Wanderlust ✧ (Milo Thatch)

ten

The newly made trio found themselves climbing up an old monumental sculpture, cautiously of course. "By the way, we were never properly introduced. My name's Milo" the linguist called out. "My name is Kidagakash," the Atlantean introduced herself.

"Ki-Ki-Kidamaschnaga" Milo failed his attempt to pronounce her exquisite name properly. "Uh, hey, you got a nickname?"

The princess giggled. "Kida."

"Okay, Kida. I can remember that" Milo noted.

Upon reaching the top, the trio unintentionally disturbed a flock of green birds that flew off into the distance. Kida turned to Challis. "And you, pretty girl. What is your name?"

"Challis. Challis Whitmore," the brunette smiled.

"What a lovely name."

They gazed down upon the city of Atlantis. "Wow," murmured Milo in awe. "It's like a kingdom out of a fairytale book," gushed Challis. Kida started identifying familiar spots from above, but it was challenging to spot them amidst their tousled hair, which was being blown in various directions by the wind.

Milo grinned and remarked, "I have a feeling that you've climbed up here before, haven't you?" to which Kida boasted, "This is a perfect spot to escape from my royal duties. Whenever my father needs me, he orders the guards to call me down from here," she laughed a little. Challis, feeling a slight ache in her arm, lamented, "If only I were more athletic, I would come up here more often."

Kida sat down and stretched her legs out, gazing in the opposite direction. Challis shifted closer to Milo, who let out a shaky exhale. She promptly noticed that his eyes were filling with tears and asked, "What's the matter?"

Milo removed his glasses, swiped his eyes dry and placed them back on. "Oh, it's nothing. I just...got something in my eye."

He suddenly realized that Challis had seen right through his little white lie when she gave him a look.

 "You know, Grandpa used to tell me stories about this place as far back as I can remember. I just wish he could be standing here with me," he admitted softly. Challis placed her hand on his chest, directly over his heart. "He's always with you, Milo."

Milo was overwhelmed with gratitude and love towards her, but couldn't find the right words to express himself. Instead, he embraced her slender body tightly. Kida came over to them while Challis was lost in thought about a fond memory. "I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. Who is this 'The Ron' you speak of?" Kida inquired.

"My brother, Theron. He was my best friend," Challis' voice cracked. Even after all these years, the pain still felt fresh. "You speak in the past. Where is your brother?" Kida placed her hands on her hips, tilting her head to the side curiously. Since Kida had shared her personal story beforehand, Challis decided it was appropriate to share hers as well.

"He died when were kids. The kite I was flying tangled in a power line, so being the big brother he was, Theron insisted on retrieving it for me. He climbed up a tree with ease because heights didn't scare him. I always did admire his courage. But if only we knew the dangers awaiting. As soon as he reached out and held the kite string, he was electrocuted and fell out of the tree. I saw it happen."

Challis squeezed her eyes shut to block out the worry on Kida's face but it didn't stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks. "I'm sorry, please excuse my emotions. I haven't told anybody that for a long time."

"Do not apologize," Kida hugged her tightly. It was comforting to be held by her, almost as if Kida were the sister she never had. When the women parted, Milo gently used his fingers to swipe the tears away and planted a small kiss on her forehead. Challis composed herself, mustering a smile and taking a deep breath.