The rainforest's treasure

Days passed, and Jackie and Pemuya prepared for the birth, their love a bastion in the face of the stormy past. Jade and Uncle were a constant presence, offering support and sharing in their excitement. The house was filled with laughter, anticipation, and the occasional quiet conversation about Valmont. One evening, as they were putting Tohru to bed, Jackie turned to Pemuya, his expression serious. "We need to set boundaries," he said. "When Valmont comes, we can't let him just waltz in and out of our lives." "What do you suggest?" she asked. Jackie took her hand in his. "We make it clear that his role will be limited. He can visit, but under our terms. And no contact with the baby without us being present." "Okay," she sighed. "And what about Finn, Ratso and Chow?" Jackie considered it for a moment. "They can come," he conceded. "But only if they promise to leave their criminal pasts behind them. And no more Dark Hand nonsense." Pemuya nodded, a hint of sadness in her eyes. She knew the men had suffered under Shendu's control as well, and she couldn't help but feel pity for them. "Okay," she murmured.

* * *

The night of the escape was tense. Valmont and the others had been planning it for weeks, and the tension in the air was thick as they waited for the perfect moment. When it came, they moved swiftly, their actions coordinated like a well-oiled machine. Jackie and Pemuya had just finished dinner, the comforting sounds of their laughter filling the house. Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door. Jackie's eyes narrowed as he approached the door, his hand instinctively reaching for the pepper spray he had kept in his pocket since Pemuya's kidnapping. "Jackie, wait!" Pemuya called after him. Jackie's hand hovered over the doorknob, his instincts on high alert. "Who is it?" he demanded. "It's me," came the gruff voice from the other side. "Valmont." Jackie's hand tightened around the pepper spray, his heart racing. He glanced back at Pemuya, who nodded encouragingly. He took a deep breath and pulled the door open, his eyes narrowing as he took in the disheveled figure before him. "Valmont," he said coldly. "What do you want?" "To see your wife," Valmont said simply. "May I come in?" Jackie stepped aside, his gaze never leaving Valmont's face. Pemuya's eyes searched Valmont's, looking for any signs of deceit, but all she saw was a man who looked lost and scared. She nodded to Jackie, and he reluctantly allowed Valmont to enter, his hand still clutching the pepper spray. The room was tense as Valmont took in the sight of Pemuya, her body naked as usual, her belly swollen with his child. "May I touch?" he said, his voice filled with awe. Pemuya nodded, and he reached out tentatively, his hand brushing the tight skin of her stomach. "Not much time left, I suppose?" he murmured. "Almost none," she said, her voice calm despite the storm of emotions within her. The baby kicked, as if sensing her father's presence. "Feel that?" Pemuya asked, her eyes softening. Valmont nodded, his hand trembling as he felt the baby's movement. "It's... incredible," he whispered. "How would you name your daughter?" she asked, covering his hand with hers. Valmont's gaze snapped up to meet hers, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "I... I haven't thought about it," he admitted. "But... how about Sophia?" Pemuya considered it for a moment before nodding. "Sophia," she murmured. "It's a beautiful name." Jackie watched the exchange, his jaw clenched. He knew he had to keep his emotions in check, but the sight of Valmont touching his wife's bare stomach sent a fresh wave of anger through him. He took a step forward, his hand still gripping the pepper spray tightly. "Shh," Pemuya whispered. "It's okay, Jackie. He's not Shendu, remember?" Jackie took a deep breath, willing the anger to subside. She was right; Valmont was not the monster that had hurt Pemuya. He was just a man who had been used, much like Valmont's own body had been used against her. "Alright," he said through gritted teeth. "You can stay for a little while." Valmont nodded, his eyes never leaving Pemuya's face. "Thank you," he murmured, sitting down at the table. Jackie's eyes never left him, his grip on the pepper spray not loosening. He watched as Valmont took in the warmth of their home, the love that filled the air. "When did you escape?" Jackie finally asked, his voice tight with restrained anger. Valmont's gaze shifted to the floor. "Today," he murmured. "I had to see her." "Did Finn, Ratso and Chow escape too?" Pemuya asked carefully. Valmont nodded. "They did," he said. "We're all out, and we're looking for a new start." Jackie's expression was skeptical. "You expect me to believe that?" he said. "After everything that happened?" "You know," Valmont sighed wearily, "after all we endured because of Shendu... we decided we've got enough." Jackie raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" "I mean... if that's what happens to all thieves, then we're sick and tired to be like that." Jackie's gaze was sharp as he studied Valmont. He had known the man for years, had battled him countless times, and had never seen this side of him before. It was almost like looking at a stranger. "What are you saying?" he asked slowly. "You can believe me or not, Chan," he shrugged wearily. "But I want you to believe that I care for this baby." Jackie studied Valmont, his eyes unyielding. "Why?" he demanded. "You never cared about anything except power and treasure." "But I've never been a father," he shrugged again. "And I'm not so young, you know. It may be my only child. And that's why she's precious to me." Jackie's gaze softened, seeing the sincerity in Valmont's eyes. He knew that fatherhood could change a man, even one as hardened as Valmont had been. "Alright," he said finally. "But remember, if you ever hurt Pemuya or her daughter, I won't hesitate to bring you down." "I'm offended," Valmont grunted. "Why should I hurt my family? Let alone so fragile ones?" Jackie nodded, still not fully convinced, but willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for Pemuya's sake. The conversation was strained as they discussed the future, with Valmont insisting on playing a role in the child's life. Pemuya, ever the peacemaker, managed to keep the discussion civil, her hand occasionally resting on her swollen belly as if to remind them both of what was truly important. As the night grew late, Jackie's patience began to wear thin. He knew Valmont was a dangerous man, regardless of his newfound paternal instincts. "It's time for you to go," he said firmly. "Okay, okay," Valmont sighed. "But I suppose I can kiss my child goodbye?" Jackie's eyes narrowed, but Pemuya nodded. "It's okay," she said gently. Valmont leaned down and kissed her belly, caressing it with his hand. "Be well," he murmured. "And be strong, my daughter. I can't wait to see if you look like me." Jackie felt his stomach turn, but he held his tongue. He didn't want to start a fight, not here, not now. "Go," he said gruffly. Valmont stood, his gaze lingering on Pemuya before he turned to leave. At the door, he paused and looked back at them. "When can I visit again?" he murmured. Jackie's eyes narrowed, but Pemuya spoke before he could reply. "About two weeks," she said softly. "I think you could see how she looks by that time." Valmont nodded, his eyes shining with hope. "Thank you," he murmured before slipping out into the night. "Wait," Pemuya said suddenly. "Tell Finn, Chow and Ratso that I miss them." Jackie raised an eyebrow at the unexpected request, but Valmont nodded solemnly. "I will," he promised. "Goodbye for now." The door clicked shut behind him, and Jackie slammed the lock in place. He turned to Pemuya, his expression a mix of anger and confusion. "What was that?" he demanded. She took a step back, her eyes full of fear. Jackie's heart ached at the sight of her, so vulnerable and afraid. "It's okay, Pem," he whispered, moving to her side. "It was you who scared me," she whispered, a tear rolling down her cheek. Jackie's anger melted away at her words, and he pulled her into a tight embrace. "I'm sorry," he murmured, kissing her forehead. "But I just can't stand the thought of him being near you or the baby." "I trust him," she whispered. "And his friends. They're my friends too." Jackie sighed heavily, his arms tightening around her. "Okay," he said. "We'll do this your way. But if anything happens, if they even look at you wrong, I'll..." "You're doing harm to me by trying to protect me," she said quietly. "No one needs rage. Especially the baby who's about to come to this world. She can sense and hear everything, did you forget?" Jackie's expression softened as he looked down at her. "You're right," he murmured, kissing her forehead. "I'll keep my emotions in check for both of you." "Soon we'll need your help the most," she whispered. "Please check if Tohru is sleeping. I'm so tired..." Jackie nodded and walked into the nursery. Tohru was indeed sleeping peacefully, his little chest rising and falling in rhythm with his gentle snores. Jackie felt a pang of love for his son and a newfound protectiveness for the baby girl they were expecting. He knew Pemuya was right; he couldn't let his anger dominate their lives, especially with a new innocent soul about to join them. When he returned, Pemuya was sitting on the couch, her eyes closed, looking serene. He sat beside her, taking her hand in his. "You're right," he said, his voice filled with resolve. "We'll handle this together, without anger." "Then let's get into bed, okay?" she yawned. "We're sleepy." Jackie nodded and helped her up, guiding her to their bedroom with gentle hands. As she settled into bed, he couldn't help but feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. Despite his promise to Pemuya, he couldn't shake the feeling that Valmont and his friends posed a threat to their newfound peace.