Only I Dream

"Heroes. What exactly are we?"

I shivered as the question echoed through Cebtopolis. It wasn't the question that gave me goosebumps; it was the voice behind it. Genesis. The first hero. He stood atop the gleaming edifice of the newly established League of Heroes HQ, his voice powerful and resonant, commanding the attention of the entire city.

Flanking him were the most notorious names in hero lore. Black Target, his eyes sharp and calculating, scanning the crowd with lethal precision. Miss Fortune, her presence almost ethereal, with an aura that seemed to shimmer with luck itself. Egg Chick, standing proudly in her quirky, egg-shaped armor that hid her fierce determination. Time Dash, a blur of motion even while standing still, the very essence of speed.

And many more. A formidable column of power and valor, forming a striking backdrop as Genesis levitated above the city grounds, his cape billowing majestically in the wind.

"We are heroes, not because of the powers we are given, but because of the lives we save. Because each one of you needed us, and we delivered. And because of all whom we failed to protect, yet you did not give up on us."

His words hung in the air, charged with emotion and gravitas. Genesis raised his fist, and like a wave, the others followed suit, their collective strength and unity palpable.

"We are because of you, and as the League of Heroes, we shall serve you, Cebtopolis!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, a sea of faces reflecting hope and admiration. Genesis's declaration was more than a promise; it was a solemn vow, echoed by every hero standing behind him. They were more than their powers, more than their costumes. They were the guardians of Cebtopolis, and they stood ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

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As the crowd's cheers echoed around me, I felt a surge of excitement and determination. This was the world I wanted to be part of—the world of heroes. I looked at my mom standing beside me with a proud smile.

"One day, Mom. One day that'll be me up there," I said, unable to keep the excitement out of my voice.

She chuckled and ruffled my hair. "I have no doubt, Tony. You've got the heart of a hero already."

I glanced back at the stage, where Genesis and the others were still basking in the adulation. It was hard to imagine that these legends were once regular people, just like me.

The ceremony continued with various heroes making speeches and demonstrating their powers. It was all incredibly inspiring, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something big was about to happen.

Suddenly, a loud explosion rocked the square, sending a wave of panic through the crowd. People screamed and scattered, looking for cover. I turned towards the source of the blast and saw a monstrous figure emerging from the smoke—a monster, a grotesque fusion of various animals, snarling and roaring.

Genesis was the first to react, launching himself at the beast with a speed and grace that took my breath away. The other heroes followed suit, engaging the monster in a coordinated attack.

Amidst the chaos, I felt a strange sensation coursing through my body. My skin tingled, my muscles tightened, and an inexplicable force seemed to be awakening within me. I watched as Genesis and the League of Heroes fought valiantly, but the monster was relentless.

A piece of debris hurtled towards a group of fleeing civilians, and without thinking, I dashed forward. Time seemed to slow as I reached out, my hands glowing with an unknown energy. The debris disintegrated before it could harm anyone, leaving me standing there, shocked and breathless.

People around me stared in awe, and I realized that something had changed. I wasn't just a spectator anymore. I had powers—powers I needed to understand and control.

The heroes managed to subdue the monster, but the battle left the square in ruins. Genesis approached me, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

Genesis: "You did well, kid," he said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "What's your name?"

Tony:"Tony. Tony Evans."

Genesis:"Well, Tony, it looks like you've got something special. How about you come with us to the League HQ? We could use someone like you."

My heart raced. This was it—the beginning of my journey. I nodded eagerly, feeling a sense of purpose and excitement I'd never felt before.

Genesis: "Welcome to the League of Heroes, Tony," he said with a smile. A smile that suddenly started to ring?

I jolted awake, my heart pounding in my chest. The ceiling of my bedroom came into focus, the early morning light filtering through the curtains. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

It was just a dream. But it felt so real.

I looked at my alarm clock. It was 6:00 AM—time to get ready for school. Today was an important day. The League of Heroes was opening a new sector in Cebtopolis, and Genesis would be there. Maybe, just maybe, I'd get a chance to see him in person.

I swung my legs out of bed and stood up, feeling a renewed sense of determination. Dream or not, I knew one thing for sure: one day, I would become a hero.