𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐀 𝐅𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧?

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Wonder Woman remained silent as she followed Mel and Milo through the lobby of an apartment complex. She didn't expect to be able to walk through the doors of the complex with the Sword of Athena tucked in the waistband of her jeans or her Bracelets of Submission underneath the sleeves of the flannel... But the Supe didn't mention anything.

"Your friend who lives here. His name is Mother's Milk?" she questioned, giving Milo an odd look while Mel snickered as they walked into the elevator.

Wonder Woman wasn't one to judge, but she thought the name 'Mother's Milk' was rather odd.

Mel shook her head, leaning against Milo's side, "It's just a nickname. He's the one who actually gives a shit about most people." she muttered while Milo stared at the floor levels changing as the elevator went up.

Wonder Woman glanced at the couple but she looked away when the elevator doors opened and a man appeared on the other side.

Billy Butcher.

"Look, she's alive and no need for so many fucking calls." Mel said as she and Milo followed Wonder Woman out of the elevator.

Butcher glared at her before looking at Milo, "And what's your excuse? I told you, the moment you found her, you call me." he sharply said, looking at Milo with his usual cold eyes.

His words did nothing but make Milo deflate as he scrambled to make an answer. Mel watched her boyfriend scramble and it made her eyes narrow, "Well, he didn't. It's in the fucking past, move on." she snapped, not liking whenever someone decided to have a sharp tone with Milo.

Not her golden retriever.

Before Butcher could start an argument, Wonder Woman cleared her throat, "You're the one with the idea of finding Soldier Boy?" she questioned, looking at the man with the cockney accent.

"The one and only." he smirked before walking down the hall. Wonder Woman watched him go, but she followed without another word. He's more frustrating than Milo led him on to be. She thought to herself.

It didn't take long before the group stood in front of an apartment door. Butcher reached out and knocked on the door, straightening his shoulder when M.M. answered the door.

His "friend" didn't look all that happy to see him. Well, any of them.

Butcher looked at M.M. and soon nodded, "All right, mate? Bloody hell, Janine. You shot up. You remember your Uncle Billy, don't you?" the man asked while the little girl smiled at the sight of Mel and Milo.

"Melanie!" Janine smiled, rushing the woman and laughing when Mel lifted her into her arms, "Oh God! You got heavy, sister." she smiled, carrying Janine back into the apartment.

"Hey, M.M." Mel smiled while Milo patted his shoulder, "Sorry about this." he said under his breath, holding a toy set of Vought Tower and the Seven. He was apologizing for both being there and having the stupid toy set.

M.M. only sighed. He knew he'd never be the one to kick those two kids out of his apartment. Instead, M.M. looked back at Butcher and Wonder Woman, "Are you Wonder Woman?" he questioned, making the Supe nod, "Diana." she lightly corrected, not wanting to be introduced by her Supe name.

She held her hand out for a moment before her usual smile appeared when M.M. shook her hand, "It's nice to meet you." he gruffly said before looking back at Butcher.

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The apartment seemed to be broken up into two different groups. Milo and Mel were busy helping Janine unbox the toy set while M.M. and Butcher quietly argued in the kitchen.

And Wonder Woman was stuck in the middle of the room.

The Supe didn't know who to join. She wanted to know what their next steps were for finding Soldier Boy... But then she saw Janine. How the little girl smiled whenever Milo showed her a figurine and tried to do his best impersonation.

Wonder Woman always had a soft spot for kids.

Without a second thought, Wonder Woman walked towards the group of three, kneeling beside the couch, "Hello, my name's Diana Prince." she softly smiled, holding her hand out for Janine to shake.

Janine didn't hesitate to smile, "Hi, I'm Janine. Are you friends of my dad's?" she questioned, shaking Wonder Woman's hand. Her enthusiasm made Wonder Woman's smile grow a bit brighter as her nose scrunched, "We've only just met, but I don't doubt we won't become friends. He seems nice." the Supe smiled.

"Check it out, it's A-Train," Milo smiled, holding a figure of A-Train to Janine, "I bet I could outrun him. In my car." he smirked, making Mel laugh, "They don't call him the world's fastest man for nothing." she teased as M.M. argued with Butcher.

But the room froze when Butcher said the word 'cunt.'

Wonder Woman looked at Butcher with narrowed eyes, "Don't listen to him. And don't say those types of words." she said, looking down at a figure of Homelander.

They look as ridiculous as Payback. Wonder Woman thought to herself as she handed Janine the figure.

"Oi, you three gotta go and meet Frenchie and Kimiko. You lot are gonna be startin' with Crimson Countess and I'm gonna hit up Gunpowder." Butcher said, making everyone stand.

Wonder Woman looked back at Janine as Mel pulled her into a hug, "I'll be sure to come back for movie night. I'll even bring Luna." she smiled while Milo handed the young girl a twenty dollar bill.

"No, Milo, come on. You don't have to do that every time." M.M. said from the kitchen, making Milo shake his head, "Come on, we gotta take care of our little sister." he smiled, hugging Janine.

Wonder Woman smiled and soon kneeled in front of Janine, "It was very nice meeting you." she nodded, chuckling when Janine hugged her. The Supe didn't hesitate to return the hug, standing after a few seconds.

She followed Mel and Milo back to the hall. Just before Wonder Woman followed them to the elevator, she turned back to Butcher, "When you find Gunpowder. Do me a favor and tell him... I'll just tell him when I see him." she nodded, following the couple back to the elevator.

I'm sorry it never worked out better between us.

As the three of them stood in the elevator, Wonder Woman remained silent. In a few hours or even minutes. She'd be reunited with her old teammate. Someone she once called a friend and even leaned on for when times become tougher than most.

But Crimson Countess was someone who always viewed Wonder Woman as a competition. Competition for fame. Competition for movies and shows. Sponsorships and merchandise. Soldier Boy.

Wonder Woman was quick to stop thinking about the last subject, seeing that they made it back to the lobby where two people seemed to be waiting for them.

At the sight of the two figures, Mel smiled and walked over, "Kimiko. Frenchie. Long time no fucking see." she snickered, pulling the both of them into hugs.

Milo smiled and joined the group hug, "Finally nice to be back with you two," he chuckled before pulling away to motion towards Wonder Woman, "Kimiko. Frenchie. Diana Prince." he introduced, making Wonder Woman softly smile.

Kimiko softly smiled, stepping towards Wonder Woman, signing, Are you coming with us to see Crimson Countess? Just as Frenchie was about to interpret, Wonder Woman began to sign back, Only if you allow me. The Supe answered, chuckling when she saw the look of shock cross Kimiko's expression.

But the shock only lasted a second before she nodded. Frenchie nodded, "Ali still works there, oui?" he questioned, making Milo nod, "Yeah, she's working today and says we can get into the show for free because I'm not paying five bucks to see a slideshow." he muttered, following the group to the cars.

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"Holy shit, Ali wasn't kidding when she said it got worse," Mel muttered, walking beside Milo, "I mean, look at this shit. How the hell does anyone buy this shit?" she questioned, nodding to a shirt that had Queen Maeve's face plastered with all the sexuality flags, "Maeve's not even transgender, damnit." she muttered, shaking her head with a frown.

Wonder Woman looked around the theme park, a small frown on her lips, "And people enjoy these types of things?" she questioned, looking at Milo with her frown.

"Oh yeah, you'd be surprised." he nodded, turning his head when Kimiko tapped Wonder Woman's shoulder. Is your name really Diana Prince? She signed, a small smile on her face.

Wonder Woman wanted to tell the truth, but she couldn't when she saw the hopeful smile on her lips. Instead, the Supe signed back, Yes, my name's Diana Prince. I can see you're a fan, I'm surprised because I didn't think I was popular anymore. She smiled.

Frenchie chuckled, looking around at the merchandise, "Oh, you have no idea. Kimiko even considers herself a Wonder Gal." he said, looking at Kimiko.

The name 'Wonder Gal' made Wonder Woman break out into another smile. She nearly burst into laughter, "Wonder Gal?" she questioned, chuckling to herself, "I haven't heard that in so long." she shook her head, patting Kimiko's shoulder with an appreciative smile.

As the group continued to walk through the theme park, Wonder Woman finally began to take in all the merchandise and food items.

Every movement and social injustice in the world. All of them were being marketed and used to sell more clothes and food.

All of it made Wonder Woman frown as she watched everyone buy into the twisted mind of Vought and every higher-up company of the world.

Back in her days with Payback, Wonder Woman spent all her free time walking with peaceful protesters. She wanted to help every movement, activists, and everyone else in the world who needed their voice to be heard.

But to see the theme park using everyone's voice as a quick money grab. It hurt Wonder Woman to see the movements she stood for be used in the way it was.

Wonder Woman thought it over as she continued to follow, turning her head when Kimiko signed if the group could go on the main ride of the park. Homelander: Extreme Flight.

Everyone stared at the ride until Frenchie scoffed, "Come on. You want to wait three hours for a three-minute ride that is a monument to a monster?" he questioned, looking at Kimiko.

Milo stared at the ride while Mel looked at the wait time, "It's only thirty minutes." she muttered, snickering when Frenchie shushed her.

Wonder Woman stared at the ride while Kimiko continued to argue. I always wanted to! She signed, sighing when Frenchie shook his head, "Since when?" he frowned.

Since Kenji and I were little. Kimiko signed in retaliation, smiling when Frenchie finally caved, "Ok, first, work, then pleasure. Oui? Let's go, come on." he said, gesturing for Kimiko to continue walking.

As Kimiko and Frenchie walked ahead, Wonder Woman walked behind Mel and Milo. She noticed a couple that walked by. They seemed happy, holding hands and sharing cotton candy.

Wonder Woman watched them, seeing their intertwined hands and loving gazes. It was something Wonder Woman thought she'd be able to achieve.

But civilians aren't ones to want and start relationships with Supes.

The sight and thought made the Supe slow her pace a bit, but she stopped completely when she came face-to-face with a poster of Soldier Boy.

Wonder Woman stared at the poster, her fingers curling into fists when she saw Crimson Countess' name plastered all over the poster.

It didn't surprise Wonder Woman, knowing her former teammate always searched for the limelight and her fifteen years of fame.

She stared at the poster and when she went to touch the plexiglass, wanting to touch the picture of Soldier Boy. She only stopped when Mel patted her shoulder, "You ok?" she questioned, her voice low and only for Wonder Woman to hear.

"Yes, I'm fine. Let's go." Wonder Woman answered, her shoulders untensing and stepping back from the poster, following Mel inside the theater.

The group walked into the theater and sat in the middle of one of the many rows of seats. Kimiko and Frenchie sat beside one another while Mel, Milo, and Wonder Woman sat beside Kimiko.

Wonder Woman didn't know what to expect, but she felt herself tense again when the narration began, "Soldier Boy grew up in the birthplace of American liberty. Born poor on the mean streets of South Philadelphia, he learned the values of hard work, tenacity and bravery. He used those values to prove America's exceptionalism to the world." his voice echoed in the theater.

His words made Wonder Woman's eyes harden as her jaw clenched. It was all a bunch of lies and stories. Soldier Boy was anything but poor.

Soldier Boy was born into a rich family and never had to work a day in his life. His words, not hers.

But nothing would've prepared Wonder Woman when the show continued, and she was soon face-to-face with Soldier Boy again.

She stared at her friend, unable to move when his voice rang through her ears, "Ok, boys, let's give these Krauts some hell!" he shouted, the film black and white.

Even if Wonder Woman didn't agree with war and everything Soldier Boy, she felt herself softly smile. It was impossible to keep the smile off her lips. Especially when it came to Soldier Boy.

"He defended us against the encroaching Red Menace." the narrator continued, the film showing Soldier Boy leading soldiers across the trenches. It made Mel scoff while Milo was beginning to lose interest, his eyes looking up at the ceiling to tame his boredom.

Wonder Woman's knee bounced, her heart dropping when she heard Soldier Boy's voice again, "Congress, I have a list right here of avowed Communists." his voice echoed through the theater.

The sound of his voice made Wonder Woman feel numb. Almost paralyzed as the narration continued, different pictures of Soldier Boy appearing on the screen, "He helped guide America into a bright future, and along the way, he found the love of a good woman, which made his sacrifice all the more noble, when he gave his life saving us from a nuclear holocaust."

As the different pictures of Soldier Boy with presidents and celebrities continued to play; the ones that stung a bit were the ones with Crimson Countess and the destruction of the nuclear plant.

There was no sense of jealousy in Wonder Woman. She knew Soldier Boy loved Crimson Countess. She knew his plans to marry her and start a family. None of that mattered to Wonder Woman.

What mattered was the deep sense of guilt that clawed at Wonder Woman's chest. The hurt that she wasn't there for her best friend. She wasn't there to protect him like he once protected her.

The guilt only grew as tears began to build themselves in Wonder Woman's eyes, forcing her to blink them away and look away from the screen.

Wonder Woman knew the story about his "death" was nothing but lies, but it didn't hurt any less. If Soldier Boy was going to die, Wonder Woman wouldn't do anything to prevent it. She would've... She should've done something to prevent it.

She was supposed to have his back.

"Please join us in saluting Soldier Boy." the narrator said once more, pulling Wonder Woman back to the present and the unfortunate reality.

The theater went silent before Crimson Countess walked onto the middle of the stage. The sight of her made Wonder Woman's eyes widen.

But matters only became worse when Crimson Countess began to sing. Wonder Woman stared before she slowly began to stand.

Everything blurred and a loud ringing was going through Wonder Woman's ears. She stepped over Mel and Milo, walking out the theater as Crimson Countess sang to the nearly empty theater.

Wonder Woman made it outside, trying to keep herself in check as she sat on a bench, a few feet away from the theater.

She sighed, pressing her hand against her forehead. After a few moments, someone sat beside her, "You ok?" Mel asked while Milo handed Wonder Woman a bottle of water.

"I'm fine, thank you," Wonder Woman whispered, taking the bottle, "I knew the show was about Soldier Boy, but to see him... To hear his voice. It's something I thought wouldn't matter." she explained, making the couple nod.

Mel thought for a moment, "We're gonna find out what happened. If it's good or bad, whatever happens. You're gonna get closure, Diana." she assured, placing her hand on Wonder Woman's shoulder.

Wonder Woman thought it over and soon sighed. Mel was right but it scared her. Instead of saying anything else, she stood from the bench, "Thank you, Mel. Also Milo, I'd be definitely lost without the both of you." she chuckled, following them to where Frenchie and Kimiko stood in line.

"You three will go in and we'll wait outside." Milo nodded, making Kimiko nod as Frenchie paid for their tickets to meet Crimson Countess.

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Wonder Woman remained behind Frenchie as the group of three walked into the private room to meet Crimson Countess.

She kept her head down, listening as Countess chuckled, "You seem a little old for the Countess Tea Package." she said, looking at the group, not noticing Wonder Woman.

Frenchie shrugged, "We're young at heart." he retaliated when Kimiko walked towards Countess. She showed the Supe a note of liking her music.

While Countess smiled, she patted Kimiko's hand, "Oh, sweetie, can't you talk?" she questioned, nodding when Kimiko shook her head.

Wonder Woman took the moment to look around the room, seeing different chimp toys and pictures of the same animal. It was a bit hard to see how far Countess had fallen.

She continued to look around, seeing a picture of Countess with a few chimps, "You know that chimps are physically incapable of crying? But that doesn't mean they're not crying on the inside." Countess said as she showed Kimiko new music about said chimps.

Just as Wonder Woman was about to make herself known, she quickly turned when Kimiko grabbed Countess and shoved her against the wall.

"Don't let her hands touch." Wonder Woman said, stepping forward as Kimiko held her hands back, "Ow! Let go of me, you bitch." Countess shouted from the sudden pain.

Frenchie watched with narrowed eyes, "No fireball if your hands don't touch, oui? You stay quiet and relax. She will hurt you." he warned, nodding towards Kimiko.

Countess grunted and struggled, "What do you want?" she questioned, freezing when Wonder Woman touched her shoulder, "We want to know about Soldier Boy." she answered, looking at her former teammate.

"Diana. You... You're supposed to be dead," Countess stumbled over her words before finally shaking her head, "I don't care. What the fuck do you care about Soldier Boy?" she questioned, her eyes frantic and worried.

Wonder Woman pointed towards the door, "The truth. Not the lies that show said. I want the truth." she said, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"What happened to him? How did he die and who killed him?" Frenchie questioned, watching Countess roll her eyes, "The show is the truth, motherfucker. He died a hero." she spat, finally breaking free when the door opened for the next group of guests.

Wonder Woman grunted when Countess grabbed her hair, throwing her through the coffee table. Countess shoved past Frenchie and out the private room.

Wonder Woman didn't waste time, standing rushing after Countess. She pulled her Lasso of Truth from her jacket, running through groups of people.

She tried to get past everyone, about to swing her lasso to grab Countess by the neck. The Supe only stopped when Countess shoved a child, trying to slow her down.

And it worked.

Wonder Woman stopped and kneeled to help the boy up, "Are you ok?" she questioned, dusting the boy off before sending him back to his father.

Just when Wonder Woman was about to stand, she gasped when Countess prepared a fireball, "No! Hurry, run! Go!" she shouted to whoever would listen.

She ducked once more while Mel and Milo pulled Kimiko and Frenchie out of the way. Unfortunately, the Homelander mascot wasn't so lucky.

Wonder Woman gasped when the fireball exploded the man's body, killing him within an instant. She watched his lifeless body fall to the ground, making her quickly stand.

The blood landed everywhere, covering a family in both blood and guts. Wonder Woman wanted to help, her chest rising and falling at a rapid pace as everyone spiraled.

She stood in the middle of the chaos, watching children cry as their parents carried them off. People screamed at the sight, some throwing up on the spot while others ran for safety.

"We have to go." Mel said through the panic in Wonder Woman's head, grabbing her arm and tugging her to follow.

Wonder Woman wanted to help. She wanted to help everyone she could, but she didn't fight as Mel and Milo helped her run back to the car.

It'd be a while before Wonder Woman could move on from the sight of seeing a little girl covered in blood and guts of a Homelander mascot.