Bubble Boy

The crackling campfire cast flickering shadows across the golden sand, its glow illuminating the faces of the group as they sat around it, laughter echoing through the night. The air was thick with the scent of roasting marshmallows, the salty ocean breeze mixing with the smoky warmth of burning wood.

Jackson leaned back on his elbows, staring up at the star-filled sky. "Alright, who's got a good story?"

Emily grinned, poking the fire with a stick. "Carter should go first. He always talks a big game."

Carter, who was sitting across from Alexa and definitely not paying attention, snapped back to reality. "Huh?"

Jackson smirked. "A scary story, dude. You got one?"

Carter cleared his throat, trying to shake the daze Alexa had put him in. He thought for a second, then leaned forward, his face half-lit by the flames. "Alright. Ever hear the story of the Hollow Man?"

Miguel raised an eyebrow. "Oh, this should be good."

Carter's voice dropped to a low whisper. "Legend says he was a hero. A good one. The kind people looked up to. But one day, he faced a villain too powerful, one who took everything from him. His family. His friends. His entire life."

The fire popped loudly, making Isabella jump slightly.

Carter continued, his tone growing darker. "They say he went mad. Not instantly. Slowly. He kept fighting, kept saving people, but something inside him… broke. And then, one day, he stopped caring. Stopped feeling. He became a hollow shell, a hero in name only."

Alexa tilted her head. "So, what happened to him?"

Carter's smirk faded. "He still walks among us. A hero everyone worships, a savior everyone trusts. But deep down? He's empty. Hollow. And one day… they say he'll turn."

Silence.

The fire crackled, but no one spoke. The weight of Carter's words lingered in the air. Jackson, Annie, and Emily exchanged quick glances. They all knew who the story reminded them of.

Carter leaned back, grabbing a soda. "Anyway. Who's next?"

Alexa smirked. "That was… intense."

Carter shrugged. "Just a story."

But the look in his eyes said otherwise.

The Next Morning – Legion HQ

The golden banners of Legion HQ hung high in the grand hall, reflecting the soft morning light that streamed through the towering windows. The entire Legion stood assembled, waiting.

Starman sat on his throne-like chair, his presence alone making the room feel smaller, heavier. He leaned forward slightly, hands clasped together. "As you all know, Elemental's death left a void in our ranks."

A few members shifted uncomfortably.

Starman gestured to the figure standing beside him.

Orion.

He stood tall, his navy blue suit perfectly pressed, silver hair neatly combed. He looked like a soldier awaiting orders, but beneath the surface, his excitement was barely contained.

"I'd like you all to meet Orion," Starman continued. "An SS-class. He has all my abilities, just weaker. He will be taking Elemental's place."

Orion stepped forward, his face bright with admiration. "It's an honor. Truly. I've always looked up to all of you."

Seaman studied Orion carefully. "All of Starman's abilities, huh?"

Orion nodded eagerly. "Yes, sir. Not as strong, of course, but..."

Gladiator cut in, her sharp eyes flicking between Orion and Starman. "That's… rare."

Bolt crossed his arms, forcing a grin. "So, what, we just got a mini-Starman now?"

Orion chuckled. "I wouldn't say mini..."

Starman suddenly placed a hand on Orion's shoulder. A simple gesture, but the weight behind it made Orion stiffen.

"You'll prove yourself soon enough," Starman said, his tone unreadable.

Orion nodded quickly. "I won't let you down."

As the introductions wrapped up, the Legion members dispersed, returning to their usual routines. But as they walked away, unease settled in their stomachs.

Something felt off.

Void, who usually didn't speak much, turned to Gladiator. "Did you feel that?"

Gladiator nodded subtly. "Yeah."

Construct, for once, wasn't joking. "Starman's been different lately."

Bolt exhaled. "Yeah, but are you gonna say something?"

Silence.

No one would.

They all feared Starman.

And as Orion stood beside his idol, unaware of the monster that stood beside him, he smiled.

Because for him, this was a dream come true.

Afternoon – The Grand Event at Legion HQ

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a brilliant golden glow over Legion HQ. The towering structure stood like a monument of justice, its pristine white and gold exterior gleaming under the light. Thousands of fans had gathered outside, waving banners, holding up signs, and chanting excitedly. News helicopters hovered above, capturing the spectacle from every angle.

Inside the massive courtyard of Legion HQ, a stage had been set up, an extravagant platform lined with golden banners displaying the Legion's symbol. At the center of it all stood Starman, the so called Symbol of Peace, dressed in his signature golden suit with a red cape billowing behind him. His piercing gaze scanned the massive crowd, his presence alone silencing even the loudest cheers for a moment.

Then, his voice rang out, amplified by unseen technology, smooth and commanding.

"Today, we welcome a new hero to the ranks of the Legion. A man of true honor, courage, and strength. A warrior who will carry the torch of justice and protect the innocent."

The crowd roared in excitement. Cameras flashed. Reporters scrambled to take notes.

Standing to Starman's right was Orion, dressed in a navy-blue suit with silver accents. His youthful face beamed with pride, his silver hair neatly styled. He looked up at Starman with admiration, unaware of the monster beside him.

Starman placed a firm hand on Orion's shoulder, his expression unreadable.

"He will take the place of our fallen comrade, Elemental. And I have no doubt he will make us proud."

A massive screen behind them displayed a tribute video to Elemental, showing past heroic moments, saving civilians, fighting villains, standing alongside the Legion. The crowd watched in solemn respect, unaware that the man they mourned was killed not by an enemy, but by their beloved Starman himself.

"Now," Starman continued, "join me in welcoming Orion, our newest hero!"

The crowd erupted in cheers. Orion stepped forward, waving with a bright smile. He was living his dream. The cameras zoomed in on him, broadcasting his face to the entire world.

Watching from Afar

Across the city, people sat in their homes, watching the event unfold on their screens.

Jackson, lounging on his couch, scoffed. "Mini-Starman, huh? Poor guy doesn't even know what he's getting into."

Emily, flipping through channels, sighed. "They really put on a show, don't they?"

Carter, leaning against his bedroom wall, muttered, "Damn fools."

Annie, sitting with her little sister Sam, simply watched in silence.

And then, there was Troy.

He wasn't at home.

He was sitting on a couch in Jace's underground hideout, watching the broadcast with narrowed eyes.

Jace, dressed casually but ever composed, also sitting on the couch, leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. "Orion seems like a good kid."

Troy crossed his arms. "Yeah. That's what makes it worse."

Jace glanced at him. "You thinking about telling him?"

Troy shook his head. "No. He wouldn't believe me. No one ever does."

Jace let out a small chuckle. "Welcome to being a hero."

Troy's gaze stayed locked on the screen. The image of Starman standing beside Orion, that same unreadable expression on his face, made his stomach twist.

Orion had no idea.

But one day, he would.

And when that day came…

Troy wondered if Orion would still be smiling.