Me: There you go, Tintin. A nice happy ending~ :D

Tintin: Phew. I'm glad. -w-

Me: Of course~ Only the best for my favourite character~ ^^

Tintin: Yaaaaay~ ;w;

Me: Well, you all know the speech. I don't own the Adventures of Tintin and howdy doo da. :)

Tintin: Happy endings~ ;A;

Epilogue

October 31, 1940

It was a grey morning in Marlinspike as Tintin awoke for breakfast. His wounds healed nicely. He trotted downstairs with Snowy at his heels. Nestor had set the table and served Tintin croissants, cheese, and various meats. "Thank you, Nestor," Tintin said, smiling and sitting down.

"Of course, sir. I'll bring you the paper to you straight away," Nestor said. He bowed and left the dining room. Tintin poured himself a cup of coffee and ate slowly, tossing a bit of croissant to Snowy. The little white dog devoured the bread happily. Nestor came back with the paper as a disheveled Haddock entered the room. "Good morning, sir."

"Mornin', Nestor…" Haddock grumbled. He slumped into the chair across from Tintin and rubbed his scruffy hair. "Mornin', Tintin. Lovely morning, ain't it?" He jabbed his thumb at the window.

Tintin nodded and said, "Looks like it may rain." Nestor handed Tintin the paper and exited the dining room. The reporter looked at the front cover and his eyes widened. "My God…"

"What is it, Tintin? Castafiore back in town?" Haddock asked, chuckling at his own joke as he poured a cup of coffee for himself.

"No… Naó tou Poseidó̱na failed?" He ran a hand through his hair and found a sudden interest in the tablecloth.

"What in the blazes are you talking about?" Haddock grabbed the paper out of Tintin's hands and read the headline. "'Italians Advance to Epirus and Expect to Reach Athens by December'? Ten thousand thundering typhoons! They're quite frisky aren't they?" He looked up from the paper and asked, "Tintin, what's the matter with you?"

"The Italians invaded Greece… does that mean Nileas failed? Did I fail?" Tintin rubbed his temples and sighed. Snowy whined, burying his nose in his paws.

"Come now, Tintin. There's nothing you could have done to stop those bashi bazouks. You did everything you could, and that's all God could ever ask of you," Haddock assured.

Nestor served Haddock breakfast and pulled a letter out of his inside vest pocket. "This letter came for you, Mr. Tintin, sir. It's from Athens, I believe." Tintin perked up and took the letter from Nestor, ripping it open quickly.

"What's it say, Tintin?" Haddock asked curiously, sipping some coffee. However, Tintin folded up the letter, much to the Captain's disappointment. "Well?"

"It's… it's nothing," Tintin replied, smiling in relief. "I'm going to go upstairs. Thank you again for breakfast, Nestor." Without waiting for an answer, he went to his room quickly. He unfolded the piece of paper and read the letter out loud to himself.

Dear Tintin,

If you haven't heard by now, Greece was invaded by Italy. But please don't worry! Herakles, Paion, Sol, Marika, and I are quite alright and we're actually leading the revolts against the invaders. Its hard work, but it's worth every minute. We'll soon drive them out. Have no fear. Greece will be independent again soon enough.

I do hope you are well in France and I hope the war hasn't reached your home. God knows you need a vacation after everything you went through. I wish I could say write me back, but I'm constantly on the move.

When all this is over, I'd like to come to France and see Marlinspike, maybe have a drink with you! I eagerly await that day. Until then, my friend.

Sincerely,

Nileas Argyris