Chapter 6: A Hated Relation

"All right, I'll tell you. I'll tell you everything I know," J.T. began. "Believe it or not, Brother Blood was once a superhero. His name was really Brother Brain, and his power was all mental. To add to that, he was an unrivaled martial artist, feared by many and respected by all. About thirty-five years ago, he came into a dirty, dusty town. That was my hometown. At that time, the place was overrun with crime. Brother Brain came in and took over the criminals' minds. He mentally commanded them to walk into jail cells, and then he placed them under arrest."

"Nice technique," Raven stated.

"Yes, it was. Now please don't interrupt," J.T. retorted. "He swore that he would come back, because he didn't know it at that time, but he had fallen in love with one of the women in the town. He didn't come back for ten years. And in that ten years, the crime rate had tripled since he had originally came through the town. It was a hard fight, but he captured all the evildoers in that town."

"Impressive," said Robin.

"Yes, who was to know that the Brother Blood was not only so powerful, but he was originally fighting for the side of good," added Starfire.

"What did I say about the interruptions," J.T. yelled. "Sorry. Anyhow, over the course of the next five years, he not only started dating my mother, but married her and my mother gave birth to me."

"Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute. If that's true, the guy's gotta be more than fifty or sixty years old by now," Cyborg interjected.

"He's well over sixty, Cy. Now QUIT THE F#$&G INTERRUPTING, DAMMIT! I'M TRYIN' TO TELL YOU BLOOD'S ORIGIN," J.T. screamed. "Now then, where was I…oh yeah. About fifteen years ago, there were seven children in the span of two years born, and at that time they were all within the ages of three to one. Brother Brain was called away to help a distant town, and he never returned. Or so we thought. About five years later, he came back. Except he was no longer the kindhearted Brother Brain the town had come to know and love, but the demented leader Brother Blood. The only words he spoke were 'where are the seven elemental souls.' That's it."

"Elemental souls?" Robin queried. "It doesn't make sense."

"They said that there were seven elemental souls, and each possessed the power of one of seven elements. And it's pretty obvious what those seven are."

"I know earth, fire, water and wind are four, but what about the other three?" Beast Boy replied.

"Good, you at least know four of the elements. The other three are metal, light and darkness. Blood wanted to use the power of the elements to hurt people, while the legend prophesizes the ones who control the elements are destined to save the world. But instead of him capturing the souls, the souls transferred to the other soul bearers, strengthening their powers. This is why I can fly. It's also why Terra can control things like steel beams and pipes."

"Then what of the powers of light and darkness? And what about water and wind?" Raven commented.

"I don't know. I'm sure that Terra and I have their powers, but we simply haven't been able to use them yet. But anyway, simply the fact of the matter is that he killed many people and took innocent lives for his own personal gain. He just makes me so mad. I have to kill him; to finally get retribution for everyone he's hurt. And to make amends to everyone. I mean, he's still my pops. I feel kinda responsible for him murdering thousands of people."

Just then, the alarm rang, informing the Titans of a crime in progress.

"What's going on?" J.T. pondered.

"Looks like you got your wish, J.T. Aqualad reported in saying Brother Blood's got something cooking! Titans, move," Robin commanded. Terra and J.T. stayed where they were. "Are you two coming or not?" he asked.

"Does this mean we're on the team?" J.T. asked.

"Not officially, but we'll need any help we can get. Come on," Robin stated.