Before we fall

(Chp.16) Healing.

It was in the early mornings moon lit gaze as Garbadge Child patrolled the streets. She needed some fresh air from the stuffy home she had spent her most recent months in.

Dressed in her white, laced nightgown that fell just around her ankles and an old, worn down pair of gloves- she let out an exasperated yawn, taking in the full effect of her lack of sleep.

A moth hopped about near a lit street lantern as the stars twinkled overhead. Two, rather tall men strutted beside one another beneath the canopy of the darkened, scintillating night sky. Their path was dimly lit by the few lanterns that were stationed every few feet across the streets to keep criminals and others at bay. One's voice was mumbled in a hushed voice, but a restrained tone of underlying anger lay shortly beneath the surface. The other was simply nodding along, only agreeing ever so often; the man stared ahead, barely listening to the others complaints that had now grown to an anger ridden shout.

"... and then he went on to punch me in the face! Sir, how do you manage to bear with his- his complete and utter foolishness! He's absolutely fool! " the shorter man indignantly waved his hands in the chilled nightime air as he fell into step with the taller, his eyes aflamed with an untapped rage.

The taller man gave a shrug, brushing his sleeve to rid it of dirt and other grime that might have accumulated.

"It may be hard to believe.. But he is exceptionally loyal despite his immature outlook on life, much like you yourself. His heart, too, burns with a passion- which is why I happened to choose him." The taller man spoke in a calm and collected voice.

"But alas, I fear you are right about his additude. His temper can be quite the handful. " He sighed, softly shaking his head in disapproval.

Garbadge child happened to catch a tad bit of the two men's conversation, giggling a bit at insult of the person they spoke of- who was very obviously Robin. She didn't mean to snoop, but she just couldn't help herself sometimes! She had always been quite the curious cat- so to speak.

"His strength deems himself worthy enough, it doesent matter if he has magical powers or not. You can tell just from that nasty bruise he gave you." The man scoffed, continuing the previous conversation. He was perfectly aware of the little girls presence but instead chose to use this as a test for the other; averting his gaze from the darkness beyond to look at the shorter man's face.

Suddenly, the shorter man spotted a small figure, he flinched. "Sir... I believe we have some company..." He lowered his voice. "It seems someone had been listening in on our conversation. " he spoke breathlessly. Making sure not to draw extra attention to himself.

"Is that so?" The taller man, now in view as Pablim, tipped his head, squinting into the darkness although there was no need. The corners of his mouth curled into into a slight smile. He immediately recognized the small figure.

Garbage Child peered into the nightime abyss, barley being able to see anything in the utter darkness. That's when she began to hear the others' convorsation more clearly- were they discussing her - what exactly were they saying? She couldn't quite tell.

"It's alright, they wouldn't tell a soul..." His velvety voice lowered as he narrowed his eyes to better see into the darkness. "Garbage Child? What brings you out here at this hour?" He called out to her.

"Garbage Child?! What a horrid name to be labeled as foolish it is, I tell you." He shook his head in disapprovment before turning to Pablim and mumbling in this ear.

"You didn't name her, did you, sir?" He inquired, glaring at the young girl with revulsion in his eyes. To this, Pablim whispered back,

"Oh heavens no. I'm not that cruel, John Doe." Pablim snickered, in return, revealing the other mans name. Swiftly, Pablim pulled John Doe closer to himself so he could try and get a better look at who he was talking to.