have been storming below. How long must he have been asleep he thought, and where were they now? Chang could hear thunder outside as he finally got a glance of the top of the Alps. It was majestic, but the thunder made him feel uneasy as it was somewhat dark outside. Agent Renaud turned a light on and suddenly Chang saw a reflection in the glass of the window. It looked like some undead zombie with rotten skin and putrid boils all over its face with exposed facial bones. The hair on the back of Chang’s neck stood up as he shuddered and gasped turning around.

“What’s wrong Chang?” Agent Renaud looked suspiciously.
Chang was still gasping for air for the split second fright he just had as he looked at Agent Renaud. Chang closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
“I’m fine Agent Renaud… I think the lack of sleep seems to be bringing my nightmares to the waking world” Chang tried to joke.
“What kind of nightmares?” Agent Renaud asked.
“Oh it’s silly… nothing of importance really” Chang played it off.
“Well here,” Agent Renaud said handing Chang a blanket and a pillow.
“Thank you Mr. Renaud” Chang smiled.
“Yes get some rest. We have much to discuss when we arrive in Switzerland. I will wake you when lunch or dinner is being served” he said politely.

Chang nodded back and looked out the window once more as now they had climbed in altitude. Chang didn’t like planes for obvious reasons remembering that fated day flying over the Himalayas. Chang closed the window lid and leaned back and slowly was able to find his way back to sleep.

The arrival into Switzerland was really nice as everything seemed to be provided for him and Agent Renaud. Chang began to wonder if that vision on the plane was a bad omen of some type. How he wished he could speak to the Grand Abbott for more wisdom or Blessed Lightning for his personal insight. Chang was wondering how the yeti fared against that bull that just disappeared. Since it wasn’t the yeti that fell, Chang felt confident he was ok. Disappearing animals in the waking world really didn’t sit well with Chang’s logic, but he believed in demons.

Why would a demon come after him? Chang was trying to make sense in his head whereas Didi said that maybe it was a rival demon of the Migou since many thought Migou was a demon too. Dark forces seemed to be gathering and Chang could feel it, but why? What did all of this mean? So many thoughts were giving him a headache.

“We have a limo waiting for us Chang” Agent Renaud said as they were entering the airport terminal. It was late in the afternoon.

Agent Renaud stood just over six feet tall and was an average build he had a curved nose which reminded Chang of someone familiar but he could not recall. He wore a long army green trench coat. Chang stood barely five feet and seven inches and wore his green kimono and black trousers and shoes. A man with a scruffy looking face wearing a red coat and hat stood waiting for them with a sign that had 'Renaud' on it. He had a smug look on his face and hawk like nose. Chang didn’t like his unfriendly stare.

“This way gentlemen,” he said leading them outside the airport as security watched everyone closely here.
“What’s wrong Chang?” Agent Renaud asked quietly.
“I don’t trust this man” Chang whispered.
“It’s our escort back to headquarters, although I must admit, I don’t remember him…” Agent Renaud nodded.
The limo waited outside, “This way please” the man in the read sweater motioned into the limo as he opened the door.

Agent Renaud got in and took a seat. Chang stood outside the door first looking at the man who was purposely avoiding his gaze. Another man sat inside with a black vest across from Renaud. Chang glanced in further and could see a crate inside that seemed to be rattling.

“What’s inside that—“ Chang started to say but was shoved into the limo and the door slammed shut behind. Chang knew his senses were right as he tried to open the door but there were no door handles.
“It’s a trap!” Agent Renaud shouted.
“Glad you figured it out!” the man said pulling out a gun and pointed it at them.
“Who are you?!” Agent Renaud demanded.
“I don’t think you are in any position to be asking questions Agent Renaud, we must thank you for bringing us one of the Sons of the Dragon” he smirked. Chang looked at the man’s face, and it didn’t appear to be his real one. Something was really odd about this man as the limo started.
The crate began to growl, “What do you mean us?! What’s in the crate?!” Chang asked a bit worried.

“Oh that, let me introduce you do Barnabus!” he said opening the crate as a huge Doberman Pincer with glossy eyes jumped out of the crate.
“Now Chang!” Agent Renaud yelled diving at the strange man and a gunshot was fired and one of the windows was shattered.

The dog dived at Chang grazing his leg pouncing on him trying to bite him. Chang quickly punched the Doberman Pincer in the face as it turned to bite him again grazing his fist slightly. Quickly Chang punched again and was able to kick the dog off of him with such a force the dog shattered the window separating the front from the back.

Agent Renaud had the man pinned down but Chang saw he was shot in the shoulder and was bleeding. Chang quickly assisted the agent and jabbed the man in the face knocking him unconscious as Agent Renaud opened the door. The limo driver slammed on the breaks grinding to a halt.

“Hurry Chang!” he said leading Chang out of the limo as it started back up with a few gunshots being fired at them. Agent Renaud took out his gun and returned the fire shattering the back window as they ran for cover until finally the limo sped away.

“Agent Renaud! We got to get you to a hospital!” Chang gasped taking a scarf he had tying it around Renaud’s shoulder. Luckily at that moment police were rushing to the scene.
“Help! Over here!” Chang waved the police’s attention.
“Get an ambulance over here!” an officer shouted.
“What happened?” an officer asked while trying to help Agent Renaud up.
“We got attacked by fake escorts” Renaud managed to mumble as his shoulder was searing with cold pain.
“Which way did they go?” the officer asked hurriedly.
“That way, black limo” Chang pointed.
“We got the ambulance coming just stay with us!” the officer said as he ran to the car to radio reinforcements.

The ambulance finally arrived as they were both spirited away to the hospital.
Chang was treated for minor bites the dog left on him and minor cuts from the glass. Agent Renaud was in surgery having a bullet removed from his shoulder. After two hours Chang was released and he sat in the waiting room for hours pacing back and forth without any word on Agent Renaud’s condition. Chang did his best to remain calm. It was now almost ten O’clock at night when finally a nurse came into the waiting room.

“Mr. Chang, Mr. Renaud is in recovery now, and you can go see him if you like” she said leading him down a long corridor. Hospitals always seemed like such a sad place for Chang. When they finally arrived he found Agent Renaud in bed in a hospital gown with his shoulder bandaged. The Agent opened his eyes as they entered the room which had two beds in it, the other being empty.
The nurse walked out of the room and Chang walked to his bedside.
“Are you ok Mr. Renaud?” he asked with concern.
“I’ll be fine, it may be a short while before I’m back in action” he said glancing at his shoulder.
“That was a brave act you did Mr. Renaud” Chang complemented.
“It was either now or never, who knows who else would have been waiting for us at the end of the line” Agent Renaud rationalized.
“I’m so sorry for so much trouble” Chang apologized.
“Why are you apologizing? It wasn’t you who shot me” he nodded.
“Listen Chang, you can sleep in this bed tonight, tomorrow a REAL agent will pick you up tomorrow for debriefing at our headquarters here. The police found the limo but found no one…but they did recover our luggage. We’ll have it tomorrow” he half smiled.

“Thank you Agent Renaud, I will never forget your bravery” Chang smiled.
“Get you some rest young man, you’ve had a rough day too” he suggested.
This time Chang was more mentally exhausted than anything. There were too many thoughts swimming in his head and too much going on unlike at the monastery in Tibet. It was a bit overwhelming for Chang. He did as Agent Renaud suggested and lied down and soon was asleep.

The next day was a long one. A man by the name of Wolfgang picked him up. He looked a bit older than Agent Renaud, and Agent Renaud gave Chang an approving nod when he entered the room.

"Thank you for your bravery again Mr. Renaud" Chang said shaking his hand.
"Don't worry young man, Agent Wolfgang here is a great man" Renaud smiled shaking Chang's hand.

Agent Wolfgang as about the same size as Renaud. Chang was escorted through the city in a small car with Agent Wolfgang who sported a short grey beard. They spoke very little other than the introductions and small talk about weather since his first language was German and his English was not the best. When they arrived at the headquarters he led him into a larger building as they rode an elevator to the seventh floor and met with several other agents in a conference room. Each agent seemed a bit different from the others. Some were different in speech, others in looks, and others in affiliation.

The meeting was long and exhausting, but Chang listened to them all. First they spoke about a mysterious man everyone called the Octopus, referring back to the All-Seeing-Eye Cult. They spoke about a robbery in Cairo Egypt of the Book of the Dead. Chang was trying to make the connections as they also discussed how a lot of kingpins were dealing with this cult for profit. It seemed they were growing in members fast as there were chapters in several different countries all around the world. Chang had so little to contribute and what he did have to say he didn’t think needed to be repeated due to its spiritual nature since the occupation of law enforcement dealt in facts and logic. Chang did mention how he was on a search for a teenage Chinese girl that was taken almost a few weeks ago. They listened to all of the facts that Chang presented even looked at the red sash that had her initials on it.

“I made a promise to a mother that I would find her daughter, and I will honor it. I must find if she still lives” Chang announced.
“Don’t worry young man, we will try to help you with that personal goal yet align it with ours” Agent Wolfgang assured.

INTERPOL was conducting all kinds of investigations and Chang did find it interesting at how well organized these people were. This was all new to Chang. He was in Zurich for a few more days until they decided where to assign him. Chang was to be sent to London to meet up with two of their prized agents. Chang’s interest began to peak a little when he heard their names as his heart almost skipped a beat. Thompson and Thomson were in London investigating four murders. He knew Tintin had planned on working with them last time they spoke. The next day Chang was shipped out again on yet another plane which Chang was getting tired of, but the chance to see Tintin made it much more bearable. Chang gladly got on the plane. Shortly after noon, the plane left Switzerland on its way to England as Chang looked over his new documentation as an assistant to INTERPOL with papers and a badge to get him through customs much quicker. He smiled in satisfaction thinking that he was on his way to getting to the bottom of all of this.
__________________
Art by Lost Writer

Last edited by Kole_Locke; 01-18-2013 at 12:09 AM..

 


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