[With the distance between them shrinking, it will become apparent that Barnabas was not subjected to whatever roleplaying the companion bots had subjected Alex to. He wears not a numbered shirt as she does now, whether she was burdened so because she seemed the sort to play along or they didn't attempt such with him due to being intimidated, it is hard to say, really. Something to ponder at another time, when they are not in the middle of a race.
That aggressive red bird of Barnabas indicates it noticing her approach more than Barnabas himself does. Focused as he is, the bird casts a searing glare to its encroaching competition, pulling against the reins held fast in Barnabas' hands. Though its rider is far from unpracticed, and he directs the bird to look forward, to focus on the track ahead, and to press on. Press on it does, but there is also a deliberate gouging of the track as it runs all the more quickly, kicking up the dirt of the track and sending it flying behind it with purposeful aim at Alex and her bird.
Barnabas does nothing to discourage this behavior, focusing on keeping his bird steady as it attempts to weave and jerk about with its wild nature.]
no subject
That aggressive red bird of Barnabas indicates it noticing her approach more than Barnabas himself does. Focused as he is, the bird casts a searing glare to its encroaching competition, pulling against the reins held fast in Barnabas' hands. Though its rider is far from unpracticed, and he directs the bird to look forward, to focus on the track ahead, and to press on. Press on it does, but there is also a deliberate gouging of the track as it runs all the more quickly, kicking up the dirt of the track and sending it flying behind it with purposeful aim at Alex and her bird.
Barnabas does nothing to discourage this behavior, focusing on keeping his bird steady as it attempts to weave and jerk about with its wild nature.]