"Oh dear, you truly think so..? If anything I've been almost worried I might not get there before too many at all..!" he chuckles, waving a wing. "I have no doubts that this battle will be won with a group effort- certainly I couldn't fathom the idea of entering the castle on my own! But you see Miss, this body is quite a lot less made for the trek than a human's is!"

He'll happily explain- "You see, I'm afraid I can't aim for a 'direct path'; I need to make certain there's at least a few leaves at regular intervals. I can only fly for short bursts, and must replenish my energy quite often...humans have many advantages! The ability to walk near tirelessly for hours! And of course, to carry a pack with such refreshments for themselves..!" he chuckles.

The laughter fades, and he studies Ritsuka with some concern. "...Certainly I could rely upon someone to carry me, but I cannot in good conscience weigh one down with such concerns- I would be the cause of an impressive amount of delay and re-routing, and vice versa I cannot expect to be ready for any battle if I do not allow myself to prepare along this road. It would be an unforgivable shame, when all of us shall be relying upon the other at the gates."