Goodbyes

Standing in the doorway of her room, Raven couldn't believe the memories she lived. Grateful for them now she was starting a new chapter. Rath could relate if Conner was right about Rath's past life. The past should be used to see how far one had came or how short they ended up. Conner mentioned how Rath killed Black Ice's previous lives. In fact, Rath sparing Superboy's life clinched her decision to leave.

This memory tripping didn't hide the fact a familiar presence was standing beside her.

"Hello, Kory," without taking her eyes off the room.

"Hello, Raven," knowing how Raven could feel her, "Why are you staring into your room?"

"Saying goodbye to some ghosts."

"Is that why you haven't good bye to everyone?"

Smiling, "Yes, I'm practicing with some ghosts before the rest of the guys."

"You smiled."

"Tiring few days."

Turning Raven around and hugging her, "Let me be the first to say goodbye."

Kory was trying hard not to suffocate her.

"Goodbye, Kory," wiping away a tear before Kory let go.

Grabbing Raven's hand, "Let's say goodbye to everyone," dragging Raven down the hall.

Raven just rolled her eyes.

Sitting on a medical table, Conner was trying to not feel sorry for himself. Never telling Raven how he felt for her, getting jealous of Rath, allowing himself to be an instrument to destroy his friends, how one could screw up so badly and still have friends, it boggles the mind. Today, Raven was leaving the Titans and Conner couldn't do a thing about it.

Lifting his eyes up to sound of the door opening, it was Rath entering.

"Surviving?" Rath asked.

"If you can say that," answered Conner.

Crossing his arms, "What's on your mind, Conner?"

"Did you really kill the woman you loved?"

"Yes, cause I thought it was the right thing to do."

"I almost want to hate you, yet I feel pity for you."

"Why?" shrugging his shoulders, "It was the decision I made and have to deal with."

"Yet, you lived so long."

"Meaning that if I didn't do it that I'll finally get eternal sleep."

"Yes."

"There are a lot of things I wished I could change, but I can't. One must have failures to appreciate the successes, besides why should you feel pity for me. I lived this life."

"It's Raven I'm worry about. Didn't tell her about April."

"And you feel protective of her."

"Yes, in fact we all do. With her father and these cults trying to use her, we don't want her hurt."

"Like the Azarathens, setting her up for failure without knowing it."

Seeing some hurt in Conner, "That not to knock you down, it's just sometimes good intentions will cause more problems then solving them."

"Well, guess I have to let her go."

"Sometimes that is the wise thing to do."

"Maybe you're right, the reason I pity you cause of what Black Ice did to you."

"If his memories bother you, remember you got off easy compared to others."

"Something to think about like this."

"Like what?"

"Hurt her and I'll kill you."

Grinning, "You might try that," walking out the door.

Before Conner could get lost in his thoughts, the door opened again. This time it was Raven in carrying a gym bag. She wasn't wearing her hooded sweatshirts instead wore black t-shirt, pants, and shoes. A baseball hat with the bill placed down close to her eyes.

"Hello, Raven."

Putting the bag down, "Hello, Conner."

Before he could say anything, "Don't, you may appear a bigger jack ass than you should be,"

Walking towards the table, she grabbed his hand and kissed him on the forehead. Visions flashed before Conner's eyes.

"What?"

"One's life will flash before them when close to death. I let you see flashes of possible futures."

"Why?"

"To value choice. I choose to leave Azarath to stop my father and learned to not look back."

"Did Rath teach you that?"

"No, he reminded me. So don't regret what you didn't do, there's plenty I didn't do."

"So I should not tell you how I love you."

He swore that she blushed.

"You must let that go. It will only cause more pain."

A realization hit him.

"You were in love with someone. Wasn't you?"

"Yes."

"It allowed your father to corrupt you."

"Yes. I speak from experience. Bury your love for me. It nearly killed you and made you forget about Cassie."

"I will if you remember to call or leave a phone number."

"Work that out with Rath. Goodbye, Conner," walking towards the door.

Retrieving her bag before the door could close, heard, "Goodbye, Raven."

Finding Rath waiting at the end hallway, they walked together towards the door.

"Is that a tear you have?"

Wiping her fingers across her face, "Condensation."

"Oh. Finished the routine of saying goodbye"

"Yes."

"You can always visit them."

"Did you ever visit your family or friends?"

"Once and only when I had to."

"Guess we'll both learn something together."

"Guess we will," walking out the door together. Fin?

Teen Titans and Dr. Fate are owned by DC comics. Rath Lee, Richard Clarkstone, And Demon Hunters are my originals. Nighthawk is character not based on the DC comics' character.