who's crying now ━ [NINAZU]

[Stryker]

STRYKER ☣ COTC ☣ KINGPIN

With a curt nod, the lion followed her into the abyss. The darkness encapsulated them easily, but Ninazu's bright hues kept them from succumbing. A slitted gaze widened, watching as they passed skeletons. He couldn't help but snort, thinking that Goldenluxury would have kept tidier than this. Nonetheless, they weren't here to critique. Stryker continued on. He merely kept silent, letting his eyes trace the cave's sharp edges and the littered debris on the sides.

Ninazu broke the silence first. Stryker, unlike his significant other, was often the one to confide his feelings first. This was different. The lion craned his head at her words, strands of golden hair falling into his vision. He let the thought marinate momentarily before speaking. "I suppose you're right," the Kingpin concluded. It felt... strange. Unlike before, there was so much more risk to their actions. There was no 'family' to worry about previously, nor any strict attachments. They were vulnerable. "During that time we were imprisoned, I think things changed. Solidified, even." The difference they made in the world didn't have to be selfish. It didn't have to reek of senseless mayhem. Instead, the path could be paved with good intentions to solidify the bonds they had made. Stryker's path was not intent on revenge against Jervis or Goldenluxury, but rather a place to settle in. Even so, if he had to do that gruelingly, so be it. "At least I think so." Despite the struggle, Stryker couldn't imagine a better outcome for them.

In the midst of their banter, Stryker noticed the glint in the distance. Her words only confirmed his findings. With a light snort, he stopped beside her as she opened the chest. "They sure do," he remarked. "Pirates love their booty." Piercings weren't unfamiliar to him. The former ardent had snakebites and an eyebrow piercing previously, but those had long healed. Their flare was no longer his style.

Jokes aside, he sunk his paw into the pile and scooped out a mound. Stryker carefully deposited into his satchel afterwards. Green eyes observed the chest's contents before going in for another pile, eventually catching on two matching chain earrings. The tip of his claw carefully inserted into the two gaps of the earrings, causing them to delicately dangle. He raised his flipped paw to Ninazu, offering a smirk. "Now these would look quite gorgeous on you, madam," the Kingpin cooed. Although, admittedly, he liked them too.

THE WEAK ONES ARE THERE TO JUSTIFY THE STRONG
DON'T BOTHER TO RESIST OR I'LL BEAT YOU

— Reggan