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A Walk in the Park

October 7th, 2001

Participants: Nightwing and Morrigan

Scene: Once again patrolling Gotham City as it rests beneath a veil of stars and clouds, Nightwing finds himself in Robinson Park... and stumbles across a familiar figure while sweeping through the mostly deserted park...

Robinson Park [Southern Gotham]
Once the home of manicured gardens and lawns, Robinson Park has been inaccessible to the public since No Man's Land. This southernmost section of the park is devoid of landmarks like those which find their home in the northern park, but its lawns and pathways were welcome breaks in the cityscape of the southern island and a welcoming spot for a picnic or game of football.
People and Things:
Morrigan
Archways: [W] - Upper West Side [S] - Midtown
Other exits: [N] Bridge to Robinson Park

It's pretty late at night in the abandoned park. You can hear the distant car horns honking and the lights passing by quickly. The young red-haired girl sits with a book in her lap, underneath a street lamp. Her hair tied back into a braid that curves around her neck and down her chest to her hip. Her eyes skimming one of the books the others in a stack next to her with a blue hilighter in her hand. She sighs and then smiles, "Looks like I'll have to hit Tim up for some more tutoring..." She almost groans this last part.

The chilly weather of the past few days still touches Gotham City though not as fiercely, the harsh breeze out of the north absent leaving it almost a pleasant evening. The sky above is nearly devoid of clouds and the stars sparkle brightly against their midnight blue background.

As the hour creeps ever closer to midnight, Nightwing finds himself in the southern end of Robinson Park, his patrol route leading him away from the towering buildings of the central city. And for the most part he finds himself amongst the deserted fields -- few people still out at this late hour. The scattered lamp posts that are widely spread along the paths provide little illumination and the masked figure skips from shadow to shadow swiftly and surely, his long strides eating up the the distances of the open lawns with ease.

Morrigan sighs and looks up to the stars, she muses to herself, "How beautiful, it's often hard to see the stars from the balcony in the middle of the city. I already miss it." She closes her eyes and shakes her head. "Now for these Chemistry notes..."

Padding silently across the thick lawn of green grass and leaving nary a blade out of place with his passage, Nightwing moves through the park quickly. Narrowed eyes peer about the shadows, darting about and never lingering long in one place -- though they avoid the periodic lamp posts and the bright light hanging suspended there, just waiting to ruin one's night vision. But for tonight at least the park remains silent. Still, the man's path brings him close to one of the benches that line the park's pathways -- the one at which Morrigan sits. Pausing for only a moment, Nightwing's long strides slow to a brisk walk as he nears. Clearing his throat as he nears to alert her to his presence, he says, "An odd place and time to choose to read ma'am."

Morrigan jumps up as if ready to fight, her book falling to the ground in front of her feet, she eyes the stranger for a moment, "When you're in college there's no such thing as sleep. Plus, I like looking at the stars sometimes, something I miss from my past." She doesn't seem to want to let anything else out about her. She also sounds a bit paranoid, not wanting to trust unless there is a good reason to. She also doesn't let her guard down, "Who are you?"

Remaining several feet away from the young woman, recognition lights in Nightwing's eyes as she leaps up from the bench to her feet, the light from the lamp overhead revealing her features. But the shadows that enshroud the man hide that recognition from sight and he only slowly steps into the circle of light around the bench. "My name's Nightwing, Miss," he replies, answering her question quietly as he holds up his hands in a non-threatening posture. "I didn't mean to disturb your reading. It's just... unusual to find someone out here this late. Especially reading," he says. And though his features remain serious, a touch of amusement shines through in his voice.

Morrigan says, "I guess it's just the wanderer inside of me who wanted to get out and get some of the fresh night air," She smiles as she looks up to the stars, "I guess it's a pastime of mine...not reading. I just do that because I *have* to." Her smile turns into a half-smirk. "Nightwing..." She nods for a moment, almost as if approving, "Even though trouble has a talent for finding me, I just can't stop going out like this..I guess."

Silent where he stands in the circle of light that rings the bench and nearby part of the path, Nightwing simply dips his head slightly in acknowledgement to her words. "It's hard to fault you on an evening like this," he finally replies, glancing up towards the star-filled sky for just an instant before his gaze returns to earth again. "And the opportunity won't be around much longer -- unless you enjoy reading in a parka, of course," he agrees. Certainly the park offers a sense of peace not quite as prevalent in the city proper -- at least on this night. "Though it would be wise to be somewhat cautious on how late you stay out here miss. Especially if trouble has a talent for finding you," he says with a smile, using her own cryptic words in reply.

Morrigan shakes her head silently, "Unfortunatly I also need to finish my homework." She bends over to pick up the book, the cover shows that it is a Chemistry text book. She rolls her eyes and comments, "Science is not my strong point but luckily, I know some people who have helped me out of trouble before."

"Your dedication to your schoolwork is admirable, especially considering the late hour," Nightwing answers in return, a brief smile flickering across his features before it fades away leaving his expression as impassive as before. But amusement still plays in his eyes. Chemistry homework at midnight. In the park. Yep, he can definately count himself lucky not to be a student any longer. "It's good to have friends. Though I trust that they aren't intending to meet you here to do homework. I'd hate to think of a group of students out here every night at midnight, figuring out chemical equations and doing math problems beneath the stars," he says, his tone expressing his amusement with that conjured image.

Morrigan half-smirks, "No, I don't have any friends really my own age.." She closes her eyes for a few moments and then opens them to set the book down on the bench, "Besides I have to get a B+ average and maintain it or else I lose everything..."

While the image conjured up by this odd encounter in the park may be somewhat comical, Morrigan's situation clearly isn't and the masked figure grows serious once more. "Well, if you are in school, perhaps you can rectify that fact," he replies quietly, finally taking a few steps deeper into the circle of illumination -- an island amongst the oceans of darkness that lays heavily over the park. "If you enjoy studying outside at night, it would be much safer to do it with a friend," he says, his words genuine if somber. Pausing for a moment, he at last glances towards the text book by her side. "Well, seeing as the city is fairly quiet on this particular evening, and seeing as you are the only person I've found with a problem of any sort, perhaps I can provide a little help," he offers with a subdued smile. "It's been a few years since I've had to crack open a textbook, but I imagine that I still remember a few things."

Morrigan smirks, "I'm more of an outsider myself. The friend I do have is in high school and has a strict curfew..." She laughs silently, "It's quite alright, I'm sure Tim can help me out. He helped me a few nights ago." She shrugs, "Although if you like, some company would be appreciated. It's been a while since I've seen Azrael. I know this sounds strange but it feels weird not having him breathing down my neck."

Hrmmm. High school student. Tim. Azrael. My my, what an odd set of coincidences. His gaze lifting towards the distant outline of the buildings ringing the park to the north, Nightwing hesitates for a moment before dipping his head slightly towards her. "I think I can probably spare a few minutes before returning to my little circuit of the city," he concedes, moving to the far side of the bench and resting one gauntleted hand on the back of it. 'So you've met Azrael, have you? Most people probably wouldn't miss having him hovering over them. Though in fairness, most of those people have probably committed some sort of crime."

Morrigan says, "I owe Azrael more than anything. Same with Robin. They both have saved me from numerous troublesome occasions, although Azrael even more. I guess..." She brings her legs up in front of the books and curls up thinking, "It's a long story, but a lot has happened to me..."
Nodding his head as he listens in silence, Nightwing slips down to sit on the far end of the bench, half turning towards her and watching her from behind the thin mask that clings to his features. "So I would gather, if it's been necessary for both Azrael and Robin to help you in the past," the masked figure agrees quietly as the wind picks up briefly, rustling the nearby trees as those leaves that still cling to the branches are stirred from their place where they maintain their fragile existence. "You weren't exaggerating about attracting more then your fair share of difficulties then..."

"Nope, The Joker and the Scarecrow as a matter of fact." Morrigan sighs a chill going up and down her spine, "The Joker on more than one occasion as well." She shrugs, "I still have a little bit of scarring on my shoulder where I got shot." She shakes her head, "I have never met someone so...well..demented."

"If you've met the Joker more then once, you're indeed lucky to still be with us," Nightwing agrees gravely, his voice quiet thought there is an undeniable note of steel in his tone now. "Or perhaps unlucky to have had to encounter him more then once. I can see why you feel somewhat indebted to Robin and Azrael." The Joker. He has indeed stayed away from Gotham for too long with that madman running free. "I doubt you'll ever encounter worse. At least I pray that none of us ever do."

Morrigan says, "Well, it depends upon what you consider worse, being shot in the shoulder and getting fingers jammed into the wound and wiggled around....or a neuro-toxin, at least that's what Robin and Az have both told me it was, playing with your mind and revealing your worst fears. I was hospitalized both times...I still feel weird when I think about the night with the fear gas."

That modus operandi isn't terribly difficult to recognize. "The Scarecrow, I presume?" Nightwing comments quietly, his gaze leaving her for a moment as he stares out across the field on the far side of the path -- the grassy lawn broken only by the occasional bed of flowers that dot the fields surface. "I've been on the wrong side of his mind tricks a time or two myself. They're not pleasant," he agrees softly, his tone one of sympathy as he tilts his head back. "But fears, no matter how painful or seemingly real, are still just that. Fears. Unfortunately what the Joker tends to do is far more substantial. And permanent I fear." Oh yes, the Joker might be the worst of the two, but the world would be a far, far better place if both of them were locked away.

Morrigan shrugs, "That time I was only a bystander and already sick." She looks towards the ground, "Robin was trying ot get me to go to the clinic...that was when I inhaled it from a nearby argument between him an a Police Officer." She pulls the shoulder of her shirt down exposing the scar from a bullet wound but it seems a little bit worse, "This is my souvenir of the Joker. There's a lot about Azrael I wish I knew..We've grown a little close." If that's the right way of putting it.

Glancing at the scar marking her shoulder, Nightwing nods in silence and rests one arm along top the back of the bench. "It seems that you've had more then your fair share of bad luck," he agrees gravely as he studies the wound for a moment longer before lifting his gaze once again, the frown on his face evident beneath the light of the lamp overhead. Around them, aside from the sound of their muted conversation, the evening remains quiet. "Hopefully your friends can keep you from suffering any more at their hands. Sooner or later they'll end up imprisioned again. They always do." Of course, they also always escape, so such sentiments are of scant comfort.

Morrigan says, "I can only hope, I never was one who made things any easier for them." She looks at her books and smiles, "Although I don't know whether I feel guilty for fighting but brawling has always been my nature I guess, being a former gang member on the streets. It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. Especially when they are tricks from 8 years of hard work. I can only hope that they are imprisoned, I just wish I could help you guys..."

"I think it's safe to say that we'll all rest better once they're safely behind bars once again. What happened to you sound bad enough, but they've certainly done far worse to others in the past," Nightwing replies solemnly, his dark uniform almost seeming to darken even further as the soft glow from the overhead lamp shines down upon the bench where they sit. Fewer and fewer lights illuminate the windows of the city, leaving only the bright glow from the street lamps to illuminate an increasingly slumbering city. "But I guess if you used to be in a gang before, you're used to being caught in the midst of troubling circumstances. What made you decide to give all that up and go back to school again?" he asks, tilting his head with interest.

Morrigan says, "Yet another long story, but the Cliff Notes version is that I inherited the money and the one stipulation is that I must use it for my education and maintain a B+ average at Gotham State. As for the gang, I felt betrayed. The leader just wanted to use me for my powers but I thought it was something more."

The frown continues to linger on his face as he listens to her story, though Nightwing's eyes still sometimes roam about through the park, peering past the shadows that lay heavily over the grassy fields. But more important, he listens for anything out of place. But Gotham's evening air remains cool and quiet, unbroken by the distractions and troubles so common to the troubled city. "Ahhh," he says as she concludes her compressed version of the story, nodding his head slowly in response. "But what do you mean about your powers? What did he want to use?" he inquires quizzically.

Morrigan looks around for a moment and then walks over to one of the many patches of shadows, promptly disappearing from view, "These powers. It made it easier for use to steal things..and also to brawl." The voice seemingly comes from nowhere at all and then an acorn comes flying out of the shadows where she entered. She seems almost hesitant to move on. "I'm metahuman." She reappears in front of the shadows her incorporeal body fading into view as she returns to the bench.

Watching with a furrowed brow as she stands from the bench and moves towards the nearest patch of shadows, Nightwing blinks in surprise as she abruptly seems to fade from view. Leaning forward in his seat, he narrows his eyes as he peers into the shadows determinedly, still listening to an abarently disembodied voice. When the acron comes flying out of the shadows, he tracks it's flight with his gaze before shaking his head slowly and settling back onto the bench. "Ahhh," he says in response to both her explanation and demonstration, head dipping in response as she returns to the bench. "I can see why he would have wanted to have you in the gang then. I'm doubly glad that you've managed to take a different direction with your life then."

Morrigan says, "I struck out on my own after he smacked me around for getting knocked out in a fight against our rivals. I pickpocketed for what I needed to survive. If I got caught, I just hid in the shadows. I fought against common criminals at night. Then it got worse..."

A hard story to be sure -- if one not entirely unknown to those who grew up on the streets. And for a moment Nightwing reflects upon how differently his life could have ended up if things had worked out in only a slightly different fashion. Listening quietly with only occasional nods, he finally speaks once more at her pause. "Then what you're doing now is that much more remarkable," he says softly, resting one hand against his chin. "How did things get worse after that?" he inquires, still quiet as the pair converse beneath the quiet veil of night.

Morrigan says, "That's when I started running into people like the Joker..." She shrugs, "It all went downhill from there...I could brawl but I can hardly hold my own against them."

"No, I suppose not," Nightwing agrees quietly with a thoughtful nod, voice muted despite the deserted park around them. "So even when something goes right and you get the chance to return to school, it's tempered by encountering lunatics like that laughing madman," he muses, eyes darting away momentarily before returning to her once more. "I can see how you've managed to live through meeting him now, at least. It wasn't all luck afterall..."

Morrigan says, "I tend to think it was someone watching over me..." She smiles, "I guess it sounds silly to think I have a guardian angel or something." She begins biting her nail nervously, her shoulders heave up and down as she looks to her bottom right. "So I assume you know the whole bunch?"

Despite the gloominess of the topic dominating the conversation, that is almost enough to bring a grin to Nightwing's expression and while the smile doesn't quite manage to crack the somber facade his face has settled into, his features at least lighten somewhat. "I don't think it's silly," he replies with quiet seriousness, dipping his head slightly towards her. "In this city, you might just have more then one," he says before straightening in his seat once more. "As for the question, I know the whole bunch of whom?"

Morrigan says, "Robin, Azrael," She pauses, "Batman? Any of them?"

Nodding his head in understanding -- and in admission to his said knowledge of those particular individuals -- Nightwing replies, "Yes. I've met them all before, and worked with most of them as well. Some of them quite frequently," he acknowledges quietly. Though admittedly not in awhile. But such is the case when one avoids Gotham City for a time.

Morrigan nods, "What is Batman really like? I've only met him once and he really can't be as cold and uncaring as he seems...is he?

Oh dear. Now they're entering into somewhat touchy ground to be sure. Hesitating for a moment, Nightwing gives a small shake of his head, turning his head to fix his gaze upon her once more. "He can be cold, yes. He's the most capable man I know, and like most people of that stature, he can make instant decisions without second guessing himself. That takes a certain detachment. A coldness," the masked figure replies quietly. "But don't mistake that for an uncaring attitude. That couldn't be further from the truth. If anything, he cares too much. That's why he does what he does."

Morrigan smirks, "Almost like Az and I...in a way." She shrugs, "I guess most people don't see the side of him that I do. He's cold but all he does is care...it was hard for me to see at first but he just didn't want me to die because of my own 'foolishness' as he would probably call it." She snickers, "I'm just glad I got myself into trouble, or else I wouldn't be where I am today. I guess when you deal with enough villains like the Joker...

Listening quietly to her comparison, Nightwing nods his head and slowly rises to his feet, stretching out slowly after so long seated in the cool evening air. "I think I understand after a fashion, though it's a shame that it took the actions of a madman for you to get there," he replies solemnly. "I do thank you for the conversation miss... well, I don't think I ever did get your name..."

Morrigan says, "Please..call me Morrigan. No need to be formal or anything." She gathers her books, "I guess I should get going as well. I must warn you, I am the stereotypical bull-headed redhead...it had nothing to do with making me realize...I still stick to my guns."

Finally a genuine smile breaks out across his features and Nightwing nods his head in acknowledgement, dipping it towards her. "I'll bear that in mind Morrigan. Once again, thank you for the discussion. It was a much more pleasant way to pass the time then what I expected this evening," he replies. Of course, stalking through the streets in the middle of hte night doesn't usually lead to many pleasant encounters. "Perhaps we'll meet again, though I hope it won't be because of any further difficulties you might encounter. Take care of yourself," he says with a final smile before turning to depart -- his evening patrol at last resuming.