Hey guys, IcefireImmortal here! This is my first fanfic, so it might not be too great. I hope you enjoy it though!

The tower was actually quiet for once. Starfire and Robin had gone out on a date and Beast Boy and Cyborg had gone out to buy a new video game and eat pizza. Raven was the only one left.

She levitated in her room, eyes closed, palms turned to the crystal ball on the stand. Slowly, rhythmically, she began to murmur her incantation. "Azarath metrion zinthos… Azarath metrion zinthos…" She concentrated on extending her consciousness towards the spirit world, slowly letting the incantation fade away until she levitated in absolute silence.

Suddenly, she sensed another presence. She carefully opened her eyes to find herself surrounded by white nothingness. She cautiously uncrossed her legs and drifted down until she felt a solid surface beneath her feet. She walked a few experimental steps. She couldn't see any difference among the expanses below, around, and above her. Everything was pure white emptiness.

"Hello?" she called out, slightly nervous. "Is anyone there?" She glanced around. "Weird," she mumbled under her breath. "This doesn't feel like the spirit world…"

To her surprise, a voice behind her answered, "It isn't."

Raven whirled around, her hands in orbs of darkness. She gasped. "Arella?" The magic faded from around her hands as she stared at her mother's white-robed figure.

Arella smiled. "Hello, Raven."

"Arella…" Raven couldn't think of anything to say. She was stunned.

Arella stepped towards Raven. "It's so good to see you again. You've grown up so much."

"Arella… Mother… What-what are you doing here?"

"I am always here, Raven. I have been waiting for you to find me."

"Waiting for me? But why?"

"I care about you, more than you may ever know. I wanted to talk to you." Arella stood directly in front of Raven and gently touched her cheek. "You've become so beautiful, Raven. So brave and strong."

Raven blinked. "Beautiful?"

"Of course. And you are one of the few people that can't see that." Arella smiled. "Your friends know. They are good people. Keep them close."

"I-I will."

"Good," said Arella. She seemed to slowly be fading.

"Mother, wait! Don't leave me again!" Raven cried desperately.

"I will never leave you, Raven," assured Arella.

"I don't understand."

"Raven, I am as much a part of you as Trigon. I live on in you and in all that you do. And I am so proud of you."

As she vanished, Raven heard Arella's voice once more. "I love you, Raven."

Raven blinked and found herself back in her room, levitating before the crystal ball. She stared at its glassy surface, thinking about her conversation. Then she smiled.

"I love you too, Mother."

Very short, I know. How did I do for my first try? Reviews are appreciated, as is constructive criticism. Please don't go raining down hate though. At least tell me why you hate it so I can improve. Thanks for reading!