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Orinoco Basin

Day One

Morning - Plane

(Song:) Guajira Sicodelica - Los Destellos

The plane was arriving to the Orinoco Basin, and all of the Pogues had gotten the chance to change in the bathroom of the plane overnight.

Isa could see Tres Rocas from her window seat, as well as the landing pad the plane was descending toward.

Tres Rocas was nestled in the thick of the jungle, surrounded on all sides by thick greenery. The Orinoco River was also visible, winding and stretching through the dense foliage, the sun reflecting off of the murky water.

Isa and John B were wound up tight, knowing that their father was being held captive. Dead or alive, they had no idea, but they would be damned if they didn't at least recover a body, morbid as it sounded.

Ward seemed to be the only one sleeping.

Pope waved his hand in front of his face, snapping, sitting down. "He's out."

"All right," Kie said.

"We should watch our backs down there," JJ said. "This place will make the Cut look like the Taj Mahal."

"He's right," Cleo agreed. "Terrance stopped by. Told me all about it. All sorts of tourists come in here and don't come back out."

"Can tell you what the tourists are here for," Kaylee muttered. "All looking for the gold."

"Isn't that what we're doing?" Wheezie asked.

"We're here to save our dad," Isa corrected. "And he's going to want to go looking for the gold, so..."

John B looked at Isa in concern. "And we need the gold to afford Isa's treatment back home."

Lia and Kie were doing what they could to treat Isa's third-degree burns after their daring escape from Asheville Academy - including a near cliff dive that they had to struggle to pull Isa over the edge from, which ripped her wounds open further, causing more tissue, muscle and bone to be exposed, and despite her brave face, Isa was clearly in a lot of pain.

"Especially after what just happened at Asheville," Lia added. "This is worse than it was yesterday. And with the rate we're going, it's going to get worse."

Everyone looked at Isa in concern.

"Isa, we told you not to push yourself," Sarah told her worriedly.

"I had to get Kie back from the nightmare her parents sent her to," Isa replied. "And now we have to save our dad."

"We get it," Elyna told her gently. "But we can't risk you getting worse."

Kie nodded in agreement, worried. "Before, you only needed skin grafts and reconstruction surgeries. If you push yourself harder after this, what happens after that?"

Isa took a deep breath, trying to steady herself against the whirlwind of urgency swirling around her. "I know I need to rest. And I'll rest until we get there. But we can't afford to waste any time. Dad is out there, and we have to do this for him. I can't let anything stand in my way of saving him. Not now."

"But we can't afford for you to get any worse," Wheezie insisted, her voice tinged with urgency. "We can't lose you again, Isa."

Isa clenched her fists, feeling the weight of her friends - her family's - concerns and fears pressing down on her. "I won't let that happen. Not while our dad is out there. John B..."

John B stepped closer to Isa, his voice steady yet filled with concern as he attempted to soothe his sister's anxiety and intensity, desperately trying to let her know that it was okay for her to rely on them to help her like this for once in her life. "Listen to me, Isa. We're going to find Dad. But if you push yourself too hard, you could end up making things worse for everyone. For you and for us."

JJ leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms as he surveyed the group, looking at Isa in concern, though gave her a slight smile, making her remark about how she was like their Commander in most cases, alongside John B. "And if you go down, then who's left to lead us into chaos? We need every one of us at our best out there."

Pope shifted in his seat, glancing at the others with worry etched on his face. "You're right, Isa, but if anything happens to you out there, it'll be on all of us. We can't just let that happen."

"But we won't let it happen," Kaylee interjected, determination flashing in her eyes as she turned to Isa. "You just need to promise us that you'll take it easy. We're going to be careful."

"We're a team," Lia added softly, placing a reassuring hand on Isa's shoulder. "Just keep your head in the game and don't push yourself too far."

Isa took a deep breath, absorbing all of their words. Even after everything that she and John B had gone through that they had needed their friends to survive through, she had never been in such a vulnerable and helpless place like she was in now. Even when they were framed for murder and sent to prison and risking their lives daily. Even with her infected wound from the Coastal Venture. Despite it all, she had been able to stand strong against it all and persevere and help be a steady force in her friends' lives to help them survive in each of their endeavors and traumas - especially Kaylee, Lia, Kie, Sarah, Wheezie and JJ's. In a way, she had been an anchor for all of them.

These burns on her upper back and shoulders were bone deep, burrowing within her, changing everything in her life, not just physically but emotionally. Isa was forced to rely heavily on everyone around her. Instead of being the anchor, she needed them to stay afloat otherwise she would drown.

Isa swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her injuries but also the warmth of her friends' unwavering support. Her voice was a mixture of determination and vulnerability. "I promise. I'll take it easy... as much as I can."

John B nodded, visibly relieved. "That's all we ask for." He wrapped his arm around Isa gently, kissing the top of his sister's head as she leaned her head on his shoulder. "We're going to get through this together."

Sarah gently placed her hand on Isa's arm. "No one gets left behind. Like you always say."

Isa gave Sarah a small smile in return, which she turned to give everyone around her, thankful for their worry and everything they were doing to support her through this. Her appreciation was evident in the tears glistening in her eyes, even if she could barely speak at the moment.

Cleo gave Isa a reassuring smile. "It's alright, girl. We know."

Elyna cradled Indy gently as the kitten slept in her lap during the flight. "We've got your back."

"Okay, everyone," Lia said, breaking the momentary silence as she glanced around at them. "We need to have a game plan ready when we land. This place is dangerous, and we know that Singh and all his men are out there somewhere. We can't let them catch us off guard."

Wheezie reached over to pet Indy while the kitten was still snuggled in Elyna's lap. "And we can't drag Indy into the jungle with us. We had to get her out of Outer Banks because we couldn't leave her there."

"But we can leave her on the plane until we come back," Sarah pointed out. "Indy will be safe here until we get back, yeah?"

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"You'll have to check with your dad to see if that's okay when he wakes up," Pope pointed out.

Lia and Wheezie both scoffed carelessly in response, causing Sarah and JJ to smirk in response.

"Yeah, what makes you think Lia and Wheezie give a flying fuck what Ward agrees with anymore, Pope?" JJ asked. "Not that I blame them. Daddy Dearest can go burn in hell."

Kaylee glared off into space as she thought about what her own father did to both her and Kie just the night before. "I can think of another one who can, too."

Kie looked down as she lowered her head, biting her lip. Elyna looked at her cousins sadly as she reached over to take Kaylee and Kie by the hands, all three girls squeezing their hands in solidarity.

Elyna took a deep breath. "Alright, where to first?"

Kie nodded. "Lay it out for us."

John B was rummaging through his backpack, pulling out the map that Neville had drawn. "Tres Rocas. That's where Neville said we would find the guy. Solana, that's the archaeological site. We think that's where they're taking our dad. Neville gave us this map. He said it would be here."

Sarah looked skeptical of the map. "This? This is the map we're following?"

John B shrugged. "He's the only guy we know who's been there, guys."

"Pretty janky, guys," Wheezie told them.

"Oh, boy," Pope sighed.

Cleo looked out her window. "I've been in river towns like this. Major danger, you know?"

Isa and John B were so anxious and worried, which anyone could tell.

"Don't worry," Kie told them. "We're gonna get there, find Singh, boost your dad."

Elyna nodded. "And then we'll find El Dorado. It's a layup."

Kaylee kept a skeptical eye on Ward. "You sure he doesn't know anything?"

Lia shook her head. "Not from us."

The others accepted this.

"Okay, first thing, we gotta find this guy named José," John B explained. "And then head up river."

Isa nodded. "All right."

"What if they're not there?" Kie asked.

JJ shrugged, glancing at Kaylee with a smile to cheer her up. "If they're not there, free vacation. We're on an adventure, baby. Come on, now."

Kaylee returned with a smile.

After the Pogues finished discussing their plan, Indy was starting to wake up in Elyna's lap, stretching, yawning.

Lia smiled at her. "I think we need some light in this place. Cleo, why don't you show us that video?"

"Yeah, I wanna see Indy going warrior princess on Topper," Kaylee quipped.

Cleo grinned, pulling her phone from her pocket as the others gathered around in anticipation. "Alright, everyone, get ready for the show!"

Pope gave a smile. "Everybody gather around. You are not going to want to miss this."

As everyone leaned in all around Cleo and Pope to watch Cleo's phone, Cleo hit play on the video, and the screen lit up with the chaotic scene from the night before.

Indy was shown launching herself at Topper, claws extended and fury on her little face. The hissing and growling echoed through the cabin as they watched the hilarious and dramatic spectacle unfold. Everyone's eyes widened in disbelief and amusement as they watched the tiny kitten's fierce assault.

Laughter erupted from the group as they witnessed Topper's frantic attempts to dislodge the fierce kitten from his face, ending with him even falling over onto the crate and Indy landing gracefully on her feet as if nothing happened.

"Look at her go!" JJ exclaimed, clutching his stomach as he doubled over with laughter. "That's our little troublemaker!"

Elyna leaned closer, wide-eyed with awe and admiration, grinning mischievously as she burst into laughter. "I can't believe how brave she is! That's our girl!"

Wheezie couldn't contain herself, double over as tears of laughter streamed down her cheeks. "Look at him! He didn't know what hit him!"

Sarah chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. "We were there, and I still can't believe Indy actually did that."

"She's got moxie," John B said proudly, nudging Isa with his elbow.

Isa couldn't help but chuckle softly through the pain, leaning into John B's side while they all watched in awe. "Oh, she's our rockstar."

After the seriousness of earlier and knowing the danger and chaos they were about to head into, this was exactly what the group needed.

All eyes fell onto Indy in front of them, who all looked at them with wide-eyed innocence as she meowed at them contentedly as if she enjoyed all of their attention and happiness, thrilled by their joy and sensing that she was the cause of it.

It was a moment of pure lightness amidst the storm of their chaotic lives, and it felt like an unbreakable bond had formed as they watched the little kitten basking in their attention. The laughter continued to echo around the cabin, a symphony of camaraderie that reminded them exactly why they were fighting so hard for each other.

As the video ended, Cleo let out a satisfied sigh. "You guys realize we need to come up with a name for Indy's heroic act of bravery, right? Something epic."

Pope hummed at the thought. "Hmm, like what?"

Wheezie perked up, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "How about 'Operation Feline Fury'?"

Elyna laughed, shaking her head at Wheezie's suggestion. "I love it! But can we make it sound even more dramatic? Like, 'The Great Feline Fury Fiasco: Topper's Downfall'?"

Sarah grinned. "Perfect."

John B smiled, nodding. "Yeah."

JJ leaned back in his seat, grinning. "Now that's a title worthy of a blockbuster."

"One I'd definitely watch," Kaylee chimed in.

Lia grinned. "Me too."

Kie chuckled. "Absolutely."

Indy's little tail twitched with pride as she basked in the love and laughter enveloping the group. It was a moment of sheer joy amidst the storm of uncertainty that lay ahead.

"Alright, rockstar," Isa said, leaning down to scratch Indy's chin. "You've done your job. Now it's our turn to step up."

With his back turned to them, none of the Pogues noticed when Ward opened his eyes.

(Song Ends)

⚓️ Worlds Colliding (Outer Banks) ⚓️

Tres Rocas

Singh's Compound

(Song:) Gaita Tambora - APM Music

Singh stood on the balcony with some of his men, watching as the townspeople were letting off fireworks, before heading inside, where Big John was working. "There he is, our intrepid translator. Mr. Routledge, leading the charge on the road to El Dorado."

Big John removed his glasses. "Look, Carlos, it's not like I'm translating French, all right? I need more time."

Singh scoffed. "Of course, of course. You have a few hours." He patted Big John on the shoulder, walking away. "Prove to me you're worth keeping alive, John."

Big John lowered his head.

(Song Ends)

⚓️

Plane

Now, the Pogues were off to themselves in their pairs, processing everything that happened and preparing for whatever could happen now.

Kaylee was gazing off at nothing, swallowing as her mind was trapped back in Kitty Hawk, thinking about the treatment she had received at the hands of those people because of the people that her own parents had hired to drug her and kidnap her.

And the worst part was that she didn't know if the disorders that they listed were what she had or not. The labels to her so-called 'darkness'. If the medicines that they forced her to take while she was unconscious was what she was supposed to be on to make some kind of change to her life.

The only thing was, with Kaylee accepting her darkness and no longer holding it back but channeling it, it no longer controlled her the way it did before. It didn't terrify her the way it did before. She had found acceptance because of JJ, and because of Rafe, where she finally believed that she wasn't broken.

And now all of that could have been undermined because of the trauma that her parents and Kitty Hawk had forced upon her.

JJ took a seat next to Kaylee on the plane, drawing her out of her thoughts, lacing their fingers together. "What are you thinking about?"

Kaylee's lip trembled as she took a breath, trying to vocalize her thoughts in a way she hoped he would understand after what she went through.

"I'm just... thinking about everything that happened back there," Kaylee admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "All the labels they tried to put on me, the way they treated me like some broken thing."

JJ's expression softened, his thumb brushing over her knuckles in a comforting gesture. "You're not broken, Kay. They don't know you like I do. They don't see how strong you are - not just fighting your battles but embracing everything that makes you who you are."

Kaylee looked into his eyes, searching for reassurance. "But what if they're right? What if I do have these disorders and I'm just... manipulating everyone around me without even realizing it?"

"You're not manipulating anyone," JJ countered firmly. "You're fighting for your life, and that takes guts. Look at everything we've gone through together - everything you've overcome."

Kaylee took a deep breath. "I just finally got to a place where I started controlling the darkness instead of letting it control me. Because of you and because of..."

JJ glanced down, though he was understood Rafe's impact on how far Kaylee had come to accept that part of her, even if he didn't like it.

Kaylee took a deep breath, continuing on. "I know it's not something to glorify or whatever, but I was finally getting a handle on it. I wasn't scared anymore. But now, with everything they said, and all the drugs that they put me on... even if it was only one night..."

JJ squeezed Kaylee's hand tighter, his gaze unwavering. "They can't take that away from you. Whatever they tried to force on you doesn't define who you are. You're still you, the girl I love. Fiery, resilient, and unapologetically yourself."

His words wrapped around her like a warm embrace, reminding her of the love and support she had found in him, and she always would.

Kaylee leaned her head against his shoulder, feeling the warmth and stability he provided. "What if they've really damaged me beyond repair? My parents, Kitty Hawk?"

"Then we'll fix it together," JJ said resolutely. "You're not alone in this. We're in this fight together, remember? We'll figure it out."

Kaylee smiled faintly at his words, though doubt still lingered in her heart. "What if I fall back into those old patterns? What if I lose myself again?"

JJ gently lifted her chin so their eyes met. "You won't. Because now you know what to look out for. And I'm here. Whenever you feel like you're slipping, just reach for me and I'll be there to pull you back."

Kaylee looked up at JJ with a mixture of hope and longing. "Promise?"

"Always," JJ murmured.

Kaylee pulled JJ in for a hug, wrapping her arms around his neck and holding him tight. JJ hid his face in the crook of her neck, breathing her in, and she didn't want to let go, pulling back just enough to press her forehead against his, both hands now on the sides of his face and brushing her nose against his. JJ wound his arms around her to bring her further in, and they stayed that way for a little while, just being together, breathing the same air, just being safe and free of worry for once in their lives, until they finally loosened their hold.

JJ knew that she was reeling from what her parents did, and he let her, knowing that she had to let it out.

Kaylee looked down, whispering. "They just... completely ruined everything that could have been something fixable. It scares me when I look back and think about what they did. They drugged me..." Her voice broke as she nearly crumbled at that, and JJ's arms tightened around her in response, holding her firmly. "Just like Tod. And they watched me break down into a panic attack, into tears, and they did nothing. They just sent me away like they always threatened to do. And not just to me, but to Kie, too. And now I'm just so fucking angry because they had the nerve to look sad like they're not the ones who destroyed us in the first place."

Kaylee sniffled as she leaned into his chest, her ear resting over his heart, and he could feel her shoulders shake, tightening his arms around her, holding her securely against him, staying silent, letting her know that he was there for her, waiting for her to continue.

JJ knew he already had words with Mike and Anna, but he really would like to tell them off again, to explain to them exactly how they'd fucked up their last chance at a relationship with Kaylee, and now Kie. 

Kaylee's voice wobbled and broke. "I just... I can't believe they actually sent me to that place. It was worse than I even thought possible, and I already thought it was so bad. Prison wilderness camp with mind and personality altering drugs that made those girls look like shells of human beings. A fucking isolation room where there were words all over the wall about how bad it was, willing to do anything to make it stop. And they just sent me there to become a clone of them. When they couldn't fucking believe me about anything I've been telling them. And insisted that I was crazy instead of helping me. Protecting me. Instead just doing what Tod and Singh did to me all over again." Kaylee swallowed thickly, her fingers playing with the edge of JJ's shirt. "I don't think I can ever forgive them for that." She let out a shaky breath, but her voice was strong, certain. "I never want to see them again. Only if I ever got the chance to make them hurt as much as they hurt me."

JJ kissed Kaylee's head. "You don't have to see them ever again, if we can help it." He cleared his throat, trying to make her feel better as he pulled her more firmly against his side. "It's their fucking loss. You're amazing just the way you are. You deserve so much more, Kaylee."

Kaylee's lips curved slightly as she shifted to look up at JJ, affection shining in her eyes. "I don't need anything more than this, right here. You and me, together. Even if we still have a lot to work through."

JJ gave her a slight smile. "Kaylee, I've got your back. Always. Whatever you decide to do."

Kaylee leaned her head against his chest, murmuring the words. "I love you, JJ."

JJ felt peace sweep over him at hearing Kaylee say those words again, even though she had already said them last night. He still felt disbelief that she could love him like that, that anyone could, after all that happened, amazed, while still tense, afraid that someone could come after them, worried that some new threat was going to rip Kaylee out of his arms and he wouldn't be able to do anything about it again.

But still, JJ said the only thing he could, the only truth he had. "I love you, too."

Kaylee let her fingers trace lines into JJ's chest through his shirt. "Tell me about the future. Because when I look into the future, I can only see it with you. Especially after everything that happened."

Joy shimmered through JJ as he smiled softly. "Me too. With you, I mean."

Kaylee smiled. "Obviously. What would it be like?"

JJ knew that Kaylee was trying to distract herself from the pain from what her parents did, and he was more than happy to lift her spirits and give her something to look forward to the future. "Well, we are going to start by having fun, being Pogues. I've been thinking. When all this is over, and we're just rolling in the dough, I'm gonna get a new board. I'm gonna deck it out, and I'm gonna go on a surf trip. I don't know where, but, like, the world's calling. I don't know. Name a place."

"Spain," Kaylee answered. "I've always wanted to go to Spain."

JJ smiled. "Then after Spain, or South Africa. One of the South places. Besides South America, since we're heading there right now."

Kaylee tilted her head curiously, looking up at JJ. "You'll go to South Africa?"

"Yeah," JJ answered. "Then Micronesia maybe, and then... just ride. Wherever the wave takes you, you know?"

Kaylee glanced up at JJ. "So that's the plan if we were to get everything? Surf trip?"

JJ nodded. "Ripping jungle break all day long. Bamboo hut, cooking a fish on a fire, and after that, you go back out and just hit the waves again."

Kaylee smiled softly. Traveling the world and just escaping from the world they found themselves trapped in was everything she wanted to do, just for a little while. "Sounds amazing."

JJ nuzzled his head against Kaylee's. "And I already know of one very special lady I wanna ask to come with me."

Kaylee smiled against his neck. "You don't even have to ask. You know I'm there. With you."

JJ kissed her head tenderly. "Yeah, I know."

Kaylee looked up at JJ. "Since this is all with the El Dorado gold, what else would we be able to do on this trip other than just surf?"

JJ's face lit up with a bright smile. "Everything that I promised you that we'd get to do when we first started talking about things that could help you with the adrenaline rushes and thrills to help control your darkness. Sky diving, cliff diving, zip lining, extreme sports. I don't know."

Kaylee absolutely lit up with joy. "And we agreed to do all that with the Pogues too, so we can do it all back home."

JJ smiled. "Exactly."

"Martial arts, especially," Kaylee added. "We all need some fucking fighting skills after all this shit."

JJ nodded in agreement. "And we noticed that your cousin Elyna over there is an expert at that shit along with her parents. Gael and Esme are ultimate badasses just like Ely."

Kaylee nodded in agreement. "And they already agreed to give me, Kie and Wheezie some training."

"Yeah, Isa and Lia asked if they could train with them too," JJ explained. "They made a joke about making it a Pogue martial arts class. Makes sense since Gael and Esme basically adopted all of us Pogues. And especially since they're taking you and Kie in after what your parents did. Which you deserve. They'll take care of you two until you turn 18 and get your own home."

Kaylee nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Uncle Gael and Aunt Esme are the best parents any of us could ask for. At least with them, we have a home for now. Until we can remake the Pogue Nest like I wanted."

JJ smiled slightly. "I was wondering when you were gonna bring that up. How do you wanna do that?"

"I'm not sure yet," Kaylee admitted. "But we need land. A lot of it. Because it's gonna be big. And it's definitely gonna be a treehouse. But like, a real house this time. Safely constructed and built for all of us Pogues to live in together for a while we figure out we want to do with our lives."

JJ grinned. "Perfect."

Kaylee got caught up in her daydreaming. "And even if I hated working at The Wreck because of my family, I always wanted my own restaurant. But like my own version of it as a treehouse too."

JJ's eyes lit up at Kaylee's idea. "A treehouse restaurant? That's genius, Kay! We could call it 'The Crow's Nest' or something."

Kaylee laughed, her imagination running wild. "Oh, my God, yes! And we could have different levels. One for dining, lounging, maybe even a rooftop bar with an amazing view of the ocean."

"And hammocks," JJ added, his grin widening. "Lots of hammocks."

Kaylee laughed, feeling lighter than she had in so long. "Of course. It wouldn't be a proper Pogue hangout without hammocks."

JJ leaned back, his eyes bright with excitement. "We'll have to make sure there's a slide too. For quick escapes when the Kooks come snooping around."

Kaylee giggled, her spirits lifted as they built their dream together, thrilled that JJ remembered to include the slides from the original Pogue Nest. "And a secret passageway! Like one that leads to a hidden beach or something..."

"Definitely!" JJ agreed, his enthusiasm infectious. "An underground tunnel that goes straight to the ocean so we can sneak out whenever we want."

Kaylee's heart swelled at the thought of all they could create together - a sanctuary for their friends and family, a place where they could truly be themselves without fear of judgment.

"And no parents allowed!" Kaylee declared, her laughter ringing out. "Except for Uncle Gael and Aunt Esme, of course."

JJ chuckled. 'Of course."

Kaylee marveled at how moments before, she had been depressed and traumatized, and now she was slipping back into the familiar loving, enthusiastic banter with JJ with almost childlike glee that they brought out in each other as they built their future together, knowing that it was just within their grasp. They just had to reach out and take it.

Kaylee raised her head to gaze at JJ, her eyes flickering between his eyes and his lips. "Thank you. For coming for me. For giving me something to hope for."

JJ gently cradled Kaylee's cheek, his thumb stroking her skin as she leaned into his touch. "Always."

Kaylee leaned her head against JJ's for a moment before closing the distance between them, pressing her lips to his.

As their lips met, a spark ignited between them, a familiar warmth that seemed to chase away the shadows of their past. Time felt suspended in that moment, the chaos of the world fading away until there was nothing left but Kaylee and JJ and the deep connection they shared.

When they finally pulled apart, breathless and smiling, Kaylee's heart swelled with renewed hope.

"We really can build our dreams together," Kaylee whispered, still caught in the glow of their intimacy.

"Absolutely," JJ replied, his gaze earnest and unwavering. "We'll make it happen. One step at a time."

With every word he spoke, Kaylee felt the weight of her doubts begin to lift. The harsh reality of her recent experiences faded slightly against the backdrop of their shared aspirations. They could create something beautiful from the ashes of what had once been.

From several spots across the plane, Isa/Lia/Kie, Sarah/John B, Pope/Cleo, and Wheezie/Elyna could all see Kaylee and JJ's moment of rekindling and hear their talk of building a future together for themselves and the Pogues once they got the gold from El Dorado, and they couldn't be happier for them. They were so relieved to see them happily back together again.

"Looks like everything's right in the world again," Isa murmured. "At least for Kaylee and JJ."

Lia smiled. "As it should be."

Kie looked at Kaylee with tearful eyes, a small smile on her lips. "She deserves to be happy after everything that happened. They both do."

As the plane soared through the sky, the tension in the cabin began to ease, soft laughter and gentle teasing filling the air as Kaylee and JJ shared quiet moments of connection. Their smiles were infectious, spreading warmth among the group, reminding everyone of the love that could still flourish amid chaos.

Isa leaned into Kie and Lia's embrace. "I'm glad they found their way back to each other."

"It's what we all need," Kie replied softly, glancing at Kaylee and JJ. "To remember why we fight."

"Yeah," Lia murmured. "It's about holding on to what matters most."

Kie squeezed Isa's hand, her touch grounding and reassuring. "We're going to find your dad. And then we'll be able to focus on healing. After everything, it's time for us to take back our lives."

Lia nodded. "And build our own future, just like they're talking about."

Isa smiled softly. "Thank you. Both of you. For helping me through this."

"It's the least I could do after everything the two of you have helped me through with my crazy family," Lia teased. "But I love you both so much. What else would I do?"

The three of them shared small smiles.

Isa looked at Kie sadly, concerned after her ordeal. "Are you okay, Kie?"

Kie nodded, emotionally exhausted, though she wasn't as traumatized as her sister. "Yeah. It hurt so much to see what my parents put Kaylee through, but her trip to Kitty Hawk was a literal hell with a prison and sedations and forced medications while she was unconscious. I was just basically... showed around boarding school and in a therapy session. Yeah, we had that badass chase scene in the mountains, but... yeah."

"It was still so much to go through, knowing that your parents put you through that," Lia murmured. "You know that we're here for you."

Kie smiled at them sadly in appreciation and gratitude. "I know. Thank you. Just as long as I know that Kaylee's fine, and that we never have to go back to our parents, I'm fine. Especially knowing that Uncle Gael and Aunt Esme are so willing to take us in and take care of us alongside Elyna until we're 18. Which won't be much longer."

Isa smiled softly, heartened by Kie's words. "We're going to make a new family, just like we always wanted. Together."

Kie nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "And we're going to do it right this time. No more fear, no more control."

Lia leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "We'll take everything we have and build something stronger. For all of us."

As the aircraft soared higher, the sun began to rise over the horizon, casting a gentle golden glow over the cabin. The beauty of the sunrise turned Isa's thoughts inward; she felt a flicker of hope amid the chaos they were leaving behind.

Kie trailed her hand through Isa's hair. "What are you thinking about?"

Isa looked at the uneven ends of her hair, which was singed from the fire that almost killed her. "Right now, getting a haircut."

Lia smiled at Isa's lighthearted joke. "I think you'd look cute with short hair."

Isa looked at them in amusement, raising her eyebrows. "Cute, huh?"

Kie's eyes sparkled at the thought. "You'd look great."

"Very commander like," Lia agreed. "Just like the Pogues need you to be."

Isa smiled in response. "I will be when I get better. But I was also thinking about what we could do for our future, like they were talking about. Once we get the gold and we save my dad. I mean, we've talked about it before, but now it's in reach, and..."

"You want to see if we can make it real," Kie finished softly.

Isa nodded.

Lia settled in next to them, one arm gently wrapped around Isa's waist and her other hand intertwined with Kie's. "I am all ears."

Isa reminisced about the last time they spoke of this. "We talked about saving the dolphins and turtles, making beach days just to save turtle hatches, documenting all of it with photo journals and beach clean-ups."

Kie smiled. "I remember. And of course, Lia is going to write her book about our adventures, which Wheezie's helpfully captured all in her journal."

Lia nodded fervently. "I want everyone to know the truth. About Robbie, about Barry, about my family, about everything us Pogues have gone through and risen above. Our story deserves to be told, and I'm going to do it justice."

Kie and Isa smiled at Lia in pride.

"We know you will, Lia," Isa murmured.

"I might still change my name while I'm publishing, though," Lia admitted. "I'm definitely not using Cameron after everything my dad's done."

Kie scoffed a chuckle. "Yeah, well, I'm ready to give up the Carrera name after what my parents did to me and Kaylee, so I don't blame you."

Isa took Kie and Lia both by the hands, gently running her fingers over theirs as she played with them in a way that comforted both them and herself before their fingers each grazed the matching leather bracelets around their wrists signifying their relationship. "You two could always use the name Routledge."

Kie and Lia looked at Isa with tenderness, adoration and love.

"Now who's sounding like she's proposing?" Lia asked teasingly.

Isa couldn't contain a smile. "If I had real rings, maybe I would be."

Kie chuckled, her cheeks flushing as she leaned in closer. "Well, if you keep talking like that, I might just take you up on the offer."

Lia laughed, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Just think about it: Isa Routledge takes Lia Cameron and Kiara Carrera to be her wives. Sounds like a power couple of the century."

"Though, there's no way we'll be able to be married by law, the three of us," Kie pointed out.

Isa waved her off teasingly. "Law, schmall. We'll pull a Sarah and John B and DIY our own marriage if we have to, but we'll go the full mile."

They all smiled happily.

"I love that idea," Lia said gently.

Kie nodded, cupping both of their cheeks. "So do I."

Isa's heart swelled at their answers, all of them joyful, grateful for the lightness it brought to their heavy situation. "You know, once we save my dad and find that gold, we can start planning our future for real. No more running or hiding."

Kie's gaze turned thoughtful as she nodded slowly. "We can build a home together. Away from all of this chaos."

"And I can write my book while we're living it!" Lia added excitedly. "We can make every moment count."

Isa smiled brightly, feeling a rush of warmth rush through her despite the pain still lingering in her back. "We will make memories together. We talked about almost everything we wanted to do when we got the gold. What else?"

"We also talked about giving back to the Cut and the entire island," Lia remembered. "Especially the kids."

"That's right," Kie agreed.

Isa suddenly thought of something. "Wait... what if we make a community center for the Cut? A place where kids can come after school, where we can offer job training, maybe even set up a scholarship fund."

Kie's expression softened, clearly touched by the idea, eyes shining with admiration. "That is amazing, Isa. You've always had a big heart, always looking out for others, even when you're going through your own stuff."

Lia nodded earnestly. "It's one of the things I love most about you."

"Me too," Kie spoke softly.

Isa felt a warmth spread through her chest at their words. "I just... we all know what it's like to feel alone, you know? Failed by our families. To not have a safe place to go. If we can provide that for other kids, maybe we can make a real difference."

Lia nodded, pulling Isa and Kie closer. "We will. Together. Besides, I have to focus on doing some good so I don't lose control to this darkness inside me."

Isa kissed Lia's head.

Kie stroked Lia's hair. "The good you're planning to do is exactly why you could never lose yourself like your brother did before, and like your father always has."

Lia smiled, her eyes lighting up with an idea. "We can have a water park at the community center for the winter seasons, to keep the younger kids safe. Like the little bitty ones, while the teenagers are having fun surfing or something."

Kie's eyes widened in excitement. "Oh my God, that would be incredible. A splash pad for the kids in the summer, and a heated pool so everybody can swim all year long."

Isa grinned, her heart soaring at the prospect. "And we could have classes on environmental science - teaching about ocean conservation and how to protect the turtles and dolphins and other sea creatures."

Lia nodded enthusiastically. "Monthly beach clean-ups could be a community event. We can get everyone involved, make it a big deal."

"Exactly!" Kie chimed in, her eyes sparkling with ideas. "We can partner with local businesses to sponsor events and provide supplies. The more people know about what's happening in our waters, the more they'll want to help."

Kie chuckled. "And if any parents need to drop their little ones off for babysitting, we can have a playroom set up in the community center."

"That's perfect," Isa agreed. "And we can have a teenage part where they can have games and activities too, so it's for all ages. And we can have parties and gatherings. Which means we're gonna need a killer sound system. I'm talking surround sound, subwoofers that'll shake the leaves off the trees."

Lia laughed, shaking her head. "Of course that's where your mind goes. But you're right, we can't forget the music. Maybe we could even set up a small stage for all kinds of talent to perform."

"Now you're talking," Kie grinned. "We could have weekly open mic nights, showcase all the hidden talent in the Cut."

Isa's eyes lit up as she looked at Kie. "Could even set up a little recording studio on the rooftop. You said that you wanted to learn how to mix tracks and make an entire album forever."

Kie's smile broke across her face. "You'd have that just for me?"

"Of course," Lia agreed. "It's perfect. We could even make a few tracks together. Live music nights, local talent. Just a place for kids of all ages to express themselves, maybe even record their own music."

Kie looked at them both in utter awe, stroking her fingers through their hair. "It's perfect. And I'm still definitely dedicating an entire album to the two of you. The three of us, together."

Isa and Lia grinned.

"You mind if we feature on some of those songs?" Isa asked teasingly.

"I'd love you to," Kie answered.

Lia laughed lightly as they continued to brainstorm big ideas for their community center. "And we could have movie nights, too. Project films onto a big screen under the stars."

"With lots of snacks," Kie added with a grin.

"Of course," Isa laughed. "It wouldn't be a proper Pogue movie night without enough junk food to put us all in a coma. We'll have bonfire nights, too. Roasting marshmallows, telling stories, singing campfire songs..."

"It's gonna be perfect," Lia mused. "Now we just have to figure out a name for the community center."

As the three girls sat together, daydreaming about their future, Isa's eyes sparkled with inspiration. "What about... 'Harmony Haven'? It applies to both the musical side of things and also bringing harmony to the environment and the sea creatures, the beach, the Cut and the kids."

Lia's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I love that! It embodies everything this place stands for. A safe haven for everyone who feels like they don't belong anywhere else by bringing everything together, hopefully in harmony."

Kie smiled enthusiastically. "It's perfect. It feels warm and welcoming, just like what we're trying to create."

"Exactly!" Isa beamed. "A refuge where everyone can find family, no matter what they're going through."

Kie's expression softened as they shared this moment of connection, the weight of their burdens becoming a bit lighter amid their dreams. "I can't believe we're actually talking about this - having our own community center. It's like a dream come true."

"And once we find El Dorado and get the gold..." Lia chimed in, her voice filled with excitement. "We'll make it a reality."

Isa looked at them with such love in her eyes, looking forward to every moment of their future together, building it one day at a time. "I love you both so much."

Kie trailed her fingers down their cheeks. "I love both of you too."

Lia pressed her forehead against their heads, murmuring softly. "All in. Always. I love you."

As Lia kissed Isa, it was sweet and gentle, as Lia didn't want to hurt Isa or agitate her wounds, though their connection was so strong in this moment they couldn't contain it.

As Lia kissed Isa, the warmth of their connection surged between them, and for a moment, the world outside faded away. Kie watched, a smile breaking across her face, feeling the bubble of love that surrounded them in this small space. Even amidst the chaos they were plunging into, moments like this reminded them of the strength they had together.

When they pulled away, Kie pressed her lips to Isa's just as gently but adoringly. A warm rush enveloped Isa as she closed her eyes, savoring te soft kiss from Kie. It felt like a promise, a reminder of the love that would guide them through whatever challenges lay ahead.

Lia leaned in closer, pressing her lips against Kie's cheek, filling the space with tenderness and warmth, teasing but loving all the same. Kie didn't take the teasing as she instantly turned her head to capture Lia's lips with her own, just as careful, gentle and sweet as the kisses they shared with Isa despite the fact they didn't have to be. The gentleness of the moment was just so right for the moment, and Isa couldn't help but smile at Lia and Kie.

Lia trailed her hand through Isa's hair, causing her eyes to flutter closed for a moment. "We're in this together. No matter what happens when we land."

Isa opened her eyes, looking between Kie and Lia. The bond they shared was palpable, a force that strengthened her resolve. She felt a surge of hope coursing through her veins, grounding her even as the pain threatened to pull her under. "Together."

Wheezie and Elyna had taken their seats together on the plane.

Wheezie was writing in her Pogue adventure journal, which she hadn't truly done since the cross heist which felt so long ago despite the fact it wasn't because of everything that had happened since then. She was documenting everything that the Pogues had journeyed and gone through since then, detail for detail, raptured in the way she wrote everything out for every Pogue and everything they had been through, including sketches and drawings that depicted special events.

Elyna couldn't help but marvel at Wheezie as she wrote furiously in her Pogue adventure journal. It was a side of Wheezie she hadn't seen before - so different from the focused, analytical engineer she'd come to know during their heists and missions.

Wheezie's pen flew across the pages, her brow furrowed in concentration as she captured every detail of their recent adventures. Her handwriting flowed in an elegant script, bringing their story to life with vivid descriptions and carefully chosen words. Elyna found herself captivated by the way Wheezie's eyes lit up as she recalled particularly exciting moments, a small smile playing on her lips.

The journal itself was a work of art. Colorful sketches and drawings adorned the margins, depicting key scenes from their journey, and Elyna was truly captivated by the way Wheezie brought each Pogue to life on the page.

Isa's fierce loyalty and resilience as she overcame the third-degree damage on her body and mind after the explosion that threw her from the Chateau window and how she refused to let it deter her mission to save her loved ones - especially her father. John B's unwavering determination, Kaylee's fiery spirit and wrath, Kie's maternal wrath, Lia's gentle yet simultaneously darkness as she defended her loved ones, Sarah's determined expression as she stood up to Topper, JJ's recklessness but devotedness, Pope's cautious demeanor, and Cleo's street tough exterior.

Lastly, Elyna saw herself in those sketches as she became apart of the Pogues - the all in, ride or die loyalty, but the life of the party with a dramatic flair that brought life and light to the Pogues when they were drowning in darkness, which helped them survive ever since they returned home.

Elyna leaned closer, her curiosity piqued as she watched Wheezie lose herself in the pages of her journal.

"What are you writing about?" Elyna asked, her voice barely above a whisper to not break Wheezie's concentration.

Wheezie glanced up momentarily, a sparkle in her eyes as she responded, "Just capturing everything we've been through. The adventures, the moments of bravery, and how we've all grown together. I want to make sure none of this is forgotten. Plus..."

Elyna smiled warmly, feeling a swell of pride for Wheezie's dedication. "Lia's book, I remember. You want to make sure that she has everything. You're the graphic journalist while she's the author."

Wheezie smiled, nodding. "Yeah."

Elyna chuckled. "That's incredible. You both are documenting our journey like some epic saga."

Wheezie grinned, her cheeks tinged with a hint of color at Elyna's praise. "We just think our story deserves to be told. We've faced so much together, and it's important to remember how far we've come."

Elyna nodded in agreement, stealing glances at the sketches that Wheezie had drawn of her. They were strikingly beautiful, and Wheezie suddenly became nervous as she realized that Elyna was looking at the drawings that she had done of her liking.

Elyna's gaze lingered on the sketches of her, capturing her fierce spirit and playfulness perfectly. The way Wheezie had drawn her was more than just a representation; it felt intimate, like a glimpse into how Wheezie saw her.

"Wow," Elyna said softly, her heart swelling with affection. "You really have a talent for this, Wheezie. I look... amazing."

Wheezie's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink. "Thanks. But I just wanted to make sure you were represented among the others."

Elyna leaned in closer, nudging Wheezie playfully. "It's not just about the drawing, though. You see us all with such clarity and depth. I love that you're capturing not only the action but who we are as people."

Wheezie bit her lip, glancing back at Elyna with surprise and gratitude, a mix of exhilaration and shyness washing over her. "Um, you know, I just thought it would be fun to capture everyone's personality. And you've been such a big part of all this."

Elyna smiled, her expression softening as she looked at the drawings with genuine admiration. "You really captured everyone well. It's like you see right through to who I am."

Wheezie bit her lip, feeling warmth blossom in her chest. "Thanks."

Wheezie glanced back at the page where Elyna's sketch appeared - her vibrant eyes sparkling with mischief, her posture radiating confidence and strength.

"You've got talent," Elyna continued, leaning closer to admire the details Wheezie had crafted with care. "I love that you're not just one thing. You're not just an engineer genius. And you're not just a journalist. You're really good at artistry too. It's amazing. I've got a triple threat waiting to take me on a date right here."

Wheezie's heart raced at Elyna's words, a mix of pride and bashfulness settling in. She had never thought of herself as multi-talented, but hearing Elyna acknowledge her creativity made her feel seen in a way that was entirely new. "I guess I've just been trying to capture everything we've been through. It helps me process it all."

Elyna leaned in even closer, her playful demeanor shifting into something more sincere. "You don't give yourself enough credit, Wheezie. You're resilient and talented, and you keep us grounded. I admire that about you."

Wheezie felt a rush of warmth at the compliment. "Thanks, Elyna. That means a lot coming from you. I mean, the criminal mastermind thief extraordinaire. You're talented in technology, hacking, engineering, all kinds artistry because of how you and your family grew up. And you fight like you're a warrior princess."

Elyna smiled back, her eyes glimmering with affection. "I know I am very multi-talented, thank you. But don't forget that you are, too. And my parents and I are full on ready to open up a training program with you and the other Pogues to help you all learn to fight like warriors and warrior princesses to face whatever battles we might have to fight in the future, so that's one more thing you'll have under your belt, too."

Wheezie smiled excitedly at the thought of being able to fight like Elyna and her parents. "That's true, yeah."

Elyna returned with a grin. "And it's not just your talent; it's who you are inside. You care about people - you always have. That's what makes you special."

Wheezie couldn't help but blush, chuckling nervously. "You must be really tired of seeing me blush."

Elyna giggled lightly, shaking her head. "Never. I'll never get tired of seeing how I get underneath your skin."

Wheezie's heart raced at Elyna's teasing, her cheeks flushing even deeper. "You have a way of doing that, you know."

Elyna leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Good. I like it when I get to see that side of you." She paused, a mischievous smile creeping onto her face. "Besides, it makes me feel special knowing I can make you react like this."

Wheezie felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach, laughing softly. "You're impossible."

Elyna leaned back in her seat, a satisfied smirk on her face. "And you love it."

Wheezie rolled her eyes playfully but couldn't hide the smile that broke through. "Okay, maybe you're right."

Elyna's eyes sparkled with delight, and for a moment they both simply enjoyed the closeness of their exchange. The chaos of their lives outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them cocooned in this shared moment.

"So," Elyna said, nudging Wheezie playfully. "Everybody's making their plans once they get the gold too. With Isa, Kie and Lia making the community center with the scholarships, you could put your idea for your scholarship for art and music there."

Wheezie smiled excitedly. "Yeah, and you can too."

Elyna nodded in agreement. "Definitely planning on it."

"I'm still gonna make our cafe just to have our first date there," Wheezie continued, her nervousness fading away as their banter went on easily, and Elyna grinned. "Out by the waterside so we can watch the sunset and have ice cream."

"It'll be perfect," Elyna murmured.

"Absolutely," Wheezie agreed. "Have you thought more about your organization to help victims of crime find their voice again and help them through trauma? The kids like Kaylee and everything?"

"Not much yet," Elyna admitted. "I just know what I said before. Partnering with local artists and musicians to help the kids express their stories through art, and of course pairing up with you and your journaling, maybe even Lia and her writing to spread the word and their stories - only if they want to, of course."

"We can do that at the community center, too," Wheezie pointed out. "I bet Lia, Isa and Kie would be more than up for that. To help those kids reclaim their lives."

Elyna smiled. "You're right. We should ask them when this is all over. We'll brainstorm it all when we get home."

"Yeah," Wheezie agreed. "For now, we have to focus on the mission."

Elyna reached over to gently trail a finger along Wheezie's chin, drawing her gaze to her own. "Yeah. But that doesn't mean that we don't get to share a moment like this before we land on the ground."

For a long moment, Wheezie and Elyna locked eyes, as Elyna's finger traced along Wheezie's jaw.

Wheezie was drawn in, slowly leaning closer as if by a magnetic force. "Would it be asking too much for another kiss before our first date?"

Elyna allowed herself to gravitate closer to Wheezie, whispering against her lips. "Not asking too much at all."

Elyna gently closed the distance between them as her lips pressed against Wheezie's.

Wheezie felt a rush of warmth wash over her as their lips met, the kiss igniting every nerve in her body. It was soft at first, a tender exploration filled with uncertainty and excitement. Elyna's lips were warm and inviting, and Wheezie melted into the moment, her heart racing as she leaned closer.

As they deepened the kiss, all of the uncertainty and chaos of their lives faded away, leaving just the two of them suspended in that perfect bubble. Their surroundings fell silent, the hum of the airplane engines and chatter from the other Pogues fading into the background. In this moment, nothing else mattered. Elyna felt her worries slip away, replaced by a sense of safety and belonging she had always longed for.

When they finally pulled apart, Elyna let her forehead rest against Wheezie's as they both breathed heavily, their cheeks flushed with a mix of exhilaration and shyness.

"Wow," Elyna murmured, a playful glint in her eyes. "That was definitely worth it."

Wheezie chuckled softly, still feeling the tingle of Elyna's lips against her own. "Yeah, it really was."

Elyna grinned, her expression playful yet sincere. "I could get used to that."

Wheezie met her with a smile in response. "Me too."

Wheezie took a moment to savor the closeness between them, the unfiltered joy that danced in Elyna's gaze. It felt magical, as if they were both savoring something precious before diving back into the chaos that awaited them.

As the plane continued its smooth ascent, Wheezie felt a sense of exhilaration wash over her. The kiss had sparked something inside her - a warmth that spread through her body like wildfire. She couldn't help but wonder how everything had shifted so quickly from chaos to this moment of unexpected intimacy.

Elyna leaned back slightly, a teasing smirk playing on her lips. "We should definitely make this a habit, you know - kissing before missions."

Wheezie laughed softly. "I could definitely get behind that. Maybe it'll become our lucky charm."

"Exactly," Elyna responded, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Just think of all the ways we could celebrate after each successful mission. Kisses, ice cream, sunsets, art... who could ask for more?"

The thought made Wheezie's heart skip a beat - imagining a future filled with adventure and small moments shared just between them. "I like the sound of that."

Elyna laced her fingers with Wheezie's, bringing her hand to her lips to place a kiss on the back of her hand, her gaze never leaving hers. "Good. It'll be amazing, Wheezie Cameron. I promise."

Wheezie had a small smile gracing her lips as her eyes closed briefly. "Any future where we're all together and making a future together sounds amazing, Elyna Veilleux."

Elyna beamed with pride at the sound of her name after she and Gael had finally left the alias Maverick behind and taken Esme's last name so the three of them could truly be a family for the first time in their lives - along with Kaylee and Kie.

And now, that family extended to the Pogues, and Elyna could not be any happier.

⚓️

Airstrip

The plane was landing, and one by one, the Pogues stepped off.

Lia was giving Indy some food and making sure that she was safe and secure on the plane before she followed the others, looking toward Ward. "Dad, if you ever wanna make up for everything, you make sure nothing happens to my kitten, and this plane better stay here while Indy is on it."

Ward blinked, still recovering from his earlier ordeal, and nodded in agreement, though a hint of hesitance flickered in his eyes as he looked at Indy, who was glaring at him and tensed as if she was ready to pounce. "Of course. The cat will be fine, Lia. Just focus on your mission."

Lia narrowed her eyes at him, not quite ready to let go of her anger. "You say that now, but trust is hard-earned. If anything happens to her--"

"I won't let anything happen," Ward interrupted. Unlike before, when he had dismissed their feelings, he was aware that this time the stakes were higher. "I promise you that. In fact..." To make a point to his daughters, as Sarah and Wheezie were watching from the doorway of the plane before they stepped off, Ward turned to the pilot who was stepping out of the cockpit. "Do not let the cat off this plane, and make sure it stays safe. Take care of it until my daughters and their friends get back."

Ward slipped the pilot a little extra money for the request to be honored.

The pilot nodded in understanding. "Of course, sir."

"Thank you," Ward told him.

The pilot walked away, giving the four some time.

Ward turned to Lia, Sarah and Wheezie. "Satisfied?"

Lia, Sarah and Wheezie shared a look, tension lined in every fiber of their being, though they gave a reluctant nod at the gesture.

"For now," Sarah answered.

Indy was still glaring at Ward, hissing.

Wheezie smirked slightly. "Though, I'd be careful if I were you, Dad. The last time Indy looked at anyone like that - Topper - she attacked the living hell out of him."

Ward nodded tensely, though he forced a smile, nervous but slightly amused. "I'm very well aware of that. The laughter while you and your friends watched the video last night woke me up."

Lia smiled smugly. "So you know what will happen if you try to hurt Indy or any of the Pogues, because she will protect her family just like the rest of us."

Ward nodded slowly, acknowledging the truth in Lia's words. "I get it. She's part of your family, and that means everything to you."

"Exactly," Wheezie said, crossing her arms defiantly. "And you need to remember that we're not scared of you anymore. We're taking back our lives."

"That means you can't take control of Lia and Rafe anymore and make them snap like you did before you gave us the plane," Sarah told him.

Lia stepped forward, her expression fierce. "You might be our father, but that doesn't give you the right to put us through hell. This is our mission, and we're going to protect those we love."

Ward's gaze shifted between his daughters, an unreadable expression crossing his face - a blend of regret and something softer, perhaps realization. There was a flicker of vulnerability beneath his carefully constructed facade.

Though, before he could say anything, Lia, Sarah and Wheezie gave Indy one last look before stepping off of the plane and going to join the other Pogues outside.

Cleo looked around at the guards all along the strip. "I told you, it's the Wild West out here."

Sensing that Indy was about to attack him, Ward hurriedly left his own plane. He stumbled down the steps, his injured leg and his stabbed torso protesting with each movement, as he frantically tried to put distance between himself and the fierce little kitten. The humid jungle air hit him like a wall as he emerged from the climate-controlled cabin, causing beads of sweat to instantly form on his brow.

As he reached the ground, Ward glanced back over his shoulder. Indy stood at the top of the stairs, her tail lashing back and forth like an angry whip. Her eyes, pools of emerald fire, bore into him with an intensity that made him take a further step back away from his plane.

Ward turned to his daughters, who stood with their friends. "Lia! Sarah! Wheezie!"

All of the Pogues - including his daughters - were already looking at Ward and the spectacle before them with Indy at the top of the stairs and looking ready to pounce. And yet, the Pogues couldn't help but be proud, the memory of Indy's attack on Topper playing vividly in their minds - the way her tiny claws had left angry red welts across the Kook's face, how her teeth had sunk into exposed flesh with surprising strength. They could almost hear the echoes of Topper's pained yelps and yells for help after all he had done to harm their family.

And Ward had hurt them most of all. The great and powerful Ward Cameron... and he was forced out of his plane by a furious little kitten set to defend her family.

Kaylee, JJ, Elyna and Cleo were snickering shamelessly, while Isa, John B and Kie were trying to hide their smiles and laughter. Pope couldn't resist a grin that he covered with a cough and his hand over his lips.

Yet, Lia, Sarah and Wheezie's reactions were the best ones.

Lia, Sarah, and Wheezie exchanged incredulous glances, then burst into laughter that filled the air with a lightness that had been absent for far too long.

"Did you just get chased off by a kitten?" Lia couldn't help but tease, her voice melodic with amusement.

Ward's face flushed a deep shade of red as he shot them all a glare that held no real power anymore. "This is not funny! You don't understand--"

"Oh, we understand perfectly," Sarah interjected, her laughter still bubbling up as she pointed playfully at Indy. "That little furball just sent you running like a scared child."

Wheezie stepped forward, hands on her hips as she feigned seriousness. "You should be ashamed of yourself, Dad. Letting a cat intimidate you? After everything you've done to us? That's perfect."

Kaylee grinned with mischief flashing in her eyes. "Revenge is sweet."

JJ threw his arm around Kaylee, flashing a victorious smile toward Ward with a cheeky wink. "Nothing sweeter."

Ward glanced at JJ before looking away.

Kie crossed her arms, a teasing smile curling on her lips. "Yeah, I'd love to see you try and fight with a cat that just took down Topper. Good luck with that."

"Especially in your state," Pope added.

Elyna chimed in, eyes sparkling with laughter. "Seriously! You think you can scare Indy? After what she did to that Kook? You're gonna have to do better than that."

Ward felt the weight of their words sink in, but his bravado was faltering as he realized he was not just facing his daughters but also an army of determined Pogues who had each been affected by his actions. All but Cleo and Elyna. It stung more than he expected.

Ward glanced back at Indy, who stayed poised to attack at the top of the stairs. He wobbled toward his daughters with his cane. "I'm coming with you."

Lia, Sarah and Wheezie looked at him in disbelief.

"Absolutely not," Wheezie immediately denied.

"Fuck, no!" Lia exclaimed.

"You got us here like you said you would," Sarah told him.

"What do you expect me to do until you get back?" Ward replied, gesturing toward the vessel behind him. "It's not like I can sit peacefully in my own plane with that thing sitting there."

Indy growled in response, as if challenging Ward to call her 'that thing' one more time, or to come any closer. The tension in the air crackled with unspoken words, and it was clear to everyone that Ward's presence was anything but welcome.

Indy's response incited more amused reactions from the Pogues who all tried not to smile or laugh again, as the tension was becoming thicker with confrontation as Lia, Sarah and Wheezie faced their father with their friends behind them as support, and Indy ready to attack.

Ward looked at his daughters. "You're in over your heads."

"You just got stabbed," Sarah pointed out. "You need to see a doctor."

"I'll be fine," Ward replied. "Let me help, please."

"You expect us to believe that you're here for our safety?" Wheezie challenged, crossing her arms defiantly. "After everything you've done?"

Ward shifted uncomfortably under their gazes, his facade of authority crumbling a bit under the weight of his guilt. "I know I haven't been the father you needed. But I'm trying to change. You've got to give me a chance."

"Your idea of 'change' is just another way to control us," Lia shot back, her fierce spirit shining through. "You can't just waltz back into our lives when it's convenient for you and try to force us into your psychotic little dollhouse again."

"Especially not now," Sarah added, glancing over at her friends for support. "We need to focus on the mission ahead, and having you around would only complicate things."

"You promised you weren't a part of this," Wheezie continued. "And we're continuing on without you. We're finishing this, we're building our own future, with our friends here. Our real family. And you can't stop us."

Ward looked between the steely gazes of all the Pogues and cast one glance back at Indy, knowing that he wasn't going to be able to change their minds. He sighed, seeming to give in too easily. "Okay. I guess I'll go see the doctor then."

Ward turned on his heel, reluctantly heading back toward the entrance of the plane. The laughter and camaraderie of the Pogues faded behind him, a tangible reminder of the chasm that had grown between him and his daughters.

As he disappeared inside, Sarah turned to her friends, her expression a mix of relief and concern. "I can't believe he thought he could just come along with us after everything."

Wheezie nodded vigorously, her arms still crossed in defiance. "He's lost all right to call himself our father. We're not going to let him ruin this mission or our futures."

"Or Indy," Kie added, looking up at the kitten in the doorway of the plane. "Indy's our priority now."

Indy's ears perked up at the mention of her name as if she understood the gravity of the situation surrounding them.

The Pogues waved bye to Indy, smiling at her as the door to the plane closed so that Indy would be safely taken care of in the plane while they went on their mission without putting their cherished little kitten in danger with them.

Once the door of the plane was closed, Isa stepped forward, breaking the tension with a little grin despite the pain of her wounds, once again acting as Commander Isa, as JJ would love to tease her about. "Alright, Pogues! Let's head out."

⚓️

Town

(Song:) La Pajuelera - Luis Kalaff y Sus Alegres Dominicanos

The Pogues arrived to town and began looking around.

Tres Rocas just looked menacing. Where the lowest lived, thieves and criminals, murderers and con artists. But that wasn't all that resided there. Lining the streets, some waving colorful flags or launching fireworks in a celebration, were families. Men, women and children, all struggling to make a life out of themselves. Hoping for the best, taking things as they came.

JJ pointed to Barracuda Mike down the way. "Yo, is that Barracuda Mike?"

"Oh, shit," Cleo said.

Barracuda Mike turned to look at them, groaning. "Can't even escape you kids here, can I?"

"Touching," Lia retorted dryly.

Barracuda Mike looked at Elyna nervously after she and her parents had absolutely destroyed him and his crew, which caused the other Pogues to smile knowingly.

Elyna smirked smugly. "Hey, Barracuda. Last time we spoke, you had a gun on me but my parents had two on you. After we took out your crew. How you guys doing?"

"Just fine, thanks," Barracuda Mike replied. "I don't want no trouble."

"Don't go threatening my friends again and we won't have any," Elyna returned.

Barracuda Mike sighed. "But we have a deal, remember?" He shot Isa, John B and JJ a look. "They still owe me for that lost load."

"We remember, all right?" Isa asked. "We'll get that money back to you, promise."

John B nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Hey, kids," Barracuda Mike said. "Word of advice."

"What?" Pope asked.

"This ain't Kildare," Barracuda Mike answered. "Try and lay low."

"Yeah, we know," Cleo replied. "Sure thing, chief."

"Listen, a little favor?" Kaylee asked. "You wouldn't happen to have any weapons, would you?"

Barracuda Mike rolled his eyes. "I got a few machetes. That work?"

Lia perked up. "Absolutely that works. Thanks."

Barracuda Mike reached into his car for the knapsack with the weapons, though he counted the heads of the kids in front of him before adding a couple more so they each had one, handing the bag over.

"Thanks, Mike," Wheezie told him. "Really."

"Thanks, Barracuda Mike," Sarah told him.

Barracuda Mike walked away.

John B looked at the knapsack that was now in JJ's hands. "Nice call, Kaylee. At least we're somewhat armed now."

Kaylee smirked, shrugging.

"Nice going," Kie said.

"These will help us in the jungle," Kaylee quipped.

"Rainforest," Pope corrected.

Kaylee flipped him off. "Whatever, Pope. Rainforest."

JJ laughed.

Pope put his hands in the air. "Hey, I'm just being specific."

"Specificity is for the weak, Pope," JJ replied. "Get with the times."

"Well, that went better than I expected," Lia said.

"Better than anyone could expect," Kie agreed.

"Yup," Elyna said, popping the P.

"Let's go," Wheezie told them, leading the way through the parade.

"There's a lot going on," Sarah remarked.

"Looks like it's a local holiday," Cleo stated.

Kaylee had to pull her hair up, breathing heavily. "Ugh, it's hot!"

Kaylee fanned herself with her hands, sweat beading on her brow, though she winced because of her burns in her arm.

JJ looked at Kaylee in amusement. "Air you can wear, right?"

Kaylee smirked, shrugging.

JJ laughed lightly.

Kie made a face. "I can already hear the mosquitos."

"They always liked you Carreras," Isa teased.

Lia laughed lightly.

Kaylee groaned. "And that was back in the OBX. What about the damn jungle?"

"Rainforest," Pope corrected.

"Pope," Kaylee complained.

"Sorry," Pope said.

The others laughed.

JJ snorted, draping an arm around Kaylee's shoulders as they moved into town.

John B held Sarah's hand as the group walked the streets.

Isa, Kie and Lia linked their arms as they walked along together, all careful with their wounds.

Wheezie and Elyna took each other by the hands as they followed the others up ahead.

Pope and Cleo followed behind, both too awkward to initiate any contact despite clearly falling for each other.

"So we got to assume that Singh's already gone upriver," Isa said. "We're looking for a guy named Jose. He's gonna take us to the dig site."

"Jose," Elyna repeated. "Do you have a last name, or..."

"We do not have a last name," John B answered.

Cleo looked away. "Shit. It's gonna be like trying to find a teardrop in the ocean."

Sarah looked around. "I'm assuming river guides probably hang out by the river."

"Yeah, but if they're anything like the guides at OBX, they're probably getting drunk on holiday," Lia pointed out.

JJ nodded. "So let's start with the bars."

"Okay," Wheezie agreed.

"Divide and conquer?" Sarah asked.

"Let's do it," John B answered.

They all did the Pogue handshake together.

Kaylee and Kie smiled at Elyna when they realized their cousin had the handshake down.

"You're officially all in, Ely," Kie grinned.

Elyna smiled as she winked at them. "All in, baby." 

(Song Ends)

⚓️

Montage

(Song:) La Mariposa - Raul Monsalve y los Forajidos

Each Pogue divided into their couples as they split up to ask around about Jose.

The streets were dirty and littered with grime and trash, grated with deep puddles of muddy water.

A middle-aged man watched Kaylee like a hawk.

Kaylee edged away from him. "Listen, asshole--"

JJ gave the pervert a middle finger and a rough translation of 'fuck off' in his native tongue.

The man smirked, walking away, disappearing down a dark alley two streets behind them.

Kaylee turned to look at JJ. "Thanks. I didn't know you spoke Spanish."

JJ smiled. "I don't. Not much, anyways. Just basic stuff, and how to swear. You know, the important things."

Kaylee couldn't help a laugh, and JJ smiled at hearing it again like that.

Elyna and Wheezie walked along outside a bar.

Elyna spoke in Spanish to communicate with the people around. "Does anyone know who Jose is? Tourist guide?"

"He works on the river," Wheezie explained.

When they confirmed the negative, Elyna turned to Wheezie with a shake of her head.

Wheezie sighed heavily.

All the Pogues continued through the streets, asking about Jose, hearing nothing about him, as no one seemed to know a thing, which was extremely frustrating and concerning.

Cleo turned to Pope in frustration. "Apparently nobody knows anything."

Pope sighed, shaking his head.

Isa, Kie and Lia continued on.

"Well, this is clearly pointless," Kie muttered.

"Hope the other guys are having better luck than we are," Lia said.

Isa took Kie and Lia by the hands, leading them along. "Let's go find them. Come on."

(Song Ends)

⚓️

Singh's Compound

Big John was alone for the moment, trying to find a way out, sighing in frustration.

The window was locked, but Big John was able to break a paperclip and use it to pick the lock to the window. "Just like old times back in the old Pogue days."

Big John got the window unlocked, slowly opening it, hoping that no one could hear.

That was when he could hear the Latin music playing outside in the streets.

(Song:) Que Lengua - Kito Velez y sus Estrellas

Just as Big John was about to climb out through the window, a man ran up to him and pulled him back inside. "Hey, you!"

Big John elbowed the man in the face to make him let go, turning to punch him in the stomach, running at him to tackle him into a table.

He had the upper hand until another guy, Guy 2, ran up on the other side of Big John and grabbed his arm, and Guy 1 pushed himself up to grab the other, both of them restraining him.

⚓️

Outside

Sarah and John B were still looking.

Isa, Lia and Kie walked up to them.

"Hey, anything?" Sarah asked.

"Not yet," Lia answered.

"Yeah, we got a bunch of noes, too," John B agreed.

Kie shook her head. "There's not a single Jose who's a panga driver in there."

Isa sighed. "This is gonna be a lot harder than we thought."

"Yeah, I know," Sarah agreed.

Suddenly, they heard Big John's voice from the open window in the house up ahead. "You rat bastard! Bastards, you son of a bitch! I'll chew your arms off, you jack-off feeder fish!"

Instantly, Isa and John B recognized the voice and the words as they reached for each other and grabbed each other by the arms. "Holy shit."

Kie's mouth dropped. "No fucking way."

"What?" Lia asked.

"There's only one person on this planet who would say something like that," John B answered.

They heard Big John's voice. "Hey, get off of me! Get off of me, you--"

"Wait, are you saying..." Sarah trailed off.

Isa nodded. "Yeah. That's our dad."

"It's definitely him," Kie answered.

Lia smiled in relief. "Maybe luck's on our side for once."

They saw a man close the window.

"That's one of Singh's men," Isa recalled, recognizing him from when Singh's men took Big John.

"That means they didn't take him upriver," John B told them. "We can still save him."

"So how do we get him out of there?" Sarah asked.

Kie tilted her head. "Therein lies the question."

When they heard fireworks whizzing past into the sky, they looked all around to the fireworks that were all over the place.

Lia started to smile as her eyes lit up. "I may have an idea."

John B already knew where Lia was going with this, nodding. "Kaylee would approve. She's rubbed off on you."

They smiled.

(Song Ends)

⚓️

Inside

Singh was confronting Ryan. "He wouldn't be running if he could translate the gnomon. I'm starting to think our friend might not be worth the trouble. You understand me?"

Singh walked toward the window, leaning against it with his arm.

"I could take him out into the jungle," Ryan offered. "Leave him in the tall grass."

Before Singh could respond, fireworks were launching into the building from all the windows (as Isa, John B, Lia, Sarah and Kie all shot fireworks through every window they could).

Shocked, Singh and Ryan both ducked before they could be harmed by the exploding fireworks.

"Who's shooting at us?" Ryan demanded.

Singh gasped as a firework almost got him.

⚓️

Big John's Room

The two men guarding Big John, the ones that stopped his escape, ran into the other room. "What the hell was that?"

Once he was alone, Big John stood, running toward the window to see what was going on.

Outside, he saw Isa, Kie, Lia and Sarah shooting fireworks into the house, while John B ran with a ladder toward the window where Big John was at.

Big John was absolutely stunned to see his children and their lovers outside and fighting to rescue him. "I'll be damned."

⚓️

Living Room

Singh, Ryan and the other two guards had to take cover.

Singh pushed himself up. "It's just fireworks! Ryan, Rod, go check it out now!" He pointed to the other. "Ronnie, keep your eye on Routledge."

⚓️

Big John's Room

Ronnie walked into the room.

Big John was hiding, coming out of hiding, slamming the gnomon over Ronnie's head, knocking him down, continuously hitting and kicking.

⚓️

Outside

Isa, Lia, Kie and Sarah were in hiding as they shot more fireworks at the house, just as Ryan and Rod walked outside, and they both had to duck and dodge before they could be burned and harmed by the fireworks, running back inside as it was a futile attempt.

Isa smirked smugly. "That's what you get, sons of bitches."

Lia, Kie and Sarah smiled smugly as they looked at Isa, the four girls exchanging a victorious look.

⚓️

Inside - Big John's Room

Ronnie stood, aiming his gun at Big John. "Not so fast."

⚓️

Outside

John B could hear the shouting and screams from outside as he plopped the ladder down in front of the window, climbing up as quickly as he could, hand over foot.

Sarah ran closer to hold the ladder steady for him. "I got you."

John B flashed her a grateful smile as he climbed up.

Isa, Lia and Kie were still shooting fireworks at the house to buy them some time.

⚓️

Inside - Big John's Room

Ronnie had his gun aimed at Big John. "Sit down. Sit down!"

Before Ronnie could shoot, Big John pushed the gun aside just as it went off, the gunshot firing past him into the wall, twisting Ronnie's arm as they wrestled for the gun.

The gun went off again, this time shattering the window right above John B's head, as John B ducked just in time as the bullet whizzed over his head. "Whoa!"

Sarah gasped as she ducked as well.

John B stumbled, falling backwards, to the ground, groaning.

Other people who heard the gunshots started to run.

Isa, Kie and Lia ran over to John B and Sarah.

"Are you okay?" Lia asked frantically in worry.

Sarah and Isa helped John B stand.

"You okay?" Kie asked.

They ran for cover so they wouldn't be spotted.

"Yeah, I'm good," John B answered. "That was Dad."

They heard the glass window shatter completely, and Ronnie screamed as he fell from the window and to the ground right in front of the five teens, moaning, before going completely still.

Isa, Kie, Lia and Sarah gasped, as John B stared with wide eyes.

They all held their breath as they heard someone on the roof over their heads.

"Guys?" Sarah asked. "Guys..."

Big John dropped down from the roof to land in front of the kids.

Isa let out a breath of relief. "Oh, my God. Dad!"

Big John glanced up briefly. "Good to see you, kids."

"Oh, my God," Lia said.

Kie smiled. "Hi."

"Hi, girls," Big John replied.

As much as Isa and John B wanted to have a good reunion with their father, they knew they couldn't as they heard Singh's men recovering inside, yelling as they would begin their search for Big John and kill the kids in the process.

"We gotta go," John B told them. "Come on, Dad."

"Come on, let's go," Isa urged.

"Go," Lia agreed. They all started to run as fast as they could. "Oh, shit."

"Go, go," Kie told them.

Sarah was leading the way. "Come on! Follow me."

Big John was trailing behind the kids as they all ran. "Go, go."

As they ran through the chaotic streets, Isa's body screamed in protest with every step. The third-degree burns on her back and shoulders felt like they were on fire, sending waves of searing pain through her entire body. Each movement pulled at the raw, exposed flesh, threatening to tear open the fragile skin even further.

Isa gritted her teeth, fighting against the agony that threatened to overwhelm her. Her vision blurred as tears of pain welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them away furiously. She couldn't afford to slow down now, not when they were so close to escaping with her father.

Lia and Kie flanked Isa on either side, their eyes darting between her and the path ahead. They could see the strain etched on Isa's face, the way her steps were becoming more unsteady with each passing moment as she struggled to keep pace with the others.

Lia and Kie's hands gently but firmly gripped Isa's arms to keep her upright and moving. They could feel the tremors running through her body, the way she stumbled slightly with each step, but they refused to let her fall behind.

"Come on, Isa," Lia urged, her voice a mixture of encouragement and worry. "We're almost there. You can do this."

Kie's eyes darted between Isa and the path ahead, her heart racing with both adrenaline and fear for their lover. "Just a little longer."

John B and Sarah glanced back as they heard Lia and Kie's voices, each worried about Isa's state.

Isa couldn't contain her sob as she nearly collapsed.

John B quickly caught Isa from falling, lifting her up into his arms, holding his sister protectively as if he could shield her from the chaos of the world surrounding them and the damage that her body had already endured. "Come on, I've got you."

As John B hoisted Isa into his arms, the warmth of his body against her skin provided a brief reprieve from the burning pain that had become almost unbearable. She buried her face in the crook of his neck, drawing strength from him as he carried her through the chaos.

John B could feel the weight of the world pressing down on them, but he wouldn't let that stop him. "Hold on tight, Isa. I won't let you go."

Isa nodded weakly. The pounding of her heart matched the intensity of the chaos around them, but John B's grip was steady and reassuring. With every stride he took, it felt like they were racing against time itself.

"Keep moving!" Sarah shouted, glancing back to see if Singh's men had caught up.

The streets were alive with noise - shouts, gunfire, the distant wail of sirens - but they couldn't afford to look back now. They had to keep pushing forward.

Isa clung to her brother, each jostle sending fresh waves of pain through her back and shoulders, but she forced herself to focus on the thump-thump-thump of John B's heart against her ear to keep herself calm and distracted away from her agony.

Lia and Kie flanked them on either side, their eyes wide with an intense mixture of fear and determination as they raced ahead.

Big John chased after the teenagers, oblivious to the predicament that Isa was in and the agony she was suffering through all in the name of saving him as they made their escape from his captors.

⚓️

Street

Pope and Cleo were together.

"No?" Cleo asked. "No Jose. They don't know anybody named Jose. Like I supposed to believe that shit, man."

Pope looked down the road to see a car driving right toward them. "Uh, Cleo?"

Cleo moved to his side, following his gaze. "They don't look friendly."

As they saw the car driving up right to them, honking, Pope began backing away. "Run. Go!"

They turned around and took off down the street in a run.

Kaylee, JJ, Wheezie and Elyna were meeting at the spot they agreed to come back to.

"This was the spot, right?" Elyna asked.

Wheezie nodded. "Yeah, this was where we said."

"Where the hell are they, then?" JJ asked, fisting his hair.

Suddenly, Pope and Cleo came sprinting out from the crowded side street, both panting heavily.

Kaylee realized they were on the run from Singh's men already, tilting her head. "You gotta be kidding me. We've been here not even an hour!"

"Hey!" Pope said. "Run!"

"We gotta go!" Cleo told them.

"What now?" JJ asked.

"We gotta run!" Cleo said breathlessly. "Go, go!"

Kaylee, JJ, Wheezie and Elyna began sprinting with them, casting furtive glances behind as they ran.

"Seriously, already?" Elyna complained. "We just got here."

"What's happening?" Wheezie demanded.

"Singh's men are right behind us," Pope answered. "They're after us. We gotta think of a plan."

Kaylee saw the car pull up. "They're coming now. Hide!"

Cleo pointed to several boxes stacked against the wall nearby. "Guys! Fruit stands! Duck!"

They all ran behind the fruit stands, past the people around them.

"Excuse me, sorry," Wheezie said frantically as she pushed through the crowd with the others. "Sorry!"

"Sorry, sorry," Elyna said.

"Get down," Kaylee hissed.

"Duck!" JJ whispered.

The six of them ducked behind the fruit stands, all of them breathing heavily.

Ryan and Fenton got out of the car with rifles.

"Over by the bus," Ryan told him.

Kaylee scoffed. "Of fucking course it's those two assholes."

Kaylee stared at Fenton, eyeing the burned scars on his body from when Kaylee and Rafe had set an explosion to Singh's mansion with Fenton inside, after they had left him tied up and gagged in their escape to survive.

Fenton had already tried to kill Kaylee after he saw her again after his survival. Kaylee had defended herself with a machete and slashed into his arms, where she could see more scars in his skin, shrugging slightly.

As she reminded herself, it was the only way to survive.

Elyna looked at Kaylee curiously. "That's the one that..."

"Yep," JJ answered.

Pope shook his head. "Jesus, Kaylee."

"Don't blame me," Kaylee retorted. "He's the one that kidnapped me for Singh to begin with and hurt me while I was healing and sick."

JJ's glare narrowed on Fenton. "And tried to kill you on the boat. For that alone, he deserves all those scars."

"I second that," Elyna agreed.

Wheezie nodded. "Third."

Cleo smirked. "Aye."

Pope shook his head at their reactions.

Ryan walked up to a group, speaking in Spanish, which translated to: "Did you see some teenagers run by here?"

A man shook his head. "No, I didn't see anything."

Ryan and Fenton kept asking around, but no one gave them the answers they were searching for, as Kaylee, JJ, Wheezie, Elyna, Pope and Cleo waited with bated breath.

"I can take them out right now if I need to," Elyna pointed out.

Wheezie shook her head. "That'll only draw more men to us. We can't risk a fight until there's no other option."

"Wheezie's right," Pope agreed.

Kaylee, JJ, Elyna and Cleo sighed, nodding in understanding and agreement. If they got involved in a fight and brought more men down upon them now, then they could only endanger themselves more.

So the group waited until the two men finally walked away.

JJ sighed in relief. "Holy shit."

"Never wanna do that shit again," Wheezie said.

"Close one," Cleo remarked.

Kaylee shrugged. "Eh."

Pope blew out a long sigh of relief. "Okay, we're in the clear. Let's go find the other guys."

"Let's move," JJ said.

They all started walking, passing by a firework stand as they did - a pyromanic's dreamscape for Kaylee.

Kaylee paused for a moment, her eyes drawn to the vibrant array of colors and explosive potential displayed in front of her. The fireworks seemed to shimmer and beckon, a siren call to the thrill-seeker within her.

Kaylee's eyes lit up like a kid in a Christmas store as an impish grin spread across her face. "Ooh!"

"Kaylee," Wheezie warned.

"No, just hear me out, guys," Kaylee insisted. "What if we grabbed a few of these? They could come in handy."

Cleo raised an eyebrow, glancing at the others. "You really think that's a good idea right now? We're trying to stay under the radar, remember?"

Elyna rolled her eyes playfully. "Sometimes to stay under the radar, you have to glow above the radar. Trust me."

Kaylee smiled gratefully at her cousin for the support. "We can create a distraction, maybe even use them as weapons."

Elyna nodded in agreement. "If those goons come after us again, we'll light up the sky and make our escape."

A slow grin spread across JJ's lips. "I like where you two got your heads right now. I'm in."

Wheezie tilted her head, considering, her eyes lighting up as she imagined the possibilities. "Me too."

Pope shook his head incredulously yet couldn't hide his amusement. "And how do you propose we do that? With what, sparklers?"

Wheezie crossed her arms, grinning. "Not just any sparklers. We light up some real fireworks."

Kaylee grabbed the largest fireworks. "We take the biggest and baddest bitches here. The ones that can really light it up."

"Not only would it be a good distraction," Elyna pointed out. "But if Singh and his men try to attack us while we're going down river, it's the only weapon we can fire back at their guns to keep us safe."

Cleo tilted her head, looking at Pope. "They're right, Pope. I don't feel like getting shot on while we're sailing down stream."

Pope was speechless for a moment when he realized that they were right. It was the only weapon they would have to protect themselves long range.

"Okay, fine," Pope sighed, running a hand through his hair. "But we need to be quick about it. We can't attract too much attention."

Kaylee's eyes sparkled with excitement as she turned to the firework stand, her heart racing at the thought of finally having a real chance to fight back against Singh's men. "Let's grab what we can, and then we'll book it."

With newfound energy, they spread out among the colorful displays.

Kaylee quickly picked up several packs of Roman candles while JJ grabbed a few rockets and a box of firecrackers. Cleo collected some aerial fireworks for the extra flair, while Elyna grabbed mortar-and-shells, and Wheezie scanned for anything that could serve as additional explosives. Pope stayed on lookout, glancing around to ensure they remained under the radar.

Elyna caught sight of a bottle canon that they would need to aim the fireworks at Singh's men from their boat, taking it. "We'll need that for the rockets. We can throw the rest if we have to."

Kaylee ensured that in everything they had, she had fireworks that could ensure defense and offense - burning and stopping Singh's men from killing their friends even if it meant causing maximum damage on their enemies.

"I think we got everything we need," JJ said, pleased.

"I think so," Wheezie agreed.

Elyna took out the only money that she had left and left it on the counter for the clerk behind the fireworks stand.

"Thank you," Wheezie told him.

The group took a basket from nearby and put the fireworks inside, covering it with a lid.

Cleo grinned. "Cheese on bread. I feel a lot better with having these and not just machetes for hand to hand fights."

JJ smirked. "You and me both."

Kaylee, Wheezie and Elyna smiled in response.

Pope nodded in agreement and relief. "We ready to go?"

"Yeah," Kaylee answered. "Let's go find the others."

With that, the group headed off with their weapons ready.

⚓️

Another Road

Once Isa, John B, Kie, Lia and Sarah were sure that they were no longer being pursued, John B had to come to a stop, exerting himself with the running while carrying his sister.

Lia, Kie and Sarah stopped next to them in worry.

"It's okay," Kie told them. "Let's take a breather. We got away."

Big John turned back, confused and impatient. "No, it's not okay. We can't slow down. We gotta go. Why are you kids stopping?"

"Take a look at your daughter and ask that again," Lia snapped in defense, glaring at Big John as she hoped that he would see that Isa needed him to see that she was not okay and she could not be pushed to her limits like he did to her before.

Big John turned, and his expression shifted from frustration to concern as he took in Isa's ashen face, the way she was still in John B's arms, her body trembling slightly under the strain of her injuries, her breathing coming in shaky gasps.

Big John walked closer, stunned and confused. "Isa. What happened? Are you hurt?"

Isa forced a smile, trying to mask the pain that radiated from her burns. "I'm fine, Dad. Just a little... crispy."

"Crispy?" Big John repeated in disbelief, unable to see Isa's burns from beneath her bandages. "She's fine."

"She's not fine, Dad," John B said firmly, his eyes blazing with protective anger. "She got blown out of a window and carried Lia and Kie out of a burning house! She's seriously hurt."

"What the hell happened?" Big John asked.

"The Chateau burned down and almost took all of us with it," Sarah answered. "Isa was the last one out when she was caught in the explosion. She made sure that everyone else got out before she did."

Big John's eyes widened with shock as he processed the words, realizing that their home was gone and his children and all of their friends had almost died - again - after he was taken by Singh's men. "Jesus." He looked between Isa and John B, stricken, trying to figure out what to do. "We need to go. We can't stop now. We can't let them catch up to us."

Isa's heart sank as she watched her father's expression shift from momentary concern back to urgency. The brief flicker of worry in his eyes was quickly replaced by the familiar, obsessive gleam that had haunted their family for years. It was as if the news of her injuries, the loss of their home, and the near-death experience of his children and their friends were merely inconvenient obstacles in his relentless pursuit.

"Dad," Isa whispered, her voice barely audible over the distant sounds of the chaotic town. "We almost died. All of us. The Chateau... it's gone."

But Big John's gaze had already drifted past them, scanning the horizon as if searching for some invisible sign that only he could see. "We can't afford to lose any more time. El Dorado is close, I can feel it. We need to push on. And Singh's men could be right behind us. We can't afford to lose any more time."

Isa felt a lump form in her throat, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. After everything they had been through - the fire, the desperate rescue mission, the pain that wracked her body with every breath - she had hoped for just a moment of reprieve, a chance to connect with her father and let him know how much she needed him to understand. But his obsession overshadowed everything else, just like it always had.

"Dad, we need to talk," John B said, trying to keep his voice steady despite the anger brewing beneath the surface. "You can't keep running headfirst into danger. You need to think about us - about Isa."

Big John finally turned his full attention to them, frustration etched across his brow. "I'm not going to let anything stop us from finding the gold and finishing what I started. You should know that by now."

Isa winced at his words, the pain in her back flaring as she shifted in John B's arms.

Lia, Kie and Sarah looked at Big John with utter disbelief as they spoke up to defend their lovers.

"And what if it costs you your children again?" Kie demanded. "They almost lost everything."

"We can't lose sight of what matters!" Big John snapped back, glancing at Isa's frail form in John B's arms. "I can only assume that Isa needs that gold as much as I do, to pay for whatever treatment that the doctors back home can give her."

"That's true," Sarah confirmed. "But--"

"So stop arguing with me and help me find the damn treasure," Big John practically growled. "It's what's best for all of us."

"Dad, please," Isa urged, her voice trembling. "We have to focus on getting out of here safely first."

"Isa," Big John said, his tone firm but lacking the softness his daughter craved - and needed. "I understand you're scared and you're hurt, but we have to stay on our path. We've come too far to stop now."

"That's the problem!" John B interjected, his frustration boiling over. "You need to realize that this isn't just about you anymore! Isa can't keep up if you push her like this."

Big John's eyes hardened at John B's words, but he could see the resolve in his son's expression and the growing pain in Isa's face. He took in the sight of Lia, Kie and Sarah standing tall by their sides, solidarity connecting them as they stood their ground against him.

Lia stepped forward, her eyes blazing. "Even after the fire, Isa came to help me save Kie from a prison of a boarding school in the mountains that her own parents kidnapped her and sent her to. We almost died going over a cliff, and the pain that Isa went through as we had to pull her over given her wounds was bad enough. If you think for one second that we're going to let you and your goddamn obsession with the gold endanger her life again, you couldn't be more fucking wrong."

Big John's expression shifted, the weight of their words hitting him like a punch. For the first time, he paused, taking in not just his children's pain but the boldness and loyalty of the loved ones who surrounded her. He opened his mouth to argue but found nothing came out.

Isa's voice broke through the tense silence, filled with a quiet strength that surprised even herself. "Dad, I love you. But I can't be your sacrifice anymore. We've lost so much already. I can't lose you too."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with the truth they spoke. Big John's gaze softened, though it was still clouded by the obsession that had driven him for years. He took a shaky breath as he looked at Isa, really looked at her - his daughter, battered, burned and brave - but it was clear that the pull of El Dorado still tugged at him like a siren song.

"Isa..." Big John began.

"No," John B cut him off. "Your obsession has already done enough damage to our lives, Dad. We want you to find El Dorado. We do. But not like this. Not if it means putting our lives and the lives of our loved ones in danger again."

Kie stepped closer, a steely determination in her stance. "If we're going to survive this, we need to work together as a team. We can't afford to lose any more time chasing dreams that could end up costing us everything."

Silence hung in the air for a moment as Big John looked between the determined faces of Isa, John B, Lia, Kie and Sarah, none of them interested in backing down.

Big John sighed, conceding with a nod. "Okay. Let's do things your way. How do you think we should proceed?"

Isa felt the tension in the air shift as Big John finally relented. A spark of hope ignited within her, a swell of relief washing through her at his words. It was a small victory, but it was a start, though it was accompanied by the pain gnawing at her body.

Still, Isa straightened up slightly, feeling a surge of determination, her voice steadier as she took control. "First, we need to find the others."

"The Pogues came with us," Sarah explained.

Big John nodded. "I assumed they did."

"After that, we can head to the river," Isa continued. "But we need to regroup. We can't keep fighting in the open like this."

Kie nodded in agreement. "We need time to strategize and rest for a moment. I can't imagine how hard it is for you to even stand right now, Isa."

"I'll be fine," Isa insisted, despite the exhaustion creeping through her.

John B tightened his hold around his sister. "We need to keep moving, but I'm helping you, alright? You're not gonna keep pushing yourself and risk tearing open your wound so badly you'll be in the hospital nine months instead of nine days when we get back home."

Isa sighed, nodding in agreement as she gave in, letting herself lean on her brother.

"We have to work as a unit," Lia pointed out. "There's safety in numbers."

Big John sighed heavily. "I didn't get to finish the translation for the Gnomon."

"That's okay," Sarah assured. "Pope's got the translation for it in his backpack. We find the other Pogues, we can find El Dorado."

Big John nodded in remembrance. "That's right. That's right, no, he's a Tanny. And Denmark's the link to the San Jose, the whole... the whole deal. Okay, we gotta find 'em. Where were they supposed to be?"

Kaylee, JJ, Wheezie, Elyna, Pope and Cleo ran up to them.

"Hey!" Kaylee said.

JJ smiled, breathless. "Hey, Big John! Nice to see ya. You good?"

"You guys did it," Pope said, laughing in surprise and awe.

"Did you doubt us?" Lia replied.

"Don't answer that," Kie said.

Kaylee, JJ, Wheezie, Elyna, Pope and Cleo were trying to catch their breath as much as the others were.

"You guys were chased too?" Sarah asked.

"What gave you the first clue?" Elyna asked sarcastically.

"Yes, Sarah, we were chased," Wheezie chided her sister.

"But don't worry," Cleo told them. "We got some more weapons and distractions."

John B turned to his father. "Think we'll have enough time to make it to Solana for the solstice?"

"The gnomon apparently will guide us by an alter in the moonlight," Isa said.

Big John took off his glasses for a moment. "Yeah, shouldn't be a problem. You've got the translation, right?"

Pope reached into his pocket to pull out the glyph key. "I do. This is a family heirloom." Big John took it, looking through the pages with the symbols. "It's like Rosetta stone."

"Rosetta stone," JJ repeated. "Like a translation."

Big John gave JJ a look. "Yeah, I know what the Rosetta stone is."

JJ shrugged. "Okay, I'm just saying."

Kaylee shot Big John a look. "What crawled up your ass?"

Kie hit Kaylee's arm. "Kay."

Elyna smirked slightly.

Big John pulled out the gnomon to compare the symbols to the key, laughing in awe and joy as if it was the holy grail. "Oh, my God. Okay, if this is legit, we just might crack this thing. The gods are smiling on us."

Lia tilted her head, slightly sarcastic. "I'm glad the gods are smiling. We gotta go. Okay?"

"Yeah, we can do this after we're out of Singh's crosshairs," Sarah told them. "Let's go."

"Come on, guys," Elyna said.

"I'll keep it safe," Big John told them, tucking the papers into his bag. "We gotta move, kids. We gotta get upriver. The moon waits for no man."

They walked along together.

⚓️

Orinoco River

The group walked along to the river.

John B looked at Big John to explain. "Okay, so we've got to find this river guide named Jose. Divide and conquer?"

"Okay," Cleo agreed.

Once again, they split up to speak to the people on the dock to try and see if anyone knew Jose.

Wheezie was speaking with a man about Jose.

The man pointed. "He's here."

"Here?" Wheezie repeated, sighing in relief. "Perfect, thanks." She walked along, whistling to the others. "Hey. Come here."

Isa pointed. "Hey, she's got our guy."

They followed Wheezie up to the boat where Jose was in.

"Jose?" Kaylee asked.

"Si," Jose answered.

The group sighed in relief.

"Neville sent us," Kie explained.

Jose nodded. "Si. You are friends?"

"Yes," John B replied instantly. "Yes, we're friends."

Jose gave them a friendly smile. "Okay, I was waiting for you."

Pope sighed in relief. "Oh, my God."

"Nice to meet you," Cleo told him.

"You were gonna take us upstream where you took them?" Lia asked.

"Of course," Jose answered, in Spanish.

Isa nodded in relief. "Perfect."

Jose took out money from his pocket. "And he already paid, so we can go."

Elyna frowned. "He, as in..."

Jose pointed down the dock. "Your friend. He's waiting. Come on, follow me. Over here."

The kids looked down the dock, and none of them were surprised, but all of them were frustrated, to see Ward waving at them.

Ward looked at Lia, Sarah and Wheezie. "Hi, sweethearts."

Kaylee rolled her eyes. "Fucking kidding me."

Big John glared Ward down.

Wheezie, Sarah and Lia instantly went over to confront Ward instantly.

"We told you!" Sarah told him.

"Do you even ever listen?" Wheezie demanded. "I mean, seriously."

"What the hell is he doing here?" Big John hissed.

"I don't know, Dad," John B told him.

"You don't know?" Big John repeated.

"No, we don't," Isa told him.

"You don't have a clue?" Big John asked. "The smallest idea?"

Ward looked at Lia, Sarah and Wheezie. "I'm here to do what I can."

"You're not protecting us," Lia told him. "We're fine."

Big John, face red with anger and fists clenched, stormed toward Ward with murder in his eyes.

"Oh, shit," Kie said.

"Here we go," Pope said.

Cleo raised an eyebrow. "Uh-oh."

Elyna smirked, crossing her arms. "This should be good."

JJ did a fist bump with Elyna. "Long awaited."

Ward saw Big John coming, backing away. "Wait, John. Listen to me. Listen to me!"

Lia, Sarah and Wheezie instantly moved out of the way.

Big John grabbed Ward by the shoulders, grinding his teeth. "You tried to kill me, you son of a bitch."

Ward's eyes went wide. "You have every right to be upset."

"I'm not upset," Big John growled. "Who said I was upset?"

Isa and John B ran closer as they, Lia, Sarah and Wheezie tried to keep their dads from tearing each other apart.

"Stop it!" Wheezie hissed.

"We don't have time for this," Sarah snapped.

Kaylee heard a familiar voice, Fenton, shouting in Spanish looking for the Pogues and Big John.

Kaylee turned to see Ryan and Fenton leading the search for them, Singh with them. "Oh, shit. Hey. Singh and his men are here."

Kie gasped. "Oh! Oh, time to go. Time to go."

"Yep, book it," JJ agreed.

Elyna ushered them along. "Guys, guys, guys."

"Come on, come on," Pope said.

"Go, go, go," Cleo told them.

Kaylee, Kie, Elyna, JJ, Pope and Cleo ran toward the Routledges and Camerons.

Big John yelled in Ward's face. "You threw me overboard!"

"Hey, shut up!" Kaylee hissed. "Singh is in the market right now. Get in the damn boat. Go, go."

Elyna got an idea as she turned to one of the other boats, one of the few here, and kicked a hole into the wood so that it would fill with water and sink into the river, so that Singh couldn't follow them right away.

Knowing what Elyna was doing, John B and JJ did the same thing to the two other boats closest, so that if Singh wanted to follow, he would have to get a new boat to do so.

"We gotta go," John B breathed. "We gotta go right now."

"Get in, now," Isa ordered.

Isa and John B forced Big John into the boat before they jumped in themselves. The rest of the Pogues followed suit, while Lia, Sarah and Wheezie tried to keep Ward out of the boat.

Kaylee took the cover off of her basket, unveiling the arsenal of fireworks inside, taking out her lighter and the bottle canon. Elyna, JJ and Wheezie immediately began helping Kaylee unloading the fireworks and preparing to light them and unleash their wrath on Singh and his men.

Isa, John B, Kie, Lia and Sarah were not surprised that Kaylee had gotten the same idea as Lia as they had used fireworks as distractions before, since as John B pointed out, Kaylee rubbed off on Lia.

Singh, Ryan and Fenton noticed the Pogues and Big John in the boat with Ward next to them on the dock.

Ward climbed into the boat.

"What are you--" Wheezie started.

"I'm going," Ward said in a final tone.

Lia grabbed her head in her hands.

"No!" Sarah denied. "Absolutely not, no!"

"Singh's dangerous," Ward replied. "You're in over your head."

"Damn it!" Lia complained. "Why don't you ever listen?"

"Because you need help, girls," Ward replied. "You're in way over your head here!"

(Song:) Mid-Town - Calexico

Singh, Fenton and Ryan were running closer, but Kaylee, JJ, Elyna and Wheezie were ready to unleash hell on them with their firework armory.

As Singh, Fenton, and Ryan closed in, the tension among the Pogues, Big John and Ward reached a fever pitch.

Kaylee gripped the bottle rocket tightly, her heart racing, her voice steady despite the chaos surrounding them. "Get ready! On my mark!"

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" John B shouted over the sound of their pursuers. "We could blow ourselves up!"

Pope shook his head. "I tried to talk them out of it. Nobody listens to me."

"You agreed to it," Cleo retorted.

"Trust me," JJ replied with fierce determination. "This is our best shot to cover our escape."

Elyna helped Kaylee secure the launcher on the edge of the boat, positioning it toward the approaching threat. "Just like we practiced as kids."

Wheezie lit a fuse from one of the smaller firecrackers, handing it to Kaylee with a nod. "Let's give them a show they won't forget."

"Do it!" Lia cheered them on.

Isa provided a countdown. "Three... two... one!"

"Fire!" Kie shouted.

Kaylee flicked the lighter, igniting the fuse. The firecracker sputtered and then shot skyward with a loud POP, exploding into a brilliant cascade of colors over the dock. Everyone's eyes widened in awe and excitement as the burst illuminated their faces against the darkening sky.

The eruption of sound and light caught Singh's men off guard as they ducked as if they thought they were under threat.

Kaylee wasted no time, her adrenaline pumping as she grabbed the bottle rocket and aimed it straight at Singh. She lit the fuse and released it, watching as the rocket propelled into the sky, trailing smoke behind it. The loud bang echoed through the market just as it exploded in a spectacular display of colors, illuminating the sky and drowning out any shouts of confusion from Singh's crew.

"Go! Go! Go!" Sarah yelled as they scrambled to push off from the dock.

Kaylee grabbed another bottle rocket and quickly lit it, aiming carefully as she released it into the air. It soared high before bursting into a shower of lights, aimed directly at Singh and his men.

Singh looked up in shock, his face twisting with disbelief as bright sparks rained down around him. "What the hell?!"

Kaylee lit another firework, this one a mortar shell that shot off with a resounding BOOM, sending debris raining down around Singh's men.

As the boat started to sail down the river and away from the dock, Singh's men persisted and even drew their guns.

However, JJ was ready for it as he took out the one of the largest - and even deadly - fireworks that they had gotten.

Kaylee was ready to provide maximum damage to ensure that none of the Pogues were shot during their escape, lighting the fuse as Elyna and Wheezie helped aim the firework with the canon.

Kaylee lit the fuse and stepped back, adrenaline coursing through her veins as she watched the firework sputter to life. With a roar, it shot into the sky, climbing higher and higher until it reached its apex.

"Get down!" Pope shouted, as everyone did so.

The firework burst overhead with a deafening boom, a kaleidoscope of colors painting the sky and illuminating the chaos below. The explosion sent bright sparks raining down, casting erratic shadows over Singh and his men as they fumbled in confusion.

"Now!" Lia yelled, her heart pounding as she pointed to the group of stunned men.

Elyna helped steady the launcher as Kaylee fired off another round of fireworks, each one bursting in vivid colors. "Don't let up, Kay! Keep them distracted!"

Wheezie was beside Elyna, lighting off more firecrackers that zipped away like angry hornets, veering off and sounding off like gunshots, causing the men's ears to ring once they got too close to them.

The last firework that Kaylee and Elyna launched was directed solely on Singh, closing in on him at maximum speed, and set to do some real damage.

The final firework streaked through the air, a brilliant comet of destruction aimed straight for Singh. Time seemed to slow as the explosive projectile closed in, its fuse sputtering with deadly intent. Singh's eyes widened in realization, but it was too late to react.

With a deafening boom, the firework detonated mere feet from Singh's face. The concussive force knocked him backwards as a brilliant burst of red and gold engulfed him, accompanied by a blinding flash that seared retinas and cast long shadows across the dock. Searing heat washed over Singh's body, the intense flames licking at his skin and clothes. He screamed in agony as the firework's chemicals seared into his flesh, leaving angry red welts and blisters in their wake.

The explosion sent Singh tumbling to the ground, his body wracked with pain as smoke curled off his smoldering and torn clothes. The acrid stench of burned hair and flesh filled the air as Singh writhed on the dock floor.

All of Singh's men turned to their leader in shock and disbelief, instinctively having to ensure his safety above all else, leading to an escape for the Pogues with Big John and Ward.

As the boat sped away from the chaos on the dock, Kaylee stood at the stern, her eyes fixed on the scene of destruction they'd left behind. The acrid smell of smoke and gunpowder lingered in the air, mingling with the humid jungle breeze. Her heart raced with a mixture of exhilaration and vindication as she watched Singh and his men scramble in confusion amidst the colorful bursts still lighting up the sky, a reminder of the explosive revenge she had just unleashed on them.

A wild, triumphant smile spread across Kaylee's face, her eyes glinting with a fierce, dark satisfaction. "How you like that, motherfuckers?!"

The darkness that often threatened to consume her felt balanced, tempered by the joy of their successful escape and safety - and the knowledge that she'd struck back against those who had kidnapped her while she had been sick and dying weeks ago in Barbados.

As the boat sped away from the chaotic scene on the dock, the Pogues erupted into cheers and laughter, their voices carrying across the water in a cacophony of relief and triumph. The adrenaline of their narrow escape coursed through their veins, mingling with the intoxicating thrill of victory and profound relief of having outmaneuvered Singh and his men once again.

JJ was the first to reach Kaylee, wrapping his arms around her waist and spinning her in a jubilant circle. "That's my girl! Lighting up the sky and kicking ass at the same time!"

Kaylee laughed, her eyes bright with excitement as JJ set her down.

Elyna threw her arms around Kaylee as the two cousins cheered happily. "That was fucking incredible, Kaylee! You showed those bastards what happens when you mess with a Pogue!"

Kie joined in, her eyes shining with pride, embracing Kaylee and Elyna, grinning at both her sister and her cousin. "I can't believe you actually pulled that off. You're freaking badass!"

Elyna grinned as she pulled Kie further into their embrace. "We did it, Kie."

Despite Isa's pain, she grinned at Kaylee and put an arm around her. "I've never been more proud of you, Kay."

Kaylee kissed the top of Isa's head, stroking her hair back.

Wheezie rushed forward, engulfing Kaylee in a fierce hug. "That'll teach them to never kidnap a girl like you again."

"Ain't no girl like a Pogue girl," Sarah replied.

Lia grinned. "Absolutely true!"

Lia and Sarah joined Wheezie and Kaylee in their embrace, the four of them holding each other tightly.

Cleo and Kaylee did the Pogue handshake together as they grinned.

Cleo finished with a salute. "Gave them a show they'll never forget, that's for sure."

John B lifted Kaylee up in an embrace, making her squeal in joy. "That was amazing, Kay. Now we're really going to get through this thing."

Kaylee laughed as John B set her back down.

Pope couldn't even help a grin, nodding. "I gotta admit, that worked out better than I thought it would."

"Yeah, well, we can thank Kaylee for that," John B said, nudging her playfully. "You've got some serious skills, girl."

Kaylee beamed at the praise, her heart swelling with pride. "I just wanted to make sure we got the upper hand this time. I couldn't have done it without you guys."

Isa linked her arm with Kaylee's. "We're a team. We make it through together. We always have."

Ward and Big John took in the sight of the Pogues like this, and despite everything they had done to bridge a gap between the group in the past, they couldn't break up this inspiring moment. Perhaps realizing they never should have tried in the first place.

As the boat sped down the river, they could still hear the distant chaos left behind on the dock - the shouts of Singh's men and the crackling remnants of fireworks echoing in their wake. Each explosion felt like a victory cheer for the Pogues, a reminder that they were not powerless. They were a family, and together they were stronger than any threat.

JJ leaned back against the stern of the boat, watching Kaylee with a mixture of admiration and affection. "You really are something else, you know that? It takes guts to pull something off like that."

"We all have plenty of guts to go around," Kie pointed out.

Sarah glanced back toward the dock as they continued to sail away. "That bought us time, but probably not a lot of it."

Wheezie acknowledged Sarah's point with a shake of her head. "Singh's not going to stop even if he's hurt. He'll be after us, after gold..."

"And after revenge," Cleo finished, nodding to Kaylee and Elyna specifically.

Elyna smirked. "He can bring it the fuck on. While they may have guns, they're useless without them. Me? My body is my weapon and I'm ready to unleash hell on every single bastard back there."

As the boat continued to glide down the river, the tension in the air shifted from adrenaline to determination. The Pogues exchanged glances, each of them understanding that their bond was their greatest weapon against Singh and his men.

(Song Ends)

⚓️

El Tesoro

The boat continued gliding across the murky waters, its passengers entirely silent.

The sun was beginning to set over the horizon, casting the long shadows of the dense rainforest trees across the river.

They reached a dock, climbing out of the boat.

"Well, welcome to El Tesoro, kids," Big John told them.

The village was small, barely considered an actual place on the map, and practically floating on the water.

There were small amounts of people walking along the suspended docks towards their homes, some of which glanced over to look at the new arrivals.

"We'll hole up here for the night," Big John said. "Move out at first light." Isa and John B stood with their father as Big John pointed to the mountains up ahead. "Somewhere up there is the dig site and El Dorado. With Pope's letter and this gnomon, I think we got a shot, you and me."

"And the other guys, Dad," John B told him.

"And before you say shit, I'm gonna stop you right there, because they've been through this with us from the beginning, and we're not separating now," Isa told him. "Not after everything we've been through to get here. Me, John B, the other guys. It's always been us. So before you say anything... don't."

Big John didn't respond.

Isa and John B both looked exhausted. While it was clear that Isa's wounds were causing her great pain, it was also a deeper type of exhaustion than that. It was mental. Their minds were tired. They were exhausted emotionally, and so were Lia, Sarah, Wheezie, Kaylee, Kie and JJ after all they had been through with their families and the Pogues. So was Elyna after a lifetime of running and finally finding a home, family and friends. Pope and Cleo were very close behind them, and they just hoped after all of this, they would have time to finally rest.

Nearby, Lia, Sarah and Wheezie were confronting Ward.

Ward sighed. "Of course I know what it looks like, sweethearts, okay? But I'm not here for treasure. Not theirs, not anyone's. What do I need gold for? You're my gold."

Lia scoffed. "And were we your gold when you ordered Eberhini to stab me in the heart?"

"When you ordered him to stab me in the stomach and leave me for dead?" Wheezie continued.

"Or when you were strangling me?" Sarah finished.

Ward looked away, unable to meet their eyes. "I'll regret that for the rest of my life. Every minute of every day. Some good did come of it, though. I've changed, girls."

Lia, Sarah and Wheezie looked at Ward coldly, yet they didn't have it in them to argue with him any longer.

⚓️

Sunset - Dock

(Song:) Esperanza - Hermanos Gutierrez

As the sun set, everyone was trying to get some sleep for the upcoming morning and the journey tomorrow would bring, but none of them could sleep, while Big John was working on the translation with the letter key.

John B: (voice over) "So the story goes that the Guajiro king, who found El Dorado, as he was dying, said he would not just give the gold to his sons, no. The gold would only go to one who was worthy. Those who sought the gold would be tested by the Jaguar God."

Isa was sitting still while Lia and Kie were carefully removing her bandages over her upper back and shoulders, knowing they needed to treat her wounds and replace the blood-covered cloth with a new bandage.

Isa: (voice over) "But for 500 years, the Jaguar God has found no one worthy. The gold still remains. And if you are good, if you are wise, and if you are lucky, maybe you will be the one. Maybe we all will."

As Lia and Kie worked gently to remove the old bandages, Isa winced at the sensation of the fabric pulling against her tender skin. The air felt cool against her burns, but the exposure sent jolts of pain through her body. She forced herself to breathe through it, focusing on anything other than the discomfort.

"Almost done," Kie reassured her softly as she peeled away the last strip of material, revealing the damage beneath.

The sight made Lia and Kie's hearts clench - angry red patches and swollen blisters stood out starkly against Isa's pale skin, a reminder of the fire that had nearly consumed them all. Given that the wounds needed surgeries and reconstruction just to close to be able to heal properly - and to seal away the tissues, muscles and bones exposed beneath the singed skin - the wounds were only getting worse with each and every daring escape or fight. The wound had ripped open further during the cliff escape while saving Kie, and while saving Big John just a few hours prior, and they knew that Isa could not keep forcing herself to do much more escapades such as those.

Isa felt a knot in her stomach as she caught sight of her wounds. It was hard to reconcile this fragile state with the fierce spirit she carried within.

Lia took Isa's chin and turned her head away from the sight, trying to keep her mind off the visual and the sting of vulnerability that threatened to overwhelm her. "You're doing great, Isa."

Isa nodded, forcing a smile though it felt shaky on her lips, turning her head away and focusing her eyes over the water as she let Lia and Kie work.

Kie's expression was somber as she cleaned Isa's wounds with gentle motions. The antiseptic stung, and Isa flinched slightly, but she forced herself to stay still, knowing that this was necessary.

"Just a little more," Kie encouraged softly, meeting Isa's gaze with warmth and reassurance.

Isa took a shaky breath, trying to focus on the soothing presence of her girlfriends rather than the throbbing pain coursing through her body.

Lia gently took antibiotic ointment and glided it over Isa's wounds as gently as she could.

Isa's breath hitched as the cool ointment met the angry heat of her burns, but she could feel the care behind every gentle touch from Lia and Kie. The love they poured into nursing her wounds was palpable, wrapping around her heart like a soothing balm. She looked up into Lia's eyes, which were filled with an unwavering determination and concern that made Isa feel a little more at ease, even amidst the pain.

"There we go," Lia murmured, her voice filled with encouragement. "You're almost done. Just a few more minutes."

Once Lia finished applying the ointment, Kie began carefully wrapping fresh bandages around Isa's shoulders and back, aided by Lia as she carefully taped them down as Kie held them steady.

"You're going to heal, Isa," Kie reassured. "You just need to take it one day at a time."

"I know," Isa whispered, feeling the weight of their concern and love settle over her like a protective shield. "I just... I feel so useless right now."

"You're not useless," Lia asserted firmly as she helped Kie secure the last bandage with care. "You saved us all. You kept fighting even when things got tough and felt like the world was ending."

"You're so strong," Kie whispered, her voice barely audible. "You've gone through hell and back, and you're still standing."

Isa smiled softly, her voice thick with emotion. "I wouldn't be standing without you two. Thank you for being here. For taking care of me."

Lia leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on Isa's forehead. "We're always going to be here. No matter what happens next."

As Kie and Lia settled in on either side of Isa, they began to change the bandages on their own burn wounds from the fire - small, first degree burns on Kie's wrist and on Lia's forearm.

Isa began to help them just as they had helped her, repeating the process that they had gone through with her, although on a much smaller, safer scale as Lia and Kie's burns were already beginning to heal.

As Isa carefully unwrapped their bandages and applied the same cleaning and antibiotic treatment that Kie and Lia had given her, she noticed the tender expressions on their faces, a silent understanding passing between them. Each tender part of the process, each strip of gauze felt like a promise - that they would protect each other, that they would heal together, no matter what lay ahead.

Kie watched as Isa treat their wounds with care and precision. "You're better at this than I thought."

"Small victories," Isa murmured. "First aid tips from YouTube videos. Was never an expert so it's only useful for minor injuries like this. Had to learn because of everything with Dad and the Pogues Adventures. Sadly none of it mattered when it came to the bigger injuries we've all had to face."

Lia nodded somberly in agreement. "True." She lit up again with an idea, a teasing smile gracing her lips, her voice laced with affection. "But maybe once we get through this, you could do real medic training. It could help with opening the community center. We're going to need a nurse there with all of the kids at Harmony Haven."

Isa chuckled softly as her heart swelled with warmth at the thought. "That's true. I've always loved the thought of doing something like nursing. Once we get out of this, we'll definitely add that to the list of things to do. I'll be a certified professional. Able to help the next time one of us gets hurt like this."

Kie glanced at Isa's back. "Though hopefully never as bad as you right now."

"Hopefully," Isa echoed.

Lia nudged Kie playfully before turning back to Isa, her eyes shining with admiration. "You've been through so much, Isa. It's okay to lean on us too, you know? You don't always have to be the strong one."

Isa smiled through her pain. "I know. I'm still getting used to it."

"To what?" Kie asked softly as she stroked a piece of Isa's hair behind her ear.

Isa finished applying bandages to Kie and Lia's arms. "Putting my armor down. Letting someone fight for me. Like this."

Lia's fingers stroked Isa's arm gently. "We're always going to fight for you."

Isa looked at Lia and Kie with appreciation and tears in her eyes, gratitude swelling through her as she nearly cried. Even if her own father wouldn't fight for her and support her, she knew that her brother, her lovers with her now, and all their friends would.

With the bandages finally done, there was a moment of quiet between them, the three girls absorbing the reality of their situation while finding solace in each other's presence as they watched the setting sun, gently holding each other without causing Isa pain as they watched the colors of the sunset dance over the waterfront before them.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and purple across the sky and the same beautiful reflected glow across the water, the weight of their shared experiences hung in the air, but amidst it all flowed a current of hope within the chaos, buoyed by their shared love and support. Together, Isa, Lia and Kie formed a protective circle against the dangers that still lurked in the shadows, and they somehow shone brighter and chased away the darkness each and every time.

Further back on the dock, Kaylee and JJ were sitting together as JJ was helping Kaylee treat the burn on the side of her arm as well, his eyes lighting up with affection and pride as he thought about their daring escape from Singh and the way Kaylee took control back from her former tormenters once again.

"That was insane, Kay," JJ said, his voice filled with admiration as he carefully applied ointment to the burn on her arm. "You really took charge back there."

Kaylee smiled, a mix of pride and disbelief swirling within her. "I just... I wanted to protect us. After everything, I couldn't let them get away with it anymore." She winced slightly as JJ dabbed the ointment onto her skin.

JJ glanced up at her, his expression softening. "You did amazing. It was like watching a superhero in action. Always knew our little Kaylee had it in her, but damn."

Kaylee chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I guess I just had to channel my inner warrior princess."

"More like a fierce dragon," JJ teased lightly.

Kaylee was struck by the exchange as it reminded her of a former one, looking down as she tried to put that out of her mind, giving JJ a smile.

JJ wrapped the bandage around Kaylee's arm, his fingers brushing against her skin with an intimacy that sent a shiver down her spine, both of them relishing the intimacy of the moment.

"You really showed them what happens when they mess with us," JJ mused.

"It wasn't just me," Kaylee replied. "You were right there with me. We made a pretty good team out there today. We always do."

JJ paused for a moment, meeting her gaze with a sincerity that made her heart stutter. "Not just a good team. We were unstoppable."

As they finished wrapping her arm with the bandage, Kaylee smiled and leaned in closer, cupping JJ's cheeks. "Always have been."

"Always will be," JJ replied with mischief flaring in his eyes.

Kaylee and JJ met halfway with a gentle but passionate kiss, bathed in the light of the setting sun, perfectly happy surrounded by their family as they headed on the journey that would change their lives forever - and begin the future that they deserved.

Further back still, Wheezie and Elyna were treating each other's burns. Wheezie had her minor, first-degree burn on elbow, while Elyna had hers on her wrist bone. Despite the pain of treating each other's wounds with the same gentle and care as the other couples before them, they were absolutely thrilled with what they helped Kaylee accomplish earlier during their escape as they used that to distract themselves from the sting of antiseptic and antibiotic ointment.

Elyna carefully applied ointment to Wheezie's elbow, her touch gentle as she concentrated on the task at hand, glancing up with admiration. "You really held your own back there. I was so proud of you."

Wheezie smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly at the compliment. "Thanks! I mean, we all did great together. Teamwork makes the dream work, right?"

Elyna chuckled softly, finishing up with the bandage and securing it snugly. "Absolutely. I can't believe how far we've all come, considering everything that's happened. Especially since I'm the new girl around here."

Wheezie nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Yeah, but it feels like you've been here for forever."

Elyna grinned up at Wheezie, finishing wrapping the bandage around her elbow. "Yeah, it's like kindred souls or something. I don't much believe in things 'meant to be', but... my being here with the Pogues... with you... that's definitely one of the things I believe was fated."

Wheezie felt her heart skip a beat at Elyna's words, a warm flush creeping up her cheeks. "I feel the same way. It's like... we just fit, you know? Like pieces of a puzzle finally snapping together. Like all of us were always meant to be apart of this family together."

Elyna beamed, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Exactly! And I love how we can always count on each other. You're such a bright light in my life, Wheezie."

Wheezie smiled brightly, feeling a rush of joy at their connection. "You make me feel brave, Elyna. Just being around you inspires me to stand up for myself and others, just like back there."

Elyna's smile widened. "I never imagined finding a family like this. It feels like a dream."

Wheezie nodded vigorously. "It is the dream. And we're all living it together. Even with a few nightmares here and there."

Elyna shrugged slightly. "Life's always going to be filled with nightmares. What counts is how we push through the wreckage and make it to the other side. And here we are, ground zero. No home, no place to go, broke, all of your families suck besides Pope's and my parents. No offense."

Wheezie shook her head in agreement. "None taken. It's the truth. We all want Gael and Esme to adopt us."

Elyna chuckled. "And here we are, pushing through to the end of the journey where the gold literally waits for us at the end of the rainbow. Well, a chaotic and painful rainbow, I'll grant you, but one nonetheless. And then we'll make it out of here, go back home and build everything we've ever wanted from scratch. All the dreams that we were talking about on the plane - a new Pogue Nest, Kaylee's restaurant, Isa, Kie and Lia's community center, your cafe, our scholarship and organization linked with Harmony Haven... it's all going to be waiting there for us to make it into a reality."

Wheezie nodded, her eyes sparkling with determination. "And we'll make it happen together, all of us. We've faced so much already; nothing can stop us now."

Elyna reached out, squeezing Wheezie's hand. "Exactly! And when we're finally safe, we can start putting everything into action. It won't just be a dream; it'll be our future."

As they exchanged a smile filled with hope, the sound of laughter floated over from where Kaylee and JJ were still celebrating their escape together, causing not only Wheezie and Elyna to look over, but also, Isa, Kie and Lia from where they were sitting, as well as John B and Sarah from where they were on the edge, and Pope and Cleo on the other side.

The warmth of camaraderie enveloped Wheezie and Elyna, reminding them that they were part of something bigger - something worth fighting for.

Wheezie reached over to lace her hand with Elyna's as they watched the sun begin to sink below the horizon. "Just thinking about watching the sunset now from the cafe we're going to make together out on the waterfront, on our first date. And every day after."

Elyna wrapped her arm gently around Wheezie as she nudged her playfully. "That's what I'm talking about."

Wheezie looked at Elyna with affection brimming in her eyes. "What about a name for the cafe? We never figured that out yet."

Elyna hummed in thought. "You're right. I wonder if there's something that could combine our love for art and music, but also your journalism, the book that you're helping Lia write. Something special and unique to you."

Wheezie reached up to play with her anchor necklace, which was a gift from Isa, Kie and Lia when she first joined the Pogues, deep in thought. "What do you think?"

Elyna nodded to Wheezie's necklace. "You never did tell me where you got the necklace."

Wheezie looked down at the necklace. "Oh, it's a gift from Lia, Isa and Kie. They pooled their savings and bought it for me as a present after we thought our dad died, when they first brought me into the Pogues, right before they gave me the Pogue adventure journal. And since Lia, Isa and Kie are basically my maternal figures at this point, I never take this thing off."

Upon hearing this, Elyna's eyes lit up with inspiration, her voice growing animated. "What about 'The Anchor & Ink? It symbolizes both stability and adventure, which is what we all need right now. Anchoring ourselves in each other and our dreams while sailing toward new horizons. And it's a perfect nod to you beginning your new life and your true family with the Pogues, especially with Lia, Isa and Kie as your 'maternal figures, which, let's be honest, they're all mother."

Wheezie grinned widely, nodding in agreement. "I love it! It perfectly sums up what this journey is all about for us. And I love that it gets to include something so special to me, just like they are."

Elyna smiled, her heart swelling with excitement at the prospect of their future together. "The 'ink' ending can reference all of the art that we'll include as decorations - from local artists and photos that capture our adventures as Pogues, and because of your journalism and helping Lia write her book."

Wheezie's cheeks flushed with happiness as she imagined it, the cafe filled with laughter, warmth and creativity. "You're right. Ink applies to both art and my writing. It's perfect. I can see it now - families gathered, kids enjoying ice cream while their parents sip coffee and listen to live music."

Elyna smiled. "Exactly."

Wheezie took Elyna by the hand in a bold but sweet gesture. "And the first part doesn't just symbolize adventure, stability, my necklace and the Pogues for me. It symbolizes how we're each other's anchors through all the chaos."

As Wheezie spoke, the bond between her and Elyna felt even stronger, solidified by their shared dreams and aspirations.

Elyna squeezed Wheezie's hand gently. "I'm happy with us being each other's anchors. We're going to make this happen. I can't wait to see it come to life."

As they shared this moment, the laughter and joy from their friends in the distance washed over them like a wave, reminding them that their connection was part of something bigger than themselves. It was a web of love and friendship that held them together through not only the chaos they had faced but also the darkness that had lingered at the edges of their lives.

Elyna and Wheezie settled into each other's hold as they watched the last of the sun disappear beneath the horizon just beyond the water before them, the sky and watery reflection painted in hues of rich purples and deep blues, a canvas reflecting the beauty that still existed even amidst the chaos of their lives. It was a reminder that each day, they had the opportunity to start a new, to chase their dreams, and to forge their own paths.

As dusk settled over the landscape, the stars began to emerge one by one, twinkling above like scattered diamonds. The beauty of the moment filled Wheezie and Elyna with hope, reminding them that even in the darkest times, there was light to be found.

Wheezie leaned her head against Elyna's shoulder, a content sigh escaping her lips. "I can't help but think about how far we've all come. Just a few months ago, I never imagined I'd be here, planning a future with all of you."

Elyna smiled softly, threading her fingers through Wheezie's hair. "It feels surreal, doesn't it? But this is just the beginning for us. Once everything is set in motion after we find the gold, we'll have the chance to create something beautiful out of our chaos."

Wheezie nodded, her heart swelling at the words.

(Song Ends)

As the night deepened and the near full moon cast a silvery glow over everyone on the dock, the couples went their separate ways to lay down and sleep for the night. They all knew they needed as much rest as they could before the sunrise so they could continue their journey to El Dorado starting in the morning.

Pope and Cleo had fallen asleep next to each other with Cleo's head on Pope's shoulder, and his resting on the top of hers.

Kaylee and JJ settled in next to each other as JJ opened his arm invitingly, pulling her head to lay on his chest as he treaded his fingers through her curls, a settling notion he knew could put her to sleep and keep away her recurring nightmares every time.

John B and Sarah had already fallen asleep with their arms wrapped around each other and Sarah's head tucked into the crook of his neck.

Isa, as much as she wanted to, couldn't wrap her arms around Kie and Lia like she always did when they fell asleep together due to her wounds - the three girls always fell asleep holding each other.

Lia and Kie were determined to find a way for Isa to sleep so that her wounds were off the harsh and unforgiving ground to provide as much pain relief as they could while still being able to hold each other throughout the night for the combined comfort of all three girls after everything they had endured.

Lia and Kie exchanged a determined look, both acutely aware of Isa's pain and discomfort, their eyes reflecting the soft moonlight as they considered how best to help Isa rest comfortably. They knew the importance of keeping her wounds elevated and protected, but they also craved the closeness that had become their nightly ritual - which they all desperately needed.

Without a word, Lia and Kie knew what to do, nodding.

"Here, let's try this," Lia suggested softly, her voice barely above a whisper in the quiet night air.

With gentle hands, Lia and Kie helped Isa sit up, moving slowly to avoid aggravating her wounds.

With careful movements, Lia positioned herself behind Isa, her back against a smooth boulder that jutted from the riverbank, finding that it wasn't uncomfortable. Satisfied, she spread her legs, creating a safe cradle for Isa to lean back into.

"Come here," Lia murmured, carefully guiding Isa to sit between her legs, her arms encircling Isa's waist, mindful of the tender areas on her upper back and shoulders. When she spoke again, her breath was warm against Isa's ear. "How's that feel?"

Without laying on her back and not putting pressure on her chest or shoulders by laying in another position, Isa let out a soft sigh of relief. "So much better."

Kie and Lia exchanged a victorious smile.

Lia reached for Kie's hand, guiding her closer. "Your turn."

"Need you with us," Isa murmured in agreement.

Kie slid closer carefully, assessing Lia and Isa's position to find how best Kie could sleep comfortably with them where they could all hold each other. "Always."

Kie settled against Isa's side, wrapping her arms around both her and Lia as she nestled into the warmth of their shared embrace. The three of them formed a cocoon of safety and comfort from the outside world, the gentle rhythm of their breaths synchronizing in the quiet night.

"Just breathe," Lia whispered, her voice steady and soothing as she gently stroked Isa's hair. "We're here with you."

Isa leaned back against Lia's chest, feeling the strong yet gentle support of her girlfriends. The warmth radiating from both Kie and Lia enveloped her, chasing away the lingering pain and anxiety that had plagued her for so long.

Kie looked up at Isa, whose eyes were already fluttering closed. "You okay?"

Isa smiled softly, feeling the love and safety radiating from the girls she loved. "Yeah, I'm perfect."

Kie gently brushed her fingers over Isa's hair, tucking a few loose strands behind her ear. "Just focus on resting. We'll be right here."

Lia leaned her head against Isa's shoulder, closing her eyes. "We've got you."

As the three girls nestled together under the vast expanse of the stars, a sense of peace enveloped them as they began to fall asleep in each other's hold.

From their spot, Wheezie and Elyna watched the way Isa, Kie and Lia slept and held each other in awe.

"They're amazing together," Elyna murmured.

Wheezie smiled slightly. "Yeah, they are. I want what they have. I have ever since I saw how well they work. It's perfect."

Elyna looked at Wheezie, smiling softly. "Maybe we could have something like that, but uniquely ours."

Wheezie's eyes sparkled at the thought. "I really hope so."

Elyna pressed a kiss on Wheezie's cheek. "Me too."

As Wheezie and Elyna glanced over the other sleeping couples, they shared a look, and they didn't need words to know that they would love to fall asleep just like they had - together, holding each other and providing an anchor, a shield, from everything that threatened to tear the Pogues apart.

Elyna and Wheezie exchanged a shy glance, both acutely aware of the intimacy surrounding them as their friends slept peacefully in each other's arms. The air between them felt charged with unspoken longing and nervous excitement.

Wheezie bit her lip, her eyes flickering between Elyna and the soft grass beside them. Without a word, she slowly lowered herself onto the ground, her movements hesitant yet filled with quiet invitation.

Elyna's breath caught in her throat as she watched Wheezie settle onto the earth. Her heart raced as she realized the significance of this moment - their first time truly sharing such closeness. With careful, deliberate movements, Elyna lowered herself beside Wheezie, leaving just a whisper of space between them.

For a moment, they lay side by side, the warmth of their bodies mingling with each other.

After a moment, Elyna opened her arms invitingly, and Wheezie nestled into her embrace without hesitation. They fit together perfectly, like two puzzle pieces finally united. Wheezie's head found its place in the crook of Elyna's neck, her breath warm against Elyna's collarbone. Elyna's arms encircled Wheezie, one hand resting on the small of her back while the other gently stroked her hair.

The tension in Wheezie's body began to melt away as she relaxed into Elyna's hold. She breathed in deeply, taking in the comforting scent of salt and jasmine. As Elyna continued to stroke her hair gently, Wheezie returned the gesture by gently tracing her fingers along Elyna's arm, their motions mirroring each other's in a hypnotic manner that lulled each other to sleep in each other's embrace for the first time.

From the distance, Ward looked between everyone - his gaze settling heavily on Sarah with John B, Lia with Isa and Kie, and Wheezie with Elyna. As he watched his daughters with their loved ones, he walked away, taking out his phone, looking around, contacting someone without the others knowing while they were asleep.

⚓️

Day Two

Sunrise - Dock

The Pogues slept peacefully until the first signs of dawn, when they were woken before the sun fully rose by an impatient Big John who wanted to immediately start the journey toward El Dorado.

As the first rays of dawn broke over the horizon, casting a warm golden light across the river, Big John stirred everyone awake with an energetic, obsessive enthusiasm that set the tone for the day. His voice boomed across the makeshift camp as he clapped his hands together, startling the sleepy Pogues from their slumber.

"Rise and shine, crew! We've got a treasure to find!" Big John exclaimed, his excitement infectious. He paced the bank of the river, a map crumpled in his hand, eyes glinting with determination.

Isa stirred first, blinking against the sunlight streaming through the trees. The warmth of Lia and Kie surrounding her made it hard to leave their cocoon of comfort. She gently hook them awake. "Hey, we need to get up. Dad's ready to go."

Kie groaned playfully but rolled over to face Isa. "Is it even safe yet? I thought we were waiting for real light."

Kaylee groaned, pushing herself upright next to JJ. "Yeah, can't a girl catch some beauty sleep before we go hunting for gold?"

"Gold waits for no one!" Big John replied gruffly. He shot a look toward Lia, Sarah and Wheezie. "And neither does your dad, who I want gone from this trip."

"We want him gone, too, trust me," Lia retorted.

"Let's just hope he's not too cranky about being awoken," Wheezie said dryly, stretching her arms overhead as she glanced toward where Ward was waking up on the edge of the dock.

Elyna sat up from beside Wheezie, shrugging as she eyed Ward suspiciously. "He'll have to deal with it like the rest of us. Pussy ass bitch."

Wheezie couldn't help but snicker at Elyna's words regarding her father. Elyna smiled, winking at Wheezie in return.

The laughter echoed softly among the group as they began to shake off the remnants of sleep.

Big John pointed at Elyna. "Elyna's the new Pogue, yes?"

"Yes, sir," Pope answered.

"I like her already," Big John admitted, satisfied by her words about Ward.

The Pogues smirked.

Elyna gave a bow of her head to Big John, waving her hand with a fancy flourish.

As Big John continued to rally the group, moving with an energy that was nothing short of contagious yet unnerving considering he was pushing Isa - his daughter - to her limits to complete this journey, the Pogues slowly began to shake off the remnants of sleep. Each of them shared glances filled with determination, concern and a hint of excitement, the promise of adventure ahead and their futures they were all eager to build igniting something deep within them. But they knew their limits, and they were concerned about pushing Isa beyond hers.

Big John's enthusiasm, however, was relentless. "Alright, Pogues! If we're going to find El Dorado today, we need to get our gear packed and ready." He clapped his hands again, his eyes alight with determination. "Every second counts!"

Cleo rubbed her eyes and groaned dramatically. "Do you ever sleep? You sound like a drill sergeant."

JJ stretched and flashed a cheeky smile at the others, hoping to lift their spirits. "You know, I think all this treasure talk is bringing out my inner pirate. I might even start practicing my 'arrr!'"

It worked as the Pogues shared a small smile, rising from the ground and beginning to gather their bags, including Kaylee's basket of leftover fireworks that could be used as a weapon again if need be.

The only ones that were still on the ground were Kie, Isa and Lia where they were propped up against the boulder on the riverbank to elevate Isa's wounds, Isa's back still pressed to Lia's chest as she sat cradled between her legs.

As Kie stood from the ground, John B walked over so that they could both gently help Isa up from the ground.

Kie and John B exchanged a glance, both understanding the need to take care of Isa without drawing too much attention. They gently eased her into a sitting position, mindful of her injuries.

"You alright?" John B asked, concern etched on his face as he assessed Isa's condition.

Isa nodded, though her voice was laced with fatigue. "Just... a little sore. I'll be okay." She forced a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

Kie knelt beside her, brushing back a strand of hair from Isa's face. "We're going to take it slow today, okay? No rushing."

Lia leaned in closer from behind, her arms still wrapped protectively around Isa. "You are not pushing yourself today. Promise us that."

Isa chuckled lightly despite the pain creeping through her body. "I promise. It's just... after everything that happened, I want to keep up."

Kaylee and JJ looked over to them, the closest ones to the conversation - and to Isa - out of the others, both walking closer in case they needed help.

"And we want you to heal," Kaylee insisted gently but firmly.

"Gotta have our ringleaders both in top shape, remember?" JJ asked lightly, though his concern was evident. "If you need a break or even one of us to carry you up the goddamn mountain on our backs, you let us know, all right?"

Pope spoke up at that. "I'll even help with that."

Sarah smiled. "The boys giving you piggyback rides. It'll be fun, right?"

Isa couldn't help but laugh at the idea, the sound lightening her heart despite the weight of the day ahead. "Okay, okay! I promise I'll speak up if I need to rest. But I think I can manage."

Wheezie raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "You better. We're not letting you fall behind, Isa."

"Right," Cleo said, giving her a reassuring smile. "And we'll take turns keeping an eye on you throughout the day."

"Like watchdogs," Kaylee added playfully, clapping her hands together in mock seriousness.

Isa smiled at them, nodding, thankful for everything they were doing to help her through this time.

"Just remember," Sarah added, her voice firm but gentle, "We're all in this together. You don't have to prove anything to anyone, especially not today."

Lia nuzzled closer as Isa finally sat up fully, her cheeks flushed with gratitude for the support she had. "Exactly. We need you focused on healing. We're going to get through this - and we can't do it without our fearless leader being in peak condition."

John B leaned against the boulder beside them, folding his arms as he watched the exchange with a smile. "We got your back every step of the way."

Isa gave them an emotional but relieved look, nodding.

John B and JJ both stepped forward to take up the task of using their strength to help Isa stand without putting pressure on her body, while Kie and Lia would use their sitting and kneeling positions to help lift her while they did so - ensuring that Isa would feel little to no pain and that her skin would not rip further as they got her to her feet.

"You ready?" JJ asked gently.

With a deep breath, Isa steadied herself as John B and JJ bent down to carefully lift her. She felt the warmth of their hands under her arms, their strength supportive yet gentle, as her arms rested on their backs, clutching the back of their shirts for purchase. Kie and Lia wrapped around her waist, offering added stability as they eased her into an upright position.

Kaylee and Pope both stepped forward from behind John B and JJ, remaining close by, ready to step in and help catch Isa if anyone fell or lost their balance.

"Alright, on the count of three," John B said, locking eyes with JJ for confidence. "One... two... three!"

Together, John B and JJ lifted Isa effortlessly, cradling her against them as she adjusted to the surprising rush of standing. Kie and Lia's hands remained on her waist as they helped the boys lift her, ready to catch Isa if she swayed. As they did, Lia was able to rise from the ground as they five of them stepped away from the boulder and toward Kaylee and Pope, who stepped forward with sympathy and concern on their faces, hands outstretched to help if need be.

As they moved together, Isa winced slightly, stumbling a bit but quickly found her footing, supported by the unwavering grip of her loved ones.

"Easy does it," Pope encouraged, glancing at Isa with concern. "You're doing great."

"See?" Kie asked softly, her voice low and steady. "Just take it one step at a time."

Sarah, Wheezie, Cleo and Elyna watched with concern, giving Isa the space she needed.

"You okay?" Sarah asked.

"I'm good," Isa replied, her voice steady despite the twinge of discomfort that rippled through her back. She took a deep breath and felt the warmth of John B and JJ's hold and Kie and Lia's presence beside her. "Just... give me a moment."

As John B and JJ slowly let go of Isa to let her stand on her own, Isa sighed in relief, smiling slightly at the two of them in gratitude, to which they nodded in return.

Kaylee joined them, brushing the dirt off Isa's clothes as she steadied herself against John B's side. "We've got all the time in the world. No rush."

Isa smiled, taking a moment to absorb the support surrounding her. The warmth of friendship enveloped her, and for the first time since their harrowing experiences began, she felt a flicker of hope ignite within.

"Alright," Isa finally said, her voice steadier now. "Let's find this treasure."

The group cheered softly, rallying behind her resolve. They gathered their gear, each of them moving with purpose.

"Get to moving, kids," Big John ordered. "We don't have all day. That site's a whole day's walk. We gotta get up there before moonrise. If we miss the solstice, then all this was for nothing."

Isa felt her heart sink as her father's words cut through the air, sharp and unyielding. The warmth of her friends' support suddenly felt distant as Big John's impatience overshadowed their care. She watched him pacing, his eyes fixed on the distant horizon, barely sparing a glance in her direction. The map in his hands crinkled as he gripped it tighter, his knuckles white with determination.

"Dad," Isa started, her voice wavering slightly. "I just need a little time to--"

"Time?" Big John interrupted, finally turning to face her. His eyes, usually so full of adventure and life, now seemed cold and distant. "We don't have time, Isa. El Dorado waits for no one. We've come too far to slow down now."

The words hit Isa like a physical blow. She bit her lip, trying to hide the trembling that threatened to betray her emotions.

John B's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he watched his sister's reaction. He could feel the anger bubbling up inside of him, threatening to spill over. The very man who had abandoned them for two years and let them think he was dead - let them go through unimaginable hell and nearly got them killed multiple times before his kidnapping - was once again pushing Isa beyond her limits, seemingly oblivious to the emotional and physical pain etched across her face.

The Pogues each mirrored John B's anger and incredulity, though they were far from shocked, having seen this coming.

"Dad," John B started, his voice low and controlled despite the fury simmering beneath the surface. "Don't you dare push her like that. Isa has been through Hell and back. If she needs a minute, then we all need to wait."

"Just give her a moment to breathe, please," Wheezie implored.

Big John's expression hardened, but he didn't retort immediately. Isa could see the tension in his jaw, the flicker of frustration in his eyes. He was a man driven by purpose, but today... today he seemed almost lost. "John B, Isa, you need to understand that finding this treasure could change everything for us. We're not just doing this for ourselves. We're doing this for our family."

"We all want the gold to create our future, and to provide for Isa's treatment so she can recover from this when we get back home," Elyna retorted. "But she can't do that if she sacrifices herself because you threw her away like a lamb to the slaughter."

Big John opened his mouth to argue, but he was promptly cut off.

"Don't you think it's time to consider how Isa feels about this?" Kie demanded, stepping forward to confront Big John. "She just got out of a hellish situation, she should be in the hospital right now, but she came here and put everything on the line - including herself, again - to save you."

Lia walked closer, glaring at Big John in fury. "So show some goddamn compassion and consideration for your daughter, because she's showed you nothing but that while you treat her like a fucking sacrifice."

Big John opened his mouth to retort, but the look in Lia and Kie's eyes were fierce enough to silence him. There was a moment of palpable tension hanging in the air, each of them holding their breaths as Isa's two lovers stood with their eyes locked with her father's in a silent battle of wills.

Kaylee stepped forward, her own frustration bubbling to the surface. "You talk about time like it doesn't matter, Big John. But Isa's health does. You can't keep pretending this is just another adventure when it's not."

Cleo chimed in, her voice steady with conviction. "She's not just some pawn in your treasure hunt. And she's not going anywhere until she's ready."

Isa felt warmth suffuse her heart at their words, and despite the ache emanating from her injuries, a swell of gratitude washed over her. It was like a shield against the stormy doubt that had threatened to take root in her mind.

Big John's eyes flickered between each of them, the weight of their collective resolve pressing down on him like an anchor. For a moment, he looked taken aback, as if he were finally realizing that his family had transformed into something stronger than he had anticipated - something that could stand against him.

"Fine," Big John said begrudgingly, but the fire in his eyes dimmed slightly. "We'll head out, and we'll take breaks when she needs to, but short ones. We have to get there before Singh and his men do."

That was the one thing that everyone agreed on.

Isa's heart raced at the small victory. "Thank you."

JJ smiled bitterly at Big John as if he was resisting the urge to fight him for the way he was treating Isa. "Wasn't so hard, was it? Giving a damn about your daughter? Either one of your kids, actually?"

Big John gave the Pogues each a look, folding his arms tightly across his chest as if it would protect him from the connection they all shared, speaking without acknowledging JJ's snark. "But we can't waste too much time. The longer we wait, the greater chance we have of losing our lead."

"We won't lose our lead," Elyna replied firmly. "But we need to make sure she's taken care of first. That comes before anything else."

John B shot Big John a glare, putting a protective arm around Isa to comfort his sister from their father's lack of reaction and care to her well-being. Isa leaned her head on John B's shoulder briefly, swallowing.

Pope looked at Isa in concern. "We got this, okay? Don't let him bully you into leaving until you're ready."

"We'll back your move every step of the way," Sarah agreed.

Wheezie nodded in agreement. "Until the end of the line."

As the weight of their words settled in, Isa felt a newfound strength surge within her. Surrounded by her friends, her family, she could finally breathe a little easier. She straightened her posture, determination glinting in her eyes.

"Okay," Isa said quietly but firmly. "Let's do this, but I need to know that we're taking it slow."

Big John nodded begrudgingly, though his expression remained stern. "Fine. Just keep up as best you can. But I won't be slowing down for you kids. I'm telling you right now, I ain't waiting."

His words only further infuriated the entire group - and broke Isa's heart.

"Dad, stop!" John B snapped.

"I ain't," Big John replied. "It's a matter of fact."

"Then you can go by yourself," John B shot back, frustration boiling over. "We're not leaving Isa behind just because you can't see how much she's already given."

Isa felt a warmth spread through her chest at her brother's words, but the tension in the air was thick, and she knew they had to defuse it before it escalated further. She knew that if they left Big John's side, there was likely a chance that they would never see him again - and that was something she couldn't risk and never forgive herself for. They had to stay together and protect each other no matter the cost.

"No, please," Isa interjected softly, trying to keep the peace. "We'll go together. I can manage."

Big John shook his head, his jaw tight with stubbornness. "You're not going to be of any use to anyone if you're still hurting."

"But I am going to be of use," Isa insisted, her voice gaining strength.

"And what happens when you collapse halfway up that mountain?" Big John challenged, his tone harsh.

Isa's heart sank at the thought, but she squared her shoulders and met his gaze with determination. "I'll handle it. I have my friends - my actual family - to help me."

Lia glared at Big John with growing resentment. "Even when you can't be bothered enough to help your daughter yourself."

Elyna crossed her arms defiantly. "You want us to find this treasure together? Then act like a father who cares about his kids first. Stop treating Isa like she's expendable."

"Unless you want a fist to the face," Kaylee warned, fury flashing in her gaze as she glared Big John down.

JJ raised his hand instantly. "I'll gladly join in on that."

Big John opened his mouth to respond, but the fire in Kaylee and JJ's eyes silenced him. The sheer determination radiating from the group was undeniable, a collective force he could no longer ignore. Isa felt the weight of their loyalty and love surrounding her like an impenetrable shield.

Big John's brow furrowed, and for a moment, it looked as though he might explode with frustration. But instead, he took a step back, the fire in his eyes dimming slightly as he surveyed the determined faces of the Pogues surrounding him. It was evident that they weren't going to back down, and they weren't going to let him bully Isa into compromising her health any further.

"Look," Isa said, her voice steady despite the turmoil around them. "I know my injuries are serious. But I also know I can't let fear or pain dictate what happens next. We're all in this together, and we need each other more than ever right now."

"Exactly!" Kie chimed in, her tone firm as she stood tall. "We're here for you, Isa. And we'll make sure you're safe, no matter what."

Ward's presence loomed nearby, but even he seemed to recognize the palpable bond among the Pogues. He shifted uncomfortably, unsure of where he fit into this newfound unity. Yet, even he found Big John's actions toward his daughter horrible, even with his history with his own children. Ward truly had been convinced he did it all in the name of protecting his children, in his own twisted way.

Meanwhile, Ward watched as Big John disregarded the safety and well-being of his own daughter as if she was nothing, and he found it shocking and reprehensible.

Big John walked past the kids toward Ward. "I'm gonna go tell that son of a bitch he ain't coming."

"Dad, hey," John B said.

Ward hobbled over, leaning heavily on his cane. "Hey, listen, guys. I'm really sorry, but, uh, I'm not gonna be able to make it up that mountain, not on this leg. I'd be slowing you down, that's all. So, I'm just gonna hang here."

Everyone just gave him a blank look.

Ward made his way over to Lia, Sarah and Wheezie. "Tell you what. I got a flare gun. If I see Singh come through here, I'll send up a flare. Let you all know he's coming. Least I can do."

Sarah nodded curtly. "Thank you."

Ward smiled sadly. "You're welcome. Good luck to you all."

Big John pointed at Ward. "Don't even think about trying anything, Ward. It won't end well."

"Just trying to take care of my kids, John," Ward replied, casting a significant glance toward Isa. "What are you doing with yours? I may have a rough history with my children, but I would never send my daughters up that mountain in a state that Isa's in right now."

The Pogues stood in stunned silence, their eyes darting between Ward and Big John as the weight of Ward's words settled over them like a heavy blanket. Even Lia, Sarah, and Wheezie, who had endured the worst of Ward's actions, found themselves speechless at their father's unexpected defense of Isa.

Isa's breath caught in her throat, her heart hammering against her chest as she processed Ward's words. The man who had caused so much pain and turmoil in their lives was now challenging Big John's callous disregard for her well-being. It was a moment of cognitive dissonance that left her reeling as her eyes swept over to Lia and Kie, who were just as stunned as she was.

John B's jaw dropped slightly, his eyes wide with disbelief. He glanced at Sarah, who looked equally shocked, her brow furrowed.

Lia, Sarah and Wheezie saw a flicker of the man they once knew - the father who had taught them to sail and tucked them in at night. It was a jarring contrast to the ruthless figure he had become in recent years.

Big John stood frozen, his face a storm of conflicting emotions as Ward's words hung heavy in the air. The accusation cut deep, piercing through the obsessive haze that had clouded his judgment for so long. His eyes, usually alight with the fire of adventure, now burned with a mixture of shame and fury, as they darted between Ward, Isa and John B, unable to fully meet either of their gazes.

The weight of Ward's words pressed down on Big John like an anchor, forcing him to confront the harsh reality of his actions. He could feel the eyes of the Pogues boring into him, their silent judgment more deafening than any shouted reproach. The air seemed to thicken around him, making it difficult to breathe as the enormity of his neglect began to sink in.

Big John's hands clenched into fists at his sides, his knuckles turning white with the strain. A muscle twitched in his jaw as he struggled to maintain his composure.

For a moment, it seemed as though Big John might explode with rage, his chest heaving with barely contained anger. But as his gaze swept over the group, lingering on Isa's battered form and the protective circle of Pogues surrounding her, something in his expression shifted. The hard lines of determination that had etched themselves into his face over years of obsessive searching began to soften, replaced by the faintest flicker of doubt.

Isa took the moment to pull herself together, her resolve hardening as her fragile yet resilient state suddenly dissipated completely, replaced by the fearless leader that the Pogues knew and loved, despite the pain coursing through her. "Let's get moving. Come on." She looked between her brother, friends and girlfriends. "Just... stick close, alright?"

Pride and awe washed over each of their faces as they all smiled at seeing Isa's true self hadn't been extinguished in the fire that had changed everything.

The determination in Isa's voice stirred something within the group, a collective resolve that surged through their veins like wildfire. They nodded in agreement, the strength of their bond illuminating the path ahead.

Wheezie smiled as she teasingly called Isa what JJ recently began called her. "Yes, ma'am, Commander Isa."

The Pogues shared a smile as they prepared to set out.

Big John's gaze flicked between Isa and the rest of the Pogues, but he didn't say anything; instead, he stepped back, giving them space. The weight of their earlier words hung in the air, but as Isa rallied her friends, they began to move.

Cleo prepared her gear with a quickness born from necessity. "She's right. If we keep close together like this, we'll make it out without drawing attention."

Kie and Lia helped Isa adjust her bag on her shoulders, ensuring it wasn't too tight against her wounds.

"Is that okay?" Kie asked softly.

Isa nodded.

Lia took both Kie and Isa by the hands. "Let's go."

The three smiled at each other as they marched on with the others.

The Pogues gathered their gear once more, the air thick with anticipation and urgency.

⚓️

Mountain

(Song:) La Mirada - Los Espiritus

Big John led the way, scanning the terrain as they set off down the narrow path that wound through the jungle. The scent of damp earth and blooming flowers mixed with adrenaline in the morning air, igniting a sense of adventure that thrummed beneath Isa's skin.

As they trekked along the overgrown trail, Isa felt the weight of her injuries pressing down on her like a storm cloud on a summer day. Each step sent waves of discomfort rippling through her back, but she pushed through, focusing instead on the chatter around her - the laughter of her friends as they traded jokes and stories, their voices weaving together to create a tapestry of camaraderie that shielded her from the pain.

The rainforest was dark, the sun covered with a thick layer of leaves from the towering trees above.

The air was thick and heavy with humidity, producing an unnatural amount of sweat from the Pogues and Big John.

Birds squawked and chirped in the distance, and mosquitos as well as other various flying insects produced a constant humming sound that made everyone want to rip their ears off.

Big John was going fast, not patient in the least. "Come on, kids. Pick it up! I don't got time to waste." They continued trekking through the mountain, through whatever they came across to get to the top. "Come on, kids."

As they climbed higher onto steeper parts of the mountain, while John B, JJ and Pope were lending their hands to help Sarah, Kaylee and Cleo over the boulders and rocks, Lia, Kie, Wheezie and Elyna created a system that would help Isa climb without overworking her upper back and shoulders.

Lia and Kie positioned themselves on either side of Isa, their hands steady and reassuring as they navigated the rocky terrain. They formed a protective barrier, ensuring that any misstep would be softened by their presence. Wheezie and Elyna flanked them from behind, ready to catch Isa if she stumbled.

"Just keep your eyes on the path ahead," Lia instructed gently, her voice calm amidst the chaos of the mountain trail. "And let us handle the hard parts."

Isa nodded, focusing ahead as she took slow, measured steps, feeling the tension in her muscles but determined not to show it.

"I'll do my best," Isa replied, though the fatigue was starting to creep in.

"That's all we ask," Kie said softly, her eyes filled with unwavering support. "We'll get you through this."

"You're doing so good," Wheezie said softly.

"You're a fucking rockstar, Isa," Elyna agreed.

Isa felt her heart swell at their words, a flicker of pride igniting within her. "Thank you, guys. I really appreciate it."

With each step they took, the jagged stones pressed against her feet, but Isa pushed through, the support of her loved ones filling her with determination, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other.

As they hiked higher up the mountain, the sun climbed in the sky, casting a bright light that filtered through the trees. The sounds of the jungle enveloped them: birds chirped, insects buzzed, and the rustling of leaves added a natural melody to their ascent.

The air grew cooler as they moved further away from the river's edge, and Isa found herself catching her breath more often. Kie and Lia never left her side, gently encouraging her to take it slow and breathe deeply.

"Focus on the sound of our voices," Lia encouraged, her hand steadying Isa's back as they maneuvered around a particularly jagged rock. "You've faced worse than this."

Isa chuckled softly despite the strain. "Being electrocuted. Being framed for attempted murder and nearly killed in jail." She held up her arm which had the healing, jagged wound from Eberhini's knife that trailed from her elbow to her wrist, which was scarred. "This and everything that followed that."

Kie nodded in agreement. "Exactly. You've overcome so much. You can overcome this, too. Literally."

With every inch they ascended, the weight of Isa's shoulders felt a little lighter - both literally and figuratively - thanks to the unwavering support around her.

Big John led the group forward with an air of intensity, his eyes fixed on the horizon as they climbed higher. The weight of his obsession for El Dorado pushed him onwards, but Isa could sense the growing tension between him and the Pogues like a taut wire, ready to snap at any moment.

(Song Ends)

As they reached a plateau where the trees thinned out for a moment, Isa knew that she had to tell them she needed to rest. The weariness settled heavily in her limbs, a reminder of the burns and exhaustion that lay beneath her bravado. 

"Can we take a break?" Isa finally ventured, her voice barely above a whisper but laced with urgency.

John B instantly nodded, turning toward their father at the front of the group. "Hey, Pop. How about we take a breather, you know?"

Big John didn't even look back, irritation evident in tone. "How about not?"

Pope shot a look toward Big John. "Excuse me?"

Big John turned sharply, the intensity in his eyes flickering as he ignored the Pogues and stared at Isa and John B. "Come on, kids. You're slowing me down. We're losing light."

Isa took a deep breath, pushing aside the urge to panic and cry at his words as she felt her throat tightening at his carelessness.

Lia clenched her fist as she struggled not to lash out. "I can't take this anymore. One of you talk some sense into him before I kick his ass."

"I'll be joining you," Kaylee told her with a glare directed toward Big John.

JJ waved his hand in agreement. "Get in line."

Pope, trying to prevent a fight, looked at Big John. "If Isa doesn't rest, she won't be able to keep going. She can't help if she's in worse shape than she already is."

Kie and Lia stepped closer to Isa's side, their presence a fortress against her father's harshness.

"Just a short break," Sarah added gently. "She needs it."

"Isa, John B, I told you I wasn't going to wait for you and you friends," Big John reminded them callously. "It's the only shot we got. Come on."

John B had enough, storming up to their father furiously. "Hey! Hey! For 30 seconds, can you stop being an asshole?"

"30 seconds?" Big John repeated. "I've been on this trail my whole life, boy, and we are on the cusp."

"We're about to be on the cusp of losing Isa if you don't give us two fucking minutes," John B retorted. "How about you care more about your kids than the gold, huh, Dad?"

Big John was finally brought to silence by that.

John B didn't hesitate to walk away from his father without a look back as he returned to his sister and their friends.

Isa watched as John B stepped away from Big John, her heart swelling with gratitude for her brother's fierce protection. She leaned into Kie and Lia, drawing strength from their presence as the tension between them and their father hung heavy in the air.

As the Pogues sat down to rest for a moment, John B felt the suffocating weight of their father's obsession press down on them all. He could sense the anger radiating from his friends and the heartbreak in Isa's eyes, and it fueled his resolve to protect her at all costs.

"Hey," John B said softly as he returned to Isa's side, concern etched across his features. "You okay?"

Isa leaned against the boulder, grateful for the momentary reprieve. The heat from her burns throbbed beneath the bandages, and she bit her lip against the pain, frustration bubbling within her. "I hate this."

"You're doing so well," Kie reassured her, brushing a hand over Isa's arm. "Juts focus on your breathing for a second. We're here."

Isa nodded, taking a shaky breath. "I'm alright. Just... I wish he'd understand how serious this is."

"He will," Lia insisted, her voice steady. "He just needs to see how it actually is for you right now."

John B felt the need to apologize about their father. "Sorry about him. He gets a little obsessive over the treasure."

Sarah gave him an amused smile. "And you don't?"

The others chuckled.

Isa looked down. "I don't know. Used to, but... it's gotten us in so much trouble."

"Understatement," Pope agreed dryly.

Cleo swatted him with her hand. "Just stop. You ain't helping here, Pope."

Pope ran a hand over his head sheepishly. "Right. Sorry. Uh... I got nothing."

The others smiled in amusement.

"How encouraging, Pope," Elyna told him sarcastically.

"Such words of wisdom," Wheezie quipped.

Pope rolled his eyes. "Oh, anyone else gonna do better?"

JJ shook his head. "Nope. Can't argue with that."

"So great, JJ," Isa said, her eyes closed.

JJ smirked. "I ain't done yet. Yeah, the treasure's gotten us hurt and arrested and all that shit, but it's also brought us together. I mean, Isa, you wouldn't even be with Kie and Lia if it wasn't for the treasure, and same with John B and Sarah. Me and Kaylee would've been since we started slightly before that took off." Kaylee smiled. "Pope? Well, we wouldn't have even met Cleo. Wheezie and Elyna might have met since Tod and the Laurents weren't involved in the gold, despite the fact that you guys did steal gold from them. So yeah, it's been rough, but it's also been a freaking awesome ride."

"Yeah," Kaylee agreed. "I'd do it again with you all in a heartbeat."

They all smiled.

"Aw," John B teased. "Kaylee, JJ, you've been so full of emotional monologues lately."

Kaylee scoffed teasingly. "Oh, please, John B. You've had worse. You've done worse."

They all laughed, just enjoying the moment like this while they got to rest.

Big John was keeping time exactly. "Two minutes! Let's go!"

The kids groaned.

"Should've gone for five," Cleo said.

Kie and Lia stood, helping Isa up to her feet.

John B, Kaylee and JJ looked at them in concern to confirm, and Isa nodded breathlessly.

"Let's move it, kids," Big John ordered. "Ain't got anymore time for breaks!"

"We're coming!" Sarah said in exasperation.

"Well, come faster," Big John replied.

Wheezie rolled her eyes. "After you."

Cleo sighed. "Let's go."

They hiked for longer the second time around, mainly because Big John was no longer willing to take breaks.

After four hours, Isa felt like her entire body was on fire. Everything hurt, whether it was just plain agony, or a dull, tiresome ache that made walking difficult.

Isa pressed on, her determination wavering but never fully extinguished. She could hear the soft whispers of concern from Kie and Lia behind her, their presence an unwavering comfort as they navigated the wild terrain. Each step felt heavier than the last, sweat trickling down her brow, stinging her eyes. The weight of Big John's insistence on moving forward hung over them like a dark cloud, and with every passing moment, Isa felt that cloud pressing in around her.

"Just a little further," Kie encouraged softly, glancing at Isa with a determined look. "We'll take a break soon."

Isa forced a smile, though it felt shaky, trying to convince both herself and everyone else. "I can do it. I just need to keep... moving."

"Focus on us," Lia said gently, brushing Isa's shoulder as they walked in tandem. "We're right here."

Every step felt like a battle as the rocky terrain pressed against her feet, the sharp stones digging into her skin. The sun blazed down from above, its relentless heat combining with the pain radiating from her burns to create a near-overwhelming sensation. Isa focused on her breathing, trying to block out the discomfort as she trudged forward alongside her friends, each of them rallying around her in solidarity.

"Isa," John B said softly, glancing at her with concern as they made their way upward. "You sure you're alright? We can slow down."

Isa swallowed. "I'm fine. Just... tired."

Kie moved closer, linking arms with Isa and Lia on either side of her. "We're all tired. But we'll get through this."

Elyna nodded vigorously. "Just think about how amazing it's going to feel when we finally reach the top."

John B winked at Isa. "And on the way down, JJ, Pope and I can take turns giving you piggyback rides all the way down."

"That sound good?" JJ asked.

Isa nodded shakily, knowing that she wouldn't be able to make it down without their help.

"Try again with talking him into taking a break," Cleo said, shooting a glare toward Big John.

Wheezie scoffed. "Yeah, like that's gonna happen."

"Big John, we need a break," Elyna told him.

"Again?" Big John asked. "We don't have time for breathers."

"It's not even sunset yet!" Kaylee told him. "Sun's still high in the sky. Look, come on."

Big John was fed up. "I've got you kids slowing me down. I've got Ward Cameron, who tried to kill me, nipping at my heels." He gestured harshly to Sarah, Lia and Wheezie. "His daughters spying on me--"

Sarah, Lia and Wheezie's eyes flashed with hurt.

"Wheezie, Lia and Sarah are not fucking spying on you," Kie told him. "And we're just trying to get you to give them, me, Isa time."

"We are not our family, Big John," Sarah told him coolly. "We're not spying, and we're not here to sabotage or betray you."

"Give me one good reason why I should believe you," Big John told them.

Lia took Kie and Isa by the hands. "I love Isa and Kie, and Sarah loves John B. The Pogues are more our family than our real one ever was, they accepted us and Wheezie when no one else did."

Sarah took John B's hand as if this would prove Lia's point.

"We found a home where we didn't have one before," Wheezie agreed. "Not a real one."

Big John scoffed. "Well, ain't that a sappy story."

JJ's eyes flashed with anger, his protective instincts flaring up at Big John's dismissive words. He had already been on the brink of snapping because of the way that Big John was treating Isa - his own daughter, who was like a sister to JJ since they were children.

In addition to the words he said about Lia, Sarah and Wheezie, who weren't just his friends' girlfriends anymore, but his own sisters as well - his family - made him finally break.

"Hey!" JJ snapped, stepping forward with his fists clenched at his sides. "You don't get to talk to them like that!"

The sudden ferocity in JJ's voice made everyone freeze, the tension in the air palpable as he confronted Big John. The lush jungle around them seemed to grow quiet, as if nature itself was holding its breath.

"They've been through hell because of their family," JJ continued, his voice trembling with emotion. "Sarah nearly died because Ward tried to strangle her to death. He ordered a man to stab Lia in the heart. The same man he ordered to stab Wheezie in the stomach. That doesn't even cover half of the shit they've gone through because of their father, stepmother and brother."

JJ's eyes blazed with fury as he stepped closer to Big John, his voice thick with hurt and anger. "You were like a father to me once. When my own dad was too drunk or too angry to care, you were there. You taught me how to fish, how to navigate by the stars. But right now? Right now, I don't even recognize you. And you don't get to tear them down like that. Not after everything they've been through. Not after how hard they've fought to be here, to be part of this family. Not after you let Isa and John B think you were dead for two whole years and let them suffer through everything imaginable."

The jungle seemed to grow still around them, the only sound the distant cry of birds and the heavy breathing of the group as they watched the confrontation unfold.

JJ's hands were clenched into tight fists at his sides, his entire body tense with barely contained rage. "Isa, Lia, Sarah and Wheezie - they're my sisters. And John B is my brother. Blood or not, they're family. And I will do anything to protect them, even if it means taking you down, Big John."

Big John's expression shifted, caught off guard by JJ's fierce words. The intensity in JJ's eyes was a mirror of his own unyielding determination, and for the first time, he seemed to falter. He opened his mouth to respond but found no words, the weight of their collective resolve pressing down on him like a heavy cloak.

Isa stood frozen, her heart racing as she watched the confrontation between JJ and her father unfold. She could feel the tension radiating off everyone as they collectively held their breaths, uncertain of how Big John would react.

"JJ--" Isa began softly.

Kaylee raised a hand to silence her, unwilling to back down from the fight that had been brewing for far too long, glaring at Big John. "He's right. We're not going to let you disregard your children and the people who care about them for the sake of some gold. We're not just pawns in your game anymore."

Kaylee looked at Isa and John B with such pain in her eyes as she thought about everything they went through while their father was gone - abandoned when they needed him the most.

Kaylee looked at Big John. "Did you know that John B was drowned at a bonfire party? Where the same Kook that tried to drown him tried to traumatize Isa by mocking them about how you 'died' at sea. Isa got electrocuted. John B was pushed from the Hawk's Nest back home, could have broken his spine. When they found out that Ward 'killed you', he tried to kill them; pierced Isa with a spear gun and tried to frame her for attempting to murder him while she defended them with a beer bottle. They almost got run over by a plane. John B was framed for the murder of Sheriff Peterkin. The whole island was turned against them, hunting them down like they were animals for a cash reward because Ward put a target on their heads, forcing them to flee the island into a storm where they almost drowned with Lia and Sarah."

Big John swallowed as he looked down. He had known some of these things from the news, but he hadn't known the extent of it.

Kaylee continued to tear into Big John with all of the details that his children went through while he was pretending to be dead and leaving them to fend for themselves. "When they finally came home, John B was beaten down by a deputy. Isa and John B were arrested for things they didn't do, put on trial and set for execution, and the entire island wanted to see them fry. Then Ward paid another deputy inside the system to have them strung up and hung inside their cells and almost got them killed again. John B nearly got eaten by an alligator. And going to save Lia, Sarah and Wheezie from their father, Isa got that jagged knife wound on her arm and got infections and necrotic fevers and wounds that nearly killed her, just like me, Lia and Wheezie - but you already know that part and you didn't care then either when you were pushing her to the extremes."

Big John closed his eyes in shame as he looked down, though anger coursed through him.

Kaylee scoffed, shaking her head. "When you get back, you were supposed to protect them. Yet you thrust them into danger time and time again and almost got them killed - repeatedly, including the night that you got taken and had to have us come rescue you. And you don't show any goddamn appreciation for it and you tear everyone around you down like we're nothing, especially your daughter."

Big John opened his mouth to argue but fell silent, the weight of Kaylee's words crashing over him like a wave. The severity of each hardship his children had faced during his absence sank deep into his psyche, and for the first time, he felt the full impact of the damage done - not just to Isa, not just to John B, but to every member of their chosen family.

"Listen," Big John finally said, his voice quieter, almost broken, as he searched for words that could mend what had been torn. "I didn't mean--"

"You didn't mean?" Lia interrupted sharply, her frustration spilling over. "You didn't mean to be an absent father? You didn't mean to push your kids away while they fought tooth and nail for their lives? That doesn't make it okay!"

Every eye was on Big John now, and he could feel the shame washing over him like ice cold water.

"I'm trying to fix things," Big John said, his voice unsteady. "But I don't know how. I thought if I could just find El Dorado, if I could bring back something for all of us, it would make up for everything."

"Make up for what?" Sarah asked, incredulity lacing her tone. "You think a pile of gold is going to heal the wounds you've inflicted on your family? It doesn't work like that."

Isa felt a lump form in her throat as she watched the confrontation unfold. Her father's desperation was palpable, but it was tainted by a refusal to acknowledge the emotional turmoil he had caused. She shifted slightly, feeling Kie and Lia steadying her without hesitation as the tension mounted.

"I was trying to keep our family together," Big John finally said, his voice cracking slightly. "I thought finding El Dorado would give us everything we needed, everything we lost..."

"By losing them again?" Kie interjected. "By abandoning them and leaving them to fend for themselves?"

John B's voice was low but filled with raw emotion. "You think chasing after some treasure is going to fix what's broken? We just want you to be here with us, Dad. To actually care for us."

Silence enveloped them, the jungle around them alive with sound yet somehow muted against the tension that had settled between father and children. Isa could feel her heart racing as she observed the emotional battlefield igniting around them.

"Look," Isa said softly. "Five minutes. That's all I'm asking."

Big John's gaze went over each of the Pogues, resting on his children. "You can stay back here and babysit Isa if you want. It's your choice. I'm going to keep going on the quest to find the city of gold. I'll see you at the top."

With that, Big John continued up the mountain.

At the end of her rope, Isa felt like she was moments away from crying.

As Big John's figure disappeared around the bend, the weight of his words hung heavy in the air. Isa felt something inside her crack, the fragile hope she had been clinging to shattering like glass. Her legs trembled beneath her, and before she could stop it, a choked sob escaped her lips.

The sound seemed to break the spell of stunned silence that had fallen over the group. In an instant, the Pogues rallied around Isa, forming a protective circle as she finally allowed herself to crumble.

John B was at her side in a heartbeat, his arm wrapping gently around her shoulders as he guided her to sit on a nearby boulder. "It's okay, Isa. Let it out. We're here."

Isa buried her face in her hands, her body shaking with the force of her sobs. All the pain, frustration, and heartache that she, John B and the rest of the Pogues had all endured because of the quest that they started to honor their father - only for him to tear it all down.

As Isa's sobs echoed through the jungle, John B's heart ached for his sister. He knelt beside her, wrapping his arms tightly around her as if he could shield her from the world's pain and disappointment. The rest of the Pogues formed a close circle, their expressions a mix of empathy and determination. Kie squeezed Isa's hand reassuringly, while Lia brushed back her hair, whispering calming words into her ear.

"It's okay to feel this way," Elyna murmured, her voice steady but filled with sorrow. "You've been through so much, and it's not fair."

Isa took a shaky breath, looking up at them through tear-filled eyes. "I just... I wanted him to care. To see how much we've all gone through and that we need him too."

Pope's voice was soft but filled with strength. "You don't need him to validate your pain, Isa. You've got us. We all see you."

"And we'll never abandon you guys like he did," Cleo pointed out. She looked from John B and Isa, to Kaylee and Kie, to JJ, to Lia, Sarah and Wheezie. "All of your parents. You don't need them."

"Not when we have each other," Wheezie murmured in agreement.

Isa let the warmth of their words wash over her, taking a deep breath as she slowly began to compose herself. She felt John B's grip tighten around her shoulder, his presence a steadying anchor amidst the storm of emotions.

"You're right," Isa said, her voice still shaky but growing stronger. "I don't need him to define my worth or what I've gone through. I have all of you."

Isa wiped her tears away with the back of her hand, looking around at each of her friends - their faces a mixture of concern and determination.

"Exactly," Sarah affirmed, leaning in closer. "We've fought for each other. We've survived together. That matters more than any treasure."

"You've shown so much strength, Isa," Lia added softly. "It's okay to lean on us. We're your family now..." She looked at JJ as she smiled, absolutely in awe with the way he stood up for Isa, John B, Lia, Sarah and Wheezie by calling them his siblings, repeating his words. "Blood or not."

JJ smiled bashfully, running a hand through his blond hair. "Yeah, I might have gone overboard, but it was the truth."

"I just didn't know you had that kind of speech in you, dude," Pope said jokingly to lighten the mood, which caused everyone to smile.

Isa reached up to poke JJ in the nose. "You know you're our brother, blood or not."

"Always have been," John B agreed.

Lia, Sarah and Wheezie smiled, nodding.

"You 'adopting' us as your little sisters was one of the best things that happened since we joined the Pogues," Wheezie admitted.

Sarah gave JJ a nudge with her shoulder. "Absolutely. Brother."

JJ grinned in response.

Kaylee glanced up the mountain where Big John continued his trek. "I might have gone overboard too. Do you think we went too hard on him?"

Elyna scoffed. "Hell, no. He deserved all that and more."

Cleo nodded in agreement. "Amen, girl."

Elyna and Cleo did a fist bump, causing the others to smile.

The air around them was charged with an electric mix of defiance and solidarity, and Isa could feel her heart begin to mend with each word of support from her friends. It was a stark contrast to the emotional storm she had just weathered; now, surrounded by their unwavering loyalty, she felt a surge of strength returning to her.

"How's the pain?" Elyna asked.

"To be expected," Isa replied.

"Meaning?" Cleo asked.

"It hurts like a fucking bitch," Isa answered.

No one was surprised by Isa's response, all managing a smile.

Cleo nodded. "Mm-hmm."

They passed around a canteen of water so they could drink.

Isa took a long drink, relishing in the feeling of the cool liquid hitting her dry, parched throat, her head falling onto Kie's shoulder as Kie wrapped an arm around both Lia and Isa on either side of her, and Lia leaned her head on Kie's other shoulder.

Kaylee leaned back against a tree, resting her feet in JJ's lap. JJ raised an eyebrow at Kaylee, smirking.

Kaylee gave him a smile back, before letting it fade. "I don't like the jungle."

"Rainforest," Pope corrected.

Kaylee leaned over to smack him. "Shut up, Pope!"

Pope laughed, throwing up his hands to weakly defend himself. "Ow, ouch!" JJ burst into laughter as he smiled at the two. "Okay, okay! Kaylee! I yield, I yield!"

Kaylee's grin was smug as she pulled away.

The others laughed.

JJ wrapped an arm around Kaylee instinctively and kissed the side of her head, much to her contentment, and the others smiled at seeing them like this again.

JJ smirked. "I love watching you beat the hell outta Pope." Pope scoffed. JJ gave Pope a pointed look. "You like it too."

Pope was unable to suppress a smile. "True."

Again, they all laughed.

"How far ahead do you think he'll get before he realizes we ain't following?" Wheezie asked.

"I give it ten minutes," Kie answered.

John B nodded. "Agreed. We should probably get going."

Lia sighed. "Boo. I thought this Indiana Jones stuff would be more exciting."

"Maybe it will be if we were feeling up to it," Sarah answered.

"Yeah, without all the emotional baggage and drama," Elyna agreed. "But, hey, love the theater."

"Like a free soap opera," JJ chimed in.

Kie chuckled. "Come on."

They all rose to their feet and continued through the jungle up the way Big John had gone.

⚓️

Mountaintop

They reached the top of the massive mountain by afternoon.

Big John was standing at the juxtapose between clearing and jungle, his foot tapping impatiently on the grass. "Took you long enough. Take a look at this. Look at that."

They walked closer, looking over the gorgeous view, looking out over the jungle from the edge of the summit.

In the distance, poking up through the dense green trees below, were three stone pillars, just like Neville had said.

"Wow," Sarah breathed.

Lia couldn't help a breathless smile. "Oh, my God."

Big John smiled. "We did it, kids. There she blows. Solana. We're well on our way now. El Dorado, here we come."

When Isa and John B looked at Big John, they were numb. They didn't feel anything about this when it came to their father. But when they looked at the Pogues, they smiled, all of them in awe and excited that they got this far, after everything they went through.

"I'll be damned," John B murmured.

"Cheese on bread," Cleo said.

Isa took Lia and Kie by the hands. "Well, Lia, Kie..." They both looked at her. "Guess we are really Indiana Jones-ing this shit."

They all grinned.

"Come on," Big John told them. "Let's keep trucking. At least it's downhill, huh?"

"That's the plus side," Wheezie agreed.

JJ and Kaylee shared a look as Kaylee nodded to Isa.

JJ nodded instantly, moving over to Isa, playfully giving her a bow. "Your chariot awaits, Commander. Hop on."

Isa's heart swelled at JJ's offer, a mix of gratitude and amusement washing over her. She couldn't help but grin, feeling the warmth of camaraderie as he stood ready to support her.

JJ flashed a grin as he turned his back to Isa.

"Alright, Captain," Isa teased, placing her hands on his shoulders as she carefully swung her leg over his back.

JJ grunted playfully under her weight but steadied himself immediately, giving a wink. "Just keep your arms around my neck. I promise I won't drop you."

"That's what they're all saying now," Kaylee quipped with a smirk.

Lia, Kie and John B ensured that Isa was safely on JJ's back and that her wounds weren't strained as she held onto him.

"You're good?" Kie asked.

Isa nodded in confirmation. "I'm good."

"Okay," John B agreed.

Isa glanced back at the group. "Alright, let's focus up. We've got a long way to go."

"Onward, brave adventurers!" Elyna declared with exaggerated pomp, taking strides down the slope as if she were leading a grand expedition.

The others laughed and fell into step behind her, their spirits buoyed by the camaraderie that tied them all together.

As they began their descent down the mountain, Big John took the lead once more, eyes scanning the rocky terrain. The stone pillars loomed closer with each step, igniting a flicker of excitement among the group that drowned out any lingering tension.

As they continued down, Pope and Cleo were talking.

"It's beautiful out here," Pope mused.

Cleo nodded tensely. "You know, it's probably not a good time to say this, but... I don't know what's gonna happen once we get up there, and I don't know if I'm gonna get another chance."

Pope's mouth quirked up a fraction. "Interesting preamble, but okay."

Cleo bit her lip. "I've been on my own since I was 14, okay? Never even hoped for anything except for surviving. I never even thought it could be another way." She inhaled shakily. "But these last few months with you, you've shown me something different. And I just want to say that..."

Pope nudged her gently, encouraging her. "Say what?"

Cleo's lips trembled as she tried to find the words. "I, um..." Finally, she found a way to voice it, turning to face Pope. "You know the No Love Club?"

Pope looked at her curiously. "Yeah?"

Cleo smiled shakily. "I quit."

Pope frowned, not knowing what she meant. Cleo leaned in to kiss Pope on the cheek.

Such a simple thing, but it was enough to make Pope smile in happiness.

Pope placed a hand on either of Cleo's cheeks, and pressed his lips to hers. Cleo melted into the kiss carefully, softly but eagerly as she cupped his cheeks in return.

Finally, Cleo pulled away, chest heaving as she licked her lips, a small smile on them. "I guess you quit too."

Pope couldn't help his wide grin. "I quit awhile ago."

Cleo smiled shyly, her gaze dropping to her hands. "Me too."

The other Pogues had clearly heard and saw what just happened, all of them cheering slightly, causing Pope and Cleo to jump and turn toward them up ahead.

Elyna turned to give a mock-serious and theatrical bow to Pope and Cleo teasingly. "And thereth ends the dance of 'will-they-won't-they'."

The others burst into laughter.

"It's about time," Sarah grinned.

"Wait, you knew?" Cleo asked.

"Of course we knew," Kaylee answered in a duh voice. "Pretty sure we knew that you two were in love before you knew it yourselves."

Wheezie winked at them mischievously. "Lia thought we were gonna have to do some matchmaking, but John B and Kie convinced us to let you guys figure it out."

Pope gave his friends a knowing look. "But... I'm guessing you guys did a bet."

"Me and Kaylee, for once, did not," JJ answered. "Cannot blame us for this one, bro."

Kie laughed lightly. "Isa, Lia, John B, Sarah, Wheezie, Elyna and me."

"Yeah, and what was the bet's parameters?" Pope asked.

Isa smirked. "That something would go down between you two on this mission. We all knew that was gonna happen."

Pope and Cleo nodded, not surprised.

"And Isa, Wheezie, Elyna and I said that Cleo would make the first move on you, Pope," Lia told him with a wicked smile. "And lookie, there she did. So yeah, we won, baby."

"How'd you know I would make the first move?" Cleo asked curiously.

"Because you're a bad bitch who knows what the hell she wants," Elyna answered without hesitation.

Cleo grinned at the description. "Can't argue with that."

"So John B, Kie and I said that Pope would make the first move on Cleo," Sarah admitted. "But..."

John B did a fist bump with Pope. "Had to show you some representation."

Pope chuckled, shaking his head.

Wheezie tilted her head in consideration. "Although, Cleo's 'first move' on Pope was a kiss on the cheek, while Pope's 'first move' on Cleo was an actual kiss, so who really won here?"

"I'm pretty sure that means Cleo won," JJ said, flashing a grin up at Isa as he continued to carry her down the mountain on his back.

Isa grinned. "And thereby me, Lia, Wheezie and Elyna won our bet."

Cleo rolled her eyes, but the smile on her face betrayed her amusement. "Okay, okay! If we want to get technical about it, I guess I did start this whole thing."

Pope blushed slightly, glancing down at his feet before looking back up with a sheepish grin. "I just wanted to make sure you knew how I felt."

"You could have just said it, you know?" Kaylee teased.

"Lucky for you I'm not one for subtlety," Cleo replied with a wink, leaning into Pope's side as they walked.

Sarah smiled. "You guys are so adorable!"

Lia laughed lightly. "Congratulations. Besides, let's not turn this into an argument about semantics." She smiled at Isa, Wheezie, Elyna and Cleo. "We'll take our win however we can get it, thank you."

Kie shook her head with a grin, clearly enjoying the light-hearted banter. "I won't argue with that. A kiss is a kiss, right?" She nudged Pope and Cleo's shoulders. "Especially when it's from someone as awesome as you two."

Pope and Cleo glowed in the support and praise they received from all of their friends, grinning from ear to ear as they all continued their descent.

Isa clung to JJ, who navigated the rocky descent with care. She could feel the warmth of his back beneath her, that familiar secure feeling pressing against her body as they moved together in sync.

Over time, as the sun dipped low on the horizon and cast a warm golden glow across the landscape, JJ started to slow down, breathing heavily as he adjusted his grip on Isa. She could feel the fatigue in his muscles, yet despite his exhaustion, he remained determined to support her.

John B took note of JJ's state and stepped forward with a gentle grin. "Okay, time for a switcheroo."

"Thanks, man," JJ smiled gratefully, carefully lowering Isa back to her feet, nudging her arm as he wiped his brow. "You got this, Commander."

"Thanks, Jayj," Isa told him.

JJ stepped away.

John B slid into place in front of his sister, already bending down to give Isa a lift.

Isa looked between them, grateful for both their support but also acutely aware of how much they were both straining themselves for her sake. "You guys don't have to keep carrying me. I can walk."

"Nah," John B insisted with a grin as he scooped her up effortlessly. "No way we're letting you walk when we can help you out."

Isa shifted her weight onto John B's back, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. The familiar comfort of her brother's strength surged through her as they resumed their descent.

Isa leaned her head against John B's shoulder. "I don't want to hold you back."

"You're not," John B replied firmly. "We're almost there."

Kie and Lia walked beside Isa and John B, keeping pace with a watchful eye on Isa's condition.

"You doing okay back there?" Kie asked softly.

Isa nodded tiredly against John B's shoulder.

"We're so close," Lia pointed out gently. "Just hang on a little longer."

As they drew closer to the stone pillars, the atmosphere shifted. The ancient structures loomed above them like guardians of a long-forgotten world, their weathered surfaces etched with the passage of time. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the path ahead, illuminating the way toward their goal.

John B adjusted his grip on Isa as he navigated the rocks and roots beneath their feet.

"Just a little further," Kaylee urged, determination lacing her voice.

John B could feel Isa's heartbeat against his back - steady but tired, each pulse reminding him of how fragile yet remarkably strong she truly was.

As the sun began to set, John B's exhaustion got the better of him, though he managed to carry Isa a bit longer than JJ did.

When Pope noticed John B's weariness beginning to overpower him, he took the next and final part to get Isa through down to the pillars.

"Hey, let me take her for a bit," Pope said, stepping forward. "You've done enough, man."

John B hesitated, glancing back at Isa who offered him a weak smile, her eyes conveying her gratitude. "You sure?"

"Absolutely," Pope replied, his tone steady. "Just focus on getting us to the pillars. I got her."

With a reluctant nod, John B carefully let Isa down from his back and stepped away toward Sarah.

As Pope took John B's place and bent down, Isa rested on his back and wrapped her arms around him. Pope lifted her up, and Isa felt a rush of warmth and safety in this reverse cradle, the familiar comfort of being supported by someone who truly cared easing the tension in her body just a little, just like with John B and JJ.

"Thank you, Pope," Isa murmured.

Pope gave her a smile.

"Just rest easy until we get down there, Isa," Sarah said soothingly.

"We're almost there," Wheezie said eagerly. "It's gonna be amazing."

"You guys ready?" Elyna asked.

With a nod, the group moved forward in determined silence, the towering stone structures now within reach just as the sun completely set and left darkness of night covering the jungle. The air was thick with anticipation, every heartbeat echoing the unspoken hope that lay intertwined with their journey.

Isa took a deep breath, drawing strength from her friends as they moved. The lush greenery around them began to thin, revealing the majestic stone pillars that rose majestically from the ground - a testament to the legends of El Dorado.

As they approached the ancient structures, the air grew electric with anticipation. The pillars stood tall and proud, partially draped in creeping vines and adorned with intricate carvings that whispered secrets of a time long past.

"Wow," Isa marveled, momentarily forgetting her pain. "It's breathtaking."

"Isn't it?" John B agreed, glancing back at her with a smile. "And we made it together."

The Pogues gathered around the pillars, awestruck by their beauty.

Big John laughed, practically bursting with excitement as he ran into the clearing. "Ha. Do you see that?"

Lia was absolutely awestruck as this journey was a complete dream come true. "I can't believe it."

Elyna stepped forward, tracing her fingers over the weathered stone. "This is unreal."

"Yeah, it's like stepping into a storybook," Wheezie added, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the sight, taking out her journal to write and chronicle everything.

They were this close to finding El Dorado - Wheezie would chronicle every single moment from here on to help Lia's writing for the book she would create about the Pogues' adventures.

"Whoa," Kaylee breathed. "Wow. This is..."

"Really freaking awesome," JJ finished.

Kie smiled. "Oh, my God. It's beautiful."

Isa and Lia shared a smile with Kie.

"It's just as the legend predicted it," Big John said. "See these four columns here? They mark the cardinal directions." He approached the center, a small circular alter in the middle of the four pillars. "And there it is. The temalacatl."

"I'll be damned," John B said.

"Oh, my," Big John said, running his hand over the alter in reverence. "Oh, it's as real as the day, kids. A thousand years of astronomy, science, mathematics. It's all contained in this." He brushed his fingers along the engravings in the stone, feeling each intricate symbol and design. "This proves that the Kalinago were every bit the equal to the Mayans. This... this is gonna rewrite everything." Everyone had an awe worthy smile. Big John patted a small square-shaped indent in the alter. "Oh, you see that? This right here. That's where she goes. That's where the gnomon goes. Look at this. This is it. This is the moment, kids."

"Yeah, yeah, get the thing out," Kaylee said.

"Get the gnomon out," Sarah agreed.

Taking it out of his bag, Big John held the stone in his hands as if he was scared it would crumble if he moved it the wrong way. "That's where the gnomon goes. Look at this. This is it. This is the moment, kids."

John B helped Big John move the ancient artifact toward the indent.

Kie watched. "Nice and easy, nice and easy."

"That's right," Big John said. "Kids, look at this. Please, please, please."

John B's hands shook as he lowered the gnomon down, and it slid effortlessly into place.

Everyone laughed lightly.

"Oh, my God," Sarah said.

JJ glanced at Big John, still bitter with the way he was acting earlier, but still making a lighthearted comment. "Guess you aren't crazy after all."

Big John laughed before he returned serious. "Yo, listen up. When the moon hits its zenith, that's when the action starts. Okay, Lia, Pope, Wheezie, Elyna, Isa and John B, I want you on translation." They nodded, as that made the most sense because they were always more invested, and smartest out of the bunch. Big John turned to the others. "JJ, Kaylee, Kie, Cleo and Sarah, gather up some mud and mark the glyph so we know what to translate. You got it? Be quick, okay?"

"Yep," Cleo answered. "All right, we got it."

JJ, Kaylee, Kie, Cleo and Sarah knelt to gather mud to mark the glyphs.

"Hurry," Big John blurted.

Isa shot him a look. "Hey, hey. Aye, aye, captain. Relax. We can handle this."

"We only got one shot at this," Big John snapped. "I don't want anymore back talk."

John B sighed. "Yeah. Okay, okay."

"Guys, you wanna help me with this?" Pope asked.

"Of course," Lia answered.

Pope took out the letter key so that he, Lia, Wheezie, Elyna, Isa and John B could work together in helping decipher the gnomon.

Big John blew out a long breath. "Okay, okay, just give it time."

Everyone waited with bated breath for about five minutes, before something began to happen.

The moon's silvery rays filtered through the trees, one particularly strong beam landing on the alter.

The pale blue stone at the head of the gnomon lit up.

Elyna's eyes went wide. "Holy shit."

"Whoa, guys," Cleo said. "Guys, guys."

"This is it," Big John said.

"It's actually working," Wheezie breathed in disbelief.

The beam had illuminated one of the symbols at the top of the gnomon, making it glow a bright, beautiful blue.

Wheezie was documenting everything in her journal.

"Mark it, mark it, hurry!" Big John ordered. "Mark it, mark it. What's that?"

JJ marked it with mud. "That's the one that looks like a boot."

Lia found the symbol, pointing to the key. "Brave traveler."

"Brave traveler," Wheezie repeated distractedly, her pencil flying across the page of her journal. "Ah, great. Brave traveler, brave traveler."

Another symbol lit up moments later, that same blinding blue illuminating the glyph.

Kaylee marked it with mud.

John B glanced up from the translations. "This one?"

"Yeah, that one has the three nubs on it," Kaylee answered.

"That is wisdom," Pope said quickly. "That one's wisdom."

Sarah called to Wheezie. "Wisdom."

Wheezie kept writing.

Big John edged closer to Wheezie, his eyes suspiciously on her the entire time she was writing the translation. "Pay close attention. Can't muck this up. If they shine, mark it. Keep translating."

"Okay, we got it," Elyna replied. "There's two more."

As another shone, Kie smudged it with mud. "Oh, um, like a gold coin? Something swirly? Gold coin and swirly."

"This is..." Sarah trailed off.

"What's that?" Big John asked frantically.

"Wealth," Elyna answered. "And...."

"No mistakes!" Big John snapped.

John B focused on the translation. "Earth!"

"Earth?" Big John repeated.

"Yes," JJ answered.

Wheezie wrote it down. "Okay, earth. Wealth and earth. Okay, I think I got this first one sorted. 'Brave traveler, if you have wisdom, I'll reveal the wealth of the earth'."

Isa raised her eyebrows. "The wealth of the earth."

Big John smiled. "Wealth of the earth!" He laughed jovially. "That-that's El Dorado!"

Kaylee turned her gaze to the stone. "Oh, wait. Look! Something's happening on the stone."

"Look, it's coming off the gnomon," Pope told them.

Kie looked at how the glowing blue light slipped off the gnomon and onto the alter. "Oh, my God, look at this."

"Holy shit," Cleo said in awe.

While Kaylee, JJ, Kie, Sarah and Cleo scrambled to mark the glyphs that glowed on the alter, Isa, John B, Lia, Elyna and Pope translated.

"Tongue?" Sarah asked.

"A horn thing?" Cleo asked.

"What is this?" Big John asked. "Come on, hurry up!"

Lia was looking at the key. "Patience. It's patience."

"Patience," Wheezie repeated as she scrawled it down. "Patience." She paused, holding up a hand. "Patience."

Everyone waited once more, then a new glyph glowed.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," John B said.

"There, there," Kaylee told them.

"Right here," Kie said.

"Look," Elyna told them. "That's wisdom again."

"Yeah, that's wisdom," Isa agreed.

"And that's a tongue," JJ told them.

Lia pointed. "Darkness, that one's darkness."

"Okay," Sarah agreed.

Cleo looked over at Wheezie. "Darkness. Wisdom and darkness."

"And over there," Pope said. "That's, um, seeker."

Wheezie jotted it down. "Seeker."

John B saw another glyph light up. "Hey, hey. Isa, what is hand? What is hand?"

Isa frowned when she didn't find it on the key. "I don't know. I don't see it on here."

Big John frowned in thought. "Oh, I know this. Hand, hand. Hand means home."

"Home?" Kie repeated.

Big John beamed. "It's showing us the direction to El Dorado. It's showing us the direction to El Dorado!"

Kaylee wiped her brow. "Phew. That was hell."

"You're telling me," JJ agreed.

Thunder rumbled above, the moonlight suddenly disappearing behind a thick cloud layer.

Wheezie was reading a line from what she deciphered. "Wisdom. Wisdom. I... 'I have no tongue, but I'm always speaking'. I just can't figure out the part the hand, and home. Big John, what do you mean? How do you know that?"

Instead of answering, Big John snatched Wheezie's journal out of her hands, glancing from her to Lia and Sarah, untrusting of the three Cameron sisters, as well as the other kids. He didn't want any of them to know where El Dorado was.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Lia asked defensively for her sister.

Elyna shot Big John a look. "Give it back to her."

Big John held the journal tightly, his expression hardening. "This is about more than just kids playing adventurers. You don't get it. This isn't just a treasure hunt; it's the key to our family's legacy."

"Wheezie has every right to her own work," Lia insisted, stepping forward with a fierce glare. "You can't just take it away from her because you're scared we'll find something you don't want us to know."

"Or maybe because you think we're going to use this against you," Wheezie added, her voice steady. "You don't trust us."

"Trust? Look where that led me!" Big John shouted, throwing his hands up in frustration. "I lost years chasing shadows because I trusted the wrong people. You think I'm going to put my faith in a group of kids who've already been through hell and back?" He looked at Isa and John B. "I'm sorry, kids. I don't trust any of them. I'm not telling them what I know."

After all of the hell that Big John had dragged them through just to get here, and then to turn around and pull this finally made Isa and John B both snap.

John B shook his head. "This is what you're doing, huh? Just gonna use us. Just gonna pull us in and push us out. Just like you did with Mom, with Isa, with me. Even when Isa's hurt the way she is. You don't give a damn about anything that happened to us. Look, now you're doing it to Kaylee and JJ even though you were like a father to them. You're doing it to Kie and Pope, and Lia, Sarah and Wheezie, and Cleo and Elyna."

Isa had tears burning in her eyes. "Well, guess what, Dad? Guess who were there for John B and me when you weren't? Guess who never left our side! Guess who worked their asses off to get us out of prison when we may have gotten the fucking death penalty? It wasn't you! Come to think of it, it wasn't ever you, even when we were kids. You were always gone, on your treasure hunts. When we needed to go to the hospital or we got sick, you didn't get take care of us. The Heywards did, or Kaylee and JJ, and they got sick too. And now you pull all this shit when we've all gone through hell and back to get here? After you put us in danger time and time again?"

The other Pogues knew that Isa and John B's breaking point was coming with the way Big John kept pushing and using them like they were soldiers instead of his children.

"Guys," Kie said softly. "Guys, it's okay."

John B shook his head. "No." He looked at Big John with a glare. "Tell us what it is! What does it mean, Dad?"

Big John's expression did not change nor soften during Isa and John B's words, leaving them even more desperate and devastated.

The weather mirrored the raging storm inside of Isa and John B as the skies opened up and lightning flashed and thunder crashed overhead. The downpour of rain was barely noticed by the Pogues and Big John during their confrontation as Wheezie quickly yanked her journal out of Big John's hands and put it in her bag to protect it from the storm.

Isa finally just cried out desperately. "What does it say?!"

Suddenly, they heard Singh's voice. "Yes, John! What does it say?"

All eyes snapped to the higher rocky outcropping a couple of feet above them, where Singh stood with a pistol in his hand, his body showing the evidence of Kaylee's firework attack earlier in the day.

Singh's face was bruised and swollen, his nose bloodied and likely broken. There were burns and cuts on his arms, legs, torso and face. His clothes were smudged with black and red, like a chaotic painting splattered with ash and blood. His hair was wild, strands sticking out at odd angles. He looked half-dead, and the group's eyes widened at the sight of him, though they felt no remorse - especially Kaylee.

Singh cast a glare toward Kaylee, though he remained focused on the task at hand as he glared at Big John. "Huh? Tell us all, John. What is the secret of the gnomon?" Big John reached for his gun. "Ah ah ah ah ah! I wouldn't do that if I were you, John. I have you surrounded. You'd do best to toss over your gun now!"

The group looked around for an escape, finding more armed men that stepped out of the densely littered trees.

"Careful now, Mr. Routledge," Singh warned. "Careful." Big John scowled but tossed his pistol to the ground, glaring at Singh. "Very good. Very good!"

Kaylee tried to reach for her basket which contained the rest of the fireworks, which Singh noticed and aimed his gun at Kaylee in threat, glaring at the girl who did this to him. As a man of perfection, his hatred of Kaylee ran deep.

Kaylee froze, her heart racing as Singh leveled his gun at her. The entire group tensed, a collective breath caught in their throats. The rain poured down around them, slicking the stone pedestal beneath their feet and mingling with the mud caked on their boots.

"Don't even think about it, Miss Carrera," Singh warned, his voice low and menacing. He glanced at the rest of the group. "One wrong move and I won't hesitate to take her out."

Isa felt panic rising in her chest, but she quickly pushed it down, forcing herself to stay calm. "Let her go, Singh. This isn't what you want."

"You have no idea what I want, girl," Singh replied, his eyes narrowing as he took a step closer. "What I want is that treasure - and your father has the key to finding it."

"Ward was gonna send up a flare to warn us?" Big John asked, scoffing. "Yeah, sure."

Sarah glared at Singh. "Hey, what did you do with our father?"

Ward emerged from behind the shelter of the trees. "I'm right here, girls! I'm okay! I'm right here."

Lia frowned. "Dad?" Getting angry and defensive, she stormed toward him without thinking. "Dad, what did you do?!"

"No, no, no, Lia," Ward warned, but it was too late, as two of Singh's men grabbed Lia. "I made a deal, girls. I had to."

Wheezie stepped toward Lia, but didn't make a move that would result in her getting hurt or the guards grabbing her. "A deal?"

"Yes," Ward answered. "I did a favor for Mr. Singh. In return, he's gonna give me all I want."

"You think this is a favor?" Lia demanded.

"I want you all to be safe," Ward told them. "Isn't that right, Mr. Singh?"

Ward shot Singh a glare, as Lia was still being held back by Singh's men.

Singh waved his men off, who let go of Lia. "Mr. Cameron is correct. When we're finished, you three can go with your father. Safe and sound. And you too can live, you know, John, if you just give me what I want! The way to El Dorado!"

Big John chuckled. "Sorry, Carlos. I can't do that." He looked up, his eyes hard. "And you ain't gonna kill me. 'Cause I got the treasure." He tapped his temple. "It's right up here."

Singh clicked his tongue, shaking his head, waving his gun idly. "John, John, John, John, John. You know what the Guajiro king did to the slaves that mined El Dorado, John? He had them executed, so they could never reveal the secret location. And he did it here, you know, on the Stone of Solana. And I think it's important, very important, that we honor tradition. So, tell me, John."

Suddenly, two men jerked John B backwards, pressing a pistol to his head.

Isa was grabbed roughly and pushed to her knees, as she cried out because of the harm they did to her wounds, as Ryan put Isa in a headlock and put the gun to her head.

Kie, Lia and Sarah all cried out in fear. "No!"

Kaylee tried to move forward.

Fenton - also nastily burned an scarred by Kaylee -  grabbed Kaylee from behind to hold her back. "Nice to see you again. You tried to kill me. Only fair I get to kill you now."

Kaylee struggled. "Son of a bitch!"

JJ was about to riot to defend Kaylee, Isa and John B, but of course, he was held back just as well. "No!"

Kie, Pope, Cleo, Elyna, Wheezie, Lia and Sarah were blocked off so they couldn't interfere, and even if they weren't, they couldn't make the wrong move and risk someone they loved getting shot.

Elyna felt a burst of panic - she knew she could fight several of them off if she had to, but she couldn't risk her friends' lives yet. She had to wait for an opening that wouldn't get them all killed.

"So tell me, John," Singh told him. "What does it say?!"

All the kids were scared and worried, desperate for each other.

Isa's breaths were coming in shallow gasps, in pain as Ryan was applying pressure to her wounds without mercy. "Tell him. Please."

As Ryan continued to dig his knee into Isa's back, ripping over her wounds further, Isa cried out, a sharp gasp escaping her lips as pain shot through her body. The world around her faded, narrowing into a tunnel of fear and desperation as she struggled to breathe, to think.

Singh laughed. "Make your choice, John! Your children or the treasure."

John B squeezed his eyes shut when the pistol touched his forehead. "Dad, just tell him."

However, Big John remained silent even as he watched John B have a gun be put to his head, and even as he watched Ryan torture his daughter.

Isa felt the pressure of Ryan's knee digging painfully into her back. Each breath came with agonizing effort, and the overwhelming sense of helplessness threatened to swallow her whole. As Ryan drove his knee in further, she could feel him scraping against exposed tissue, muscle and bone, amplifying her agony tenfold.

Until finally, Isa was forced to release an earthquaking, heartbreaking scream of anguish that shattered all of the Pogues around her as their struggles and cries magnified.

"Isa!" John B shouted, his voice laced with panic as he struggled against the grip of Singh's men.

Kie and Lia struggled desperately to help their lover, only to be restrained, tears streaming down their faces. "Isa!"

Isa's heart raced, her senses heightened to the overwhelming fear and pain surrounding her. She fought to stay conscious, the world around her blurring at the edges.

Big John stood frozen, torn between his instincts as a father and the weight of his obsession with the treasure that had consumed him for years.

Ward looked at Big John in disbelief. "John. Jesus, John. Tell him!"

"They're your kids," Pope told him in disbelief.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Kie cried. "Tell him!"

Big John's expression remained hard and impassive, as his eyes flicked to Isa and John B briefly, the fear and pain evident in their faces but also resignment as they doubted Big John would choose them, and his gaze ultimately remained fixed on Singh.

Cleo looked desperate. "No!"

Elyna, Lia, Sarah, Kie, Pope and Cleo exchanged a look, knowing that they could do something in a split second decision.

With the opening she was looking for, Elyna grabbed the man who had a gun to her head and leaned back just as he pulled the trigger - which flew into another of Singh's men's head just behind her, who fell dead.

Instantly, Elyna drew her machete from the sheath on her back and slashed her machete through the arm of Man 1, cutting his arm clean off, causing both his severed arm and the gun to fall to the ground as blood went flying. Man 1 started screaming in pain and shock.

As Man 2 ran closer, Elyna instantly turned and slashed the machete across his chest with a spray of blood, kicking him to the ground.

Man 3 ran closer. Elyna kicked him back. Behind her, Man 4 approached with a battle cry, a machete raised over his head. Elyna spun around, ducking his machete swing as she slashed her own across his chest and then his stomach, making him scream as she kicked him to the ground.

Man 3 came at Elyna again. Elyna spun around to kick him in the face, driving her knee into his stomach, making him double over, kicking his leg out from beneath him to make him kneel before her. As Man 5 ran closer from behind Man 3, Elyna caught his arm before he could strike, spinning them around so that she could use Man 5 as a body shield against the bullets that Man 6 fired at her. As Man 5 took the shots, Elyna spun them around again so that she could kick Man 6, snapping the gun out of his hand and sending him spiraling to the ground.

This gave everyone else the chance to fight back.

Sarah ran toward the man that was holding the gun to John B's head, tackling him to the ground as they both went tumbling to the muddy forest floor with a splash.

"Sarah!" John B said worriedly.

Lia drew her machete and swung it at Ryan's back, cutting into his back hard enough to make him scream and yell out as he let go of Isa, and Kie used that chance to run and tackle Ryan away from Isa to the ground.

With Ryan no longer holding her, torturing her, Isa collapsed to the ground with tears streaming down her face.

Isa gasped for air, the agony from Ryan's attack still radiating through her body. She lay on the ground, the cool earth beneath her a stark contrast to the burning agony coursing through her back. The rain was coming down hard now, soaking her clothes and her bandages, but she didn't care - she could finally breathe without the weight of Ryan's knee pressing down on her.

"Isa!" John B shouted, struggling to break free from the grip of Singh's men. "Hold on!"

Isa's vision swam as Kie and Lia quickly rushed to her side, worry etched across their faces.

"Isa!" Kie cried, kneeling beside her and gently touching her shoulder. "Are you okay?"

Lia knelt on Isa's other side, urgency in her eyes as she scanned her lover's injuries. "Stay with us, baby. Just focus on us."

Isa nodded weakly, tears streaming down her cheeks as she fought to steady her breathing. "I... I'm okay." She managed to whisper, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her.

Meanwhile, chaos erupted all around them.

Cleo used her knife to stab Fenton in the back to distract him before taking out her machete and swinging it at him, making him let go of Kaylee.

Kaylee ducked out of Fenton's hold, turning around, punching him viciously in the face, snapping his head aside, kicking his gun out of his hand, taking it, using it to hit him viciously in the head.

Kaylee's eyes flashed with a dangerous glint as she faced off against Fenton. All the pent-up anger and darkness inside her came rushing to the surface. She lunged at him, ducking under his wild swing and driving her fist into his solar plexus. As he doubled over, she brought her knee up into his scarred face with a sickening crunch.

Fenton staggered back, blood streaming from his nose, but Kaylee didn't let up. She pressed her advantage, raining blows on him in a furious assault. Her fists flew in a blur, striking his face, ribs, and any vulnerable spot she could find.

There was a feral, almost animalistic quality to Kaylee's attacks. Gone was any trace of hesitation or mercy. This was raw survival instinct mixed with a thirst for vengeance. For everything Fenton and Singh did to her, Kaylee unleashed her fury on Fenton, her fists flying in a blur as she pummeled him relentlessly.

Pope rammed into the back of the man holding JJ - Man 6 - and JJ used that chance to get free as they both tackled the man to the ground.

Wheezie lunged at Man 7 with her machete. Man 7 caught his arm, twisting it, making her yell in pain as she arched back, forcing her to her knees as he raised his other hand for a fist strike directly at her chest, knocking the wind out of her as he sent her stumbling away. Man 7 raised his own blade to come down on Wheezie.

Just in time, Elyna drove her machete through the back of Man 7 and out through his stomach to save Wheezie. Wheezie stared in shock and relief as she watched Elyna rip the blade out from his body and pushed him to the ground.

Elyna offered Wheezie a hand. Wheezie took it, allowing her to help her up.

After an emotionally charged look, Elyna and Wheezie stood back to back as they raised their machetes.

Man 8 swung his machete for Elyna's head, but Elyna ducked low, spinning around to deliver a fierce kick to Man 8's face. Man 8 swung his machete back toward her, which Elyna ducked backward into an arch to evade the blade which whizzed by over her head. Elyna snapped back up with a vicious punch and machete swing to Man 8's stomach, kicking him powerfully in the chest, sending him tumbling back into one of the stone pillars and making him crash to the ground.

The man who Elyna had severed his arm completely off was came after her again. He used his remaining hand to try and come at Elyna with a machete. Elyna sensed him coming, ducking his blade, pivoting to face him, punching him in the face with all her strength, twisting his machete from his good hand before she drove the blade of it into the bloody stump of his severed wrist, making him scream in agony as the blade imbedded into his skin and bone.

Elyna grabbed the man by the hair and his jacket, spinning around to push him toward another soldier of Singh's, who was trying to attack with his machete - as Elyna used her man as a shield, Man 9's machete slashed through his throat instead of hers, sending blood spraying through the air. Elyna pushed the body to the ground.

With tension crackling in the air, John B and Sarah rushed to Isa's side, their hearts racing as they took in the sight of her battered form. Kie and Lia knelt beside her, their hands hovering over her injuries, worry etched across their faces.

"Isa, hang on!" John B urged, his voice filled with urgency. "We're right here."

Isa struggled to catch her breath, her eyes darting between the chaos unfolding and the familiar faces of her friends. "I'm okay. I just need to--"

"Stay down!" Sarah urged, quickly pressing herself against Isa to shield her from the fray. She could feel the rain mixing with the mud beneath them, creating a slippery battlefield that seemed determined to reclaim them all.

Behind them, Singh continued barking orders at his men. "Get them! Don't let them escape!"

Man 10 slashed toward Kaylee from overhead. Kaylee raised her machete to block the move, punching him in the face, kicking him in the chest, making him fall to the ground.

Elyna was still fighting fiercely, her instincts kicking in as she ducked and rolled, using every ounce of agility she had to fight of their opponents.

Three men closed in on Elyna.

Elyna faced them down with no fear, covered in blood from her pursuers from before. She smirked, tapping her bloodstained blade against her hand calmly.

Then suddenly showcasing the rage inside, Elyna screamed as she ran closer, jumping into the air, launching toward Man 11 on the left side to plant a kick to his face as she propelled herself to land a kick onto Man 12's head on the right, making both men fall. As Elyna came down, she slashed her machete across the chest of Man 13 in the middle, yanking it out of his chest as Man 13's body fell.

Man 11 pushed himself up, only for Elyna to spin around and slash his chest with her machete.

Man 12 attempted to do the same to be met with the same fate as Elyna finished her spin facing Man 12 and driving her machete straight through his chest and out through the back. She ripped the machete out, watching the two fall to the ground.

As John B, Sarah, Lia and Kie lifted Isa and moved her away from the fighting and danger, they didn't notice that two men behind them had guns trained on Lia and Sarah from behind, ready to fire.

However, Ward did notice and he shot the two men dead before they could kill his daughters, watching them fall to the ground.

Lia and Sarah gasped as they looked at Ward.

Kaylee's eyes blazed with a cold fire as she tapped into the darkness within her, letting it fuel her strength. As Fenton swung wildly, weakly, Kaylee drove her knee into his stomach, causing him to double over with a pained grunt.

Kaylee grabbed Fenton by the hair and slammed his face into her rising knee. There was a sickening crunch as his nose shattered. Fenton howled in agony, but Kaylee showed no mercy. She spun and delivered a roundhouse that caught Fenton squarely in the jaw, snapping his head to the side and sent him stumbling to the ground, unconscious.

All the while, Kaylee had had Fenton's gun, which she had placed in her belt loop as a holster on safety, but she hadn't fired a shot, proving that she wasn't going to let her darkness take over.

Now, though, as she looked at the rest of the men who were opening fire, Kaylee knew she needed the gun. She drew the gun and took it off safety, firing at the surrounding men.

JJ managed to wrestle one of the guns from the men and started shooting.

Ward was still shooting at Singh's men.

Singh was firing, but he gave an order to his men, since he couldn't risk losing the treasure, or their deaths when he knew they would lead him to the treasure. "Don't shoot!"

Kaylee tossed the gun she had to Lia. "Here! Get out of here!"

Lia caught the gun, aiming it at the men and firing without a second thought through the pouring rain.

Elyna ran to take the fireworks basket from beneath the stone pillars and rush it toward her cousin. "Kaylee! Light it up!"

Kaylee realized what Elyna meant, and she knew that it was the only choice. She took out her lighter and her aerosol spray, knowing to light all of the fireworks at once to set them off and leave behind destruction - worse than what she did to Singh earlier in the day - she would have to use her patented makeshift flamethrower.

Pope noticed what they were doing and gathered everyone else. "Go, go, go!"

"Run!" Cleo called. "Let's get out of here!"

As everyone else began to run as fast as they could, including Isa with the aid of John B, Lia, Kie and Sarah, Kaylee stayed behind long enough to strike her lighter and spray her flamethrower directly onto the basket of fireworks.

As Kaylee ignited the fireworks with her makeshift flamethrower, she turned and sprinted after the others, her heart pounding in her chest. Behind her, the first firework exploded with a deafening boom, sending sparks and debris flying in all direction.

The night and stormy sky erupted into a kaleidoscope of chaos as firework after firework ignited, each explosion more intense than the last. Red, orange, yellow and gold sparks rained down, illuminating the jungle in an otherworldly glow. The air filled with smoke and the acrid scent of gunpowder.

Singh's men scrambled for cover as the fireworks screamed through the air, ricocheting off trees and stone pillars. Some of the men weren't fast enough, caught in the path of the projectiles. Their agonized screams were drowned out by the relentless barrage of the deafening cracks and whistles as rockets shot into the sky.

As Kaylee ran to catch up with the Pogues, the ground shook beneath their feet as larger explosions rocked the clearing, sending debris and shrapnel flying. They could hear the panicked screams of Singh's men as they scrambled to avoid the onslaught of fire and light.

During their escape, Ward called out to his daughters. "Sarah! Lia! Wheezie! Come this way! Come with me!"

"No!" Wheezie told him. "We're not coming with you!"

"I'm your father," Ward told them. "I saved your lives. Now come with me before you get killed!"

Furious because she knew that none of this would have happened if Ward hadn't sold them out in the name of his deal, Lia turned to aim her gun at Ward, making him stop dead in his tracks. "Stay right the fuck there."

The Pogues looked at her in concern and worry.

"Lia," Kie said.

"You don't have to do that," Isa told her.

"You're not gonna shoot me, Lia," Ward told her. "You stopped Rafe from shooting me. You're not gonna do it yourself."

Sarah swallowed. "JJ, give me your gun."

"What?" JJ asked.

"Give me your gun," Sarah repeated.

JJ hesitated but handed it over.

Ward got closer still. "You're coming with me."

Wheezie, pushed to her limits, took the gun from Big John and aimed it at Ward without hesitation. "Back up."

Sarah aimed JJ's gun at Ward. "We said back up."

Ward had doubt about Lia, but he didn't believe for a second that Wheezie or Sarah could. "Wheezie, Sarah, put them down. You're not gonna shoot your own--"

Sarah let off a warning shot into the air right over Ward's head, making him duck for cover, making everyone look at her in shock.

Immediately after, Sarah lowered her gun.

As Ward tried to step closer, the air crackled with tension. Wheezie's eyes narrowed, her fingers tightening on the trigger. In that split second, a decision was made.

The gunshot rang out, echoing through the dense jungle like a thunderclap. Birds scattered from nearby trees, their startled cries piercing the air. Time seemed to slow as the bullet whizzed past Ward, close enough that he could feel the heat of its passage.

A spray of blood erupted from Ward's shoulder as the bullet grazed him, tearing through fabric and flesh. He stumbled backwards, shock etched across his face. His hand flew to the wound, crimson seeping between his fingers.

Wheezie stood frozen, the gun still raised, her eyes wide with disbelief at what she had just done, just as were everyone else.

Everyone but Lia. After everything that Ward had done, and the fact that he nearly got them all killed - again - drove her to the brink. She was breathing heavily as she was struggling not to pull the trigger of her own gun, which was aimed at the center of Ward's chest. Her face contorted in pure conflict and agony, displaying the battle within her mind and heart as she fought against the darkness.

The same darkness that pushed Rafe to attempt to kill their father in order to protect the siblings was now attempting to do the same to Lia in her equally unstable mind.

Wheezie and Sarah could see the conflict and torture on Lia's face, and they knew that even if Lia didn't intentionally pull the trigger, her trembling would cause it to go off. They quickly pushed Lia's gun down toward the ground, just as the sound of the gunshot split the air.

The gunshot went into a straight line into the ground just before Ward's feet.

Ward stumbled back, the weight of his actions crashing down on him like waves against a rocky shore. The blood from his shoulder stained the earth, a harsh reminder of how far they had all fallen. He looked at his daughters with a mix of disbelief and pain as he pressed his hand against the wound, trying to staunch the flow.

Lia's heart raced as she felt her sisters' hands steadying her, the weight of the moment crashing down on her.

"You think that's how you regain control?" Ward spat, clutching his shoulder where blood seeped through his fingers. "You think this is a game? You're my daughters!"

Wheezie stepped forward, shaking with adrenaline but seething with defiance. "You lost the right to call us that when you sold us out. You don't get to decide how our story ends anymore."

Sarah nodded, still holding JJ's gun tightly, ready to protect her sisters. "You've hurt us too many times, Dad. This is not our fault."

Lia struggled against the turmoil inside her, breathing deeply as she fought against the urge for revenge. Her heart raced in her chest, the conflict within her raging like a tempest.

Lia felt the darkness whispering to her again, urging her to let go of the restraint. But with Sarah and Wheezie's hold on her, she found herself calming down ever so slowly, drawn back to control.

Lia opened her eyes and glared at Ward. "You did this to yourself, Dad. You never stopped to think about how your choices hurt us and everyone around us."

"Rafe, your own son, tried to kill you because he thought it was the only way to protect us from you," Sarah reminded him. "So we could be free."

Wheezie lowered her gun, trembling slightly. "How does it feel to know that all four of your kids have aimed a gun at you within one week, and two have almost killed you while I shot you? That's not on us, Dad. That's on you."

Ward's face crumpled, the weight of his daughters' words hitting him like a physical blow. The jungle around them seemed to grow still, as if nature itself was holding its breath, waiting to see what would happen next. The humid air clung to their skin, thick with tension and unspoken regrets.

For a moment, Ward stood there, blood seeping through his fingers as he clutched his wounded shoulder. His eyes, once filled with determination and misguided authority, now held a haunted look. The realization of what he had done, of how far he had pushed his children, settled over him like a heavy shroud.

Ward looked at each of his daughters in turn - Lia, her face a mask of barely contained fury and pain; Sarah, standing tall and defiant, a protector to her sisters; and Wheezie, the youngest, who had just crossed a line she could never uncross, her hand still trembling slightly from the shot she had fired.

He realized that Wheezie was right, as Ward looked down to his knife wound in his stomach - a reminder of Rafe's decision to hire someone to kill their father to protect himself and his sisters in the only way his son knew how.

In his daughters' faces, in Rafe's actions just before, Ward saw not just defiance, but a strength he had never fully appreciated before. A strength born from the trials they had endured, many of which he had inflicted upon them himself.

As his mind raced with memories of their childhood, Ward grieved the life they once had as a family, realizing he would never have that again. He was devastated and defeated, with absolutely nothing left to lose, which made him both desolate and unpredictable.

Yet, as his daughters stood their ground against him, he saw what they needed in the moment. What he needed, as well, to cover from what just happened.

Without a word, Ward slowly turned around, limping away through the storm, leaving his daughters behind just as they wished for.

As the sisters watched Ward fade away into the darkness, Lia and Wheezie were both trembling with the realization of what they had just done.

Lia's breath came in ragged gasps, the adrenaline still coursing through her veins as she steadied herself against the weight of what had just happened. The echoes of the gunshots hung in the air like ghosts, reminding them all of the thin line they had crossed.

Wheezie looked down at her trembling hands, still holding the gun tightly. "Did I... did I really just shoot our dad?" Her voice was barely a whisper, disbelief etched into her features.

Sarah stepped closer, her heart pounding in her chest, instantly trying to reassure her. "It was self-defense, Wheezie." She looked at Lia intensely, trying to ensure them both. "He was going to hurt us again. He almost got us all killed back there. Isa was tortured because he sold us out to Singh."

"But it's still Dad," Lia whispered, tears brimming in her eyes. "And I almost killed him myself. Even Rafe... couldn't do it. He saved him. And you two had to stop me from... How could I..."

Wheezie stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Lia, grounding her. "We did what we had to do to protect ourselves. You and Rafe stopped him from hurting us again. We all have to make hard choices, Lia. We can't let him control our lives anymore."

Tears slipped down Lia's cheeks as she absorbed Wheezie's words, the weight of the moment crashing down on her. "I know, but I can't shake the feeling that we've crossed a line we can't uncross."

Sarah enveloped both of her little sisters in an embrace, placing a steadying hand on the back of their heads. "You didn't want to shoot him. None of us did. But sometimes, survival means making choices that hurt us inside." She looked toward the direction Ward had gone, her expression resolute. "We need to stay focused on our mission. If he comes back, we'll deal with it together."

Lia nodded slowly, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand. She took a deep breath. "You're right."

Isa, Kaylee, Kie, John B, JJ, Elyna, Pope and Cleo looked at them in concern and disbelief, all catching their breath.

Big John was even in disbelief, but he finally respected Lia, Sarah and Wheezie and trusted them after what he just saw. "You're one of us now, kids."

They continued on to make their escape.

⚓️

Day Three

Morning - Mountain Trail

The kids were recovering from the night before.

JJ and Pope were slightly smug because of their victory and escape last night.

"That was pretty badass from all of us last night, if I do say so myself," JJ mused. "I think we're getting better at this."

"Oh, yeah," Pope agreed.

JJ and Pope did the Pogue handshake.

Cleo walked toward them. "Hey, hey. Ain't no time for celebrating. We didn't win nothing yet."

Kie shrugged, nodding. "That's fair."

Kaylee turned to Elyna, shrugging. "I thought we won last night's round."

Elyna smiled, nodding. "Yeah, we did."

"Well done, soldiers," JJ complimented. "You two were fucking badass."

"Thank you," Elyna replied with a bow.

Predictably and understandably, Isa, John B, Lia, Sarah and Wheezie were not in the celebrating mood after last night.

"We gotta keep moving," Sarah told them. "Singh and his men can't be far behind us."

Big John was limping his way after them. "Keep on that heading, northwest. That's the way the hand pointed. That's home."

Isa could barely move after the torture that she endured last night.

Isa pushed herself to stand, her legs trembling beneath her. Kie and Lia were immediately at her side, each lending a steadying hand. She felt exhausted, the pain still radiating from her wounds as she tried to shake off the heaviness that threatened to pull her back down.

"Are you sure you can move?" Lia asked softly, concern etched on her face as she scanned Isa's injuries.

"I have to," Isa replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. The weight of what they had all endured hung heavily on her chest, but she was determined not to be the reason they slowed down again.

"Let's keep it steady," John B said, casting a protective glance over his sister. He felt the urge to carry her again but held back, knowing how important it was for Isa to feel capable and strong, even in the aftermath of last night's chaos.

As they trekked further into the dense underbrush, the weight of exhaustion hung heavily on Isa's shoulders. Each step jolted pain through her back, but she pressed on, determined not to let her injuries slow down the group any more than they already had. John B stayed close by her side, ready to catch her if she stumbled.

Big John was trailing behind them, groaning in pain, doubling over in secret, as he was bleeding.

Isa and John B glanced back.

"Pick it up, old man," John B told him. "Let's go."

Big John spluttered. "I need a minute."

Kaylee scoffed in disbelief. "Oh, now you need a minute? You sure as hell didn't feel like giving us one yesterday, ever. Also, last night? Not a fun way to almost die."

John B looked back at Big John. "Need a minute? What are talking about? Singh could be right behind us. Come on, let's pick it up. Let's go."

Big John was trying to catch his breath. "Go on, I'll catch up. I just need a minute to catch my breath."

Isa looked at Big John with pain and betrayal after what he had let happen to her and John B last night. She looked at the others. "Guys, one sec."

The others continued on to give the Routledges a moment alone so Isa and John B could confront their father.

"Why did you just stand there?" Isa's voice quivered, a mixture of hurt and anger swirling within her. She stepped closer to Big John, her gaze fierce. "You could have stopped them. You had the chance to protect us."

Big John took in a deep breath, wincing as he straightened up. "I thought I could negotiate." His voice was strained, but his resolve faltered under Isa's piercing stare. "I thought I could save everyone without escalating things."

John B stepped in, crossing his arms with an incredulous look on his face. "Save everyone? Or save your precious treasure? Because from where we stood last night, it looked like you were more interested in keeping yourself safe than looking out for your kids."

Isa clenched her fists at her sides, feeling the heat of betrayal coursing through her veins. "You put us in danger! You always have. And when it came down to it, you didn't even try to help when they had a gun to John B's head, ready to blow his head off."

Big John lowered his gaze. "I thought keeping my mouth shut would keep you safe--"

"Safe?" John B interrupted incredulously, his voice rising in anger. "What part of standing by while they tortured Isa is keeping her safe?! You think that's what being a father means?"

Big John's gaze settled on his son. "John B, I--"

But the words fell flat as he saw the fierce resolve in his children's eyes, the very same determination that had seen them through every trial they faced.

"You think we wouldn't have fought back? You think we were just going to stand there and let them take us?" Isa's voice was steady despite the tremor of pain beneath it. "We needed you. We thought you would be our ally."

John B stepped closer to their father, the tension palpable. "You chose the treasure over us. Over our lives. If you can't see that... if you can't recognize what really matters after everything we've been through, then I don't know if we can trust you anymore."

Big John's expression darkened, a mix of shame and anger washing over him as he absorbed their words. "I was trying to protect you both... to protect all of you."

Isa shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes as she spoke through the hurt. "You were only trying to protect the treasure. This isn't about the gold or some misguided, bullshit legacy that you're so obsessed with. This is about family. We're supposed to trust you to protect us, not stand by while we're tortured and about to die."

John B's voice was thick with emotion as he stepped closer to their father, anger and disappointment warring in his eyes. "You think this treasure is worth more than our lives? Worth more than what we've been through?"

Big John's silence hung heavily in the air, and for a moment, Isa saw a flicker of realization cross his features - the weight of the choices he'd made crashing down on him like the rain that had poured around them in the night.

Big John started to push himself up, which was when Isa and John B saw the blood on his torso.

"Wait, wait, wait," John B said. "Dad, what happened?"

Isa felt a wave of shock wash over her as she realized. "Were you shot last night?"

Big John waved an indifferent hand. "What? Yeah, I just got grazed. I'll be fine. Just beat up a little bit. That's okay." He looked between his children as he swallowed. "I might have deserved that after last night."

Despite her anger still coursing through her, Isa stepped closer, her heart pounding in her chest. "No, you need to sit down. We can't just keep going if you're hurt."

John B mirrored her concern, taking a cautious step toward Big John. "We can't lose you too. Not after everything we've already been through."

Big John gave a pained smile, but it was laced with frustration. "I told you I'm fine! Just a scratch."

"You're not fine!" Isa snapped, her voice rising with urgency. "We need to stop and treat that. You can't just keep going like nothing's wrong."

"You're not my mother," Big John shot back defensively, his gaze hardening. "I know how to handle injuries."

"Clearly not," John B replied tersely, stepping alongside Isa as they tried to flank their father.

Big John gave Isa a pointed look. "Just because you used to play nurse maid doesn't mean I want you to now. You know I won't stop when we're this close, Isa. And I know you won't either. Not when El Dorado is the only way you're going to get better and the only way you and your friends are going to have the lives you dreamed of."

Isa's heart sank at her father's insistent tone. "You need to listen to us, Dad! This isn't just about El Dorado anymore. We've all been through hell, and if you're hurt, it will only make everything worse."

Big John clenched his jaw, frustration bubbling up as he straightened his posture, clearly in denial about the severity of his condition. "I won't let you two slow me down. Not when we're this close."

"You don't get it!" John B shot back, his voice strained with emotion. "It's not just about reaching the destination; it's about getting there together - alive and in one piece!"

"We don't have time to stop," Big John retorted. "Not with Singh right behind us. We have no more fireworks. Nothing more than can keep his men at bay. If they come for us again, we're all dead. So let's just get to the gold and get the hell out of here."

Isa and John B found that they couldn't argue against that, knowing that Singh could be closing in on them. They couldn't stop now, and they hated it.

Isa took a deep breath. "Fine. But we take it easy. Not just for me, but for you too."

Big John opened his mouth to reply but faltered at the sight of his children's faces, filled with a mix of determination and fear. The anger that had burned in him began to fade into something softer: regret.

Big John sighed heavily, nodding in agreement. "Okay. Taking it easy but making it double time, how's that sound? Gotta stay one step ahead of them."

John B took Isa and Big John's hands, helping them up the steep slope given both their wounded states, trudging through the overgrown foliage and under the stone overhang above.

As they continued on, the atmosphere remained charged with tension, but a newfound resolve settled within the group. Each step forward echoed their determination not just to survive but to reclaim what had been lost along the way - trust, safety, and each other.

The terrain began to shift as they ventured deeper into the dense jungle. The lush greenery intertwined with shadows, and damp earth squelched beneath their feet. Isa could feel John B's steadiness at her side, his presence grounding her as they moved together through the underbrush.

"Stay close," John B murmured, his voice a low rumble of comfort despite the chaos that surrounded them.

Isa nodded, grateful for the unwavering support of her brother and friends. With every step, she focused on the sights around her -the vibrant colors of flowers peeking through the thick foliage, the sounds of distant wildlife painting a picture of life amid their dire circumstances.

"This place is kind of beautiful," Pope said suddenly.

"If you like hot and mosquitos, sure," JJ quipped sarcastically.

Pope rolled his eyes. "Not like that. I mean, the rainforest in general. Like, the trees and leaves and the sights and sounds. I think it's kind of cool."

"True," Kaylee agreed. "But if we're picking vacation spots, this definitely ain't it."

"Where'd you go, then?" Kie asked.

Kaylee gave JJ a slight smile. "Surf trip. Right?"

JJ smiled in return. "Hell, yeah, Kaylee. All over the ocean borders, baby."

Kaylee laughed lightly.

That led to asking where all the kids would like to go on vacation if they got it all.

"Where would you go?" Cleo asked. "What's your dream vacation spot?"

"I wanna travel the world," Lia answered. "Give back to it."

Kie and Isa nodded, as they remembered talking about this in 2.04, and they all wanted to do that.

"Go anywhere and everywhere, live life and have no regrets," Isa recalled some of the words they said.

"Sounds perfect," Kie agreed.

Isa, Kie and Lia smiled at each other.

"Maybe somewhere where I can see the Northern Lights," Sarah answered.

"Hey, Elyna, you're the world renowned thief," Wheezie pointed out. "Which would you say are the best vacation spots that we should hit up once this is all over?"

Elyna grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, if we're talking heists and adventure, I'd say anywhere that's a little off the beaten path is worth exploring. I've heard the streets of Lisbon are vibrant and filled with hidden gems. Plus, there's an art scene that could rival New York. We could also start in Marrakech, then hit up the Greek Islands. But I'd keep an eye on my pockets if I were you - never known when someone might try to swipe your wallet."

JJ grinned. "Eh, we'd be doing the wallet-swiping."

"Or go to Japan," Wheezie suggested. "I've always wanted to see the cherry blossoms in bloom."

"Perfect for a Pogue photo op," Sarah added with a chuckle. "Imagine us all in matching hoodies under a canopy of pink petals."

"Bucket list, right there," Lia said, her voice laced with enthusiasm.

"How about Bora Bora?" Isa suggested dreamily. "Crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. Just us and no worries about treasure hunters or terrible parents."

"Count me in!" Lia chimed in with a smile.

Kie grinned. "Same."

Elyna grinned. "Cleo, you've traveled too."

"Yeah, mostly Caribbean Islands," Cleo answered. "I'll show you all the lay of the land there."

Elyna winked before moving on. "What about you, Pope? Where would you like to go?"

Pope's smile was sheepish. "Well, you're gonna laugh at me."

"We won't laugh," Kie promised.

Kaylee tilted her head teasingly. "Well, no promises."

Sarah smiled. "Yeah."

"Of course not," Cleo said with a sly smile.

Pope huffed. "Okay, fine. I'd go to Pennsylvania. Historial reasons. Gettysburg, Philadelphia, some pretty cool stuff there."

John B couldn't help a snicker. "How very scholarly of you, Pope."

Kaylee and JJ laughed.

Pope protested with a smile. "You said you wouldn't laugh."

"We also said no promises," Wheezie replied.

"Cleo, what about you?" Sarah asked.

Cleo bit her lip thoughtfully. "I don't know. I never really thought about it before. Maybe out west, like Yosemite and Yellowstone."

"That's actually a cool answer, too," JJ pointed out.

Wheezie nodded. "We should all go when this is all over."

Elyna shrugged. "I'm game."

Isa gave a thin smile. "Same."

They all managed to laugh together, good, genuine laughter from all of them.

When they got further along, they heard an eerie whooshing sound from nearby.

Isa looked up. "Shh, shh. Listen, listen, listen."

"What is that?" Kaylee asked.

"Do you guys hear that?" Cleo asked.

"What the..." Kie trailed off.

"What is that?" John B asked.

Wheezie's eyes went wide as she remembered something, pulling out her journal from her bag to look at the translation from the night prior. "I am nothing but hold everything. No tongue but always speaking."

Sarah couldn't help a smile as she led the way toward the sound. "Oh, my God."

Lia and Wheezie walked with Sarah instantly.

"Guys, they're onto something," Elyna told them.

Isa followed Lia, Wheezie and Sarah. "Let's go."

The others followed.

"What the hell is that?" Lia asked.

Sarah was following the sound. "It's this way."

They finally reached the mouth of a cave. It was longer than it was tall, with surprisingly low ceilings. Stalactites hung from the roof of the overhang, mixed sporadically with hanging roots and vines. Wind blowing into the 'mouth' of the cave was making the humming sound they all heard.

Lia looked stunned. "No tongue but always speaking, I am nothing but hold everything."

"It's a cave," Kie breathed. "That's it."

"Maybe El Dorado is in a cave," JJ told them, excited just like everyone else now.

John B nodded. "All right, let's do it. Come on."

Big John laughed. "That's the spirit, kids."

⚓️

Cave

The group walked into the cave and pulled out their flashlights, all glancing around warily.

"This place is creepy," Isa remarked, her voice echoing off the jagged stone walls.

"This doesn't look like a city of gold," Pope noted.

"It's a big cave," Big John replied. "Let's split up, look around. There's gotta be a passage or something. Keep your eyes peeled."

Sarah shook her head. "I don't see any other way to go. I think this is it."

"It's just a hole in the ground," Wheezie told them.

"Keep looking," Cleo told them.

Big John had to sit against the wall, breathing heavily, noting that he was bleeding heavily.

"I don't know, Dad," John B admitted. "It kinda looks like a dead end."

Kaylee knelt next to the water in the cave, shining her flashlight in, looking at the fish underneath the water, frowning. "JJ? I think this goes deeper."

JJ moved closer. "How do you know?"

"You see the fish?" Kaylee asked. "Well, they have to come from somewhere. You don't just get those popping up in here with an inlet."

JJ walked closer. "Guys, she's right."

Elyna's eyes lit up. "Nice job, guys."

JJ completed the Pogue handshake with Kaylee as they both smiled.

Cleo shrugged. "Only one way to find out."

Isa walked into the water, going to the wall directly across from them. "They look like they're coming from over here. Hey, what is that?"

"Wait, what do you see?" John B asked, before calling over to Big John. "Dad! Hey, Dad! Come check this out. Kaylee, JJ and Isa found something."

Big John stood, making his way over. "I'm coming."

Isa shone her light through the water. "There's an opening."

"All right, that's something," Pope said, squinting at the mark above the opening. "Wait, what's that above it?"

Isa shone her light over the mark, revealing the engraving that caused all of them to look in surprise and awe.

Sarah smiled. "It's a hand. Oh, my God."

Wheezie couldn't help her own smile. "Hand means..."

"Home," Kie finished.

They all laughed lightly.

Big John beamed. "We got it now, kids! This is it! If someone went through this much trouble, it's got to be the way."

John B and JJ moved into the water, as Isa moved back.

"Ready?" JJ asked.

John B nodded. "Yeah."

John B and JJ lifted up the rocks around the opening and dumped them aside so that there could be more room for them to swim through to the other side.

"Looks like we're good," Elyna told them.

"You guys ready?" Cleo asked.

"Yeah," Sarah answered.

Lia nodded. "Let's fucking do it."

Big John shook his head. "I'll never it through that wormhole. You kids go."

John B frowned. "What are you talking about? Dad, we finally found what we think is El Dorado, and you're just gonna sit this one out?"

Big John smiled sadly. "Gotta take the training wheels off sometime, kids. It's time."

The Pogues exchanged a weird look, since this was a far cry from how Big John was acting the night before.

Isa and John B frowned, knowing that it had more to do with Big John being 'grazed' than anything else.

Big John chuckled lightly. "I'll hold down the fort out here."

Wheezie looked at the last of her translation from last night. "Guys, the last part. 'The true and patient seeker needs not light to see'. The true and patient seeker needs not light to see. That's it."

"Okay," Kie said.

Kaylee reached into her bag, pulling out three flares. "I've got three flares. They're waterproof. They're 20 minutes each, and we don't wanna get stuck down there without them or we'll never find our way out."

"Do you always have to have something to start a fire?" Pope asked.

"You know the answer to that, Pope," Kaylee replied.

JJ grinned. "Be glad she does this time, because no way in hell those flashlights will survive the swim."

Big John nodded. "Nice choice, Kaylee. The best treasure hunters are the ones that are best prepared. I don't know what you'll encounter down there, but I know you all can handle it. If this trip has taught me anything, it's that you're all stronger together." The kids smiled. "And in major need of therapy." The kids didn't deny that after all they had been through. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry about everything I said and did. To all of you. You're good kids, and you're all a hell of a lot smarter than I ever was. Be careful down there. Come back."

"We will," Lia promised. "Thanks, Big John."

Big John chuckled. "I'm passing the baton over to you kids. You got this. I'll be okay. I'll see you when I get back."

"You sure you're good?" Elyna asked.

Big John nodded. "I promise. Now go, find that city of gold, kids."

Cleo chuckled. "We're going."

The Pogues turned to face the opening in the wall as Big John retreated back onto solid ground.

"This is it," Pope murmured.

Isa looked every single friend and her brother in the eye. "Ready?"

JJ grinned. "Always."

Elyna tilted her head. "See you guys on the other side."

John B let out a long breath. "Okay. On the count of three."

Wheezie nodded, counting down. "Three..."

"Two..." Kie trailed off.

"One..." Lia trailed off.

"Go," Sarah said.

They all ducked and swam through the gap one by one, beginning what would no doubt be the adventure to rival everything they had seen so far.

⚓️

Forests

Singh was tracking the group by a blood on the trees from Big John, chuckling. "I knew I got you, John. Ryan! Where are you?"

Singh continued on without waiting for a response.

⚓️

El Dorado

The Pogues swam through the water, for a full two minutes without air, light and sound, finally coming up on the other side one by one, each one gasping for breath.

First to come up were Kaylee and JJ as they went through first, both breathing heavily and fast once they got oxygen back to their lungs.

Pope and Cleo came up next.

John B and Sarah came up through the water, gasping for breath.

Elyna and Wheezie were next, gasping heavily.

Finally, Isa, Kie and Lia came up with gasps.

"Isa?" John B asked. "Kie? Lia?"

"No, John B," Isa rasped sarcastically. "Taylor Swift. Who the hell do you think, dude?"

The others laughed lightly.

"Considering everything, I was just checking it," John B replied.

Lia shrugged. "Touché."

"Can't see a damn thing," Wheezie complained.

"Hang on," Kaylee said, lighting the flare so they could see in the dark, looking around.

"Okay," Elyna said. "We made it."

"What is this place?" Sarah asked.

Kie pointed toward a surface nearby. "Look, there's something over there."

"Okay, let's go," Cleo told them.

They swam toward the walking surface.

The water was shallower on this end, turning into land in the form of the rough, rocky walking surface. The cave was narrower, the jagged walls much tighter than the space that they had just come from.

Lia raised an eyebrow. "I'm just gonna say it. This place is creepy as hell."

"Not disagreeing with you there," Pope agreed. "Nowhere else to go, though."

"What's the worst that could happen?" JJ joked.

"We die," Kie answered.

"We run into some creepy Kalinago ghosts," Isa added.

"We activate a booby trap that keeps us down here until we slowly die of dehydration and starvation," Lia added.

The others just stared at Kie, Isa and Lia.

"You three watch too many moves, Indy movies included," John B told them.

"Yeah, you girls morbid much?" Cleo asked jokingly.

Isa, Kie and Lia shrugged.

Kaylee chuckled. "Yeah, well, being positive never got anybody anywhere, did it? Better to expect the worst and be ready when it happens, or surprised when it doesn't."

"That's depressing," Sarah complained.

The teens all hauled themselves onto the shore, standing together to look over the seemingly endless cavern stretched out in front of them.

The stalactites and stalagmites sprouting from the floor and ceiling cast long, menacing shadows from the flare.

"So... just start walking?" Wheezie asked.

Elyna shrugged. "Nothing else to do."

Isa gestured forward. "Nothing to lose."

John B, JJ and Kaylee repeated their mantra. "Nothing to lose."

Realizing they were truly there at rock bottom, Lia, Sarah, Wheezie, Elyna, Pope, Cleo and Kie all repeated too. "Nothing to lose."

Homeless for most of them, practically orphans, completely broke. Nothing but each other.

They all started to crawl along, as the ceiling as right above them, and they had to crawl deeper into the cave.

"How deep does this go?" Sarah asked.

Lia shook her head. "I'll say it again. This place is creepy."

"Yeah, but promising," Pope pointed out. "You gotta admit, this is definitely something."

"Something creepy," JJ retorted.

"Where's your sense of adventure?" Elyna asked.

Finally, they were all having some real fun, and they were so relieved for it, when it was just them and their friendships. Not being pushed and pressured along by Big John.

Isa was groaning quietly in pain, hoping not to let the others hear her as they continued on.

John B did hear her though. "You okay?"

Isa nodded, despite the heavy wince of pain on her face, thankful that nobody could really see that in the darkness, only light provided by the flare. "Yeah."

Isa pushed through until they reached the end of the little tunnel they were in, where they could crawl out into the much bigger part of the cave, where they could all stand.

"Whoa," Kie said. "That's much better."

Isa tilted her head. "This seems too easy."

Wheezie looked around. "I feel like something's watching me."

"Don't tell me you believe in the curse of El Dorado now," Sarah teased.

Lia gave her a look. "No. We all know that's a load of bullshit. A bunch of idiots got lost in the jungle, died out there 'cause of some jaguar, and the locals blamed it on something that doesn't exist. Obviously we all know none of that's real, but that don't mean that there isn't something seriously wrong with all of this. Mark my words, in El Dorado, there'll be some sort of dark bottomless pit for us to fall into, or a tripwire that'll launch poison darts, or whatever. You get the picture."

"Dark bottomless pit?" John B asked. "Really?"

Isa put a hand to her head lightly. "If El Dorado is here, it wasn't left unprotected."

"You don't think the gnomon-solstice-translation thing was enough?" Cleo asked.

Lia shook her head. "Not nearly. There'll be something up ahead. You'll see."

"I think you two are taking Indy a little too far ever since you got that kitten," Pope said.

Isa chuckled a bit. "Don't believe us? Fine. We'll see who's right."

Even though the Pogues all did admit that the cave was creepy, they didn't necessarily hate it. It was the sense of adventure that they were all drawn to. The sense of hope, the gut feeling that all of their hard work and sacrifice wouldn't be for nothing.

They all looked around, now that they could stand.

"How deep does this go?" JJ asked.

"Shit," Kie said.

They continued along.

Kaylee led the way with the flare. "Looks like there's an opening down there."

"Okay," Pope agreed.

"How much longer with the flare?" Sarah asked. "You said there's only 20 minutes."

Cleo checked her watch. "She lit it not even a minute ago."

Wheezie tilted her head. "Three flares."

"60 minutes," Elyna said.

"30 minutes in," Kaylee said, stating the time they could only stay here.

"30 minutes out," Isa finished.

John B nodded. "Ready?"

"Yeah," Pope answered.

"Let's go," John B told them.

"Okay," Sarah agreed.

"Follow the lady of fire," Cleo said lightly.

Kaylee smirked, leading the way.

⚓️

Forest

Singh found his way to the cave through Big John's blood trail. "Why would you hide in a cave, John?"

Singh made his way inside.

⚓️

El Dorado

Kaylee continued on with the flare, followed by the other Pogues, until they reached a dead end.

Wheezie looked around in disbelief. "No, no, no, no."

"Does it just end here?" Elyna asked.

"Maybe we missed something," Isa suggested. "Maybe we passed an opening, or..."

Pope shook his head. "This was the only way to go. There's nothing. That's it. That's it."

JJ sighed, sinking down to sit on the floor, his back pressed against the cool stone wall. "Well, that's disappointing."

Cleo looked around. "Okay, um, maybe... I don't know. Just keep looking."

Kaylee felt along the wall, her hand traveling across the rough surface. "Maybe there's something here?"

John B sighed. "There's nothing."

"You don't know that for sure," Kaylee argued. "Just keep looking."

"Guys, it's a dead end," John B told them. "It's a dead end. There's nowhere else to go. Maybe this isn't El Dorado. Maybe Dad was wrong. I brought you all here and put you in danger for no reason." He looked at his sister in worry. "Especially with the way you are right now."

Sarah's heart sank. "John B--"

JJ stood.

Isa looked so hurt, lost, reaching a breaking point. "No, really. I-I mean, what was it all for? All of us got hurt. Drowned, shot at, running from cops, arrested, nearly killed over and over. Losing our families. The Chateau getting burned down, the Pogue Nest being taken down. Psycho stalkers and kidnappings. Our dad bleeding out back there. What's the point?"

JJ grabbed John B's shoulder and touched Isa's wrist to stop their spiraling minds. "Stop. Just shut up. Even if this ends up being nothing, if all it leads us to is this damn hole in the ground, we're glad we did it even if you aren't."

Sarah nodded. "Even if this all ends up being nothing, we did it together. I think that's what really counts. Not the treasure."

"Even if we knew this was going to end with nothing, we'd all follow you anyways," Kie agreed. "You know why? Because you're our best friends."

"We're family," Lia agreed. "All of us."

Isa looked up, her expression broken, her eyes watering. "Everything that happened. All of us almost died. I mean, you're all basically homeless because of us. You lost everything, because of us."

Kaylee shook her head. "That's some bullshit right there, and you know it. I was homeless because of my parents and because they're fucking hypocrites that would rather picture perfect daughters instead of the ones they got, and they turned their back on me when I needed them most, each and every single time, when you guys never did. You're the best family I've got. We're the best family any of us got."

Kie nodded vigorously in agreement as she took Kaylee and Elyna by the hands, smiling softly at her sister and cousin. "And Kaylee and I aren't homeless anymore. Elyna's parents are taking us in for real when we get home, remember? We'll be living with Uncle Gael and Aunt Esme until we're 18."

Elyna nodded emotionally, looking at Isa and John B reassuringly. "So you don't have to worry about us. Kaylee and Kie weren't hurt because of you, and they'll have a home with me and my parents. We'll help all of you anyway we can."

Wheezie nodded. "Sarah, Lia and I are homeless because our family is psychotic and they're the cause for all of this. Not you two."

Lia and Sarah gestured to Wheezie in agreement.

"And you tried to stand up to Luke for me when we were kids, though it never ended well for any of us," JJ recalled. "You gave me a place to stay, a home to be, when I couldn't be with him. And it's because that he left and he's a piece of shit father that I'm homeless. Not you."

Cleo tilted her head. "Isa, John B, when we met, I didn't have nothing to lose. When we all joined up on the Coastal Venture? That was the first time in my life I had something to fight for. You gave me a family. All of you did. I wouldn't trade that for nothing."

"Me neither," Pope agreed. "Without all of this, I wouldn't have found out who I was. I wouldn't have known that I was the descendant of Denmark Tanny. Hell, I wouldn't have even known for sure who that was. I wouldn't have learned his story, wouldn't have found the cross. Isa, John B, you helped me figure out my family."

Lia took Kie and Isa by the hands. "I wouldn't have been able to finally put Robbie's memory to rest without all of you. I would still be locked up in my house, gaslighted to believe that it's all in my head and his murderer would be free. Everything with Barry was not because of you two. That happened way before all of this. And I wouldn't have both of you."

Kie and Isa gave Lia an emotional smile.

Sarah took John B's hand. "And I wouldn't have you. Or a real family with the Pogues, either."

Isa and John B were calmed down with each thing they said.

Wheezie smiled sadly. "This treasure hunt has been incredible. It's had its ups and downs, and not all of it was perfect, but it brought us together. It made us a family. The Pogues. We've all been through a lot. But there's also been a lot of good, right, guys? I mean, we all had the chance to really bond. And fall in love."

Kaylee and JJ exchanged a slight smile.

"Point is, we're all here, together, because of you," Pope pointed out.

"We take on the world together," Kaylee told them. "And we'll keep doing that. Together."

"Pogues against the world," Elyna agreed.

Isa and John B had tears in their eyes that they fought back.

"Pogues for life," John B said softly.

They all repeated. "Pogues for life."

"I love you guys," John B said quietly. "So much. Come here."

Isa felt the warmth of everyone's words seep into her heart, and as the rest of the Pogues moved in to embrace them, she allowed herself to lean into the moment. The heaviness that had settled over them began to lift, replaced by a sense of unity and strength that coursed through their veins like wildfire.

"I love you too," Isa whispered, her voice muffled against John B's shoulder. "All of you."

They stood there for a moment, huddled together in the dim cave, surrounded by the shadows cast by the flare. The flickering light danced across their faces, illuminating the bonds that had formed between them through trials and triumphs.

'I'm sorry for doubting us," Isa whispered. "I just... I want to believe we can find something good out of all this."

"You're not alone in that," Kie said softly, squeezing Isa's hand. "We all want something good to come out of this. We just have to keep believing."

JJ stepped back and flashed a grin. "So what if we don't find El Dorado? At least we found each other, right? That's worth more than gold."

"Exactly," Kaylee said, pulling back slightly. "Okay, enough with the sappy stuff. We need to figure out how to make this dead end a little less... dead."

Wheezie smiled. "I actually figured that out."

"What do you mean?" Cleo asked.

Elyna gave Wheezie a teasing smirk. "Yeah, share with the class, Wheeze."

"The last translation," Wheezie answered. "I forgot about it, but the true and patient seeker needs not light to see. Kaylee, put out the flare."

Kaylee opened her mouth to respond.

However, Isa was taking it from her. "Put that out."

"Isa, we only have so many--" JJ started.

"It needs to be dark, JJ," Wheezie told him, taking the flare from Isa to put it out against the cave wall.

Kie frowned. "Wheezie."

"It's okay," Elyna assured. "We can relight it."

They waited as their eyes tried to adjust to the darkness.

It was mere seconds later that they noticed a pale blue glow from a now-visible glyph just above their location.

"Guys, what's happening?" Cleo asked in shock.

Sarah smiled and pointed to the faintly glowing hand. "Home."

Pope put his hand to the wall, in awe. "It's phosphorescence. What do we do now?"

Lia reached forward, pressing her hand against the glyph, then stepping back when a rumbling sound made the cavern tremble.

Tiny bits of gravel crumbled from the roof, raining onto the Pogues, who were watching the source of the trembling with wide eyes.

The wall itself was moving aside, revealing a secret passage behind it.

"It's not over," John B breathed. "Oh, my God. You were right."

Kie picked up the flare. "Flare, right now."

Kaylee took the flare from Kie, lighting it instantly. "Give me that."

JJ smirked slightly.

It was like a natural staircase, the rocks rising up in rough, jagged steps going up. It also appeared, ironically, that the cave got even narrower, if that were possible.

"Should we do it?" JJ asked, eyeing the new opening warily.

Lia shrugged. "We've come this far. Let's do it."

"Lead the way, Kaylee," Cleo told her.

Kaylee led the way down the newly opened passage with the flare giving a red light glow along the way. The other Pogues followed.

JJ took Kaylee's hand along the way, causing Kaylee to smile slightly.

Isa, Kie and Lia linked their hands as Isa led the way after Kaylee and JJ.

John B and Sarah were holding hands, as were Pope and Cleo, and Elyna and Wheezie as they followed behind.

The walls were pressing in on all sides, the group barely able to fit through the snug space, having to duck their heads down against the low ceilings, bent over even, and they could still feel the rough walls scraping against the top of their heads.

"Careful, watch your heads," Kaylee warned.

"Why couldn't El Dorado be in a nice, open field?" Wheezie asked.

"That would take the mystery out of it," Elyna remarked.

The cave only got tighter, the walls seeming to close in on them.

"I sure hope there's another way out," Pope muttered.

"Knowing our luck, there's not," Lia responded. "Damn, how much smaller can this get?"

Isa gasped as she looked ahead of Kaylee and JJ. "Oh, wait, wait, wait. There's something ahead. An opening."

They went up a steep incline in the narrowest space the tunnel had revealed so far. It was so compact, in fact, that they were all down on their stomachs, pressed against the floor and crawling forward as best they could, just like before.

Isa's wounds burned from the tight space and the rough rock pressing against her back and shoulders.

"Hang in there," John B said.

"We're almost there, Isa, I promise," Sarah told her.

The group emerged into the much roomier space ahead, and their eyes widened considerably.

"You have got to be kidding me," Cleo groaned. "Can't anything be easy?"

There, about six or so feet from where they stood, was a massive crack in the floor. A ravine, the bottom of which could not be seen, stretching horizontally from one end of the room to the other.

John B startled. "Oh, God. Um... okay. Don't look down."

"No shit, Sherlock," Isa told him.

Lia ran a hand through her hair to pull it back from her face. "I told you!"

"Yeah, we got that," Kaylee replied. "Whoa... this would be a cool way to die."

"Kaylee!" Pope warned.

"So, what do we do now?" Sarah asked.

"Uh, we can jump," JJ answered.

Kie gaped at them. "Huh? I'm sorry, did you just say jump? Across that?"

Wheezie shook her head. "No."

"Yep," Elyna said.

"No," Cleo said. "Jump?"

"Look, it's not that bad," Kaylee told them. "We don't have any other options."

"The glyph led us here," John B pointed out. "There's gotta be something on the other side. Just trust us on this one."

Kaylee took off her backpack, tossing it across the way to the other side.

"No," Kie said.

"Yeah," Lia replied. "We're good. We're good."

Sarah shook her head. "No. No, guys."

"I'll go first," JJ volunteered, tossing his backpack over. "I had the idea, I should be the one to test it."

Kaylee fisted his shirt, forcing him to face her. "Be careful."

JJ nodded, flashing her a wink. "I always am, aren't I?"

Kaylee deadpanned. "You do not want me to answer that."

JJ chuckled.

"All right, get ready," Cleo said.

JJ backed up to get a running start.

Pope put his hands in the air, backing up. "All right. Okay. Fine."

JJ took one last deep breath, then sprinted forward, putting as much force as he could behind the jump. For one terrifying moment, there was nothing but air beneath him, but then he landed on the other side of the ravine, rolling across the hard rocky ground before skidding to a stop... landing in his typical chaotic falling way. He laid there for a few seconds, groaning in pain.

They all held their breath during the jump.

"JJ?" Isa called. "You good?"

JJ sat up, nodding, getting his breath back.

Since Kaylee had already thrown her bag over, she threw the flare over next, which landed on the ground next to JJ.

JJ picked up the flare before it could roll away to the ravine.

Kaylee backed away to take a running start, jumping with all of her strength to land on the other side nearby JJ.

JJ smiled slightly. "Oh, hey."

Kaylee gave a slight smile in return, pushing herself up, helping JJ to his feet. "Hey. You okay?"

JJ nodded.

"Better landing than he did, Kaylee," John B told her.

JJ flipped John B off the same time Kaylee gave him a thumbs up, making the others laugh lightly.

"All right, who's next?" Wheezie asked.

John B tossed his backpack over, following JJ and Kaylee's lead, taking a running start before he jumped over the ravine and landed on the other side, with a slightly better landing than JJ, but not as good as Kaylee's.

"Nice," Elyna told him.

As Elyna leaped across the ravine, she soared through the air with the grace and precision of someone who had trained her whole life for moments like this. However, always with dramatic flair, she landed smoothly in a crouch and rolled over the ground to absorb the impact like a pro.

When Elyna looked up, a triumphant grin spread across her face. "See? Easy peasy."

Elyna stood, brushing off her hands as if crossing a chasm were the most natural thing in the world.

"Show-off," Kie called from behind, but there was a sparkle of admiration in her eyes for her cousin.

Kaylee gave Elyna an amused look. "Such a drama queen."

Elyna smirked, winking in return.

"Who's next?" John B asked, glancing back at the rest of the group, his eyes resting on Isa in concern for a moment as he wondered how she would make it across.

"I'll go," Wheezie said with determination, taking a step back to gather her momentum. "Here goes nothing."

Wheezie charged forward, leaping with all her strength. She felt the rush of adrenaline as she sailed over the gap, heart racing until her feet hit solid ground on the other side.

Elyna caught Wheezie's hand affectionately as Wheezie stumbled slightly but regained her balance.

"Nice one," Pope complimented.

Elyna turned to the others across the chasm. "Okay, Pope, you'll have to give Isa a boost across this. We'll be here on the other side to catch her."

Pope nodded, moving back to give Isa room to run. "All right, Isa. You ready?"

Isa took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she glanced at the dark void of the ravine below. "As ready as I'll ever be."

"You've got this," Kie encouraged, stepping closer to Isa and squeezing her hand. "Just focus on us."

"Yeah," Lia chimed in, trying to inject some lightness into the moment. "And remember, it's only a leap of faith... with a slight risk of falling to your doom."

Isa rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile that crept onto her face despite her trepidation. "Thanks for that."

"Just think of it as a really dramatic step into adventure," Wheezie added, earning a chuckle from the group.

"Be careful, girl," Cleo warned. "If you need us, just shout."

Isa offered a small smile, grateful for the support. "I'll be fine. Just focus on getting across."

With that, Isa took a deep breath and positioned herself at the edge of the ravine. Her heart raced as she glanced down into the darkness below, but she pushed aside her fear and focused on her friends waiting for her.

Pope crouched down, arms outstretched, ready to provide the lift Isa needed. She stepped back for momentum and ran forward, leaping with all of her strength despite the agony coursing through her veins.

Time seemed to stretch as she sailed through the air, her body feeling weightless for that brief moment before she landed with a jarring thud in Pope's waiting hands. He stumbled back slightly but quickly steadied himself.

"Got you!" Pope exclaimed, breathing heavily as he began to give Isa the boost she needed across the ravine.

Cleo, Sarah, Lia and Kie stepped forward to assist if needed be, hands outstretched to help catch Pope and Isa if they stumbled.

As Pope tossed Isa with as much strength as he could, Isa leapt from his grasp with as much agility as she could manage as she soared across the ravine and toward the other side where Kaylee, John B, JJ, Wheezie and Elyna were waiting to catch her.

Isa felt the rush of adrenaline propelling her forward, the thrill of flight igniting hope within her. For a heartbeat, she imagined herself soaring over the abyss, free from pain, free from fear. But that thought vanished as gravity took hold, and she landed hard on the other side, her knees buckling slightly beneath her, nearly collapsing on the edge of the ravine and falling back, her friends and brother surrounding her in an instant to catch her before she could fall, pulling her away from the edge. They shouted encouragement and relief, their voices echoing off the cavern walls.

"Careful!" John B called out, quickly moving to support her.

"I'm okay!" Isa insisted, brushing off the pain. She straightened up and shared a relieved grin with her loved ones. "See? Easy peasy."

"Nice one, Isa!" Kaylee cheered, throwing her arms around Isa in a tight embrace.

"Way to go!" JJ added. "You're officially a member of the 'jumping across ravines' club."

"That was awesome!" Wheezie cheered, moving in to pull Isa into a hug.

Isa grinned through her exhaustion, feeling a rush of pride and gratitude for the support of her friends. "Thanks, guys. I couldn't have done it without you."

"You okay?" Kie asked in concern.

Isa nodded breathlessly.

"Nice one, girl," Cleo told her.

Lia took off her backpack and tossed it over, tilting her head. "Well, I guess this is what happens when wildest fantasies somewhat come true."

"We gotta get you better fantasies," Sarah told her.

Lia shrugged.

Kie took Lia's hand. "You got this."

Lia smiled, nodding. She backed away to take a running start, jumping and landing on the other side in a crouch, one arm on the ground to keep her balance.

Isa took Lia's hand as the two backed further away from the ravine.

Pope grimaced, then started backing up. "Stand back."

The others cleared out of the way.

Pope ran forward, and jumped across the ravine, landing just about like John B. Not graceful like Elyna, Wheezie, Kaylee and Lia, but it wasn't as hard as JJ and Isa's.

Pope blinked sluggishly.

"Nicely done, Pope," Isa told him, offering a hand.

Pope took Isa's hand, letting her help him up. "Thanks." Isa groaned slightly. "You good, Isa?"

Isa nodded.

JJ turned to Kie, Sarah and Cleo. "All right, your turn."

Sarah, Kie and Cleo shared a look.

"First," Cleo said.

"Second," Kie called.

"I'll go last," Sarah mumbled sheepishly, eyeing the gorge with a nervous expression.

Cleo flung her backpack over, and took a running start, then jumped effortlessly across the ravine, landing perfectly next to Pope.

"Kie, your turn," Lia told her.

Kiara followed the lead of those before her, tossing her bag over first before backing up to prepare for the jump.

"You got this," Isa said encouragingly.

Kie nodded slightly, taking the running start and jumping across, landing on the very edge.

Kaylee, Elyna, Lia and Isa instantly lunged forward as Kie slipped backwards, catching Kie's arms before she could plummet into the dark pit below, instantly pulling her to safety. "Kie!"

All of them had been terrified for a split second, but so relieved when they were able to grab Kie and pull her to safety.

Instantly, Kie latched onto Kaylee, Elyna, Lia and Isa, clinging to her sister, cousin and lovers like a lifeline, as they held her close.

"Are you okay?" Elyna asked softly.

Kie nodded. "I think so. Thanks, guys."

Kaylee and Elyna pulled back and let Kie, Isa and Lia hold onto each other without her as they all backed away from the edge.

JJ, John B, Pope, Wheezie, Cleo and Sarah all shared a big sigh of relief as they looked at them in concern.

Still, they turned to face Sarah.

Of course, after seeing Kie almost fall, Sarah was scared. "I can't make that."

"Okay, okay, listen," Wheezie told her. "We'll go take a peak. We'll be right back."

"You don't have to come, okay?" JJ asked.

Sarah shook her head. "No, no! No, I'm not--I'm coming with you."

"Are you sure?" Isa asked.

"Yes, I'm sure," Sarah answered, taking off her backpack, tossing it over. "I'm gonna do it."

"Okay," Cleo agreed.

"You can do it," Lia told her reassuringly.

Sarah was still anxious and panicky.

"Hey, look at me," John B told her. "Hey. Sarah, I got you."

"You're gonna catch me?" Sarah asked.

"Yes," John B answered. "Yes, ma'am. I got you." Sarah nodded. "Ready? Three. Two. One."

"You got this, Sarah," Wheezie told her.

Sarah prepared to jump, her brow set with concentration, taking the running start.

Lia and Wheezie held their breath as Sarah leapt across, then sighed with relief when she landed, stumbling a bit, but otherwise fine.

John B immediately wrapped his arms around Sarah, as Sarah wrapped hers around him, both breathing heavily.

"I got you," John B said. "You're okay."

Once they pulled away, Lia and Wheezie took Sarah's hands as the sisters shared an embrace.

Lia smiled. "I told you you'd make it. Look at that."

⚓️

Cave

Big John was in hiding, knowing that Singh managed to find his way to the cave.

Singh saw Big John's trail of blood on the rocks in the cave, smiling evilly. "I know you're bleeding, Mr. Routledge! I know I hit you, and I'm gonna find you, you know. 'Cause you couldn't have gotten far, John."

Singh noticed the machetes on the ground, where the kids had to leave them behind while they went into El Dorado so that they didn't get harmed while journeying into the city of gold in the tight spaces that would have made the machetes definitely cut into them, knowing that the Pogues were all here somewhere too, smirking.

⚓️

El Dorado

At the ravine, Isa looked at the others. "See? It wasn't that bad. We're good."

"Everyone okay?" Kie asked.

"Yeah," Kaylee answered. "All good."

"Everybody ready?" JJ asked.

"Yeah," Pope answered. "Let's go."

They got their stuff from the ground to carry on, away from the ravine.

Just as the flare in Kaylee's hand went out.

"Shit," Sarah said.

"Get the second one," Wheezie told her.

Kaylee nodded, taking out the second one to light it and continue on their way.

⚓️

Cave

Singh was still looking for Big John. "Mr. Routledge! John!" He saw a pool of blood where Big John was before, chuckling to himself. "Where are you, John? I know you're here somewhere."

Big John, of course, remained in hiding.

⚓️

El Dorado

The Pogues continued on into another chamber.

"You see anything?" Cleo asked.

"Yeah, it looks like another chamber up ahead," Elyna answered.

"Let's check it out," John B told them.

They continued on their path, until they reached a seemingly endless void of black in the chamber.

"What's down there?" Lia asked. "I can't see anything."

"Only one way to find out, right?" Kaylee asked.

Kaylee took the flare and threw it into the chamber below to illuminate what they couldn't see from here.

Now illuminated, the space opened up before them like an underground cathedral adorned with the glowing red-orange light...

Which cast a beautiful kaleidoscope over glittering gold that filled every inch of the floor and ever flat surface of the cavern.

Pillars of glistening, glimmering solid gold rose high from the ground. Shorter peaks spiked up from the floor, jutting down from the ceiling.

It was everything they had imagined and so much more. Everything the legends had told of. Everything that was foretold.

The Pogues stared in awe and shock as they started to laugh softly in disbelief, tears in their eyes at their triumph.

Wheezie put a hand to her mouth. "I can't even..."

"That's something else," Cleo murmured in awe.

"Dad was right," John B whispered. "He was right all along."

"And Denmark..." Pope trailed off, grinning like a loon. "It's El Dorado. This is--"

"Unbelievable," Elyna finished, her mouth hanging open. "It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

JJ laughed. "I just... wow."

Lia couldn't help a hysterical laugh. "We did it."

"After everything we've been through," Isa whispered. "All the pain, and loss... it all led up to this. It actually exists. We found it."

"Look at that, guys," Cleo told them.

Sarah smiled. "I can't believe..."

"It's El Dorado," Kaylee breathed.

They all laughed in awe.

JJ cheered. "Whoo! That's what I'm talking about!"

Laughing at the predictable JJ response, everyone cheered along.

Kaylee wrapped her arms around JJ, and JJ lifted her up in a hug as he spun them around.

Kaylee smiled, laughing. "We did it, baby!"

Isa, Kie and Lia wrapped their arms around each other gently but firmly as they laughed and let out tears of joy at finally achieving this dream. Not even for the gold, but for the adventure of it. Knowing that everything wasn't all in vain. "Oh, my God."

John B pulled Sarah into his arms as they embraced, unable to take their eyes off the city of gold in front of them.

Sarah held John B close. "Hey, come here."

Pope and Cleo were laughing and hugging as well.

Pope shook his head in disbelief with absolute glee in his eyes. "We did it."

Elyna and Wheezie were embracing with such giddiness and emotion, giggling hysterically.

The laughter and joy echoed through the cavern, reverberating off the golden surfaces that reflected every glimmer of light. The Pogues stood enveloped in a sense of victory, their hearts racing as they took in the breathtaking sight before them. They felt a renewed sense of hope coursing through them, like the very light illuminating the golden treasures surrounding them.

"This is unreal," Elyna breathed, her eyes wide as she stepped forward, unable to resist the allure of the gold glinting in the dim light from Kaylee's flare.

Isa pulled away from Kie and Lia to take a few tentative steps forward, her heart racing with exhilaration and disbelief. The walls glimmered with gold, reflecting the warm light from their flare, casting dazzling patterns across her awestruck face. It was more magnificent than she had ever imagined.

"Can you believe this?" Isa whispered, turning back to her friends. "We really did it. It wasn't all for nothing."

"And look at it!" Wheezie exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with wonder. "It's not just gold; it's a whole city! Look at those engravings."

Lia stepped forward alongside Wheezie, squinting at the intricate patterns etched into the pillars. The historian lover inside of her flared to life as she gazed around at the sculptures and ceremonial statues with absolute awe. "Look at all of this history. These artifacts! Oh, my God. This has to be centuries old. It's incredible."

Wheezie took out her journal to capture every moment of this legendary moment for the Pogues.

"We don't have a lot of time to marvel over the history, Lia," JJ pointed out. "Sorry."

"He's right," Kie agreed. "Singh could be right behind us."

"Let's get what we came for and get out of here," Pope mused.

Isa, John B, Kaylee and JJ shared a glance.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Isa asked.

John B nodded. "Mm-hmm. Oh, yeah."

Kaylee smiled. "Let's go."

JJ grinned. "Let's round some shit up."

The Pogues climbed down the short, steep slope down to the floor of the cave.

Loose chunks of gold fallen from the ceiling above littered the ground, shiny and metallic and beautiful.

"Okay, uh, how much can we all carry?" Wheezie asked. "'Cause it would be stupid to leave here without anything, just in case our luck decides to smack us in the face."

"That's true," Sarah agreed.

"11 of us," Elyna replied. "11 backpacks. Of course, we'd have to dump some of the stuff we've brought, but--"

JJ was already unpacking his bag. "It is a sacrifice I am willing to make."

"Oh, my God, it's everywhere," Sarah said.

They all laughed lightly.

"You got it?" Cleo asked.

Everyone followed suit, unpacking the stuff that they didn't need anymore and filled the now-mostly empty bags with as much gold as they could carry.

John B smiled. "Hey, to going full Kook?"

The others all smiled, cheering loudly in the cave. "To going full Kook!"

"P4L?" Isa asked.

They all cheered loudly in response. "P4L!"

Everyone laughed joyously.

"Let's fill these bad boys up," Wheezie muttered.

Elyna showed them a big piece of gold. "Oh, baby. Look at that!"

Everyone laughed.

"Nice," Kie said.

"Oh, my Lord," Pope said.

Sarah showed them another big piece. "There's another."

"This is amazing," Cleo said.

Once that was done, they turned back the way they had come, all simultaneously sighing.

The laughter suddenly died down as they realized that the flare was going on, starting to leave them in darkness.

"Kaylee," JJ told her. "Kaylee, Kaylee, Kaylee."

"It's okay," Kaylee told them. "Hang on."

Kaylee grabbed the last flare, lighting it up.

"All right, last flare," Kie said.

"We've got 20 minutes to get back," Isa told them. "Twenty minutes. All right?"

John B nodded in agreement. "We'll come back for the rest. We need to get back to check on Dad anyway."

"Yeah," Pope agreed. "The blood loss will be..." Seeing Isa and John B's sad and worried faces, he quickly reassured them. "I'm sure he's fine."

"Ready?" Elyna asked.

Wheezie nodded. "Let's go."

"Come on," Lia said softly.

Cleo gestured ahead. "After you, fire lady."

The Pogues stole one last glance at the city of gold before they turned and headed back the way they had entered.

The way back was less problematic than the way there, mainly because they already knew the cave and where to go and what to do. Though the gold weighed them down, which made it harder on Isa's wounds, but she had the others helping her every step of the way, as they threw their bags over the ravines, usually the guys throwing them together so that they could make the bags across without risking them falling down the cavern, before each one jumped back over, and grabbed their bags to continue their way back to the water entrance that would lead them back to the cave that Big John (and unknowingly to them, Singh) were.

The gold also weighed them down when they reached the water, making it infinitely harder to squeeze through the tiny gap, but they managed.

⚓️

Cave

Singh was still looking for Big John. "There's only one way out of here, John. You can't hide from me for much longer, you know." He reached into his bag to grab some rope. The Pogues burst up through the water, gasping for breath. Singh stood, aiming his gun at them. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Easy now, kids, easy!"

"Son of a bitch," Kaylee complained.

"Go for a little swim now, did you?" Singh asked. "Step out of the water and put your hands up, all of you. Now!" Everyone began complying with the gun aimed at them, but Singh wasn't a patient man. "Put your hands up. Put your... put your hands up! Easy now. Very good."

Kaylee was still holding the flare, really wishing that she could find a way to use it right now.

Singh aimed his gun at her in warning. "Drop the flare, Kaylee. Drop it!" Kaylee glared at Singh before dropping the flare begrudgingly. "Very good. Looks like you're carrying a load there, kids. You want to tell me about it? What is in those bags? Isa Nicole. John Booker. Show me what's in those bags, hmm?"

Singh aimed his gun between Sarah, Kie and Lia to add more to the threat, cocking the gun.

Elyna, Kaylee and JJ looked toward the machetes on the ground, but they couldn't get to them with Singh in the way with the gun, knowing that he could easily shoot and kill one of them if they tried to make a move for it.

Isa, trembling, reached around towards her backpack. "Okay, okay, okay."

John B helped Isa take her bag off, as she groaned in pain, taking off his own.

Singh watched Isa and John B unzip their backpacks, a curious glint in his maddened eyes.

John B shoved open the zipper. "Look. Hey. You want it? There you go."

Singh peered into the bags, then a slow, maniac grin spread across his face. "So, you found El Dorado at last."

While in hiding, Big John swelled with pride. "You did it, kids."

Singh's crazy gaze didn't falter for a moment. "I know I was right to keep you alive, you know, John! But, unfortunately for your children, the celebration will be short-lived."

This time, Big John didn't hesitate to move to stop Singh, having a plan.

Singh aimed the gun at Isa's head to keep John B or the others from interfering when he could easily shoot and kill her before they could stop him, all of them scared and worried and angry. "You have three seconds to come out before I start firing. One!"

Lia shook her head. "Hey! Singh--!"

Singh clicked his tongue. "Easy there, Miss Cameron! My patience is very limited, you know. I'd stay right where you are, all of you kids."

Lia exhaled a shuddering breath, but put her hands back in the air, her jaw flexing.

John B reached for Isa's hand with one hand and Sarah's hand with the other.

Lia and Kie were clutching at Isa's arm.

"Two!" Singh shouted.

Big John emerged from behind a cropping of rock at the back of the cave. "I'm here, Singh." All eyes snapped to him. His shirt sticky with blood, his face pale and haggard, Big John looked beyond worse for wear, but he was holding a lit stick of dynamite. "Over here." He held up the dynamite. "You kill us, I'll make sure this thing blows. That roof won't hold, and you'll never see El Dorado. Drop the gun. Drop the gun!" Singh kept the gun against Isa's head. "If my kids dies, we all die."

The kids' eyes were wide.

Singh's lips twitched upwards. "You see, the problem is I don't believe you, John. I don't believe that you would blow up your opportunity to see El Dorado, even to save your own children, and even your own kids know that, you know." Isa and John B looked at Big John, their expressions broken. "You've proven it time and time again, John, you know that. You let me and my men torture your daughter last night to prove it. This, John, is the great quest. This is what we've been looking for our whole lives. So put that thing out and join me."

Big John hesitated, reaching to the wick of the dynamite as if to put it out.

Isa and John B closed their eyes in sadness, but they weren't shocked.

Kaylee, Kie, JJ, Pope, Elyna, Wheezie, Lia, Sarah and Cleo stared in disbelief.

Big John dropped his hand away from the wick. "No, I can't." Isa and John B opened their eyes, as they looked at each other and their friends, their family in confusion. "This is for you, kids." Big John flung the dynamite across the room. The stick landed on the edge of the wall, across the small pool of water, right over the opening that led to El Dorado before he shouted at the kids. "Run!"

Singh was no longer focused on them, the gun dropping away from Isa's head as he turned toward the opening of El Dorado with the dynamite over it, desperate and full of rage, his yell reverberating off the walls and echoing through the cave. "No!"

With this chance, Lia and Kie didn't hesitate to pull Isa up from the ground, and John B grabbed his and Isa's bags from the floor, and Pope, Cleo, Elyna, Wheezie, Kaylee and JJ grabbed the machetes from the ground, as all the Pogues and Big John ran for the exit of the cave as fast as they could.

"Go, go, go!" Kie told them.

"Run!" Pope urged.

"Dad!" Isa called back.

"Where is he?" Sarah asked.

John B saw where Big John fell as they were running, handing his bag to JJ and Isa's bag to Pope. "Here, take the gold, get out of here. Go, go, go!" The rest of the Pogues besides Isa and John B took off, while Isa and John B helped Big John up from the ground. "Come on, come on, we gotta go."

As the Routledges ran for the exit, Singh was making a mad dive for the dynamite in the pool, hoping to throw it away across the cave before it could close the opening to El Dorado.

But it was too late, as the dynamite exploded, killing Singh with it.

Isa, John B and Big John looked back just as it exploded, as they were at the exit of the cave. The explosion threw them out of the cave and down the incline, all of them screaming as they landed.

⚓️

Outside

Kaylee, Kie, JJ, Pope, Elyna, Wheezie, Lia, Sarah and Cleo turned back as they heard the explosion and saw dust flying out of the mouth of the cave, mouths agape in shock, worry and horror.

Birds squawked in fright, animals shrieked, all of the nearby creatures fleeing with great speed as rocks and debris burst away from the scene.

⚓️

Forests

Ward even heard the explosion as he was trying to track the Pogues and Big John down.

⚓️

Cave - Outside

The world spun wildly as the Routledges rolled down the steep embankment, the sounds of chaos and collapse echoing behind them.

Isa, John B, and Big John tumbled together, arms flailing and hearts racing as the echoes of the explosion resonated in their ears.

Finally, they came to a halt at the base of the incline, gasping for breath as they lay sprawled on the cool earth, adrenaline pumping through their veins. The jungle was alive around them, vibrant and untouched by the madness that had just transpired.

Instantly, Elyna, Sarah and Kaylee ran to help John B up to his feet, and Wheezie, Kie and Lia ran to help Isa up to her feet, and Cleo, Pope and JJ ran to help Big John to his feet.

"Oh, my God," Wheezie said.

"Are you okay?" Cleo asked.

Lia, Kie and Sarah kept repeating the questions as they held Isa and John B close.

"Yeah, never better," John B replied.

Relief was palpable from the rest of the Pogues when they saw that Isa and John B were fine, although banged up, and Isa definitely felt worse now than she had ever before.

"Isa, are you okay?" Kie asked, her voice layered with worry as she examined Isa's injuries.

Isa forced a smile, even though pain radiated through her body. "I'm alright, just a little banged up."

Isa took a shaky breath, looking around at her friends, their faces painted with concern but also relief as she leaned onto Lia, Kie and Wheezie for support.

"You were a little banged up before," Lia corrected. "This..."

"I'll be fine once we get home and get my treatment," Isa insisted. "I promise. We've got all the gold we need to get it now."

The Pogues all nodded in agreement, all of them sighing in relief that the Routledges were okay.

"You guys scared the hell out of us," JJ admitted with a small smile.

Big John took a moment to catch his breath, leaning heavily on Pope and JJ for support, pride swelling in his chest despite the exhaustion that rang in his voice. "You kids... you did it."

John B looked up at him, his eyes shining. "You were right, Dad. We really did it."

John B pulled Isa close, wrapping an arm around his sisters' shoulders protectively.

Elyna glanced around at their friends, their expressions mirroring the mix of relief and disbelief that coursed through them. "We survived. Together."

Kaylee grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement and adrenaline. "Yeah! We found El Dorado! We actually found it."

JJ raised an eyebrow, teasingly nudging Kaylee with his shoulder. "And we blew up a treasure-hunting lunatic. A double shammy."

"Not just any lunatic," Pope told them, glancing toward the cave. "A lunatic that let himself die in an explosion because he couldn't let go of El Dorado."

Elyna shrugged. "Whatever. It's not our problem anymore. Singh's dead, we're safe now."

"His men might still be out there," Sarah pointed out.

"She's right," Wheezie agreed. "We should go."

Cleo nodded. "Anybody could have heard that blast."

Kaylee waved for them to continue on. "Let's go, let's go."

They all took off, slower as they were weighed down by injures, exhaustion and the gold, but they continued nonetheless.

⚓️

Forest

The Pogues and Big John continued on their way.

"I think I got pretty banged up back there, kids," Big John said.

Isa groaned. "Yeah, you wouldn't be the only one."

"Let's just keep moving," Kie told them.

Big John had to sit down. "I think I gotta sit. I need to sit for a sec."

The Pogues stopped, as Isa had to sit down too.

"Okay," Cleo whispered.

Big John groaned. "Just need a minute. Get my legs up under me."

John B held Big John's shoulder, and took Isa's hand. "Just take it easy."

Isa gasped for breath. "Second explosion I've been caught in within a week. Not fun. At least I didn't get burned again."

There were feeble smiles at Isa's attempt at a joke right now, even though it was clear she was in a lot of pain.

The other kids had to drop their bags with gold for relief.

Big John perked up when he heard metallic clinking in the bags. "Is that what I think it is?"

Wheezie gave him a slight smile. "Oh, yeah."

Lia smiled. "Big John, it's beautiful."

The kids opened their bags to show Big John the gold inside, all laughing lightly in relief.

"We found it," Elyna told him. "Just like you said."

"Look at that," Pope whispered.

"It was like nothing you could ever imagine," Sarah told him.

Big John was smiling, crying in joy and relief at his lifelong mission finally being complete, even if he didn't get to see it himself as he was shot and bleeding out. "Ah. That's amazing."

Kaylee laughed. "It's all, like, gold... everywhere."

"Wheezie figured out the riddle," Sarah explained. "The walking in the dark."

Big John nodded. "That a girl. Thank you, Wheezie. All of you kids."

The kids all smiled.

Ward limped his way up to them, aiming his gun. "So sweet, you know?" They all turned toward him, standing on edge when they saw the gun. "One big happy family, huh?"

Lia, Wheezie and Sarah couldn't even be shocked, because they knew that Ward could revert to his old ways as soon as something didn't go his way.

"Dad, what are you doing?" Lia asked coldly.

"I'm too tired to hold my hands up, Ward," Big John told him. "So if you're not good with that, you can just shoot me now."

"Well, watch what you wish for, my old friend," Ward replied. "We might come to that."

Wheezie glared at him. "Put the gun down."

"Shut up, Wheezie," Ward warned, limping closer. "You have it all, don't you, John? Now you get everything, huh?" Ward took the piece of gold from Sarah's hand. "Thank you, sweetheart. You get to go home, back to Kildare." Ward looked at Isa and John B. "Live happily ever after with your children that love you." Isa and John B glared him down. Ward looked at Lia, Wheezie and Sarah. "And my daughters... who hate me." Lia, Wheezie and Sarah just looked at him numbly. Ward shook his head. "I'm sorry, John. I don't think I can allow that. You're supposed to be dead." Big John closed his eyes. "I think I liked you better that way."

Elyna rolled her eyes as she took in Ward's frail form. With a stab wound in his stomach from his son Rafe, and a gunshot wound in his shoulder from his daughter Wheezie, along with the fact that he needed a cane to aid in his walking due to his limp, she knew there was no real threat with him unlike there had been with Singh.

Moving too fast for Ward to comprehend, Elyna moved swiftly to disarm Ward, kicking his cane from his hand, which knocked him off balance as he teetered on his feet, making Ward take his gaze off of his targets with alarm.

Elyna instantly reacted as she spun closer and grabbed Ward's wrist, twisting it until he dropped the gun with a clatter against the rocky ground.

Ward stumbled back, eyes widening in disbelief as he stared at Elyna in shock. "You little--"

Wheezie instantly stood beside Elyna to defend her against her father, glaring at Ward. "Don't."

"Nice try, old man," Elyna said coolly, stepping back and positioning herself between him and the rest of the Pogues. "But your theatrics won't work here. you're done, Ward. This is over."

Isa, still weary but invigorated by Elyna's action, straightened up slightly. "You don't scare us anymore, Ward. Not after everything you've done."

Ward scowled, his eyes flickering with anger and disbelief. "You think you can just walk away with all this? You think this is over?" He looked at Lia, Sarah and Wheezie with desperation. "I am still your father!"

Lia, Sarah and Wheezie stepped forward to face their father while positioning themselves in front of the Pogues.

"And just because you lost us, you think it's okay to try and kill our friends and their families?" Lia retorted.

Sarah shook her head, just too exhausted to keep fighting with Ward, just as Lia and Wheezie were. "You're not gonna try and hurt again. You can't. And you won't. I know you won't. We know you. You forget that we know you."

Finally accepting his defeat and crumbling to his devastation as he let his anger fade, Ward started to cry, releasing a sob. Lia, Sarah and Wheezie were so close to tears themselves.

"Please," Ward pleaded, his voice breaking as he looked at his daughters. "I just wanted to protect you. I thought - I thought if I had the treasure, everything could be fixed."

"Fixed?" Wheezie challenged, her voice steady but laced with emotion. "By hurting our friends? By trying to kill our family? Again? We can't do this anymore, Dad. We can't."

Ward's shoulders slumped under the weight of their words. He glanced at Big John, who looked weary yet resolute. His eyes touched every single Pogue who had all been damaged by his actions in one way or another.

"This was never meant to turn out like this," Ward said, desperation creeping into his tone. "You can't understand what it's like to feel powerless - to lose everything."

"We understand more than you ever could," Lia replied softly, pain etched in her voice. "You lost us long ago. This isn't about power or treasure. It's about family and love. And you destroyed ours."

"I know I did," Ward admitted, choking on his tears. "And I don't know how to fix it."

Wheezie glanced at the shoulder wound that she had given Ward the night before, grazing his shoulder with her gun when he had sold them out to Singh and nearly got them all killed.

The memory of Lia nearly losing control of her inner darkness and shooting Ward in the chest if it hadn't been for Sarah and Wheezie pushing her gun down played in her mind, all too overwhelming.

Despite everything Ward had done, Wheezie felt guilty for shooting her own father.

And Lia, struggling with demons that she could barely control, couldn't reconcile the fact that she had almost killed their father, just like Rafe almost did... in order to protect them all.

"I'm sorry," Wheezie whispered, reaching to put a hand over Ward's shoulder.

Ward flinched at her touch, his body rigid with shame and regret. "You should be angry; I deserve your hatred."

"You think we don't hate you?" Lia's voice broke slightly as she glanced at Sarah and Wheezie, their faces reflecting shared pain. "After everything you've put us through? But hating you won't change anything. It won't fix the past or bring our family back together."

"And it won't undo the horrible choices you've made," Sarah added softly, stepping closer. "We just want you to understand how your actions impacted us... and that they don't have to define us anymore."

Lia's lips trembled. "But I'm sorry too. I never wanted to kill you. I never wanted it to come to that."

Ward looked up, his eyes filled with sorrow and regret as he absorbed his daughters' words.

Ward slowly reached up to cradle Lia's cheek. It was fragile, tentative, like the first bloom of spring after a long winter. "That wasn't your fault, Lia. I made you lose control too many times. I did the same thing to Rafe." With a sad smile, Ward cupped Sarah and Wheezie's cheeks. "I made so many mistakes. But I did it all for you four. If I could take it all back and make it better..."

Everyone jumped as they turned to face Singh's lead man, the final one standing.

Elyna immediately aimed the gun that she took from Ward at Ryan, trying to shoot... only to find that there was no more bullets after last night's shootout.

JJ and Kaylee found that their own guns were out of ammo as well.

Ryan aimed his machine gun between the group, giving Kaylee, JJ and Elyna a heavy look. "Toss them. All your machetes too."

This wasn't like with Ward. Elyna glared at the machine gun in Ryan's hands, knowing that with the distance Ryan kept, she wasn't going to be able to reach him in time to stop him from shooting someone.

"Take it easy, kids," Big John said softly. He looked at Ryan. "Your boss is dead. You got no reason to do this."

"I can think of a few reasons," Ryan replied, before giving the kids another glare. "Toss them!"

Kaylee, JJ and Elyna hesitantly dropped their guns, knowing there was no ammunition to fire anyway.

One by one, all of the Pogues dropped their machetes to the ground.

Ryan scoffed. "Thought you'd end up with the gold, eh? All right, nobody move. My mates back there are dead." He glared at Kaylee and Elyna. "Because of the two of you. For that alone, the two of you will pay the most."

Kaylee and Elyna showed now reaction to the accusation, merely glaring Ryan.

"But that doesn't mean you're going to be the first kills," Ryan continued, as he turned his glare on Ward. "You were supposed to be on Singh's side. You sold them out to us, only to help them escape, including killing my mates."

Ward's teeth clenched at the betrayal accusation.

Ryan turned the machine gun on Lia, Sarah and Wheezie. "So your daughters will pay for that. They'll go first."

Ward's eyes went wide with terror. "No."

Time seemed to slow, fear evident in everyone's eyes as Ryan cocked the machine gun.

Ward looked to Lia, Sarah and Wheezie, who all looked at him with tears in their terrified eyes.

Ward might not have been able to make amends to his family while he was alive, but he knew there was one way that he was going to ensure they were protected. With a slight smile that spoke of goodbye, his daughters seemed to realize what Ward was about to do, their faces twisting in conflict and pain.

When Ward made the first move, Isa and Kie lunged forward to pull Lia down into cover. John B surged closer to cover Sarah, using himself as a shield as they fell to the ground. Elyna enveloped Wheezie in her arms as she tackled them to the ground to save them from the upcoming chaos.

As Ryan unleashed a barrage of bullets, Ward ran toward him with as much speed and force as he had, using his body as a shield for his daughters and their lovers, uncaring about the gunshots he received in the chest and stomach in the process as he continued to run at Ryan, tackling him. Blood spurted forth as bullets shot through him from Ryan's last ditch attempt at survival.

Ward stumbled, but did not falter. He pushed, his legs moving with as much fervor as he had left, and he took Ryan, and himself, over the edge of a cliff.

All of the Pogues and Big John watched in shock.

Seconds passed, then a dull, echoing thud rang out clearly through the air.

For several moments, no one moved. No one breathed. No one spoke. All in utter shock, gasping when they realized what just happened as it happened way too fast for anyone to stop.

As Isa, Lia, Kie, Sarah, John B, Wheezie and Elyna looked up from the ground in utter shock, they stood and made their way toward the edge of the cliff. Everyone else followed behind.

Together, the Pogues all peered out over the rainforest floor below, where laid two mangled, bloody bodies of Ward and Ryan.

Sarah gasped, looking away as she began to cry. John B immediately stepped closer to Sarah to comfort her, yet as she took a step back, he respected her need for space while still supporting her.

Lia was in disbelief and absolute conflict. A strangled, agonized sound left her, halfway between a laugh and a sob, hysterical.

Isa and Kie both looked at Lia from either side with shock in their eyes, instantly enveloping her in their arms from either side. Lia clung to them as if they could keep her together through this emotional, shattering and confusing time as she realized that the father who had done so much to destroy her life - including trying to kill his own daughters - had just sacrificed his own life to save them.

Elyna instantly looked to Wheezie in concern as she gauged her reaction. The couple, being fairly knew, had no idea how to navigate something like this.

Wheezie was frozen, her gaze locked on the scene below. The weight of what just transpired pressed heavily on her chest, and she felt her heart race as a whirlwind of emotions crashed over her: relief, anger, pain, confusion.

Elyna took a cautious step forward, reaching out to gently squeeze Wheezie's hand. "Hey, it's okay."

The touch seemed to break Wheezie from her state of shock as she struggled to process everything, tears starting to stream down her cheeks. "I don't... I don't know how to feel right now. He was-he tried to kill us. But he saved us." Her voice cracked as the gravity of the moment settled in.

Elyna instinctively pulled Wheezie into her arms to embrace her. Wheezie buried her head against her shoulder, sobbing as she trembled within her arms.

Lia's sobs echoed around them, muffled by Isa and Kie's comforting embrace. "I thought I wanted him gone. I thought I wanted him to suffer for everything he did. But... now..."

Isa stroked Lia's hair. "It's okay to feel whatever you're feeling right now."

Kie leaned her head against Lia's. "Just breathe."

Sarah had her eyes squeezed shut, trying to block out the horror of it all, her heart pounding in her chest. "I can't... I can't believe this is happening."

John B reached out for Sarah, pulling her close as she trembled against him, unable to look back down at the fallen bodies again. "It's okay." He whispered soothingly, resting his chin on top of her head. "You're safe."

As they were held by their lovers, Lia, Sarah and Wheezie reached for each other to grasp one another by their hands, interlacing their pinkies with tears streaming down their cheeks.

Kaylee, JJ, Pope and Cleo looked at them in shock and sympathy.

Big John was losing consciousness nearby.

Being the first to notice, Pope walked toward him. "Hey. Big John? Big John? Hey, guys. Guys. Isa! John B!"

Isa and John B slowly pulled away from their embraces.

"Dad," Isa whispered. Pope was already trying to help Big John stand. John B and Isa ran closer to help. "Okay, Dad, we gotta get you out of here."

Lia, Wheezie and Sarah looked over in concern, knowing that Isa and John B could be on the verge of losing their own father, just like they had just lost theirs.

"Isa," Lia whispered. "Kie."

"It's all right," Cleo whispered.

JJ, Kaylee, Kie and Cleo made their way over to the others, letting Wheezie, Lia and Sarah have a required moment on their own.

Sarah wrapped her arms around Lia and Wheezie, which they returned, all in tears as they looked from Ward's body down below to Big John.

"Please stay awake," JJ said. "Come on, come on, come on."

Wheezie, Lia and Sarah joined them as they all gathered their things to leave, beginning their trek through the rainforest back the way they had come.

"Hang on, Big John," Kie told him. "We got you. We got you. Isa, John B, he's gonna be okay, guys."

"Kie..." Isa trailed off. "Lia..."

"Shh," Kaylee said.

"We just gotta get downriver," Elyna told them. "We're gonna be okay."

⚓️

Dock

When the Pogues and Big John finally got to the dock, Isa looked feverish and like she could pass out any moment. Kie and Lia both had an arm wrapped around her shoulders so they could help her, knowing that Isa's wounds were throbbing in absolute agony.

John B and JJ each had Big John's arms around their shoulders, the blood on Big John's hands from his wound staining their shoulders as they had to drag him along, eating him into the boat.

Pope was hurriedly setting up the boat so they could leave as soon as everyone got in, knowing they had to make it back fast.

Everyone was silent as they set sail down the river for a long period of time.

Until, finally, Big John groaned, his head in John B's lap as Isa sat next to them.

"Hey, hey, hey, Pop," John B whispered. "Hey. Hang in there, okay?"

Big John had his eyes closed as he managed a small chuckle. "We did it together, my kids."

Isa sniffled, nodding. "Yeah."

Isa and John B were in complete denial, but Kaylee and JJ knew what was coming, and they both already had tears in their eyes at losing Big John, knowing that even with all his flaws, he was ironically still the best father they had growing up, before everything changed.

Kie and Pope were also near tears as they clearly knew too, but no one could dare speak it.

Wheezie, Lia and Sarah had stopped crying, finally, after the loss of their father, but they knew it could start all over again, for their loves and best friends when it came to losing Big John.

Elyna and Cleo looked down solemnly, concerned for each of them.

Big John struggled to take a breath, opening his eyes to look at John B and Isa. "Just... just like we drew it up."

Isa swallowed, nodding. "Yeah. Yeah, we did."

"Kids, kids, kids," Big John whispered.

"Dad, hey," John B told him.

"Hey, hey," Big John said. "Bird? Dove?" He took both of their hands. "Hey." He looked up at the others. "Kaylee. JJ."

"Hi," Kaylee whispered, giving him a small forced, smile.

JJ held his head in his hands, looking up when Big John said their names. "Hey."

Big John turned his gaze to the loves of his children. "Kie. Lia. Sarah."

"Hi," Lia and Sarah said softly.

"It's okay," Kie whispered. "We're here, Big John."

Big John mumbled to his kids. "Dove, Bird, you got to hang on to these three." Lia, Kie and Sarah managed to smile a bit through the tears that were building already. "I know that I wasn't any great shakes as a father."

Isa shook her head, knowing that she and John B losing their father for the second time after all of this could destroy them both. "Stop, Dad."

"You were the best kids any man could hope for," Big John told them. The rest of the Pogues watched with expressions of pain, while reality was crushing Isa and John B, as they could barely breathe. "I want you to know that..."

John B still had to believe that he could make it, for both his sake and Isa's. "You can tell us when we get home, okay? Almost there."

"Okay," Big John whispered.

John B sniffled. "Hold up. Look, Dad, look." He took a piece of gold from his bag and put it next to Big John's hand on his chest. "We did it. You did it."

Big John barely reacted to the gold in front of him, which was the sure sign that he was fading. "I'll see you. I'll see you at home, kids."

Big John's eyes closed, and his breathing stopped.

Isa could barely breathe, her airways feeling too thin and not letting her get enough air. "Dad?" Isa and John B knew that Big John died in their arms, and they started to cry, leaning over him as they both held their father, and each other. Isa had always hated that they had never got to say goodbye to their father before he disappeared, and it was the only time to tell him now. "Goodbye, Dad."

(Song:) Murder in the City - The Avett Brothers

John B could only hold Isa tighter, his own grief spilling over as he pressed his forehead against Big John's still body. The reality of their loss weighed heavy in the air, suffocating them with an almost unbearable silence amidst the gentle lapping of the river against the boat.

It was too much for Isa and John B to know that they got Big John back, only to go through absolute hell and lose him all over again... and to finally tell him goodbye.

Sarah leaned closer to embrace John B, holding him comfortingly as he clutched onto her desperately.

Lia clutched Wheezie and Sarah close, the three girls surrounding each other as they all processed their own pain. They had lost a father too, but in this moment, it felt like they were losing another family member. Everyone wanted to reach out to Isa and John B but felt helpless under the weight of their sorrow.

Isa's heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces, each one a reminder of their loss, her fingers interlaced with John B's, as if they could somehow draw strength from each other amidst the chaos.

Lia and Kie slid closer to Isa from either side, enveloping her with an embrace that she desperately craved and needed to survive. Just as Isa and Kie had held Lia losing her father hours before.

Kie felt the devastation pouring from both of her girlfriends as she whispered both their names, holding them tightly. "Isa. Lia. You're gonna be okay." but her eyes were glassy with unshed tears, and they knew that Kie was just as devastated.

Kaylee wiped her tears with the back of her hand, her heart aching for her friends. They had faced so much together - their lives intertwined through adventure and tragedy - but this felt like a chasm that couldn't be crossed. JJ wrapped an arm tightly around Kaylee as she leaned her head on his shoulder as they clung to each other as if to dispel everything evil that could take the Pogues away from each other as JJ began to cry as well.

Elyna was holding Wheezie, gently laying her head on her shoulder as Wheezie buried her head into her neck, sobbing. Elyna stroked her hair comfortingly, whispering distinct soothing words to try and help everyone.

Pope and Cleo glanced at each other, holding each other close as they felt helpless to help their friends through their sorrow.

Isa, Kie and Lia both reached for Wheezie, and she slid closer to sit between Lia and Sarah as the four other girls embraced her. Elyna embraced them from behind as John B held each girl as well as if together, they could act as a bridge through the deep abyss of grief they all found themselves in. Kaylee, JJ, Pope and Cleo moved closer so they could complete the embrace around their friends.

All of the Pogues held each other like they needed, crying yet holding each other together and helping each other survive.

Isa: (voice over) "Life is harder and weirder than you think. Sometimes the biggest victories come with the greatest losses."

⚓️

Rainforest

Ward was laying dead on the ground.

John B: (voice over) "And sometimes the biggest villains are also unexpected heroes."

The Pogues were gathered around a tree to make a grave marker for both Big John and Ward.

John B and Sarah were wrapped in each other's arms, as Kie had an arm around both Isa and Lia on either side of her as they leaned their heads together, holding Kie and each other just as tightly. Wheezie and Elyna had both arms wrapped around each other.

John B: (voice over) "When our father came back, Isa and I thought it was a dream come true."

JJ wrapped an arm around Kaylee instinctively, and she leaned her head against his shoulder, wrapping her arms around him in return.

Isa: (voice over) "But the thing that John B and I found is life doesn't give you oceans without waves. Our dad wanted to make a great quest of his life. He wanted adventure, and he wanted to find treasure."

John B reached over to take Isa's hand, and they held each other's hands tightly.

John B: (voice over) "You know what I realized? We are our father's kids."

Wheezie, Lia and Sarah left flowers at Ward's grave marker, as the others stood by, there for them.

Sarah took out a picture of the Camerons at Midsummers in book 1, setting it down at the grave marker.

Wheezie, Lia and Sarah wrapped their arms around each other, holding each other close, before standing, returning to the others.

John B wrapped an arm around Isa, kissing his sister on the head, as Isa leaned her head on his shoulder.

These two sets of siblings had a lot to get through to recover the loss of both of their complicated fathers after all they had done in the span of less than a day.

(Song Ends)

⚓️

Isa's hair

18 Months Later

Day - Award Ceremony - Outside

18 months after the events that happened in South America, Lia had successfully published her book based on the Pogues' adventures and discovery of El Dorado. The word spread like wildfire, and to honor the group of teenagers, a ceremony was put together to celebrate their heroism and legacy - the future that they were making come true.

Isa, Lia and Kie had successfully opened their community center Harmony Haven, and it was thriving on the Cut for children and teens alike. They were giving them shelters, homes, while also saving marine wildlife just like they promised to do. Their collaborations with Wheezie and Elyna to give victims of trauma a voice and spread their stories made it even more incredible to be sure that they recovered and received justice.

Kaylee had opened her treehouse restaurant called The Crow's Nest and it was one of the most popular on the island due to Elyna, Gael and Esme providing recipes for meals from all over the world, made and catered for teens.

JJ owned a surf shop and a charter boat that the rest of the Pogues helped with.

Wheezie and Elyna had opened their artistic cafe, Anchor & Ink, which was one of the hottest spots in town for a quick lunch or breakfast.

Kaylee and Kie had been taken in by Gael and Esme and they had lived with them and Elyna until they turned 18 - until the Pogues had rebuilt the Pogue Nest, bigger and better than ever, for all of them to live together. Gael and Esme were the most supportive parents of any of the Pogues, as they knew, and they helped Elyna, Kaylee and Kie - and all the other Pogues - with all of their businesses when they needed an adult figure.

As promised, when the Pogues had the change to dress to the nines to celebrate, Elyna went full out to be able to put together an ensemble that fit each Pogue for their celebratory ceremony.

As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the waterfront, the Pogues gathered at the makeshift stage set up for the ceremony, their hearts buzzing with anticipation and pride. They wore their finest attire - an eclectic mix of styles that perfectly represented their personalities, thanks to Elyna's meticulous planning. Each of them radiated a uniqueness that celebrated not just their individual journeys but the bonds they had forged through struggle and triumph.

After they had returned home, due to the fire burning her hair all those months ago, Isa had cut her hair into a sassy hairstyle and dyed it with an edgy array of colors. Her hair, while a wild and vibrant canvas, a daring blend of hues that danced and clashed against each other, embodying her fearless and eccentric spirit, offered a full view of her shoulders and back.

Once they had returned, the grave wounds that had weakened Isa so 18 months ago had been treated in the hospital, as she went through the process of skin grafts and reconstruction surgeries to close the third-degree burn wounds from the fire that had exposed tissues, muscle and bone and had only been a weapon used against her on South America. The scars shown, the memories vivid, and yet, Isa's fearlessness and resilience was shown in how she refused to hide it.

For the ceremony, courtesy of Elyna's fashion intervention, Isa was dressed in a flowing sleeveless blue gown that shimmered like ocean waves. She felt a warmth spread through her heart as she glanced at her others.

John B was in a tailored white shirt that contrasted perfectly with his sun-kissed skin matched with a striped tie and tan slacks.

JJ was sporting a leather jacket over a tailored blue shirt, encapsulating his rebellious spirit.

Kie, the embodiment of elegance in a vibrant floral dress in yellows and purples that danced with her every move.

Pope wore a simple and traditional suit.

Cleo donned a dark purple pantsuit that almost appeared black, paired with a pearl necklace and big hoop earrings.

Sarah had a two piece pink dress. The top part was a crop top and was imprinted with soft floral designs.

Wheezie was glowing in a vibrant ruby red gown that sparkled under the lights.

Lia's pastel gown flowed gracefully around her, a soft shade of lavender that shimmered under the warm lights, making her look ethereal.

Kaylee wore a striking black leather mini dress that hugged her figure perfectly, adorned with metallic studs. Her boldness was matched by her choice of silver accessories - a choker and bracelet. Her ensemble embodied both strength and femininity, paired with chunky combat boots.

Lastly, Elyna herself wore a stunning, vibrant emerald green gown accentuated by delicate golden embroidery that mirrored the intricate patterns of ancient cultures. The bold off-shoulder design accentuated her graceful neck and collarbones, while delicate lace detailing added a touch of sophistication. Her colorful braided hair cascaded down her back, adorned with a delicate silver headpiece that glinted under the light.

As the ceremony commenced, the energy in the air buzzed with excitement and pride - not just for the accomplishments they'd achieved but also for the journey that had brought them here. They had all endured so much together, forging unbreakable bonds through trials and triumphs alike.

Isa stood slightly apart from the group at first, watching as friends and family filled the makeshift venue nearby the beach. The sun began to set behind them, casting a golden hue across everything it touched. In that moment, she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude wash over her - for every challenge they had faced, for every laugh shared, and even for their challenges and losses that had shaped them into the people that they had become today.

After taking a moment to gather herself, Isa went to join the other Pogues on the stage before everyone.

The crowd gathered in front of the stage, filled with locals and reporters who had come to witness the Pogues' monumental achievement. Laughter and chatter filled the air, but as the moment approached, a hush fell over the audience. The backdrop of the event displayed a stunning mural depicting their journey, showcasing moments of adventure, struggle, and their ultimate triumph in finding El Dorado.

As Isa joined the others on the stage, her gaze drifted across them all, taking in the way they had all transformed since returning home. Each of them bore scars - some visible, others hidden deep within - but they wore them like badges of honor. They had fought against darkness and emerged stronger for it.

John B, Sarah, Isa, Lia, Kie, Kaylee, JJ, Elyna, Wheezie, Pope and Cleo sat on the stage before everyone, looking out at everyone who had come.

Of course, there was Gael and Esme, the official Pogues 'adoptive parents' welcomed by all of the Pogues as they all smiled at Gael and Esme as they sat in front and center in the crowd, the most cheerful and supportive in the crowd. Elyna grinned at her parents as they waved at her, pride evident in their eyes for both their daughter and for their nieces Kaylee and Kie along with their friends who they took under their wing.

Kaylee and Kie, who smiled at Gael and Esme with as much appreciation as they had for everything they had done for them ever since returning to the island and taking them in to be their family ever since their own parents had failed them time and time again.

The Heywards were sitting beside Gael and Esme, a comforting support for Pope and Cleo.

Mike and Anna were in the crowd, as Kaylee and Kie both ignored their parents after what they did to them. Elyna, Gael, Esme and the rest of the Pogues were set to ignore them as well.

Topper was here, though he was obviously hating every moment to see how much the Pogues had succeeded.

Shoupe, Mr. Sunn and most of the residents on the island were included.

John B flashed a small smile to Sarah at his side, taking her hand in his own and lacing their fingers together.

Isa, Lia and Kie sat to their left. Each one was holding each other's hands and playing with each other's fingers, a way to comfort each other with their anxiety over this whole ceremony and all the attention it brought to them and everyone they loved, and everything they went through. They also seemed to have separation anxiety of some sort as they shared a secretive smile with each other.

Kaylee and JJ sat to their left, with JJ's arm wrapped around Kaylee, and Kaylee leaning into his side. Kaylee seemed to have put serious work into her mentality and everything over the last 18 months, and they looked happy, even if they were bored with what they thought was a circus around them. Kaylee was avoiding looking at her parents, who she didn't even want to come, as she turned toward JJ a little bit more, and JJ tightened his hold around her knowingly as he shot Mike and Anna a glare.

Wheezie and Elyna sat to their left. Wheezie leaned into Elyna, their fingers interlaced. They exchanged a meaningful smile, both aware of how far they had come together as a couple over the last 18 months - from the trials of their past to this moment of celebration.

Pope and Cleo sat at the end. Not as touchy as the other couples, but giving each other a smile nonetheless, happiness and triumph in their eyes.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, a soft glow enveloped the gathering, illuminating the faces in the crowd.

The murmurs quieted as the emcee stepped forward to the microphone, bringing attention back to the stage. "An expedition of one man, John Routledge, and a group of teenagers, who are with us today. Locals, who grew up here and who succeeded where centuries of conquistadors, explorers and admirals failed. Today, we come together to celebrate these teens, friends from both sides of the island who came together to solve this 500-year-old-mystery. Let's hear it for them!"

The Pogues all stood, facing the crowd.

John B slung an arm around Sarah's shoulder, pressing a kiss to her temple.

Isa, Lia and Kie had their arms linked as usual, so they all felt connected and together.

Kaylee leaned her head against JJ's shoulder with a smile as they joked silently to each other about this whole charade, both laughing as JJ put his arm around her, as Kaylee held up a peace sign to the crowd, causing JJ to grin.

Wheezie ducked into Elyna's hold, blushing underneath the stares of the entire island, both of them laughing lightly to each other.

Pope and Cleo finally took each other's hands as they smiled each other.

The crowd erupted into cheers, whistles and applause.

Anna and Mike among them, with Anna beaming with pride, while Mike seemed more begrudging.

Gael, Esme and the Heywards were grinning ear to ear, so proud of Kaylee, Kie, Elyna, Pope and the other kids, emotionally cheering and celebrating.

⚓️

Later

An older man by the name of Wes Genrette was looking inside over the gnomon, the map that the Pogues followed to El Dorado, a photo of Denmark Tanny after he purchased Tannyhill, Denmark's diary, and the book that was written by Lia Routledge to detail all of the Pogues' adventures and everything they went through over the past year, the full story from each of them.

Wes carefully examined the artifacts and documents laid out before him, marveling at the history they represented. His eyes lingered on the cover of Lia Routledge's book, titled "Gold Rush: The Pogues' Journey to El Dorado".

The book's cover featured an artistic rendering of the Pogues standing together on a golden beach, silhouetted against a blazing sunset. The title was embossed in shimmering gold lettering that seemed to catch the light from every angle.

Wes gently opened the book, scanning the dedication page:

"To the unbreakable bonds of friendship that carried us through every storm. And to those we lost along the way - may your spirits guide us always."

As Wes reverently flipped through the pages filled with vivid descriptions of the Pogues' adventures.

Lia's writing brought their harrowing journey to life - from the initial hunt for the Royal Merchant's treasure to their final triumph in the golden city.

The book was interspersed with photographs, maps, and sketches from Wheezie's journal that added to the visual aid to the book and everything in between, bringing their incredible journey to life. Even the Pogues' kitten Indy was heavily featured in the book as the precious and cherished creature she was.

Lia's words painted a picture of determination, heartbreak, joy, captures, escapes, failures and triumph. Every detail of their lives was brought to life with care and attention in a way that was tasteful and tactful, telling the story of everything they had endured to reach this point of their lives. Whether it was the end or merely another beginning.

(Song:) Ferus Gallery - Allah-Las

As the Pogues stepped off the stage, Elyna, Kaylee and Kie met with Gael and Esme, who immediately enveloped their three girls in an embrace proudly.

As the embrace enveloped the three girls, their joy mingled with gratitude, creating a palpable warmth that spread through them. Gael and Esme beamed down at Kaylee, Kie, and Elyna, their pride shining brighter than the setting sun.

"You did it! You all did it!" Esme exclaimed, her voice filled with emotion. "This is just the beginning for you three."

Elyna laughed lightly. "Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Dad."

Kaylee pulled back slightly, her eyes glistening. "We couldn't have done it without you both. You believed in us when we were lost."

"You're our family," Kie added, squeezing Esme's hand. "We wouldn't trade this for anything."

Gael chuckled softly, ruffling Kaylee's hair affectionately. "Just remember that family doesn't end here. We're always here for you."

As they glanced over, they noticed Mike and Anna looking toward them, looking like they wanted to approach.

Kaylee glared toward them, shaking her head in warning.

Gael held a hand as a warning for them not to push their luck right now, and Mike and Anna sighed, knowing that was fair after he had their own daughters kidnapped and sent away to living hells, walking away.

Elyna looked at her cousins in concern. "Kay? Kie? You okay?"

Kie forced a smile. "We're good, Ely. We will be."

Esme and Gael led Kaylee, Kie and Elyna back toward their loved ones.

"Come on," Esme told them. "You have some celebrating to do."

Kaylee, Kie and Elyna grinned in response as they returned to JJ, Isa, Lia and Wheezie. As they did, laughter and joy surrounded them, filling the air with a warmth that soothed the pangs of loss etched in their hearts.

Wheezie gave them a grin, whisking Elyna away. "Come on. Time to have some fun."

The Pogues walked through the crowd.

"I need a reset right now," JJ told them. "This is a lot." He took out a joint, waving it around. "It's time to celebrate. Right, Kaylee?"

Kaylee clapped. "Hell, yeah."

They all laughed.

"I'll take one hit," Pope told them. "One."

Cleo laughed. "Bad man now."

"Yeah, have a little taste of the dark side, Pope," Isa told him in amusement.

There was more laughter.

"I for one am in serious need of fun," Elyna remarked.

Cleo smirked in amusement. "You didn't have enough fun playing fashion designer for the rest of us?"

Elyna pointed at Cleo in defense, smiling shamelessly. "Hey, I told you that the next time I got the chance to go full out with all of us, I was jumping at it, and we deserve to go full out with this. After everything that happened, we deserve to have a party thrown in our honor and look fucking fabulous as we bask in our glory and show every Kook and every hater out there that they underestimated the wrong damn people."

The others processed Elyna's words as they couldn't help but smile and nod in agreement.

"Can't argue with you there," Kaylee remarked.

"No, we cannot," JJ quipped.

Wheezie grinned. "So let's show them why we're here being the ones celebrated and they're the ones praising us this time around."

Isa laughed lightly. "I can get behind that."

Lia smiled. "Same here."

Kie chuckled. "Let's do it."

John B and Sarah nodded in agreement with small smiles.

After smoking together for a moment, they broke into groups.

Isa's gaze drifted over to John B and Sarah, who were still basking in the momentous occasion.

"Hey," Kie said softly, nudging Isa with her shoulder. "You alright?"

Isa turned to her friends, the lingering grief still heavy in her chest, but softened by the love surrounding her. "Yeah, I'm good. Just... a lot to take in."

Lia nodded, brushing her fingers through Isa's colorful and spiky hair. "I know. We all feel it. But we did this together."

Before they could delve deeper into their emotions, JJ stepped up beside them, his usual playful grin lighting up his face like a beacon. "All right, ladies, are we ready to celebrate? Because I think we deserve some serious party time after everything we've been through!"

Kaylee laughed as she walked closer. "As long as we get back to Iggy and Indiana soon, I am all for some fun."

A softness crossed Isa, Kie, Lia, Kaylee and JJ's faces at the two names as they smiled.

"We'll be back before you even know it," JJ replied. "Little kitten Indy, too."

"Alright then, let's get this party started!" Elyna cheered, her enthusiasm infectious.

They all shared knowing smiles, a mix of joy and bittersweet remembrance swirling in the air as they navigated their way back to where the festivities were taking place.

As they approached the gathering, the sounds of laughter and music filled their ears, a vibrant celebration that contrasted sharply with the solemnity of their earlier moments. The atmosphere was electric, a testament to the resilience of the community and the bond they had forged through fire and adversity.

Elyna took Wheezie by the hand and spun her onto the dance floor, making her giggle.

Isa felt a tug at her heart as she took in the sight before her: families reunited, friends reconnecting, all coming together to celebrate not only their triumph but also the very essence of life itself - love, connection, and hope. It was overwhelming in the best possible way.

Kaylee's laughter rang out as she pulled JJ toward the dance floor.

Isa felt a swell of joy at seeing her friends so happy. The bond they shared had only grown stronger through their trials and tribulations.

With each step Isa and Lia took toward the celebration, they left behind the weight of grief.

"Come on, Isa!" Kie urged, grabbing her hand and tugging her forward. She reached for her other girlfriend's hand. "Lia, let's show them how it's done!"

Isa and Lia couldn't help but grin as they joined Kie on the dance floor. The music enveloped them like a warm embrace, and soon they were lost in the rhythm, dancing like no one was watching.

The Pogues twirled and spun under the glowing lights strung up across the venue, all laughing and joyous.

John B and Sarah eventually broke off to talk alone.

"Big John would've thought this was all bullshit," Sarah said with a small smile.

John B chuckled. "Yeah, he kind of hated this side of the island."

Sarah squeezed his hand. "I know you're thinking about him."

John B sighed. "I don't know. After everything that's happened, it's just... it's just different. It just feels so normal. You know? We got the Pogue Nest 2.0. Isa, Kie and Lia have Harmony Haven. Pope's going away to school. JJ bought the charter boat. Kaylee has The Crow's Nest. Wheezie and Elyna have Anchor & Ink. And we've got a killer surf shop. There's Indiana and Iggy."

Sarah gave him a slight smile. "Yeah, that's all good, right?"

John B nodded, though it was clear that he felt like something was missing. "Yeah, I..."

Wes walked closer. "Excuse me." John B and Sarah turned to face him, seeing his leather-bound case that looked aged enough to belong in a museum. "I don't mean to interrupt."

The other Pogues noticed and walked closer.

"Uh, can we help you?" Lia asked.

Wes nodded. "Yes. I wanted to tell you all it's remarkable what you all did. Royal Merchant, El Dorado, Denmark Tanny. Impressive resume. Very impressive."

"Thank you," Wheezie said politely.

Wes gestured to the leather case he had set on the table in front of them. "I was wondering if you would all be so kind as to look at an item of mine."

Elyna shot him a dubious side-eye. "Oh, yeah? What type of item is that?"

"It's a manuscript," Wes explained. "I would investigate it myself, but I'm too long in the tooth. I need partners, and you all were first on my list."

Wes unfurled the golden latch, reaching into the case, pulling out an ancient journal of some sort.

(Song Ends)

Lia's curiosity instantly got the better of her, like it did with Denmark's journal to begin with. "May I?"

Wes nodded, passing the book to Lia with a smile. "I was hoping you would."

Lia flipped through a few of the old, yellowed pages. "1718."

Pope frowned. "Jeez, that's old."

Kie and Isa looked over Lia's shoulders to look at the journal.

Kie tilted her head. "Exhibition notes, dates..."

Isa looked it over, realizing. "It's a captain's log. This shows the exact position of the ship."

Kaylee looked over the journal as well. "The exact location where the ship sailed and where it stopped."

"You're right," Wheezie said in awe. "Wow."

"Who is the captain?" JJ asked.

Wes's eyes sparkled. "Edward Teach." Wheezie, Elyna, Lia, Isa, John B, Kaylee and JJ all looked at him instantly. "Blackbeard."

The Pogues shared wide-eyed glances at the name that they all knew as the famous, ruthless pirate who had raided the North Carolina coast.

Cleo instantly smiled.

Pope, Sarah and Kie looked hesitant and cautious as always, but like they had to know more at the same time.

While they were cautious, Elyna, Lia and Wheezie were also thrilled with anything like this. Knowledge or adventure wise as they looked up with slight smiles.

Isa, John B, JJ and Kaylee all lit up, smiles gracing their lips. Their desire for adventure outweighing anything else.

John B grinned. "Hot damn."