riptide- outer banks

eighty-one | trekking through south america at 5'3

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It was still dark out when they got up. Time wasn't on their side, which explained the deep, murky hue encasing the sky above them. The stars had retreated back to their home, but the sun hadn't risen yet. An early start was a necessity if they wanted to get there in time. They had today—that was it.

Kori's eyes had long since adjusted to the dim lighting though. She'd been up for a while now, fingers pulling the zipper closed on her backpack. She swung the supplies onto her back, adjusting the straps to better fit her height.

She let out a breath as she turned, meeting Logan's gaze. It seemed to soften when they locked eyes, but it was short lived. There wasn't time to be in love or to have their usual banter. The city of gold decidedly played a bigger hand in that particular situation. With only one day, they needed to get a move on.

"That site's a whole day's walk." Big John voiced, capturing everyone's attention. "We gotta get up there before moonrise. If we miss the solstice, then all this was for nothing."

There was a pause.

"So, listen, Sarah," Another pause. "Kori, if you guys fall behind, I ain't waiting."

Kori's brow shot together. "I'm sorry. What?"

"Dad. Stop!" John B hissed, glancing down at him.

Kori just rolled her eyes, irritation seeping into her features. "Bullshit."

"Hey, sorry about the cranky old man." John B said, coming up to either blonde.

Big John was quick to step past them, walking down the dock towards a hobbling Ward. "I'm gonna go tell that son of a bitch he ain't coming with us."

"Hey, listen, fellas," Ward announced, reaching them momentarily. "I'm real sorry, but, uh...I'm not gonna be able to make it up that mountain— not on this leg." He used his cane, limping the last few steps to his children, the two of them standing side by side. "I'd only be slowing you down, that's all. So I'm just gonna hang here. I got a flare gun; if I see Singh come through here, I'll send up a flare. Let you all know he's coming."

Sarah nodded her head. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Good luck."

〰

Kori wiped a bead of sweat off of her forehead with the back of her palm as she took long strides to keep up with everybody. She wasn't falling behind or anything like that, but she was the shortest one there. That meant while everyone was using their big, long legs, she had to accelerate her own pace. And it didn't help that the jungle was about ten thousand degrees.

The sun had quickly risen, hot rays beating down on their backsides as they hiked through the thicket. There was greenery on every side of them, a thick and humid atmosphere settling in the air. Rocks and uneven patches found their way onto the path every few feet only making it harder for her to hike.

Because despite every complaint that was circling in her mind, the most prominent one was her fashion choices— not that she'd had time to change after the chateau had burned to the literal ground. She was in her black combat boots, the need for converse or any type of sneaker overpowering her exhaustion. Her heels ached, blisters likely forming underneath the leather of her shoes.

At least she was in a tank top and shorts, right?

She lifted her head up, exhaling as she trekked up the small hill they were on. Logan was a few feet in front of her, holding a large vine out of the way. Kori didn't smile, but there was a sort of solace showing through in her expression when she met his gaze. "Thanks." She breathed out, finally reaching the top.