The past was something many held onto. Whether it was their finest memories or deepest regrets, sometimes it dragged the animals down. Stryker knowingly had the same issue. Even so, he let his downfall within The Pitt enrage him and lead him into a successful life. After all, the Kingpin wouldn't have found the Coalition of the Condemned without it, nor would have started a family with Ninazu. Nevertheless, the past had always come back to haunt him. His recent visit with Elysium had damned him. Some who knew him stared, others shouted, but the willing gave him a chance. Had their mercy really worked though?

The lion's thoughts of the events ravaged his head throughout the night. As the moonlight shone down onto his alabaster pelt, he traveled throughout the wreck of the territory with a dull expression. Caught within his thoughts, he continued to walk. From the huts to the beaches, Stryker found no one to be seen. 'Wretched place.' Moving onto his next patrol without another thought, he stumbled upon a silhouette in the distance. The dull white glow of the moon outlined their existence, causing him to break free from his thoughts. It was not long before he recognized Ezrakel. Nevertheless, he contemplated keeping to himself, but as always, the Kingpin had to invade someone else's business to avoid his own issues in the heat of the moment.

Stryker redirecting to the rock pile. He cleared his throat momentarily, trying to lightly catch the attention of the domestic feline before startling them abruptly. "Why hello there, Ezrakel," the Kingpin greeted. Paws treaded across the boulders and settled beside the stargazer. "Or shall I call you Ezra? I suppose we haven't properly met." To be truthful, he'd probably default to Ezra anyways. It rolled off the tongue easier.

Luckily for Ezrakel, there was quite a size different between Stryker and his dead brother. The Kingpin settled down beside the feline following their greeting, offering a nod in retaliation. "Ezra," he restated. The name was quite fitting. "It would be my pleasure to call you that." Thankfully, they were comfortable with it too. After all, some others didn't like his nicknames, notably Goldenluxury and Caesar. Those were mocking though. The Kingpin enjoyed getting cocky and pushing someone's buttons every now and then.

His ears pinned to the back of his head. In truth, he preferred working throughout the day and wandering the beaches, but tonight was a different occasion. "Suppose not," the lion muttered. "I'm going to blame it on the lady though. Sometimes her animal skins get itchy." His tone was lined with sarcasm. Ninazu's blanket skins were actually quite warm. Somewhat disturbing... but comfy! With a sigh though, he continued on seriously. "Ah, but, in truth, just letting myself think for awhile." There was no god for him to pray for, nor stars to ask questions to. All he had was himself. Stryker was alone with his thoughts and his fate laid within his own paws.

Slitted eyes turned their attention to Ezrakel. "How about yourself? Why are you up so late, my friend?" He couldn't help but assume they were stargazing or pondering about their existance. Truly, the lion wouldn't know though. Although he could actually manipulate and read an animal's mind with permission, he'd rather not. That provoked mistrust.

//if you're willing to continue this now that i'm feeling better, that'd be great <3 if not, ignore this reply!

Stryker couldn't help but chuckle in response. To be truthful, the Kingpin was quite a talker too, especially in new environments or during meetings. He couldn't help it. At least most of his comments were jokes or relatively positive feedback, unlike Caesar. That guy is a toss up. "You're most definitely right," the lion remarked back. "Sometimes you have to learn when to keep your mouth shut." Especially in the presence of a leader. He would be a hypocrite to say that he hasn't spoke up in retaliation before, especially back in Atbash's reign. Oh, how far they had fallen.

The lion offered a huff. "Nightmares, you say?" He could recall having nightmares, especially during his time as Jervis' captive. Lately though, his sleep was mostly peaceful. There was always nights like these though that chilled him to the bone. "If you'd like to talk them over to put some pressure of your shoulders-" He lightly raised a paw and jokingly pushed on Ezrakel's shoulder. "-then spill away." Hell, he might even include a free back massage. If the cat got truly lucky, Stryker would just manipulate him to sleep... or knock him out... depending on the mood. Whoops.