New York buzzed with rumors. Media, streets, coffee shops-everyone talked about Brightburn. The new superhero, with the face of a young man and powers that inspired awe and fear. Defeating Graviton in seconds had made him a sensation. Some saw him as a hero; others whispered he was too powerful, too unpredictable. Brandon heard it all but didn't care. He knew who he was-and who he wanted to be.
He returned to the Kansas farm for the weekend to talk to his parents. Sitting at the kitchen table, sipping lemonade, he faced Tori and Kyle, who looked at him with a mix of pride and unease. The TV in the background played news about Brightburn, showing footage of his fight with Graviton.
"I'm done hiding who I am," Brandon said, meeting their eyes. "My powers… I want to use them. Not as a secret, but as… me."
Tori tightened her grip on her mug, her eyes betraying worry.
"Brandon, it's dangerous. People might… not understand. They might fear you."
Kyle placed a hand on his wife's shoulder but looked at his son.
"Tori, look at him. He took down Graviton like it was nothing. You think anyone can threaten him?"
Brandon just smiled, a glint in his eyes that made Tori shiver. Kyle was right-there was no one on Earth who could stop him. After a moment, Tori sighed, her face softening.
"Just… be careful, okay?" she asked quietly.
"Always am," Brandon replied, though they all knew it wasn't entirely true.
---
Far from Earth, in the vast abyss of space, the Guardians of the Galaxy's ship, Milano, sliced through the cosmos. The crew-Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot-prepared for a new mission. The reward was massive: stealing a rare artifact from the Collector's fortress. Everyone was in high spirits, especially with a new team member aboard.
[image]
Lois Lane-stood at the console, reviewing mission data. Her black hair fell over her shoulders, blue eyes gleamed with confidence, and her skimpy black outfit hugged her form. Rocket, lounging in a chair, whistled.
"Well, Lois, with you around, even I might lose at cards," he said, grinning.
"Keep your paws to yourself, furball," Lois shot back with a smirk, eyes fixed on the screen.
Peter Quill, shaking his head, cranked up the music-"Sweet Child O' Mine" filled the cockpit.
"Alright, people, focus," he said. "The Collector won't hand over the artifact without a fight, but with Lois on board, we've got an edge. Ready?"
"I am Groot!" Groot shouted, and the others nodded.
Lois glanced at the stars outside, but her thoughts drifted to Earth, where she'd heard rumors of a new "hero" called Brightburn. A cold certainty settled in her mind: He shouldn't be here.
Milano sped toward its target, and the Guardians, with fresh energy, braced for the adventure.