Chapter 258

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Alexa claimed she would be willing to accept cannibalism as a way of life here in Terminus. She was the new girl, thus Mary and Gareth were a bit suspicious. They offered her some of their "mystery meat" and she was clearly hesitant. It was not too unusual, for people to be a bit hesitant their first experience with cannibalism. But this also made Gareth and Mary suspicious of her, and she had a rough idea what would happen if they became too suspicious. Before they could complete this another refugee wandered into Terminus. His name was Frank, and he was wearing a blanket. From what Gareth could see of Frank's face, it was covered with boils. While Gareth and Mary questioned Frank Alexa covertly disposed of the mystery meat.

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Gareth: Who are you?

Frank: My name is Frank, at least it was. I just fled after the last kingdom fell.

Gareth: Why are you covered with boils?

Frank: Someone released a plague. I don't know if it was the rebels or the government. I tried to flee, guess I didn't make it. Please, take me in, I'll do whatever you want.

Gareth: You don't look like you're capable of fighting.

Frank: I will recover, and I was in the Marine Corps.

Gareth: Perhaps you can fight. Are you really willing to do anything to survive?

Frank: Yes.

Gareth: Even cannibalism?

Frank: If there's no other choice.

Gareth; There isn't.

Frank: Then yes, I would resort to cannibalism.

Gareth: Then welcome to Terminus.

Frank: Thank you.

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Frank then quickly removed his blanket, revealing his assault weapon. He shot Gareth and Mary, while Alexa took cover and hid. The other residents of Terminus were startled, but quickly fired on Frank. While they were distracted the heroes attacked from a seperare location. Terminus soon fell, only Alexa survived. She went over to a wounded Frank, but he held his gun on her.

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Alexa: I'm not one of them. I was sent to infiltrate them, to save our friends.

Frank: Your name?

Alexa: Alexa.

Frank: Yeah, that's the name Garek gave me. My name's Frank Castle, some call me the punisher. As you can see I'm a big believer in retributive justice. I figured Garek was probably using me as canon fodder, but it seemed like a good cause.

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Although Frank put down his gun, Alexa decided not to tell him what she had done, why exactly she was in Hell. He seemed to be using the same tactics as the bushwackers, guerilla groups loosely allied with the confederacy, operated mainly in the border states. They would pretend to be union soldiers, and then murder any merchants who were willing to sell to them. Frank seemed just as ruthless, although for the moment his targets were not exactly innocents. During their conversation, Billy went into the meat plant to help rescue the hostages. His biological mother was indeed in one of these cages.

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Mother: Billy?

Billy: Hi mom.

Mother: Have you really come to save us all?

Billy: Yeah, I'm a hero now, kind of what we do.

Mother: Thank you. Can you ever forgive me for abandoning you?

Billy: Yeah, I can. I have a new family now.

Mother: I understand, I gave up the right to be called your mother a long time ago.

Billy: Still, I wouldn't mind if you were a part of that life. Let's go home.

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While Yolanda helped free these hostages, she saw a familiar face. It was her father. She hadn't come here knowing who all of the hostages were, but at the moment this seemed possible.

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Yolanda: Dad?

Father: Yolanda? Thank God you came for us.

Yolanda: Yeah, pretty benevolent of me, considering how you all treated me.

Father: I'm sorry, I was wrong. Can you forgive me?

Yolanda: I didn't actually come for you. I came to help free total strangers who were about to be cannibalized. Anyway we should go, I'm not leaving anyone behind.

Father: Thank you so much my child.

Yolanda: Don't call me that. I have a new family, one who doesn't think I should be punished for all eternity for one stupid mistake.

Father: I see, perhaps you are a better person than I am. Thank you, nevertheless.

Yolanda: Where's your wife?

Father: If you mean your mother, she and I came together, thinking that Terminus would give sanctuary. I don't know why they chose her before me. I don't know where her soul is now.

Yolanda: Probably no place good. Getting her soul out of there is difficult, at best. I'll do what I can, but first we have to get you and the others back to Antarctica.