kills me every time [joiners]

[Stryker]

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[glow=#000,2,300]☣ —[/glow] Weary eyes traveled up towards the small figure that grew near them. Stryker did not bother throwing up any defenses, as he was tired and contempt that his presence was safe here. Despite their past, Tanglewood seemed to rather forgiving. Plus they had a common enemy nowadays. With that in mind, the tired lion just nodded along with Moth’s words. ”You’re too kind,” he warmly mentioned. His eyes shifted over towards Ninazu momentarily, hoping for her acknowledge their acquaintance, but soon returned his gaze to the stranger. ”Anything would be nice really. Your help is greatly appreciated.” Whatever they were given would be graciously accepted. Skinny, worn sown, and beaten, they needed to be replenished in all aspects.

The caring mood faded quick as more grew close. First came Leroy, offering nothing but his doubts and rather cruel opinions. To say that the couple were expecting a backlash would be an understatement, seeing that they were expecting an army on their tail. A few discreet words in their direction was better than being the next head on The Pitt’s border though. Stryker just accepted his cruelty with a smile. Uncaring of what others thought of him as the former leader always was, he just smiled obliviously. ”You night of well remained silent if you were going to speak your mind anyways,” came his cocky remark. ”But please-“ He gestured in a circle tiredly with his paw momentarily, only to lay his head back down it seconds later. ”Continue on with your non-existent reaction.” A sigh left him.

Stryker just rolled his eyes. With the whole threatening speech Leroy made, it just seemed so generic. The similar attitude between Tanglewood and The Pitt approaching their enemies was so cliché. Perhaps engaging in a conversation wouldn’t hurt anyone for once. If necessary, jump to cutting a bitch later. Somehow the two groups were so alike but so different at the same time. ”Do away with me if you’re really intent on it,” he muttered sarcastically. “Not like I could run anyways.” A mere huff left him. ”All I ask of you is to keep this one alive.” Like before, the lion raised his paw to point a claw in Ninazu’s direction.

Arrow’s comment was acknowledged by his ears perking slightly. To the former Pittian and now rogue, Stryker seemed that the answer to their question was obvious. The two that laid on their border needed a sanctuary and a home, not just a field or a cave to lay in while they remained on the run. Now that he had lost a home for the second time, he was looking for somewhere permanent. With The Typhoon’s leader being an enemy of his, Tanglewood seemed like the finest choice with morals that matched his own. They valued retribution and second chances, so why couldn’t he have one?

The one who would decide if Stryker was allowed to have a new life arrived, causing his head to raise up from the ground. He sat as prideful as he could despite his current situation in hopes of persuading their newer leader. Not of his innocence, but instead of his chance of changing. After all, he did not wish for ruthless killing sprees like The Pitt’s current leader did. Stryker’s reign had always surrounded the ideal of fixing what was wrong in the world and being the hammer of justice within the groups. Never had the lion wished for unruly violence. He knew that did not completely excuse his actions though. Morally he had also became one of those people he opposed, causing his own ballad of self-hatred. Yet here he was. Ninazu and him were practically standing trial in front of Tanglewood with Crow being the all-mighty court justice.

And the Tanglewoodian was reasonably distraught. Throughout their frustrated words, the calm lion just remained silent and listened. He only spoke when they were done. ”Two balls in fact,” he joked casually. ”Unless you’d like to include eyeballs in that statement, then make it four.” Unlike Jervis (who now only had one eye), he could say that.

”Sick them on me, it wouldn’t be any more different than the last five months.” What could they do different that he hadn’t already indulged in? The quicker they felt like ending it for him, the better. After all, he wouldn’t enjoy another five months in constant agony, but even that would seem indifferent to his last experience. ”I might even laugh in the meantime. ‘Fraid I might of became a masochist during all of my days in the caves.” Obviously he was kidding. It seemed to be funny in hindsight, but not appropriate at the timing. Seeing that Crow was very serious though, Stryker tried to lighten up. ”But hear me out,” came his pleading. ”I know I am not an innocent man whatsoever, but I see we do have a common enemy and ideals as individuals.” His golden eyes narrowed. If that didn’t intrigue Crow, he wouldn’t know what else to resort to. ”You don’t have to trust me. Hell, you can even make me a slave if you want-“ That’s what The Typhoon and Tanglewood are fighting against though, so he doubted that. ”-but all I ask of you is to have a place for us to say.” Even sleeping in the swamp mud seemed comforting at this point. ”At the very least, have a place for the lady.” Blah, blah... Affectionate bullshit. Might as well tip his fedora already and wander off. After all, the lion technically did have a neck mane bears.

His eyes swerved back towards Ninazu for a second time. ”I’m sure we could make it up to you in chores and the like.” If she didn’t agree, their plan was tanked. Though the female could be stubborn, Stryker knew she had to taken a chance when provided one. ”Fighting in battles, hunting...” He trailed off momentarily. ”Ninazu is a fine healer, so perhaps she can assist the wounded.” Seeing that she had ascended the ranks from an erudite to leader, that had to say something to them. ”Needless to say, we’d lend a helping paw where it’s needed per your orders.” Hopefully their given tasks were fair and honest work, but the lion knew that would be far from the truth.

Now onto something more interesting. Mere tasks wouldn’t make up for their guilty conscience. They had to prove their loyalty to Tanglewood sooner or later and the best way to do it was throwing all former alliances out the window. ”I figure we could also discuss The Pitt’s territorial weaknesses-“ Assuming that they haven’t changed it in five months, that is. ”-and what would hurt them the most.” The lion just craned his head. ”Let’s also say that Jervis liked to rant plenty during his torture sessions also, so some intel may assist you.” That wouldn’t be discussed publicly though.

Finishing off, he mustered up the energy to get to his feet. It put him in a more vulnerable position if they decided to sack him, but he was betting on the bright side of things. ”If you’d have us, you won’t regret it.” Stryker’s confident smile just widened. ”What do you say?” he finally asked.

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