Epilogue

"Shortly after the second battle of West Genetics, Michelle Taylor, commander of the Chevalier Pandora legions pledged her support to the Genetics Coalition. The decision amongst those involved was unanimous and signaled the end to the Pandora Civil War. It became the shortest war in history decided by a single battle. The casualties on both side were in the hundreds. The injuries sustained were reversed through an unknown release of Nova energy similar to the Spireach incident months earlier.

It remains an unexplained event, but for the two who were brought back from the other side they will tell you differently. An old friend gave them a second chance before finding peace. Given the abnormalities and miraculous nature of that day no one dared to question them.

The Genetics Coalition along with the Chevalier Pandora marched on the capital in Midland where Chevalier HQ was located. Having lost the entirety of their military strength, the surrender of Chevalier was demanded. A demand that was swiftly refused by the Chevalier administration. With her intimate knowledge of the building, Michelle Taylor led the coalition in and forced the surrender through sheer might.

Chevalier was charged with treason and deemed responsible for the Spireach incident as well as the catalyst for the Pandora Civil War. For the upper echelon of Chevalier, the responsibility for the countless deaths was weighed solely on them and the voice of the people in the world cried out for justice. A cry that for once did not go unheard and at long last Chevalier dissolved into nothing, but pages in a history book.

The genetics facilities established a status of sovereignty. No longer would a single entity nor country govern their actions or use them as personal weapons. Instead a council of headmasters would convene with representatives from the countries of the world to implement and discuss changes regarding genetics with full cooperation of the public.

Six years later West Genetics was rebuilt and now functions as the elite school and facility for Pandora and Limiters. The school is considered the capital of genetics research and the council of headmasters meets there regularly. Its design remains unchanged from the original in honor of its origin. The past six years has seen a number of changes personnel wise within its walls.

Elizabeth Mably was appointed the Headmaster after Sister Margaret stepped down to retire. Her leadership qualities and wisdom helped the facility to flourish and grow into the symbol of strength it is today. Her husband Andre Francois leads the senior staff of Limiters functioning as their mentor and guide to better train young men.

Ticy Phenyl became the assistant headmaster chosen by Elizabeth herself. The former vice president of the student body encompassed morals and ideals that helped shape the student body into one of respectful and honorable members. After a long desperate struggle Abel Rotomaster married his Pandora and took a position working with Andre to assist senior Limiter staff.

Roxanne Elipton and Amelia Evans took over medical facilitation in West Genetics, replacing Elize Schmidtz. Together they paved the way for new medical procedures and preventative measures ensuring the safety and wellbeing of students and staff alike. Under their guidance West Genetics continues to lead the way in not only the safety and progressive medical science for Pandora, but the entire world.

Charles Bonaparte became the lead instructor on the use of the Tempest Turn skill. With her vast knowledge of the skill and application of its uses Pandora today have found it an indispensable skill to use in the fight against the Nova.

The Nightingales were reformed and their wing rebuilt in West Genetics. They remain the elite force of genetics soldiers they always were. The red stripe worn around the arm continues as a staple of the uniform signifying the blood of those who have died so that we may live. Their performance and reputation remains untarnished thanks greatly in part to the leadership of their commander, Ingrid Bernstein.

Cassie Lockheart and Kyoichi Minase much like the other pairs were married shortly after the war. She lives the life she always strived for as West Genetics publicist. The public, as well as the governments rely on her information that she releases in the form of a weekly newspaper that details everything within the walls of genetics. With her assistance there is now a great deal of transparency between our facilities and the public at large. Trust has never been stronger between us and the people of the world.

Arnette McMillan took over the lead battle instructor position from Yumi Kim. She also became the foremost instructor in the use of the Acceleration technique. She works together with Cassie when she is free to teach students how to best control the Acceleration skill without injuring themselves. Arnette continues to pass her knowledge of combat to the students of West Genetics. Her style of teaching builds Pandora who fight not only with the tenacity and dedication required, but with a sense of self sacrifice and comradery that makes them the strongest Pandora the world has seen.

As for myself…I stand here now doing exactly what I always wanted. I stand within this room teaching you all the history of who we are and how we got here. That day in the rain and mud of West Genetics would be my last day holding a volt weapon. I now work with the others here at West Genetics to train and prepare the next generations to stand against the Nova. Twice, since that war the Nova have attacked and they have been repelled without my assistance." Varen closed the textbook on his desk and looked up at the clock nearby.

"Mr. Askiligar, I have a question." A young man raised his hand from the center of the room.

"Of course, what's on your mind?"

"Charon and Claire Fairchild…they are included in the victims list of the Pandora Civil War. They aren't on the list of aggressors or enemy combatants of Chevalier. How come?" The student asked. Varen closed his eyes for a few moments thinking back on that day holding Charon in his arms as she died. He opened his eyes and leaned on his desk folding his hands.

"Charon and Claire were created with a singular purpose to kill for Chevalier. They were indoctrinated and brainwashed to follow their orders relentlessly and mercilessly. In turn the treatment they received at the hands of Chevalier was nothing short of torture. The pain and suffering we experienced was dwarfed only by what Claire and Charon suffered. Their actions were wrought from what Chevalier turned them into and the blame and responsibility for the deaths of the people Claire and Charon killed rests solely on Chevalier.

At my behest and recommendation their names were absolved of guilt. I forgive them for what they did and understand that their lives were full of greater hardship than I could imagine. In a different world I don't doubt that they would have been some of my greatest friends and if I could change one thing about the past it would be that I could have saved them. For that reason, their names are etched on the memorial statue in the Nightingale plaza beside their sister's name, Chiffon." He answered.

"But Claire killed your friend, Attia." Another student spoke up. He nodded and addressed her.

"She did, and it seems strange to forgive something like that I know. In the heat of the moment your emotions control your actions and only after do you have the luxury to reflect on the true meaning behind the events that transpired. When the smoke cleared and the dust settled we learned everything about Charon and Claire. Especially once we overthrew Chevalier and their records were made public. Not one of the founding members of the Nightingales wished for them to be remembered as the monsters we thought they were. We all forgave them and mourned for their deaths when we learned of their history." Varen explained.

"That's so sad." A first year Pandora said.

"Yes, it is, but it's an important part of our history. I choose to remember them both as friends I would have had. It is my choice to believe that their deaths were a sacrifice that brought the end of Chevalier. For that I remember them as heroes who helped to save us from Chevalier's rule." Varen said to her.

"Um, sir aren't you leaving something out?" Another young man asked making Varen cock his head.

"Am I?" The boy looked at the girl next to him and she giggled and blushed.

"Yeah, didn't you marry your Pandora too?" The boy asked and Varen covered his mouth to stifle his laugh. A good number of students chuckled and the bell above the door rang loudly signaling the end of the class.

"A story for next year. Enjoy your break everyone and good luck on your second year." Varen said thankful that the bell saved him from an embarrassing story. Students, mostly girls, cast a look of disappointment as he walked out the door holding it open for everyone to file out of.

"Ah…um…Justicar, I mean Mr. Askiligar, sir?" A first year Pandora waited at the end of the line of students shifting back and forth nervously. He noted three other girls waiting in the hall nearby watching intently whispering to one another.

"Yes, Ms. Williams, aren't you excited to get out of here?" He joked.

"Yes, I mean no! Or yes…I mean, I just wanted to say that I um…I really liked your class and here this is for you!" She yelled shoving a piece of paper in his hand and sprinting away towards the girls who cheered and walked away quickly. He stared dumbfounded at them and then looked down at the paper folded neatly with a heart shaped sticker holding it shut. He rolled his eyes and pocketed it laughing to himself.

"Look at him. Acting all smug just because some stupid little girl. He thinks he's so cool getting a love note from a first year. Makes me sick, I hate him." Arnette said leaning on the wall further down the hallway from him. Elizabeth put her arm around Arnette's shoulder.

"Yes, he is quite the evil man. Attia knew it long ago and only now are you realizing it too." The blonde answered.

"Have a nice break headmaster. You too Mrs. Askiligar." A young girl said stopping to bow to them respectfully before running away. Elizabeth grinned looking over at Arnette who sighed.

"Maybe he's not all that bad." The redhead conceded smiling back at her friend.

"Nah, he's alright." Elizabeth agreed waving to get Varen's attention and beckoning him over. Varen nodded towards her and waited for a break in the students to start heading their way. Nearby he heard a crash as two student collided knocking books to the ground. He turned looking to help them, but as he did and saw the mess his feet refused to move. For a second he held his breath before letting it out breathing slightly heavier his mouth hanging half open.

Ahead of him a girl with black hair and one with silver sat on their rears rubbing their heads looking around at their books scattered everywhere. Three other Pandora knelt down to help them pick up their belongings. One with white hair styled back into twin corkscrews on either side of her head. The second had hair that matched Varen's color pulled back behind her head. The third was blonde, two sections of hair tied with ribbons on either side of her face.

Varen felt his heart beating harder watching as they seemed to move in slow motion. The students around them paid them no attention as if they weren't even there. The world seemed to flow around them. His chest rose and fell as they put the books into the two girls' backpacks and helped them to their feet. All five turned looking at him and smiled making his heart skip and his throat choke up.

Charon and Claire waved at him once and turned to walk towards an open doorway nearby from which a bright white light poured out of. Their backpacks bounced with each step they took. Attia shook her head smiling and turned to follow them towards the door. Rin stared at him a bit longer before bowing slightly and placing her hand over her heart. She turned and ran to catch up to Attia and the others before they could pass through the doorway. When they reached it they turned and waited.

"Told you, didn't I?" Chiffon said smiling broadly. She turned and walked away slowly until she stood with the other four and looked over her shoulder. Varen took a deep breath and forced a smile.

"Yeah…everything's alright."