Chapter 3

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***

Annie was incredibly excited, occasionally glancing at the back of Earth's greatest and strongest superhero. Even as a child, as she watched the exploits of the Homelander on the television screen, she had dreamed of one day becoming one. Sincerely wanted to protect civilians and be a heroine for them to rely on.

And now she's in Seven, the number one superhero team. And that's not an exaggeration at all. There aren't many who can rival each and every one of its members. And now she's one of them.

- How are you feeling? - Homelander asked suddenly when they were in the lift.

- Я... fine. - The girl tried to smile, but it was too tentative. And it seemed to be noticed.

- And really? - He turned to her with an understanding smile on his lips.

- I feel like I don't deserve all this. - She looked away from the hero's blue eyes.

- You're not alone in your feelings," Homelander chuckled, remembering the Depths. - "But I assure you that you are not in Seven out of pity. Your abilities are at the level they need to be, and that's what counts.

- Really? - Starlight was surprised, not imagining that she would be able to stand up to the same Blink.

- Otherwise you wouldn't have been hired. Only the strongest are in the Seven. - Homelander grinned and stepped confidently out of the lift, and Starlight hurried to follow.

Soon they entered a large room where all the members of the Seven were gathered around a table. Monitors hung on the walls, probably designed to patrol the city more efficiently.

- This is where we gather. And here's your seat. - The blond pointed to one of the chairs.

- Really? - Annie asked with undisguised admiration.- Yes," nodded Homelander and watched with interest as the girl carefully sat down at the table. - How's that?

- It's cool. I mean good. - Starlight corrected herself, seeing the hero's grin.

- Well, great," he nodded. - Then let's go over some rules you'll have to follow, Starlight. Are you ready to listen?

- Yes, of course. I'm ready. - Starlight braced herself, folding her hands on the table like a diligent student.

- First of all, whatever goes on here must not leave the building. That's basic," began the Homelander, seeing the look of confusion in the girl's eyes. - Second, you report directly to me. Not Madeline or anyone else, but me. If you have any concerns, you come to me.

- I see," Annie nodded, though she didn't see the point in saying all that. After all, the entire Seven must obey their leader anyway.

- Since I've introduced you as a member of the Seven, we'll start working together from now on. Tomorrow I'll have to check your power levels and help you learn them if possible.

- But I know how to control my powers. - Starlight objected hesitantly.

- That's what we'll test," said the Homelander. - It's easier from here. Stay alert in the ladies' room, because that's where the Dreadful usually hangs out.

- What?" The blonde stared at him in shock. She couldn't imagine the local Invisible Man spending time in the ladies' room for any reason.

- He likes to peek. - Answered Homelander, as if that should make things clearer.

- Why? - Annie almost whispered.

- Because he can and he wants to. That's the kind of man he is,' replied Homelander, with a smile. - 'One last thing, you mustn't spoil your own reputation.

- What do you mean?

- Don't get rowdy on the streets of the city. Don't get caught on camera drinking or smoking. Watch what you say. If your ratings go down, even I can't keep you at Seven.

- Я... got it.

- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to burden you. However, this is important for you first and foremost," he put his hand on her shoulder, forcing her to look straight into his eyes. - "You're in Seven now, and the hardest part is over. Now you can go and rest in your apartment, you can get the keys from Ashley.

With these words Homelander went to the panoramic window, looking out at the city at night. Annie carefully got up from her chair and looked at the back of the hero and exhaled softly.

- Good night, Homelander. - The girl smiled uncertainly before leaving the hall. The day had definitely been too full of experiences.

- Good night, Starlight. - A man's voice came to her.

***

Huey felt out of place and knew he didn't belong here. The death of Robin, his girlfriend, who had been run through by the A-Train, was the beginning of it all. It literally shattered him. The speedster, of whom Huey was a fan, hadn't even apologised for his act, making excuses for chasing the robbers. And Vaught's company just sent a man that wanted to buy his silence with money. Which finally pissed him off.

Some time later, some Brit, with a beard and a noticeable scar on his forehead, came to see him, introducing himself as an FBI agent. Billy Butcher, as this Brit was called, showed him papers with evidence that no bank robbery had taken place that day. So the guy just couldn't believe him.

As a result, he was now standing in a room with monitors showing video from the club's security cameras. But not just any club, but the one where the supers spend their time. They drink, do drugs and fuck left and right, which you wouldn't expect from those who are called infallible.

- There it is. - Butcher pointed to the screen, where Train-A himself was sitting on a couch.

A black-clad superhero who constantly wore his goggles as he ran at incredible speeds. He was in his blue suit, with the letter "A" on his shoulders, as if to say that he always comes first.

- So, wait. is he here now? - Asked Huey, nervous at the mere thought of the speedster being literally a couple of feet away from them.

- No, that's yesterday's footage. Switch on the sound. - Butcher asked the guard.

- You're lucky to fly through a woman. - One of the supers, who was almost naked, joined the Express in drinking alcohol, laughed.

- That's okay, I flew through her so fast I swallowed one of her molars.... Like a bug on the motorway. - The black speedster spoke passionately.

- Fucking hell. - His companion commented, laughing as if it were a hilarious joke. And Train-A laughed with him, starting to literally laugh.

- Laughing, they're laughing, they're laughing. - Huey began to breathe deeply, clenching his hand into a fist with indignation.

- Laughing? - An extraneous voice came into the frame and someone Huey didn't expect to be here. He looked at Butcher, but he was staring intently at the screen, ignoring him.

- Homelander? - Train-A coughed, while his friend hurried away.

- Does it make you laugh that you killed a civilian? - Asked Homelander, which was definitely him.

- Come on, it's under control. - Replied the black guy, looking warily at the superhero.

- Really? I don't think so. - Hummed Homelander, looking at him judgementally.

- That's it...

- You didn't notice her? Or didn't slow down? - Asked the blond man suddenly.

- I didn't notice.

- You're lying, Train-A. And you know I don't like being lied to. - Homelander loomed menacingly over him.

- All right, all right! I couldn't slow down!

- How many did you take?

- I didn't... Okay, I did, a little.

- You're gonna have to stop if you don't want to get out of the Seven.

- For what? Because some woman died?!

- You lose control of your powers, your body can barely handle the stuff. You become addicted to it, and your heart isn't made of iron," replied Homelander calmly. - So Robin Ward's death is just the beginning, and it's only going to get worse.

- What's the matter with my heart? - Train-A asked anxiously.

- I can see the drug hitting your body, and your heart first. If you don't want to become another disabled super, you'll heed my words. Have a good night," Homelander said, glancing around the room. - And deal with the consequences of your actions.

The speedster couldn't get a word out, just stared at him. Realising he had nothing to say in response, Homelander calmly walked out, leaving the superhero alone.

- Fuck! - Train-A shouted in anger and smashed the glass table, along with the booze, with his hand.

The recording stopped, and Butcher looked at Huey. The stare was unpleasant, but the boy did not avert his eyes.

- What have you decided? Since even Homelander mentioned Robin's situation, that means they have something to be afraid of," Butcher came up to him, staring intently into his eyes. - So, are you going to help me nail this bastard?

*** 

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