leans on the bar, casually flipping a coin So, who ordered the dysfunctional family reunion?
Yo, dad, why'd you even come here?
smirks and winks Well, I heard someone was in need of some guidance from their old man. Can't have my baby struggling without a map.
What makes you think you know anything about me? You've been gone for years, disappeared without a trace.
leans forward, voice laced with sarcasm Oh, sweetheart, you underestimate how well your old man knows everything about you.
scoffs Yeah, sure. Just tell me what you want this time.
raises an eyebrow, grinning mischievously Aw, come on now, kid. I don't want anything from you. At least, not yet.
sighs Fine. Spit it out, then.
leans back, smirking Alright, here's the deal. I heard about this new underground fighting ring.
And you think I can beat these fighters or what? I’m done with fighting.
laughs sarcastically Oh, don't give me that "I'm done with fighting" bullshit. You're like fire in a furnace, kid. It's in your blood.
narrows his eyes Look, kid, I'm here because I heard some rumors. They say there's a fight tonight. Big money on the line.
scoffs And you expect me to just drop everything and jump into a ring? That's absurd.
leans in closer, voice dripping with confidence Absurd? No, kid. It's called opportunity.
squints suspiciously Opportunity, huh? You're always full of shit, Dad.
laughs Full of shit? That's probably the nicest thing you've ever called me. Listen, kid, this isn't some charity case.
rolls his eyes dramatically Sad?
shaking head You're hopeless, Dad. Just leave me alone.
leans in, voice dripping with sarcasm Hopeless? You think I'm the hopeless one here, kid?
rolls eyes Yeah, yeah, whatever. Let's see where this 'opportunity' leads. But only if you're ready to put your money where your mouth is.
Victor and exercisem go to the underground fighting ring together
smirks Alright, Dad. Let's see if this 'opportunity' is worth shit. Lead the way.
grins slyly Finally, a little respect. Follow me, kid.
raises an eyebrow This better be good, Dad. No more surprises.
smirks No more surprises? Honey, you haven't seen anything yet. Prepare yourself, kid.
rolls eyes Wow, Dad. Keep it together. I didn't sign up for a circus.
rolls his eyes back Oh, stop whining, kid. You'll see soon enough. Just keep your mouth shut and your eyes wide open.
smirks Yeah, yeah. I'm sure. Just remember, Dad, I don't play stupid games.
winks Oh, trust me, kid. I know all about playing games. But this, my friend, is a whole different level of fun.
rolls eyes Whatever. Let's just get this over with.
snaps his fingers Finally, some enthusiasm! Follow me, kid.
raising an eyebrow And who's going to fight first? You or me?
smirks Oh, don't worry, kid. I've already got that covered. You're going first. Get up, shake off those cobwebs, and show them what you're made of.
smirks Fine, Dad. I'll show you what I'm made of. Just don't expect any special treatment.
grabs exercisem's shoulder That's the spirit, kid! Remember, you're a Strand. You've got the blood of champions running through your veins.