And Then, The World Ended

Chapter 41 - Noah

The van rattles down the deserted road, the engine's hum vibrating through my bones as we head toward Osaka. The tension hangs thick in the air, each of us lost in our thoughts, our gazes fixed outside. I steal a glance at Hayes, who sits beside me, his fingers tapping rhythmically against his knee. There's a certain intensity in his expression—determination mixed with a flicker of uncertainty.

"We'll make it," he murmurs, catching me off guard. I nod but can't shake the weight of everything that's happened.

Emiko drives, her eyes scanning the road ahead while V fiddles with the tech strapped to his wrist. We're on a mission to gather intel and find transport back to New York District. Hayes had managed to tap into his contacts within the Wraiths of the Grid, those resourceful kids who know how to navigate both digital and physical spaces like it's second nature.

"I've arranged for a jet," Hayes says suddenly, breaking the silence as if sensing my unease. "One of my old contacts from Wraiths is meeting us at the Osaka docks."

"Is that safe?" Sophie asks from across the van, her voice tinged with worry. "What if Hanami catches wind?"

"It's risky," Hayes admits. "But we need to take that chance if we want to get back home quickly."

The idea of flying feels surreal after everything we've been through—the chaos at Hanami Hotel, Noah's injury, and our frantic escape from Arcadia. But it's also exhilarating; I can feel adrenaline pumping through me at the thought of returning home.

"What about V?" Jordan pipes up from the backseat. "Can he really help us?"

V shrugs without looking up from his equipment. "I have connections too." His tone is clipped but firm; he's focused on ensuring our safety as much as possible.

"Let's hope they hold up when we need them," I say softly, mostly to myself.

Minutes stretch into what feels like hours as Emiko navigates winding roads toward Osaka. My mind races through everything that awaits us—the impending confrontation with Hanami and what it means for our futures.

"Are you guys ready for this?" Hayes breaks into my thoughts again, glancing around at each of us. "This isn't just about getting back home anymore; it's about stopping them for good."

I look around at my friends: Sophie biting her lip nervously, Jordan drumming his fingers against his thigh like a metronome counting down time, and Emiko with determination radiating off her every move. I know they're all feeling what I'm feeling—a mix of fear and resolve that binds us together now more than ever.

"Ready or not," I say finally, meeting Hayes' gaze with conviction I hope mirrors what I feel inside.

We drive through Osaka's outskirts until we reach a rundown dock area hidden away from prying eyes—perfect for clandestine operations like ours. The sun begins its descent into twilight as we pile out of the van onto uneven ground littered with crates and debris.

"There should be a small hangar just ahead," Hayes instructs as he leads us toward an inconspicuous building tucked away in shadows.

I keep close to him while Emiko scans for any signs of trouble. As we approach the hangar door, I feel every muscle in my body tense up; anticipation and anxiety churn in my stomach like a storm threatening to break loose.

A figure emerges from behind the hangar—tall and lean with an unmistakable swagger that screams Wraiths style: circuit tattoos glowing softly under fading light and streetwear stitched together with pieces of old tech.

"Hayes!" The guy greets him with an easy grin that transforms into something more serious when he sees the rest of us. "You brought your friends along for this ride?"