Michelle stood beside Athen, proud of her work. Sakura's attention shifted to her, and Michelle's eyes met hers with a nod, signaling that the pack was well on the path to recovery.
She felt a sense of reassurance, knowing that they were safe and healing, but her fear of death still lingered, reminding her of the fragility of life.
Michelle's voice pulled Sakura from her thoughts. "They've made a remarkable recovery, and I'm discharging them today. They'll need some time for rest and recovery, but they're well on their way."
Sakura's lips curved into a relieved smile, and her shoulders relaxed. She nodded at Michelle, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Aye, thank you, kindly."
Michelle's smile matched Sakura's. "No need to thank me. I love my job, and I'm glad I could help."
Approaching Athen's bedside, Sakura reached for his hand and squeezed it gently. "You scared me, ya know," she admitted softly.
Athen's thumb stroked her knuckles soothingly. "I know."
Michael chimed in with a playful grin. "Yeah, you're stuck with us for a long time, Sakura."
The twins exchanged nods, their smiles reflecting Michael's.
"So, what happened on the boat?" Alex inquired.
"Sam took quite a beating," Alec responded.
Sakura sighed, "The handle on the lever snapped off. It was sabotage."
Athen frowned; he asked, "Who could have sabotaged our boat?"
"Me father's back, and he wants somethin' from our island," Sakura replied.
"What?" Michael questioned. "Why the fuck is he attacking us? What did we ever do to him?"
"Jack and I will tell ya on the way to the city."
Catching the wind of the conversation, Michelle interjected, "The City of Lights is a considerable distance from our current location. I cannot allow them to run that distance."
Athen's grin took on a crafty tilt as he retorted, "Don't worry, I know how to get us there."
Michael pumped his fist into the air. "Yes! I've been waiting forever to show her the roof!"
Jack rolled his eyes. "It's not that exciting."
Michelle stood from her chair, crossing the room with an air of practiced calm. She paused at the doorway and gave Jack a pointed look. "Just make sure they don't do anything stupid."
Jack gave a lazy wave and a reassuring grin. "Don't worry, I've got it covered. They'll behave… mostly."
As Michelle left to tend to another werewolf in need, Sakura tilted her head. "What's on the roof?"
Athen smirked, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You'll see. Come on, let's go." Without waiting for her consent, he grabbed her hand and led her out of the recovery room.
The other boys followed closely, their faces lit up with knowing grins. Athen's excitement was infectious as he pulled Sakura up several stairs. They finally reached a metal door, its bronze plaque glinting faintly in the dim stairwell light, marking it as the entrance to the rooftop.
Sakura stood there, her heart pounding with anticipation. She anxiously watched Athen place his hand on the door handle, her mind racing with possibilities. What could be up there? Another Yokai. The unknown made her pulse quicken.
When Athen opened the door, Sakura spotted a wired fence concealing a small aircraft parked at the center of the helipad and a massive hanger. One plane landed gracefully near the gate, expertly guided like a car.
Michael's curiosity got the best of him. "Hold on a second; why didn't we just take a plane around the island?"
Sakura's eyes widened, and her frown deepened as she took in the aircraft parked before her. She exhaled sharply, rubbing her face with both hands as a wave of distress washed over her. She should have expected this.
Michael, grinning ear to ear, tilted his head playfully. "What's the matter, Sakura? Don't tell me you're afraid of heights!"
Athen's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Sakura has a fear of flying."
"Are you kidding me?" Michael asked.
"JAL Flight 123," Sakura answered, recalling the events that traumatized her.
Michael offered a perspective meant to assuage her concerns. "That tragedy happened before we were even born, and there were four survivors, you know. Also, didn't you fly to Japan?"
"I was running on adrenaline."
Athen chimed in with an understanding grin. "Nothing we say will change her mind. But hey, if she has to fly, she'll tolerate it."
"To be honest, guys, I'm not a big fan of airplanes either," Jack said.
Michael's retort was quick, laced with his humor. "If you're about to bring up nine-eleven as an excuse, I might just have to give you a reality check. Technology has come a long way since then."
The appearance of an older man in a white captain's hat and a long brown beard momentarily interrupted their conversation. A sharp slap against the fence seized everyone's attention, causing Sakura to seek refuge behind Michael, her grip tight on his ebony shirt. A fragrant blend of beer and cigars, the visible wisps of smoke mingling with the surrounding air, accompanied the older man's hearty laughter.
The older man engaged them in a boisterous but warm voice. "Would you folks like a peek at your private plane?"
Michael's excitement was evident in his response. "Seriously? Are you kidding? The Alpha Leader owns a private plane."
Athen added, "The plane originally belonged to Sakura's grandmother."
The group ventured through the open gate, passing the chuckling older man. But one final question lingered.
Michael's curiosity compelled him to ask. "Wait, do you know where the plane is?"
Athen's response was touchingly nostalgic. "Yeah, Sakura's mother trained me. Do you remember?"
Athen led them through the spacious plane hangar, his hand landing on a massive emerald button that allowed the doors to glide open gracefully. The doorway revealed a private jet glistening under the hangar's lights. The compact yet polished aircraft had characteristics like a dolphin. Its upper surface was serene blue, while the underside radiated a spotless white. Tucked with grace were its modest wings, seamlessly connected to a fuel line.
Suspense swelled among the group, except for Sakura, as the private jet's allure evolved before them. The captain deftly positioned a petite three-step staircase, an invitation to explore its interior.
Eager enthusiasm propelled the twins forward; their excitement led them to dash inside, their curiosity set on the cabin's secrets. Michael and Jack, grinning with infectious anticipation, followed suit. Athen and Sakura trailed behind, their steps aligned in a shared rhythm.
One by one, they found their seats, each a haven of comfort. Cushioned recliners in lustrous white cradled them with grey pillows. The cabin seamlessly hosted three booths, their metallic tables extending invitingly. Underfoot, a plush red rug offered a tactile touch of luxury.
Sakura sat beside Athen in the first row, her fingers seeking reassurance in his presence.
"Cozy, isn't it?" Athen remarked.
Sakura clenched her fingers around the table's edge, a surge of unease welling within her as the plane rumbled. Michael sat across from them in the booth and casually leaned back. "Ready?"
A wave of dread cascaded through Sakura, conjuring the worst-case scenario she had feared. Her stomach churned, and her heart sank. A comforting touch from Jack, positioned across the table, was a small consolation.
"Michael, you're in for it once we land," Sakura exclaimed, her heart racing and her breath growing shallow.
With a mischievous smile, Michael raised an eyebrow. "That is if we land."
"Shut it, for feck's sake," Sakura shot back.
Athen chimed in, his voice a mix of annoyance and concern. "Let's not make her anxiety worse."
The plane's engines roared to life, sending vibrations through the cabin. Sakura's grip on the table tightened, her body stiffening involuntarily. Sensing her unease, Athen placed a reassuring hand on her back, offering gentle strokes as the aircraft rolled toward the runway.
"I know I went too far, but now it's time to confront your fear of flying," Michael said.
From the adjacent booth, the twins chimed in, their heads popping up curiously. Alex tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Statistically speaking, our odds of dying compared to humans are exceedingly slim."
Sakura countered firmly, "That doesn't make us invincible, lad."
The aircraft paused briefly on the runway, then surged forward, gaining speed as it hurtled ahead. Sakura clenched her teeth, clutching onto Athen as if her life depended on it. Sitting in what felt like a death trap was far from comfortable; in her mind, she was confident that the end was imminent. Among the twins, Alex took charge, pushing his sibling down into his seat and securing his seatbelt. Though born just moments apart, he often assumed the role of the elder brother. Alec, less enthused, retaliated by shoving Alex into the seat, watching with a hint of amusement as his brother buckled in.
The plane continued to ascend, and Sakura's distress was noticeable; hyperventilating, she clutched her chest, prompting Athen to press her anxiety inhaler into her hand to quell her stress. After a nerve-wracking incline, the plane stabilized at a specific altitude.
"Michael, you've condemned us all to our demise, I'm tellin' ya," Sakura gasped in a panic.
Michael found the situation amusing. "Calm down, you're overreacting."
Upon reaching their destination, the City of Lights revealed its desolate beauty. Canopies of dead, weeping Japanese cherry blossoms charmed the once beautiful land littered with blood. Businesses thrived once again, bustling with hopeful customers.
Diverse sections of the city center offered a variety of experiences. In the food district, large strings of lights illuminated the sky. Restaurants boasted outdoor seating around cement fountains depicting the seven gods of fortune.
Further along, the outdoor shopping district showcased merchandise unharmed from the massacre. Clothing hung on racks, enticing passersby. Within this area, a dimly lit building lay concealed in the shadows. Closer inspection revealed men exiting, their expressions contented and half-dressed, departing from a Japanese brothel.
"Hey, Sakura. Guess what? I've got a new job opportunity for you," Jack chuckled, relishing the mischief. She shook her head, lying her head on the table.
Athen growled and said, "Not a chance."
With a teasing grin, Michael said, "Oh, come on, Athen. Picture this: Sakura as an Oiran. Exclusive clientele, only the rich upper-class. Just imagine the fortune she could rake in."
Athen's tone was stern. He warned, "One more word, and you won't have to imagine how I'll deal with you."
Jack added, "Let's be fair, though. For Sakura to take on that role, she must master traditional Japanese dance and music. While she can sing, playing those instruments would be a stretch. Also, she's not exactly known for striking up conversations."
Michael chuckled before speaking. "How do you know so much about Japanese brothels?"
Athen interjected once more, offering a bit of context, "Let's not forget that these establishments are illegal in Japan now."
Michael, undeterred, countered with a playful wag of his tongue and a dance move. "Not here, it's not!"
Athen rolled his eyes. He replied, "Could we please get back on track? When are we landing? The outskirts are mainly residential."
Jack turned his attention to the outside world, searching for answers. "Hang on; we'll be descending in shortly."
The plane sped up, hurtling towards the private airport, executing a swift loop before a seamless landing. After an hour's journey, they found themselves in the heart of the most enchanting city.
Athen ran a hand through his hair, stepping toward the massive tree looming over them like a silent sentinel. Looking back at Sakura, he asked, "Alright, what's going on? Did your father cause all this?"
Sakura's gaze darkened. "He led a pack of half-robotic, half-werewolf abominations to storm through the village, leaving nothing but destruction. They killed thousands... all to get their hands on Lina's uncle's invention."
Michael's expression turned grim, and he nodded. "The Lunanium... or whatever it's called. Taylor told us about it once."
Jack folded his arms and added, "Yes, the strongest metal on Earth, hidden from human knowledge."
Alex pointed toward the devastation ahead, his voice heavy. "Not anymore..."
Sakura continued, her tone filled with unease. "We think he plans to use that power to destroy all life on the island. Why, or who he's working with, we still don't know."
Athen shook his head slowly, trying to piece it together. "He hasn't been here in eighteen years. Why now?"
Jack stepped forward, his sharp eyes catching a weathered wooden picket sign pointing southward, marked "Graveyard." He gestured toward it and said, "We're about to find out if he found what he's looking for."
The pack exchanged worried glances. The weight of the destruction, the unanswered questions, and the fear of what lay ahead hung heavily in the air. Their island's future was uncertain, and the sense of impending doom refused to be ignored.