A/N: This is the last chapter. Sort of the 'cast of Tomb Raider curtain call'. I wanted to see how many characters I could get in there lol.

Epilogue.

In the small chapel on the Croft Estate, a group of people had gathered to say a final goodbye to Jean-Yves. As Lara listened to Father Patrick Dunstan’s kind words of remembrance, she glanced around. Joey stood directly opposite her, holding Yvette’s hand. The little girl had warmed to him, seeing him as an uncle to replace the one she had lost. She looked solemn as she listened, mourning not only her uncle but her foster parents too.

Richard and Bryce came next, then Beth. The garnet ring sparkled on her finger, the only reminder of her otherworldly heritage. Alister Fletcher and a newly returned Zip stood next to her. Winston and Hillary stood to Lara’s right, followed by Charles Kane.

Furthest away and looking the most out of place were Pierre and Larson. Pierre had decided to attend out of respect for his fellow countryman and to show his regret at Dominique’s actions. He was no worse for wear after the ghost attack and had looked sad but relieved at Lara’s report of his sister’s death. Larson had followed, of course, and looked as if he had no idea what they were doing there.

Father Patrick recited a closing prayer and Lara helped Hillary shovel the dirt back into the grave. She had insisted on doing it herself rather than asking the diggers from the nearest churchyard. Hillary had politely offered his help, which had been gratefully accepted.

When the task was finished, the group started the walk back to the manor. Pierre and Larson declined the invitation to the house, feeling awkward enough as it was. They left straight away and Lara sighed, instinctively sensing that they might be enemies once more when they next met.

She fell into step with Beth and Joey. “I checked up on Dominique’s superiors.”

“Really?” said Joey. “And?”

“Dead. They were clearly in a vulnerable position when the spirits were released.”

Beth grimaced. “Oh well. We’d only have had to go after them ourselves, I suppose.”

“True,” Lara said nodding. “You said Dominique took a phone call from your landlord.”

“Yes. Eviction for late rent. Typical.”

“It has occurred to you, I hope, that the manor has eighty-three rooms.”

Beth smiled. “Well yes, it did occur to me, but I don’t like to be a nuisance.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’ve lived with Bryce and Zip while they were fighting over the space in the tech room, you won’t be a nuisance.”

“Oh yeah,” Joey put in. “That was something.”

The men in question, walking just in front with Alister, turned and shot them all a glare. Lara, Beth and Joey laughed. Even Yvette gave a small giggle at their expressions. Alister rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to walking.

“Anyway,” Lara said, “I’d be happy for you to stay here as long as you need to.”

“Thank you. Actually that works out well, because I have something to ask you.”

“Oh yes?”

“Yes. I want you to teach me.”

“Teach you what?”

“Anything. Everything. Teach me everything you know. I want to be as good as you are.”

Lara was taken aback. “You’re proficient as you are.”

“I don’t want to be proficient,” Beth said simply.

Joey switched his gaze between the two, following the conversation closely.

Lara finally nodded. “Okay. But don’t think that it’ll be an easy journey.”

“No, I won’t.”

“Right then,” Lara smiled. “It appears I have a protégé.”

Beth smiled back. “Yes, it appears you do.”

“Oh brother,” Joey said with a mock groan. “Is it going to be press-ups at dawn and targeting Winston on the shooting range? Or is that Hillary’s job now?”

“I think it should be,” Zip put in, glancing back. “Poor Winston’s never got over the time you tried to teach Alister to shoot.”

“I said sorry!” Alister protested.

“Yeah, what does a man need two legs for anyway?” Bryce quipped.

The others all laughed and Lara and her unstoppable team entered Croft Manor for a well-earned respite.

Somewhere in the Underworld, a blond-haired Lord smiled.

The End.

A/N: Thoughts anyone? :)