Chapter Nineteen

It was early morning at Murakami School. A small number of students had shown up already, talking to each other before beginning the day's events. Most of them spoke of yesterday's actions; the intense battle fought between the Teen Titans and their nemesis Slade. Unfortunately for the students, class was in session at that time, so no one had actually seen anything. Still, there was evidence of the fight; scorch marks, fallen debris on the sidewalk and some cracks at the line of the building's roof. The best news was that Slade was defeated and that SWAT teams took the psychotic villain away! Citizens of Jump City could now breathe easier, thanks to the Titans.

Of course, that did not change the prospect of intense classes for the students. Life went on as normal for them. At least, for most of them. Two girls, one with red hair and similar skin as Terra, the other with black hair and the same color as Cyborg, were involved in a discussion over what might have become of their friend. She had been missing now for a day. They wondered if Slade might have had something to do with her disappearance. If so, they wondered if the Titans knew about it.

Neither girl noticed a small moped pull up to the curb, not far from the school. The two figures on it removed their helmets. One had a long scarf on.

"You're right Beast Boy, she is a smooth ride." Terra remarked.

"Glad you enjoyed it." he replied. "It was hell putting her back together after all we went through the first time I used it!"

Terra smiled. "Well, time to face the music."

"Do you want me to come with you?" he asked.

"No, I can handle it. Just wait here for me."

"Gotcha." Beast Boy loitered around the moped, occasionally checking for non-existent damage.

Terra walked rather slowly along the perimeter of the fence, checking to see if she could spot her former friends. Sure enough, she saw them at their regular hang out area. Gingerly, she walked toward them.

The two girls were engaged in conversation, when they noticed Terra. Both were stunned, seeing her in her Titans uniform!

"You!" they exclaimed.

"Yep, it's me." she said. "And forget the name I told you to call me by. My real name is Terra."

"You mean that green skinned kid was right?" the red head girl said. "Your name really is Terra!"

"Mmm-hmm. And as you can see, I am a Teen Titan."

"You mean you used to be?" the black haired girl said. "I mean, you spent almost a year with us here! Did you just decide to become one?"

"No." Terra replied. "Look, it's a long story. Suffice to say, I was a lost girl with incredible power. I couldn't control it. The Titans welcomed me, but I screwed that up. I came back to them eventually, but it was so I could betray them. I fought with them, but the real battle was in my head. I won that battle in the long run, but...well, I guess you could say I got myself killed. When I was 'revived', this was the life I choose."

She indicated the school.

"My past caught up with me, and I wound up being a Titan again. This time, it's for good."

The two girls were speechless. "How come you never told us about this?" asked the red head.

"I wanted to forget my past. I did some terrible things. Things beyond forgiveness."

"I can't imagine them being things the Titans wouldn't forgive!"

"Believe me, if you knew, you'd understand. I also had other considerations."

"What kind of 'considerations'?"

"I don't have time to tell you everything right now. Like I said it's a long story."

The girls sighed.

"I can't believe we were friends with a Teen Titan!" the red head muttered,

"So, you just came here to let us know you're a Titan now?" the black hair girl asked. "I mean, you'll be around, won't you?"

"No, I'm afraid not." Terra heaved a sigh. "I came here to say goodbye. I'm leaving for Steel City today to join Titans East."

"Titans East!" the black haired girl said. "That's wicked cool!"

"Yeah!" the red head added. "And you'll get to meet Aqualad! He's such a hottie!"

"Yeah, but that's not really my reason for going there." She looked over at Beast Boy.

"I'm just leaving behind regrettable parts of my past."

"So, that kid did know you?"

"Right. We were close, but no longer. It was really all my fault."

The girls were astounded. "Your fault?" they said.

"Look, it's complicated. Just leave it at that."

"But you will tell us one day, right?"

"Of course! And here, I want you two to have this." She gave them each a Titans communicator.

"Awesome!" they said.

"They're modified so you're not really on the communication network. I can talk to on these. I'll tell you the rest of the story when I get to my new home."

The girls nodded. "And while you're at it, could you get Aqualad's autograph for us?"

Terra laughed. "Sure!"

The girls hugged each other for nearly a minute before parting.

"Good luck, Terra!" they called to her.

"Take care!" she called back. She then joined Beast Boy.

"How'd it go?" he asked.

"Better than I thought." she replied. "Let's get back to the Tower."

Beast Boy nodded as he put on his helmet and scarf.

The two Titans said little on the way back to the Tower. Terra informed the other Titans that they were returning and to have her things ready.

Once they arrived at the tower, Beast Boy and Terra met the others on the roof. Terra's managed to pack all her belongings in two suitcases. Starfire stood by them, while the other Titans loitered around.

At first, Terra just stared at the Titans, unsure what to say.

"Is there anyone that wishes to say anything?" Starfire finally said.

"I don't think there's anything to say that we don't already know." said Raven.

"Of course there is." Beast Boy said. He walked in front of Terra and stuck out his hand. "Good luck, Terra!" he said.

"Thank you, Beast Boy." she replied. Then, she hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

She repeated this for all the Titans, even for Raven; hugging them, and giving a kiss on the cheek.

Finally, she picked up her suitcases. She took one last look at the Titans.

"Goodbye, friends. You were the best I've ever known."

She used her powers to obtain a large boulder. She flattened one side of it and boarded it, setting down her suitcase. She then glanced again at the Titans. They waved at her.

Terra waved back, and then flew off toward the east. One by one, the Titans went back inside.