Leaving Forever (Open to Titans)

A small boat motor sounded over the water that surrounded Titan's Tower. Grace had rented the vessel and was now driving it over to the island. The Titans might find it strange that she was resorting to technology for transportation instead of simply flying back to base, but Grace had no choice.

After anchoring the boat near the shore, Grace jumped out and made her way to the front door. Was this the last time she would ever enter this building? Probably. She couldn't imagine a reason to come back after what had happened. Nobody would want her around anymore.

She was supposed to deliver the message, but honestly Grace would rather just leave without explanation. She knew everyone would hate her when they found out the truth, and why shouldn't they? Grace had been mean-spirited since the first day she stepped foot in Jump City. There were few people whom she had actually treated with respect, and even fewer that she liked. She had not been prepared to lead the team, but the position had been dropped in her hands. Well, now it would be dropped upon someone else.

Grace walked past the Main Ops Room and up the stairs. Reaching her own room, Grace looked around at the few possessions she had. They were quickly collected into a purse and a single briefcase. This was it. She was leaving the Titans.

Calling Mercy to her side, Grace turned to walk out the door, but saw someone standing in her way.

Grace looked down at her suitcase when Superboy asked his question. It answered the question. Ben squeezed in and asked if she thought they would just let her leave.

Grace had long wanted to meet Superboy. The son of Superman's fame had spread even to the remote Koori Tribe. Even though this Superboy was from another dimension, Grace had still been delighted to meet him. Of course, her pride had never allowed her to tell him this, so she had remained distant from him, as she had remained distant from everyone. Now Grace regretted that decision.

Ben. The first time Grace had met the shape-shifter, she had been hunting him. After attending the boy's funeral, and watching him destroy Primarch Joshua she had developed great respect for the boy...no, the man. He was always the first one to put his life on the line in the defense of others. Ben was a true role model of what a superhero should be.

Ben's question was still hanging in the air. "I was planning to not give you the option." No. She couldn't end it this way. Grace had lost so many allies over the years. These were two of the comrades who had fought by her side the entire time. She owed them an explanation, as painful as it was.

"I...I'm not useful to the team anymore." Grace felt her gut wrench. She felt like vomiting and tears started falling from her eyes. "Ben...Superboy...I've lost my powers. The...The Hat did this to me. He took away my powers, and I'll never get them back. If you want to stay safe, stay away from him."

Now it was known. The high and mighty Grace Koori Dore, who had flaunted her power as a means of self-value, was now powerless. She was a normal human. A weakling. And as such, she had no place on this team. She just hoped that Will would still find her worthy to be his wife.

"I'll be moving back to the Koori Village. Will's already waiting for me there, I think. I'm sorry for how I've treated everyone all this time. I wish I had been kinder. In any case, I am not fitting to stand in your presence. Please let me leave quietly and don't tell anyone until I'm gone."

Eric heard people talking down stairs. Did another recruit come in late at night? If so, that's quite rude. Eric jumped out of bed and threw on a T-shirt that stated rules on how to survive school. He walked down stairs and saw Ben and SuperBoy talking to Grace. In stead of being the old Eric and jumping in he listened to Grace's confession. She lost her powers? So what!

Eric walked out of the darkness and down the stairs. " I understand if you want to leave. But I don't have any powers and i'm on this team? What's so bad not being a Meta, you'll be just as useful. Now if you want to leave, that should be a different reason." Eric said rubbing his eyes and letting out a yawn. Not having powers wasn't that bad, it was an even bigger honor to be on this team them, it makes you feel like you have chance in life. All though he's probably leaving soon, he'll stay loyal on the good side.

Hotwire had been working late into the night on erics suit upgrades, but had fallen asleep. A commotion had woken him up and decided to investigate. A hard desk might not have been comfy, but at least he was asleep.

Rubbing his eyes, hotwire mumbled."Hey guys... what's up... Grace? Haven't seen you for a while." At that, the geeky little techno boy yawned

Eric and Hotwire appeared out of nowhere. This was exactly what Grace didn't want to happen. She knew Eric was trying to cheer her up, but he wasn't about to change her mind. Without her ice powers, Grace believed she was completely useless to the team. What did she have to offer them now? She had no skills, no patience for technology, and no fighting ability. She was nothing but a liability, and Grace hated liabilities.

"Sorry, Eric...and Hotwire. I'm leaving."

She listened to what Ben said, and was surprised when he hugged her. Didn't he hate her? Didn't they all hate her? Why was everyone being so nice to her?

Grace awkwardly pulled away from Ben's hug. It was a kind gesture, but she really wanted to get going before anyone else found out. "I'll hold you to that, Ben. The world always seems to get into more trouble. It's been an honor fighting beside all of you, but now I must be leaving."

With Mercy at her side, Grace walked through the Main Ops Room again and out the front door.

This was the last time she would ever leave this building.

In front of Grace stood her brother, Argo. She had been expecting him. His face was somber and compassionate. "It's going to be okay, Grace. Come on, I'll give you a ride home."

A small boat of ice formed, floating inches above the ground. Grace picked Mercy up under one arm and took a step inside. After hugging her brother, Grace looked back at the Tower one last time. Tears filled her eyes as the gleaming silver tower became smaller and smaller. And there, flying through the clouds in an icy vessel, Grace felt cold for the first time in her life.

"Ben?" Julie was just as bandaged, but still had a smile on her face, that quickly diminished as she saw Grace saying goodbye, she ran up as fast as she could but all she could do was wave and yell, hoping Grace could hear her, "GONNA MISS YOU, HON! Stay safe.." she waved her good arms as the other was still a bit tricky.
Then she turned to her lover and sighed, "She's gone for good, isn't she?"