Bye Bye Butterfree

Theory's gaze softened and grew clouded as Tempo stumbled backwards. It was as if she'd struck him. He was grappling with something, but it wasn't physical. She could tell that he was staggering underneath the weight of it. The alpha, barely younger than him, nibbled on her lower lip and cast her eyes away from him for a moment. What would Shaye do? Solor and Vail's children were some of the last vestiges of her aunt's family. It physically pained her to grant his request. The world was cruel and unfair. Would it be kinder to let him leave without a fight? Maybe. But she didn't want to. Selfishly, she wanted him to stay. Theory looked up towards the sky and then the treeline, spotting Beat approach. You just came back and you're leaving. "Be thankful he came back," Theory said quietly. At least they knew he was alive. So many others had disappeared without a trace between the wildfire and the volcano. "Tempo..." she began, immediately trailing off. This was her first real challenge as a leader. The raid paled in comparison to how difficult this felt. "I will invite you to stay, for just the night. Spend some time with your siblings before your departure." Would he accept the compromise? "And please, do visit. You will always be welcome here." His family was buried here. His family waited here. Would he choose to return one day? Her stomach clenched hard.