Vol 1. epilogue.

"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.

Bernard looks at Bob, his loyal servant. Bernard tells them that Bob saved his life. then he stops frozen when someone mentions that Hannes may be among the dead. Bob confirms killing someone he suspected to be Hannes. 

Bernard pretends to be fine. he swallows saliva. he looks at Grace with a fake smile showing neutral emotions even when he is burning from inside. he feels like breaking. the only thing that stops him from revealing the truth is Grace's peaceful smile.

"Oh, by the way there was a boy we found alive. if not mistaken. I am pretty sure he is your BFF, or something alike." commented Francesco in a corner ignored by all.

Bernard finds some solace among the chaos. there is hope. he keeps telling himself that he will reform his future self. he is going to change his way. Bernard keeps telling himself that he will be a better man. someone worthy of Grace.

"You know I am not emotionally invested in others. but the moment I learned that you were in danger I was afraid of losing you. I struggle with understanding emotions as simple as love. but even so. I feel a possible amount of affection for you, but it isn't love. and I want to learn at your side. let's learn together about emotions." said Grace smiling.

at that moment Pierre looks at them. he feels an immense pain in his chest. tears fall from his eyes none stop. Pierre felt betrayed. he knows that he fucked up in the past. but it was all for Grace. but there is time. he leaves without looking back.

Bob and Greed left. they went around the area searching for survivors. at some point they find Bark's corpse lying cold in the ground. Greed finds everything suspicious. but he ignores his gut-feelings as he keeps looking around. Greed makes some calls.

Bernard and Grace exit the restaurant. Francesco is behind them. they three of them return to the bus with their friends. eventually some agents come and make the process smooth and simple as they frame Bark and Bank for the casualties.

they erased the memories of most of the survivors. there are only few who remember the tragedy that happened. Grace, Bernard, Pierre, and Francesco are mostly those who kept their memories among another two people. 

after the tragedy all the surviving students were taken to a hospital. then days later there was a funeral for the victims. Bernard was unable to attend the funerals. even when he felt guilt and responsible for those deaths. his wounds were severe, and he needed to stay in the hospital for another month or two.

Grace comes to visit him every day. she stays for one hour. she talks to him. then she returns to her home. their relationship is that of a friendship so far.

Timothy and Patricia survived without any issues. they come to visit every once in a while, with fruit and vegetables. then they leave once they make sure that Bernard is fine.

Alice and Josh are also fine. their bond has grown since then. they are like newlyweds so inseparable and with that spark in their eyes. there are rumors about them already planning their wedding. by now that is less of a rumor, and more of a fact.

with her memories intact Hanna has grown more delusional. and she has been hitting on Francesco every time they meet. for the way Francesco reacts around her. you can say it is just a matter of time before there is another couple in town.

sadly, Martin received a lethal wound and the fact that he is still technically alive isn't short of a miracle even if his life hangs from a string. he has been in a coma since the incident. the doctors find his case hopeless. he may never wake up.

Greed and Bob contacted their base. Greed received a note letting him know that the mission has been classified as a success. but they couldn't return to their timeline because of complications with the machines. they would need to wait.

Bob kept contact with Bernard. he waited for the hospital to be dark. he waited for no one to be around before visiting his boss. always keeping himself hidden. Bob will answer every question from Bernard. every answer was honest.

"Okay. let's say I am the Hannes Assmann. but now that I know my future self is evil. what would you do if I chose to not become him." asks Bernard feeling fear.

"My loyalty stands not to a title. my sword is yours to slay your enemies. Mortal or immortal I stand as the Cerberus of your castle." said Bob as he kneels in front of his lord.

"Great. I am unsure of the future that awaits me. so, I command you as my sword to guide my future self for the right path. don't let me fall for the wrong path." yields Bernard.

Bob kisses Bernard's hand. he then retires hiding between shadows. Bernard feels relief thinking that everything will be fine. there is no reason at all for him to fear. everything will change for the better.

Grace visits Bernard the next day. the moment she opens the door. their eyes meet. Bernard doesn't need of words to expose his emotions to the nude. in the other hand Grace starts to grow some emotions even if she doesn't know what she feels.

Grace wants to learn from him. she feels safe. she looks at his eyes and all she sees is honesty and integrity. Grace even questions if it is even worth it to return.

there are many things in her mind. there are things she hasn't told him. she knows that if she wants their relationship to improve from there. she would need reveal everything about her past including the filthy parts.

but there is something that all mortals forget. life is capricious. life is arrogant. life is a childish spoiled creature that does things however it wishes. and worse is destiny that acts with malice and cruelty. soon the future will come knocking. and it won't be pretty.

for the time being Bernard and Grace blindly will need to walk and fight back. what life has to offer is to be questioned. what is soon to come is to be put into doubt.

there are new enemies. old enemies. new obstacles. new rivals. new wars and battles to face waiting around the corner. a whole Odyssey between the past and the future. the fate of the world will fall on their shoulders.

"Are you boys ready." yields Charro in the distance as he arrives on the past. 

End of Volume I: the School Ark.