modernist sensibility - [COTC VISIT]

[Stryker]

STRYKER HARBRINGER ☣ COTC

Neon orbs shifted to the hybrid. Momentarily, ignoring her questions, he looked Rosemary up and down in interest. Her mutations were interesting. Nevertheless, the Kingpin wasn't here to explore the world's finest creatures. There was business instead. Stryker's gaze returned promptly. "Just some old friends I would like to catch up with," the lion reminisced. "Hopefully that isn't an issue, yes?" A metaphorical brow rose, questioning the girl's intent. Any hostility wouldn't be appreciated.

It appeared as if trouble would come though. The wild whipping of the air caused his head to bolt forward. A thin card rushed in his direction, Stryker momentarily catching a glimpse of the wavering card in the gust before it fell before him. Looking towards the source, he noticed an old friend. More like acquaintance, really. It had been years since they had interacted and the last time they met, they were sparring for the hell of it. Needless to say, it wasn't the best send off. Even so, the Kingpin kept cool.

A smirk curled up on his maw. "Sakasu," he cooed. "It's been quite awhile, hasn't it?" With the former Pittian's tone though, it seemed they were past small talk. No proper 'hello' or 'how are you.' Just straight to business. With a disappointed sigh, the lion continued on with his endless spiel. "Same one you crawled out of, my friend," Stryker pointed out with a cackle. They were no different. Despite their origins, Sakasu and Stryker both wanted a new beginning. Holding onto these old grudges and attaching themselves to the past would be pitiful, wouldn't it? Oh, the irony.

Finally. The chosen two had arrived. He moved his attention over to the two-headed feline, but before he could comment, they grew close. Their devious whispers signaled something had changed. Annoyance? Pity? Oh please. They could handle their leader showing up on the border. With the Coalition of the Condemned thriving, they were bound to make their appearance sooner or later. Though, even if they were supposed to stay hidden, Hani and Alani didn't need to point that out. Talk about not acting casual...

A huff left him. Stryker's head craned to the side, challenging their authority with a narrowed gaze. They didn't need to worry. "Checking up on you two," the lion remarked. "I don't need you going two-faced on me, right?" A toothy grin appeared. His split tongue flickered outwards, taunting them.

Redirecting his attention to everyone, including the two Astral Seraphs, he got to business. "How has Elysium been fairing?" The lion's gaze shifted to Hani and Alani. "Anything new?"

I'm back like a vertebrae and I come with a hat full of tricks, Everybody's waitin for the show to begin

— Reggan