Chapter Twenty Three

🚨 Breaking News: Support a God-Tier Writer (Or Else) 🚨

Tired of boring, predictable stories? Want action, chaos, and jokes so dark they make Homelander look like a preschool teacher? Well, YOU'RE IN LUCK!!!!

I'm Flash, your new favorite writer (you just don't know it yet), and I'm crafting absolute bangers over at Patreon. From "The Boys fanfiction" where gods throw hands to +dark humor that'll get you side-eyed in public, I've got it all.

🔥 **Why join my Patreon?** 🔥

✅ **Exclusive chapters** before the peasants get them

✅ **Vote on story decisions** (Yes, you get to play God)

✅ **Behind-the-scenes madness** (aka my creative breakdowns)

✅ **Possibly a shoutout, definitely my eternal gratitude**

And the best part? **It's cheaper than therapy!** So stop being a freeloader and **support my unhinged storytelling** here:

👉 [patreon.com/MrFlashXO] 👈

Several have already joined them, why don't you try it out too, ehh?

Join now, or I'll make a character based on you… and kill them off horribly. Your choice. 💀

Anyways Happy Reading.

__________

"Brave words, Ryan," Homelander said, his tone light but with an edge that sent a shiver down Derek's spine. "But you might want to keep that in mind the next time you're in a tight spot. Remember, this isn't just a game."

Derek nodded, keeping his demeanor steady. "Just trying to keep things interesting, you know? But I appreciate the reminder. Wouldn't want to end up in the villain's spotlight, would I?"

As the press event approached, the tension in the air grew thicker. Derek could sense that his strategy was working; he had succeeded in pushing Homelander's buttons without getting himself into real trouble. However, he also knew he had to tread carefully. The moment Homelander perceived him as a genuine threat, things could turn deadly in an instant.

The press event was chaotic, with reporters clamoring for attention and the usual fanfare surrounding The Seven. Derek took his place next to Starlight, their camaraderie growing with each passing day. They exchanged a few knowing glances, both aware of the undercurrent of danger lurking just beneath the surface.

During the event, Derek capitalized on his newfound bravado. As questions flew, he joked with reporters about the absurdity of some superhero tropes. "You know," he said with a grin, "being a superhero is all about being responsible. But let's be honest, it's mostly about the costume and the fanfare. Can we really save the world wearing spandex?"

Laughter erupted among the audience, and even the members of The Seven were caught off guard. Homelander, however, stood beside him with a forced smile, trying to maintain his image as the charismatic leader. Derek felt a rush of triumph, knowing he had succeeded in his goal for the moment.

Later that night, Derek found himself in his penthouse, feeling the adrenaline from the day. However, he knew that the next few days would be crucial. As he settled down, a notification pinged on his device.

**Mission Complete: Distract Homelander. Points Earned: 50.**

He smiled at the notification, but it was bittersweet. He had drawn attention to himself, and now it was a matter of how Homelander would respond. Would he seek revenge, or would he let Derek's antics slide?

The following morning, Derek entered the training room, eager to continue his strategy. He found the rest of The Seven already gathered, their faces reflecting a mix of tension and amusement. It was evident they were still buzzing from the press event.

"Ryan," A-Train called, leaning back in his chair, "you really gave Homelander a run for his money yesterday. I don't think I've seen him smile like that in years."

Derek chuckled, trying to play it cool. "Just keeping things lively, you know? Gotta keep the audience entertained."

Homelander entered the room, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features as he scanned the group. "Is everyone just going to talk about Ryan's little performance, or are we going to focus on the task at hand?" His tone was light, but Derek could feel the underlying tension.

"Come on, Homelander. Don't be such a buzzkill," Derek replied, his heart racing. "We're just trying to have some fun."

Homelander's eyes narrowed slightly, and Derek realized he had pushed it too far. "Fun is all well and good, but this isn't a joke, Ryan. We're superheroes, not comedians."

"Of course, of course," Derek said, trying to backtrack. "But isn't it better to be memorable? I mean, who doesn't love a good laugh?"

Homelander paused, contemplating his words. "Maybe. But remember, there's a fine line between humor and disrespect. Don't cross it."

Over the next few days, Derek's antics continued, but he noticed a shift in Homelander's demeanor. He was less willing to let things slide, and the tension was palpable. The atmosphere within The Seven felt charged, as if they were all waiting for the other shoe to drop.

One afternoon, as Derek was practicing in the training room, Starlight approached him. "Hey, I think you should tone it down a bit," she advised, her brow furrowed. "Homelander isn't the type to take jokes lightly for long. He might come after you."

Derek nodded, feeling a weight settle on his shoulders. "I know, but I need to keep pushing. This is my chance to figure out his weaknesses."

"Just be careful," she warned, glancing around to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "I don't want to see you get hurt."

That night, as Derek lay in bed, he couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom. He had pushed Homelander, but was it worth the risk? As he closed his eyes, sleep eluded him, and he began to formulate a plan for the next confrontation.

A week later, Derek found himself face to face with Homelander in a secluded corner of the tower. He had been called in for a private meeting, and the atmosphere was thick with tension.

"Ryan," Homelander began, his voice low and steady. "You've been a source of amusement lately. But you need to understand that you're playing a dangerous game."

Derek straightened, trying to maintain his composure. "I'm just trying to contribute, Homelander. We can't always be serious. Laughter helps us bond."

"Laughter?" Homelander echoed, his gaze piercing. "What happens when that laughter turns into mockery? You're testing the waters, and it might just come back to bite you."

"I get it. You're in charge here," Derek said, determination shining in his eyes. "But isn't it better to be more than just a figurehead? To actually connect with the people?"

Homelander leaned closer, his expression shifting. "You want connection? You better remember who has the power here. I could destroy you without breaking a sweat, Ryan. You're not invincible just because you have some fancy powers."

Derek's heart raced, but he held his ground. "I'm not saying I'm invincible. But I'm not afraid of you either. I'm not going to let you intimidate me into submission."

For a moment, silence hung between them. Then, Homelander smirked, a glimmer of respect flickering in his eyes. "You've got guts. I can appreciate that. But don't mistake my admiration for leniency. You'll need to watch your back."

Derek left the meeting feeling exhilarated but cautious. He had managed to stand his ground against Homelander, but it had come at a cost. He knew he had to tread carefully from now on, balancing humor and respect.

In the following days, he worked diligently to gather information about Homelander's weaknesses. With Starlight's help, he combed through reports and surveillance footage, seeking out anything that might give The Boys an edge.

One afternoon, as they worked together, Starlight glanced at him, concern etched on her face. "You're really pushing it with Homelander. Are you sure you want to keep this up?"

Derek paused, contemplating her words. "I have to. If I don't, we'll never be able to expose the truth behind Vought and The Seven. I need to gather information and show that I can hold my own."

Starlight sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Just promise me you'll be careful. We can't afford to lose you."

"I promise," Derek replied, though doubt lingered in the back of his mind.

As the days turned into weeks, Derek continued to balance the line between heroism and risk. He knew the stakes were high, but he was determined to uncover the truth. The thrill of the chase drove him, and with each passing day, he became more entrenched in the complex web that was Vought and The Seven.

As the tension mounted, Derek sensed that something big was on the horizon. Whispers of impending events reached his ears, and he knew he had to stay alert.

During a routine meeting, Homelander announced a new mission. "We're going to tackle a series of uprisings across the country. We need to show the public that The Seven are in control. It's time to remind them who the real heroes are."

Derek felt a knot tighten in his stomach. "What kind of uprisings?" he asked cautiously.

Homelander's gaze sharpened. "Terrorists, anti-superhero groups, anyone who dares to threaten our reputation. We will not tolerate dissent."

As the room erupted in conversation, Derek exchanged worried glances with Starlight. "This could be a setup," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "We have to be prepared for anything."

"Agreed," Derek replied, his mind racing with possibilities. He needed to find out more about this mission and whether it was part of Homelander's plan to assert control or if it was a diversion for something darker.

As the days passed, Derek worked tirelessly to gather intelligence on the upcoming mission. The atmosphere among The Seven felt electric, charged with anticipation and fear. Each member was preparing for the unknown, but Derek felt a deeper sense of urgency.

One night, while poring over classified documents in his penthouse, he stumbled upon a report detailing Vought's covert operations across the country. His heart raced as he scanned the information, piecing together the larger narrative. These uprisings weren't just random occurrences; they were orchestrated events, designed to create chaos and further Vought's agenda.

"This isn't just a mission," Derek muttered to himself. "It's a cover-up."

The realization hit him like a freight train. Vought was manipulating public perception, using these uprisings to showcase The Seven as saviors while simultaneously eliminating anyone who posed a threat to their dominance. The pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. Homelander's fixation on maintaining control made more sense now. This wasn't just about heroics; it was about power—complete and unyielding power.

He quickly grabbed his phone and texted Starlight. **"Meet me at the training room ASAP. I've found something big."**

Within minutes, she arrived, her face filled with concern. "What's going on, Derek? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Worse," he replied, showing her the documents. "Vought is orchestrating these uprisings. It's all a plan to manipulate the public and eliminate dissent. Homelander is at the center of it."

Starlight's eyes widened as she read through the files. "This is huge. If we expose this… it could change everything."

"I know," Derek said, a fire igniting within him. "But we need more evidence. We can't just go to the media without something solid."

Starlight nodded, determination etched on her face. "What's the plan? We need to gather more intel and find a way to bring it to light."

As the days passed, Derek and Starlight began devising a plan. They knew they had to be stealthy; one wrong move could put their lives in jeopardy. They started by gathering information from other members of The Seven, hoping to find allies who shared their concerns.

Derek approached Queen Maeve first, knowing she had a reputation for being fiercely independent. "Maeve, can we talk?" he asked one evening after training.

She looked at him, eyebrows raised. "What's this about, Ryan?"

"I've come across some troubling information regarding Vought's operations. I think you'd want to hear it," he said, choosing his words carefully.

Maeve studied him for a moment before nodding. "Fine. Let's go somewhere private."

They slipped away to a quiet corner of the training facility. Derek quickly laid out the details of what he'd uncovered, watching Maeve's expression shift from skepticism to concern.

"Vought has been manipulating events to maintain control. Homelander is at the center of it," Derek finished, gauging her reaction.

Maeve leaned back, crossing her arms. "And you think we can stop this? We're just pawns in their game."

Derek leaned forward, passionate. "Not if we work together. If we expose the truth, we can shift the narrative. The public deserves to know what's really happening."

She considered his words, her expression thoughtful. "I don't know, Ryan. Homelander's not someone you can just challenge. He'll retaliate."

"I'm aware of that, but we can't let fear dictate our actions. We need to take a stand," he insisted.

After a long pause, Maeve sighed. "Alright, I'm in. But if we do this, we need a solid plan. I'm not risking everything for nothing."

With Maeve on board, Derek felt a renewed sense of hope. He and Starlight quickly organized a secret meeting with the other members of The Seven they could trust. They needed to rally support before making any moves against Homelander and Vought.

On the day of the meeting, Derek felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. They gathered in a secluded area of the tower, ensuring no one else could overhear them.

As they settled in, Derek took a deep breath and addressed the group. "Thank you all for coming. I know this isn't easy, but we're at a turning point. We have evidence that Vought has been manipulating events to maintain control over the public and eliminate dissent."

The room was filled with murmurs of disbelief and concern. A-Train was the first to speak up. "What evidence do you have? This sounds like a wild conspiracy."

Derek pulled out the documents he had gathered. "Here. These are reports detailing Vought's operations across the country. They've been orchestrating these uprisings to create chaos and showcase The Seven as heroes."

Queen Maeve nodded in agreement. "I've seen it too. We can't ignore this anymore."

Starlight added, "If we expose this, we can change the narrative. We need to stand together."

The atmosphere shifted as the members began to process the gravity of the situation. They knew the risks, but the possibility of breaking free from Vought's grasp ignited a fire within them.

Homelander's voice echoed in Derek's mind, a reminder of the stakes they faced. "We need a plan, and we need to be smart about it," he said, his heart racing.

As they began brainstorming strategies, Derek felt a sense of camaraderie among the group. They were all scared but determined to take a stand. Each member contributed ideas, sharing insights on their unique strengths and weaknesses.

Derek suggested they start gathering more evidence. "We need to infiltrate Vought's operations and find concrete proof of their manipulation. The more evidence we have, the stronger our case will be."

A-Train chimed in, "I can help with reconnaissance. I can move fast enough to gather information without being detected."

Maeve nodded. "I can handle any physical confrontations if it comes to that."

Starlight's eyes sparkled with determination. "I can use my powers to manipulate light and provide distractions if we need to escape."

The group began to formulate a plan. They decided to split into smaller teams to gather information from different sources within Vought. The urgency of their mission fueled their determination.

As the meeting concluded, Derek felt a sense of purpose wash over him. They were no longer alone in this fight. Together, they could challenge Vought and Homelander.

The next day, Derek and A-Train set out for their first mission. They planned to infiltrate a Vought facility rumored to be housing critical files related to the uprisings.

"Ready for this?" A-Train asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Derek nodded, adrenaline coursing through his veins. "Let's do this."

They arrived at the facility, using their powers to bypass security. Derek manipulated the shadows around them, cloaking their movements while A-Train zipped past guards, ensuring they wouldn't be detected.

Once inside, they navigated the labyrinthine hallways, searching for the main data center. Derek's heart raced with anticipation; they were so close to uncovering the truth.

"Over there," A-Train whispered, pointing to a door marked with a security seal. "That's where they'd keep sensitive information."

Derek nodded, leading the way as they approached the door. They had to be careful; if they set off alarms, it could alert Vought and jeopardize their entire operation.

Using a combination of A-Train's speed and Derek's ability to manipulate shadows, they managed to slip through the door unnoticed. Inside, the room was filled with computers and files—everything they needed to expose Vought's deceit.

As they began to search through the data, Derek's fingers flew across the keyboard. "We need to find evidence of Vought's involvement in the uprisings. Any documentation, files, anything."

A-Train kept watch, his senses heightened. "Hurry up! We don't have much time before someone notices we're missing."

Derek focused on the screen, scrolling through files until one caught his eye. "This—this is it!" he exclaimed. "It's a report detailing Vought's operations in multiple cities, including directives for manipulating public perception."

A-Train leaned in, reading over Derek's shoulder. "This is gold. We need to copy this and get out of here."

As Derek initiated the download, a warning siren blared throughout the facility. Panic surged through him. "We've been discovered! We need to go—now!"

They rushed to the door just as security personnel stormed the corridor. A-Train's eyes widened. "We won't make it if we go out the front."

"Follow my lead," Derek said, tapping into his powers. He enveloped them in shadows, creating a dark veil that concealed their presence. They darted through the hall, moving stealthily as guards scrambled around them.

Using the cover of darkness, they maneuvered through the facility, narrowly avoiding detection. Derek's heart raced as they reached an emergency exit, but just as they were about to escape, a guard spotted them.

"Hey! Stop!" the guard shouted, reaching for his radio.

A-Train reacted instantly. "I'll handle this!" He darted forward, using his speed to disarm the guard before he could call for backup.

Derek watched in awe as A-Train incapacitated the guard with a swift blow. "Let's go!" he urged, pulling A-Train toward the exit.

They burst through the door, sprinting into the night. The cool air hit them like a wave, invigorating their senses as they dashed through the darkened parking lot. Derek could hear alarms blaring behind them, the sound growing fainter as they put distance between themselves and the facility.

"Where's the car?" A-Train gasped, glancing around.

"It's parked near the back!" Derek pointed toward a dimly lit area where he had left their getaway vehicle. They sprinted toward it, adrenaline pumping through their veins.

Just as they reached the car, Derek's heart sank at the sight of two Vought security vehicles pulling into the parking lot, their lights flashing ominously.

"Get in!" he shouted, fumbling with the keys as they jumped inside.

A-Train pressed his back against the window, scanning for any sign of movement. "Hurry! They're coming!"

Derek finally managed to start the engine, and the car roared to life. With a swift glance in the rearview mirror, he saw the guards pouring out of their vehicles and heading toward them. He slammed his foot on the gas, sending the car lurching forward as he peeled out of the parking lot, the tires squealing against the asphalt.

"Let's go! Let's go!" A-Train urged, his heart racing.

"Hold on!" Derek replied, focusing on the road ahead. He maneuvered the car around the corner and sped down the darkened streets, the city lights blurring past them.

"Did we get it?" A-Train asked, glancing back nervously.

"Yeah," Derek replied, adrenaline still coursing through his veins. "We have everything we need to expose Vought."

Back at their safe house, Derek and A-Train connected their devices to download the data from the mission. The tension in the air was palpable as Starlight and Queen Maeve paced the room, waiting for them to reveal what they had uncovered.

"Did you get anything?" Starlight asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"More than we could've hoped for," Derek said, breathless with excitement. "We found reports detailing Vought's orchestration of the uprisings, including directives for manipulating public perception."

"Show us," Maeve insisted, stepping closer.

Derek pulled up the files on the scr