3211/Nightwing Meets Knife-Hands

Nightwing Meets Knife-Hands
Date of Scene:	03 September 2020
Location:	Sublevel 2 -Training Facilities - The Roost
Synopsis:	X-23 and Nightwing meet, talk about philosophy, and spar. A good time is had by all.
Cast of Characters:	Laura Kinney, Dick Grayson

---

Laura Kinney has posed:
X-23 had left a note on the fridge telling her teammates if they needed her, she would be in the training facilities for the day. No, not a few hours. For the day.

Thus, down here she is.

The small, lithe black haired girl who could at a distance be easily mistaken for Cassandra Cain due to her hair, eye color, height, lithe build, and the prowess of martial arts and silence that is in her movement is, now, dressed only in a black sports bra and a pair of athletic leggings.

Currently, she is going through a hailfire of attacks against one of the training dummies and beating it senseless with a flurry of mixed-martial arts from the four corners of the world. And, perhaps as good as Cassandra in the execution of her attacks.

Sweat drips down her body, and there's several bottles of spent water, and many more filled sitting out on one of the tables.

Dick Grayson has posed:
Nightwing was making one of his customary visits to the Roost, in costume of course, even if it is a pain a lot of the time. He uses the entrance assigned to him by Red Robin and makes his way into the training facility to see who all was about. Then he notices Laura.

The eldest Robin alumnus leans against the wall watching the drill stoically, making mental notes as Laura progresses through it. Though once he thinks she's finished he calls out, "Well done." A small clap of approval, "Nightwing, I don't believe we've met?" He is all business, "At the very least, I hope I am not interrupting."

Laura Kinney has posed:
"No." Is Laura's answer, giving Nightwing a brief look, finally, once that routine is finished, though there's a 'look' about her that Nightwing will likely recognize; a look of determination, steadfast and stoic that says she's far from quiting. While on an entirely different face, he's seen that similiar look on others he's worked with and probably worn it himself. There is still a lot to go in today's training.

"I recognize you." From where, or how, she doesn't disclose. "I am X-23," she says, moving to an unopened bottle of water, and opening it. She considers the hero in front of her for a few more moments, silent. Perhaps waiting him out, before going to drink, guzzle, the bottle down.

Dick Grayson has posed:
"Good to meet you, X-23," Nightwing says, recognizing her from somewhere, then it clicks. He leans forward from the wall and gives a smile, though noting the face, "You did good work." The former Robin nods again, "Solid skills, formal training?" He is not asking where, just to be polite, "Either way, glad to have you on our side."

Laura Kinney has posed:
"Yes," Laura says after she finishes the water, setting the empited bottle with its other counterparts. She considers Nightwing a few moments longer, "I was trained in multiple styles, and was required to master them all. Among many other skills. I've since learned that generally, people do not wish to hear my expertise as it disturbs them."

She turns back to the training dummy, and approaches it again. This time, she hits it a few times with a few lighting fast jabs; an attack that would either put an opponent on the defensive, or even set them off balance and back-peddling.

Her foot swings out, her center of balance absolutely perfect, and there is a sound.

*SNIKT*

A razor-sharp adamantium claw pops out of Laura's foot in the middle through the flesh and sinks straight into the training dummy's kneecap. Just as quickly, she pulls it out.

"I am practicing the tenent of Mercy." These words are spoken with less of her prior matter-of-factness, and something more ... solemn? "It is one of the tenents of Bushido. I am learning this. So I can find who I am, other than A Weapon. And, so I can be an effective team member to my new team, here."

Afterall, slicing a blade into someone's kneecap isn't fatal.

Dick Grayson has posed:
"Nice," Nightwing says as he nods, "Nah, I'm curious by nature, and good to know. I've had to pick up a few things over the years," he points to the sticks on his back. Things are going pretty well, as he watches her go after the dummy and then the SNIKT.

Dick blinks as he notices that, "Well, that was unexpected." He blinks again. "Mercy is something that takes some time to grasp, but I have found it is liberating at times. And you are certainly more than a weapon. We all have value as people, and I am sure you will be a valuable member of this team."

Laura Kinney has posed:
The blade retracts back into Laura's foot, and she turns to look towards Dick. "I have yet to prove that. I failed my team twice, already. And have done nothing to prove my worth." Of this, she is certain, and the scowl on her face shows her displeasure with herself for this lack of percieved value.

"I was raised to be the world's deadliest assassin," she tells Dick, bluntly. "I killed my first target when I was nine years old. And continued to kill, following my orders of my handlers until I broke free, less than a year ago."

She raises her right hand in front of her, a fist, pointing upwards with palm facint her. Another *snikt* and this time two hand-claws pop out. "I was created to be a weapon. Unable to be killed. And able to kill any opponent that I was contracted to."

Again, the claws retract. "Mercy is a difficult concept for me. My mentor wishes me to - consider my target's stake in the fight. Their role. To have Mercy where it is warranted." She makes a face, "That is more difficult than killing. Killing is efficient."

She looks down at the ground, contemplating then looks back up to Nightwing. "But, I want to learn Mercy." She speaks of it as if it were almost something religious that was just barely in her grasp, a believer but not sure, really just yet, what she's believing in - or what she's getting herself into. "So this is the path I will walk while I am working for this team."

Dick Grayson has posed:
Nightwing frowns and shakes his head, "Firstly, never sell yourself short. You clearly were deemed welcome enough to keep around." The next set of snikts gets a raised brow, "I am just going to assume all of your hands and feet can do that." He then says, "You also have potential. You broke the leash. You became your own person. We all have our own paths, and I think you are working down the right one."

"Mercy takes time," Nightwing says, "That I do get. At times the need to be merciful is a lot lighter on the soul. A dead man cannot be redeemed." He flashes a smile, "You are working to improve yourself. I have faith you will succeed in walking down the path of mercy."

Laura Kinney has posed:
Laura nods. "Each hand, and each foot," she agrees.

There is a slow nod, "Yes. My mentor is not a master of Bushido, but I believe it will help me as it helped him. To find myself."

At Nightwing's words about redemption, she returns, "Some cannot be redeemed." Of this, she seems certain of. Dead certain. But she doesn't seem interested in arguing the point. "My mentor has given me much to think about. Not only of Mercy. But also of which Sword I wield. And if I kill, why do I kill. If it is to save lives? Is it because I find killing easy, and enjoy it? Or is it because I think they deserve it?"

She exhales, "These are questions I never asked myself before. But they -are- worthy of being asked. I wish to ensure that no one has to go through what I did, ever again. I wish to use my skills to help others. That is why I am here."

There's tension, sudden across her face, and she slams a hard palm into the training dummy. "But I could not defeat Deathstroke." That is still grating on her. Hard.

Dick Grayson has posed:
Nightwing nods at the mention of the blades, "Ouch. But duly noted." He listens, letting X-23 explain everything. "It is definitely a debatable topic. Though I certainly understand the mindset." Definitely has had this debate before, "Though I am curious on this sword theory, though once you start killing it is hard to fall into that trap you mention." He nods, "Asking why you kill. I know that I do take comfort in that. And the fact you continue to work towards helping others is a good sign."

The mention of Deathstroke gets a blink, "Well, I hope that you do better the next time. What aspects are you working on to better yourself against him for next time? Are there any particular group tactics you have in mind?"

Laura Kinney has posed:
"Do I wield this sword because others will die if I do not? Do I take this one life, in order to save many lives? Then, I wield this sword to give life. Do I kill because of revenge? Because of hate? Then, I weild this sword to give death. And, the darker path. Do I kill because I enjoy it? Because it is easy? Then, I wield this sword to murder." She pauses, adding, "I need to study further. My mentor was clear he is not a master of Bushido, but had learned from one. I will seek more knowledge. But the foundation is there, and - it has given me room to consider."

As to Deathstroke? "I was not aware he had a sword immune to my adamantium blades. That caught me off guard. As did his body armor. His strength as well. It was greater than most humans." Laura frowns, "He cut off my hands." She makes a fist. "I will not suffer a defeat like that again. I need to devise an efficient strategy to defeat him, despite his preperations."

Dick Grayson has posed:
"I see," Nightwing notes and continues, "Well, it is a good topic to study on. Understanding why we do what we do is essential." He listens more, "I hope that your studies continue fruitfully." He sneezes.

The talk about Deathstroke and severed hands immediately confuses Nightwing for a moment as he looks to X-23's hands and then to her, then back to her hands, and then to her. "Did you regrow your hands and the adamantine? If so, that is very impressive. Because I will grant I am a little confused."

Laura Kinney has posed:
"I regenerate," agrees Laura, nodding. "Rapidly. In the fight with Deathstroke, after he had cut off my hands he kicked me off a fourty story building. My skull was cracked open, my back broken, several ribs splintered into my vital organs, and many other bones were broken. I was fully recovered within a few minutes. However, - the hands were a bit more complicated, and required some assistance from our healer in part. Otherwise I would have regrown -new- hands, and they would not have had the adamantium coating around my claws."

Dick Grayson has posed:
That is definitely news to Nightwing, "Oh. Well, that is definitely useful, then," he narrowly dodges the pun, trying to keep this serious, "Well, I am glad you made a full recovery. That... I am sorry it went the way it did. I hope that the next time you square off with him that it goes the other way. Though, yeah," Nightwing nods, "Regeneration is definitely useful."

Laura Kinney has posed:
"Without it," Laura says gravely, "The process of adhering the adamantium to my bone claws would have killed me. That was the primary reason I was cloned."

She pauses here, nodding, once. "However, you are correct. It is a very good thing to have. And the initimidation factor is sometimes a useful strategy of seeing someone whom you thought dead come to life and persist after you."

There 's no mirth in Laura, though. She's speaking purely from a strategy mindset. It's another weapon in her arsenal that she's very aware of, and knows how to exploit. "I still feel pain, however. I do not enjoy taking wounds. But the pain does not last long."

Dick Grayson has posed:
A clone? This is news to Nightwing, "Well, then I am glad you regained your claws as you wished them to be. Though I grant that you are putting them to good use, far better than some would intend." He notes the lack of mirth and nods, "That I understand. Been through enough fights like that to know that pain is definitely not enjoyable. Definitely been on the losing end of a fight more often than I'd like."

Laura Kinney has posed:
"Perhaps you should look into acquiring a set of armor like Deathstroke had," suggests Laura, seriously, to Dick. "It had a barrier field that prevented him from taking damage. It also did not restrict his ability to move. You should ask Red Robin about it. I am certain given his predilictions he has already researched it."

Dick Grayson has posed:
"I will make a note of that, perhaps. Hmm. I will do some research on this. " Dick says, having given it thought since his run in with the Talons. He mentally notes the conversation. "If Red Robin has more information I will certainly inquire. No doubt any upgrades I can get will be welcomed. And if your adamantine claws aren't doing much, I doubt my sticks favor horrendously well in that fight." He frowns. "But I will ask him. Is there anything I can for you or do you have any questions?"

Laura Kinney has posed:
Laura shakes her head, stops, then pauses, "I wish to have several rocks brought here. As well as sand. And some wood. What would be the best way to accomplish that? I do not wish to bring attention to the Roost that is unwanted."

Talk about odd requests, and conversational switches.

Dick Grayson has posed:
"Depending on the quantity and types of rocks," Nightwing begins, "If you are doing any renovations, just fold it into that. Alternatively, unload them in the night and in small chunks at a time. That way people will have to be paying attention to exactly what is being brought in." He nods, at least this is a topic he can give help on. "That's my advice anyway."

Laura Kinney has posed:
Laura nods, sharply. "Good. I will need them for my room." Whatever she has in mind, it's at least not going to be an empty room save a cot, and a table full of weapons and gear anymore. "Thank you, Nightwing." His answer seems to have satisfied her well enough.

Then, she looks him up and down again. "Do you wish to spar?" Because, she's not done with her combat yet, and a live partner is better than a training dummy.

Dick Grayson has posed:
"Not a problem," Nightwing says with a nod and then moves to the other side of the room as the inquiry to spar is asked. "I can, you got a preference for armed or unarmed? If we go armed, obviously let's not go for blood." He grins and drops into a defensive stance.

Laura Kinney has posed:
Laura considers, "Unarmed," she decides. She also nods, "I will keep my claws retracted. Do not worry," she assures him. She takes a ready stance, then, waits for his own.

She does not wait long, a few seconds at best, before she is not just moving towards him, but charging at him with a sudden quickness; not inhumanly fast, but faster than a lot of people just the same. She uses this speed to suddenly shift her weight down at the last possible second, converting her energy into a sliding legsweep, testing her new opponent's reflexes.

She might know who Nightwing is, but certainly has no idea to his superior acrobatics.

Dick Grayson has posed:
This is not Dick's first rodeo. He expected fast, it just takes a few miliseconds to figure out what level of fast. He notes the legsweep and is quick to shift back with ease, instead darting in for a sweep of his own from the side, given her other leg was just up for the attack. Nightwing grins as he then shoots in again, going for a mix of high and low strikes with his hands against Laura, keeping his feet moving both towards her and laterally. He is no stranger to this, but it is never easy against those trained for it, and having extraordinary abilities.

Laura Kinney has posed:
Laura is able to block, and deflect most of the attacks that come her way. Dick will quickly learn that Laura is far more comfortable as a close-combat fighter than not, more comfortable blocking, than dodging, and utilizing her quickness and agility in trying to overcome her opponent than with force. And, she has patience.

She, testing him, as much as he is testing her, each of them feeling the other out.

Her arms move to deflect the blows away from her, and solid, strong legs raise to negate kicks. But he has body armor, and she has a healing factor - so no real damage to either party is going to happen.

"You are good," Laura admits, readily, recognizing nearly instantly Dick's prowess in the spar, just after one of his hits land, send her twisting slightly but her center of balance is sublime, and her recovery fast. On his next attack, she counters and attempts to utilize the opening for a quick palm strike directly to his sternum.

Dick Grayson has posed:
"In our line of you work you either get good, or things go very poorly very quickly," Nightwing notes, preferring not to bring up death right now. He definitely gets the feeling that Laura is definitely someone not to underestimate, ever. He is surprised when eventually he finds the gap in her defenses, but he did not except the palm strike that he can not quite deflect in time and winces as the suit does absorb a lot of it, it still hurts like heck.

"As I was saying," he jokes as he continues his attacks and feints, trying to seize and maintain the initiative as the fight goes on, keeping up a the attack without falling into a rhythm, lest she figure it out and suddenly break it.

Laura Kinney has posed:
"Yes," agrees Laura, not sounding winded at all. Damn healing factors. So unfair. "I was forced to get good quickly as well. I hope you did not go through similar training to my own." There's no sadness there. No attempt to play the victim. Just the facts, ma'am. It is a part of her life, and she is neither hiding from it or denying it. It is a part of her, and she has long ago accepted that.

And, his aggressiveness allows him to maintain the initiative; or, perhaps she's only letting him do so. In either case, he does, and she is forced to back-peddle a little, albiet slowly.

She continues to slowly move back, fending off the blows, falling for a feint or two and getting hit, but again, recovering quickly.

The fight moves them across the floor, and then - suddenly Laura -does- dodge his next attack, shifting quickly to one side, shifting her weight and her body to flow, and attempt to throw him and entangle him into the training dummy she was leading him into all the while.

But then, Nightwing may be onto her little trickery, too. He has been around the block.

Dick Grayson has posed:
"Trade secret," Nightwing says with a grin when asked about his training. Can't really give up too much. He goes back into the fight with the expected attention it deserves. He is conditioned well enough so that he is not getting tired yet, but she will definitely out stamina him due to the healing factor.

Nightwing nearly misses the dummy coming into his sight and is forced to break off the attack and slink back a bit, giving up the initiative in the fight for the time being.

Laura Kinney has posed:
Laura seems to nod her approval that Dick didn't so easily fall into her little trap, and having failed on that level with him, she decides to fully take it to him instead. She might not be as strong as others, but she's fast, efficient, and she's got years beyond her looks worth of training in combat.

She sticks to no 'style', but uses many styles interchanging one onto the other, rapid attacks that keep her on the offensive, now, and test Dick's abilities to defend, or evade. And, she is certainly not taking it easy on him. Quite the opposite. She is fighting to win, and holding nothing - save her claws - back.

Dick Grayson has posed:
Dick is on the back foot for a few moments, as Laura seizes the initiative and forces him to react for the time being. His own personal style draws on his varied martial arts background, and causes him to constantly audible, and not afraid to improvise as needed. Nightwing at times has to turn a strike into a glancing blow instead of a proper block, but that is the way it goes sometimes until he can hopefully get a window to allow him to open up a new vector of attacks, unleashing a flurry of strikes and kicks to attempt to regain the reins in this fight.

Laura Kinney has posed:
As Nightwing finds the opening to regain the attack, Laura does end up taking one of those kick flurries to her midsection, causing her to stagger back, and then, briefly - ever so briefly, she smiles. It fades soon enough and for now, she seems satisfied. There is a nod.

"Thank you. You certainly have an interesting fighting style. Next time, we shall have to use weapons." She glances to the wooden weapons in place of their more dangerous counterparts that are in the training room here meaningfully.

Dick Grayson has posed:
Nightwing is glad the fight is coming to a close, as he had been noting that soon he would begin getting tired if it went on for far too long. He nods to Laura, "Thank you as well, though yeah, next time weapons. Should make it a bit more interesting!" He looks to the sparring weapons, "Definitely will be fun." He looks down at his comms, "But I had best get going, other duties require my attention, until later X-23!"