Disclaimer: I don't own anything! Any franchise referenced here belongs to its respective owner! Only the OCs are original!

A/N: This bit was supposed to be apart of the finale for the fic, but I gave up on the story. If you want to know how this story idea works, I would suggest to read the other scenes I had for this story that are early on in this fic.

The metropolis of Jump City was in ruins from the long battle between Maru and the forces of the being known as Omega. Most of the buildings were destroyed, leaving only husks, while the streets were filled with cracks and craters from the battle. Many civilians were being escorted to the hospital for treatment as the authorities tried to help those within the city find their loved ones.

On top of the Titans Tower was Maru staring out into Jump City with the Teen Titans inside, celebrating their victory along with the two Gate Riders, Solar and Lunar. For a long time, Maru felt as if a great weight was lifted off of his shoulders and that he could finally rest. He lived a life full of excitement and adventure, but now he was tired and wanted to relas.

The golden-armored Gate Rider felt a small tingling sensation on his hands, making him look down to see small particles of golden energy emerging from his body. 'So, it's time, huh?' he thought.

"Shouldn't you be inside?" a familiar voice asked.

Maru turned around to see it was his granddaughter, the Titans known as Raven, standing at the entrance to the rooftop. "Starfire's preparing to sing one of her songs, and Beast Boy and Cyborg are arguing over who's going to cook the food," Raven said as she walked onto the rooftop.

"That doesn't surprise me," Maru chuckled.

Raven could not, but smile at her grandfather, for he always had an aura around him that lightened up the mood for her. Maru looked at Raven. "Rachel, I hope you enjoy your life."

The Gothic Titans could not help but noticed something was different about Maru, and that bothered her. Usually, her grandfather was cheerful and energetic, but now, that was not the case, for he sounded like he was tired. His tone, his body language gave off something that almost told her that something was happening to him.

She soon found out when she saw small golden particles leaving his body before they entered and dissolved into the air. Raven's eyes widen at that. Maru, on the other hand, just looked at his body, and simply sighed. "It's time," was all he said.

"What's happening to you?" she asked with concern in her tone.

Looking at his granddaughter, Maru replied, "Isn't it obvious? I'm dying."

Those words struck horror into Raven's heart. "No! You can't die!" Raven shouted as she ran up to her grandfather.

Maru shook his head before he placed a hand on his granddaughter's head. "Don't worry about me, Rachel," he told her. "It was bound to happen eventually."

"It's not going to end like this!" Raven sobbed as she hugged her grandfather and buried her head into his armored chest. "It can't!"

Maru returned the hug and rested his head on top of hers. "Unfortunately, it has too. Every story has an ending, and it's not always happy," he whispered. "But with every ending, comes a beginning. My ending is simply your beginning, Rachel."

Looking up at her grandfather, Raven begged, "You can't go! I have so much to ask you!"

"I can't give you all the answers, Rachel," Maru said. "You'll have to find them on your own."

"But..." Raven said, yet Maru cut her off.

"I may be gone, but you'll remember me. You'll remember a story of a man," Maru chuckled. "A crazy man who stole a magic book... and ran away." More tears ran down Raven's cheeks, while Maru simply smiled underneath his helmet. "Oh that book, you'll dream of that book, Rachel. A book that carried so much power fit for kings, yet was placed in the hands of a weakling." His green lenses stared at Raven's own eyes. "The fun we had huh? All of those adventures?"

Maru stopped himself as he felt more of his essence leaving his body in the form of golden energy, telling him that he needed to end this quickly. Maru tightened his hug around his granddaughter. "Goodbye, Rachel. Remember that I will always be with you," he whispered before his entire body had dissolved away.

Raven gasped in horror as the golden dust replaced her grandfather. A wave of sadness and grief overcame the Gothic Titan as she fell on her knees and tears flowing out of her eyes like rivers. It seemed like her tears would never stop, but she knew that it would not bring Maru back.

A/N: And that's it! Please leave your comments in the reviews, and if you have any criticism, please let it be constructive! Now, this story is up for adoption. Please send me a PM or an e-mail to let me know if you're interested. Thank you.

Raika out!