I enjoyed writing this chapter. This chapter is split between two perspectives; Tintin and the Captain, then back to Tintin briefly at the end. This story is shorter than Within San Theodoran Lands so the lead up to the climax will start in the next chapter. The next chapter should be quite action-packed. I'm looking forward to uploading the next chapter.

Suggested Music

1. Nameless Order - Ramin Djawadi

2. Captive Heroes - Ramin Djawadi

3. Sakura No Seishin - Antti Martikainen

Chapter 6

Tintin hurried through the streets of Hukow looking for directions to the train station. He kept glancing over his shoulder fearing he was still being followed despite the words of the monk. With every step, he was sure someone was watching, observing him and waiting for the right opportunity to step out and take him. He was certain Mitsuhirato would want him alive and in one piece. He didn't understand why one of Mitsuhirato's men shot him if that was the case.

As he cleared a small crowd who had gathered outside the train station he wasn't sure what to think. He approached a member of staff but he couldn't eradicate the dread starting to pulse through his veins.

"Excuse me, sir, when is the next train to Shanghai?"

"I'm sorry but there are no trains. There's flooding on the line. A bus will be coming but it'll be another 3 hours"

Tintin thanked him and rushed back onto the pavement.

I can't wait for three hours, I need to leave now.

He quickly crossed the road, trying to remain unobtrusive.

"Tintin?"

Tintin froze.

I can't be, Tintin thought in amazement.

As he turned around he exhaled deeply, then his lips immediately formed into a smile.

"Didi?"

He was stunned, unable to speak as they walked to each other.

"It's so good to see you after all this time" Didi exclaimed, beaming with delight. Tintin had never seen him so pleased. "What are you doing here?"

"It's a long story"

As Didi's gaze averted to Tintin's arms his eyes widened at the scars that were still present.

"This isn't a holiday is it?" Didi asked quietly.

Tintin shook his head.

"Are you in trouble?"

"Yes," Tintin replied, after a long pause.

"I sense you are in need, What happened?"

"I was looking for the serpents"

Didi's mouth dropped slightly in shock as he ushered Tintin into a side alley.

"Tintin" Didi, whispered in an attempt not to attract attention. "They are dangerous. People who go looking for them do not return. My father and I have been trying to find them for 4 months. No one returned"

"Didi, I found them" Tintin whispered.

Didi stared at him in awe.

"You are lucky to return" he gasped. "What are you planning to do now?"

"I escaped from the serpents but I need to get to Shanghai. I .. I need to warn my friends. The train lines are flooded and there isn't a bus for three hours"

Didi paused and then smiled slightly.

"Follow me"

Tintin followed him through a maze of streets that he would have found impossible to navigate on his own. As they reached a house he was led into a garage of some kind when something was hidden by a covering. Didi immediately removed the covering revealing a motorcycle. Tintin just stood there for a moment, wondering why it was there and how it got there. He couldn't help but admire the workmanship that had gone into such a vehicle.

"Take it"

Tintin raised his head but his mouth wouldn't engage.

"Didi I ... I couldn't possibly .."

"You need to get to Shanghai. I just need to top up the fuel"

Tintin remained quiet as they sorted out the motorcycle. He could see Didi trying to decipher him, as he filled up the fuel tank. He would be in Shanghai in no time with his trusty vehicle. After that Tintin climbed into the seat and turned the key. Didi breathed with relief as the engine roared into action.

"There's something you're not telling me," Didi stated softly.

Tintin didn't answer, not straight away. He didn't want to worry Didi, especially after what happened all those years ago with Mitsuhirato.

"Tintin?"

Tintin exhaled deeply, pushing the majority of air from his lungs before inhaling sharply. It was hard to stop his eyes from watering as he spoke solemnly.

"I found the Blue Dragon"

Didi could only stare at him in utter shock.

"It's him Didi" Tintin continued his breath catching in his throat.

"Who?"

"Mitsuhirato"

"Tintin ... that's impossible ... He's dead"

Tintin slowly shook his head.

"No... He's the Blue Dragon ... He wants me dead, nothing will stop him ... I need to stop him"

Didi's face turned even paler at the statement. As Tintin's hands started to shake again, Didi was quick to place his hand on top of Tintin's.

"Go, If you leave now you'll make it to Shanghai by early afternoon"

"Thank you Didi," Tintin replied quietly, grateful for what he had done for him.

x

Haddock stormed into the hotel room, slamming the door behind him.

The Secret Service's slow response was starting to drive him mad. The Director had told them to stay put and leave the work to them but as the Captain strode into the bedroom his mind was made up.

Thundering Typhoons, I'm going to find Tintin myself.

He immediately started to sort out his bags but a knock on the door stopped him in his tracks.

"Blistering .. What now!" The Captain cursed pacing back over to the door, opening it sharply to find a taller man in a suit standing there.

"You must be Captain Archibald Haddock. I'm from the Secret Service"

"It's about time" The Captain exclaimed loudly, letting the man in.

The man's attention quickly averted to the bag's at the bottom of the bed.

"Am I disturbing you? You seem to be in a hurry"

"I'm just preparing .." The Captain paused, knowing that the Secret Service wouldn't be happy if they found out what he was planning to do. Chang was still at The Secret Service Headquarters with Snowy. Snowy had been restless and was now starting to realise that his master wasn't around.

"Is there any news about Tintin?" The Captain asked, managing to change the subject.

"Regretfully No" The man replied slowly, continuing to gaze around the room.

The Captain followed the man as he walked further into the room. His eye's continuously gazed around the room. The Captain crossed his arms defensively as the Japanese man turned round to speak to him again. Something didn't feel right.

"He's out there somewhere," The Captain said quietly.

"I can assure you we're doing all we can to find your friend" The Japanese man replied with a slight smile.

The Captain shifted uncomfortably as the man spoke again.

"He must mean a lot to you"

"Tintin's my best friend, I'd do anything for him" The Captain replied solemnly. The Captain heard the Japanese man mutter something under his breath but he ignored it and moved back towards the bag that he was trying to pack.

"I need to go" The Captain exclaimed, pulling something else from his suitcase.

"Where?"

"I need to find Tintin. I don't care what your Director says. I won't rest until I find my friend" The Captain exclaimed, disregarding the question.

"You're going nowhere Captain Haddock" The man suddenly stated.

The sharp tone made the Captain stand up tall and turn back to him but five men rushed in before he could do anything surrounding him from every angle.

"Who are you?" The Captain growled.

"Just a businessman" The Japanese man replied as the men set themselves upon him. The Captain fought hard but was unable to protect himself against their ongoing assaults. Within moments he was overwhelmed, bound and was forced onto his knees in front of the Japanese man who had entered his hotel room.

"And you're going to help me with an exchange"

The door opened again.

Chang walked straight into the room with Snowy and froze.

x

The windswept across Tintin's cheeks as he drove through the open-air countryside of China. They would give way to busier roads soon. He knew he was close and his confidence was beginning to return but he still couldn't forget the monk's words.

Your journey will not bring you peace, only pain

I see a choice, a terrible choice

The words continued to run through his mind as he quicked his speed, eager to return to Shanghai and be reunited with his friends and warn the Secret Service.

Wow, I didn't anticipate this chapter being this long. Please keep reading, I'm pleased with the number of views that this story is getting. If you like the story hit the fave button and If you want to be updated the moment I upload tick the follow button. I'm enjoying writing this story TR56