Chapter I:

The Antique Shop

It has been a while since Tintin framed a group of smugglers in an abandoned park. The Captain was trying to wonder how in the name of the seas they ended in London. It was, because, they took the wrong train, all thanks to Calculus' latest invention and Castafiore's "surprise" visit.

"First that weird clock, then the Armageddon in dress, and then those scumbags with dandy hats, what's next, the Armageddon in dress again?"- Haddock said in his thoughts. The woman's very annoying. She doesn't even address people with their "real" name. Those changes can drive anybody crazy. This made him wonder why her pianist and maid tolerated her so much. Mr. Wagner has fooled her many times, like the one when he made Bianca think he's "practicing his notes", and actually was out gambling and having some rest and fresh air. Irma, on the other hand, loved her work and loyalty's found on her. To be precise, Haddock knows Igor better than Irma, as she's always with Castafiore, and males understand better each other.

Suddenly, the weather was getting warm, the sun was striking again, and Snowy was searching for water.

-I know you're so thirsty. - Tintin said to Snowy at the same time he took the dog in his arms. - Let's search for a store and get you some fresh water.

The dog agreed, and both started to walk.

The stores around them were closed. The owners and customers might have heard the gunfights and police. The dog started to get worried; he wanted at least a bone, even a chicken one, also knowing that won't get rid of his thirst.

After walking a few minutes more, they found an open shop, not really a one that might sell edible stuff, but a one that sells antiques.

They entered into the old-looking place and saw everything was made of wood, glass, and other materials to make it look more classic, yet new at the same time. They started to explore the surroundings. Paintings, wood carvings, tiny sculptures, and a ship made in scale inside a bottle were surrounding the place.

-Look at this, Captain. - The reporter said with an amazed voice.

Haddock didn't doubt to see with attention the little ship who stole the lad's attention.

-It reminds me of my old hobby when I was still sailing. - The old sailor said with a grin. Of course, the ships he did were crap compared to the one he was now watching.

Suddenly, a man, possibly in his late forties or early fifties, entered from behind the counter. He was wearing a green vest, black tie, white shirt, and dark brown shoes. His hair was greying a little, yet blond hair was still visible, he had a few wrinkles on his face.

-Good evening, how may I help you? - He said with a French-English-like accent.

-Oh, good evening. - The lad saluted. – I was wondering if you were selling water.

-Yes, I sell. How many bottles you need? – the man asked.

-I think one will be enough for the dog. - Tintin replied.

While both were giving Snowy the water, the Captain was still watching all the antiques. He felt like a child again, and he was thinking on buying the ship in scale. However, he thought at the same time if Castafiore was singing, the glass surrounding it will break. Now he was facing a decision: to take it home, or not.

-Not many take a liking to the Agora- the owner said behind him.

-The Agora? - he asked

-The ship. - he replied with a friendly smile.- The model was inspired by its real-life counterpart that got lost in a thunderstorm during King Louis XIV's reign.

Now he remembered the stories of the Agora. It was called legendary because of its tremendous size and dragon carvings in the front. He remembered he wished to find it and reclaim the "corpse" of the ship. However, time passed and the dream vanished in front of his eyes, making him to think it was just some dumb legend made by drunken people. Thanks to that little model, he felt that something again.

-What's the price? - the captain asked, showing just signs of curiosity

-Fifty pounds- the owner replied.

The Captain thought again. Their train to Paris was going to leave tomorrow at midday. He then realized he had until that time to take a decision.

-Thanks anyway. - He said.

-Anytime. – the owner replied.

-Captain, it's getting gray outside! We need to go!- Tintin said almost leaving the place.

-I'm coming!- He said and left the place.

Both men finally arrived to their hotel room. Snowy launched itself to the bed and started to feel comfy.

-I know how you feel, Captain.- Tintin said.

-Really?- Haddock replied. He thought he knew he was planning on buying the ship.

-Yeah.- he replied as he lied down in the bed. – I know you're a little pissed off because we took the wrong train and we've been here almost a week. But hey, we discovered those smugglers and sent them to the justice, and we're going to Paris tomorrow to see what has happened there since that gang whose-name-I-don't-know took possession of the place.

Haddock sighed with relief.

-Yeah, that.- The Captain replied. – It has been a long week, but you know... you have defeated a lot of bad guys in the adventures you've had, I mean, aren't you afraid of dying?

-No, I'm not- the reporter replied.- I've seen a lot of worse things than you might have seen in your life, Captain.- he continued- I've seen dismembered bodies left in the middle of public places, patterns of murders made by some crazy serial killer, dead people without their skins...

-Okay, I think I got it. - the Captain interrupted. – I think it's better to have a good rest; we will be very, very busy.

-You might be right, besides, taking bad guys to justice can leave somebody very tired.- Tintin said

Both males then got into their respective beds and fell asleep.

The next day, Tintin finally woke up and he saw the Captain was nowhere to be seen. His stuff was no longer there and his bed was made. The first thought that came to his mind was he left early because he might have been very impatient.

He laughed at first and did the same.

Meanwhile, the Captain was trying to find the street where that Antique Shop was. After a few minutes, he finally found it. He went immediately and saw the owner closing the store.

-Excuse me, mister, why are you closing? - Haddock asked to the man

-I'm going to be in Paris for a week. Why? - The owner asked.

-I want to buy the Agora- the Captain sounded a bit demanding.

-Well, I can't say no to that. Come in. - the owner said as he was unlocking the door again.

After a few minutes, Haddock seemed to be the happiest man ever.

-So, you said you're going to Paris, right? - He asked

-Of course, the city's almost my second home. – he replied as he locked the door again. - I lived there until I decided to move here. But may I ask, why are you asking me that?

-The young man who you saw yesterday with me and I are going there too, today. – Haddock replied. - And you can come with us too.

-Really? – The owner asked

-Of course, he won't mind at all.- Haddock replied to his question.- I'm Archibald Haddock, by the way.- He stretched his hand to the owner of the shop.

-Remy van Kieckens. - He did the same. - But just call me Remy.

Now returning with Tintin, he was searching for the Captain in the station. The train was going to leave in twenty minutes, and still no sign of him.

Five minutes before the train's departing, Haddock finally appeared alongside Remy. Snowy spotted them while playing with some pigeons. The dog barked to his owner, giving him the signal. The young reporter, who fell asleep because of waiting, woke up and saw them. He felt relieved, because he started to think the worse.

-Captain, you're finally here! - Tintin greeted him with a hug. - I thought you were kidnapped!

-I just leave for an hour and you think I was kidnapped? – He replied as he was laughing. He then sees Remy and realizes he forgot to introduce them. - Oh, sorry, Tintin, this is Remy; he'll be going with us to Paris.-

-Nice to meet you, sir.- He greeted Mr. Van Kieckens.

-The pleasure is mine.- Remy replied

-Thank you. Well, the train's almost leaving with us, why don't we get inside before it departs? - The young reporter said.

The group then boarded the train and rested while the train was on its way to Paris.

A/N: I hope you liked this. It's the first time I'm writing for this fandom. If I had a mistake, please tell me. Please R&R! Thank you!