Wanderlust ✧ (Milo Thatch)

sixteen

Rourke immediately began his work in the volcano. A mercenary pulled a rope on a canon that was pointed upwards. The ash that had encircled the group was struck by a bomb that was shot up at an alarming rate. Boulders of all sizes came throwing down in a smoky heap. He climbed a rock and stared up at the ceiling, which was now lighting up his only way out.

"I love it when I win."

Unbeknownst to the commander, the rescue team were hot on his trail and they entered the tunnel at high speed. With a wagon secured to the ground, a lever was pulled and a hot air balloon in the shape of a rocket was released. As for Challis, she could only watch because she was tied up in the truck like a felon. "I hope it bursts," she muttered then groaned when a mercenary hit her on the head with his gun for daring to say such a thing.

"Okay, here's the plan," Milo called out "We're going to come in low and fast and take them by surprise."

"Well, I've got news for you Milo. Rourke is never surprised and he's got a lot of guns," Audrey alerted.

"Great, well do you have any suggestions?"

"Yeah, don't get shot!" Vinny shouted.

The hot air balloon was all set. Underneath it, the tank containing the princess was hooked onto a very strong metal chain and she was lifted out of the second truck. Challis glanced over with crinkled eyes at her imprisoned friend. Those mercenaries were evil for what they'd done to her. Rourke grabbed a hold of the tank to help boost it up when he came face to face with the rescue team.

"There they are!" Milo shouted and pointed.

"We've got company!" Rourke yelled.

Shots were discharged every which way. Rourke's troopers aimed at the rescue team and sought shelter when needed. Regarding Rourke, he was busy getting into the hot air balloon by scaling a ladder. "The girl!" Rourke pointed his German Luger pistol at Challis who was still in the truck. "Give me the girl!" he shouted.

Despite Challis' protests, a mercenary carried her to Rourke up the ladder on his back. "You didn't think it would be so easy for you to escape, did you?" Rourke smiled. Challis scowled, "I hate you," but Rourke turned his attention elsewhere. Armed force men mounted little planes that took off in a synchronized manner while taking shots at the targets.

"Holy smokes! You told me he only had guns!" Milo cried out, leaning back to dodge a bullet. "What I said was, he's never surprised," Audrey remarked. Vinny stabilized himself by pressing his palm against the pad whilst being shot at. His vehicle launched a blue lightning flare at the wagons below, causing an explosion.

Flashing a grin of surprise, he glanced at the Atlantean rider adjacent to him. "Okay, now things are getting good."

"Vinny! Heads up! We can't let them reach the top of that shaft" Milo yelled, appearing from behind. Milo was ambushed suddenly, forcing him to fly away, but he intended to ride alongside him. Amidst the mayhem, Mrs Packard appeared to be living it up by snapping pictures with her camera.

Milo caught up to Vinny again. "Vinny, new plan. You and me, we're going to be decoys. Audrey, Sweet, fly up underneath that thing and cut her loose," he ordered. "We're on it," Sweet gave a thumbs up. The rescue team implemented their new plan, heading towards the hot air balloon. "Lieutenant!" Rourke snapped. Helga immediately aimed her weapon and fired. With her capturers occupied, Challis took the risk to attempt to free herself.

She shuffled to the side and grabbed a scimitar knife that she spotted on the basket floor. She began rubbing the rope against the blade after tightly securing the handle between her knees. Audrey was hacking away at the chains beneath the basket. "I thought you said this thing could cut through a femur in 28 seconds!" she yelled at Sweet who was holding the container upright. "Less talk, more saw!" he snapped.