S.W.O.R.D. headquarters was just on the other side of the border between Westview and The Big City, so it was relatively close to the Maximoff household. Vision was kind enough to drive us all there, for he was White's best friend, and didn't want to leave his side while he spoke with Mayor Hayward. Glitch sat in the backseat with Thor and JD, talking with them about god knows what. I was lost in thought, thinking about the prophecy, Hayward, and Squid Game, and was barely listening to what they were saying. My thoughts were cluttered, and it was hard to make out what was important and what wasn't. All I knew was that I was nervous; about what, I wasn't sure.

We arrived at S.W.O.R.D. sooner than I had expected, and pulled into its vast parking lot, staring up at the massive building before us.

"Jesus..." White breathed. "It looks just like I remember it."

"I can now appreciate why it's so important to the government," Glitch remarked. "This place is huge! Just imagine what they do in here!"

We found a parking space, and stepped out of the car, beginning to walk towards the headquarters of S.W.O.R.D. quickly. Formally dressed people walked in and out of the large building, a few of them sneaking appalled glances at our casual clothes. It was rather apparent that we didn't belong here. My mind raced at what we would find within, and what would happen when we met Hayward. This wasn't the confrontation that the prophecy had spoken about, right?

I internally prayed that it wasn't.

Vision held open the glass doors for us as we walked into the spacious lobby, where many businessmen and women were walking around, conversing with one another. We strode up to the front desk, where an older receptionist was having a heated discussion with another man.

"Listen, I'm sorry for not making the song longer," the man was saying. "but I had an entire album that needed to be produced! I had to focus on my other songs!"

"Damn it, Burnham!" the receptionist shouted. "If you would've done your job right, I could be the mayor of this town right now! I'm- oh hello!" He turned to us, leaning against the countertop. "My name is Jeff Bezos, what can I do for you?"

"Hello, Mr. Bezos." Technoblade greeted. "We're sorry to hear that you lost the election."

"It's a real shame." Bezos sighed. "I thought I had everything worked out with my associate here, Bo Burnham, but he screwed up on my theme song, 'Bezos I'!"

"I thought it sounded pretty good-" Glitch tried to speak, but was interrupted.

"It was terrible! Not even a minute long!" Bezos ranted. "A child could've done better! But anyways, enough about me. What would you like?"

"Uh-" I stammered, somewhat stunned by his anger. "We'd like to see Director Tyler Hayward, the mayor."

"Oh, him." Bezos spat the latter word with contempt. "He thinks he's so great, with his position at the government, and his income, and friends- he disgusts me. Of course, I can't say that around him, cause he's the mayor, but what else can you do? Anyways, he's through the doors, down the hall. Make two lefts and a right."

"Got it, thanks!" I nodded at Bezos, before hurriedly walking away from him.

"That guy's pleasant to be around..." I muttered to my friends, who all chuckled.

We walked towards the doors beside the receptionist's desk, and they opened automatically. Our footsteps echoed in the hallways as we walked, passing many doors which lead to various offices. I noted that the hallways were very long, and bland-colored, like most industrial buildings. It was a very boring sight.

Following Bezos's instructions, we made a left at the first intersection between hallways, and turned left once more upon reaching another. We made a right at the next intersection, and came to an office which looked different than the rest. It was far more formal than the other ones had been, and a plaque reading "Director Tyler Hayward" was nailed to the tan-colored wall beside the door.

As we reached the office, I heard a sigh of resignation from behind me, and turned to face White, who looked rather nervous as he gazed at the door.

"Are you alright?" I asked him. He nodded, albeit somewhat hesitantly.

"I just haven't been here in quite some time..." he explained. "I don't expect him to take too kindly to me."

Vision reached for White's limp hand, squeezing his fingers in reassurance. I smiled at them, before turning back to the door, knocking on the wooden surface.

"Come in," a low male voice said from within.

I inhaled slowly, mentally preparing myself for what would transpire soon, before turning the handle and pushing the door open.