⤜---⤛ 𝔽𝕀𝕊𝕊𝕌ℝ𝔼 ⤜---⤛ ▬▬ 𝕠𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕓𝕒𝕟𝕜𝕤 ∗ 𝕛𝕛 ▬▬

⤛ 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕒𝕝𝕤 ⤜

The boat had been slicing through the waves for six hours now, and the sun beat down mercilessly overhead. The air was heavy with the scent of salt and sea spray, and the sound of the waves crashing against the sides of the boat was a constant, comforting rhythm. For the first half of the trip, the group had excitedly chattered with one another about the endless possibilities that came with finding the gold. However, slowly, as they got closer to their destination, the excitement had died down, replaced with anxiety and a slight sense of dread.

Talia sat on the deck, her hair whipping in the breeze. She gazed out at the endless expanse of sea, her heart pounding in her chest. They had been traveling for so long that the sight of the island on the horizon was almost unreal. As they drew closer, she squinted, trying to make out its details as the island began to take shape. It was larger than she had expected, with thick forests and rocky cliffs rising from the shoreline. The water around the island was a brilliant turquoise, and she couldn't help but be in awe at its beauty.

"Shoals," John B breathed.

"You gotta admit. Darvall had good taste," JJ said, leaning against the railing.

Sarah's eyes were wide. "It's beautiful," she whispered.

They got as close as they could before anchoring, loading the supplies they had brought into the dingy, and lowering it into the water. Given the size of the dingy, they were forced to go in groups. The first group, along with the supplies, consisted of the boys: John B, Noa, Pope, and JJ.

Talia watched from the boat as they arrived ashore and began unloading their supplies. Her eyes drifted down the coast; it really was a sight to see, like something straight out of a luxury vacation magazine.

"Where do we even start?" Kiara asked, gazing over the long stretch of land that lay before them. "Like... do we know what we're even looking for exactly?" They shook their head in response. Without the map, they had no clue whereabouts on the island had been marked by Darvall. Thankfully, it seemed as though the island was empty, which meant they perhaps had a head start before Bren and his goons got there.

"Did somebody call a water taxi?" JJ had returned in the dingy and was waving at them to hop in. Kiara went first, then Sarah, then Talia. She took his extended hand, steadying herself as she got in. He gave them a grin, accompanied by a cheeky wink. "Ladies."

Kiara rolled her eyes and they made their way through the shallow water to shore. Finally on the beach, they helped JJ pull the boat up onto the sand and away from the water.

"We need a plan," Pope said, slightly out of breath, as he stared into the jungle of the island.

John B nodded. "We'll cover more ground if we split up."

After catching Pope's nervous eye, JJ leaned over and playfully whispered under his breath. "Ruh roh, Shaggy..."

Talia considered the idea of exploring the island alone, weighing the risks of getting hurt or lost. "I don't know if that's the best idea," she winced

Noa shook his head dismissively. "It'll be fine. We can go in pairs. You and I can take the east side around the coast, Pope and JJ go north." He pointed to Sarah, John B, and Kiara. "You three take the west coast. Any objections?"

Talia could see JJ staring at her, a concerned expression on his face, but he remained silent.

"Sure, I guess that works... Just make sure we meet back right here before dark," John B warned, and beckoned the two girls to follow him. Splitting up, the group began their journey in their respective directions. After a moment, John B called out to them, adding, "And be careful!"