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Day One

Morning - The Chateau - Outside

(Song:) Heaven on the Beach With You - Robert Lester Folsom

The dawn came, with it a foreboding sense of dread, realization and pain.

The fire on the Chateau was finally dwindling down as the Pogues watched in helpless defeat.

The firemen were putting out the rest of the fire, already suspecting arson as they found traces of gasoline leading up to the remains of the old house.

Meanwhile, paramedics were urgently treating Isa's back and shoulders burns from the blast that blew her from the window. Some of her brunette hair had been singed from the explosion, and now the paramedics were diagnosing her with the extent of her burns while the rest of the Pogues watched - since the night before, they hadn't been focused on how bad Isa's burns were since they were more focused on their relief that she was still alive, they took in the visual of her burns now, and just how crucial they truly were.

The paramedics carefully examined Isa's back and shoulders, their faces grim as they assessed the extent of her injuries. The burns were severe, covering a large portion of her upper back and shoulders. The skin was charred and blackened in places, with patches of angry red and blistered flesh surrounding the worst areas.

Blisters, some as large as golf balls, dotted the less severely burned areas. These fluid-filled sacs were nature's attempt to protect and heal, but they also spoke to the intensity of the heat that had nearly consumed her.

Third-degree burns, the most severe type, had ravaged large swaths of her skin. The outer layers were completely destroyed, exposing raw, weeping tissue underneath. In some areas, the burns had penetrated so deeply that nerve endings were damaged, leaving those patches numb and lifeless. In some spots, the burns were so deep that the underlying muscle and even glimpses of bone were visible through the ruined tissue. The edges of the burns were ragged and uneven, a mottled mix of white, red, and blackened skin - a stark visual representation of the trauma her body had endured.

The paramedics worked quickly but gently, cleaning the wounds and applying sterile dressings. They spoke in hushed, urgent tones about the need for immediate hospitalization.

Despite the horror on each of the Pogues' faces, they tried to conceal it from Isa - they didn't want to scare her more than she already was, hoping to ensure her that she was going to be okay.

Isa winced as the paramedic gently cleaned her burns, the sting cutting through the haze of shock that had settled over her. The lingering heat from the fire only added to her discomfort, but she forced herself to breathe through it. She could feel Kie and Lia hovering close by, their eyes filled with concern as they watched every movement the medic made.

"Just breathe, Isa," Kie murmured softly, her fingers intertwined with Isa's. "You're going to be okay."

"Yeah," Lia added, brushing a stray hair away from Isa's forehead. "We're right here."

Isa managed a weak smile at her girlfriends, her heart swelling with gratitude for their unwavering support. "I'm... I'm fine. Just a little crispy."

John B stood off to the side with his arms crossed tightly against his chest, his expression turbulent. He felt helpless watching Isa in pain, a mixture of anger and fear surging through him at the sight of his sister like this.

John B walked closer, taking Isa's hand. "Hey, it's gonna be okay. We're gonna take you to the hospital and it's gonna be fine."

"We still gotta go after Dad, John B," Isa murmured.

"Isa, you're hurt," John B told her.

"I don't care," Isa replied. "Singh's going to kill him soon. We've got to save him."

Kaylee reached forward to rest her hand gently on Isa's arm. "And we will. But we need to make sure that you're okay, too."

Isa nodded barely. "I will be. I promise."

JJ frowned worriedly. "I know we make it a thing where, like, the Pogues are invincible or some shit, but this is another thing entirely, Isa."

"I'll be ready, JJ," Isa insisted.

Pope tilted his head in concern. "Isa, were just looking out for you. We don't want you to push yourself to far."

"I get that, Pope," Isa told him. "But I can't sit back and do nothing while my dad's out there and set up for execution. I won't."

John B, Kaylee, JJ, Pope, Kie, Lia, Sarah, Wheezie, Cleo and Elyna shared a look, knowing there was no changing Isa's mind.

"Okay," Sarah agreed softly. "Let's just make sure that you're well enough to handle the trip, okay?"

Isa nodded.

Cleo looked at Kaylee, Kie, Lia, Wheezie and Elyna. "And you girls need to have those burns on your arms and wrists taken care of, too."

"We're fine," Wheezie said.

"It wasn't a question," Cleo replied, her voice firm but filled with concern.

"Cleo's right," Elyna agreed. "If any of us are going to make it through a mission in South America to save Big John, we need to be at our best, which means taking care of ourselves and our wounds. Which means going to the hospital."

"All of us did get smoke inhalation pretty bad," Lia agreed. "All of us need to go, not just the ones that got burned."

"Exactly," Pope stated.

As the paramedics readied their trucks to take Isa, and the other Pogues were readying the van to go in as well, they all looked at the Chateau.

"What started the fire?" Sarah asked.

Elyna sighed. "Could've been a faulty electrical wire."

Kaylee didn't believe that for a second, shaking her head. "I've started enough fires to know when one's been set intentionally. This one was."

"And I heard the firemen," Wheezie added. "They said they caught traces of gasoline."

"But who would've set it?" Kie asked.

"I don't know," Isa admitted.

"It doesn't matter right now," John B said solemnly. "Point is, it's all gone."

"Place is all wood," Elyna pointed out. "A tinderbox."

Cleo nodded. "Thing just went up. Boom."

JJ looked at Isa and John B. "Verdict's in, guys. Whoever's up there does not like you."

"Hard to imagine that they like any of us after all this shit," Kaylee remarked.

All of them fell into silence, as Kaylee's words hit hard, because they all felt that it was the truth after all they had been through, all of them desolate.

John B sighed and slumped forward, idly tossing an empty glass bottle at the charred remains of the Chateau, making it shatter, though it did nothing to alleviate any of the pain.

John B looked over to Isa with a sad, solemn expression, which Isa returned. The knew what this meant. Everyone did.

Isa and John B had actually, thoroughly and completely, hit rock bottom.  No house, no parents, no belongings... nothing. Nothing except for the Pogues, all of whom sat with them, after another near-death experience that could have killed all of them and got so close to taking Isa from them.

Not only had the Pogues lost the Pogue Nest - one of the only places where they felt safe, loved and secure - but they had lost the Chateau. Their only other sanctuary. Their only other home.

Lia shook her head, determination rising in her voice. "No, we can't let whoever did this win. We're still here. We're still alive, despite the fact someone tried to kill us last night. Despite the fact that someone is always trying to kill us, we're still alive."

"And we're still together," Wheezie agreed. "That's got to mean something, right?"

The Pogues all looked at each other, nodding.

"That means everything," Kie answered.

"It means the world to me," Sarah agreed.

"We might have hit rock bottom," Pope pointed out. "But once we get through this, and we find El Dorado and the gold, we'll reach the top. I know that."

"Hell yeah, man," JJ insisted. "We'll be able to rebuild the Pogue Nest just like Kaylee said."

Kaylee pointed at JJ. "Exactly. My parents might have torn down my home - our home. And someone might have burned this place down. But no one's gonna stop us from rebuilding it together. I promise you."

The determination in Kaylee's voice resonated through the group like a spark igniting kindling. They had been through so much together, and despite the flames that had taken their home, and the destruction that Mike had wrecked on their other home, they were still standing - still fighting for one another.

"Yeah," John B said, shifting his focus back to his sister, who was still being treated by the paramedics. "And as soon as Isa's better, we're going after whoever did this."

Isa's eyes brightened at her brother's words, the fiery spirit inside her rekindling.

"I'm ready," Isa insisted, even as pain pulsed through her injuries. "We'll find them. I won't let anyone get away with this."

"Just focus on healing first," Kie urged gently, brushing Isa's hair from her face again. "We can't afford to lose you again."

"Right," Lia added, her brow furrowing in concern. "We need you in top shape to lead us into battle."

JJ playfully saluted Isa. "Aye, aye, Commander Isa."

Isa couldn't help but smile at JJ's antics.

Pope smiled softly. "Before we get too ahead of ourselves, we should get to the hospital."

"Of course," Sarah agreed gently.

"One hug for the road?" Wheezie asked timidly.

"That sounds fair after we almost died last night," Elyna pointed out.

Cleo nodded a bit. "Aye."

Isa smiled at her friends, their unwavering support a balm for her battered spirit. "Okay, one hug for the road."

The group moved closer, forming a tight circle around Isa, each of them pulling her into an embrace that radiated warmth and solidarity. Kie and Lia were at her side, holding her tightly, as if anchoring her to life itself.

"You are stronger than you know," Kie whispered against Isa's ear, her voice thick with emotion.

"Don't forget that we're all in this together," Lia added softly, brushing a finger down Isa's arm. "We'll get through this."

John B, JJ, Kaylee and Pope squeezed in around Lia, Isa and Kie gently, who each added their strength to the circle. Sarah, Wheezie, Cleo and Elyna joined from the outer edges, wrapping around them all.

Indy wiggled free from Wheezie's arms, darting into the center of the huddle, purring loudly as she rubbed against Isa's legs.

"Even Indy wants in," Kaylee laughed softly, reaching down to scoop up the small kitten.

Everyone laughed slightly as they all reached a hand out to pet Indy or scratch behind her ears. Indy soaked up all of the attention from everyone, purring contently.

The hug lingered a moment longer before the paramedics gently reminded them that they needed to get Isa to the hospital. Reluctantly, the group eased away, letting the medics do their work.

As they loaded Isa onto the stretcher, John B stood by her side. "I'll be right there with you. We all will."

Isa nodded as the medics loaded her into the back of the truck. "Lia? Kie? Will you go with me?"

"Of course," Lia replied immediately, her voice steady despite the tears still glistening in her eyes. "We wouldn't dream of leaving your side."

Kie squeezed Isa's hand gently as they helped her into the ambulance. "We're not going anywhere. You're stuck with us, remember?"

As the paramedics secured Isa onto the stretcher, John B climbed into the back of the ambulance alongside Lia and Kie, ensuring they were all together. The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken fears, but the presence of her brother and her girlfriends brought comfort to Isa.

"Just focus on breathing, okay?" John B urged softly, trying to keep her calm as he brushed his thumb gently over her knuckles.

Isa managed a small smile despite the pain that pulsed through her body. "I will. I promise."

John B tossed the keys to the van out to JJ.

JJ caught them with eyes. "You guys good?"

"We're good," John B answered. "Just meet us there, all right?"

"We'll be right there," Pope promised.

Kaylee, JJ, Sarah and Wheezie watched Isa with tears glistening in their eyes as Pope, Cleo and Elyna tried to comfort them as much as possible - even as Pope struggled to contain his own emotions about one of his best friend's state.

The ambulance doors closed with a thud, sealing them off from the chaos outside as it sped toward the hospital. The sirens wailed through the air, cutting through the air as they took them to the hospital.

Sarah turned to the others. "All right, let's go."

Hand in hand, Wheezie led Sarah and Elyna to the Twinkie. "Come on!"

Wheezie, Sarah and Elyna took off running to the Twinkie, followed by JJ, Pope and Cleo.

"We're coming!" Cleo said urgently.

Pope jumped into the passenger seat of the van.

JJ hopped into the driver's seat of the van. "I'm putting the hammer down, don't worry."

Elyna opened the back door of the Twinkie as she shot a look up to JJ. "Okay, Spike."

The girls climbed into the back as Elyna closed the door.

JJ quickly started the van and drove them off quickly toward the hospital.

(Song Ends)

⚓️ Worlds Colliding (Outer Banks)⚓️

Kildare Hospital - Hospital Room

Isa hated being separated from Kie, Lia and John B while she was being treated for her third-degree burns, but she knew that it was necessary in the ER, especially when Kie and Lia had the burns on their arms to be dealt with as well.

Given that the medics had already begun the cleaning of her burns at the Chateau, the ER began the debriding treatment - removing dead skin and tissue from the burned area of her upper back and shoulders. This was done in a special bathtub in the hospital while an IV containing electrolytes and antibiotics was injected into her elbow.

An antibiotic cream was also provided over Isa's burn. Given that her nerves were damaged, the burn itself didn't necessarily hurt, but the area around the burn did, causing her pain, which the doctors gave her more pain medication for.

The doctor was concerned upon seeing tissues, muscles and even parts of her bones, knowing that skin grafting and functional or cosmetic reconstruction would be required to fully close the wounded area.

The doctor's words hung heavy in the air, and Isa felt a wave of anxiety wash over her as the implications set in. Skin grafts, surgeries, and a long recovery process meant not only physical healing but an emotional toll she hadn't fully prepared for. Watching her body be altered by the flames felt like watching a part of herself disappear.

"Hey," John B's voice broke through her swirling thoughts, bringing her back to the present. He stepped into the room, his expression a mix of concern and encouragement as he took her hand gently. "You holding up okay?"

Isa managed a shaky smile, grateful for his presence. "Just... trying to process everything. I hate that this happened."

John B squeezed her hand tighter, his eyes filled with empathy. "None of this is your fault. We'll get through it together, all right? You've got Kie and Lia right behind you."

Isa nodded slowly, feeling warmth spread through her at the thought of her girlfriends.

"What did the doctors say?" John B asked in concern.

Isa swallowed nervously. "The burns are only covering nine percent of my body, so they only want me to stay in the hospital for nine days. But you know I can't do that, John B. Not with Dad still out there, still in danger."

John B wished that Isa would stay where she could heal, but he knew that he couldn't stop her. She would find a way to escape even in her state and come with him to South America to save their father. "I know. I just... wish you would put yourself first. We kept fighting with Dad because he kept putting you in danger when he kept pushing you to your limits when you weren't ready. When you were still healing. And now you're the one doing it."

"Because I have to," Isa replied. "To save his life. This is different now, JB."

John B squeezed Isa's hand gently. "I know, I know. I'm just saying. I don't want things to get infected again, to get worse..."

Isa sighed heavily. "I know. But it won't." She let out a breath. "And even if it does get worse, once we get back, I can come right back into the hospital and finish up my treatment, right?"

John B tilted his head, knowing she had a point. "Yeah." He gave Isa a firm look. "But I'm holding you to that. As soon as we're back home, I'm dragging you to this hospital, and we're finishing your treatment to make sure you get better."

Isa nodded shakily in understanding. "I promise."

John B's gaze softened as he looked at her in concern. "What else?"

Isa swallowed as she looked down. "The doctor was talking about skin graft and functional and cosmetic reconstruction to fully close the wounded area. Because of all the tissues, muscles and parts of bones exposed."

John B closed his eyes, looking down. "Surgeries."

"Yeah," Isa answered. "This isn't something that I can just walk away from like we do all the time, JB. This is... this is something that's going to long and heavy. Physically and emotionally, and right now, we don't even have the money or the insurance for any of this to heal me. Not the surgeries or the skin grafts."

John B looked at Isa in worry. "That's the other reason you want to go. El Dorado. The gold."

Isa nodded shakily, tears glistening in her eyes. "It's the only way that we're going to be able to afford any of this. To make sure that I can heal properly. Last night's fire changed everything. And I refuse to let it make me disappear."

John B felt a surge of admiration for his sister's strength, even as it broke his heart to see her facing such a daunting path ahead. "You know we're going to find it, right? We're going to find El Dorado and get everything you need."

Isa nodded, determination flickering in her eyes despite the pain that lingered behind them. "I know we will."

John B gently embraced Isa, making sure he didn't touch her burns or the outer edges so he didn't hurt her. "But for now, you just need to focus on healing and getting through this."

Isa nodded as she buried her head against John B's shoulder, wrapping her arms around him in return despite the pain throbbing through her body, tears on the verge of breaking free.

Once they pulled away, the door swung open again, and Kie and Lia stepped in, their faces lined with concern but relief flooding their features upon seeing Isa awake.

Kie smiled. "Hey! How are you feeling?"

"Like I just got thrown out of a burning building and my childhood home burned down," Isa replied dryly, trying to lighten the mood.

Lia's expression softened as she moved closer, taking a seat on the edge of the hospital bed. "Well, that's an improvement from yesterday."

Kie sat next to them and reached out and squeezed Isa's hand gently. "We were so scared, Isa."

Isa wiped her eyes, reaching out to take Lia's hand so all three of them were holding hands. "I'm okay. I'll tell you everything, I promise. First, just tell that you two are."

Isa's eyes fell onto the bandages wrapped around Lia and Kie's burns.

"We're okay," Lia answered. "They're first-degree, nothing to worry about compared to yours. We're free to go."

"So are Kaylee, Elyna and Wheezie," Kie added. "They're all okay."

Isa and John B sighed heavily in relief, closing their eyes.

"Are they out there right now?" John B asked.

"In the hallway," Lia answered. "They had to sneak past everyone to get back here. You want us to let them in?"

Isa nodded fervently. "Please. We all need to talk."

John B quickly walked toward the door, peaking out to the hallway to see Kaylee, JJ, Pope, Sarah, Wheezie, Cleo and Elyna indeed hiding out in the hallway. With a wave of his hand, the group hurriedly ran for Isa's room and ducked inside before they could be caught, and John B closed the door behind them so the Pogues could speak alone in the hospital room.

The moment the door swung closed, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The remaining Pogues poured in like a wave of relief, their faces etched with worry that instantly melted into joy at seeing Isa awake and alert.

Kaylee burst into the room, her eyes wide with worry as she rushed to Isa's side. "Oh my God, Isa! You scared the hell out of us!" She dropped to her knees beside the bed, taking in the sight of her best friend's injuries. Her expression shifted from fear to fierce resolve. "But you're here now. That's what matters."

"Isa!" Wheezie exclaimed, rushing to her side and nearly stumbling over her own feet in her eagerness. "Oh, my God!"

"I'm okay, I promise," Isa reassured her, forcing a smile despite the pain that throbbed deep within her body. She could see the worry clear as day in their eyes, mixed with relief. "Just a little crispy, that's all."

JJ followed close behind, his face a mask of concern as he stepped lightly into the room, trying to inject some humor into the heavy atmosphere, but faltering as he looked at Isa's ruined skin. "Dude, you really took 'going out in flames' to a whole new level."

Lia and Wheezie both shot JJ a look. Sarah whacked JJ on the shoulder with the back of her hand, causing him to recoil slightly with a sheepish smile.

JJ's comment along with Lia, Sarah and Wheezie's reactions made Isa manage a weak laugh despite herself.

"Next time I'll stick to fireworks," Isa quipped.

But Isa's laughter quickly faded as pain shot through her back.

Cleo stepped forward next, concern radiating from her. "You had us all scared half to death. We thought we lost you."

"You're not getting rid of me that easily," Isa joked softly, but even she could hear the tremor in her voice.

Pope stepped forward, hands shoved deep into his pockets, looking both worried and frustrated. "You should've seen me and Sarah; we almost broke down. Wheezie, Kaylee and JJ actually did."

JJ frowned, holding up a hand, but his voice was unconvincing even to himself. "Uh, I deny that. I don't break down."

Kaylee, Pope, Sarah, Wheezie, Cleo and Elyna shot him a look.

"Oh, really?" Elyna asked sarcastically. "Because I seem to recall you having so much water in your eyes that you had to pull over and I had to take the wheel to finish the drive on the way here."

JJ opened his mouth to protest but faltered under the weight of their gazes as he realized that Elyna had a point. "Okay, maybe just a little."

Isa chuckled softly, the sound mingling with a wince as pain radiated through her back.

"You guys are too much," Isa said, her voice laced with affection. The warmth of their concern wrapped around her like a blanket.

Sarah leaned closer, brushing Isa's hair back from her forehead. "We're just glad you're okay, Isa. Really." Her eyes glimmered with tears that she was trying to hold back. "We all thought--"

"I know," Isa interrupted gently. "I thought... I thought I lost you guys too." She glanced at each of them, her heart swelling with gratitude. "But we're still here."

"Exactly," Kie said fiercely, squeezing Isa's hand tighter. "Together."

Elyna stepped forward, pulling out a small stuffed animal from her bag - a soft rabbit named Benny that had gotten her through her childhood fears while on the run with her father during their criminal life. She didn't need it anymore, but she thought that maybe Isa did now.

"Here," Elyna said softly, handing the stuffed rabbit to Isa with a warm smile. "I thought you might need a little extra comfort right now. This little guy is named Benny. He helped me get through some rough patches while I was on the run with my dad. I thought you'd like to have him."

Isa's eyes widened in surprise as she accepted the soft toy, running her fingers over its plush fur. Memories flooded back for Elyna for when she did share times with the Pogues as children - a reminder of better days filled with laughter and security.

"Thank you, Elyna," Isa said sincerely, clutching Benny to her chest. "I'll take good care of him."

The room fell into a comfortable silence as everyone absorbed the gravity of the moment, smiling softly at the genuine moment between Elyna and Isa.

Kaylee looked at Isa in concern as she took her by the hand. "So what's the diagnosis? Did they tell you how long you have to stay here?"

"The burns cover nine percent of my body, so they want me to stay here for nine days," Isa explained. "But we don't have enough insurance to cover even a day here. And I can't stay here knowing that Dad's going to die soon, if we don't leave today."

Everyone nodded sadly in understanding.

Lia frowned as she stroked Isa's hair back. "What about treatment? When we get back? Skin grafts and stuff like that?"

John B looked at Isa in concern, wondering just how much she wanted to tell the others about her condition that they both just learned about. "Do you want to tell?"

"Tell us what?" Kie asked in concern.

Isa took a deep breath, sighing, nodding. She couldn't keep this from them. It was too important.

"Like Lia said," Isa started. "The doctor was talking about skin grafts. And functional and cosmetic reconstruction to fully close the burns and wounded area with the tissues, muscles and bones exposes."

Wheezie couldn't help but shudder at the description. "You'll have to go through surgery."

"Surgeries," Pope corrected. "Plural."

Sarah looked at Isa and John B in realization and sadness. "And you guys can't afford that either."

"Not unless we find El Dorado," Cleo finished.

Isa felt the weight of their words press down on her as she nodded. "I can't let this stop me. I need to find the gold - not just for me, but for all of us. So we can rebuild our lives, our homes, and make sure none of us have to struggle like this again."

Kie squeezed Isa's hand tighter. "We'll do it together. We just need to come up with a solid plan."

"Agreed," John B added, determination sparking in his eyes. "We've faced worse odds before. This is just another mountain we have to climb."

JJ leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a thoughtful expression on his face. "We'll figure something out. But first, we need to get you through this."

Cleo stepped forward, her brows furrowed in thought. "Okay, so we try to see this thing through."

"Today's the only shot we're getting to get out there," Wheezie agreed. "Let's do it."

They all nodded in agreement and determination.

"Right," Elyna said decisively, sitting up straighter. "Lia, Sarah, Wheezie, when did you say the pilot was getting in?"

"Probably like an hour," Sarah answered. "I mean, once he's here, our dad says we can leave whenever we want."

Pope was thinking. "Okay, well, as much as I would love to ghost my parents again, I can't."

"Pope, we're talking El Dorado here," Kaylee pointed out. "Can you just slip out the back, maybe?"

Kie nodded sarcastically. "Great advice."

Kaylee shrugged indifferently. "It always worked for me."

Elyna gestured to Kaylee, tilting her head at Kie. "Can't exactly blame Kaylee with the parents that you two have, Kie."

"No, you cannot," Lia agreed.

Isa couldn't help a small smirk at Kaylee, Lia and Elyna's responses.

Sarah gave an amused smile, leaning her head against the wall.

Wheezie couldn't help a giggle.

JJ smirked. "Yeah, you know what? Slipping out the back worked for me too. How to avoid unpleasant circumstances 101. If there's a problem, you don't wanna face it, turn that face and keister around and walk the other way."

Pope gave Kaylee and JJ a look. "I'm not doing that, okay?"

Wheezie tilted her head. "We just want you to be there, Pope."

"I'm gonna be there," Pope promised.

Lia looked at Kaylee, Kie, Wheezie and Elyna. "I don't know about you guys, but it's a little too soon for me to be dealing with airplanes again."

The others smirked, knowing how much of a hassle their plane heist was.

Kaylee looked at Kie and Lia. "At least you two weren't actually on the plane the last time."

"Exactly," Wheezie agreed. "That was terrifying enough."

Elyna shrugged. "I don't know, I had fun. I live for the rush."

Kie rolled her eyes at her cousin fondly. "Of course you do, Elyna." She gave her sister a specific look. "That's what makes you so much like Kaylee."

Kaylee smiled sarcastically, waving her middle finger around.

Elyna stuck her tongue out at Kie in response.

The others laughed lightly.

"I'll meet you guys at the airstrip in an hour," Pope assured.

"Yeah," Sarah agreed.

"Yeah, we'll see you there," John B answered.

"One hour, Pope," Isa insisted. "See you."

Pope walked toward the door, opening it.

Cleo followed him. "Think you should let me talk, Pope. Think your mom likes me."

"I don't think it's gonna be pleasant for either of us," Pope pointed out.

Pope and Cleo ducked out of the hospital room, closing the door behind them.

JJ glanced between the others. "I'm gonna take a stroll back to the shack. For old time's sake. Get a change of clothes. Always wanted to go to South America. Great surf, cheap weed. See you guys on the tarmac."

Kaylee glanced at Kie and Elyna. "Yeah, I'll go check on the cabin too, grab any left over clothes."

"Yeah, you brought everything from the Pogue Nest over to Esme's cabin, right?" John B asked.

"Yeah, I remember," Lia said.

Kaylee nodded. "I'll go see if there's anything left for any of us."

"That's a good idea," Sarah agreed.

"I'll meet you there soon," Kie told her. She glanced at Lia and Isa. "I just can't leave..."

Isa and Lia smiled softly.

"I know," Kaylee agreed. "Don't worry. I got it."

Elyna checked her watch. "I called my parents. They should be here soon. They were busy with finalizing our pardons with Agent Huxley this morning, so their phones were turned off, otherwise they would've been here by now. They can help us get Isa out of the hospital without us being detained, given that we don't have a guardian to sign her out."

"Thank you, Elyna," Isa whispered.

"Of course," Elyna returned.

Kaylee and JJ nodded to them.

"We'll be right back," JJ told them.

Kaylee and JJ walked out of the room.

⚓️

Waiting Room

Just as Kaylee and JJ rushed through the waiting room to reach the exit of the hospital, they saw Gael and Esme - both still in last night's attire as well - arrive after Elyna's call to help discharge Isa from the hospital's care.

Gael looked over when he noticed his niece. "Kaylee!"

Kaylee and JJ looked over upon hearing his voice.

Kaylee instantly ran over to her uncle and aunt. "Uncle Gael! Esme."

Gael immediately embraced with Kaylee, as she relaxed into the safety of her uncle's hold. Once they pulled away, he searched her for any signs of distress.

"Are you okay?" Gael asked.

"Just a small burn," Kaylee answered. "Kie and Elyna both got one too, and so did Lia and Wheezie, but the only one that got really hurt was Isa."

"Pope and Cleo already left," JJ explained. "We were about to leave for clothes and things for the trip to South America. Isa, John B, Lia, Sarah, Wheezie, Elyna and Kie are back in Isa's room."

Esme's breath hitched with fear and worry knowing that their daughter and nieces - and all their friends - almost died. "Oh, dear God."

Gael placed a reassuring hand on Esme's shoulder, grounding her as he turned to Kaylee and JJ. "We need to make sure Isa gets the care she needs. The doctor filled us in on the details. How can we help?"

Kaylee's heart swelled with gratitude. "If you could just get Isa discharged quickly, that would be amazing. She's worried about everything, especially since time is running out for her dad."

"We'll make it happen," Gael said with determination.

Esme nodded, her expression softening as she looked at Kaylee, reaching out to squeeze her hands. "And we're here for you, sweetheart. All of you."

Kaylee smiled as she exchanged glances with JJ, who nodded in agreement.

"Thanks, Esme," JJ said earnestly.

Gael took a deep breath, steeling himself against the wave of anxiety that washed over him. "Let's go get them, then. We need to make sure everyone is okay."

Kaylee nodded, leading the way back through the hospital toward Isa's room.

JJ walked closely behind them, his thoughts racing with worry about their upcoming mission and how everything was changing so rapidly.

⚓️

Isa's Room

When they entered Isa's room, the atmosphere shifted again. The sight of Isa resting on the hospital bed, with her shoulders and upper back bandaged and her eyes showing signs of fatigue yet determination, pulled at Gael and Esme's heart strings.

Seeing that - as previously mentioned - Kaylee, Lia, Kie, Wheezie and Elyna all had bandages on their arms and wrists from first-degree burns only made Gael and Esme's worry escalate. Sarah and John B stood by their side with Sarah leaning her head against John B's shoulder.

Elyna's eyes lit up with emotional relief upon seeing Gael and Esme. "Mom! Dad!"

Elyna immediately stood and ran toward her parents. Gael and Esme instantly enveloped their daughter in their arms, holding her tightly as if they would never let go.

"Are you okay, honey?" Esme asked, pulling back just enough to look into Elyna's eyes, her voice thick with concern.

"I'm fine, I promise," Elyna assured her.

Kie stepped forward, her eyes flicking between her uncle and aunt with tears in her eyes. "Uncle Gael? Aunt Esme?"

"Kie," Gael breathed, pulling his niece into his arms. "You're okay."

Esme held her hand on the back of Kie's head, kissing her hair.

Kie sniffled, nodding. "We're okay."

Gael and Esme embraced Elyna, Kaylee and Kie tightly, unwilling to let their daughter and nieces go.

"We were worried sick about you and your friends," Esme murmured. "You all could have been hurt worse than this."

Esme gestured to the bandages that adorned their arms.

"We're fine," Kaylee reassured.

"It's Isa that needs help," Elyna agreed.

Gael and Esme exchanged worried glances as their gaze turned to Isa. The sight of the young girl in such pain made both of them feel helpless.

"Isa," Gael said gently, approaching the bed. He lowered himself to her eye level. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm managing," Isa replied, mustering a smile that dimmed slightly under the weight of their gazes. "I just need to get out of here and start planning."

Esme reached for Isa's hand, her thumb rubbing soothingly over her knuckles. "Sweetheart, we'll take care of this." She looked between Isa and John B reassuringly. "We'll get you out of here so you can go save your father. We're here for you."

John B nodded shakily in relief. "Thank you so much."

"The pilot's going to be here within the hour, and we can fly off anytime we want," Lia explained. "Anytime today, but it has to be today."

"That's why Isa says she can't stay here," Wheezie went on. "We have to go save Big John before he's killed by Singh."

"And if we find El Dorado, the city of gold, then we'll have all the money that Isa needs for her treatment when we get back," Sarah finished.

Esme and Gael nodded in understanding.

"Then let's get you kids out of here now," Gael said in determination.

They all sighed in relief.

The group shared relieved smiles, the weight of impending action lifting some of the tension in the room.

Esme sighed heavily. "If we still had the money that we had from Gael and Elyna's previous life, then we would pay it for you, but Agent Huxley confiscated all of their bank accounts. It was a condition for their pardons, theirs and Kaylee's."

Elyna nodded, not surprised. "So we're free, but we're broke."

"Yes," Esme answered sadly. "I'm sorry, Elyna."

Elyna took Esme's hand. "It's not your fault, Mom."

Wheezie looked at Elyna. "So no more living the high life, huh?"

"If we find El Dorado, the high life's only beginning," Elyna replied.

Wheezie and Elyna couldn't help but smile at each other.

Gael stood up straight again, putting on his best authoritative tone as he turned toward the door. "I'll get the paperwork started and the doctors to sign off on everything. You all stay here with Isa."

"Thank you," Isa whispered, her heart swelling with gratitude at their support.

As Gael exited, Esme lingered a moment longer, her brow furrowed with concern. "Isa, are you sure you're ready for this? I know how important it is to you, but--"

Isa interrupted gently, her voice firm. "I have to be ready, Esme. I have to find my dad and save him."

Esme nodded slowly, understanding that fire had taken not only their home but deepened Isa's resolve.

Kaylee and JJ shared a look.

"We'll be back," JJ murmured.

The others nodded in agreement.

Kaylee and JJ darted off, leaving the others in the room.

Kie and Lia turned to Isa, holding their girlfriend by the hands, determined to keep her calm and uplifted during this difficult time, hoping to help her cheer up as the three girlfriends smiled softly at each other.

Isa felt a wave of warmth wash over her as she held Kie and Lia's hands, their fingers intertwining in a tight grip that spoke volumes of their love and support.

"I can't believe this is happening," Isa whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "I just want to get my dad back. I don't want to lose him."

"You won't lose him," Kie assured, brushing a thumb across Isa's knuckles. "We're all in this together. There's no way we're letting you go through this alone."

"Exactly," Lia added, her eyes sparkling with determination. "We'll find him and bring him home. And after that, we'll make sure you get the care you need. You'll come back stronger than ever, like you always do."

Isa took a deep breath, the pressure weighing heavily on her chest but feeling slightly lighter in their presence. "You guys really think we can do this?"

Kie smiled brightly, her confidence shining through like sunshine breaking through clouds. "Of course we do. You always manage to pull through. You're Isa Routledge and you always survive the odds."

"And you always help us survive the odds when it's stacked against us," Lia agreed. "Let us help you this time."

Kie and Lia both gave Isa a gentle kiss on the corners of her mouth, which Isa returned with a gentle peck.

Wheezie and Elyna smiled brightly at Kie, Isa and Lia, moved by the love they shared, glancing at each other. It was clear that they both wished that they could have a love like that, sheepish and sly when they caught each other's gazes, looking away shyly.

Sarah and John B looked between Kie/Isa/Lia and Wheezie/Elyna knowingly, smirking, sharing an amused look.

"Are we that bad?" John B asked.

Sarah shook her head. "Nope."

Isa rolled her eyes fondly, sarcasm lacing her voice. "You're right. You guys are way worse."

"I'm not sure about that," John B muttered.

Lia snorted. "Do you know how much time we've spent with you guys? You're worse."

Kie nodded in confirmation. "Yeah. But at least one of us are as bad as Kaylee and JJ, who were literally all over each other and couldn't keep their hands off each other."

Wheezie and Elyna laughed slightly while the older Pogues chuckled in agreement.

John B looked at Wheezie and Elyna in amusement, teasing. "And what about you two, huh? You said that you 'shared a couple' moments on that plane and even shared your first kiss. Does this mean you're official now?"

Wheezie's cheeks flushed a deep crimson at John B's teasing, while Elyna couldn't help but grin.

"Uh, well..." Wheezie stammered, glancing at Elyna for support.

Elyna leaned in closer, her playful confidence shining through. "I mean, it seems we're more than just friends now. Wouldn't you say, Wheezie?"

"Yeah," Wheezie said softly, a smile breaking through her nervousness. "I guess we are."

"Look at that," Kie teased, nudging Lia with her elbow. "The lovebirds are officially flying."

Isa couldn't help but chuckle at Wheezie's flustered expression. "Honestly, I think it suits you both."

"Right?" Lia added excitedly. "You two have that whole 'meet-cute' vibe going on."

Elyna winked at the group and laughed lightly. "It's about time, right? This whole 'will-they-won't-they' thing can get old real fast if it doesn't pay off soon. Just look at Pope and Cleo."

The others laughed.

Sarah grinned as she looked at John B. "See, even Elyna sees it! I told you I saw something between Pope and Cleo ever since Poguelandia."

"I think we've all noticed," Isa admitted.

"I think all of us have except for Pope and Cleo," Wheezie pointed out.

Elyna smiled. "Aw, the 'fallen in love but don't even know it yet' trope."

Lia grinned. "Exactly. We may have to do some matchmaking."

John B chuckled. "Nah, let them figure it out."

Kie pointed at John B. "I second that."

Isa tilted her head. "Fine. But... care to make this interesting? A Pogue tradition at this point."

John B couldn't help but smile. "I hear a bet coming."

Isa smirked slyly. "Damn straight."

Lia laughed lightly. "Right. It wasn't enough that Isa, John B, Kie and Pope bet that Kaylee and JJ would get together and when they would do it."

"Or that John B, Kaylee, JJ and Pope bet on when Isa, Kie and Lia would get together," Sarah added.

Elyna tilted her head sarcastically at the group. "Or, I don't know, when Isa, Kaylee, JJ, Lia, Kie and Sarah bet on when Wheezie and I would have our first kiss?"

Wheezie laughed lightly. "All right, you know what? I want in on this bet for Pope and Cleo."

Elyna grinned. "Same."

Kie shook her head in amusement. "What's the bet?"

"That something will go down between them soon," Isa answered. "Likely on our mission."

Elyna pointed at Isa in agreement. "I agree with that. It's obvious sparks are flying between the two. And 50 bucks says that Cleo makes the first move on Pope."

"Wait, why Cleo on Pope?" John B asked.

"Because Cleo's the bravest one out of the two, and she knows what the hell she wants," Elyna answered.

Isa, Lia and Wheezie pointed at Elyna in agreement.

"Done deal," Wheezie said. "That's the winner right there."

Kie smiled. "I'll take that bet. 50 on Pope making the move on Cleo. Maybe Pope will surprise us."

John B did the Pogue handshake with Kie. "Yeah, let's represent for Pope."

Sarah chuckled. "You guys are ridiculous. But okay, I'll side on Kie and John B for Pope making the move on Cleo to make this even."

"Sarah, you lost on the bet with me and Elyna," Wheezie reminded her.

Sarah smiled, tilting her head. "True, but it's not about losing. It's just about having fun. These bets are awesome."

Esme watched them from the open doorway, leaning into the hallway, as she smiled and shook her head. She was so glad that they could find a moment of happiness in all of the darkness that they had endured.

Just then, Gael returned to the room, a relieved smile on his face. "Good news! The paperwork is all set for Isa's discharge. Let's get you kids the hell out of this place."

As Gael stepped into the room, a wave of relief swept through the group. The tension that had lingered since the fire seemed to dissipate, if only for a moment.

"Are you serious?" Isa asked, her eyes lighting up with hope. "We can leave now?"

"Absolutely," Gael replied, his voice steady and reassuring. "They've signed off on your discharge. Just remember, you need to take it easy until we get you proper medical care for those burns."

Isa nodded vigorously, her spirit lifting at the thought of finally getting out of the hospital. "Thank you so much, Gael."

Esme stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on Isa's shoulder. "We're just glad you're okay, sweetheart. And we're not going to let anything stop you from getting your dad back."

As they gathered their belongings, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and a hint of nervousness.

John B slipped his arm around Isa's shoulders, supporting her as she sat up.

Lia and Kie helped Isa adjust her hospital gown to avoid too much strain on her burns as she swung her legs off the bed.

"Are you ready?" Lia asked, her gaze steady on Isa, reflecting both confidence and care.

"I am," Isa replied firmly. "Let's roll."

Kie beamed with pride at Isa's resilience.

With everyone moving smoothly, Gael, Esme, Elyna, Wheezie and Sarah quickly cleared out of the room to give space to Kie, Lia and John B as they helped Isa rise from the bed and begin her steps toward the door, ensuring that she could walk on her own as Wheezie held the door open.

Isa took a deep breath, steeling herself as she leaned against John B for support. Each step felt like a small victory, a testament to her determination. She could feel Kie's and Lia's unwavering presence beside her, like two pillars of strength lending her the support she desperately needed.

⚓️

Hallway

As they stepped into the hallway, the fluorescent lights hummed overhead, and the sterile smell of antiseptic lingered in the air. The sight of nurses and doctors moving briskly by reminded Isa of how surreal this moment was - just hours ago, she had fought for her life, and now she was on her way out.

"Just keep breathing," Kie said softly, glancing at Isa with concern etched on her features. "You're doing great."

"We're almost there," Lia added encouragingly. "Just a little further."

With every step, Isa felt a sense of urgency build inside her - a fierce need to take control of her narrative again. She couldn't let the fire define her or ruin her life.

As the group made their way down the hallway, Isa's strength slowly returned. She could walk more easily on her own step by step without the support of John B and her girlfriends, even with pain flaring through her body.

Kie and Lia released Isa gently, flanking her on either side, their presence a steady reminder that she wasn't alone.

John B walked slightly ahead with the others, ensuring the path was clear, while the bustling sounds of the hospital faded behind them.

"Almost free," John B said with a grin, glancing back at Isa to gauge her comfort. "Just a few more steps."

Isa nodded, every step resonating with both relief and trepidation. The anticipation of what lay ahead filled her with a mix of excitement and dread.

"Let's just get out of here," Isa urged, the fire in her eyes flickering brighter.

Elyna and Wheezie ran to open the front doors of the hospital.

"As you wish, Pogue princess," Elyna teased gently, hoping to cheer Isa up.

Isa gave a slight smile.

Sarah smiled encouragingly. "We're right here. And Indy's waiting for us in the Twinkie. We'll be going right to the tarmac and waiting for the others there. We'll save your dad. Promise."

Isa and John B nodded thankfully in response.

Esme and Gael led the teenagers out of the hospital.

⚓️

Outside

As they stepped out into the bright sunlight, the fresh air hit Isa like a wave, invigorating and starkly contrasting the sterile confines of the hospital. She took a deep breath, relishing the sensation of freedom that wrapped around her like a warm blanket.

Lia glanced up at the clear sky. "Feels so good to be outside."

"Freedom," Wheezie breathed, spreading her arms wide as they stepped onto the pavement.

The others laughed lightly at her dramatic flair.

"Don't get too carried away now," Kie warned with a teasing grin. "We still have a mission ahead."

Isa laughed softly, her spirits lifting even as the pain pulsed through her body. "You know, if I could bottle this moment and take it with me, I totally would."

John B nudged her gently. "Let's make sure we have plenty more moments just like this once we bring Dad home. We're gonna find that gold, Isa - just you wait."

Elyna smiled softly at the others. "Just gotta keep moving forward."

Esme and Gael walked alongside them, exchanging glances filled with pride and relief. They could see how much progress their daughter, nieces and their friends were making - even after everything they had been through.

With Gael and Esme leading the way, they walked toward the Twinkie parked just outside.

Indy peeked out from the passenger seat window, her little face lighting up with recognition at seeing the Pogues - specifically her mothers, Isa, Kie and Lia.

"Indy!" Isa called softly as she reached out and touched the glass window between them.

John B quickly unlocked the van.

Instantly, John B climbed into the driver's seat while Sarah climbed into the passenger seat.

Sarah picked up Indy, smiling at the kitten. "I think your mamas want you."

Sarah held Indy gently toward Isa, Kie and Lia. 

As Isa took Indy into her arms, the little kitten nuzzled against her chest, letting out a soft purr that seemed to resonate with the love and warmth surrounding them. Isa cradled Indy close, feeling an overwhelming sense of comfort wash over her, petting her gently as Indy continued purring contentedly against her chest.

"Hey there, little warrior," Isa whispered, burying her face in the kitten's fur. "You're my good luck charm. You have no idea how much I've missed you."

Kie leaned in closer, gently stroking Indy's back. "Looks like she's ready to start the adventure with us."

Lia chuckled, watching the way Indy snuggled into Isa, scratching behind the kitten's ears. "I think she knows things are about to get exciting."

John B turned the key in the ignition, the familiar rumble of the engine filling the air. "Okay, team. Let's roll out and put this whole hospital ordeal behind us."

Kie paused outside of the van. "I have to help Kaylee get the rest of our stuff from the cabin, but I'll meet you guys at the tarmac, okay?"

Lia and Isa looked at Kie in concern, not liking the idea of splitting up.

"Kie..." Lia trailed off.

"I know," Kie said gently. "But I'll be there as soon as I can, I promise. You know how long Kaylee takes if someone isn't there to push her along."

Gael and Esme nodded.

"We can check with the fire department and the police, make sure that they're running an investigation into who started the fire," Esme told them. "We're not going to let whoever started the fire get away with this."

"Thank you," Wheezie said softly.

"They're not just arsonists," Gael pointed out. "They're attempted murderers. And that's not something we're going to let go."

"You kids be safe," Esme told them.

Elyna nodded, embracing both her mother and father. "We will. I love you."

Gael and Esme embraced their daughter tightly. "We love you, too."

"Come on, Kie," Esme told her. "We'll drop you off near the cabin before we go to the station."

Kie nodded in appreciation. "Thank you."

Isa reached out to catch Kie's hand. "Promise you'll be there."

Kie leaned in to peck Lia and Isa on the lips sweetly but compassionately. "I'll be there. Promise."

Kie jogged toward Gael and Esme's car. Gael and Esme walked toward their car as they waved to the other kids in the van.

Isa, Lia and Elyna watched them go in concern before climbing into the van with Wheezie; Isa still cradling Indy in her arms, each one settling into their seats for the journey ahead.

⚓️

Ward's Fishing Shack

Rafe was spiraling, freaking out almost, having second thoughts, as he took his bike out to Ward's shack, driving down the trail leading up to the shack.

Ward was sitting outside the shack, wearing a hat and sunglasses as a disguise in case anyone found themselves nearby on the water, drinking a beer.

Rafe pulled his bike over, taking off his helmet, placing it down.

Ward stood, turning to face Rafe. "You're not gonna shoot me, are you?"

Rafe licked his lips. "I need you to leave."

Ward took off his sunglasses. "Oh, yeah? We talked about this already, Rafe."

Ward placed the glasses down on the railing next to him.

Rafe was pacing, rubbing a hand over his head. "I need you to go live your life in Guadeloupe, and you can let me live mine here."

Ward shook his head. "I'm not gonna do that, okay?"

Ward turned his back to Rafe, taking a drink of beer, going back to fishing.

Rafe stepped closer. "You realize... hey, you realize what could happen if you stay?"

Ward looked over his shoulder toward his son. "What could happen, Rafe?"

"What could happen?" Rafe repeated. "The police could find you here. Easy. And then it--it's done. You're gone forever." He hesitated, face intense. "Or something much worse." Ward turned to face him. "Much worse."

Ward raised his eyebrows. "What have you done, son?"

Rafe shook his head slightly, stepping closer. "It's not gonna be good if you stay. I'm asking you for a favor, okay? You'd do anything in the world for Sarah. Anything. And you promised her, Lia and Wheezie that you would do what you had to do in order to get their trust and respect back after what you did to her before. Now I'm asking, okay? Son to father."

Ward shook his head bitterly. "I'm not sure you get to play that card anymore. I'm staying."

Rafe nodded bitterly, not surprised, looking away. He backed away, turning toward his bike, turning toward Ward again, pointing at him. "Then whatever happens is on you."

Ward nodded. "Yep, it's on me. Everything you've done is on me, Rafe."

Rafe grabbed his helmet, walking toward his bike, pulling on his helmet, starting his bike, driving away.

Ward sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.

⚓️

Heywards' Shop

Heyward and Mrs. Heyward were speaking with Pope and Cleo, who had both gotten the chance to change, as well as the other Pogues, Gael and Esme after this point.

Heyward shook his head. "Pope, you've always known your own mind. I appreciate that. I know you're smarter than me, but... there is no way in hell we're letting you run off to the jungles of South America with your hoodlum friends."

Pope sighed. "Pop, please. I know Denmark Tanny would want me to do this. Please!"

Heyward raised a brow. "And you, Miss Cleo? You're free to do whatever you want to do. But this one right here, he is not on his own."

Cleo shrugged, hopping up. "I get it. You want to protect him. Keep him safe because you love him."

Heyward's eyes were fierce. "Yes, I love him."

Pope opened his mouth to say something, but Cleo cut him off.

"Mr. Heyward, you've taught him everything he needs to know," Cleo told him. "But what I've seen from your baby boy is he's ready to fly the nest. He's right. This is about Denmark Tanny and your family's legacy."

"I've gotta do this," Pope pleaded. "It's the real thing. Dad, Mom. This is it. Please."

Cleo put a hand on Pope's shoulder. "Plus, I'm going. I'm gonna take care of him. Keep him safe."

(Song:) Work Until I Die - S.G. Goodman

Heyward crossed his arms, sighing in defeat. "Hell, get outta here. Like I could stop you. Just...please be careful. Come back. That goes for you both, you hear?"

"We will," Pope promised. He hesitated, then threw his arms around his father. "Thanks, Pop. Love you."

Mrs. Heyward embraced her son next, then hugged Cleo. "We'll see you when you get back."

Pope and Cleo nodded along.

⚓️

On the Road

Pope was driving his own dirt bike down the road. Cleo was riding behind him, arms around Pope, holding on tight.

⚓️

Maybank Trailer

JJ was packing up whatever he needed for the trip and a few things more, knowing that by the time they got back, JJ wouldn't have a home anymore either.

(Song Ends)

An engine of a car roared as it pulled up outside the trailer.

"What the hell?" JJ wondered, walking toward the window, looking outside to see that the car belonged to Barracuda Mike, ducking out of sight. "Oh, shit. Shit, shit."

Barracuda Mike got out of the car. "JJ! Your ol' buddy, Mike. You lost my load. Time to pay up!"

JJ was trying to find a way to sneak out without him noticing, staying out of sight.

Barracuda Mike took out a gun. "All right, we're gonna do this your way. I'm coming in, JJ! Yeah, I know you're in there."

JJ hid against the wall by the back door.

Barracuda Mike walked in. "We're gonna do this your way." JJ took off out of the backdoor, running outside. "It's gonna be a lot easier if you do it now."

⚓️

Outside

JJ ran toward the woods at the side of his house, looking back at the trailer, his nightmare of a home.

He heard Barracuda Mike call for him again. "JJ! Damn it, where are you? JJ!"

JJ hesitated, conflicted about how he felt about losing this trailer, this home. He held up two peace signs, turning around, running away through the woods.

⚓️

Esme's Cabin

(Song:) Can't Catch Me Now - Olivia Rodrigo

Kaylee was packing as much clothes and supplies as she thought that she and the Pogues would need for their trip to South America.

After the fire that had almost killed her and the other Pogues the night before on top of the plane heist just before that, she was shaken to the core. She had maintained a put-together appearance for everyone else because they needed to be given that Isa was the one that had almost died - she was the one in the ICU and had barely made it out of the fire alive. She was the one that had to undergo life-changing treatment and was in unimaginable fire after someone tried to kill them last night. Something that had no connection to everything that had come before in their lives, as far as they knew.

But now that she was alone, Kaylee's trauma was surfacing. She was doing her best to stay together, to not break down as she continued packing. She had to stay focused so that she could go with the Pogues to save Isa and John B's father from Singh and his men. If she didn't, he would die - they all knew that. Big John, who was like a second father to her. A father who hadn't treated her like a burden, a mistake, or poison like Mike had.

Mike, who had turned on her, almost got her killed, took down her childhood home, and was still willing to send her away to a wilderness camp that would destroy her sense of self.

The Laurents may have been taken down and they may have been sent to prison, but it was always something else that reared its head that was on the brink of destroying everything that the Pogues stood for.

It was all too much to bear.

Rafe returned to the cabin, having forgotten something of his in one of the many times he had been here during their training sessions leading up to the plane heist that they had successfully executed the day before.

Rafe looked toward Kaylee, noticing something wrong. "Kaylee?"

However, Kaylee was in a dissociative state after her traumatic experience. She barely heard his voice and didn't respond.

Rafe stepped closer, his brow furrowing with concern as he approached her, standing just over her shoulder. "Kaylee?" He reached out to touch her shoulder, gently breaking her free from her reverie. "Hey, are you okay?"

At his touch, Kaylee flinched slightly, snapping back to reality. Her eyes focused on Rafe, a mixture of surprise and vulnerability stirring within her.

"I... I'm fine," Kaylee stammered, but the tremor in her voice betrayed her.

Rafe studied her closely, recognizing the signs of distress that lingered behind her brave facade. "You don't look fine. I thought you'd be stoked. We took down the Laurents. They're in prison. They can't hurt you or anyone else right now."

Kaylee looked down at the burn on her arm instinctively before looking away quickly, hoping not to draw attention to it. She had removed the bandage from it earlier because it had been itching too much. "The Laurents aren't the only thing we have to worry about."

Rafe's gaze fell onto Kaylee's arm, noticing the first-degree burn. He took her arm in his hand gently, studying the injury for a long, silent moment, his gaze hardening as he realized that she must have gotten hurt last night.

Rafe finally spoke after a moment. "What the hell did you do?"

Kaylee tilted her head, her reply halfhearted. "Why do you immediately assume it was me?"

Rafe raised his eyebrows, giving her a pointed, somewhat amused look, raising his own arm that had burn scars from Kaylee - the night that Rafe had saved her life from Cian Laurent the first time in the woods, but Kaylee had thought Rafe was Cian when he grabbed her, so Kaylee had burned Rafe. The look Rafe gave Kaylee also gave note of all the other times Kaylee loved to play with fire.

Without a word, Kaylee knew he had a point and shook her head, looking away. "Don't answer that."

Still tense and wanting to know what happened, Rafe gave a forced chuckle as if thinking that Kaylee was putting up an act of nonchalance again where she treated everything like a joke. However, that wasn't what she was doing at all.

Kaylee huffed a breath; even though she did not find this funny in the least, her hysteria was at a high after all that transpired, and she couldn't help a hysterical chuckle, looking on the verge of breaking down despite how hard she tried to keep herself together. She clenched her hands tightly until her knuckles turned white as she struggled not to lash out violently, her entire body shaking from the effort to resist doing so.

Rafe's heart raced as he watched Kaylee wrestle with her emotions, the laughter barely concealing the turmoil roiling beneath the surface. He stepped closer, his voice low and steady. "Kaylee, please. Talk to me."

Kaylee was staring off, gazing off at nothing as a distance in her eyes took hold again as she dissociated - a common occurrence for Kaylee.

Rafe took hold of her arm, gently drawing her attention back to him. "Kaylee."

Kaylee jumped slightly as she jolted back to reality. Rafe reached up to cup her chin and turned her head toward him slightly, seeing how cloudy and distant her eyes were, frowning in concern. He knew that it had to have been terrible to put Kaylee in such a state.

"What the hell happened?" Rafe repeated.

Kaylee tried to pull back, but Rafe's grip gently tightened as to keep her gaze on him so she wouldn't slip back into a dissociative state.

Even so, Kaylee's gaze slipped down as she was struggling not to go back into that mind space of zoning out.

"Kaylee," Rafe whispered. "Look at me."

Rafe gently soothed his thumb over Kaylee's chapped lips, which finally caused her gaze to raise and meet his.

Kaylee swallowed slightly, shaking her head, fighting against the urge to either laugh in hysteria or start to cry. "I just... I thought once we took down the Laurents, everything would be okay. But it's like there's always something lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce." She took a deep breath. "Another day, another near death experience. Isa and John B's place burned down with all of us inside."

Rafe's gaze darkened at this as he processed this information in shock. His thumb traced her cheek to keep her focused on him so she didn't dissociate again. Kaylee unconsciously found her head leaning against his hold in exhaustion and her dazed state, unintentionally seeking comfort.

"We barely got out," Kaylee admitted. She looked at her burned arm. "Lia, Wheezie, Kie and Elyna have matching burns just like this. Sarah singed her hand trying to open the door."

Rafe's eyes narrowed and his teeth clenched at Lia, Wheezie and Sarah's names, knowing that his sisters got hurt in the fire, even if it wasn't severe, his anger boiling through him.

Kaylee swallowed. "But our wounds are nothing compared to what happened to Isa." Tears gathered in her eyes as she recalled what happened to her best friend. "There was an explosion from the window and she was blasted outside. She almost died. She has third-degree burns covering her upper back and her shoulders. It's really bad."

While Rafe had no love lost with Isa and the rest of the Pogues, he had helped save Isa's life when the Pogues first returned to the island. And seeing Kaylee this torn up and traumatized about her best friend's near death experience and the state she was in - and knowing that Kaylee and his sisters almost died - sent him into a tailspin.

Rafe set his jaw, tense. His voice was calm, but Kaylee knew that he was anything but calm, seeing the anger in his eyes, swirling and clearly looking for a release. "How did the fire start? Accident or not?"

Kaylee shook her head. "I've set enough fires to know that this fire was set intentionally. And the firemen said they found traces of gasoline. Someone tried to kill us."

Rafe wasn't surprised in the least, but his anger was heightened. "I want a name."

"You're out of luck, because I don't have one," Kaylee replied. "I have no idea who it was. None of us do."

Rafe exhaled a furious breath, though knew there wasn't much that could be done if they didn't know who did it. He let Kaylee's chin go finally. Kaylee turned her head away slightly, sniffling.

Rafe held an arm around Kaylee, his forehead resting against the side of hers, nose grazing the side of her face, causing Kaylee to close her eyes.

Kaylee leaned into Rafe's touch despite herself, exhausted and seeking comfort after the trauma of the fire. She knew she shouldn't, but in that moment, she couldn't bring herself to pull away.

"I'm sorry," Rafe murmured, his breath warm against her skin. "I should have been there."

Kaylee shook her head slightly. "You couldn't have known."

"Still," Rafe insisted. His arm tightened around her waist. "I told you I'd protect you."

Kaylee opened her eyes, turning to meet his gaze. "This isn't on you, Rafe. We don't even know who did it."

Rafe's jaw clenched. "I'll find out. Whoever it was, they'll pay for this."

A chill ran down Kaylee's spine at the cold fury in his voice.

"Rafe, no," Kaylee said firmly, pulling back to look him in the eye. "We don't need you going on some revenge mission. That's not going to help anything."

Rafe's eyes flashed dangerously. "They tried to kill you, Kaylee. All of you. I can't just let that go."

"You have to," Kaylee insisted. "We're leaving for South America, remember? To find El Dorado. That's what we need to focus on now."

Rafe shook his head, frustration evident. "And what if whoever did this tries again while you're gone? I should stay here, figure out who's behind it. I have to deal with my dad, anyway. Don't worry, you'll still get the plane, all right? You can all still leave for South America and follow through on your mission."

Kaylee sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Rafe, I appreciate the concern, but we can handle ourselves. We always have."

"Clearly not, since you almost died last night," Rafe replied, his voice sharp.

Kaylee's eyes flashed. "We've survived worse. And we'll survive whatever comes next too."

Kaylee pulled away from him, putting distance between them.

Rafe, despite his anger at the situation, spoke steadily to her. "You shouldn't have to just survive, Kaylee. Let me help. Let me protect you."

Kaylee shook her head. "I don't need your protection. Please just don't do anything while we're gone. The longer we stay, the more danger we're in. Finding El Dorado is our best shot at getting out of this mess for good."

Rafe was quiet for a moment, his jaw working as he considered her words, knowing that she made a decent point, but he refused to let it lie.

Finally, Rafe let out a frustrated breath. "Fine. But I'm not just going to sit here and do nothing while you're gone. I'll look into who might have set that fire." Kaylee was about to protest, but Rafe added quickly. "Discreetly. No revenge missions. Just..." He smirked slightly. "Information gathering."

Kaylee eyed him skeptically, knowing Rafe's tendency for violence and impulsivity. "Promise me you won't do anything reckless. We can't afford any more attention right now."

Rafe's smirk widened as he stepped closer to her again. "You know me, firebird. I'm always careful."

Kaylee rolled her eyes, knowing that was far from the truth. "That's what I'm afraid of." She sighed, knowing she couldn't stop him. "Just... be smart about it, okay? And keep me updated if you find anything. And I mean it. No revenge. Just information."

"Of course," Rafe agreed easily, though Kaylee could see the dangerous glint still present in his eyes. He reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch lingering. "You be careful. South America isn't exactly a vacation spot."

Kaylee found this so strange, but gave a nod. "We'll be fine. You too, I guess. Whoever did this... they're dangerous."

Rafe's smirk softened slightly. "I'll be careful. You just focus on finding that gold and getting back in one piece."

Kaylee nodded in agreement. "Okay."

For a moment, Rafe was distracted with the thought of what he was doing with his father. Barry had gotten under his skin so much that Rafe had set up a hit to where Ward would die, because Ward had driven Lia and Rafe out of their minds and almost had them, Wheezie and Sarah killed, destroyed his children's lives.

Rafe didn't want to have his father killed. He loved him, despite everything, but he knew that Kaylee was right. Ward manipulated and brainwashed him and caused all of the pain and chaos to unfold. Kaylee knew none of this, of course, because Rafe knew that she would try to stop it, to save Rafe from making a decision that would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Even now, it was haunting him, and he had to come clean, even without the complete truth.

Rafe frowned, struggling to process his thoughts into words. "Do you ever... do you ever feel like every move is the wrong one or something? I don't know if that makes sense."

Kaylee frowned, not sure where this was going, startled. "More than I care to admit."

Rafe nodded barely. "You said before... that you didn't think I was a loss cause, even if you hated me for what I did. That you couldn't forgive me."

Kaylee let out a breath. "That's true. That was before everything with the heist, and before you saved my life, and Isa, Lia and Wheezie's lives. And helped clear my name and helped me, Elyna and Gael gain our pardons, and you helped save the entire island from the Laurents and Leviathan. So that proves that you're not a loss cause. Even if you feel that way sometimes, you're not."

Rafe's expression softened, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes. "You really think that? After everything?"

"Yeah," Kaylee replied earnestly. "You're not just the guy who did those things. Bad things, yes. And you did d them. But you're also the guy who stepped up this year when it mattered. You've taken risks to help us all. You almost died in the plane heist with us to save the entire island, even if you have your own demons to face." She paused, her gaze unwavering. "It matters."

Rafe took a deep breath, absorbing her words like a lifeline amidst the storm of uncertainty swirling around him. "Thanks, Kaylee. That means a lot coming from you." He hesitated for a moment. "It's just hard sometimes. Especially lately. I'm not so sure about this choice lately. Sometimes I feel like the darkness is creeping back in. Like I might fall into that old version of myself. I keep thinking about what my dad has done and how I've ended up like this because of him. I don't want to be that person anymore."

"You won't," Kaylee reassured him, stepping closer again. "You've chosen a different path. A better one. You helped me with fighting my own battles and accepting this darkness so it doesn't control me anymore. Don't let yours control you now. And don't let your father control you anymore than he has. Ward has taken enough from you and Lia and Sarah and Wheezie. You don't have to stoop to his level or be like him. What matters is that you're trying to change. You're trying to be better."

The warmth in Rafe's chest swelled at her encouragement as he squeezed her hand, drawing strength from Kaylee. As usual, her light seemed to get through to him more than anything else ever did.

Rafe knew that he had to stop Barry before he could finish the hit on Ward - he had to stop him before he could kill his father. "You're right. I am trying to be better. Which means I have to go fix a mistake right now. Thank you."

Kaylee frowned curiously. "For what?"

"For saying what I needed to hear," Rafe answered. "Like always."

Kaylee tilted her head. "Okay. Good luck with that. Kie's coming soon to pick me up before we're going to meet the others at the tarmac."

Kaylee quickly gathered the rest of her things, shoving them into her bag.

Rafe caught her arm gently. "Kaylee." His expression was uncharacteristically vulnerable as he met her eyes. "Be safe. And come back home."

Kaylee felt a confusing mix of emotions at his words and the intensity of his gaze. Yet, even so, her love for JJ and her resolution to be with him again stood firm.

Kaylee still nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll be back. But, Rafe..."

Rafe gave a painful but knowing little smile. "I know. You're going back to him. It's okay. Like I said before. If the other night together was the only one we had, I'm fine with that."

It was clear that Rafe wanted everything and more with Kaylee, but he stepped back as he knew that Kaylee still loved JJ over all. It was enough for him to know that deep down, Kaylee felt something for him like he believed for so long. There was a part of Rafe that wanted to move on and let go of the idea of him and Kaylee together, but the other part of him that knew he would never be able to. That part of him would hope for a happy ending for them in the long one, even if that time never came.

Rafe turned to leave, but before he did, he turned back and caught Kaylee by the arm.

Kaylee turned toward him.

Rafe couldn't fully let himself go until he kissed Kaylee goodbye, but he wouldn't do so if she didn't want him to. However, she didn't pull away when he leaned in closer. For now, there was nothing keeping them from having this one final moment.

More tentative now than he had ever been, Rafe leaned his head against Kaylee's. Kaylee sensed the pain and longing in him, the desire to make this real, only to sense that it might never come true. Rafe just looked at her for a long moment, closing his eyes as he left his head leaning against hers.

With his hand cupping her cheek, Rafe leaned in as his lips met Kaylee's in a surprisingly gentle kiss. It was tender, tinged with a hint of desperation. It showed his longing to be understood and loved, to be with someone that was like him, like Kaylee mirrored him with their shared darkness and histories.

As Rafe's lips brushed against Kaylee's, a wave of warmth flooded through her, igniting a spark of emotion that had been carefully locked away as his hand came up to cup her cheek. Their kiss was a reminder of everything they had shared and all that was left unspoken between them. It held a bittersweet quality, filled with the promise of what could have been and the painful reality of their current circumstances.

Once again, Kaylee found herself using this connection to forget everything, to make the world outside fade away - the chaos, the danger and her trauma from the night before. The weight of their pasts dissolved into nothingness. Her hands came up to rest on his chest as this fragile moment of goodbye suspended in time.

After a moment, they pulled away, reality crashing back down around them.

Rafe had a bittersweet smile as they shared this moment of goodbye, knowing she did that for him, to give him a sense of closure. "Thank you."

Kaylee nodded slightly, searching his eyes for understanding. "Rafe... just because I care about you doesn't change how I feel about JJ. It's always been that way."

Rafe nodded slowly, his smile fading slightly. "I know. But it doesn't make it any easier. At least now I know that you don't deny that you still care about me. That's better than it used to be for me."

Kaylee tilted her head slightly. "We have to go."

Rafe let his hand fall away from her face. "I know. Just... be careful out there, firebird."

Kaylee glanced down at the nickname, giving a small nod.

Rafe backed away, his eyes never leaving Kaylee's as he turned around and walked toward the door. He paused briefly in the doorway to glance back at Kaylee before he walked out of the cabin.

As Rafe walked away, his heart ached with a bittersweet longing. His pursuit of Kaylee had always been like chasing a wildfire - beautiful, dangerous, irresistible, mesmerizing, and ultimately elusive. She was a force of nature, unpredictable and untameable, much like the flames she so often wielded.

In his darkest moments, when the shadows of his past threatened to consume him, the chase had given him purpose. He had pursued her relentlessly, drawn to her light like a moth to a flame. Forever circling, driven by an instinct he couldn't fully comprehend or control. Even when she hated him, even when she burned him, he couldn't stay away. The thrill of almost catching her, of feeling the heat of her presence, was addictive. With every flicker of her light, every moment of connection, he felt himself drawn closer. But just as he thought he might finally grasp her, she would slip away, leaving him with nothing but the memory of their time together.

Kaylee, for her part, had always loved the game of chase. She thrived on the adrenaline, the danger, the constant push and pull. It was in her nature to run, to test the limits, to see how far she could go just to see how free she could be to escape the pain of everything else. As Rafe rightly pointed out time and time again, she was addicted to the pain, to the danger and thrill, even when it could tear her apart.

In the past, Rafe knew that he was toxic to her. He wished he never had been, but he had been doing everything he possibly could to make up for it since he started to turn himself around, just as Kaylee described moments before. He couldn't erase the past, but he was trying to make amends for it.

In doing so, their game of cat and mouse only escalated, in the safest way they had played the game. Rafe thought back to the games that he put on for Kaylee just to distract her from the pain and chaos of her life, to bring light back to her when she felt consumed by her darkness. It was the least he could do after she was the only light he saw while he had been consumed by his own demons. Chasing her, hide and seek, taking her on the jet for a night of dancing underneath the stars together, hide and seek in Tannyhill. Every game of theirs, every emotional moment led to their night of passion that Rafe would never forget.

Rafe knew that didn't mean he had 'caught' Kaylee. It could only mean that would be the beginning - or the end - of them.

He didn't view her as a prize to be won or a possession as he did when he was consumed by his demons. He saw her as someone who deserved everything that life had to offer, and he wanted to give it to her... even if it meant stepping back and letting her be happy with JJ.

As Rafe walked away from the cabin, his mind swirled with conflicting emotions. He felt like a sailor adrift in a vast, unpredictable sea, with Kaylee as the elusive siren whose song both beckoned and warned him away.

Their relationship had always been a tempestuous dance, full of push and pull, advance and retreat. Sometimes taut with tension, other times slack and forgotten, but always present. It was a gossamer strand that had survived storms and battles, stretched thin but never quite breaking.

Now, as he stepped into the cool Outer Banks air, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was standing on the edge of a precipice. Behind him lay the familiar terrain of their shared past - rocky and treacherous, but known. Ahead stretched an unknown future, shrouded in mist and uncertainty.

Was this truly the end? Or merely the closing of one chapter before the start of another? Rafe couldn't be sure.

He thought of their connection as a dance on the edge of a cliff - thrilling, dangerous, and utterly captivating. Each step brought them closer to the precipice, teetering between exhilaration and destruction. Yet they kept dancing, drawn by an irresistible force neither fully understood.

As Rafe walked away, he felt the weight of their shared history pressing down on him. The memories of their passionate night together mingled with the bittersweet reality of their goodbye. He knew that Kaylee's heart belonged to JJ, but a part of him couldn't help but hope that someday, somehow, the tide might turn in his favor.

For now, though, he had to let her go. To chase her own destiny, to find her own path. And he had his own demons to face - namely, stopping the hit he had foolishly put out on his father. Kaylee's words echoed in his mind, reminding him that he didn't have to be defined by his past mistakes. That he could choose a different path.

As he reached his car, Rafe cast one final glance back at the cabin behind him. With a heavy sigh, he got into his truck and started the engine, driving away.

(Song Ends)

⚓️

On the Road

(Song:) Red Stripe - Kerbside Collection

John B was driving the Twinkie down the road.

Sarah was in the passenger seat.

Isa, Lia, Wheezie and Elyna were in the back with Indy.

"You're sure the pilot's gonna be there?" John B asked.

"Yes," Wheezie answered.

"And your dad's not playing some trick on us?" Isa asked. "I mean, why would he help us?"

Sarah, Lia and Wheezie knew that they were more than justified with their paranoia and distrust of Ward.

"Isa, John B, the plane's gonna be there," Sarah told them. "The pilot's gonna be there."

"He promised it's gonna take us straight down to Orinoco," Lia explained. "I believe him."

"'Cause he's such a trustworthy person," Isa snarked.

Sarah pinched the bridge of her nose. "Thanks, Isa. Really appreciate the support."

Isa shrugged. "I'm just saying it like it is. He lied, murdered, stole, manipulated."

Wheezie tilted her head, sighing. "Yeah, believe me, we know that. But we don't have any other options. I don't like it either, but this is all we've got."

Isa looked at them, a distant, haunted, paranoid look in her eyes. "I just don't want us to be screwed over again. Any of us. Knowing how unpredictable he can be."

Lia, Sarah and Wheezie knew that was fair, looking down.

Elyna looked at them sadly and sympathy. "But as long as he isn't actually there, I'm fine taking his damn plane. You guys?"

Isa and John B nodded in agreement.

"You don't have to trust him," Sarah told them. "Trust us."

"We do trust you," John B told them. "But what if he betrays all of you, again?"

Lia, Sarah and Wheezie didn't have an answer for that, knowing it was a fair question, and knowing that Isa and John B were right to be paranoid.

⚓️

Esme's Cabin - Outside

At Esme's cabin, Kaylee was finishing packing everything the Pogues needed for the trip to South America - clothes, supplies, even some food. She walked outside just as Kie ran up to her, putting two bags down next to the two bags that were already there on the ground.

"Hey," Kie greeted.

"Hey," Kaylee replied. "Thank God you showed up. I need help carrying these."

"I figured you might," Kie said. "Uncle Gael and Esme got Isa out of the hospital, but they just left to head down to the station and see if they're investigating who started the fire. We have Gael's dirt bike that can get us to the tarmac, though."

"That's perfect," Kaylee stated. "I'll drive. I just need your help to get these things on."

Kie nodded in agreement, sighing in relief. "At least we still had some of the Pogues' things still over here because we still had all of the Pogue Nest stuff over here."

"Yeah, thankfully," Kaylee agreed. "So at least that means we didn't totally lose everything."

Kie frowned. "Isa and John B especially. Even if their house did get burned down."

"Let's get moving," Kaylee told her.

Kaylee and Kie lifted one bag each as they started carrying them over to Gael's dirt bike.

Kie grunted in surprise. "Jesus, Kay, how much did you put in these things?"

"A lot of food, some clothes, but mostly supplies," Kaylee answered. "We'll need everything we can get heading down there."

Kie tilted her head in acknowledgement."

Kaylee and Kie put the bags on the back of the bike, strapping them down before heading back for the final two bags.

(Song Ends)

Just then, they heard a truck pull up on the tree line nearby the cabin, causing Kaylee and Kie to pause as they looked toward the truck in confusion and suspicion. They were deep into the woods, and this was Esme's safe house that kept Kaylee from being found while she was hunted by the Laurents. Who could have possibly found them here?

A burly man wearing a gray polo uniform shirt walked through the trees toward the Carrera sisters. "Hey, Kiara. Hey, Kaylee."

Kaylee and Kie exchanged a confused and paranoid look.

Kaylee waved Kie along toward the dirt bike. "Go, go, go."

Kaylee and Kie quickly walked toward the dirt bike with the final two bags.

The burly man followed them. "Hey, come back. I'm not gonna hurt you. I just want to talk to you."

"Uh, no thanks," Kie replied. "Stranger danger."

"Kaylee, Kiara, it'll just take a second," the man told them.

Kaylee spun around to face the man as she pulled out her phone instantly to call help if she had to. "How about you tell me who the hell you are and how you knew where to find us, let alone know our names?"

Suddenly, the sisters' path to Gael's dirt bike was blocked by another burly man, wearing the same attire as the first.

"Who the hell are you?" Kie demanded.

"This can go one of two ways," Man 2 told them as he withdrew a sedative syringe.

Kaylee noticed the insignia on Man 2's shirt, which said Kitty Hawk Wilderness Therapy Camp.

Kaylee backed away in horror as she realized what was happening. "No, no, no."

Before Kaylee could bolt, Man 1 grabbed Kaylee from behind, restraining her, making her drop her phone on the ground. Kaylee started struggling with everything she had, nearly breaking free until Man 2 drove the sedative needle into her arm, injecting it into her bloodstream.

Kaylee's eyes widened in panic as she felt the needle pierce her skin. "No!" She cried out, struggling against the man's grip. "Kie, run!"

Kie watched in horror as her sister's movements became sluggish, the sedative quickly taking effect.

"Kaylee!" Kie screamed, lunging forward to try and help her.

But Man 2 was faster, grabbing Kie's arm and twisting it behind her back. Kie cried out in pain, tears springing to her eyes as she realized they were trapped.

"Please," Kie begged, her voice breaking. "Don't do this. You don't understand."

"We're here to help you," Man 1 said calmly. "Your parents are worried about you."

Anna and Mike walked closer. They knew that their daughters would have fought or tried to run if they had exposed themselves before they were taken control of by the two men.

Kaylee and Kie looked at their parents in pain and betrayal, shaking their heads in despair.

Anna had tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry. We're sending you both away for a while."

"They say that Kitty Hawk's not as bad as the other camps we've talked about, Kaylee," Mike told her.

Kaylee didn't believe that for a second after these two men just restrained her and drugged her, scoffing incredulously.

Mike ignored her reaction, continuing. "And Asheville's the best boarding school for you, Kiara."

As the sedative started to take effect, Kaylee was reminded of both times that Tod had drugged her and attempted to rape her, how helpless she felt and unable to fight back, just like now. Her panic and paranoia rose higher as she started to hyperventilate, feeling as if she would break.

Anna shook her head desperately. "We just need to try this, okay? We're just trying to help you."

Kaylee felt the weight of betrayal hit her as she stared at her mother with wide, panicked eyes. The world around her began to blur, colors melting together as the sedative coursed through her veins.

"You're not helping!" Kaylee gasped, struggling against the hold of Man 1 behind her. "You're trapping us!"

Kie twisted in the grip of Man 2, her heart pounding in her chest. "Mom! Dad! You can't do this!" Panic surged within her as she realized they were about to be taken away from everything and everyone they cared about - separated from each other. "We don't need this! We need you to trust us!"

"Trust?" Anna's voice broke slightly, her expression torn between resolve and sorrow. "You both have been reckless, and we won't let you continue down this path! This is for your own good!"

Kaylee fought harder against the man holding her, adrenaline surging as she felt herself slipping.

Kie struggled against Man 2's grip, her heart racing as she watched Kaylee sink deeper into the effects of the sedative. "How is kidnapping your own daughters for our own good? How could you drug Kaylee after what she went through with Tod?!"

"They had to, Kiara," Mike replied, his face hardened with determination. "They know that Kaylee's a fighter and that she killed someone. That she's dangerous and reckless. They had no other choice but to drug her."

"You did!" Kaylee cried out. "You all had another choice!"

Man 2 zip-tied Kie's wrists together; since she wasn't going to Kitty Hawk, he shoved Kie toward their parents, causing Kie to trip slightly over her own feet.

Mike and Anna caught Kie from falling. Mike held his hands on Kie's shoulders to keep her still, though her hands zip-tied together didn't give her much leeway as she didn't know how to fight back like Kaylee did.

All Kie could do was watch was Kaylee drew closer to a panic attack under the sedative's effects and closer to unconsciousness, breathing heavily in desperation. "Mom. Dad, don't."

Mike and Anna watched their daughters with a pained expression, as if they weren't the ones that were causing their pain.

"I'm sorry," Anna said. "We're trying to help you."

Kaylee shook her head, speaking through gasped breaths and slurred words. "No, you're not. You're not!"

"You have to try," Anna pleaded.

Kie desperately tried to run to Kaylee's aid, but Mike and Anna held her back, keeping their daughter from interfering.

Kaylee's world began to spiral as the sedative coursed through her veins like ice. Her vision blurred, the edges growing dark as she struggled against Man 1's grip.

Memories of Tod flashed through her mind, vivid and terrifying, amplified by the drug-induced haze. She could almost see his cruel smile, feel his hands on her body, smell his breath, hear his voice, the helplessness she felt as the drugs he gave her took effect - twice. The past and present blurred together, reality becoming a nightmarish tapestry. The parallels were too much to bear, and Kaylee felt herself slipping into a full-blown panic attack.

Kaylee's heart raced, pounding against her ribcage as if trying to escape, each beat echoing in her ears like a thunderous drum. The forest around her seemed to close in, the trees looming larger, their shadows stretching unnaturally. She gasped for air, each breath shallow and painful, her lungs refusing to fill properly. The panic rose within her, a tidal wave of fear threatening to drown her.

"No, no, no," Kaylee whimpered, her voice barely above a whisper. "You don't understand."

Kaylee tried to struggle against the man holding her, but her limbs weren't working properly as she slipped further into darkness.

Just like the nights that Tod had her in his clutches, terrifying her anew.

"Kaylee!" Kie screamed, desperation clawing at her throat as she fought against Mike and Anna's hold. She could see her sister's eyes glassing over, the clarity slipping away as the sedative took full effect. "No! Stop!"

But Mike and Anna remained stoic, their expressions a mix of concern and determination.

Kie's heart raced with betrayal, rage boiling within her. "You're not helping us! You're tearing us apart!"

Before anyone could respond, Kaylee's legs buckled beneath her; the sedative was too strong. Man 1 tightened his grip to keep her upright, but Kaylee swayed dangerously, fighting weakly against the arms that encircled her. Man 2 stepped in to help Man 1 lift Kaylee up from the ground and begin to carry the weakened and drugged girl toward the Kitty Hawk van across the road.

Kaylee struggled feebly, but she could not break free, tears starting to break free during her panic attack as she gasped, a sob breaking loose.

Mike and Anna walked with them, pulling Kie along, taking Kie to their own car nearby where the Kitty Hawk van was parked.

Mike looked at Kaylee; he saw how traumatized she was as everything came rushing back to her, but it didn't deter her parents from wanting to see this through, no matter what it put their daughters through. "They're not gonna hurt you. They're good. They'll help you out. Don't fight it. Just go, baby. It's best for you right now."

Knowing why Kaylee was breaking down in such a way, Kie was devastated and horrified that their parents could put her through this after everything that she had gone through with Tod. "No, you can't do this!"

Kaylee's hearing started to fade as she slipped closer to unconsciousness.

Anna and Mike began dragging Kie toward their car despite their daughter's struggling.

Kie screamed and cried. "I said I don't wanna go! I don't want to!"

"Kiara," Mike snapped. "This is for your own good. Kaylee's, too."

"I don't want to!" Kie repeated desperately.

As Kaylee fell limp within the men's arms as they carried her toward their van, her gasping became shallower and more desperate, bringing her hand to her throat, clawing at it, unable to breathe as she clung to consciousness with everything she had left, whimpering. "Please. P-p-please."

Seeing Kaylee like this caused Kie to break down into tears as she looked at Anna and Mike in horror and disgust, betrayed, knowing that even seeing their other daughter like this wasn't going to stop them. "What is wrong with you?!"

Anna could barely keep herself from crying as she watched Kaylee finally succumb to the drugs coursing through her system and fall asleep within the men's hold.

Man 1 unlocked the back of the van and opened the door as he and Man 2 threw Kaylee into the backseat.

Kaylee's head collided harshly with the stiff leather of the backseat. Even the rough landing was not enough to wake her up after she lost consciousness due to the sedative.

The men closed the back door and walked toward the front seats, getting in and starting the engine.

Kie struggled desperately, forced to watch as the Kitty Hawk van drove away with the unconscious Kaylee inside, taking her away as Kie dissolved into broken tears ad sobs. "No! Kaylee!" She looked at Mike and Anna desperately. "Mom, Dad, please!"

Mike shook Kie by the shoulders roughly in an attempt to make her stop. "Do you think we wanted to do this? Don't you think that we want you here? What choice did you two leave us? What choice, Kiara?"

Kie's heart shattered at her father's words, each syllable laced with a mixture of pain and desperation. She couldn't comprehend how they could twist their own daughters' needs into this twisted version of "help." The helplessness coursed through her, and she fought against the tears streaming down her cheeks.

"I hate you!" Kie shouted, anger bubbling over as she wrenched herself free from Mike's grip even with the zip-ties restraining her hands behind her back. "I hate that you think this is right! You don't care about us. This isn't about helping us. It's about control!"

Anna's face crumpled, guilt flickering in her eyes. "Kiara, please--"

"Stop!" Kie shouted, her voice cracking. "Just stop! You don't understand anything! You're just making everything worse! Kaylee needed us, she needed YOU! We were finally free to be who we are without the fear of being controlled by people like you again!"

Anna stepped forward, her eyes glistening with tears as she held Kie's shoulders gently. "We're trying to protect you both from the chaos, Kie. Kaylee will be fine. Kitty Hawk has resources--"

"Resources?" Kie cut her off, her voice rising. "Is that what you call it? You don't see how this is hurting us? To be separated from each other like this? Drugging her like Tod did? Kaylee didn't deserve this! I don't deserve this!"

Mike's expression hardened, his frustration boiling over. "We're doing what's best for you. You can thank us later. Look, Asheville is a great school for you. Got a great reputation. Give it half a chance, you might even enjoy it."

Kie scoffed. "You're unbelievable. You got rid of Kaylee. Now you're getting rid of me. Yeah, tell me all about it."

Unable to deal with this any longer, Mike forced Kie into the backseat of the car, turning on the childlock so that she couldn't escape.

Kie continued to cry in the backseat with her hands tied behind her back, knowing she wasn't going to get away from them.

Outside of the car, Anna couldn't contain her tears any longer as her pain and guilt overwhelmed her, breaking down into tears and sobs. Mike embraced Anna as if she was the only one that needed comforting - when he hadn't comforted his daughters when they had been the ones falling apart because of the pain their parents put them through.

Kie couldn't stomach the sight of her parents like this after what they did to her and her sister. Not when they were the ones doing this to their own daughters.

Kie's heart raced as she sat in the backseat, the tight zip ties digging into her wrists. The tension in the car was oppressive, suffocating.

"Let me out!" Kie screamed, desperation clawing at her throat. "You can't do this!"

Mike glanced at Anna, whose face was streaked with tears. Kie's words echoed in his mind, a relentless reminder of their daughters' pain.

"We're trying to protect you!" Mike snapped back, frustration spilling over. "You think this is easy for us?"

Kie clenched her teeth, fighting back fresh tears, but she knew it was useless. There was nothing she could say that she hadn't said before that would change their minds. It was too late.

Mike got into the driver's seat of the car, while Anna got into the passenger's seat. As Mike started the engine, they drove away.

Kie's eyes darted between her parents, who were lost in their own turmoil, and the empty road ahead, which felt like a prison leading her further away from Kaylee and cousin Elyna, from her uncle Gael and aunt Esme. Away from Isa and Lia. Away from the Pogues. Away from everyone that she loved.

⚓️

On the Road

Mike was driving. Anna was in the passenger seat.

In the backseat, Kie was too numb and cried out to cry anymore. Her mind was racing about what Kaylee was going through, what Isa and Lia were doing, how they all almost died again, and now her parents were ripping them apart. She knew she had to find a way to make it stop.

Kie hesitated, sighing. "I have to pee."

"Can you hold it?" Anna asked.

"No, obviously I can't," Kie answered. "Please?" Mike and Anna sighed, pulling over at the side of the road at a gas station. "Thank you."

⚓️

Gas Station

The three Carreras got out of the car.

Kie walked toward the bathroom, but Mike and Anna stayed with her every step of the way in case she tried to run.

Kie was annoyed. "Do you mind?"

"Do you have to go or not?" Mike replied.

"It's a gas station, Mike," Anna told her. "Just let her have some privacy."

Mike shook his head. "Not a good idea, Anna. Yes or no, Kie? We're not standing here all day."

"It's fine," Anna told him. "Just let her go by herself."

Kie held up her hands, which were still zip tied.

Mike sighed, taking out a knife, cutting Kie's hands free.

Kie walked into the bathroom, closing and locking the door behind her. She was clearly on the verge of having a panic attack herself, the image of Kaylee having a panic etched into her mind, and she couldn't even do anything to comfort her. She leaned forward against the sink, hands holding herself up as she looked into the mirror, trying to calm herself down. After washing her face off, dousing herself with cold water to calm herself down, she opened the window in the bathroom, climbing out.

Sadly, Mike was waiting for this right outside the window, having expected her to try and run, grabbing Kie before she could get away. "Kiara."

Kie struggled, crying. "No, no!"

Mike pulled Kie back toward the car, as Kie was trying to get away, crying. Anna watched them, tears in her eyes.

⚓️

Kitty Hawk Camp

When she woke, Kaylee was sure she was being sent to hell. The drive was slow and bumpy, neither man speaking to her the entire time, but that was perfectly fine with her.

Her panic attack had finally subsided during the drive, though it felt like hell because she had been suffering with it for most of the drive. The betrayal of her parents carved a gaping hole in her chest, one that she wasn't sure could ever be filled.

The van slowed at the gate of Kitty Hawk.

Man 1, the driver, spoke to a man outside the van. "I have Kaylee Carrera."

Kaylee looked up.

The van drove into the camp, pulling over.

The men got out of the van, opening the back, pulling Kaylee out of the back.

With wind blowing through her hair, Kaylee looked around the camp.

The girls who were all there were working hard, wearing green T-shirts, cleaning up the woods, doing heavy lifting which they all clearly hated to do, mowing the grass, doing laundry and other things, child labor.

Kaylee frowned, wanting to be anywhere but here, but the men led her up to a small building.

A line of girls walked past, all eyes on Kaylee.

Kaylee looked over each girl as she continued to walk. She took note of how all of them were angry, upset with having to be here too, while most had distant, numb looks in their eyes as if they were on medications that made them even more depressed and angry - or shells of their former selves just like Kaylee had feared.

The two men guarding Kaylee continued to lead her away.

Each sight of each girl had Kaylee more and more angry, anxious and afraid.

⚓️

Asheville Academy

The Carrera car pulled up to Asheville Academy in the middle of the mountains.

Kie stepped out of the car, once again zip tied.

Mike and Anna were speaking to an official of the school.

"We'll have her bags checked and taken to her dorm," the official explained. "She's also scheduled for Friedman's physicals, so you won't be seeing her for a while. Welcome to Asheville Academy. I'm Peter Barringer. Hi, Kiara. I'm Peter. How you doing?"

Kie didn't answer, glaring.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Barringer," Anna told him.

Mike turned to Kie. "I know this is hard right now."

Kie backed away from him. "Stay away from me."

"Please just listen," Mike told her.

"Look, I know you're really confused now," Anna told her. Kie scoffed, shaking her head. "But believe me, this is going to be for the best."

Kie shook her head, crying. "This is bullshit and you know it. I don't belong here, and Kaylee doesn't belong there. She'll hate you forever. We'll never forgive you for this. Just get out of here."

The official led Kie away inside the boarding house.

Anna shook her head. "I don't know what to think anymore."

"It's gonna be fine," Mike told her.

Anna scoffed softly.

"I know it's a small comfort, but Kiara's reaction is pretty typical for most kids brought here to Asheville," Peter explained. "And eventually, they'll all come around."

⚓️

Tarmac

On the tarmac, Isa, John B, Lia, Sarah, Wheezie, Elyna and JJ were waiting by the plane and by the Twinkie while they were waiting for Kaylee, Kie, Pope and Cleo to arrive.

Lia was holding Indy, petting her and getting her food. "There you go, baby."

Isa was sitting down on the steps of the plane to get as much rest as she could, her entire body still throbbing in pain from her third-degree burns.

After taking a few bites of food, Indy wandered up to Isa, rubbing up against her legs, sensing her pain and wanting to ease her suffering by making her happy.

Isa smiled down at Indy, her heart swelling with affection as the little kitten purred contentedly against her. She gently reached down to scratch behind Indy's ears, letting the warmth of the moment wash over her despite the lingering pain that ebbed through her body.

"You're such a good girl," Isa murmured, her voice soft and soothing. "You keep me grounded."

"Hey," John B called from a few steps away, watching as Isa interacted with Indy with a small smile. "You're going to spoil her if you keep this up."

"Good," Isa replied with a faint smile. "She deserves it after everything we've been through."

Lia chuckled as she settled next to Isa on the steps of the plane. "You know she'll expect those belly rubs all the time now, right?"

Isa nodded, laughing lightly despite the ache in her ribs. "I can handle it."

The others smiled softly.

Wheezie walked up beside Isa and Lia, kneeling beside Indy, smiling at her as she scratched behind the kitten's ears. "Besides, who could deny this little fighter? Indy's the best companion we can ask for right now."

Elyna smiled at them softly as she leaned against the wing of the plane, her expression of a mix of fondness and concern as she took in the sight of her friends. "You sure you're okay, Isa? We can take a moment if you need."

"I'm good," Isa insisted, though her voice was strained. Even as she said it, the exhaustion settled heavier on her shoulders. "As long as I get rest on the way there, I'll be good to go."

The others looked at her in wary worry.

"Yeah, well, don't push it," Sarah chimed in softly. "We're not going anywhere until everyone is back. You need to be ready for this."

Isa nodded appreciatively at Sarah's concern. She was grateful for the support but still felt an urgency simmering beneath her skin - the need to get ready to leave and save her father. But she wouldn't leave without Kie, without Kaylee, Cleo and Pope. She would never leave her other lover and friends behind.

JJ glanced at Isa in concern for a moment before he began pacing, biting his lip. "Dude, where is everybody?"

"I don't know," John B admitted.

"We should go them," Elyna suggested. "We should get in the Twinkie, and we should just get 'em."

Lia tilted her head patiently. "Five minutes. Just give them five minutes, alright?"

In the distance, they heard the sound of a dirt bike arriving on the airstrip.

Sarah perked up at the sight of Pope and Cleo riding closer on the dirt bike. "Guys, there's Pope and Cleo."

The group sighed in relief.

Pope and Cleo pulled over.

Isa put Indy down, letting her run around.

Cleo smiled. "Were you guys waiting for us?"

"Yeah, we were," Wheezie answered, giving them a teasing look. "And you're late."

Pope tilted his head, shutting the bike engine off.

JJ looked at Pope. "Did you actually convince your pops this time, or..."

Pope got off his bike, using his thumb to point at Cleo behind him. "Cleo convinced him."

Cleo smirked, holding out her hands on either side of her with a dramatic flourish.

Isa, Lia, Wheezie, Sarah and Elyna smiled.

JJ did the Pogue handshake with Cleo, his eyes beaming with pride. "My girl. That's what I'm talking about."

As Cleo stood from the bike and walked over to the girls, she did the Pogue handshake with Isa, Lia, Wheezie and Sarah each.

Isa bowed her head slightly to Cleo teasingly. "I thank you for being a part of our crew."

Cleo winked in return. "Any time."

Elyna pointed at the Pogues with a smile. "You guys still got to teach me the Pogue handshake. Did the initiation party and everything last night. That's the last thing, right?"

"Absolutely," Pope agreed. "Here, let me."

"Uh, I believe I called dibs to show Elyna the handshake," John B denied. "After she saved my ass from Topper at Mike and Anna's anniversary party."

Wheezie grinned. "Now, now, boys, no need to fight. Both of you can help teach Elyna the handshake."

Everyone smiled.

Elyna pointed between the group. "I wanna see a demonstration again."

"Demonstration coming up," Pope replied.

JJ and John B did the Pogue handshake with Cleo and Pope.

Pope then did the Pogue handshake with Isa, Lia, Sarah and Wheezie in turn.

Elyna's eyes tracked each movement, memorizing them. She thought of it like memorizing tactics, tech tricks and engineering, which she was brilliant at. So it was pretty easy for her to memorize the movements of a simple but heartwarming handshake for the friendship group.

Sarah smiled. "Now Elyna's turn."

"Show us what you got, Elyna," Cleo encouraged.

Elyna took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of her newfound family surrounding her. With a grin that lit up her face, she stepped forward with a mock salute. "Okay, here goes nothing."

First, Elyna did the handshake with Lia. They did a series of three slaps back and forth with one hand before a series of snaps and finally a spirited fist bump. The first time Elyna did it was a bit clumsy, but she wasn't deterred and continued down the line of Pogues until she got it right.

Next in line was JJ, then John B. With a playful spin, Elyna moved on to Cleo, making everyone laugh.

"Nice move!" Lia called, clapping her hands.

Elyna continued through the group with confidence, each handshake getting better. Next up was Pope, and then Sarah as Elyna flashed her an exaggerated wink.

Wheezie was next, and as they completed their handshake, Elyna felt the energy radiating between them - a sense of belonging that made her heart swell.

Finally, Elyna reached Isa, who smiled widely as they finished the handshake with a high five.

John B threw his arm up in a cheer. "Welcome to the crew!"

Everyone erupted into cheers playfully.

Pope smiled. "Kaylee and Kie will be so proud. They should've been here for that."

Elyna's face fell as she looked around, concerned that her cousins weren't here yet. "Kaylee and Kie... they were supposed to be here by now."

Cleo frowned. "Where are they?"

"We don't know," Sarah admitted.

Wheezie looked at Isa, Lia, JJ and Elyna in concern. "Do you think it's their parents?"

"They know where the cabin is," Lia pointed out. "It has to be them."

Sarah frowned. "You don't think they really sent them away, do you?"

Isa, Lia, JJ and Elyna looked terrified by the thought, but they knew that Mike and Anna would do so.

"We're gonna have to do this without them, guys," Cleo said.

JJ shook his head. "We're not doing this without them."

Isa pushed herself to stand despite the pain coursing through her, making her way toward John B, holding out her hand. "Give me the keys."

John B frowned in concern. "No, dude. No, no, no, no, no."

"Dude, give her the keys," JJ insisted.

John B gave the two of them a pointed look. "Isa, J, it doesn't seem like a good idea right now. You two wanna end up behind bars because of Anna and Mike again, this time with Lia in the jail cell with you instead of me?"

Lia shrugged. "Worth the risk. Just give us an hour."

Elyna walked closer. "I'm going, too. This is my family we're talking about. If Uncle Mike really is brain dead enough to send away Kaylee and Kie, then I'm going to tear a new one into him."

"We're right there with you, Ely," JJ assured. He looked at John B, trying to get him to lighten up. "It'll be like a black ops mission, in and out. Surgical removal type shit."

"Lia, Kie and I promised that we wouldn't split up again," Isa explained. "That we wouldn't let her parents tear us apart again. And we gotta make sure that she and Kaylee are okay."

Lia nodded in agreement. "Isa's right. We don't know if Anna and Mike did something to Kaylee and Kie like they've been threatening nonstop."

"They think that they're doing what's best for them," Elyna said in disgust. "But they're just sending away their problems when Kaylee and Kie need us and we need them. Uncle Mike and Aunt Anna don't know what the hell's best for them. We do. We need to get them back."

JJ pointed to Elyna, Isa and Lia. "Exactly. And while Isa and Lia are going because of 'true love' with Kie... and because Elyna is Kaylee and Kie's cousin... I owe Kaylee. Big time. And, yeah, you know."

JJ looked down sheepishly.

John B knew JJ well enough to know why he was really going, smiling at him. "The true love thing with you and Kaylee, like Isa, Kie and Lia?"

JJ shook his head with a straight-face, though he had trouble not smiling. "Not funny, dude. Stop making that face and give us the keys."

Isa, Lia, Sarah, Wheezie, Cleo and Elyna smiled.

"What face?" John B asked innocently even while giving JJ a teasing 'I told you so' look.

"That one," JJ answered.

Wheezie smiled teasingly at Isa, Lia and JJ. "Okay, well, yeah. Can't stand in the way of true love, right?"

Elyna grinned at Wheezie's teasing while Isa, Lia and JJ attempted to give Wheezie a look, even while they were trying to hold back their smiles.

JJ held up his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay! You got me."

Lia turned back to John B, her expression determined. "Just give us the keys. We'll bring them back."

John B took the keys out, handing them to Isa, still teasing them. "I get it." He nudged Lia playfully while giving Isa and JJ both a tap on the cheeks. "I get it. I just appreciate the honesty."

"If you really wanna start teasing, we've got plenty to tease you and Sarah about, John B," Isa warned.

"Please don't," Sarah chimed in, blushing as she sat down, picking up Indy as she did. "Hey, Indy. Lia, Isa, JJ and Elyna are gonna be back soon with Kaylee and Kie, promise."

Wheezie winked at Isa, Lia and JJ, giving them a reassuring smile. "Go get your girls."

"We'll be here when you get back," Pope agreed. "Call us if anything comes up. And I mean, constant updates."

"Promise," Elyna agreed.

The group shared determined glances as Isa, Lia, JJ and Elyna prepared to head out on their mission. With the keys in hand, they took a moment to breathe deeply, grounding themselves for what lay ahead.

Wheezie caught Elyna's hand before she walked toward the van, pulling her back gently. "Hey." Elyna turned to look at Wheezie as she placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "They're gonna be okay. With a cousin like you and lovers like them looking out for them, how can they not be?"

Elyna smiled softly in return as she returned with a kiss on Wheezie's cheek. "I'll see you soon, Wheezie. And after all this is over and we find El Dorado, we're going on that date."

Wheezie nodded in agreement. "Absolutely."

"Speaking of true love," Lia remarked to get revenge on her little sister for her teasing earlier.

JJ nodded in agreement, giving Wheezie a look. "Yeah, can't say much about it now, can you, Wheezie?"

Wheezie gave Lia and JJ a sarcastic smile and wave even as she blushed brightly. Elyna smiled as she let go of Wheezie's hand and jogged over to the van alongside Isa and Lia.

"And hurry back," Pope told them.

"Like, hurry, hurry," Cleo agreed.

Elyna opened the back door of the van for her and Lia to climb in. "Just give us an hour."

Isa made her way up to the driver's seat, opening the door, climbing into the van.

As JJ ran up to the passenger side of the van, Isa realized what he was going to do, eyes going wide with exasperation. "No, no, no, don't."

JJ jumped through the open window, crashing down onto the passenger seat. Anticipating the impact - along with pain - Isa cringed against the driver's door.

However, before JJ could crash into Isa, Lia and Elyna instinctively reached forward and shielded the wounded Isa with their arms, keeping JJ from provoking more pain from her wounded body and burns.

"Whoa, watch it!" Lia exclaimed, pulling back slightly to shield Isa from JJ's reckless entry.

Isa shot JJ a look through, her heart racing from the sudden scare. "You're going to give me a heart attack before the burns do!"

JJ held up his hands defensively, trying to diffuse the tension. "Chill! Just thought we were in a hurry, that's all."

Pope piped up from outside. "That door opens, bro!"

Elyna gave JJ a bemused look as she leaned back in the backseat, closing the back door of the van. "Yeah, you could've just opened the door like a normal person."

"Normal is boring," JJ quipped with a grin.

Despite herself, Isa chuckled. The laughter felt good; it reminded her of the unity they shared amid chaos.

John B walked up to the van to make sure Isa was okay after JJ's reckless entry, looking at his sister in concern. "Isa?"

"I'm good," Isa replied.

John B shot JJ a look.

JJ smiled sheepishly in response to with a guilty expression. "Sorry."

Wheezie jogged closer to look at them through JJ's window, swatting him on the shoulder. "Such a loveable dumbass, J."

"Thank you, Wheeze," JJ replied.

Lia shook her head at JJ's antics, though she couldn't help but smirk slightly. "Just try not to give us a heart attack next time."

JJ gave Lia a grin in return. "I'll try not to. Sorry, guys."

"Remember, no heroics," John B advised, his voice serious but lightened with underlying faith.

"No promises on the no heroics," Lia replied.

Isa, JJ and Elyna nodded in agreement.

John B gave them a look. "You go in, grab them, and get out. Got it?"

Isa nodded fiercely. "Got it. We'll be quick. Just like ninjas."

Lia chuckled softly at that while JJ grinned and made a mockery of slinking away stealthily into the shadows.

"Just remember to text us when you're safe," Wheezie insisted. "And call if anything's wrong."

Elyna gave Wheezie a playful salute in return. "Will do. Don't worry, Wheezie. We'll be back before you know it."

Wheezie tilted her head. "And don't do anything reckless."

"No promises to that either," JJ replied, eyes twinkling.

Elyna smiled wickedly, shaking her head. "Yeah, you guys know that's not happening."

Lia and Isa gave them a mischievous smile of their own.

Wheezie sighed heavily, amused but concerned. "I know."

John B and Wheezie backed away toward Sarah - still holding Indy, Pope and Cleo nearby the plane, giving them space to drive off.

Lia turned to Isa, who was already revving the engine. "You ready for this?"

"Born ready," Isa replied, shooting Lia a wink.

"You got 59 minutes, guys," John B called.

Isa, JJ, Lia and Elyna all held a thumbs up out of the windows of the van as Isa tore off down the dirt road that led away from the tarmac.

The wind rushed through their hair as they sped toward the cabin, and Isa felt a mix of anxiety and excitement bubbling within her. She focused on the task ahead - rescuing Kie and Kaylee from whatever mess their parents had concocted this time.

⚓️

Esme's Cabin - Outside

When Isa, JJ, Lia and Elyna arrived to Esme's cabin, they arrived to find that Gael and Esme had just gotten there after returning from the fire station, and they had found Kaylee and Kie's bags on the back of Gael's dirt bike - where they had been forced to leave them when their own parents had them kidnapped and sent away against their own will.

Isa pulled over the van and shut the engine off before she, JJ, Lia and Elyna got out of the car.

Elyna instantly ran over to Gael and Esme. "Dad! Mom! Have you seen Kaylee and Kie?"

Gael and Esme exchanged worried glances as they noticed the urgency in Elyna's voice.

"We just got back from the fire station," Esme said, her brow furrowed with concern. "But we haven't seen them since we left the hospital."

Isa felt her heart sink. "They should have been right behind us. We need to find them. Now."

"What do you mean?" Gael asked, his voice laced with confusion. "What happened?"

"We don't know for sure," Lia admitted. "But we think that Mike and Anna might have followed through on sending Kaylee and Kie away."

Esme's eyes widened in disbelief. "No."

Elyna took out her phone. "I'm calling Kaylee's phone again. We have to know for sure."

As Elyna made the call, they heard Kaylee's phone begin to ring within the vicinity.

Lia frowned. "What te hell?"

They followed the sound of Kaylee's phone, finding it on the ground next to the sedative needle that the Kitty Hawk men had used to drug Kaylee while kidnapping her.

Gael knelt next to Kaylee's phone and the needle, picking them both up, fury beginning to surge through him as he realized that his brother and sister-in-law truly went through with their threat. "They did. They drugged them. Or at least one of them."

Esme's heart sank as she realized. "Kaylee. They drugged her because she knew she would be able to fight back and break free. Because they think she's dangerous."

Elyna slowly hung up her phone as she put it away, horrified. "As she's proved multiple times."

JJ clenched his teeth at the thought of Kaylee being drugged against her will for the third time in her life - and kidnapped for the second time - by her own parents, no less. "Where did they send them?"

Lia was trying to remember desperately. "Uh, the flier they showed Kie yesterday said Asheville Academy, but I don't know about the wilderness camp that they threatened Kaylee with this time."

Isa was fuming with anger for both her and Lia's girlfriend and her best friend. "Then let's go ask them ourselves."

"They won't tell us anything," Gael pointed out.

"I don't care," JJ replied. "We have to try."

"And I seriously need to know what the hell Uncle Mike and Aunt Anna were thinking doing this to Kaylee and Kie," Elyna added, storming back toward the Twinkie.

Isa, JJ and Lia followed suit, all of them piling back into the van.

Gael and Esme exchanged a look before they hurried to get into their own car to follow them to the Carrera house in an attempt to get answers from Mike and Anna themselves.

⚓️

Carrera House - Outside

Anna and Mike were just returning home to the Carrera house after they took Kie to Asheville Academy against her will, getting out of their car.

The Twinkie and Gael/Esme's car pulled up to their driveway.

Isa, JJ, Lia, Elyna, Gael and Esme each got out o the two vehicles.

Anna and Mike were not surprised to see the three lovers of their daughters, or the rest of their family, sighing heavily, knowing that they were in for another heavy fight.

JJ waved to Anna and Mike, trying to keep a hold of his anger, hoping to find out where Kaylee was before they all exploded. "Howdy, y'all. Lovely afternoon."

Elyna tilted her head sarcastically. "Guessing you didn't expect to see Isa, John B or JJ so soon after you had them thrown in jail over a bullshit trespassing excuse to get them out of your daughters' lives, huh, Uncle Mike?"

Mike shook his head, unamused. "Isa, JJ, do not come on my property, kids. Not even a little bit, or you two can go back to jail. With Lia this time."

Isa, JJ and Lia exchanged a look, knowing that John B was right to be worried about letting them come here.

Lia looked around. "Yeah, right. Um... well, yeah. You know why we're here."

Gael held up Kaylee's phone and the sedative needle, giving Mike and Anna a look that could turn them to stone, furious and betrayed with his own family. "We know what you did to Kaylee and Kiara."

Mike's expression hardened as he saw the evidence in Gael's hands, his stomach dropping at the sight of the sedative needle. "This is not what you think it is."

Anna's eyes widened in horror, recognizing the implications of what Gael was holding. "Please, just let us explain."

Isa shook her head. "No, I think we got it. It's exactly what we think it is. You had your daughters kidnapped and ripped away from their lives, their friends..." She gestured to Elyna, Gael and Esme. "Their family... all because you blame us for what happened, when you two didn't do shit to help them or even believe a word they said about what they were going through before it reflected on you. Instead of blaming us, why don't you look in the mirror?"

"We're their parents!" Mike shot back defensively. "We're trying to protect them from themselves!"

"But they don't need protection like that!" Gael said, his voice steady but laced with pain. "They need understanding! They need support! You have no idea what they've been through - what you've put them through!"

"You think you can just take them away like they're some kind of property?" Esme demanded, her anger palpable. "What kind of parents do that?"

Anna's face paled as she stepped back slightly, the weight of their actions crashing down on her. "We were trying to protect them..." Her voice faltered under the intensity of Gael's glare.

"Protect them?" Elyna snapped, fists clenched at her sides. "By stealing their freedom and sending them off to institutions where they'll be treated like prisoners? You think that's love?"

JJ stepped forward, his jaw set in firm determination. "You know, y'all really are some Kooks. You had no right to do that! Kaylee was already fighting her demons, and now you've just thrown her to the wolves again. Just like you did the night that you took her to be arrested and nearly got her killed by the Laurents and a whole mob outside of the police station. You've fought her at every single goddamn turn, you tore down her home by taking away the Pogue Nest. You tore her down mentally and emotionally until there was nothing left, and now you even drugged her and kidnapped her... just like Tod and Singh did to her. Do you have any idea what you've done?!"

"And all to what?" Lia continued. "To send Kaylee to some wilderness therapy prison camp where she'll be forced to go on medication just like I was? Where she'll turn into a shell of herself? Into a perfect little zombified version of her that you want her to be? Is that what you want for your daughter? Because that is exactly what is going to happen!"

Mike scoffed, starting to storm closer in defiance and defense.

Anna held him back. "No, don't."

"I mean, seriously," Lia pressed. "When exactly did you stop seeing them as your children and instead as something that's yours to control and manipulate? How many hours did it take you to decide to send them to a prison or a pretentious boarding school against their will? To separate them from each other and everyone they love when they need each other and all of us now more than ever? Not to be locked away and isolated and driven out of their goddamn minds."

Isa shook her head in disgust. "How can you sleep at night leading up to a morning where you know you paid someone to physically restrain and kidnap your daughters to tote one off on the insane pipe dream of 'wilderness therapy' - after drugging her - and the other to a boarding school where she can't be herself? How can you live with yourselves and do the same thing to your daughters that Tod and Singh did?"

"We did this because we love them," Anna defended, despite her voice wavering beneath their words and accusations.

Elyna scoffed, tears burning in her eyes as she stared her uncle and aunt down as if she had no idea who they were, unable to believe that they could truly do this to her cousins. "Oh, my God. You don't love them. If you did, you would have listened to Kaylee and everything she's been trying to tell you all this time instead of trying to convince her that she's insane. You wouldn't kick her out the second that she disobeyed you, and you wouldn't have left her to fend for herself for most of her life because you hate the way she turned out. You wouldn't do this to her or Kie, not after everything they've been through. Not at all."

"Hey!" Mike snapped. "You gave us no choice! You kids gave us no choice!" He stared Gael, Elyna and Esme down. "And I know the three of you think that you were the only ones who cared about Kaylee and Kie in this family, but we do too."

"There's always a choice, Mike," Gael replied, glaring at his brother. "You chose not to believe them. You chose to shame Kaylee and humiliate her and drive her and Kie apart. You chose to send them away. That's what it comes down to. You chose to ship them off. They could forgive you two for everything before, but they will never be able to forgive you for doing this. And neither will we."

"Because you fail to realize that they don't need your version of help," Esme told them. "And you still refuse to see what they truly need. Their loved ones, support and connection. To be with their family, each other, and their lovers."

Elyna held a hand toward Isa and Lia. "Kie loves Isa and Lia with her entire heart. They're perfect together whether you want to admit it or not. And so are Kaylee and JJ, even if they had to overcome so much the last couple of weeks. You can't stop that kind of love, and you shouldn't want to, because they're happiest when they're together. Why you would want to tear it apart and make your daughters miserable, I'll never understand."

Isa, Lia and JJ looked at Elyna gratefully in appreciation.

Lia looked at Anna and Mike defiantly. "All we've ever wanted was for them to be themselves and be happy and free. Neither of you can say that, can you? Just to make them smile and laugh and be okay." She looked at Isa, taking her hand in hers as she spoke about herself, Isa and Kie together in their relationship. "And if that's all I got, I'd still love them with every part of me."

Isa locked gazes with Lia, knowing she felt the same way for both her and Kie, nodding emotionally.

"I'm right there with you," Isa said, her voice steady. "I'm not letting anyone take that away from me." She looked at Anna and Mike, her eyes blazing with determination. "Not you, not anyone."

JJ nodded seriously in agreement, knowing he felt the same way about Kaylee. "It's about fighting for them, for who they are, not trying to change them into what you think they should be."

Anna's eyes glistened with unshed tears as the implications of what they had lost began to hit her like a tidal wave. "We thought... we thought sending them away would protect them. That it would keep them safe from the chaos..."

"Safe from what?" Gael interjected, exasperated. "From love? From having friends and family who genuinely care about them? You're just pushing them into another kind of chaos - with people who will never understand what they've gone through."

Elyna stepped forward, her determination palpable. "You can't keep pretending that this is for their own good when it's clearly about control and fear. All this has done is push Kaylee and Kie further away; you're not protecting them by shoving your beliefs down their throat."

Mike shook his head. "You don't understand the dangers they face--"

"We understand better than either of you ever have or ever will," Esme interrupted. "Because you won't let yourselves fully understand. We know exactly what they face. We've been there. We've fought battles you can't even begin to comprehend, especially Isa, Lia and JJ by Kaylee and Kie's sides. What they need is love, not chains."

"Damn right," JJ chimed in, stepping forward. "You think you can just shove them into a box and call it help? That's not how it works!"

"Just tell us where the wilderness camp is," Elyna implored. "Please!"

Mike clenched his fists at his sides, frustration radiating off of him like heat waves. "This isn't about control. And there's no way in hell I'm telling any of you a goddamn thing. Now all of you get the hell off my property before I call the police."

While they knew that it was no use trying to get through to Mike and Anna, the group had no intention of backing down in trying to find Kaylee and getting her and Kie back.

Gael shot Mike a glare, turning to look at the kids. "Get in the cars. Go."

Isa, JJ, Lia and Elyna gave one last glare to Mike and Anna as they walked back toward the Twinkie in determination. Gael and Esme walked alongside them toward their car.

Mike stormed up after them, glaring at Isa, JJ and Lia. "I don't want to see you three around my family again!"

(Song:) Midnight Wine - Shannon & The Clams

JJ gave Mike a tense, sarcastic smile. "Don't worry, Mike. You won't."

Isa turned back to face Mike and Anna as she gave them a withering look with a 'sweet' smile that promised karma. "Good luck when the illusion wears off and you realize that you've absolutely destroyed your family and you're no better than anyone that put Kaylee and Kie through hell."

Lia turned back to face Mike and Anna, her eyes blazing with a mixture of fury and determination. A sardonic smile played at the corners of her mouth as she delivered her parting shot, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You know, for people who claim to care so much about your daughters, you sure have a funny way of showing it. I hope you're ready for the consequences when Kaylee and Kie come back even more damaged than before. Because mark my words - they will come back. And when they do, they'll see you for exactly who you are - not parents, but jailers." She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing, her tone sharp enough to cut glass. "Oh, and just so we're clear - this little stunt of yours? It's not going to keep us apart. Not Isa and me from Kie, not JJ from Kaylee. Promise you that."

Elyna stepped forward in defiance, glaring at her uncle with all of her fury and rebellion. "And you know what? I don't want to be apart of your family if this is what it means to be related to you, Uncle Mike. And I'm guessing after your stunt today, Kaylee and Kie will want nothing to do with either of you, too. JJ's right. You won't see us around you two again. Because we have our own family. The Pogues, me, Mom and Dad. We're a family. Kaylee and Kie's real family. The ones who actually listen to them, support them and love them for who they really are. And mark my words, we will find them. We will bring them home. And when we do, they'll know exactly who fought for them and who threw them away like they were nothing."

Gael and Esme stopped at their car, turning back to watch their daughter destroy Mike with only her words, smirking proudly.

"You not only lost your daughters today, Mike," Gael told him. "We tried to mend our family when we came home. Now you officially broke it completely. Good luck trying to put the pieces back together when none of us want anything to do with the two of you."

Esme waved goodbye sarcastically. "Have a nice life."

Mike and Anna were rendered completely speechless, the daunting prospect that they were right about how they severed any connection to their family crashing down around them like a tidal wave.

Gael and Esme got into their car.

Lia saluted Mike and Anna sarcastically before turning it into flipping them off as she opened the passenger's door of the van.

Isa and Lia got into the front seats as JJ and Elyna hopped into the backseat of the Twinkie, closing the back door behind them, with Isa driving them away, and Gael and Esme following in their car.

(Song Ends)

⚓️

Kitty Hawk Camp - Office

Kaylee saw no other options but to change into the clothes that they gave her, out of her usual crop top and shorts.

Now, Kaylee was sitting across from a lady in green Kitty Hawk attire.

"Well, thank you for sharing, Kaylee," the woman told her. "And thank you for putting on our uniform."

Kaylee snorted. "Like I had a choice."

The woman's smile became tight. "Well, now the good news is, we have a name for your conditions."

Kaylee scoffed. "Oh, great, do tell."

"What do you know about DBDs?" the woman asked.

Kaylee frowned. "What is that?"

"Disruptive behavior disorders," the woman answered. "Children with disruptive behavior disorders show ongoing patterns of uncooperative and defiant behavior. Their responses to authority figures range from indifference to hostility, and it frequently impacts those around them, including teachers, peers and family members. People like you, the ones that have a tendency to be physically aggressive, are known to have Conduct Disorder. They often lose their temper and are quick to argue with adults over rules or requests and like to blame others for their mistakes or misbehavior, behave in angry, resentful, spiteful and vindictive ways."

Kaylee was hurt that Mike and Anna told her story in such a way that made her sound like this when it was so far from the truth, shaking her head. "Anyone can act like that."

"That's true," the woman agreed. "But children with this disorder display them more often than others their age. They're involved in frequent conflicts with their peers, like you are with the 'Kooks' as your parents called them, and they often face discipline at school. They lack respect or regard for others, are aggressive toward people, like to bully or intimidate others."

Kaylee shook her head fiercely. "That's not me."

"But you do willfully destroy property and burn things that don't belong to you as a way to cope with your inner 'darkness', yes?" the woman pressed. "And you steal and lie without feeling bad about it, including your father's truck which you then crashed. You're truant frequently. You've run away from home multiple times."

Kaylee felt panic rise within her once again as she fought off tears from overwhelming her. "You don't understand. Those were all extenuating circumstances."

"I don't doubt that," the woman replied. "There are many causes for these disorders, including heredity, but also substance abuse, attention-deficit disorder, a mood disorder, schizophrenia, or antisocial personality disorder."

Kaylee shook her head. "I don't have any of those."

"And how would you know that for sure?" the woman replied.

Kaylee couldn't bring herself to answer.

The woman continued. "And we know that you have pyromania. You've been igniting fires since you were young, and you set people on fire."

"All in defense," Kaylee retorted. "It was either that or be raped or killed."

The woman held up her hands harmlessly. "I believe you. However, pyromania is associated with personality disorders or traits - especially antisocial personality disorders or behaviors. And as you might know, symptoms and signs of that are being manipulative and deceitful, impulsive and reckless, breaking the law or disregarding social norms, not feeling remorse or guilt, angry or arrogant, having problems with substance misuse. Lying, stealing and fighting often. Disregarding the safety of yourself or others, being charming and witty, and being good at flattering others. Of course, these can lead to being in jail or prison, which you narrowly escaped from. Attempting suicide or trying to kill someone else... which you've already done. Having other mental health conditions. And repeated reckless behavior that could lead to dying early because of violence."

Kaylee closed her eyes at the exact description of Rafe - even though he was turning his life around. And as much as she hated it, half of those could apply to her.

"I think you're forgetting one part," Kaylee told her shakily. "I know right from wrong and I don't ignore the rights and feelings of others."

"But you can't deny the others I've listed," the woman replied.

Kaylee fell silent as she looked away.

The woman nodded slightly as she continued on. "As for your 'darkness' as you've called it, the one that compels you to break and burn things... that makes you lash out, I think it can be either intermittent explosive disorder or Harm OCD."

Kaylee frowned in confusion. "I thought OCD was just obsessive cleaning rituals or something."

The woman shook her head. "Not always. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Unwanted, repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas or sensations. Repetitive behaviors that people feel the urge to perform to relieve distress. Just as you do with breaking things and setting fires to release that inner darkness. And if you don't, that's when you feel as if you're losing control and becoming 'darker', wouldn't you say?"

Kaylee didn't answer, too lost in her thoughts.

The woman took this as confirmation as she continued. "Other symptoms are anxiety, panic attacks, extreme guilt, negative thoughts of self, need for constant reassurance. Avoidance of situations related to triggers. The men that brought you in told us about your panic attack when they brought you in."

Kaylee's gaze snapped up in disbelief and anger at her words. "You mean when my parents paid them to drug me and kidnap me and bring me here against my will. All of this sounds like bullshit. You don't know me, you don't know my life, so how the hell did you come up with all of that without even talking to me first? Just by some words with my parents? Unless you're used to pulling random disorders out of your ass for every girl that walks in through that gate because their parents paid you to do so."

The woman pursed her lips, folding her hands on the desk. "As I was saying. Now, fortunately, all of these conditions are very treatable with medication and behavioral therapy."

"I'm not taking medication," Kaylee denied immediately. "Especially personality altering drugs. That's legitimately terrifying."

The woman pointed at Kaylee with her pen. "See that? That right there? Your reactions to everything I'm saying? You're just confirming my diagnosis."

Kaylee felt the fire of anger ignite within her again, and she shot back defiantly. "I'm not going to sit here and let you label me based on what my parents think. You think you can lock me away, drug me, and somehow fix me? I'm not broken! I'm not one of your cases to dissect!"

The woman remained seated, her expression unreadable. "This isn't about punishment, Kaylee. It's about healing. We want to help you navigate the turmoil inside you, help you find ways to cope that don't involve harming yourself or others."

Kaylee scoffed, leaning back in her chair defiantly. "By treating me like a criminal? By placing me in a camp with girls who look like they've been stripped of their very souls? I don't need saving! I need my life back!"

The woman leaned forward slightly, her voice softening. "I know this feels overwhelming right now. But many girls who come here feel the same way at first. They resist treatment because they fear the change it may bring."

Kaylee shook her head vehemently. "No, you're just another part of my parents' plan to gain control over me. They think sending me here will fix things, but all it does is make everything worse. This is just punishment dressed up as therapy, and I'm not having it."

The woman sighed, trying not to lose her patience as she stealthily reached for a panic button underneath her desk to call for the orderlies, pressing it without Kaylee knowing. "Now, we can help you with this. You just have to work with us."

Kaylee put her hands to her head. "Work with the people that run a prison in the middle of the woods that enforces child labor and drugs them up to be zombies. No, thanks. You can't keep me here!"

Just then, the door behind Kaylee burst open as the two men that had drugged and kidnapped her burst into the room.

At the sight of them, Kaylee stood instantly in paranoia and even fear, backing away from them as she tried to make a run for the window.

Man 2 caught Kaylee before she could get far, hauling her back. "Get back here!"

Man 1 helped Man 2 manhandle Kaylee back toward the main door.

Kaylee was struggling desperately, nearly breaking free. "No! No, no, no, no! Let go of me!"

Man 1 withdrew another sedative needle, holding it up threateningly. "Do I have to do this to you again?"

Kaylee's eyes widened in terror as she realized the gravity of the situation. Panic surged through her veins, and she twisted violently against their grip.

"Stay away from me!" Kaylee screamed, her voice echoing off the walls. "Get off me!"

"You're only making this harder on yourself," Man 2 warned, tightening his hold as he dragged her back toward the door.

"You think this is helping me?" Kaylee shouted, desperation clawing at her throat. "I need Kie and Elyna! I need my friends!"

Kaylee squirmed in their grip, nearly getting free, which only made Man 1 nearly put the needle into her skin.

The woman behind the desk quickly stand, trying to regain control of the situation, her voice firm but wavering, torn between authority and concern for Kaylee's escalating fear. "Enough! This isn't how we do things here!"

But Kaylee didn't hear her; she was lost in a spiral of terror, memories of being trapped and drugged flooding her mind. "You can't do this! You don't own me!"

Man 1 glared at the woman, his eyes cold and unyielding. "This is not your decision to make."

"She's a killer," Man 2 snapped. "She's dangerous. The bosses gave us permission to use whatever force necessary to keep her in line. And so did her parents."

Kaylee's heart absolutely shattered at the words. She kicked out violently, trying to break free yet again, managing to slam her heel into Man 1's knee.

"Damn it!" Man 1 shouted, stumbling back just enough for Kaylee to wriggle free from Man 2's grip.

With adrenaline coursing through her veins, Kaylee twisted around to dodge Man 2 before he could grab her, punching him hard in the face and kneeing him in the stomach, turning to push him into Man 1 to force them both to stumble into the wall before she bolted for the front door of the tiny cabin-like space, trying to open it - only to find that it was locked from the outside. She released a sob desperately as she realized that the men had locked it from the outside when they had come in, unwilling to take the risk of letting her get away.

The woman watched them in shock.

Both men groaned in pain and annoyance as they quickly regained control and grabbed Kaylee.

Man 2 shot the woman a glare. "You see why we need this precaution now?"

Kaylee felt the weight of despair settle over her as the men dragged her back, their grip like iron chains around her wrists. Panic clawed at her throat, and she fought desperately to break free, but it was no use.

Kaylee's heart raced as she fought against their grip, panic and adrenaline fueling her actions. She twisted, kicked, and screamed, desperate to break free. "Let me go! You can't keep me here!"

The woman stepped closer, trying to intervene. "Enough! This is not how we handle things at Kitty Hawk. Kaylee, please, if you just cooperate..."

"Cooperate?" Kaylee spat, her eyes wild. "You think I'll sit back and let you lock me in a cage? I'm not one of your projects!"

The woman's expression hardened slightly as the men dragged Kaylee toward the door again. "This isn't punishment; it's treatment."

Kaylee's voice dropped to a low growl. "You call this treatment? I call it torture."

The men finally succeeded in restraining her completely again, each holding one of her arms tightly.

The woman took a step forward. "This isn't necessary. You're only making things worse for her."

"She's a flight risk," Man 2 snapped, wrestling Kaylee down onto a chair as he forced her into submission. He looked at Man 1. "Sedate her so we can take her to the reflection cabin without her pulling that stunt again."

Kaylee's heart raced with fear as she shook her head furiously as she continued struggling and thrashing. "You people are fucking crazy."

While Man 2 held Kaylee down, Man 1 pierced the needle into Kaylee's arm and injected the sedative into her bloodstream once again.

Kaylee's vision blurred almost instantly, the world spinning as the sedative seeped into her bloodstream. She could feel herself slipping, the edges of her consciousness fraying like the yarn of a worn-out sweater. A desperate part of her fought to stay awake, to resist the pull into darkness, but it was a futile endeavor - with the effects of being drugged the first time that morning still in her system, she couldn't put up much of a fight to stay awake this time.

"Stay with us, Kaylee," the woman urged, though her voice sounded distant and hollow, as if echoing through a vast cavern. "We want to help you."

But all Kaylee could focus on was the tightening grip of despair wrapping around her heart. The fear of being trapped here, stripped of her autonomy, clawed at her insides as she felt the weight of sleep dragging her down.

The panic that had held her captive and controlled her every reaction moments before started to dissipate, replaced by a heavy, suffocating fog that clouded her thoughts. She fought against it, desperately clawing at the edges of consciousness, but the darkness crept in faster than she could resist.

"Please..." Kaylee mumbled, her voice slurred and broken as she struggled to stay awake. "Don't."

But the grip of the drug was relentless, pulling her under like a tide she couldn't fight.

The last thing she remembered was the woman's expression - a mix of pity and frustration - as Kaylee's eyes fluttered shut and her body went slack against the chair.

The woman: (voice over) "At Kitty Hawk, patients will not be allowed to contact the outside world for the first six weeks of their stay. You will not be able to use your phones."

⚓️

Outside

The men carried the unconscious Kaylee through the lines of dead, flat-looking teens to a small, isolated cabin on the edge of the camp; the reflection cabin.

The woman: (voice over) "You will work to be diligent and polite. You will be expected to get to work on time. Be awake by 6:00 AM and asleep by 9:00 PM."

⚓️

Reflection Cabin

Without a word, the men carried Kaylee into the 'reflection cabin' and laid her on the cot carelessly before leaving, closing and locking the door behind her, leaving her in the dark, isolated cabin.

The woman would come check on Kaylee and administer the medications that she prescribed Kaylee while she was asleep. Medications that included an anxiolytic-antidepressant, an anticonvulsant mood stabilizer, and an antipsychotic.

When Kaylee came to, she was alone in the cabin, looking around in the darkness. Panic surged within her as she tried to sit up, only to feel the effects of the drugs coursing through her system - not only the sedatives still lingering in her system, but three medications that the woman had given to her while she was unconscious.

The woman: (voice over) "Failure to adhere to the rules will result in time in the reflection cabin. This is all in your best interest."

As consciousness slowly crept back, Kaylee's mind struggled to pierce through the thick fog enveloping her thoughts. The darkness of the cabin pressed in around her, disorienting and oppressive. She blinked heavily, trying to focus, but her vision swam and blurred at the edges.

A wave of nausea rolled through her stomach as she attempted to sit up. Her limbs felt like lead weights, uncoordinated and sluggish. The sedatives still lingered in her system, but there was something else - a new, unsettling heaviness that seemed to permeate every cell of her body.

Kaylee's heart raced, but it felt distant, as if it belonged to someone else. The panic that should have been surging through her veins was muted, dulled by an artificial calm that felt wrong and alien. Her emotions, usually so vibrant and intense, now felt muted, as if they didn't exist.

As Kaylee attempted to sit up, her body refused to cooperate. A wave of dizziness washed over her, and she fell back onto the cot, her head spinning. She felt like she was swimming through molasses. Her limbs were heavy, unresponsive, and her thoughts sluggish and disjointed. The darkness of the cabin pressed in around her, disorienting and suffocating.

In the small cabin, there was only a tiny, barred window that let in a little sunlight. There was nothing except for the cot that Kaylee was laying on.

The walls were gray and bare aside for scribbles from sharpie-scrawled notes.

The first note that Kaylee saw, the closest one to her read "I feel so much better".

But the next note that Kaylee could see read "This place is hell".

Kaylee's heart sank as she read the scrawled words, an unsettling chill creeping down her spine. The sharpie scribbles painted a vivid picture of despair that echoed in her own heart. She squinted against the dim light filtering through the barred window and struggled to push herself upright once more, the effort feeling monumental.

"This place is hell," Kaylee whispered to herself, a lump rising in her throat. She couldn't shake the feeling that it was all part of a sinister game designed to break her spirit.

As she leaned back against the cot, Kaylee closed her eyes, trying to bring clarity to the fog filling her mind.

Memories flashed before her - laughing with Kie and Elyna, late-night adventures with Isa, John B and Pope, spending an entire month on Poguelandia with Isa, Lia, John B, JJ, Pope, Sarah, Wheezie and Cleo as their home, reuniting with Elyna, Gael and Esme as her family, her best moments of being a couple with JJ, even games and distractions with Rafe. Moments of joy that now felt a lifetime away. Her heart ached at the thought of them, wondering what they were doing right now. Were they worried? Did they know where she was?

Would she get out of here before they broke her completely?

⚓️

Asheville Academy - Nurse's Office

Kie was sitting across from Peter.

Peter sighed heavily. "I know you're scared, Kiara. That's normal. New place, new situation, separated from your sister. Kaylee, was it?"

Kie didn't answer.

Peter continued. "The rules here are real simple. There's no drugs, there's no sex, there's no inappropriate touching, and there's no violence. The key to Asheville is that it's a safe place. It's a sanctuary. It's a place where you can go take a break from all that crap that's going on outside in your life. Learn to feel what you really feel. Anything you say to me or tell me or one of the other counsellors stays between us unless you give me permission to say to others. The only exception is if I suspect violence towards others or self-destructive behavior, and then I'm bound by law to notify outside authorities. Any questions?"

Kie shrugged, shaking her head.

Peter nodded, giving a slight smile. "All right, get undressed. That doctor is gonna come in and he's gonna search your body, give you a medical. I'll search your bags, take you to your dorm, show you around. All right?"

Kie still didn't reply, looking horrified and despaired by the entire situation.

⚓️

Barry's Trailer

Barry was paying the hitman he hired to kill Ward. "It's all there. I got what you need. Make it a clean job. Untraceable. And we ain't never gonna see each other again."

The man nodded, walking away toward his car, tossing his bag and the money inside.

A garrote was sitting on the passenger seat of the hitman's car.

The hitman drove away.

⚓️

On the Road - The Twinkie

On the road, Isa was driving the Twinkie with Lia in the passenger seat. JJ and Elyna were in the back of the van. Gael and Esme were still following in the car behind them as the group struggled to find out where Kaylee was sent to and tried to figure out where exactly Asheville Academy was.

That was when Kaylee's phone started to ring.

Isa glanced at the others. "It's not mine."

JJ patted his pockets. "Not mine."

"Or mine," Lia agreed.

Elyna checked her phone but saw that it wasn't hers. She picked up Kaylee's phone from her other pocket. "It's Kaylee's." She checked the Caller ID. "Rafe's calling."

JJ resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

Upon hearing that it was her brother calling, Lia reached for the phone. "Let me answer."

Elyna handed the phone to Lia.

Lia took the phone as she answered swiftly. "Sorry, brother, but Kaylee can't come to the phone right now."

On the other line, Rafe was sitting on his motorcycle at the side of the road, frowning in confusion when he heard his sister's voice. "Lia? Why the hell do you have Kaylee's phone?"

"Technically, Elyna had it first," Lia corrected. "Doesn't matter. And, well, let's see. Kaylee's parents had her drugged and kidnapped and sent away, along with the other Carrera sister. Kiara."

Rafe closed his eyes in frustration and desperation. He knew he felt like something was wrong, which was why he called. While he was busy trying to undo his mistake with his father literally about to die, his hands were tied in trying to reverse the damage Anna and Mike did to their own daughters. "Goddamn it."

"Yeah, that's our reaction," Lia agreed. "I know that Kie was sent to Asheville Academy. Esme's looking up the information for that now so we can get her back. But we have no fucking idea where they sent Kaylee to."

Rafe pinched the bridge of his nose. "Kitty Hawk wilderness camp."

Lia was stunned with the response. "Wait, how do you know that?"

"I saw the flier at the cabin last night," Rafe answered. "Threw it away before Kaylee could see it and get upset, but I memorized it and the address. I'm texting it to you now."

Lia sighed heavily in relief. "Thank you."

Rafe nodded barely. "Yeah. I have to fix something right now, but about Kaylee..."

"We'll get her back," Lia finished.

Rafe took the reassurance and nodded before hanging up, sighing, closing his eyes briefly before he texted the address of Kitty Hawk's location to Lia's phone. He started his bike and sped down the road.

In the van, Lia hung up Kaylee's phone, handing it back to Elyna, picking up her own phone just as she got the text from Rafe. "Got the address to Kitty Hawk."

Elyna took out her phone. "I'm texting Mom to let her and Dad know we know where Kaylee is. She sent me the address for Asheville where Kie's at."

"Can you pull up the addresses on Maps to see how far they are from each other?" Isa asked.

"Yeah," Elyna answered.

Lia showed her phone to Elyna so that she could type in Kitty Hawk's address into Maps and compare the location to Asheville's location.

"Okay, they're both about an hour out, in separate directions," Elyna explained.

JJ nodded barely. "So we're gonna have to split up if we wanna get them bac and make it back to the tarmac fast."

"Looks like it," Lia answered.

They all sighed in frustration.

Isa dialed John B's number, holding her phone on speaker. "Goddamn it. Goddamn it."

On the tarmac, Sarah, Wheezie, Cleo and Pope were sitting on the steps of the plane with Indy.

John B was standing a distance away, answering his phone.  "Yo, Isa? You, JJ, Lia and Elyna have any luck finding Kaylee and Kie?"

Isa sighed. "I wish. Little change of plans. They did it. They sent Kie and Kaylee to the wilderness camp and boarding school."

John B was stunned. "Oh, no."

"So, uh, JJ, Lia, Elyna and I are gonna need about four hours for liberation with Gael and Esme," Isa told him.

"Four hours?" John B repeated in shock. "We don't have four hours. We've got a jet here. We're all waiting."

JJ sighed. "I know, dog. We know the clock is ticking. Just hold out as long as you can. If you gotta go, we'll meet you there."

John B shook his head. "No, guys--"

"We're working on it, dude," Lia told him. "It's just an hour there, an hour back, but the extra two is getting Kie and Kaylee out and getting back to the tarmac. If Isa, JJ, Elyna and I lucky, we can have it done and be there in three."

Elyna nodded in agreement. "Luckily, Mom, Dad and I are brilliant problem solvers. We're not turning our backs on Kaylee and Kie like their parents did, all right? And with us on Isa, JJ and Lia's side, there's no way we lose. Just stay in the Matrix, okay? I repeat--"

Suddenly, the Twinkie's tire exploded, making Isa, Lia, JJ and Elyna gasp and jump as the van was forced to pull over.

"Guys?" John B asked.

Lia hit the dashboard. "Damn!"

Isa's phone lost connection, dropping the call.

Isa threw her phone on the dashboard. "Son of a bitch."

⚓️

Tarmac

John B heard the beeping that signaled that the call was dropped, hanging up, saying the same words Isa did instantaneously. "Son of a bitch."

Sarah, Wheezie, Pope and Cleo looked over from the steps of the plane.

"Yo, what's going on?" Pope asked.

Wheezie frowned in concern. "What'd they say?"

John B was more worried than annoyed, the words applying to both worry and annoyance of the situation. "I'm gonna kill them."

John B knew it wasn't Kaylee and Kie's fault, or Isa, JJ, Lia and Elyna. He was worried about them, and his annoyance was more directed at Mike and Anna for forcing them to split up because of what they did to their own daughters, while he was also insanely worried about his and Isa's father, knowing that they were running out of time, and didn't know if they could make it time because of this.

⚓️

On the Road

JJ slammed his hand on the wall of the van. "Goddamn it!"

Lia lashed out and hit the seats. "You gotta be kidding me!"

Isa slapped the steering wheel in frustration. "Fucking seriously?"

"What the fuck now?" Elyna demanded.

The four of them quickly got out of the van, going around to the back to take out the spare tire, jack and crowbar, while Gael and Esme's car pulled up behind them as they came to a stop.

Isa was trying to do it herself even given the pain she was in from her third-degree burns, groaning, as the movements were straining her wounds.

Lia stopped her instantly. "Hey, hey, hey, no, no, no."

JJ quickly took the tire before Isa could. "Isa, let me do it. I got it."

Gael and Esme got out of their car, walking closer quickly.

"Are you kids okay?" Gael asked worriedly.

"We're okay," Isa answered. "Just pissed off."

Esme nodded, sighing. "But you found out where Kaylee is, and we know where to go to get her and Kie. That's all that matters."

"Besides fixing this flat tire, anyway," Gael agreed.

Elyna looked at the tire in confusion, tilting her head. "Um... you got gunslinging enemies I need to know about?"

The others followed her gaze to see that the tire was burst wide open from what looked like a bullet.

As if on cue, two cars pulled up from either side of the road to block off either side so there was no escape, pulling over.

In front of them, two men got out of the car, one of them aiming a shot gun at Isa, Lia and JJ at the front of the van.

Behind them, Barracuda Mike and another man got out, the other man aiming another shotgun at Elyna, Gael and Esme at the back of the van.

Isa and JJ sighed, hanging their heads at the sight of Barracuda Mike - the drug dealer that they had lost his drug run for while escaping from the police.

Lia frowned, looking at Isa and JJ with a serious look. "Barracuda Mike?"

"Yep," Isa answered.

Lia shot JJ an 'I told you so' look as she opened her mouth to speak.

JJ pointed at Lia. "Don't say it."

Lia sighed, rolling her eyes.

The two men with the shotguns cocked their guns, aiming at the group of six.

Isa, Lia and JJ held their hands up in surrender, nervous.

Elyna, Gael and Esme held their hands up in a precaution as they glared the drug dealers down. Yet, as they had a history in this life with Esme being an agent in Interpol formerly, they knew how to turn the tables around on them and get them out of this situation.

Elyna, Gael and Esme were merely waiting for an opening to fight back.

Isa looked at Barracuda Mike. "Really? After everything, you shoot out my brother's tire. This van is my brother's."

Barracuda Mike glared in return. "JJ, Isa, you lost the load. You two and your brother, so I don't want to hear it. Now, instead of me getting paid, I owe them. Which I guess means you kids owe me, right?"

JJ nodded. "I know, Barr--"

"Get in the cars," Barracuda Mike ordered, glancing at Lia, Elyna, Gael and Esme. "Your friends, too."

"Yeah, that's not gonna happen, hotshot," Elyna retorted.

"You heard them," another man told them. "Get in the cars."

As Isa, Lia, JJ, Elyna, Gael and Esme exchanged a look, Gael and Esme gave the kids a look that they understood - keep talking to distract them so they could find an opening and gain the upper hand.

Isa, Lia, JJ and Elyna exchanged a look, having one of the Pogue moments where they didn't need words to understand what they wanted to do next, knowing that they all got the same idea as they looked between the two cars.

Isa nodded. "Okay. If that's how it's gonna be. Look, I know you've heard the stories. About us and our friends. A little something called the Royal Merchant."

"A pile of gold," JJ went on. "Is that ringing any bells?"

Barracuda Mike nodded. "I heard some bullshit."

"Well, that bullshit's real," JJ told them.

"Yeah?" Barracuda Mike asked.

"And yeah, we found it," Lia answered.

Barracuda Mike scoffed. "Yeah, I saw. That's why most of you kids are homeless." He pointed at JJ. "Why we saw a bunch of guys throwing furniture out of your trailer. You're living high off the hogs, boy."

"Yeah, you're talking about my house that's being foreclosed?" JJ asked. "The cover. The one to throw off the scent."

Elyna smiled. "And if you've ever heard of the Mavericks - well, now known as the Veilleuxs - you should know rule number one. Don't do flashy shit, like pay off a mortgage when you're cashing in."

Isa looked at Lia, JJ and Elyna, hiding a smirk.

Gael and Esme shared a proud look over these four teens that could easily play these older men to buy them time.

Barracuda Mike held up a hand. "Stop. Let me guess. You, uh... you got that gold. It's buried somewhere in a barn, right? And if we just let you go right now, you'll run right there, you'll get it, we'll split it, right?"

Isa shook her head. "Not exactly. Actually, it's a little sweeter than that."

"Look, let's just forget about the Merchant gold," Elyna said. "That's just the tip of the iceberg."

"We're going after the main course right now," Isa told them. "All right? We're going after the mother lode. And that's the truth of why we need to get down to South America."

"Mike, come on, man," JJ told him. "We're trying to help you. By giving you the opportunity to make ten times more."

Lia shrugged. "No skin off your nose. Just a lottery ticket. The Merchant gold is nothing compared to El Dorado."

JJ pointed to Lia in agreement, holding out one hand. "So, in this hand, you can get the pleasure of beating our asses right here, right now."

Isa and Lia shot a look to JJ. Elyna, Gael and Esme gave him a curious look.

JJ looked at Barracuda Mike. "I honestly get that temptation. I really do."

Lia shook her head, pressing her lips together.

Isa gave JJ a look that said 'shut up'.

JJ held out his other hand. "All right? But in this hand, in this hand, Mike, you got a pile of gold sitting and waiting for you, and all you need to have is just a little bit of patience, okay?"

"And helping us get back to our friends so we can fly to South America," Isa added.

Barracuda Mike stared them down skeptically. "You think I believe a word of this shit?" He looked at the two men with the shotguns. Get them in the damn cars."

As the two men stalked forward with the shotguns, Elyna, Gael and Esme saw their chance with them in close range.

Gael let Man 1 - with the first shotgun - get close enough to him with the shotgun so that he could grab the barrel of the shotgun and shove it to the ground just as it went off, punching Man 1 in the face. Twisting the shotgun from his grasp, Gael used it to shove Man 1 away, kicking him in the face, making him fall to his knees, spinning around to kick him in the head hard enough to make him fall unconscious.

Man 2 - with the second shotgun - attempted to fire a shot, but everyone ducked in time to avoid being caught in the crossfire. Elyna was close enough to Man 2 to lock her hand around the barrel of the gun and push it toward the sky before another shot could fire. Man 2 tried to punch her. Elyna ducked, backhand punching him in the face, spinning around so that Man 2 had his arms around her in an attempt to restrain her with the shotgun. Yet, she used his momentum to flip Man 2 over her head and to the ground in front of them, yanking the shotgun from his hands as she did, turning the safety on instantly. With a wide swing of the shotgun, Elyna struck Man 2 in the head with a powerful blow, making him collapse to the ground in a heap as he hit the ground, unconscious.

Man 3 attempted to draw a handgun to retaliate. Esme ran closer, jumping over the hood of her car to tackle him to the ground before he could finish drawing the weapon, twisting the gun from his grip and taking it into her own hand. Man 3 shoved Esme off of him as he struggled to stand. Esme backhand punched him in the face, spinning to kick him in the head. As Esme finished her spin, she locked her legs around his head along with her arms, using her entire body's momentum combined with Man 3's to flip him through the air and to the ground. Esme slammed the butt of his own pistol over his head hard enough to knock him out.

Isa, JJ and Lia watched the Veilleuxs in shock and awe, breathing heavily.

Barracuda Mike watched in absolute disbelief as he went for his pistol, far too late to do anything to make a difference.

Esme fluidly rose to her feet as she aimed the pistol she took from Man 3 at Barracuda Mike just as he aimed his pistol at her.

Gael drew his own gun, aiming at Barracuda Mike. "You know, my brother's name is Mike, and I'm already furious with him. You just made me hate another Mike today. Drop your gun unless you wanna hit the ground like your buddies here."

Barracuda Mike hesitated, his gun trembling slightly in his grasp as he weighed his options. The realization that he was outnumbered and outmatched flickered across his face, and he seemed to calculate the risk of going against the formidable Veilleux family.

"You're making a big mistake," Barracuda Mike spat, but his bravado faltered under Gael's cold gaze.

"Not as big as yours," Gael replied, the tension in his voice heavy with determination. "You messed with the wrong people today. We've got nothing to lose."

Esme stepped forward, her voice low but fierce. "And everything to gain. Walk away now while you still can. You might find that it's safer to let this go."

With a bitter laugh, Barracuda Mike aimed his gun at Elyna, but she met his glare with unwavering defiance.

Isa, JJ and Lia looked at them in concern.

Barracuda Mike's bravado faded as he dropped his gun, the clatter echoing in the tense silence, raising his hands in surrender. "Alright!"

Gael and Esme exchanged glances but didn't lower their guns, their protectiveness over their daughter and the other teens still raging.

"You'll get your money when we get the gold," Isa told him in determination. "That's a deal we'll keep. I don't want to have to keep looking over my shoulder when it comes to drug dealers and threats."

"Me neither," JJ agreed. "Do we have a deal, Barracuda?"

Barracuda Mike swallowed as he glanced at Elyna, Gael and Esme, not seeing much of a choice after what he had seen. "Fine! We have a deal."

Lia's slight smirk turned into a sweet smile as she gave him a bow of her head. "Pleasure doing business with you."

"Now if you'll excuse us, we have family matters to attend to," Esme told him.

"Once we change the flat tire you gave us, of course," Elyna quipped. "Thanks so very much for that, by the way, asshole."

"Get in your car and drive away," Gael warned. "The kids will contact you once they're back with the gold."

As Barracuda Mike retreated to his vehicle, Isa, JJ, Lia, and Elyna exchanged a triumphant look, relief flooding through them. The tension that had gripped them moments before seemed to dissipate like mist in the morning sun.

Once the threat was neutralized, Gael and Esme released the tension from their bodies as they holstered their guns.

"What a fucking mess," JJ breathed, shaking his head as he stepped over the unconscious bodies sprawled across the ground. "That was way too close."

Elyna rolled her shoulders back, adrenaline still coursing through her veins from the fight. "No more messing around. We need to get Kaylee and Kie out of there, and fast."

Esme quickly pulled out the spare tire from the back of the van, glancing at Gael. "Can you help me with this?"

Gael nodded, already crouching down beside her as they worked together to replace the flat quickly. "We'll get this done in no time."

Isa had to sit down at the side of the road, her body throbbing in pain. Lia and Elyna sat beside her in concern.

"Are you okay?" Lia asked.

Isa nodded. "Yeah, I will be." She looked at Elyna, Gael and Esme in awe. "Also, I really want you three to teach me to fight like that."

Lia smiled at the idea. "Yeah, me too. We've gone through so much and fought so many people, but we've never been able to fight like that."

Elyna smiled at their enthusiasm at the prospect of being able to fight back against their enemies and the people that ruined their lives - the people who wanted to kill them and their loved ones. "Yeah, Wheezie and Kaylee said the same thing. That they wanted to learn how to fight like us."

Gael gave the girls a soft look. "Once we make it out of this, I'm sure that we'll have plenty of time to teach you girls how to fight like us."

Isa's eyes gleamed with determination as she watched Gael and Esme work. "Once we get Kaylee and Kie back, we'll all need to learn how to defend ourselves better. No more running away."

Lia nodded, her brow furrowing in resolve. "Agreed. We've had enough of feeling helpless. We can't allow anyone to take us or our loved ones again."

Elyna leaned closer to Isa, a mischievous smile creeping onto her lips. "And who knows? Maybe we can turn this into a whole Pogue training camp situation."

JJ grinned at the thought. "That sounds badass, actually."

Isa chuckled softly despite the tension still hanging in the air. "Pogue University: Self-Defense Edition. I like it."

Esme finished securing the spare tire to the van, glancing up at them with an approving nod. "You've all got the spirit, that's for sure. But remember, it's not just about fighting; it's knowing when to fight and when to walk away."

"We'll figure that out later," JJ replied. "Right now, we need to figure out how we're going to split up and save Kaylee and Kie."

Gael nodded seriously. "I'll talk Isa and Lia to Asheville Academy so we can get Kiara. I can pose as a faculty member of at the school so we can see her so that you girls can try and find Kie and get her out. Once we get her away from the school, I'll bring the car around and we'll get away."

Isa and Lia nodded in agreement.

"That could work," Isa agreed.

"I'm in," Lia agreed.

Esme crossed her chest. "And I'll take Elyna and JJ to Kitty Hawk to get Kaylee. I can do the same undercover work as a distraction so you two can find her or send her a signal of some kind that we're looking for her and that we'll get her out."

Elyna nodded. "Perfect."

"Let's do this," JJ said.

Isa, Lia and Elyna stood from the side of the road, as Lia and Elyna aided Isa with her wounded state.

Isa let out a pained little gasp, but was determined to see this through. "Let's roll."

Esme reached for her daughter's hand. Elyna clasped Esme's hand as they walked toward Gael and Esme's car. JJ followed them closely behind. Esme got into the driver's seat with Elyna in the passenger seat and JJ in the backseat.

Isa, Lia and Gael walked toward the Twinkie. Gael got into the driver's seat with Isa and Lia in the back of the van sitting together, holding each other comfortingly as they went to find their other girlfriend with everything they had.

Once they were all settled in, the two vehicles drove away long before the unconscious bodies of the men that the Veilleuxs had knocked out began to wake up in the middle of the road.

⚓️

Dock

Topper was standing on a dock, seeing a storm gathering in the distance, thunder rumbling and lightning flashing in the sky, but it wasn't raining, and the sun was still shining.

Dr. Thornton walked toward her son. "Did you hear about Isa and John B? Their house burnt down last night. Isa was severely hurt in the fire, almost killed." Topper frowned at that, but he didn't seem overly bothered. "Couple of the other girls were hurt too. Kaylee, Kiara, Elyna, Lia and Wheezie, I think. That's what Shoupe is saying, at least."

Topper acted shocked and horrified, looking away. "Wow. That--that's rough. I can't imagine."

Dr. Thornton nodded, handing Topper a drink, clinking hers with his. "Yeah, well, I don't think those girls should've been hurt, but I guess it's karma for the place burning down."

Topper nodded numbly, coldly, not caring one bit that the girls, and the rest of the Pogues, could have died in the fire he set, thinking it truly was his karma. "Yeah. It is, isn't it?"

"Yeah," Thornton replied. "And it looks like Rose is back. I saw the Cameron plane on the airstrip. You know, I really need to get her something nice to welcome her back. She has had such a tough time."

Topper frowned, remembering what Sarah said about the Pogues heading to South America, realizing that they were using the Cameron plane to do it.

⚓️

Barry's Trailer

Rafe drove up to the trailer, parking his bike, taking off his helmet, getting up, walking up to the trailer.

Barry walked outside. "What's good, big killer?"

Rafe walked closer. "I'm calling it off. I'm calling it off. It's over. I don't want to do that thing anymore. Hey. You didn't do it, right?"

Barry feigned innocence. "Do what, Rafe? I don't know what you're talking about. I don't do illegal things."

Rafe gave him a deadly look.

Barry walked toward a table outside, taking out some paper, writing something down.

Rafe walked closer.

Barry turned the paper toward Rafe so he could read what he wrote.

It read: "I got a guy".

"What does that mean?" Rafe asked.

"Layers of protection, Rafe," Barry told him, walking away with the paper. "Safety lies in the layers of protection."

"I don't want it done anymore," Rafe told him. "Okay? I'm done."

"That sounds like a problem, but it's out of my hands now, Country Club," Barry told him, tossing the paper into a small fire outside the trailer.

Rafe walked closer anxiously. "Wait, out of your--out of your hands? Hey. Hey, explain, what does that mean? What does that mean, 'out of your hands?'"

Barry shrugged, unbothered. "I'm not the roofer, Rafe. I'm just a contractor. I learned my lesson with Robbie, with Little Lia. I'm not doing that shit myself anymore."

Rafe grabbed Barry by the shirt threateningly. "I wanted you to do it, Barry. I wanted you to do it."

"You didn't say nothing about me doing it," Barry told him. "You just gave me money. That's all you did."

Rafe pushed Barry back toward his trailer, in his face furiously. "We talked about it. Is it done already, man?" When he didn't answer, Rafe raised his voice, getting angry and intense, desperate. "Hey, I need to know, is it done already?" He shook Barry threateningly, coming very close to lashing out at him. "Barry, is it done?"

Knowing that Rafe was seconds away from snapping, Barry pushed him off of him, several steps away from him. "No! You're wasting your damn time with me right now."

Rafe walked away toward his bike, knowing he didn't have time to waste with fighting with Barry. "All right."

Barry turned toward his trailer. "I told you I'm not the one doing it."

Barry walked inside, slamming the door.

Rafe got onto his bike, pulling on his helmet, driving away quickly.

⚓️

Tarmac

At the tarmac, Sarah and John B were sitting by the wheel of the plane.

Pope and Cleo were sitting on large crates nearby.

Wheezie was sitting on the steps leading up to the plane, playing with Indy as she trotted up and down the plane steps, smiling at the kitten.

Cleo smiled at the sight. "Hey, Indy."

Sarah noticed Topper's car driving up to the tarmac, becoming nervous and worried. "Oh, God. Oh, God."

Sarah stood.

John B followed her gaze, pressing his lips together when he noticed it was Topper.

Sarah walked over to stand in front of Wheezie and Indy by the steps of the plane.

Wheezie looked up in concern when she realized it was Topper. Although none of the Pogues knew that it was Topper who set the fire last night, they knew that if he was here, he could lash out at Sarah or John B once he realized that Sarah played him.

John B stood.

Topper got out of his truck, walking closer intimidatingly. "Hey, Sarah. What are you doing? You just seeing John B off or what?"

John B walked over to stand next to Sarah protectively in support.

Sensing that something was wrong - be it Topper's anger, his obsession with Sarah, or his murderous tendency - Indy glared at Topper as the kitten hissed angrily and menacingly at the Kook, hair standing on end as her back arched.

Pope, Cleo, Wheezie, Sarah and John B looked at Indy in surprise.

Wheezie pet Indy to calm her down gently.

Pope smirked, proud of the way the Pogues' kitten reacted to a Kook. "Good girl, Indy."

Topper's gaze flickered to the hissing kitten, a twisted smirk creeping onto his lips. "Nice little guard dog you got there, Wheezie. But I can't say I'm impressed. Is that what you Camerons have resorted to? Playing house with the Pogues?"

Wheezie glared at Topper in anger as she held Indy close, rising from the steps of the plane, cradling the kitten against her as she walked toward Sarah protectively. "You should turn around and walk away, Topper. You need to back off."

Topper's voice dripped with mockery. "Back off? This is rich."

With Wheezie - and Indy - now right in front of Topper to stand beside Sarah protectively, Indy's reaction to Topper grew stronger as she growled at Topper ferociously.

Topper narrowed his eyes at the kitten, his lips curling into a snarl. "Seriously? You think that little furball can intimidate me?"

Topper stepped forward, a dangerous look on his face.

Wheezie glared at him, her voice steady and fierce. "Back off, Topper. Indy might be small, but she's got more guts than you do."

The tension in the air thickened as John B stood tall beside Sarah, his body coiled like a spring, ready to react to any sudden movement from Topper. "You shouldn't be here."

Topper scoffed, though there was an unsettling flicker in his eyes. "You know, that's funny, because I was about to say the same thing to Sarah. She was supposed to call me and come to me last night. But then I was actually asking around myself and heard your dad's plane was here. And I was like, 'oh, that's... that's interesting'. Yeah."

Sarah couldn't meet Topper's gaze, nervous and even afraid of how he could react.

Topper stared Sarah down. "So, are you leaving with him?"

Sarah didn't respond, just looking at Topper.

John B looked at Sarah. Although he glanced down, he was a steady force of support.

Topper grew more impatient and angrier by the second. "Are you leaving with him? Yes or no, Sarah."

"She doesn't owe you an answer," Wheezie snapped in defense of her sister.

Topper glared at Wheezie as he took a step closer to her. "Oh, I think she does."

As Wheezie took a step back defensively, Indy howled as if she was about to lunge forward to attack Topper to defend her.

John B instantly stepped forward as he put a hand out to stop Topper from getting any closer to Wheezie or Sarah. "And I think you need to back off like Wheezie said."

"Don't get anywhere near my sister," Sarah warned. "Okay, yes. I'm leaving with John B. Is that what you want to hear?"

Topper looked away with a scoff. "You're just..." He looked at Sarah with anger and damn near hate in his eyes. "You're just a f--a damn liar, Sarah Cameron. You've always been a liar. After everything we've been through? This--this is what you're gonna do to me?"

"How about everything you've done to everybody else?" Wheezie retorted. "Sarah doesn't owe you a thing and she never did."

Topper's face twisted with rage, his fists clenching at his sides. "You have no idea what we had, Wheezie. You think you can just swoop in and protect her from me? She was mine!"

John B stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "That was never real, Topper. You held control over her, you didn't care about her. If you did, you wouldn't have put her and everyone else through hell."

Wheezie shot John B a grateful look before turning back to Topper. "And what? You expect us to forget how you tried to ruin everything for Sarah? How you had Kelce call the cops on Kaylee for no reason other than to be an ass?"

"That's not the same!" Topper spat, his temper flaring. "I was trying to protect my reputation - my family! All I'm asking for is consideration."

"Consideration?" Sarah echoed incredulously.

"Yeah," Topper replied. "You literally just promised John B would go away, and you'd stay here. With me."

"I never promised I would be with you," Sarah corrected. "I said I would be here. And I will once we come back. But that's it. I'm not going to be with you, Topper. Not after everything you've done."

"Good luck finding a girlfriend that can handle your psycho unless she's as psycho as you," Wheezie said snarkily.

Topper's patience with Wheezie - who was so much like Lia when it came to pressing his buttons - nearly snapped as he stepped toward her again, causing Sarah and John B to both put themselves in front of Wheezie this time.

Pope stood quickly to distract Topper away from Wheezie, protective and angry and ready to step in if it came to a physical confrontation. "Hey, Top."

Topper's gaze flickered to Pope, successfully distracted.

Pope gestured to Topper's bruised eyes from John B and Elyna. "You got a little something right here, man."

Topper glared at Pope, stalking closer. "Why don't you shut up? How about that?"

Cleo stood to act defense of Pope and Wheezie if she had to, taking out her phone in case she had to call the police.

John B stepped in Topper's way of Pope, stopping him from approaching his friend.

Topper turned his attention to John B, trying to provoke him into yet another fight, like he always did with every single one of their fights before. "And, oh, buddy. John B, you better be glad that Elyna swooped in to save your ass at The Wreck like Isa and JJ always did for you before, 'cause I think you know what would've happened if she didn't."

Unfazed, John B shook his head. "I'm not taking the bait, Top. You're right. You would've kicked my ass."

Sarah kept her hands on Wheezie's shoulders as her gaze flicked between John B and Topper anxiously.

Topper pressed his lips together, nodding cruelly, mocking them about the fire that nearly killed them all last night - while they didn't know that it was him who set it and tried to murder them all. "I, um... heard they're remodeling the Chateau. Heard that Isa ended up in the hospital." He glanced at the bandaged burn on Wheezie's arm. "Is that where that came from, Wheezie? Kaylee, Kie, Lia and Elyna got something like that, too, right? That's tough, guys. How'd that happen?"

Pope and Cleo frowned while Wheezie, Sarah and John B looked at Topper in confused suspicion.

Cleo, thinking that maybe Topper knew something about the fire and could tell them something about what happened, started to record a video on her phone so the Pogues could look back on it later.

John B stepped closer. "What'd you just say?"

Topper stepped around John B, brushing by Wheezie and Sarah as he did.

John B stepped after him seriously. "No, Topper, what'd you just say?"

Sarah put out a hand to stop John B, neither of them able to take their eyes off of Topper in suspicion and paranoia.

As Topper brushed past Wheezie and Sarah, something inside Indy snapped. The kitten's protective instincts, honed by weeks of bonding with the Pogues and already on high alert from Topper's aggressive behavior, reached a boiling point. With a fierce yowl that seemed impossibly loud for such a tiny creature, Indy wriggled free from Wheezie's grasp with surprising strength.

Time seemed to slow as the tiny kitten launched herself through the air, a streak of fur and righteous fury.

Wheezie's eyes widened in shock, her hands grasping at empty air where Indy had been just a moment before. "Indy!"

Indy sailed through the air with pinpoint accuracy, her tiny body twisting gracefully with claws extended and teeth bared before latching onto Topper's smug face - who barely had time to register what was happening before Indy made impact.

Indy's claws found purchase on Topper's cheeks, digging in deep as she clung to his face. Her tiny body was a whirlwind of motion, scratching, growling, hissing and spitting.

Topper's eyes widened in shock, his hands instinctively shooting up to grab at the clawing kitten. He stumbled back, caught off guard, nearly falling into the ground as he fought to pry Indy from his face. "Get it off! Get it off!"

Wheezie's shocked expression melted into one of sheer delight. She couldn't help but cheer on her fiercely protective kitten. "Go, Indy! Get him!"

"Are you serious?" John B laughed incredulously, stepping back to watch the spectacle unfold with a mixture of pride and amusement. "Indy just took out Topper!"

Indy hung on for dear life, her tiny paws gripping tightly, her little body arching and twisting as she fought valiantly against the much larger foe. She hissed ferociously, fully embracing her role as protector of her family.

Indy's tiny but fierce growls echoed around them, the sound both comical and terrifying as she dug her claws deeper into Topper's skin.

Sarah couldn't help but burst into laughter, the tension breaking momentarily. "That's what you get for messing with a Pogue!"

"Someone help me!" Topper shouted, still swiping at Indy ineffectually as she clung on with all her might.

Pope and Cleo exchanged looks of disbelief and amusement before bursting into laughter themselves.

"This is too good!" Cleo exclaimed, barely able to catch her breath as she continued to record the entire situation.

"Wow," Pope snickered. "Guess Wheezie was right. Indy's got more guts than you do, Topper."

Indy continued her relentless assault, oblivious to the chaos she had stirred up. Her claws sank deeper into Topper's skin, drawing blood as he flailed and shouted in protest. Topper stumbled backward, desperately trying to shake the fierce kitten off his face.

"Someone seriously help me!" Topper yelled again, panic creeping into his voice.

John B took a step forward, but the sight of Indy battling against Topper was too entertaining to interrupt, smirking. "This is what you get for being a jerk."

Meanwhile, Wheezie doubled over in laughter, clapping her hands in delight. "Indy! You're a warrior!"

As Topper stumbled further back, he fell into a crate on the tarmac with a loud thud. The impact startled Indy enough that she finally loosened her grip, landing gracefully on her feet next to Wheezie.

Wheezie sprinted forward to scoop Indy up into her arms, cradling the kitten protectively against her chest as she backed away from Topper, not taking chances that he wouldn't hurt Indy in retaliation. "Good girl, Indy!"

Topper's face was flushed with anger and embarrassment, and he instinctively wiped at the bleeding scratches on his cheeks. As he stood, he turned his furious gaze toward the Pogues, his bravado cracking under the absurdity of the situation.

"You think this is funny?" Topper spat, his voice thick with venom. "You think your little cat can protect you from what's coming? You'll pay for this. All of you will."

"Wouldn't be the first time," Pope replied. "We'll be gone before whatever you come up with to get us back."

Topper scoffed, backing away. "You guys have a nice life, all right?"

"Sounds more like the kiss of death," Wheezie remarked.

Cleo nodded in agreement. "That's because that was."

Topper glared at them, turning around as he stormed toward his car, getting in and beginning to drive away.

It was only when Topper was gone when Indy started to calm down.

Sarah walked over to Wheezie and Indy, gently petting the kitten. "It's okay, Indy."

John B smiled softly. "That was so good, girl."

Wheezie nuzzled against Indy in pride. "So good."

Cleo showed the others her phone where she had recorded what just happened. "Wait until I show Indy's attack on Topper to Isa, Kaylee, Lia, JJ, Kie and Elyna."

Pope grinned. "Oh, they'll love it."

"Isa, Kaylee and Lia especially," Wheezie agreed.

They all smiled.

Sarah looked at her sister in concern, knowing how close Topper had gotten to lashing at her repeatedly. "Are you okay, Wheezie?"

Wheezie nodded. "I'm okay. You guys stood up for me. So did Indy. We're all good."

"For now," John B agreed. "Let's just hope the others get back soon."

Cleo spoke softly to Pope. "That's what you call a Kook?"

Pope nodded. "Oh, yeah. Big time."

⚓️

Kitty Hawk Camp

Esme drove her and Gael's car up to Kitty Hawk Wilderness Camp, with Elyna in the passenger seat and JJ in the backseat as they came to find Kaylee.

Two men stood at the front entrance, right next to the large gate and sign that had the name of the place plastered to it in bold black letters.

"Hold it right there, please," a man called.

"Aw, shit," JJ whispered.

"Just remain calm," Esme murmured gently. "Lean down low."

Elyna and JJ did as told, leaning down low so that they weren't seen in the car.

A man walked up to Esme's window.

Esme rolled down the tinted window just enough so that the man couldn't see Elyna ducked down low in the passenger seat, giving the man a slight smile. "How are you doing"

"Can I help you?" the man asked.

"Yes, sir," Esme replied. "I'm the new camp counselor, if you could kindly let me in."

The two men outside exchanged a look and a nod.

The man next to the van stepped aside. "Yeah, go ahead."

Esme tipped her head to them. "Thank you so much. All right. You both have a good day."

(Song:) Sugar Craft - Medeski, Martin & Wood

Esme drove into camp, pulling over in the parking lot where no one else was around to see Elyna and JJ get out as well.

JJ looked at Esme in disbelief. "Yo, that was ninja level undercover work."

Esme shrugged. "Daily routine as an agent."

"Right," JJ agreed. "Sucks you had to quit at Interpol after your boss almost killed you guys on the plane heist."

Elyna scoffed. "One way to put it."

Esme smirked slightly. "You two stay here in case you hear anything that can lead to any sign where Kaylee is. With me posing as a new counselor, I can see if I can get access to her medicals and where she's at to see if I can help her."

Elyna and JJ nodded quickly in agreement.

Elyna looked around, taking in the sight of the people in the camp. "God, it's worse than what Kaylee and Lia feared. This place is like a brainwashing facility, like from the movies."

Everyone they passed looked utterly dead inside; the patients, the councilors, the guards... everyone.

"It's like someone took a life-sucking vacuum to the place," JJ agreed.

Elyna's heart ached for her cousin. "We can't let them do the same to Kaylee."

JJ shook his head fiercely. "Not in this lifetime or any after."

Esme quickly made her way to the office area, which was luckily labeled, as Elyna and JJ snuck their way around to look for any clues as well.

⚓️

Office

Esme walked into the office, walking up to the desk to see a secretary - a completely different woman than the one who had been speaking to Kaylee before.

The secretary looked up at Esme with an uninterested look in her eyes. "Can I help you?"

"Yes, hi," Esme greeted, her act of undercover flawless. "I'm one of the new counselors. My name's Laura. I was hoping that I could see one of my patient's file. She just arrived today, a new camper. Her name is Kaylee Carrera."

The secretary's eyes flicked to her computer screen, fingers dancing across the keys. "Kaylee Carrera..."

The tapping of the keyboard echoed in the silence of the office, a stark contrast to the whispered fears swirling in Esme's mind.

"Yes, I believe she was admitted today," Esme pressed, her heart racing with urgency. "I just want to make sure she's settled in okay."

The woman squinted at the screen, frowning slightly as if struggling to locate Kaylee's file. "Right. Admitted under unusual circumstances..." Her voice trailed off as her fingers froze.

Esme seized the moment. "Unusual? What do you mean?"

The secretary glanced up, her expression neutral, but there was a twitch in her jaw that indicated something was amiss. "Just... standard protocol for kids with behavioral issues."

Esme nodded, maintaining her facade. "Yes. I was informed that she might need some additional support, and I'd like to review her file so I can better understand her situation."

The secretary hesitated, glancing around as if considering how much to disclose. "I'll need to check with the head counselor first. We have strict protocols about accessing patient files."

"Of course," Esme replied smoothly, keeping her tone steady. "I completely understand the need for confidentiality. But it would be incredibly helpful if I could get an overview - just a few details to help me assist her more effectively."

The secretary sighed, leaning back in her chair as if the effort were exhausting. "Fine, but I can't promise anything."

Esme watched as the woman picked up a phone and dialed an extension, closing her eyes briefly.

After a moment, the secretary seemed satisfied - or either lax with protocol - as she hung up the phone and proceeded with Esme's request.

"You showed up in time, it appears," the secretary stated. "She was having issues with the girl this morning. The guys had to restrain her and sedate her again and take her to the reflection cabin. It's an isolation tactic to ensure safety of the camper and others."

Esme set her jaw at the words. "Sedate her again? Isolation?"

"Yeah, to calm her down," the secretary answered, getting Kaylee's file. "Hopefully you will have better luck getting through to her, because she refused to listen this morning."

The secretary then retrieved the bottles of medications that the previous woman had given to Kaylee while she was unconscious, setting them out for Esme to take.

"And these are all the medications that she had to administer while she was sleeping," the secretary finished.

Esme could feel her throat closing in with each word she heard. Isolation and sedation? Forced medication while unconscious? It was just as Kaylee feared and even worse.

Esme picked up Kaylee's file along with her prescriptions. "Thank you very much. When could I see her?"

"Whenever they decide to let her out of the reflection cabin," the secretary answered.

Esme's heart raced as she clutched Kaylee's file tightly against her chest, the mounting urgency compelling her to act. "Could you point me in the direction of the reflection cabin? I need to speak with her as soon as possible."

The secretary sighed heavily, glancing around the office as if weighing the risks before responding. "It's at the far end of the property. Take a left at the main path, and it's behind a set of locked gates."

"Thank you," Esme said, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her.

(Song:) No Mutuals - Fake Fruit

Esme turned on her heel and hurried out of the office, her mind racing with plans and possibilities.

⚓️

Outside

Outside, Esme spotted Elyna and JJ lurking near a path that led deeper into the camp. They looked up as she approached, their expressions a mixture of concern and anticipation.

"Did you find anything?" Elyna asked, her eyes wide with urgency.

Esme nodded quickly, unlocking the information like a dam bursting. "She's in an isolation cabin at the far end of the property. I'll take us there, but there's a locked gate and a door beyond that."

"If there's chains on the gate, I can easily pick that lock," Elyna stated.

JJ nodded. "I've got the door lock."

Esme shook her head urgently. "It might not be that simple."

"What do you mean?" Elyna asked worriedly.

"They sedated her again and medicated her," Esme answered, holding up the three prescriptions. "An anxiolytic-antidepressant, an anticonvulsant mood stabilizer, and an antipsychotic."

"What the hell for?" JJ demanded. "She doesn't need all that!"

"We don't have time to talk about it all right now," Esme pointed out. "The point is, she's going to be disoriented and drugged and likely barely able to move."

Elyna nodded knowingly in disappointed and worry. "So she won't be easy to get out of here."

"Not until the medications wear off enough that she'll be able to get control of her body back," Esme confirmed. "If we try to go for now, then we risk getting us all caught, and we cannot afford that in her situation right now. In a state that she's helpless and unable to fight back or run."

JJ swallowed. "How long do we wait?"

Esme tilted her head. "Two hours, max."

"It'll be night by then," Elyna pointed out.

"And we'll all be able to get out of here as fast as we can," Esme returned. "Including her."

Elyna and JJ nodded seriously, knowing that Esme's plan was the most logical and the only way that they could get Kaylee out of here.

⚓️

Asheville Academy - Outside

Outside of Asheville, Peter led Kie through the grounds of the boarding school, toward a building. "This is the group therapy building. Dr. Avery usually likes to meet the new students and have a one-on-one session for their first day, which is why we're here. This is your one-on-one time."

Kie was not happy. "Yay for me."

"Other Asheville students swear by her," Peter told her.

"And you'll be waiting here until I'm done?" Kie asked.

"Given what your parents have told me about you and your sister, I'm sure you plan on running away," Peter told her. "I'm here to prevent that from happening."

Kie nodded sarcastically, looking away. "Good luck."

Kie turned around, walking into the building.

Meanwhile, Gael was walking through the mountains and forests surrounding the boarding school until he arrived at the entrance, having left the van on the road for an easy getaway.

Isa and Lia were making their way closer to look for a way in to find Kie and help her escape, once Gael worked his way in undercover and distracted the man in charge - Peter - so that they could help Kie get away.

(Song Ends)

⚓️

Ward's Shack

(Song:) She Was Never Mine to Lose - Tommy Strange

Ward was slicing up the fish that he caught in his shack, wincing when he cut his finger. "Ow!"

Ward turned on the sink water, washing the blood away, sucking on his finger, looking around for a band-aid.

(Song Ends)

The hitman suddenly came up from behind Ward, wrapping his garrote around his neck, twisting it tight.

Ward was struggling with all he had, but he wasn't as strong as he used to be. He reached for his knife, but it was just out of reach. When he finally managed to grab the knife, struggling to breathe, he raised the knife to try and stab the hitman behind him. The hitman raised one arm to catch his wrist to stop Ward from stabbing him, twisting his arm enough to make Ward stab himself in the leg instead, making Ward scream, throwing him to the ground, walking closer, spinning the knife in his hand.

Ward tried to get away. "No, no, no, no!" Rafe ran into the shack and body slammed into the hitman, sending him flying into the wall and hitting it so hard he fell to the floor. Despite knowing that Rafe was behind this, Ward was relieved that he still came to save him. "Rafe, he's got a knife!"

Rafe walked toward the hitman. The hitman stood, trying to stab Rafe. Rafe ducked backwards, making him miss. The hitman tried to rush Rafe. Rafe caught the hitman around the middle, spinning them around to flip the hitman to the ground, making him hit the floor hard.

As the hitman started to stand, Ward, still on the ground, grabbed his ankle to distract him, making him take his eyes off of Rafe.

Rafe picked up a heavy, sturdy surfboard and slammed it over the head of the hitman, making him fall to the ground and drop the knife.

Ward slid the knife away from the hitman, across the shack.

Rafe stalked closer, kneeling over the hitman, grabbing him by the shirt to keep him still, punching him repeatedly, over and over, breaking his nose, making him bleed, as the hitman started to pass out from the force of the hits.

Ward tried to get Rafe to stop. "Rafe." Rafe seemed to lose control as he kept punching and hitting. "Rafe!  Rafe! Rafe!"  Ward grabbed his arm. "Rafe! Rafe! Stop it!"

They heard a man call from a boat out on the water behind them. "Are you okay?" Rafe finally stopped, looking back out toward the man on the boat. "You want me to call the police?"

Rafe shook his head instantly. "No, no, no, we're good. We don't need the police. We're good."

"Are you sure?" the man asked. Ward looked up, and the man recognized him instantly. "Ward? Is that you?" Rafe and Ward were both stunned speechless. "Ward Cameron? Holy shit, Ward!"

"No, hey, we're good!" Rafe told him, trying to get rid of him, standing, waving him off. "Go, get out of here! Go!"

Ward fell back, trying to keep out of sight, a moment too late.

The man rowed his boat away.

Ward struggled to try and get up. "Let's go."

Rafe walked over to help Ward, easing him up, careful of the stab wound in his leg that was bleeding profusely. "Hey, come on."

⚓️

Outside

Rafe had Ward's arm around his shoulders as he helped him walk up to his bike.

"I need a helmet," Ward told him. "I can't be seen. I gotta have a helmet."

Rafe put his helmet on Ward's head. "We gotta go. You good?"

"Yeah," Ward answered.

Rafe got on in front of Ward, pulling on his other helmet, and started the bike, taking off down the trail.

⚓️

Kitty Hawk Camp

In the reflection cabin, Kaylee was still recovering from the sedatives and the medications.

The first woman Kaylee spoke to in the office walked in with the two men that brought Kaylee here.

"Kaylee, we know you're processing and feel you're best supported by your peers," the woman told her. "So we're going to relocate you."

Kaylee did not like that idea knowing that she didn't know anyone here. "I really feel like I need some more time to reflect."

"No stalling," Man 1 told her. "Come on. We're putting you in a dorm."

"Cabin six," Man 2 told her. "Let's go."

Kaylee knew that she was in no shape to fight them, sighing as she complied.

⚓️

Outside

Kaylee walked outside, following the woman and the two men toward Group Cabin #6, walking inside hesitantly.

On the edge of the camp, waiting for their moment, JJ, Elyna and Esme saw Kaylee be led into Cabin 6, relieved to she her awake and walking, and knowing where she was so they could get her when the guards were no longer around.

⚓️

Cabin 6

At least two dozen girls were forced to room in the cabin like a group home, all of them looking empty, depressed, angry, lonely.

Kaylee was led inside.

"Girls, this is Kaylee," the woman introduced. "Let's show her some empathy and love, okay? Can we do that?"

Of course, none of the girls responded as such.

Kaylee nodded sarcastically, looking down. "No? Okay."

Man 1 led Kaylee down the aisle toward an empty bed. "On top."

Kaylee ignored all the girls staring at her, climbing up onto the top bunk.

Man 1 walked away.

Kaylee looked around, not comfortable in the least.

⚓️

Asheville Academy - Dr. Avery's Office

Kie was sitting down.

Dr. Avery walked toward her. "I read the notes from your parents. I hope we can forge a relationship built on trust and mutual respect." Kie scoffed. "This is a safe space, Kiara. A sanctuary where we can discuss anything. What you're thinking, feeling, your views on the world, personal philosophy."

"That's easy," Kie told her. "I think this is a waste of time. And the rest is none of your business."

Dr. Avery sighed. "Therapy is a valuable tool to help you understand yourself. It can teach you new ways to deal with your emotions. It can also help you build a life that you want."

"I know the life that I want," Kie told her.

Avery nodded. "Tell me about it. Everything said in these sessions is strictly confidential."

Kie looked around. "Would you mind if I use the bathroom first?"

Avery gestured to the bathroom.

Kie stood, walking into the bathroom, closing and locking the bathroom door, seeing the window, which of course had a lock on it, but Kie found a nail file and used it to pick the lock on the window, opening it, climbing out the window.

⚓️

Outside

Gael approached Peter on the edge of the boarding school grounds. "Hey, there, uh, sir. How's it going?"

"Can I help you?" Peter asked.

"Yes, I have a message for one of your students here," Gael replied. "Her name is Kiara Carrera. She's here, right?"

"Unfortunately, we're not allowed to do that," Peter told him. "You're not even supposed to be here on campus."

Gael let out a worried breath for his niece. "Okay. It's just that it's very important. It's a very important matter, sir."

"Oh, I'm sure it is," Peter replied. "But we have a policy. No contact with the outside world for the first two weeks."

Gael frowned. "Right. It's actually a family matter, and I'm her family. I'm her uncle. Look, I know that you have a policy and all, but there's just been something that happened recently that..."

While Kie was climbing out of the window of the therapy building, she made sure that Peter couldn't see her, but in the process she saw and heard Gael talking to Peter, smiling in relief knowing that her uncle - and knowing that Isa and Lia would have - came for her.

With Peter fully distracted, Kie backed away toward the tree line.

(Song:) Hanging On the Telephone - The Nerves

Isa and Lia ran up behind Kie and grabbed her arms.

Kie jumped and turned to face them, scared that it could be a threat. But when she saw that it was both of the girls she loved, she broke into the biggest smile.

"Come on," Isa whispered. "Let's get the fuck out of here."

Lia took Isa and Kie by the hands as the three girls started to run into the forest surrounding the boarding school.

Gael, seeing that the girls were getting away, smiled at Peter. "Actually, you know what? I'm getting emotional, and you're right. I shouldn't be here. I think I'll be on my way."

Gael quickly made his way back for the road before Peter could ask any questions or Kie's disappearance could be brought up by her therapist - who had yet to learn of it as Kie had snuck out of the bathroom.

Gael just knew he had to be at the road and get the van to be the getaway driver for the girls.

⚓️

Woods

Isa, Kie and Lia took off running through the woods over the mountains without looking back, carefully navigating the uneven, tilted terrain as much as they could without slowing down, as a couple of the academy's guards were chasing after them through the woods.

Isa led the way through the woods, looking back for Kie and Lia. "Come on!"

Kie and Lia followed as fast as they could, catching up with Isa, keeping close, as they had to circle around through the woods, jumping over rocks and branches, climbing up over fallen tree trunks and sliding down to the ground on their feet and continuing the chase in order to get away.

Isa was in a lot of pain because of her burn wounds, as her body was screaming at every motion.

Lia took Isa's hand, helping her along. "Come on."

Kie took Isa's other hand as they continued to run, the three having to let go eventually to go even faster, arms pumping at their sides.

Finally, Isa, Kie and Lia had to come to a stop when they reached the edge of a cliff on the mountain.

Kie held out her arms on either side of her to stop Isa and Lia, all three of them on the edge and looking over the cliff. "Guys, wait!"

"Holy shit," Lia said, in disbelief. She found a small incline on the side which led to an alcove, taking their hands. "Come on!"

Knowing that they didn't have another choice given that the guards were almost upon them, Lia led the way down the small incline, sliding down the rock face down to the alcove. Kie followed, and then Isa. They ducked into the alcove on the edge of the cliff for hiding.

The guards reached the edge of the cliff, but didn't see the three girls. They continued searching, yelling for Kiara and trying to see where they went, but Isa, Lia and Kie stayed hidden until they were sure that the guards were gone.

Isa sighed heavily. "Okay, I think we're good."

"Careful," Kie warned.

Lia turned her back to the edge, gripping the rock of the alcove tightly as she climbed out and up to the top of the cliff above their heads, steadily and ready to go, easily reaching the top. She crouched to the ground as she turned back, reaching down. "Come on, I got you."

Kie nodded, reaching up for Lia's hand. Lia held onto the tree next to her as she grabbed Kie's hand, pulling her up as Kie climbed her way up with Lia's help, reaching the top of the cliff.

Now came the hard part, as Isa's body was already screaming at her because of third-degree wounds. She couldn't climb this on her own. She would need both Lia and Kie's help to make it to the top, and she was afraid that she would be dead weight that would kill them all if she couldn't make it. But the three of them loved each other so much, none of them would leave each other behind, and Lia and Kie would give anything to get Isa back up to safety, back in their arms. Just as Isa and Lia risked everything to rescue Kie, and before like Isa and Kie risked everything to rescue Lia.

Kie and Lia both reached down to grasp Isa's hands to begin pulling her up. Isa strained as she started to climb, fire shooting through her body. Her still-open, a day-old fresh wounds caused her to cry out as she used all of her strength to push herself up to the top of the cliff before they could teeter off the edge.

Just as the pain surged through Isa's body, threatening to pull her back down, Kie and Lia combined their strength, pulling her upward with every ounce of determination they could muster. Isa gritted her teeth, wincing with every move, forcing herself to ignore the fiery agony that coursed beneath her skin.

Kie urged, her voice a mix of fear and fierce encouragement. "Come on, Isa! You've got this!"

Isa felt the warmth of their hands gripping hers tightly as they hoisted her upward. The world spun around her, but she couldn't afford to lose focus - not now when they were so close to escaping.

With one final push, Isa made it over the ledge and collapsed onto the ground beside Kie and Lia. She gasped for breath, the adrenaline still coursing through her veins.

Lia quickly crawled up next to her, eyes wide with concern. "Are you okay?"

Isa nodded, though it was a lie; she could feel the blood oozing beneath the bandages over her upper back and shoulders, and she was resisting the urge to cry.

Kie knelt beside Isa, worry etched on her face. "Isa, you're hurt! We need to get you somewhere safe."

"I'm fine," Isa insisted, though her voice trembled slightly. She forced a smile, trying to reassure them both. "We did it! We got away." She smiled through teary eyes as she reached to cup Kie's cheek. "We got you back. That's all that matters."

Lia reached to cup Kie's other cheek with her hand, and cupped Isa's cheek with her free hand.

Kie looked at them both with tears in her eyes as she gripped both of their wrists, relief and love evident in her gaze, nearly sobbing. "You two came."

"Of course we came, Kie," Lia murmured.

"Did you doubt we would?" Isa asked.

Kie shook her head instantly, near tears. "Never. I love you."

"I love you," Isa whispered.

Lia nodded, a tear falling down her cheek. "I love you."

For a moment, Kie, Lia and Isa leaned their heads together before pulling apart, knowing they couldn't stay here.

Lia's brow furrowed as she scanned the area for any signs of the guards. "We need to keep moving. They won't stop until they find us."

Isa struggled to stand up, gritting her teeth against the pain that flared in her back. "Okay, let's go."

Isa pushed herself to her feet with Kie and Lia's help.

As they crept away from the edge of the cliff, Kie and Lia both wrapped an arm around Isa's waist, providing support without saying a word. The three girls moved cautiously through the thick underbrush, heartbeats racing as the sounds of their pursuers faded into the distance.

Lia guided the way toward the road where they were to meet Gael at the Twinkie, never letting go of Isa and Kie as she did. "Just don't let go, okay? We're almost there."

Kie swallowed. "Uncle Gael was back there. He..."

"Your uncle's driving the Twinkie," Isa assured. "Getting us the hell out of here."

Kie nodded in understanding.

Just as they broke through the tree line and reached the road, they were greeted by the sight of the van before them.

Relief poured out of Kie, Isa and Lia as their determination returned full force, steps hurrying as they ran for the Twinkie.

Gael called to them from the driver's seat, concerned and worried but knowing they had to get out of there. "Let's go, come on!"

Lia quickly opened the back door of the van. Immediately, Kie and Lia helped Isa climb in and settle into the back before they climbed in themselves, closing the door behind them, sinking down next to their girlfriend as they three remained intertwined as much as possible after too many close calls of being ripped away from each other.

Once he was sure the girls were safe in the back, Gael put the van in drive and sped down the road, leaving the mountains and forests that surrounded Asheville Academy behind.

As they sped away, the hum of the engine drowned out the tension in the air. Kie's heart pounded, a mix of adrenaline and relief flooding her system as she nestled closer to Isa and Lia, their fingers intertwined. They were together again, and that was all that mattered.

"Are you okay?" Kie asked softly, glancing at Isa, who looked pale and strained but managed a reassuring smile.

"I will be," Isa replied, breathless but resolute. "Just... a bit slower than usual."

Gael shot a quick glance in the rearview mirror, his expression torn between concern and pride at the resilience of the girls behind him. "You did well back there. I'm proud of you."

Kie's eyes brightened. "You found me! I knew you'd come for me."

"Always," Gael affirmed, a hint of emotion cracking through his usually steady demeanor.

"Thank you, Uncle Gael," Kie told him emotionally.

Isa smiled softly at Kie, though pain flickered across her features. "Of course we came for you. You're our girl, Kie. We'd never leave you behind."

Lie intertwined her fingers with Kie's and squeezed gently. "We've been through too much together. We're not letting anyone tear us apart again."

Kie looked at them with emotional tears in her eyes as she laughed lightly, placing a gentle kiss on both Isa and Lia's lips, which they returned. Lia kissed Isa's forehead lightly before pecking her lips softly, leaning her head against the top of Isa's as she stroked her hair comfortingly.

Kie looked at them worriedly. "Kaylee?"

"Esme, Elyna and JJ are working on that right now," Gael assured. "We'll meet them at the tarmac with the rest of your friends."

Kie sighed heavily in relief as she looked at Isa and Lia, all three girls nodding, ready to reunite with everyone they loved.

⚓️

Kitty Hawk Camp

Back at Kitty Hawk, the men escorted Kaylee from the reflection cabin to Cabin 6 - a dorm bunk that was locked from the outside to keep the girls from escaping.

JJ and Elyna saw their chance to break Kaylee free from Kitty Hawk and took it.

"JJ, you go get Kaylee," Elyna instructed. "I'll keep a look out and keep any guards from interfering with the escape. Mom's waiting with the getaway car."

JJ nodded in agreement. "Let's do it." Elyna and JJ did the Pogue handshake. JJ smirked. "You're perfect at that already."

Elyna smiled, shrugging. "I'm a quick study."

After seeing Elyna, along with her parents, take down drug dealers earlier with ease, JJ had no doubt that she would be able to handle any guards that came their way if they tried to stop their escape.

JJ snuck toward Cabin 6, about to use the crowbar to break the lock before he got a better idea. "Wait, no."

JJ was able to use a card to jimmy open the door.

(Song Pauses)

⚓️

Cabin 6

The lights were out as JJ snuck in, whispering. "Kaylee? Kay? Kay? Kaylee?"

A girl sat up, turning on the light, making JJ jump. "What are you doing in here?"

JJ stood up straight. "Hi, there. Uh, evening, miss. Uh..." The other girls started to sit up, as none of them had been asleep yet. "Sorry, sorry. Sorry to bother y'all. Okay. Hello, everyone. Uh... shit. I know this looks bad. I come in peace. But I'm just looking for someone. I'm looking--looking for..."

JJ lowered his mask.

Kaylee sat up, looking at him in intense relief. "Me."

JJ's breath caught as he looked toward her. "Kaylee."

Kaylee looked so relieved and emotional she could burst into tears, but she refrained from doing so. She climbed down from her bunk, instantly running toward him. "JJ."

As they met in the middle, JJ and Kaylee's arms wrapped tightly around each other, their bodies pressing together as if trying to merge into one. Their eyes were closed, savoring the warmth and familiarity of each other's embrace. They finally pulled away, but only slightly, reluctant to let go completely.

Kaylee's mind was whirling with confusion, unable to comprehend how JJ had suddenly appeared before her. She shook her head, her drugged and disoriented mind trying to make sense of it all. "How did... how?"

JJ couldn't help but chuckle at the incredulous look on Kaylee's face. "I know. Okay, yeah, it's a long story. No time to explain, though. Wait, there's one thing, though. I know I've been a complete ass lately, and I... I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Kay. For everything."

Despite the hurt and anger that had built up inside her over the past few weeks, Kaylee couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her at JJ's words. She smiled through the pain, biting her lip as she looked into his eyes. "JJ..."

"What?" JJ asked anxiously.

"I love you," Kaylee whispered.

In that moment, all of the tension and frustration between them seemed to melt away. JJ's entire being lit up with pure joy and happiness at hearing those words again, even if it hadn't been long since they last said them to each other. "I love you too."

For a moment, they simply gazed at each other, lost in the depth of their emotions. Despite everything they had been through, they both knew that their love for each other remained unchanged. Without hesitation, JJ leaned in closer, his hand gently gripping the back of Kaylee's neck. She reached up and touched his cheek tenderly, both of them drawn in by the overwhelming emotions between them. They finally gave into their desires and kissed passionately yet tenderly. It was a moment they had longed for amidst all the chaos and turmoil, and now it was finally theirs to savor.

(Song Hanging on the Telephone by the Nerves - Resumes)

All of the girls in the cabin erupted into cheers and applause, and at first, Kaylee and JJ were too lost in their moment of bliss as they kissed to notice, only noticing when they finally pulled away.

JJ looked around at the girls. "Whoa! Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa! Keep it down, keep it down."

"Hey, come on," Kaylee complained. "Shh!"

JJ took Kaylee by the hand, running toward the door. "Come on!"

Kaylee followed quickly.

The girls jumped down from their beds to run to the door too.

⚓️

Outside

When Kaylee and JJ burst through the cabin door, the cool night air hit them like a refreshing wave. The moon hung low in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the campgrounds. For a moment, Kaylee felt dizzy, the effects of the drugs still lingering in her system, but JJ's firm grip on her hand anchored her to reality.

As they stepped onto the wooden porch, the sound of a scuffle caught their attention. Their eyes darted to the source, and what they saw made them both freeze in their tracks.

Elyna stood there, her silhouette illuminated by the dim light of a nearby lamp post. Her stance was wide and confident, her fists raised in a defensive position. Before her lay a crumpled form - a guard, his uniform now dirty and disheveled.

Time seemed to slow as they watched Elyna's final move.

Elyna turned her head to see Kaylee and JJ behind her, flashing a grin at the pair. "Did you two finally make up yet?"

JJ smirked slightly. "You could say that."

Kaylee sighed heavily in relief at seeing her cousin. "Ely!"

Elyna's eyes sparkled with mischief as she walked over to Kaylee and JJ, brushing her hands off. "Hey, Kay. I took care of this idiot while you two were... busy." She pointed to the guard, who lay groaning at her feet. "Just doing my part to ensure your escape."

Kaylee's heart swelled with gratitude as she quickly wrapped her arms around Elyna. The two cousins embraced tightly for a moment.

Once they pulled away, Kaylee turned to JJ, a burst of determination igniting within her. "We have to get out of here. Now."

"Right behind you," JJ replied, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of trouble.

"Follow me," Elyna urged. "I mapped the place earlier while Mom was getting info."

As Elyna led the way through the labyrinthine paths of Kitty Hawk, dodging shadows and keeping low to avoid detection, Kaylee and JJ followed, the trio moving quickly, hearts pounding with the rush of adrenaline.

Kaylee felt alive; her body awakened by the urgency of their situation, even as her body still felt sluggish and disagreeable from her sedatives and medications.

JJ kept an arm steadily around Kaylee to help her along. "You good?"

Kaylee nodded as they continued on. "I never thought I was gonna make it out."

The trio ran around past the sign as JJ cheered.

Elyna tilted her head teasingly. "Gotta have more faith in the family, Kaylee."

Kaylee flipped the Kitty Hawk camp sign off as they continued to run. "This place can suck it!"

"Wilderness camp," JJ remarked dryly.

Finally, they reached the road.

Kaylee looked at Elyna in confusion. "Wait, you said your mom... Esme's here?"

"Yeah," Elyna answered. "She's the getaway driver."

Right on time, Esme pulled up beside the three teenagers in the darkness. "Get in."

Elyna hurriedly got into the passenger seat.

JJ and Kaylee ducked into the backseat without hesitation.

Instantly, Esme drove away without stopping.

(Song Ends)

As the car sped away from Kitty Hawk, Kaylee sank back into her seat, breathing heavily as adrenaline coursed through her veins. The night air rushed in through the open windows, cool against her flushed skin. Yet even amidst the thrill of escape, an undercurrent of anxiety tugged at her.

JJ cheered with the sole intention of cheering Kaylee up. "That's what I'm talking about! We did good. We're hustlers, baby!"

Kaylee couldn't help but laugh lightly despite her disorientation.

Elyna smiled as she glanced back at Kaylee and JJ.

"Are you okay?" Esme asked, glancing back at Kaylee through the rearview mirror. Her voice was laced with maternal concern after realizing the medications that Kaylee had been forced to take after she was sedated into unconsciousness after her own parents had her kidnapped and sent to this place.

Kaylee offered a weak smile, grateful for the genuine care in Esme's voice. "I'm fine, just... still feeling the effects of those drugs. But I'm free now, and that's what matters."

Elyna turned in her seat to look back at Kaylee, her eyes bright with fervor. "We were so worried about you! I can't believe you had to go through all that."

Kaylee shook her head. "I'll be fine." She looked at them worriedly. "Kie?"

"Gael took Isa and Lia to get Kie," Esme answered. "Your sister is going to be just fine. They'll meet us at the tarmac with the other Pogues."

"We'll be there in under an hour," Elyna agreed. "Don't you worry."

Kaylee sighed heavily in relief, tilting her head back, nodding.

JJ wrapped his arm gently around Kaylee. "We're gonna see them all real soon, Kay. I promise."

As the van sped down the winding road, Kaylee felt a renewed sense of hope swell within her chest. The familiar weight of JJ's arm around her shoulders was comforting, grounding her amidst the chaos of emotions swirling inside. She couldn't shake off the remnants of fear and doubt that clung to her like shadows, but knowing that her family was out there, fighting for her and Kie, gave her strength.

⚓️

Beach

On the beach of Kildare, Shoupe was pacing, speaking to an officer through his radio.

"One-nine, do you copy?"

"Victor one-nine," Shoupe answered.

"We got a call from the DA's office. Topper Thornton has officially pressed charges against John B Routledge. Thought you'd want to know."

Shoupe nodded, not surprised. "Wondered when that was going down."

"The Thornton kid says that John B is out at the private airstrip on Bohicket, with the Pogues, getting ready to take off on the Camerons' private jet."

Shoupe chuckled. "The Pogues on the Camerons' jet?"

"That's what he said. And something else. Locky Machart called. He says there was a dispute out on the Skinners Landing. And get this, he says he saw Ward Cameron."

Shoupe looked confused, stunned. "Locky's telling you he saw Ward Cameron at Skinners?"

"He said that this guy who he thinks was Ward was injured and he was heading out in the direction of the airstrip."

Shoupe thought about this for a second before deciding what to do. "Send a unit out to Skinners. Put me 'en route' to the airstrip. And get me some backup, will you?"

"You got it, Shoupe."

Shoupe walked toward his car.

⚓️

Night - Tarmac

Now the sun was completely down, and John B, Sarah, Wheezie, Pope and Cleo were getting antsy as they were pacing on the tarmac outside of the plane.

Wheezie was holding Indy, looking around anxiously. "Have they called?"

"Have you heard from them?" Pope asked.

"No, nothing," John B answered. "They should almost be here."

"We don't have time," Sarah stressed. "Topper might've already called the police."

John B held up his hands. "Okay, okay, I'll call them."

"Okay," Sarah agreed.

They heard two engines roaring as two cars pulled up to the plane.

"Wait, I think that's them, guys," Cleo told them.

The Twinkie and Gael/Esme's car pulled up and over.

Gael, Isa, Kie and Lia got out of the Twinkie, and Esme, Elyna, Kaylee and JJ got out of Gael/Esme's car.

Everyone looked at Kaylee and Kie in absolute relief.

Wheezie put her hands to her head. "Oh, my God."

Kaylee and Kie's eyes locked as the two sisters looked near tears afer everything they endured today at the hands of their parents, needing each other now more than ever.

"Kaylee!" Kie cried.

"Kie..." Kaylee trailed off.

Kie rushed forward, crashing into Kaylee with a force that knocked the breath from both of them. The sisters held each other tightly, tears streaming down their faces as they clung to one another.

Kie sobbed into Kaylee's shoulder. "I'm so sorry. I couldn't do anything to stop them. When they drugged you..."

Kaylee squeezed Kie even tighter, overwhelmed by the relief flooding through her. "It wasn't your fault, okay? That's not on you."

Sarah sighed in relief as she exchanged a look with Wheezie. "Thank God."

Elyna rushed over to her cousins, looking at the other one that she hadn't been able to save. "Kie..."

Kie met her gaze. "Ely."

Kaylee and Kie both looked at their cousin emotionally, their arms wide open for Elyna. They collided in a tight embrace, tears streaming down their faces as the weight of everything crashed over them. It was a moment of unspeakable relief, a warm cocoon built from the love that had pulled them through the darkest hours over the last few weeks.

Instinctively, Isa, Lia, JJ, John B, Pope, Sarah, Wheezie and Cleo surrounded them, wrapping Kaylee, Kie and Elyna in a protective circle of support and love, which they melted in response to. This was where they were all meant to be.

"You're safe now," Isa murmured. "We're together. We're not going anywhere."

"I can't believe you guys made it out," Pope admitted. "We were so worried."

"We're all here," JJ said softly. "That's all that matters."

After a moment, everyone pulled away, looking at each other in concern and solidarity.

Gael stepped closer to his nieces, looking at Kaylee and Kie in concern. "You two okay?"

"Better now," Kaylee replied, wiping her eyes quickly before smiling at Gael, Esme, Elyna, Isa, Lia and JJ. "Thank you for coming for us."

Lia grinned broadly, her heart swelling with joy at seeing Kaylee and Kie together again, back with their family the way they should be. "We would've stormed the gates of hell itself if it meant bringing you home."

"Absolutely," JJ agreed.

Esme looked at Kaylee and Kie as she took them both by the hands. "Look at me. Until you both turn 18, or until you kids have a home of your own, why don't you stay with me, Gael and Elyna for good?"

Kaylee's heart soared at Esme's words, relief flooding through her like a warm tide. She looked at Kie, whose eyes sparkled with gratitude and understanding. "Really? You mean it?"

Esme nodded, a soft smile on her face. "Of course. You two need a safe place, free from the chaos your parents created. We'll figure this out together."

Kie's expression brightened as she squeezed Kaylee's hand tighter. "I would love that."

Kaylee felt the tears welling up again but this time for a different reason - hope. "I want that too. More than anything."

Gael stepped forward, placing his hands on their shoulders. "You both deserve to be happy and to feel free, not trapped in someone else's idea of what you should be. This is your life."

Lia smiled proudly at the sisters, her heart swelling with affection. "We're gonna make sure you both have everything you need."

Isa chimed in despite the pain she was in, smiling. "It'll be a good thing for you to spend time with your family before we can have our own place, together or separately like we were talking about. A home for the Pogues. Until we can make it our own.'

"Exactly," Elyna agreed. "Kaylee, Kie, you're not just cousins to me anymore. You're practically my sisters. And I wouldn't have it any other way."

Kaylee and Kie smiled emotionally as they let themselves be pulled into another embrace with Elyna. This time, Gael and Esme embraced the three girls firmly but gently, intent on never letting anything like this happen to them ever again.

Cleo smiled slightly. "I think that's a good deal. Next up, we're going to South America, guys."

Kaylee, Kie, Elyna, Gael and Esme pulled away from their embrace.

JJ spoke up like a pilot to lift all their spirits up. "Direct flight to South America on Cameron Airlines. What more could you ask for?" The Pogues smiled. "Next stop, El Dorado."

Wheezie's eyes lit up as she remembered the incredible scene that had unfolded earlier. She bounced on her toes, barely able to contain her excitement.

"Oh, my God, guys!" Wheezie exclaimed, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "You won't believe what happened while you were gone. We have the most amazing story to tell you on the plane!"

Isa, Lia, Kie, Kaylee, JJ, and Elyna all turned to look at Wheezie, their curiosity piqued by her obvious excitement.

"What happened?" Isa asked, wincing slightly as she shifted her weight, the pain from her burns a constant reminder of their ordeal.

Wheezie grinned broadly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "It's about our little warrior princess here."

Wheezie gestured to Indy who was now purring contentedly in her arms, looking as innocent as could be.

John B, Sarah, Pope and Cleo smiled.

Elyna's eyes widened. "Indy? What did she do?"

"She totally took out Topper," Pope answered. "It was amazing."

Isa, Lia, Kie, Kaylee, JJ, and Elyna looked at them in disbelief and awe. "What?!"

Cleo grinned widely. "Don't worry, I got it all on video. I'll show it to you when we're in the air."

Sarah chuckled. "Let's get on the plane."

John B clapped his hands. "Yeah, we're running out of time. Chop chop."

Gael and Esme smiled, shaking their heads lightly.

"We gotta go, guys," Cleo agreed.

But before they could get on the plane, they heard another engine roaring, turning to look out over the area.

Rafe sped his bike up to the plane, both he and Ward wearing their helmets, pulling over quickly, taking off his helmet, turning toward Ward on the back of the bike. "Hey. You're okay, Dad. You're okay. Come on, you're good."

The Pogues looked at them in shock and uneasiness.

Kaylee was stunned by the sight.

John B and Isa stared Ward down numbly.

JJ glared at Rafe, watching as he hauled a groaning Ward off of his motorcycle, clenching his fists.

Kaylee put a hand out to stop JJ from stepping forward, not wanting another fight to break out, as she stared at Rafe and Ward in confusion and anxiety.

Gael eyed Ward warily, though Esme held a hand over his chest to ease tensions, both ready to make a move if necessary.

"What are they doing here?" Pope hissed quietly.

Ward fell to the ground.

Lia, Sarah and Wheezie looked frozen and didn't know what to do.

Rafe knelt next to Ward, struggling to pull his bleeding and wounded father up from the ground. "Come on, help, help! Don't just stand there. I need some help, please."

Rafe pulled Ward's helmet off, which only further brought on Lia, Sarah and Wheezie's hesitation upon seeing their father's face.

After their father had tried to kill them and pushed Lia and Rafe to the brink time and time again, the sisters were torn on what to do.

John B, Isa, Kie and Elyna looked at Lia, Sarah and Wheezie in concern.

Sarah was breathing heavily, hesitating.

Wheezie was trembling as she handed Indy over to Elyna. Elyna gently took Indy to hold.

Wheezie walked over to Rafe and Ward, unable to resist helping. "Come on." She struggled to help Rafe lift Ward from the ground. "Come on, you got it."

Rafe and Ward both looked at Wheezie in relief for her help.

"Thank you, Wheezie," Ward whispered.

However, Ward was putting on a show of sorts. He was putting on dead weight so that Rafe and Wheezie could not lift him by themselves - even when they could obviously do so on their own. He wanted to force Lia and Sarah to come to his aid so that he could have all of his children by his side in that moment.

Seeing Wheezie and Rafe struggle with Ward, Sarah finally walked closer, to help them, wrapping Ward's arm around her shoulder. Rafe held Ward's other arm around his shoulder while Wheezie helped him from behind. They all glanced at Lia, knowing that she was the most justified in not helping their father after everything he did.

"Lia, please," Rafe said urgently but softly.

Lia growled beneath her breath before finally giving in, walking closer to help her siblings with their tyrant of a father.

As Lia stepped closer, her heart raced with conflicting emotions. She felt the weight of her decision pressing down on her. Sarah, Rafe and Wheezie were working hard to support Ward, but each inch she moved toward him felt like a betrayal of everything he had put them through. Yet, seeing her siblings struggle made a part of her want to help, if only to protect them from what lay ahead.

As Ward nearly stumbled forward out of Sarah, Wheezie and Rafe's hold, Lia helped catch him, his four children keeping him standing between them.

"What happened?" Sarah asked breathlessly.

"Let's get him on the plane," Rafe instructed.

As Sarah and Rafe's readjusted Ward's arms further around their shoulders, Ward grasped onto Lia and Wheezie's shoulders just beyond them as his four children guided him to the plane, carrying most of their father's weight as they did so.

"Come on, you're good," Wheezie whispered.

Ward's breathing was ragged, and he leaned heavily on the four of them, his weight shifting unpredictably.

"Thank you, kids," Ward murmured weakly, a hint of sincerity creeping into his tone.

"This doesn't change anything," Lia warned, her voice low as she glared at him from the corner of her eye. "You still have a lot to answer for."

"Understood," Ward replied.

"Rafe, what happened?" Sarah asked.

"A fisherman spotted him," Rafe answered, though he didn't explain how Ward got stabbed. "They know he's alive. We gotta get him off the island right now."

The other Pogues, Gael and Esme watched in disbelief.

Rafe walked up the steps of the plane as Lia, Sarah and Wheezie held Ward steady, so that Rafe could grab Ward and haul him up into the plane. "I got you, I got you."

Once Rafe and Ward were in the plane, Lia, Sarah and Wheezie turned back toward the Pogues, all three sisters in shock and disbelief.

Sarah was pacing. "Shit, this cannot be happening."

Lia, Sarah and Wheezie exchanged a look before running up the steps into the plane.

Pope shook his head. "No. Hell, no. We're not getting on a plane with him. No way! Hell no!"

"Are we still going?" Cleo asked, looking at Isa and John B.

Isa and John B knew that they didn't have a choice, knowing that it was their father's life on the line and they were running out of time.

Isa put her hands to her head. "Fuck."

Wheezie and Sarah stepped off the plane.

Elyna looked at them skeptically. "'Don't worry, he's not coming'?"

Wheezie shook her head. "He wasn't supposed to. We told you."

Sarah walked up to Isa and John B. "He stays on the island, he gets arrested."

John B shook his head. "No, Sarah, I don't think you understand. I don't know if I can get on a plane with that guy."

"Just listen, John B," Sarah told him. "This is his plane. We can't stop him from leaving. But he will still give us a ride to Orinoco, so if you don't wanna get on the plane, I get it."

"We'll find another way," Wheezie told them.

Isa shook her head, biting her lip. "There's no other way. And our dad's running out of time." The others all knew she was right, knowing they didn't have another choice, sighing. "Let's go."

Sarah looked at John B nervously.

John B cupped Sarah's face. "If you're going, I'm going. It's you and me. Let's go, let's get on the plane."

⚓️

Plane 

Lia walked up to Rafe. "Rafe, what happened to him?"

Rafe glanced at Ward, swallowing before turning to Lia, knowing that if anyone wouldn't judge him about what he tried to do to their father, it was Lia. "I tried to talk him into leaving. I thought... I thought if he just went away and stayed hidden, it would be better for everyone. But he wouldn't listen, and when he pushed both of us yesterday, things got out of hand."

Lia's heart sank at the vulnerability in Rafe's voice. "What do you mean 'got out of hand'?"

Rafe bit his lip, his voice barely above a whisper, the weight of his words pressing down on them like lead. "After Dad made us both snap, and made you stab him and almost made me shoot him... I went to Barry. I wanted him to kill Dad. I thought that it would be safer for you, for Sarah and Wheezie, after everything he's done. And so he couldn't control us anymore or drive us out of our minds like he did just yesterday. And... I was out of my head. I know that."

Lia took in the words in absolute shock. "Barry did this to Dad?"

Rafe shook his head. "No, he hired a hitman. He said he didn't want to get his hands dirty anymore. But then I talked to Kaylee, and I didn't tell her about what was going on, but she got through to me like she always does and I had to turn it around. I had to stop it. But when I got there, I didn't expect him to be in that bad of shape. I just wanted to fix my mistake."

Lia's heart raced as she processed Rafe's words, the weight of his confession hanging heavily in the air. And like Rafe had thought, she couldn't find the words to argue against him, because just a few days ago, it was Rafe who had to talk her down from killing Barry of all people.

And despite the darkness of it all, Lia saw that it was Rafe's twisted sense of protection for himself and his sisters - the sense of protection that had been warped by Ward ever since he was a young child.

As Rafe's words sank in, Lia felt a mix of relief and anguish. Relief that Rafe had stopped himself before it was too late, but anguish over the nightmare they both found themselves tangled in - one that was woven with their father's manipulation and their own desperation.

"Rafe," Lia said softly, stepping closer. "I know how much Dad has hurt you. All of us. But we can't let him dictate our lives anymore, even if we're forced to help him now."

Rafe nodded, his gaze drifting to the floor of the plane as if searching for answers amidst the metal and machinery. "I just thought... if he was gone, maybe we could finally be free."

"But killing him wouldn't bring you freedom," Lia replied gently, her heart aching for her brother. "It would just create more chaos. Besides, you're not him - you're better than that. We're better than that. We have to be."

"I thought I could save us," Rafe admitted.

Lia nodded knowingly. "I know. And one day, we will be free from him. But we can't do that by becoming him."

Rafe took a deep breath, nodding slowly as he absorbed Lia's words. "You're right. I can't let him turn me into someone I despise. Not again. How can I love him and hate him so much at the same time?"

Lia sighed heavily, shakily. "I ask myself that same question all the time."

⚓️

Outside

Gael and Esme looked at the other kids in concern.

"Are you sure about this?" Gael asked.

Kaylee nodded, biting her lip. "Come on, we're getting on the plane. We gotta go."

Pope pointed at the plane where Rafe and Ward were still inside. "With them?"

"Yes," Elyna answered. "We don't have any other choice."

"Just stick to the plan," Cleo told them. "Come on, guys."

JJ closed his eyes, completely frustrated at the lack of other choices. "Goddamn it."

They heard Rafe's voice was he was leaving the plane. "You're gonna be all right, you're gonna be all right."

Rafe stopped when he saw Pope in front of him.

Pope was glaring at Rafe for what he did to his family's cross.

Rafe knew this, looking down, walking down the steps.

Pope put a hand on Rafe's shoulder to stop him for a second. "We're not done."

Rafe just looked at Pope before looking to Kaylee.

Kaylee stepped forward to stop a fight. "Hey, come on."

Rafe stepped past them.

Cleo turned to Pope. "Hey. don't let the devil tempt you. Go."

Pope and Cleo walked up onto the plane.

Kie stepped onto the plane, knowing Lia was still inside with Ward.

Elyna hesitated before following, carrying Indy up onto the plane, glancing back at Wheezie as she did.

Wheezie and Sarah stood side by side, looking at Rafe.

Rafe sighed heavily, placing a hand on Wheezie's shoulder. "Lia's inside with Dad, doing what she can for his wounds. Please take care of him. And each other."

Wheezie nodded, feeling the weight of Rafe's concern. "We will. But you need to take care of yourself too, Rafe."

Sarah looked down, still tense when it came to Rafe, but she gave a slight nod, biting her lip.

Rafe sighed heavily. "I just made things worse."

Wheezie tilted her head. "I heard you and Lia inside, Rafe. You stopped the hit from happening. That's what matters right now."

"And honestly, neither of us can blame you for what you did," Sarah muttered. "Not after everything."

Rafe looked at them with relief in his eyes.

Sarah looked toward the plane where they could see Lia tending to Ward through the windows. "But are you sure about this, Rafe? Bringing him here? I mean, he tried to--"

"I know," Rafe interrupted, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "But he's still our father. If we're going to face him, we do it together. No more hiding."

Sarah glanced back toward the plane, her expression a mix of anxiety and determination. "What if he tries to manipulate us again? What if he turns all of this against us?"

"Then we stick together," Wheezie replied firmly. "We've faced worse and come out stronger. We're not going to let him tear us apart again."

Rafe looked at Sarah, biting his lip. "I know you hate me still. I don't blame you after what I did."

Sarah looked down, conflicted with emotions. It was the same turmoil that Lia and Rafe discussed inside with Ward - loving and hating with equal measure. Sarah not only felt that way about their father, but she felt that way about her brother. She hadn't given herself the chance to mend the relationship like Lia and Wheezie had with their brother, and she may never be ready to, and Rafe respected that.

"Just look out for yourselves," Rafe finished.

Sarah took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Okay. But I don't trust him, not after everything."

"Neither do I," Rafe admitted. "But right now, we need to keep him alive long enough to deal with this mess. Figure out what to do from there. I told Kaylee I would stay behind and find out who set the fire that almost killed you guys last night. I'm gonna keep that promise. You guys go."

Sarah and Wheezie looked at him in surprise but nodded barely.

"Don't do anything reckless, Rafe," Wheezie warned. "Please."

"Not yet, anyway," Rafe replied.

For a moment, Sarah looked at Rafe, nodding to him in acknowledgement and goodbye before she walked toward the plane, boarding it without looking back.

Wheezie went to follow before she paused, turning back to Rafe. The least harmed in the Cameron family dynamic, she had little hesitation before she wrapped her arms around Rafe in a goodbye embrace.

Rafe was taken aback by the embrace, his heart swelling with emotion as he enveloped his little sister in a protective hug. "Wheezie..."

"I believe in you," Wheezie whispered, pulling away just enough to look into his eyes. "Just promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise," Rafe replied, feeling the weight of those words settle over him like a fragile truce. It was easy to forget in the chaos how far they had all come - how much they had fought for one another despite the darkness in their past and within themselves.

As Wheezie turned to join Sarah and Elyna in the plane, Rafe took a moment to gather himself. The heaviness in his chest was still there, but now it had morphed into something lighter - a flicker of hope amidst the uncertainty. He took a deep breath, readying himself to face whatever lay ahead.

Isa looked at Rafe reluctantly. "Thank you, for sending the doctor. Helping save my life. Our lives." Rafe nodded a bit, slightly awkwardly as Isa continue. "And for telling us about Kitty Hawk."

Kaylee looked over to them when she heard this, surprised, since she didn't know that it was Rafe that told them.

Rafe looked from Isa to Kaylee, nodding slightly, speaking to both parts that Isa mentioned. "Least I could do."

Isa looked over to Kaylee.

Kaylee was overwhelmed and had no idea how to react, especially when her gaze met Rafe's, and she looked away to JJ.

JJ still glared at Rafe, knowing that it didn't make up for everything, but begrudgingly admitted they wouldn't have found Kaylee without his tip, walking past Rafe to the plane, walking up the steps.

Isa slowly walked past Rafe and up into the plane. Rafe glanced at the bandages on Isa's back, which were stained decently with Isa's blood from her burns, teeth clenching when he realized just how close all of them - mostly Kaylee and his sisters - had come to losing their lives last night. It only fueled his desire to find out who set the fire.

John B looked at Isa and Kaylee to make sure they were okay, walking toward the plane.

Rafe turned to John B, giving him a warning look. "You do anything to him, anything, I swear to God I'll find you."

John B didn't say a word to Rafe or even looked at him as he walked past him onto the plane.

Kaylee hesitated, glancing at Rafe before looking away. "You told them where to find me."

"Yeah," Rafe answered. "I wasn't going to let your parents lock you away in some prison."

Kaylee swallowed hard, conflicted emotions warring inside her. "Thank you. For that."

Rafe nodded barely. As usual, the tension between Rafe and Kaylee was intense and unyielding.

Rafe murmured softly. "I meant what I said before. About waiting, but not forever." His gaze was intense as it locked with hers. "This is me letting you go, Kaylee. For now, at least."

Kaylee's breath caught, surprised by his words even though she had sensed this shift coming. She wasn't sure how to respond.

Rafe continued, his voice low. "Go find that gold. Save John B and Isa's dad. Figure out what you want." He paused. "And if you decide you want to give us a real chance, I'll be here."

Kaylee nodded slowly, still processing his words. "Okay."

"Be careful out there, firebird," Rafe said softly. "South America's no joke."

Kaylee tilted her head. "I can take care of myself."

"I know you can," Rafe agreed. "But still. Watch your back. And watch's my dad's. If any of your Pogues hurt them, and I mean any of them..."

"They won't," Kaylee assured.

For a second, they just looked at each other, the weight of everything that had happened between them hanging in the air.

Kaylee went to walk past Rafe.

Rafe caught Kaylee by the arm, their shoulders grazing, leaning in slightly to speak to her softly but firmly. "Promise me, Kaylee."

Kaylee's eyes met Rafe's, and she could feel the intensity of his gaze piercing into her soul. Reluctantly, she nodded. "I promise."

JJ stood in the doorway of the plane, his jaw clenched and his fists balled up at his sides. His eyes never left the two of them outside.

Kaylee noticed JJ watching them and shook her head, silently pleading for him not to start a fight with Rafe. She was emotionally drained and couldn't handle another confrontation between the two after all she had endured today.

Rafe followed her gaze and looked back at JJ with indifference. He knew they didn't have time for this now with the police closing in on them from all directions.

Sirens blared in the distance, growing louder as they approached. Kaylee, Rafe, and JJ all turned to see police cars racing towards them.

Rafe hesitantly released Kaylee's arm, brushing his lips against her temple before stepping away from her and moving out of the way of the plane.

JJ's expression turned dark with anger, but he knew he didn't have to feel insecure about Kaylee's feelings or Rafe's effect over her when she chose JJ again and again. He just couldn't help it.

Gael and Esme backed away from the plane and further into the airstrip. Rafe walked toward them.

Kaylee glanced back at Rafe, confused by his sudden change in behavior, glancing at Rafe. "What are you doing?"

"We're buying you guys some time," Gael answered. "You need to get out of here."

"I can use the last of my Interpol connections and favors to stop Shoupe and any investigation he'll have for when you kids get back," Esme explained. "That way, you'll be free."

Rafe met Kaylee's gaze and then looked up at the others in the plane. "And I'm still going to find out who tried to kill you last night."

Kaylee was taken aback by his words, but before she could process them fully, she heard the sound of the plane starting up behind her.

Quickly, Kaylee walked up the steps of the plane toward JJ.

JJ stepped aside, giving her room to enter the plane.

Rafe watched Kaylee walk up the steps, backing away from the plane toward his motorcycle. It took everything in his power not to stop her from leaving.

Kaylee paused at the doorway, glancing back at Rafe with a mix of emotions, but she had no time to understand them or express them.

Rafe nodded knowingly in understanding, seeming to comprehend the emotions shown in Kaylee's gaze as his locked with hers.

With the police closing in, Kaylee quickly walked into the plane. She had no idea what would happen next, and that was both terrifying yet thrilling.

Rafe watched Kaylee go, his heart heavy with conflicting emotions. He cursed under his breath. "Fuck."

Rafe couldn't help but feel a deep sense of loss and regret. He knew he had to let Kaylee go, even though it was the hardest thing he had ever done. Deep down, he still held onto a sliver of hope that Kaylee would one day choose to come back to him. But for now, all he could do was watch as she walked away from him, out of his life for possibly forever.

In the plane, when Kaylee saw Ward limping up to the door of the plane, she quickly ducked out of his way. "Hell, no."

Kaylee walked up to JJ on the plane.

JJ looked tense, frustrated, not at Kaylee, but at Rafe, concerned about her, knowing how overwhelmed she was. "You okay?"

Kaylee nodded barely, tense herself. "Mm-hmm."

JJ took Kaylee's hand calmingly, soothingly. "Come on."

Kaylee tightened her hand on JJ's, giving him a smile, as she knew that the deal was truly over and she didn't have to worry about it anymore, relieved.

JJ returned the relieved smile, still holding Kaylee's hand tightly as they walked toward the other Pogues in the plane.

Outside, Rafe picked up his helmets from the ground, putting them on his bike.

Ward stumbled out of the plane. "Wait, Rafe. Rafe!"

Rafe turned back in confusion. "Dad, hey! Get back on the plane. They're coming right now."

"I gotta talk to you," Ward told him. "Come here, quick."

Rafe pointed to where the police were coming from, though they still had a minute, maybe less. "Dad, you gotta--you gotta go!"

"Rafe, now!" Ward ordered.

Rafe looked around. "Shit." He ran up to Ward. Ward sat down on the steps, breathing heavily. "Go on, go."

"Shh," Ward shushed. "Thank you. Yeah, thank you."

Ward pulled Rafe into an embrace.

Rafe shook his head in guilt. "Don't thank me."

"Yep, yep, you're a good boy," Ward told him.

"I'm not," Rafe denied, pulling away.

"Yes, you are," Ward told him. "Look. Doesn't matter what happens in the middle. It's how you come out in the end." Rafe had his eyes down at the ground. "Look at me! Look at me!" Rafe looked up. "I know what you did, okay? I don't care, 'cause you came back for me, right? You're in control now. You're the man. All of it is yours, everything here. It's yours, son. You're the man now. You proved yourself, okay?" Rafe was stunned. "You're the man." Ward gave him one last hug. "I love you, buddy." Rafe hugged him back, helping Ward up quickly, as they knew the police were seconds away from closing in. "Oh, God. All right, come on." Ward turned around, hobbling into the plane. "I got it."

Rafe backed away, watching worriedly. "You good?"

Ward looked back at Rafe one last time. "Goodbye, son."

The door to the plane finally closed, and a second later, the plane was moving forward and starting to take flight.

Rafe, Gael and Esme continued backing away, the sirens blaring all around now as the police were pulling up, knowing that it was too late, watching the plane with Kaylee, Kie, Elyna, Lia, Sarah, Wheezie, Ward, and the rest of the Pogues fly away into the sky, just as the cops pulled to a stop behind them.

Shoupe and several other officers got out of the cars, walking closer to Rafe, Gael, Esme, watching the plane fly away.

Rafe hung his head for a moment, finally turning to face Shoupe behind him, scratching his head, looking out of it.

Gael and Esme turned to face the sheriff confidently, smirking slightly.

Shoupe raised an eyebrow. "Well... shit, Rafe. Gael. Esme."

"Shoupe," Gael replied.

"You look like you got a story to tell," Shoupe told them.

Rafe merely stared Shoupe down, not saying a word.

"We do, in fact," Esme answered. "But I'm not sure if we're going to say a damn thing until you get to working on who started that fire last night."

Shoupe nodded slightly. "And let me guess. That's an Interpol privilege."

"What's left of it, anyway," Esme answered, giving a slight smug smile, tilting her head. "I'm making the most of it."

Gael smirked proudly at his wife. "Take it or leave it, Sheriff."

Rafe smirked slightly in amusement.

⚓️

Skies

The plane flew through the storm clouds as thunder crashed and lightning flashed.

The Pogues were tense as they watched Lia treated Ward's wound as much as she could with just first aid. She wasn't an expert and there wasn't much she could do.

Ward groaned when Lia roughly pressed an alcohol-soaked rag to his leg, cleaning off the blood and grime as best she could, disinfecting it in the process.

Once she was done with that, Lia tied off the gauze bandaging, securing Ward's leg.

Ward smiled gratefully. "That's good. Thank you, baby. God bless you. Thank you."

Lia didn't respond, standing, walking away.

Sarah sat next to John B.

Lia sat next to Kie and Isa, as they were doting on Indy to keep her calm and relaxed. Lia pet Indy as well.

Wheezie sat with Elyna, glaring toward her father. Elyna held Wheezie's hand to keep her calm.

Ward glanced back. "Isa. John." Isa and John B looked up guardedly, as the other Pogues narrowed their eyes at Ward.  "Thank you, too. I know you won't believe it, but... you have nothing to worry about from me. Not anymore. I'm just here to help you. All of you." No one responded or looked moved. "I have a lot to make up for. For what it's worth... I'm glad your father's alive."

No one responded.

Pope and Cleo exchanged a look.

Isa was in a lot of pain after earlier, groaning a bit.

"Isa, you okay?" Lia asked in concern.

Isa shrugged slightly, which she regretted immediately as it caused more pain.

Lia and Kie both took one of Isa's hands, hoping to help her.

Kie grabbed the first aid. "Here, let me see your wounds. You had to make them so much worse coming for me and that fucking mountain trek like that."

Isa sighed. "It was worth it." She looked from Kie to Kaylee meaningfully. "For both of you."

Lia, Elyna and JJ nodded in agreement.

Kaylee and Kie gave Isa, Lia, Elyna and JJ a sad smile, grateful, wishing they didn't have to put themselves in pain and danger to do that, but appreciative that they did.

"Thank you," Kaylee told them softly.

They nodded in return.

John B, Sarah, Wheezie, Pope and Cleo watched solemnly.

Lia and Kie helped Isa with her wounds with the first aid kit, while the other Pogues watched in concern and worry, just glad that they were all here, and they were all okay for the most part.

Sarah reached out to take John B's hand.

Kaylee was gazing off, zoning out. JJ noticed this, knowing Kaylee did that time to time, reaching out to take her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze to snap her out of it. Kaylee looked at JJ, giving him a small smile that he returned.

The plane continued on its path to South America, and all that would lead to, good and bad.

⚓️

Tres Rocas, Venezuela

Singh Compound

Singh and Big John were talking.

"Look at how far we've come, John," Singh told him, pointing to a map. "A day's ride upriver, and then all that's left is a single track through the jungle. You know, John, all the men who have held this idol have come to grief. Every single one. Many say it's cursed, you know."

Big John glanced over to see Ryan staring them down. "Well, at this point, it'd be hard to argue with them."

Singh chuckled. "You see, John, I don't see it as a curse. It's a test to prove yourself worthy of being the true heir to the gold. That, John, is what the idol is looking for. The true heir. The man who can pull the sword from the stone. The other ones, you know, they weren't the ones."

"Yeah, but you've got no doubt, do you?" Big John asked.

Singh chuckled, shaking his head. "No. Of course not, because I was born to do it, you know. That is my destiny. In fact, the only thing that can stop me now is you. You have two days until the full moon."

Singh walked away.

Big John picked up the idol, looking up grimly, knowing what Singh really meant was that he only had two days left to live if they didn't see this through...

Or even if they did.