Protocol Final Timer, part V.

Greed is driving. he puts on some jazz. he whistles. he looks at a GPS tracker that he put on Bob's phone. Greed sucks a lollipop.

 he drives faster. he looks at his phone. he is about to arrive in a minute or two. then he looks at some people on the road. they are blocking all entrance and exit to that area. Greed drives faster as he runs them over. 

he pulls a pistol out. he makes sure it's loaded. he then starts to shoot around. the bodies keep falling down. Greed keeps moving fast. he shoots. reloads. keeps shooting. Greed doesn't stop until he runs out of bullets. he then pulls out some daggers. he goes around throwing daggers and stabbing soldiers around. he gets out of the car.

while Greed goes around slaughtering his enemies, he decides to call the others. no one answers his call. he suspects that they may be dead. Greed keeps advancing. he grabs a soldier by the head and snaps his neck. he keeps moving avoiding danger.

Greed looks at the bus at the distance. he approaches the bus. he takes down four soldiers around as he moves around. Greed finally gets in front of the bus. he gets inside. there are some people in there, but no one that matters.

Josh and Alice are sleeping. Alice's head rests on Josh's shoulder. they seem to be calm. on the other side are Hanna and Francesco talking. Francesco asks her to give him a minute. Francesco stands up and walks towards Greed.

"Hello Greed. may I accompany you?" said Francesco fixing his tie.

Greed nods. he gives a dagger to Francesco. the two of them get out of there. they are about to leave until they are stopped by a strange noise. Greed kneels. he finds Martin in the ground still breathing. he is alive. he asks Francesco for help.

the two of them drag Martin's body inside the bus. they locate him on top of two seats. Greed uses the limited tools at his hands to save his life. Greed turns to Hanna. he asks her to stay at Martin's side. he would need of someone to take care of him.

Greed finally leaves. Francesco follows him. they keep advancing. most of the soldiers are gone by now. there are only few around.

there is a shadow following them. a shadow that takes many shades and shapes. a shadow of mystery that lacks integrity. a shadow of mundane and of aggressive violence. a shadow with name and a face. a shadow known as Pierre Da Petit.

Pierre comes forward out of the shadows. he presents himself with falsehood. he walks around Greed with careful solid steps. he avoids saying unnecessary words that may bring the wrong kind of outcome. Pierre smiles in a sinister way.

"What is it that you seek? what kind of game are you playing here? the only reason I haven't put a bullet through your skull, is Grace." said Greed furious.

"There is no reason at all for you to question my motives. all I do is for her. as I live for her. there is no reason why I should let you know of something that has nothing to do with a gentleman like yourself."  commented Pierre smiling.

"Give me a damn good reason. one more reason and I shoot you down. I will make sure that you would be unrecognizable. come on boy, sing with me." started Greed speaking in a soft tone and then yielding by the end.

"Stop both of you." yields Grace as she comes out of nowhere.

Pierre and Greed stop arguing. they look at Grace. Pierre calms down as he finds the love of his life bringing joy to his life. and Greed is tranquil to see his daughter fine and healthy. Greed smiles peacefully. Greed puts his gun down.

"Did you miss me? how are you doing lately?" asks Pierre fully emotional.

"Dad. I was so scared for you. when I was given the news about your possible death. I was shocked, I feared losing another paternal figure." said Grace with teary eyes.

"Why did you initiate the Protocol Final Timer?" said Greed feeling conflicted.

"It was your choice. you gave Bark the order." said Grace.

Greed assumes that the traitor is Bark. as the only person who knew about Protocol Final Timer is Bob. Greed feels disappointed towards himself. the traitor was right in front of his face and he never saw it coming. he feels bad. he looks at Grace.

the four of them keep looking around the rest area. Greed and Grace are trying to find their people and survivors. Pierre and Francesco are just keeping them company.

Greed knows that Pierre has to hold some level of responsibility for the massacre that took place today. he doesn't act on his gut feelings. only because Grace would be sad. the connection shared between Grace and Pierre is strong.

once they had searched most of the resting area. Francesco tells them about the gas station that is just around the corner. they follow him. they see a trail of blood. they follow the blood inside the restaurant. they look at three corpses in the floor.

Bob turns around to explain himself. he informs them that Bank was a traitor. he explains how she killed Bark and the two kids in front of him. he also explains how he had to killed her in a desperate act of self-defense. 

there are gunshot wounds on Bob's legs and arms. he has some scratches all over his face. Bob cries in front of them. he then proceeds to hug Greed. he seems heartbroken. Bob thanks Bernard for saving his life as he keeps crying.

Bernard doesn't know what to do. he is nervous. he is scared. he is everything that Grace hates in the world. he can't reveal the truth. the truth would only hurt his relationship with Grace and their future. he then starts to think deeply about the future. Bernard comes to the conclusion that maybe, he can change the future.

the previous him on the future became a dictator because he didn't met Grace. but he has found true love and a meaning to life. maybe if he focuses on becoming a better person, then maybe the future won't be as bleak.

"I am glad to see you alive." said Grace smiling at him for the first time.

"Yes. me too. I am glad to see you safe and sound." said Bernard hiding the guilt.

everything seems fine. maybe things will go back to normal. who knows, maybe Grace would decide to stay in the past. there are so many possibilities. as far as Bernard is aware the dictator is dead and gone. but Grace doesn't know that.

"Oh, honey I almost forgot. we have another issue in our hands." said Greed trembling.

"What did you do?" asks Grace expecting the worse.

"It wasn't me okay. it was Uncle Alfred. he put a request for the Oni Unit. so, they may come and pay a visit sooner than later." said Greed forcing a smile.

"Oh FUCK." yields Grace/ Bob/ Pierre/ and Francesco at the same time.

"Let me guess. the oni unit is bad news." said Bernard expecting the worse.

"They aren't just bad news. they are the most dangerous unit in our field. and my dad had just summoned them. they will bring hell." said Grace.