EPILOGUE

"That should do it. I don't think we'll, uh, be hearing from this volcano again any time soon."

"Nice work, Brains," Jeff said from Brains' wrist com. "How you came up with a way to keep that thing plugged is beyond me."

"Well, uh, Mr. Tracy, I-I do my best."

"Why don't you and Virgil head back here to the house? Mother, Tin-Tin and Kyrano have prepared quite a feast."

"F.A.B.," Brains said. "Let's go, Virgil. I'm starved."

Virgil nodded and smiled at the younger man as they went on their way.


Scott's leg wound was healing nicely, as was Gordon's. The cut on John's head had all but closed, and he was back on Thunderbird 5 to finish out his tour of duty. The gash on Jeff's chest had begun healing quickly thanks to a remarkable salve Brains had created. Now Jeff sat at his desk, elbows resting on its surface, hands steepled in front of him. He watched as his oldest son entered the room, his limp barely noticeable.

"Father?"

"Mm?"

"Dinner's ready."

"Okay. Be there in a minute, son."

"You all right, Dad?"

"Yeah. I'm all right." Jeff took a moment to look into Scott's eyes. "You?"

Scott flashed him a winning smile. "I'll be as good as new in no time."

Jeff nodded. "Let's hope we've heard the last from The Hood."

"I don't know, Father. Every time we think he's dead, he always turns up."

"I know," Jeff sighed, rising to his feet. "Just promise me one thing."

"What's that?"

"From now on, no more dolls as Christmas presents."

"Agreed!" Scott replied as they headed for the Dining Room.

Belah groaned awake. There was debris covering him, and as he struggled to free himself, he realized that above him was open sky. When at last he came to his feet, he looked around in disbelief.

For the temple was in ruins. It had caved in on itself, as though shaken by a violent earthquake. All his precious statues and works of art had been destroyed. And for the life of him, Belah couldn't remember anything after sitting and reading a newspaper story about International Rescue marionettes being made.

From his lair deep in the bowels of the place Evil dwells, Manay's dragon mouth curved into a smile. His punishment had worked. Belah Gaat, the mortal who had tried to use his children without the intention of repaying their services, didn't remember a thing.

Brains hadn't talked much about what he had seen, but knowing their arch nemesis, Virgil could well imagine. "How'd you do it, Brains?" he finally asked as they hiked the path back to the villa.

"How'd I do what?"

"Withstand him."

Brains stopped and sighed before turning to face his companion. "I-I guess I'm a lot stronger than I look."

Virgil placed his hand on Brains' shoulder and smiled. "That you are, Brains. That you are."

"O-Of course, it doesn't hurt to have a-a Master Demon on your side."

Virgil's eyebrows went up, but he asked no questions. Perhaps one day Brains would tell them what had happened. Until then, everyone was just happy that everyone else had survived this Christmas.

Things on Tracy Island settled back into their normal routine. Physical wounds healed. Mental scars slowly began to fade. International Rescue never told Nicky what happened. They knew he'd never forgive himself. But they kept in regular contact with him and promised he could visit soon.

"There are things greater than we in this universe," Kyrano told them that night as they gathered on the beach to watch the sunset. "Things we cannot comprehend or control. Things we cannot see. Things we cannot touch. Things we cannot hope to understand. There is Darkness, yes. But there is also Light. The Light shines within each of you. Believe in your Light...and you will defeat the Darkness." He lifted his arm and drew Tin-Tin close, placing a soft kiss upon her crown. "You will defeat Darkness," he continued softly. "Always."