Terminus Part I: The Journey There (Draft)

Chapter 34: The House in Satchanville

 Patricia was so excited by what she was seeing. She asked Karnilla if they could become gentleladies. After some discussion, they agreed to ask about their options.

"You could train to become gentleladies or we can teach you to defend yourself and send you elsewhere. Either way, life won't be easy for you. Though I imagine it wasn't easy for you in that circus either."

"We're not going back there," said Karnilla. "But what are you planning for the circus? The other kids are still there!"

"There were other kids at the circus?" asked Jack Door.

"Not that I could find. These two made such a noise that I had to leave before I could find the children's tent."

"Well, we will have to go back!" said Captain Nemo.

"Unfortunately, I do not think we can," said Phileas.

"Whatever do you mean?" asked Gerard Lofty.

"Earlier today I received a visual transmission from the mysterious leader of Indigo International. I'm not sure why, but they seem to have an investment in this circus."

"Are we to believe that the fate of these children is in the hands of Indigo International, who have up until now, done nothing about the Second Chance Circus?" asked Captain Nemo.

"It seems so. If they won't do anything about the treatment of children in this circus, I have reason to believe there's something else about that circus that we're not seeing. Indigo International has a hand in everything illegal. They're a force that not even the World Powers can stop. Whenever history is changed, they were the ones pulling threads. Even our own history, despite our wishes, is littered with their interference."

"That's a lot to say in front of children, sir," said Lonny Bridge.

"Yes, I suppose it is. Well, it is what it is. Perhaps one day something could be done, but for now, it seems we are stuck behind the pressure of an insurmountable force."

Unbeknownst to the members of the club, it was this speech that prompted Karnilla to choose being taught self-defence, and not becoming gentleladies. Patricia reluctantly agreed.

Three years passed, and Karnilla and Patricia had all of the basic and intermediate techniques mastered. They were given a choice between advanced training, and going out into the world. They chose the latter, under the assumption that they were ready to be independent.

The two teenagers joined Alexander Frankenstein in his rocketcycle, and were dropped off at a small port in Bloodwile.

"Back in the nation of our tragedy," said Karnilla.

"Well, it's not like we have to go back to Dylansville. We could go anywhere we want," said Patricia.

"You know, I've heard some nice things about Satchanville."

They both agreed that Satchanville would be their next destination. The journey there, however, was not a simple one, and it would be another four years before they made it there. Over that time period, their friendship only grew stronger, weathered by the hard times they faced.

After four years of near-poverty, they finally found a home in Satchanville. One of Phileas Fogg's many houses was here.

They were greeted by Jean Passepartout, his assistant.

"The master says this house is yours if you wish."

"Sounds good to me," said Patricia.

"Actually, I'd rather we found our own place," said Karnilla. "I don't want to owe the Gentleman's Club any more than we already do. This is a bit too much."