Hard Look Into The Future (Chapter 13 and Epilouge)

Hello! After a long hiatus, I decided to finish up this story. Hope you enjoy it!

Ibilis: Javert needs to go back and solve his problems by himself, he has to do it on his own; Holmes can't do it for him .

Note: Italics represents thoughts of the characters.

Chapter 13: Past, Present, Future

A sudden burst of light broke through the darkness of the night on the Pont-au-Change

as a man stepped forth from it. Javert looked back just in time to see the portal disappear from behind him. He sighed, pulled out his watch and glanced at it.

12:00, what was I doing at this time? He asked himself, and then the old inspector

remembered. That's right, I had just escorted Valjean home and was here.

Silently groaning at the sudden ache of his muscles, Javert walked swiftly off the viaduct and navigated the streets to the ex-convict's home. His sense of direction being what it was he had no problem locating the house again. On the doorstep, the old police officer paused before he knocked, gathering his wits and his courage for him to execute what he was about to do. He had no words for the moment, though he expected that now, with the convict's final goodbyes to his daughter, Valjean would surrender willingly to him.

Javert rapped on the heavy wooden door, and was surprised when he came face to face with the old convict himself. They met eyes, and Javert could have sworn that there was a resigned look in that wrinkled face.

"Inspector," Valjean said, straightening, "I had wondered where you had gone. I thought you were going to retrieve re-enforcements," the ex-con looked over the inspector's shoulder and seeing no one, continued, "but that doesn't seem to be the case. I am ready to give myself up to you, M' le Inspector, I have said goodbye to my Cosette, and now that I am sure of her future, I cannot stay as I might interfere it."

The old convict was a little surprised, not to mention a little troubled, when a small smile crept over Javert's face. "I am happy to hear that, Valjean, because I have decided to let you go." He put his hand up to stop any protests the man might have started. "Please, don't ask why, you know as well as I that I could not take you in, even if it is my duty, you…kept me from being able to do so.You neednot worry about me, Valjean, I have a path already set out for myself. So I bid you farewell and good luck." and without another word, the old inspector turned on heel, and walked into the night.

It was an easier fare than he thought to return to the 22nd Century. Everyone was standing nearby greeted him with smilesand welcome backs, which he recieved graciously and which made a amused laugh.

Sherlock Holmes placed a hand on his shoulder and asked, "Did you...finish what you needed to do, M' le Inspector?"

the older detective looked back and saw the light of the portal evaporate, then nodded.

At last he thought, Now we can both live in peace.

Epilouge

Journal: May 9th, 2106

I cannot believe that it has already been one year since my arrival here in the 22nd Century. Time seemed to have moved so quickly. Mr. Holmes and the others have been so kind this past year, and I have truely no words that would thank them for it. I have, in the past year,aidedMr. Holmes, Inspector Lestrade and the "Irregulars" (whatyoung Deidre, Wiggins, and Tennyson call themselves) insolving crimes and mysteries. Never has a day gone by where haven'tenjoyed this company. I believe that I now understand what Valjean has accomplished in his life, to reedem himself, as I am now, and to do so by being surrounded by those who care most for me. It was odd and uncofortable for me at first, but now, it's as though they were alway there.

Javert closed the diary and nimbly fastened the lock.

"M'siuer Javert, come! The Game's Afoot!" He heard his companion call from the other room. Grinining slyly, he pushed his chair back and soon followed the fair haired man out the door, and on to his next adventure.

The End.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed this story, as much as I did writing it. Please forgive me for taking so long to write this. I hope to maybe write an alternate ending to the story as well.Aurevoir!