Tollete Dollorum

'Take Up Your Sorrow'

Author Note: I know, it's been forever, but I'm inspired to work on this story. I may even finish it within the week. Maybe XD

Disclaimer: See previous chapters.

Chapter Seven: It's Not Enough

He couldn't reach her fast enough. He knew that long before he reached the side of the skyscraper. He wanted to scream, wanted so badly to stop this horrible visage from coming to be, but he knew when he could see her again, her life would be stamped out.

"It's not enough, it's not enough, it's not enough."

The mantra pounded in his ears, in her voice. Accusing him, for not trying to reach her. Blaming him, for her certain death.

And it was his fault. Slade had caused this. If only he had tried harder.. If only things weren't working out this way.

When Robin looked over the side of the building, he could see Raven's still form twenty floors below, in a pool of crimson. The fall had killed her, like the fall had killed so many close to him.

He clenched his eyes closed and screamed.

- - -

"It's not enough!"

"It's all your fault, you know."

"No one loves you."

"They're just lying, like before."

"You're so obsolete."

Raven shot awake, sitting straight up. She was drenched in sweat, like she'd been running, the bedcovers tangled around her legs. She carefully picked herself out and stood, brushing her hair out of her face.

What had that been? Something horrible, and yet not her own fears. Then whose?

She closed her eyes before opening them to stare into the mirror about her dresser. A riddle. Great. She hated riddles.

She studied her face, ignoring the riddle until her mind cleared itself. Her violet hair was looking shinier, more like before she had left the Tower. This came from proper eating and full nights of rest. Other than this night, she hadn't even dreamed since she'd come to Azarath. The shadows under her eyes were faded, but the shadows in her eyes probably would never fade. That suited her fine.

The riddle come to the front of her mind. Whose fears?

It hit her all at once, bringing a gasp from her. "No!"

- - -

She ran. She'd come back to Earth abruptly, but not close enough to Titan's Tower to be in time. She had to hurry. She knew she was too late already.

When she entered the Tower, she knew it was empty. She knew that she would find no one here.

And she didn't.

When she emerged, her eyes were cold, and she knew where to find them.

"And when they say you're not that strong

You're not that weak.

It's not your fault.

And when you climb up to your hill

Up to your place

I hope you're well."

-Not Enough, by Our Lady Peace