The True Meaning of a Hero

Troy sat in the alley, his hands clenched at his sides, the memory of what had just happened flashing through his mind like a broken reel of film. The brutal sight of Starman, his idol, taking a life with ruthless efficiency, was burned into his mind. But it wasn't just the act itself that disturbed him—it was the moment that followed, when Starman's gaze locked with his, as if daring Troy to challenge him.

As Troy stood frozen, a torrent of emotions surged inside him. His heart pounded with fear, but there was something else—a seed of anger, a flicker of determination. He didn't know where it came from, but in that instant, he knew he couldn't just stand by and let this be the reality of heroism.

The voices of his past echoed in his mind, comforting him, guiding him as they always had.

Flashback 1:

Troy was sitting on his father's lap, the warmth of his embrace enveloping him. His small fingers stretched out, and with a concentration that only children seemed to possess, he formed the tiniest bubble. It was fragile, barely the size of a marble, but it danced in the air like something magical.

"You know," his father said softly, his voice filled with pride, "you have a gift, Troy. Not everyone is born with abilities like yours. Some people are born with strength, others with intelligence. But you, you're gifted in a way that can change the world. Those bubbles of yours? They're more than just pretty shapes. They can protect, heal, and save."

Troy grinned, his eyes sparkling with hope. "I'll be a hero, Dad. A real one. Like the ones on the TV."

His father smiled gently, brushing a hand through Troy's hair. "A real hero doesn't just fight to win, son. A real hero fights to protect. They save people, no matter the cost. And remember, Troy—true heroes never kill. They find a way to save everyone, even the ones who don't deserve it."

Flashback 2:

Troy's tears fell freely, staining his cheeks as he knelt before his father's grave. The world felt cold and empty without him. The echoes of his father's voice, the lessons he had taught him, played over and over in Troy's mind.

"I'll be the greatest hero, Dad. I promise. I'll save everyone. I'll make sure no one has to suffer, not like you did. I'll be the hero you always dreamed I'd be."

He wiped his tears and stood, his fists clenched with resolve. He was no longer the scared boy who had watched the world from the sidelines. He was Troy. He was going to be the hero that this world needed.

Troy stood up in the alley, his face set with the same fierce determination he had seen in his father's eyes. He wasn't going to be like Starman. He wasn't going to become a killer. A hero didn't have to destroy to win. He had his own way—he would find it.

Starman stood across from him, his bloodstained suit reflecting the dim light of the alley. The hero's expression was a mix of surprise and mockery.

"You have guts, kid. I'll give you that. But you think you're a hero? " Starman sneered. "You're nothing but a joke."

Troy's chest tightened with the sting of those words. But instead of backing down, he stepped forward, his eyes locked onto Starman's with newfound confidence. The memories of his father, of the promise he made, fueled his resolve.

With a quick movement, Troy thrust his hands forward, and a burst of bubbles erupted from his palms. The bubbles swirled around Starman, surrounding him in a cloud of soapy suds. The blood that stained his costume began to vanish, as the bubbles cleaned the surface, leaving behind only the faintest traces of red.

Starman looks at Troy with his eyes wide with disbelief. "What the hell is this? Are you seriously using bubbles to clean me? This is what you're so proud of?"

Troy's voice was steady, unwavering. "A real hero saves people, Starman. A real hero saves everyone. All you are is a glorified killer."

The mockery in Starman's eyes faltered, replaced by something darker. His eyes glowed a deep red, and his fists clenched as a surge of energy built up around him. "You think you can lecture me, kid? You think your little power is going to change anything? I'm going to show you what happens when you challenge me."

The air around Starman crackled with energy as he prepared to unleash a deadly laser. Troy's heart raced, but he didn't flinch. He wasn't afraid anymore.

But then, something happened.

Starman's eyes, glowing with rage, softened for just a moment. His expression shifted—sadness, regret, and something Troy couldn't quite place flickered across his face. The red light faded from his eyes as his posture relaxed. He looked at Troy as if seeing something he hadn't noticed before.

"You say everyone can be saved," Starman murmured, his voice quieter now, almost to himself. "Then show me. Save me. Save me from this... from the hero I've become."

Troy's eyes widened in shock. What was this? This wasn't the hero he had known. Starman wasn't just a monster; he was a victim of something darker, something the city had corrupted. The same city that had shaped Troy's future.

Troy took a step forward, his resolve strengthening. "So this city, this system—it controls and corrupts you, doesn't it? It's done the same to all of you, hasn't it? But I'm not like you. I won't become like this. I'll be the light. I'll save everyone, even the heroes."

Starman looked at him, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The sadness in his eyes didn't go away, but there was a flicker of hope there too. "Maybe… maybe you're right, kid."

Without another word, Starman launched himself into the sky, the shockwave from his takeoff reverberating through the alley. Troy watched him disappear into the distance, the weight of the moment heavy in his chest.

From above, hidden on a rooftop, another figure observed the exchange. She wore a dark, battle-worn suit, her posture strong and unwavering. Her name was Gladiator, a hero with powers of—strength, speed, and an unyielding spirit. But unlike Starman, she wasn't afraid to challenge the system.

"Why did you keep this boy alive, Starman?" she asked quietly, watching the boy below. "What is it about him that you see?"

Starman's voice came through the comms, tinged with a quiet sadness. "He's the one we all used to be. Before everything changed."

Gladiator's gaze never left Troy as she folded her arms.