Teen Titans © DC Comics

Brothers

Lightning stared at the young adult in front of him in complete terror. Wrath gazed back worriedly, smile deteriorating when Lightning backed up with his mouth slacking in horror. Quickly looking at himself, Wrath timidly asked why Lightning was so bothered.

"Y-you! G-General Thunder!" Lightning stuttered, shakily pointing at him.

Flinching, Wrath muttered, "Oh, yes, I do appear like that, yes?"

Lightning's eyes bugged out, trying to contain the sudden hatred in his heart. General Thunder? Here? Wherever "here" was? He vividly remembered the ensuing madness endorsed by King Ch'ah a year previous; how his dear brother was transformed into a slaughtering, uncaring monster. Thunder nearly killed him under Ch'ah's control, but Lightning managed to save his soul from evil. Now, he was facing that sickening reality all over again.

Appearances alone stunned Lightning. Wrath looked exactly like Thunder with the same, pale blue skin, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, everything. There were slight differences that Lightning noted. His ebony hair covered the tips of his eyes with the rest shortening out on his neck. Instead of Thunder's armors, his was pure white with an upside-down, black triangle covering his chest plate, and several other triangles ran along his arms. He wore form-fitting, white pants with the same triangles and steel-toed, white boots. On his head was a dome-shaped, white helmet. Lightning safely assumed that white was his favorite color.

"You may leave…if you wish." Wrath's voice jolted Lightning out of his thoughts. He pointed over to an illuminated tunnel several yards behind them, and the brightness forced Lightning to shield his eyes. In a quieter, forlorn voice, Wrath added, "I will not stop you."

He looks and sounds exactly like my brother, Lightning thought, remaining still. He appears like Thunder's vile, general form, but his demeanor is…kind, welcoming. How strange. I shall investigate this matter personally as I have nowhere else to go. Clearing his throat, Lightning sat in front of Wrath, making him perk up instantly. "Well, I do not feel any reason for suspicion, despite who you remind me of."

"Thank you for staying. It has been, well, forever since I had a conversation with someone," Wrath admitted, smiling. He raised his arms, and Lightning gasped as the light from the tunnel glinted off a few chains that wrapped around him. Several other chains had fallen next to him, making Lightning believe he was trying to free himself. "As you can see, I am a little bit…entwined."

"Chains! How long have you been trapped?" Lightning cried, grabbing one and tugged, but it remained firmly attached to his ankle.

"Three months, I suppose. Everyday is the same. I awaken to face the darkness." Wrath's head flicked up towards what they discerned as the black sky and sighed. "This tunnel appeared today. I thought I could leave this dismal place, but I am still a victim."

"Where are we?"

"This is the subconscious of…" Wrath trailed off, reaching out as if in a daze towards Lightning's shoulder, but one of the chains gripped at his wrist. Grunting in surprise, he winced at the action and retracted his hand shamefully.

"Are you a prisoner here? Can you not free yourself?" Lightning wondered, pitying Wrath.

"I have tried so many times, but all the results end in failure." Wrath offered his free, chainless hand, smiling meekly. "May I shake your hand?"

Lightning raised his to match Wrath's offered hand. Scooting forward, he firmly gripped Wrath's hand, and they grinned gently to each other until Lightning finally let go after he felt a flush of red streak across his cheeks. Wrath left his hand lingering a few milliseconds more before allowing his hand to fall onto his lap.

"Outward appearances aside, you seem like a nice person. I am sorry for my outburst earlier," Lightning stated as Wrath shook his head with a chuckle. "How do you know of me?"

Wrath placed his finger to his lips, winking. "That is a secret."

Frowning tentatively, Lightning replied, "Lightning does not appreciate secrets."

"And Wrath does not appreciate being trapped."

Smirking at his comeback, Lightning crossed his arms. "Clever. What do you do around here?"

"Think…sit…struggle to free myself…" Wrath looked around as if for clues. "…think again." Hearing Lightning snickering, a bright smile crossed his face. "Ah, I made you laugh! That is very good!"

"To be honest, it is rather easy to make Lightning laugh. Some physical humor, blasting objects for fun, pranking unsuspecting silver wretches…" Lightning smirked at a fond memory where Wildfire, Kid Flash, and himself painted her room in nauseating shades of yellows, pinks, and oranges. Needless to say, she tied them up and hung them off the edge of the Empire State building. To Lightning, it was worth it to see Argent scream and tear her hair out.

"A trickster, huh?" Wrath smirked, sharing Lightning's expression. "Well, you sound like a lot of fun. Who is this silver wretch?"

"Ugh, her name is Argent, and she is dating my brother. I disapprove of their relationship, but it makes Thunder happy, so I suppose I can accept it."

Wrath cursed in his mind, fist clenching on his lap at the mere mention of Thunder. Lightning was so oblivious to the horrid way he was being treated, but Wrath kept his anger under spiteful management. "This…Thunder…is your brother?"

"Yes, my twin brother. I love him dearly! We have gone through so much together, but…" Lightning's eyes fell towards the ground, making circles with his finger to create a distraction.

"What?"

Lightning sighed. "Sometimes I feel as if Thunder prefers Argent over me. He spends so much time with her in the past three months that it feels as though he does not want to be with me anymore. I mean, I have a girlfriend, and she is wonderful, kind, and beautiful." He snorted, crossing his arms. "While Argent has a pretty face, her personality leaves much to be desired."

Wrath leaned forward, intrigued by Lightning's openness. "What is she likes?"

"She is crass, rude, mocks me constantly, and Thunder does not even stand up for me! His own brother!" Lightning threw his hands up with a disgusted cry. Disdain coated his features as he crossed his arms and slumped onto the ground. "While I promised Thunder I would 'accept' her, he has the nerve to ignore me even more!"

"Well, that is not anyway a brother should act. Brothers should be truthful, caring, loving towards each other and thinking of the other's feelings."

Lightning hummed in surprise, finding Wrath crossing his arms with a contemplative expression. "You agree with Lightning?"

"Of course! Brothers should not be so insensitive to each other. If you are feeling mistreated, you may tell me." Despite the resisting chains, Wrath managed to move closer and grasp Lightning's shoulder with his free hand. "I am willing to listen."

Lightning sat up, hope starting to shine in his pale eyes. For a few seconds, he thought Wrath was joking. Rarely, if ever, did people agree with Lightning. Usually, his way was violent or hedonistic when he was trying his best to think of others. He was so used to being spoken down upon by his brother, Argent, Robin, Jinx or even Kid Flash at times! Lightning cleared his throat, shyly glancing away until he found Wrath's hand in his.

"You may tell me anything. I will not judge you."

Feeling safer from Wrath's apparent kindness, Lightning adjusted himself so he was sitting directly on Wrath's left. He noticed that Wrath was beaming more by the closeness, and Lightning drew his knees up to his chest. Hugging them, he sighed.

"Lightning?"

"My brother loves Argent. He loves her so much, and…and I know he is happy with her. I am jealous of her, receiving and obtaining Thunder's attention almost every hour or every day. We barely speak anymore. Ever since we returned from the H'san Natall world, Thunder continuously spends his time reconnecting with Argent because they knew each other before becoming Titans. When I try to speak with him, Thunder is whisked away by Argent."

"It sounds as if she is a constant thorn in your side," Wrath mused.

Lightning snorted, nose wrinkling in disgust. "You do not know the half of it. She refers to me as 'lightning rod' or my girlfriend's pet name for me 'Zap' as a means of mocking. Only Kole is allowed to call Lightning 'Zap' and live."

Wrath smirked. "And you love Kole?"

"Um…" A fervent, crimson streak crossed Lightning's face. "…yes?"

"You are very shy about your feelings." A cocky sneer spread across Wrath's face, nudging Lightning playfully.

"Oh, be quiet," Lightning grumbled, resting his head upon his knees. "The last thing Lightning needs is more teasing."

"All right, I am sorry." Wrath patted his head, shaking Lightning's head with a chuckle.

Lightning puffed out a cheek. "Stop that!"

"Hm…no."

With that simple word, Wrath snatched Lightning's shoulders and brought his knuckles to his head. Lightning had heard of this: a noogie. Flailing his arms as Wrath's knuckles twisted and turned on Lightning's scalp, he shouted frantically as Wrath laughed. The burning sensation on his head made Lightning threaten to kill Wrath, making his grin even wider. However, Lightning wrapped his leg around Wrath's neck, bringing forth a stunned gulp as Lightning twisted out of his grasp and slithered onto his shoulders.

"Payback," Lightning sneered, taking off his helmet.

"Um, uncle?" Wrath weakly offered, smiling quirkily.

"Hm…no."

Lightning threw off his helmet and used all of his knuckles to torment Wrath's head. Crying out as fiery agony spread across his skull, Wrath swatted at Lightning only to have Lightning deflect his blows or the chains on his wrist would restrain. However, he threw himself backwards, heaving Lightning off, and the duo glared at each other. Lightning rounded himself back in front of him, scowling darkly before a muffled snicker emerged from Lightning's s lips.

Before either knew it, they were hysterically laughing. Their voices were high-pitched, crassly amused at their play fight. Lightning felt bliss warming throughout him, and it was as if all of his problems melted into the black surrounding them. Argent, Deathstroke, and Miraset faded into the farthest reaches of his mind, even though he was still concerned with his friends, Kole, and Thunder. A taut smile spread across his face, grasping Wrath's helmet and offered it to him.

"Thank you," he replied, fitting it snugly onto his head. "Lightning, you love your brother, yes?"

He nodded happily.

"And you would do anything for him?"

Another simple nod.

Wrath's tone took a darker hiss for the next question, but Lightning did not realize it. "Even die for him?"

"Yes."

The bold answer brought Wrath's head slashing over to him in a fit of shock. He had forgotten that Lightning died to save Thunder, and a rush of enmity spread through him. Thunder was using him. The blue elemental was putting up a folly, and Lightning was so engorged in his adoration for Thunder that he was blinded by the truth. Clearing his throat, Wrath mused that he was a good brother.

"My brother also died for me once. I suppose I was returning the favor," Lightning admitted, not catching onto Wrath's grimacing expression and stared forward towards the tunnel. "Though…he has become distant."

"Because of Argent?" Wrath perked up, finding an opening in Thunder's defense.

"I am almost positive it is because of her. He left today for therapy or some sort. We have been through much stress lately, and it has tolled heavily on Thunder. He looked ready to kill me."

"Kill you?" Wrath cried in outraged shock. When Lightning's eyes grew wide in his skull, he settled down and apologized.

"I referred to him as mad, and he reacted with the fury of a raging beast," Lightning recalled, crossing his arms and looked down. "I was actually afraid of him."

"Is there something wrong with him?" Oh, Wrath knew what was wrong with him, all right.

"Stress presumably. I am worried that he will lose his mind."

He will, Wrath thought viciously before patting his shoulder with his free hand. "You are a caring brother, Lightning. A very caring individual to all."

Lightning laughed, smiling brightly. "Who, Lightning? Of course! For Lightning is one of the grandest Titans to have ever existed! Oh!" He stood up eagerly, snatching Wrath's hand and pulled him to his feet. "Come with me through the tunnel! We may talk out in the light instead of this dark wasteland. I will assist in bringing you out of these foul chains."

"No!"

Befuddled by Wrath's shout, Lightning released his hands, shock covering his face. "Wh-what? Why?"

Wrath stared at the tunnel, head hanging and hunching slightly. "It is not yet time, Lightning. I will be there for you in one of you most dire hours." He placed his hand on Lightning's cheek, smiling earnestly. "I will be there where he will fall."

"What…do you mean?" Lightning whispered.

"The tunnel awaits you, Lightning." Wrath stepped back slightly, body beginning to fade into the shadows. "I will see you soon, dear Lightning. If you will, tell Kole that I said hello."

"Wait!"

Wrath stopped, head cocking slightly with his body half in blackness.

"I-I do not wish to sound rude, but, Wrath, we spent much of our time speaking of brothers. Do you have a brother?"

Wrath remained silent, lips pursed in hated sadness. His head tilted towards the ground in shame, wiping his eye. "No. I have no family."

"Then come with Lightning. The Titans are a family, and I am certain they would be most joyous to welcome you."

"But would your brother accept me?"

Lightning hesitated, mouth open in ponder. Would Thunder trust a man that looked exactly like him?

"I…perhaps…I am not sure," he admitted.

Wrath brought his hand out, smiling kindly and lifted Lightning's chin towards him. "You are such a giving person, regardless of your past transgressions. If Thunder does not treat you well, I will know. Wrath always knows what Thunder does. He has done some horrid things in the past, but I am sure you will see the truth soon enough, my dear Lightning."

Lightning blinked uncertainly, finding Wrath to be one with the darkness all of a sudden. Dithering was vivid all over his body, shuddering at his almost unreal experience and touched his head and cheek. He felt warmer than before, and the bruising on his head was evident of their meeting. A drawl grin lazily drooped onto his sallow face, turning and walked towards the white without a look back.

"See you soon, then," Lightning called as he vanished into the tunnel.

…

"Ah, you're awake?"

Thunder's eyes fluttered open, finding Damalis facing him with a kind grin. It disturbed him verily, so used to her callous, cruel smirk etched on her sharp face. Sitting up, he rubbed his head and remained silent. No voice. No talking in his mind. Beautiful, wondrous silence. Yawning lightly, he covered his mouth as he did so and greeted Damalis afterwards.

"Had a nice nap, did you?" she asked playfully and retrieved his helmet.

Situating it over his head, Thunder replied, "Yes, and thank you for everything, doctor. I now know this is all a chaotic joke my brother is playing on me."

"A joke? Well, Thunder, it could very well be revenge for 'neglecting' him as you and this voice, I believe, said," Damalis countered.

Thunder hesitated, standing up with a bit of a wobble. The drug's aftereffects made him feel a sensation of weariness and discomfort in his wrist where she injected him with that defiling poison. His eyes caught the syringe in a nearby trashcan, shuddering lightly before asking if Argent had awakened yet.

"Oh, yes! Sorry for not saying it sooner," Damalis stated, taking Thunder by the arm and pulled him out of the room. "She's in the lobby."

An instant, tiny smile came to Thunder's face, pleased that Argent was all right. Quickly following Damalis out, Thunder peered out of the room only to find an insane, crimson grin. He gasped sharply, and Damalis gave an irked groan of disapproval.

"Joker, now, how did you escape your straitjacket?" she wondered.

The Joker smiled endlessly, creases on his brow and lips that made Thunder tremble in fright. He donned his casual, purple suit with his emerald hair glinting in the fluorescent lights. Leaning against the wall with his arms folded, he suddenly reached out to the flower on his chest and extended the white daisy to Thunder.

"Here, kid, have a smell," Joker offered, voice crafty and sly, if cracked.

Not wanting to be rude, Thunder bent forward only to have a stream of water spray into his eyes. Gasping, he quickly wiped them as Joker laughed like a hyena. Prepared to shout, he was dumbfounded to find Joker gone. Turning to Damalis, his answer was a shrug, having watched Thunder remove the water from his face.

"Well, he escaped again. Batman's going to have a fit," she lamented, shaking her head. "Oh, well, not my problem."

Thunder was prepared to respond when his hand subconsciously slipped towards his cloth belt. A simple card was left in his blue belt with a long J imprinted onto it. Opening the card, he read the contents inside.

Treatment's not gonna work on voices, kid. Ya gotta learn to listen with your mind and laugh at what they say. Who knows? Maybe you're the one driving the voice crazy! HAHAHAHA! Lots of laughs, Mr. J.

P.S: You're girlfriend is smokin'!

Thunder repeated the last line in a fit of wonder and turned to Damalis for translation.

"He means he think she's drop-dead hot."

"But she is not on fire," Thunder innocently replied as they exited the hallway, and he pocketed the note.

"Kid, you need to get out more."

"Blue boy!"

Thunder's face instantly brightened at the loving, accented voice of his dear. Argent had been sitting in the main lounge, waiting for him to awaken from Damalis' treatment. She acted as if nothing happened, running over and hugging him tightly. Thunder embraced her back, laughing lightly before realizing something.

"Ah! Your shopping bags! I left them back in-"

"Don't worry, I made security bring them out," Damalis interjected, pointing over to Argent's seat where around a dozen bags sat.

"Well, thanks for the help, doctor," Argent stated as Thunder bowed his head politely.

"Ah, you don't have to thank me." Damalis waved her hand, smirking a pink sneer. "Helping you heroic, teenaged brats is what I live for."

"So, we no longer have voices in our heads because we have discovered the causes of them," Thunder stated, hoping to have everything correct.

Argent paused and looked at Thunder in confusion. "But, blue boy, I never had a voice in my head."