Teen Titans © DC Comics

58. Lesson

Lightning hated apologizing. It was not his fault he and his brother made a giant fire monster that nearly destroyed the entire forest. How was he supposed to know the old one was Slade in disguise? They had no idea they were being played for fools! Of course, he felt guilt for ruining part of the woodland, but it was not his concern. He could only be so blasé as to urge the brothers were deceived.

However, Thunder insisted they apologize. Lightning was appalled, dumbstruck at his twin's adamancy on asking for forgiveness. During their rainstorm that doused the fire creature, Lightning argued that by being tricked, they were not held responsible for their actions. Thunder countered with the damage they had done before meeting the old one. How they destroyed the outside of the art museum and destructively "played" on the bridge. Lightning had no comeback for that, understanding they were at fault, but he insisted upon their innocence with the fire monster.

"Brother, please," Thunder quietly spoke, taking Lightning's arm firmly with a sad set of eyes. "I do not want to harm the green one's newfound trust in us."

Lightning sighed, conceding reluctantly, and the brothers darted down to the surface. They found the green one and his companions practically dancing in the rain, except for the sorceress who platonically stood. The green one took notice to them, smiling warmly and approached them. Lightning immediately turned away, feeling aggravation prickle at his skin and crossed his arms.

"I am sorry for the trouble we have made," Thunder politely sated, bowing humbly.

Lightning snorted to himself, but gasped silently in surprise when Thunder nudged him roughly in his back. Hesitantly, he sheepishly found Thunders annoyed, angry glower upon him before facing the green one. His smile was contagious, permitting him to almost start the apology, but kept his words battling the insides of his mouth, trying to break free of his stubborn, immovable lips. For the brief moments, he gazed in the green one's pale, emerald orbs, and Lightning saw the earnest concern for the brothers in his eyes. The green one…he actually appeared to care for them!

"I am…" Lightning bowed, smiling. "…also sorry."

"You have taught us much, green one. Thank you," his brother added, shaking his hand.

The green one shook his hand casually. "Don't thank me. Thank the person who taught me."

He gestured back, arm thrusting out to the orange one. She smiled genuinely, and the stormy twins bowed to her in order to expose their gratitude and respect. The orange one reiterated their gesture, and their other friends approached tentatively.

"And thank you for helping to defeat the flame monster," she replied, hands held in tightly together on her skirt.

Lightning stared at the quadrant, and a question escaped his cracking lips before he could stop himself. "Why?"

The five stared at him, all surprised he would speak in a voice so quiet and startled. Thunder's hand fell on Lightning's shoulder, asking him to continue with his thought.

"Why do you battle for this place? I do not understand. These people, do they appreciate your valiant efforts? Do they thank you and smile? If not, why do you care?"

"Because we're heroes."

Lightning and Thunder whirled around, finding the garishly adorned leader boy walk up to them.

"Heroes do the right thing no matter what. They do what they think will help people." The leader boy smiled, shocking both siblings, as they thought of him as intrusive and arrogant. "So, Thunder and Lightning, was it? Thanks for the help. You two aren't bad."

"You are most certainly welcome," Thunder quickly replied, grinning back.

"My brother and I formed the rain together to quell the fire beast. Does that action make us heroes?" Lightning slowly inquired, a contemplative finger to his chin.

"Yeah, dude! You helped us and destroyed that flame human-demon-thing! That totally makes you guys heroes," the green one interjected, smacking Lightning contently and brazenly on the back. Upon Lightning's yelp and immediate snarl, the green one chuckled nervously and backed away. "Uh, sorry."

"Brother, we should take our leave," Lightning suddenly stated, taking Thunder's arm and began dragging him off.

Thunder frowned with a pout, having wanted to stay and chat more, but obeyed his brother's whim. They waved to their newfound friends before shooting to the sky in a crackling blast. Once reaching their cloud, they halted the rain and peered out. A stunning rainbow appeared over the horizon, capturing the landscape in many hues. They watched their new friends follow the rainbow, soaking in its beauty. Lightning sat down, lying back on the cloud and sighed.

"Brother," he began hesitantly, "will we see them soon?"

"Yes," Thunder quickly promised, kneeling next to him as Lightning sat up.

"I am sorry for harming you. I feel so awful for striking you, my own brother, and foolishly believing you betrayed me." Lightning pulled off his best teary-eyed face, lip quivering as he asked for forgiveness.

Thunder winced, a quirky grin on his face as he wrapped his arm around his brother's shoulder. Bringing Lightning close to him, the blue elemental replied, "Do not feel so horrid, my brother. I forgive you."

"Can we be heroes like them? I-I believe I wish to be a hero."

"I wish so as well. If we use our gifts wisely, we can save people instead of harming them."

"Then I suppose I learned a lesson. A new lesson."

Thunder blinked, cocking his head in surprise as Lightning smiled at him.

"Heroism is much more amusing than destruction."