Terminus Part I: The Journey There (Draft)

Chapter 58: Wins and Losses

 The contact with Thomas Dreamer set Roman on a path to joining the Gentleman's Club. Through the Gentleman's Club he was assigned a reconnaissance mission on Gamut Island. Now he was finishing up the story of his life so that the pirates listening could ask their questions of both him and Grudge.

"If you were a genius as a human, why were you such a mindless beast the moment Simon mind-controlled you?" asked Cameron.

"It took time for my brain to return to its full potential after becoming part of a more primitive animal. By that point, however, the frequencies of the control device were driving me insane. When they finally stopped I was able to gather my thoughts and return to a more intelligent state," said Grudge.

"And what happened to your island after you left it, Roman?" asked Karnilla. "Or don't you know that?"

"I don't know what happened after. I have been meaning to go back, but the Gentleman Guides tell me they're looking into it," answered Roman.

They continued to ask questions for a bit while James began preparing himself mentally and physically for a battle with Admiral Whistler. He wondered if he was ready for such a confrontation. Crock came up behind him.

"There can't be any room for doubt, captain," he said.

"How powerful are the Admirals? I doubt I've ever seen them fight at full strength," said James.

"They rarely do. Their power is one that can navigate the Terminus with ease, no aeroplanes needed. They often fight intense battles with their opponents, slowly increasing their strength until they overpower them. Sometimes they seize your moment of weakness to imprison you, and end the fight early. In any case, most people would be doomed."

"Do you think I could do it?"

"Fight an Admiral? Probably. Not sure if you'd win, though."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence."

"Anytime, cap'n." Crock laughed heartily at his own joke as he walked away.

He sure is an odd one, thought James. I'd best make sure I'm in top shape for my upcoming battle. And I should really be prepared for anything.

James' preparation renewed his confidence in his current level of a nine-strength base and eight-strength multiplier. He wondered if seventy-two strength would be enough. He went to bed, putting any worries of his upcoming battle away in order to sleep. The next day was the sixteenth of August, and also the day of Esther Maddock and James Baron's battle.

The two of them met on the beach of Gamut Island, where Esther's will permeated through everything.

"Lachlan Baron had requested that I not pursue you, but I cannot let a criminal escape my grasp when the opportunity arises. Once this is over, I shall apologise to him personally."

"That sounds lovely. Too bad if it doesn't happen the way you expect, right? What do you plan to do?"

"Stand still and find out!" said Whistler as she rushed toward him. She went right up to her opponent's face and shouted "Thirty-six strength: Howl of Cerberus!"

James' skin and muscles were blown off his face, and he stood still as he recovered from the attack. Within seconds he regenerated, surprising Esther.

"Regenerating? What kind of power do you have?"

James felt that answering his opponent's question would not serve any purpose, and so instead proceeded to counter. He swung his fist upwards at Esther's face. "Seventy-two strength: Full defensive fist."