Pain shot through Raven's body as the punches connected. Two boys held her arms as their so called leader's fists slammed into her. She didn't why they were doing this. Theywalked up toher startedcalling her names. As long they stayed on calling her names, she didn't care. Then they started callingher mother names.That's when she tried to hit Micha. That's how she got into her current situation, which was do to her lack of any fighting skills and their three to her one.

"Beg and it will stop," remarked Micha.

Her silence was the only answer plus sticking her tongue out.

Pulling back his right fist, "No, begging. Didn't think a hybrid would've had the guts."

Staring at the fist, she braced herself for the impact. Then that medley floated into her ears. In their confusion, her attackers turned their heads trying to discover the source of that medley. Turning her head to the right, she saw the flute player. A wide brim black hat obscuredher view of his face. No robe covered his body just a long black coat. A black satchel bag hung from his left side. In fact, his clothing was all black. He continued playing while lifting his head up. His blue eyes seemed to pierce through her. A mixture of danger and calmness seemed to exist in those eyes.

Removing his lips from the flute hole, "Am I interrupting something important, Micha?"

"Get lost, Rath," threatened Micha, "Three against one."

"Wrong, your math's off. There's the girl and this flute. Therefore the odds are even."

"She barely can stand and thatpiece of wood can't protect you from a beating."

"You're right. Three isn't enough you might what to get more."

Micha motioned his head. Her holders let her drop to the ground. Pain shot through her body from the impact of the ground. Lifting her head up, she watched her holders walked towards the smirking Rath. His head moved like he was humming not paying attention to his attackers.

"Right," he said before the end of his flute rammed into the stomach of the boy on his left.

The one on his right didn't notice the flute heading towards his head until it hit his left temple. Placing the end of the flute under the chin of the one doubled over, Rath pushed up until he saw the face then whacked the top of the skull with the flute. Raven's ears detected the wind moving through the holes of the flute adding a slightly strange harmony to the fight she just witnessed.

"Two against one," remarked Rath, "Now the odds are against you," throwing his flute towards Micha, "Now the odds are in your favor lets see how you can play that hand."

Picking the flute up, Micha stared at the flute then at Rath. Holding it over his head, he ran at Rath. Swinging downwards at Rath, his blow was stopped. Rath caught the flute then slammed his opened palm into Micha's chest. Stepping around, his elbow slammed into the back of Micha's head. He dropped to the ground. Holding his flute on his shoulder, Rath walked towards Raven. Crouching, he pulled a piece of cloth from his coat's pocket.

Wiping the dry blood from the corner of Raven's mouth, "There we're all pretty again."

She hoped her bruises hid the fact she was blushing.

"Thank you."

Grabbing her hand, "Think nothing of it," pulled her up.

Wincing in pain, she discovered her white robe was dirty. Trying to brush it off, she always didn't notice Rath gathering her scrolls up.

"Thank you," taking the scrolls from him.

"Repeating yourself, Raven."

Biting her lower lip prevented her from smiling.

"You were late, Rath,"

"Raven, you left early," staring at the sky, "Well,still needa walking companion?"

"Yes, I need a walking companion."

This image faded away to an image of the T-jet about to be hit by a missile. Before it could strike, the meteorite glowed. Then everything went bright.

Opening her eyes and sitting up, "No," came from her lips.

Hands landed on her shoulders. Turning quickly to her right, the concerned face of Starfire entered her field of vision.

"Easy, friend Raven."

"Have they returned?"

"Yes."

"Lets go."

Slipping off the med table, her feet touched the floor and her knees buckled. Catching the table prevented her from hitting the floor.

"You need rest."

"After I've seen it."

Barley walking out the door with a worried Starfire close behind her, she headed towards the hanger.