"You really don't have to stay with me Cyborg…" Raven began.
He cut her off with a gentle wave. "Sorry, but Robin told me to stick to you, and that's what I'm gonna do. I mean, we shouldn't have let you fall so far behind in the first place." He offered her a grin. "'Sides, who else is gonna help you carry around the flock?"
It's a 'murder' not a 'flock'; and it's not that big…
Of the seven soulbirds apart from Hate, only four remained. Love had followed Starfire, Humor with Beast Boy, and Intellect cited "professional curiosity" as she flapped after Robin. Courage was circling overhead as "aerial defense". Apathy roosted on Cyborg's left shoulder, and trying to nap with head under wing. Sorrow perched on his left shoulder as well: her brown eyes were closed and her head rested against his chrome cheek. Raven had placed Insecurity on her own right shoulder, so she could hold a conversation with Cyborg without the soulbird between them.
Insecurity was tense and constantly scanned the skies.
If it would make you feel safer, I could take you back.
She shook her feathered head. {I'd be all alone in there.}
"Is everything all right?" Cyborg's voice was heavy with concern. "If she's too much for you right now, I've got big shoulders."
{More than he'll ever know.} Sorrow heaved a quiet sigh.
Apathy snuggled farther under her own wing. {If you start crying on that "big shoulder" I WILL throw up.}
"No, you've done enough," Raven replied to Cyborg. "She's fine."
"What about you? Yourself, I mean."
Raven considered the question as they walked up the street. "I'll feel better when my anger is under control again."
"I'll bet. But why do keep calling her your 'anger'? The last time she called herself Hatred, I think."
"'Hate' is more accurate, but I feel less…guilty calling her "anger"."
"Don't beat yourself up too hard—you had every reason to want a piece of Dr. Light."
Raven shook her head. "That doesn't justify hatred. Or losing control."
"Maybe not, but when it comes to being mad—you don't do things half way." Cyborg seemed at war with himself for a moment, then continued. "It's too bad you couldn't find some thing constructive to do with it--you know, blow off a little steam before you pop?"
"There is nothing constructive about hate, Cyborg. Especially mine." Raven took a cleansing breath and let it out slowly. "I work to keep my emotions in control. I meditate. What more…"
"Have you tried sports?"
"No."
End of conversation.
"Aw, come on Raven. Just hear me out. There are lots of sports out there, I'm sure there's one for you."
"No."
"Why not?"
Do you want the short list?
"Competition is divisive."
Apathy agreed from under her wing. {It's crowded enough without you developing a competitive streak.}
You're not helping.
Cyborg was oblivious to the mental exchange. "It can also create camaraderie. But you don't have to be a team player," he added hastily. "There are plenty of individual sports that challenge a person's own limits."
{Everyone would laugh.} Insecurity shivered.
Peace.
Cyborg waited.
"Sports are complicated" Raven added.
"Nothing that can't be taught and learned." He smiled. "Knowing you, I'm sure you could be good at anything you set your mind to."
{He's got you there.}
You're still not helping, Apathy…
"Well?" Cyborg pressed.
"I don't have time."
"Why not make time? You know," he added thoughtfully, "you could do a relaxing sport, and it could double as mediation."
"Such as?"
"Well, there's Tai Chi. Or golf. Swimming laps is a good one too…"
{White Water Kayaking!} Courage spiraled high in the air. {Street Luge!!}
{Since when is going freeway speeds on a post card with wheels-- feet first-- a "meditative" sport?} Apathy sniffed.
{You appreciate life more when you put it on the line!}
I am not having this conversation…
"Just think about it—okay?"
{Please don't be hard on him.} Sorrow's thought was barely more than a whisper. {You always have advice for him—for all of them. He just wants to return the favor.}
The chime of Cyborg's communicator broke the silence. He answered immediately.
Robin's face materialized on the screen in Cyborg's arm. "Get to the Polyplex as fast as you can. We've got a situation."
"What's up? Did you find Dr. Light, or--?"
"We found both."
"On our way." Cyborg closed the link and turned. "Rav—"
Raven was already running, Courage and Insecurity flying in her wake.
Cyborg leaped after her. Sorrow had anticipated his movements and was airborne, but Apathy was caught off guard.
She hissed her annoyance as she winged to catch up.
"Yo, what's your hurry? We won't loose 'em again."
"What time is it?" Raven knew the answer before she asked.
"Sometime before midnight. Why---"
"Then there's still a line for the movie."
"Bystanders," Cyborg growled in frustration. He increased his pace. "So what are we waitin' for?"