Epilogue – Winding Down

And that was when the world learned of the existence of the Grounds of Rebirth. And when the resistance was over. Everyone who lended a hand in helping to track Vaughan down, or gave archaeological advise on the origins of the artefacts, or guarded the people of Midleton in their time of peril was paid well and sent on their way. But there were seven people who were honoured for what they had done for the resistance. Leon Bronev, Celeste Folley, Professor Desmond Sycamore, Emmeline Altava and Professor Hershel Layton, with his trusty apprentice Luke Triton on one side and his daughter Flora Reinhold on the other.

After they had gotten out of the cavern where the Grounds of Rebirth resided, Bronev and Vaughan were arrested by Grosky and a bunch of other Irish police officers.

After standing up in court and both pleading their sides, it was decided that Vaughan was to blame for everything that had happened, as he was the one who had set up an illegal organisation for uncovering ancient artefacts and civilisations through the use of extremely unorthodox methods. Vaughan was sentenced to life in prison for that part, but as for his abuse on his daughter, he was diagnosed with a form of psychosis that would cause him to have violent outbursts, so he got off without charge for that.

Bronev had also been diagnosed at the time of Paloma and Daniel's murder with a form of psychosis and he got treatment, so he got off free of charge, and because of the deal he had made several months back about capturing Vaughan, he got away with what he had done in Targent, and was free from prison completely.

The founding of the Grounds of Rebirth made international news and Professor's Hershel Layton and Desmond Sycamore, along with Leon Bronev became the most famous archaeologists in the world. Somehow, without Emmy's knowledge, Emmy's life story made the news and the papers and Emmy became one of the most famous victims of repeated abuse in the country and was the centre of media attention of months. Strangely enough, Stacey had not been seen since.

Andrea got a lengthy sentence for her plot with the Grounds of Rebirth and all the 'collateral damage' she caused.

Clive was set free from prison for his seemingly complicated efforts to help the resistance and was now free to live his life in peace, the way he wanted to.

The bodies of Paloma and Daniel Chovanek were taken away for months on end for several forensic tests to see exactly how they came back to life. Emmy and Desmond had also undergone several examinations, and the two were now famous worldwide for having cheated death.

Jai went back to where she came from, looking forward to the day that she would meet the professor and his friends again, but only after they had lived long and fruitful lives. Sinead returned to her family and her normal life, and couldn't be happier. Aurora, after a long talk with Jai, decided to stay on earth. Desmond decided to adopt her and they started a new life together.

Eventually, Paloma and Daniel's bodies were released for reburial, and Emmy attended the funeral along with her remaining family, and of course the professor and Bronev. It is difficult to describe the intensity of her feelings that day, as she cried endlessly through the whole service into the professor's shoulder.

A year after the happenings in the Grounds of Rebirth, everyone had fully recovered from their ordeal in the Grounds of Rebirth. Luke and Sinead were in Ireland. Flora, Emmy, the professor and Bronev were back in London. Carla and the boys were in London, and Carla, who had forgiven Antonio for his supposed betrayal, decided to renew their wedding vows. Everyone was back in their normal routine.

Well, almost.

Vaughan sat in his cell, on the bed, sighing. A year to this day and Emmeline still had not visited him. She was all he had left to think about. He wanted to look at his little girl again and apologise for everything he had done to her.

Anyway, he doubted very much that the officers would even let him see her if she came. The last time he saw her, she was crying her eyes out in Layton's shoulder, not even looking at him. Vaughan sighed again. It was hopeless.

A prison officer stuck his head in the door. "A visitor for you, Chovanek," he called.

Vaughan smiled. "There's hope yet," he thought, smiling widely and getting up.

"I love you, Emmeline Chovanek, my little girl."