Rock crumbled on a mountain side. A slim girl fell to her knees, exaughsted. Remnants of a powerful spell surrounded her, runes she could not understand. But she didn't try to decipher them. The girl was too confused about her evident freedom from her stone prison. And then, a creamy white envelope caught her eye. An envelope with her name gracefully scripted on its front.
She opened the letter, unfolding the stationary inside. She didn't need to read the signature to know who it was from; the black crest at the top made the sender's identity quite clear.
Terra-
I know... I know how you must have felt. I can't believe it took me so long to realize it. I know why I never trusted you; yes, I am naturally not a trusting person, but it was more than that. I didn't trust you because- you reminded me of- me.
I don't know everything about your life before we found you, but it
obviously hadn't been very good to you. Perhaps- perhaps it was a little like mine. You believed that no one could befriend you. You
believed that it was impossible to befriend you, impossible to trust
you. I was like that, once. Before the Titans found me, I was just like you. So, I'm going to my best to help you. Because you deserve everything I can give you. I'm sorry I didn't see it sooner.
I'm not saying everything was Slade's fault; you made some very wrong choices. I won't sugar-coat that fact. Slade played with your emotions, but they were still your choices. But that isn't enough for me to condemn you.
Both of us have powers triggered by emotions. After all, I would have been made to destroy Earth due to my half-demon heritage, had I not been taught to master my emotions long ago. You were never taught control; you had to figure it out as best you could. So, I cannot hate you. I can only say thank you.
Thank you- for trusting us. I know you're feeling extreme guilt at this moment, but you shouldn't be. You're one of the strongest people I've ever met. You were strong enough to turn against Slade, strong enough to trust us. And that's something I still have trouble doing. You shouldn't be stuck like this forever, because you did the right thing.
So I free you, Terra. Your life is yours; do what you wish. But if you ever need a friend, or a place to stay, come find us. I'm not saying you have to join the Titans, but I know I'd be very happy if you did. I don't care what the others think; you're always welcome.
All is forgiven, but not forgotten. I add this last warning; betray us
again, and you will die. But I have faith in you.
Your friend, forever,
Raven.
The blonde teen looked up from the letter, staring towards the city that glittered in the distance. And towards a certain building shaped like the twentieth letter in the alphabet. Friends? I think- I think it's time to go home. My real home, with the Titans. I just hope they can all forgive me.
Author's Note: Yeah, well, this was originally going to be a full story, but after 'Prophecy' came out, the plot no longer fit. (It was going to be a Slade/Raven. Be afraid. Be VERY afraid.) So, now I'm working more on some other (non-posted) fics, and decided to just post this part as a one-shot. Like? Hate? Review.