Chapter 2
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People have been inventing heroes for as long as prose has existed. After all, it is inherent in human beings to strive for the ideal and listen to stories. Accordingly, it is no surprise that stories about the ideal have always been popular. Superheroes and comic books are just a more modern format for expressing the same thought. Except what happens if they're not just stories? What if it's reality? The very reality you live in. Where the life of an ordinary person does not matter, and the fate of millions is decided by the gods, who are no stranger to all the most disgusting flaws and vices of human nature.
A similar version of events was described in Guardians, when ordinary people took everything into their own hands and administered justice. The outcome was logical. Heroes were cancelled, they became outlaws. In this world, that's where things are headed. Except instead of one godlike being, there are thousands of them. I'd hate to see the uncomplicated extermination of superhumans, of which I am now one.
Vought, which has been creating superhumans out of children for years, uses them as a brand. Tens of thousands of comic books, hundreds of films and TV series, advertising at every turn. And there are thousands of these supers, and they're getting bigger. "Seven" is simply the most popular team at the moment, where they gathered the most promising. And as the growing revenues every year show, Vaught didn't make a bad choice at all.
But like any person, having achieved something significant, the company's leaders want more. Their next goal is to get a military contract so they can start promoting supers as an effective weapon. However, they do not take into account one important nuance, that the local heroes have never fought against superior forces. The supers rely entirely on their own strength and are extremely willful, which the military understands. So it's going to take more than a few years, maybe more than ten.
- Ladies and gentlemen, there is no question that we are experiencing the dawn of the superhero business. Our revenue is up fourteen per cent. Our last film, Agents: World War Z" grossed just under a billion seven hundred million dollars worldwide. And in the autumn we're opening a theme park near Paris. The branding opportunities are endless. - Madeline was broadcasting to the whole room, with her usual smile, reading the text prepared for her. As always, without much emotion on her face.
- But, you know, all that . doesn't matter. After all, what matters to us is curating, supporting and counselling the brave heroes who put themselves at terrible risk every day, for us. May I have your attention, please?
The woman pointed to the screen behind her back, which began to show meaningless but riveting footage of Americans filmed for fabulous sums of money. The voice-over was saying something, but I didn't think it necessary to listen. As always, it was something inspiring and boring, with a touch of patriotism. It was just as Madeline Stillwell likes it, and she's been using it for twenty years. And quite successfully, oddly enough.
The annual shareholders' meeting is held every year, which is logical, where tediously they talk about the company's future plans and stock growth. As always, people get dusted in the eye before being told that the share price has increased slightly. That's why Homelander refused to get involved, he simply wasn't interested.
Now the new member of the Seven was being introduced in this room where, many years ago, at a similar event, Homelander had appeared before them. At that time Stillwell was not yet the vice-president of the company, but merely the curator of the then unknown hero. That position was held by Stan Edgar, who passed the job to her when he became CEO. The same introduction was given to virtually everyone now at Seven.
- So many memories," Madeline smiled, standing up next to me. - Remember...
- I remember everything perfectly. I don't think you need to be reminded of the fact that my memory is almost absolute. - I smirked, turning to her. I didn't like the fact that she had so much influence over the Homelander.
- Did you have a grudge against me for something? - She pulled a fake smile onto her face, slightly nervous.
My attention just wouldn't catch on unless you considered her heartbeat. That's what made me not unreasonably suspicious.
- You know I don't like people hiding things from me," I smiled, stepping closer to her. My hand reached for her chin, forcing her to look me straight in the eye. - And your confession will be more acceptable than if I find out for myself. Do you understand?
- Я... - Madeline mumbled confusedly as her heart raced in her chest.
And in that moment it was clear to me that I had hit the mark.
- Я?
- Я... have to go. - Stillwell smiled, and stepped a couple of steps away from me and walked calmly in the direction of the stage.
- Interesting. - I grinned, realising that this secret had a lot to do with my predecessor, and therefore with me.
- And I have a big surprise for you," Madeline continued with the same confident smile, though you couldn't tell from her heartbeat. - Meet the leader of the Seven, Earth's greatest superhero, in his own right, the Homelander!
The woman waved her hand in my direction, and all I had to do was walk out onto the stage with a smile to the cheers and applause of the crowd. I approached her, embraced her slightly and walked to the middle of the stage.
- Thank you. Thank you very much," he smiled at the audience and looked round the room. - After a long, distinguished career in "Seven", my good friend and comrade - Lantern Man - has retired. Let's thank him properly!
After my words, the crowd exploded once again with applause and shouts. Smartphone cameras were directed at me, it was habitual to walk around the stage as if I were at home, enjoying their unconcealed admiration. It was definitely an attitude I liked. Just as long as I didn't get too proud.
- And now, as I look to the future, I'd like to introduce you to a very special person. Someone I'm looking forward to working with. A round of applause, Starlight!
A blonde woman in a homemade costume, albeit a quality one, almost ran onto the stage. However, my eyes spotted every flaw and I can say with certainty that this costume would easily tear from the slightest strain. Even Deep's suit was more protective, though it wasn't to his credit.
- Smile and wave to your future admirers. - Pronounced, setting an example with his actions.
Annie, as she was called outside of her superhero image, quickly came to her senses and smiled and waved to the audience in the hall. However, the gleam of delight in her eyes was too obvious, as they were literally glowing with a golden light due to the over-exuberance of emotion, which said that it all looked like a dream come true for her. It looked extremely cute, it would even be a pity to actually break those pretty rose coloured glasses.
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