And Then, The World Ended

Chapter 23 Doomsday Part I

Noah hugged his dad tightly, overwhelmed with relief to be reunited after everything that had happened. Around them, the sounds of other emotional reunions filled the vast underground bunker.

Pulling back, Noah wiped the tears from his eyes and turned to see Sophie embracing her parents. Nearby, Jordan did the same with his family. Even Jake had located his parents among the crowds.

After a few moments, V cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "We should get you all settled in. There's still a lot to do before..." His voice trailed off, but they knew he meant the impending disaster looming in just over twenty-four hours.

Noah's dad squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "Let's go get some rest, son."

They followed V through the maze of corridors to a section filled with basic cots and partitions. People milled about, organizing belongings and preparing sleeping areas. A subdued hum of activity and hushed conversations filled the space.

After claiming beds side-by-side, Noah and his dad sat down. Noah studied his father's worn, worried face.

"Dad, how did you get here? What happened after I left for Japan?"

His dad rubbed a hand over his eyes. "It's a long story, but we're here now. That's what matters."

Noah opened his mouth to respond when a sudden commotion broke out down the corridor. Raised voices through the bunker, followed by hurried footsteps. Exchanging a glance with his dad, Noah jumped up. "What's going on?"

They rushed from their cots toward the source of the disturbance. People were shouting, and a crowd had formed near a large screen that sees outside. As they got closer, Noah could make out V's voice.

"Everyone stay calm! Return to your rooms."

But the people ignored him, their voices rising in panic. Noah caught fragments of sentences.

"They tracked us..."

"How did they find us so fast?"

His heart hammering, Noah scanned the area for Hayes or Sophie but didn't see them. Dread pooled in his stomach. If Hanami had found them already, they were out of time.

V continued issuing orders, trying to regain control. After what felt like an eternity, the crowd began to disperse, fear lingering in their faces.

Noah hurried over to V. "What happened? Did Hanami find us?"

V's jaw was tight. "We believe they tracked my jet from LA by attaching a GPS device during the chase. But the bunker entrance is secure and not visible to outsiders. We should be safe for now."

Relief rushed through Noah.

Outside the bunker, men and women of Hanami are searching every inch of bunker's entrance. The sprawling megadome lay hidden beneath, a gleaming fortress designed to withstand the end of the world. Above, the sky was heavy with the promise of apocalypse, the air thick with tension. But inside, the heart of the megadome beat with life.

Noah stood in the bustling corridor, his eyes tracing the path he had just escaped through. People hurried past, their faces with worry, the weight of the world above pressing down on them. Yet here, in the heart of the megadome, there was hope, even with the presence of Hanami inches away.

He turned as Hayes approached, his familiar face a comfort in the sea of strangers. "You okay?" Hayes asked, his voice warm.

Noah nodded, not trusting himself to speak without his voice cracking. The events of the past weeks had taken their toll, and now, here in the safety of the bunker, it was all catching up to him.