I've never killed off a character in that manner before so I really hope that was well written. I didn't want to write character death in the summary or in the notes as it would have given away the ending. The Captain's death wasn't part of the original plan when I first started to put the story together, it got added at the same time as the Buddist temple scene. This isn't as long as my other chapters as I wanted this to be quite meaningful without it being dragged out.

1. We Have To Go - Steven Jablonsky

2. You'll Never Walk Alone - Josh Groban

3. Spiegel im Spiegel, for Cello & Piano - Sebastian Klinger & Jürgen Kruse (Composed By Arvo Part)

Chapter 11

5 days later

He hadn't slept properly since that day. He lay in bed for hours with Snowy as his only companion. Facing the world seemed even more daunting than before, a world without the Captain. He didn't want that world. He'd been at the Wang residence for five days but he'd shut himself away.

The Monk's words kept re-entering his head

Your journey will not bring you peace, only pain

He still felt responsible.

This is all my fault

When he woke up it was the middle of the night but it was still quite warm. After tossing and turning for a further half an hour he got out of bed for the first time in five days. Pacing across to the window he gazed at the moon which was setting in the distance. Breathing deeply he made his way outside, grateful for the breeze through the thin material of his nightwear. He stepped across the smooth paving stones and towards the steps. Breathing deeply he gazed upon the scenery within the light of the moon.

The Captain died because of me. As that thought continued to overwhelm him another statement entered his mind and completely wiped the other from him; The Captain died saving my life.

I owe you everything, Captain.

Tears escaped as he closed his eyes. As he re-opened his eyes he found Snowy sitting beside him.

I'm going to miss you so much.

The Captain's final words echoed in his mind; Never stop being who you are.

The pain would never leave. A part of him was still missing, and always would be. At that moment he made a promise. I will honour you, Captain, everything I do will be in memory of you.

x

After finally opening up to Chang and The Wang's everything became a little bit easier. He didn't feel alone as he had in those five days. After making the preparations needed to bring the Captain home he didn't want to think about anything else. He was so drained.

The day before he was due to fly home. Chang asked him to join him at dawn. Tintin didn't have a clue why but as he walked down the steps to the Wang's garden what he glimpsed made him pause in awe. All three of them were dressed in white. Even Didi was there, also dressed in white. Each of them held a Chinese Lantern. Chang passed a lantern to Tintin then Mr Wang approached him, placing his hand on Tintin's shoulder.

"I never met Captain Haddock, but he was important to you. He meant a great deal to you. I arranged this in memory of Captain Haddock"

Mr Wang's kind words comforted him so much even as his eye's watered furiously.

As they lit the lantern's Tintin held onto the edges by his fingertips. His entire body tingled in a warmth that had never touched him before.

Let go - He could almost hear the Captain's voice. At that moment he could have sworn the Captain was standing right beside him.

Never stop being who you are

As he finally let the lantern rise into the dawn sky, his eye's watched the trajectory. It rose to the heavens carrying the light of a great friend. I'll never forget you, Captain Haddock.

Thanks to everyone who read this story. Thanks to the followers, fav's and reviewers