“So why didya wanna come with me, anyway?”
Aloise’s voice cut through the rhythmic hum of the resident Pokemon within Darksallow, silencing the creaks and chirps for just a moment before the world adjusted to the intrusion. The shorter, energetic brother ran forward, leaving their taller brother’s side to tether on the edge of the long, spanning river, feet splashing against water with every other step. Jairo lulled behind, hands tucked into his pant pockets as he watched Aloise, eyes half-lidded to combat the rare ray of sunshine that had broken through the canopy.
“It’s dangerous alone,” Jairo answered, his voice naturally low and rumbling. Aloise snickered and continued their destruction on the local wildlife’s peace, feet stomping to an erratic beat.
“You can just say you wanted to. Brotherly bond, or some shit like that. Don’t gotta be so broody and mysterious— everyone knows you rather spend all your time with me than do anythin’ else. You gotta get a different hobby, dude.”
While Aloise’s words mocked, his tone remained light, indifferent towards the accusation underneath it all. He was right, in a way, Jairo noted— the older brother didn’t want to do anything else, lest Aloise risk doing something so drastic and careless that they’d find themselves kicked off the island or, worse, grievously injured. Jairo had come to Nauwill for Aloise, anyway; what else was there to do?
Unsatisfied with the lack of response, Aloise cast a glance over their shoulder. “You’re borin’.”
“I know.”
Bored, mildly irritated, and restless, Aloise turned back to leading the journey, kicking at rocks and water along the way with arms splayed out. Bigsby scampered after them, occasionally tripping over a stone in their excitement. Moxxie and Mama remained in their balls, avoiding a fight that would ensue if the two were released around one another. Behind Jairo traveled the more obedient, trained crew belonging to the taller man, each keeping a close but respectful distance from Jairo’s heels.
