𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐀 𝐅𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧?

———————————————

Soldier Boy

What happened to Soldier Boy?

Soldier Boy conspiracy

Soldier Boy's burial place

Wonder Woman's cause of death

Payback's downfall

Phantom

Wonder Woman quickly closed the last tab, averting her eyes from the laptop screen. She was sitting alone in her apartment, using the computer to get the answers she needed.

But so far was getting the same lies the show fed to the public.

She leaned against the headboard, holding the laptop on her... Lap. The Supe never thought computers could get to this size. Not to mention portable.

Wonder Woman continued to stare at the laptop screen, trying to make sense of this world she seemed to be trapped in.

All the pain and suffering she's seen already. It made Wonder Woman sigh as her head continued to fill with unanswered questions and thoughts. Nothing was working and everything felt like a continuous loop.

After a moment, Wonder Woman stood from the bed and moved towards the bathroom. She stood in front of the sink, staring at her reflection.

I just need to find him. I just need to find her. Wonder Woman thought before turning the sink on, patting her cheeks with the cool water. Even with the water, her cheeks still felt like they were on fire.

Wonder Woman often called it 'hot cheek,' something that always happened whenever her unease and anxiety grew. Just the sight of her reddening cheeks was enough to make Wonder Woman turn away and walk back to the bed.

She sat back down, pulling the laptop back onto her lap. Her fingers hovered against the keyboard. The Supe knew what she wanted to search and look for.

But she couldn't bring herself to type the letters out.

She didn't want to know the fate of another close friend.

Without thinking, Wonder Woman typed up a movie from way back when. Even if it had only been made in the '80s, but, apparently, the '80s were already an ancient concept to most.

Wonder Woman (1982)

Wonder Woman stared at the poster, unable to suppress the small chuckle when she saw herself. How she knelt and held The Sword of Athena. So mysterious and stoic. She could practically hear Soldier Boy say.

The film was a biopic of how Diana Prince became Wonder Woman, with Soldier Boy starring right beside her.

While Wonder Woman wasn't a fan of the long hours and re-shoots that made her want to rip her hair out; it was the most fun she ever had while working in Payback.

Not to mention, it was the last time she worked with Soldier Boy.

But something else caught her eye.

Wonder Woman clicked on another movie title. Wonder Woman: 1984. It didn't surprise Wonder Woman, knowing they would try something similar. Try to find a replacement for Wonder Woman.

When she went missing, Vought tried to replace her with another woman. Not for the purpose of being a Supe. No, it was for her to star in another movie, but it didn't last long. The movie was one of the worst in Vought history.

Serves them right. She thought to herself, unable to bring herself to search for the last subject that lingered and burned her mind.

Instead, Wonder Woman set the laptop to the side and laid back. She stared at the ceiling, trying to calm herself to a state of sleep.

But no sleep came... Just the continuous thoughts and gnawing guilt.

A sigh escaped her lips before Wonder Woman's eyes fell shut, "Ben..." she whispered into the quiet room, "I'll find you. I promise I will... I'll find the both of you."

—————————————

Wonder Woman stood near the door of the apartment, a spacious one in the Flatiron Building. Apparently, the Boys ran their entire operation in the apartment.

And M.M. was rushing around the apartment, cleaning while scolding Kimiko and Frenchie for keeping the place in such shambles.

"Need any help, M.M.?" Milo questioned, stepping forward to help. He only stopped when M.M. shook his head, "Nah, don't worry about it, kid." he called over his shoulder, wiping down another table.

Mel watched, grabbing a few Cheez-Its from Kimiko and offering them to Wonder Woman, "Hungry?" she asked, holding out the handful of cheese crackers.

Wonder Woman softly smiled and took the offered snacks, "Thanks." she nodded, eating a few before looking back at M.M.

"I'm-a be back, you gotta police your shit. This is the Flatiron Building. It's a historic motherfucking building. We gotta put some respect on the building's name." he explained, wiping down another table.

When Wonder Woman was going to eat another snack, she turned her head when Butcher chuckled from behind her, "Blendin' in real nice, huh, Diana?" he smirked, holding a cup of coffee.

"It feels nice to finally be out of leather." Wonder Woman answered, looking down at her outfit. It really did feel nice to be in a pair of leggings and a simple shirt for once.

It felt different. A good different. Wonder Woman felt normal all over again. Like she belonged in this world where everything was the same, yet so different.

Wonder Woman looked away when another man walked into the apartment. He looked around, smiling at everyone while his eyes widened when landing on her.

The Supe tilted her head when M.M. laughed, "The prodigal son returns." he smiled, pulling Hughie into a hug, his smile bright and warm.

Mel snickered at the sight before nudging Milo, "Look, look. It's Butcher." she chuckled, showing her boyfriend a piece of paper with a small doodle on it. It was Butcher having his dick shot off with Mel in the back, holding the gun and wearing a big smile.

"Jesus, Mel." Milo muttered, looking up when Hughie walked towards Wonder Woman, "I'm sorry... Are you Diana Prince? Like... Like Wonder Woman?" he questioned, his words hesitant and voice hiding eternal shock.

Wonder Woman chuckled when she heard his words, "Yes and you are?" she smiled, letting Hughie shake her hand with excitement and glee, "Hughie Campbell. Huge fan and confused as to how you're even here." he nervously laughed.

"Nice to meet you, Hughie." Wonder Woman smiled, taking a quick liking to Hughie. She pulled her hand when Butcher began to snicker, "I mean, there he was, right? In his fancy pants, lording it over us like the viceroy of Vought Square, eh? And that whole time, he weren't nothing but a Supe's bootlick, eh? That, my son, is a Lifetime Achievement at the Cunt of the Year Awards, isn't it?"

Wonder Woman didn't listen as much, looking back when Hughie patted Butcher's shoulder, "Great, listen, we need to get Ryan somewhere safe. Vicky knows where he is, because we fucking told her, which means Stan Edgar knows, too." he quickly said, frantic and worried.

Butcher shook his head, "Yeah, one step ahead. Colonel's already done a runner with the boy. They're well out of sight. We were gonna pay them a little visit." he said, grabbing a few things.

"Who's Ryan?" Wonder Woman asked, her voice low and glancing at Milo. Milo crossed his arms over his chest, leaning over, "Butcher's kid... Kinda. It's really complicated." he answered, not giving much context, but it was enough for Wonder Woman to drop the subject.

The Supe looked back at Hughie when he walked towards Kimiko, "Kimiko. Hi, uh, can you please... Uh, break my arm? Vicky will smell it if I fake being sick, so it's got to be real, and it's got to last for days." he explained, looking at the woman.

"That's the best you came up with? A broken bone?" Wonder Woman questioned, turning her head when Frenchie threw a bottle of pills at Hughie, "At least take something for the pain. I got opium." he suggested.

Hughie held the pill bottle, shaking his head, "Government employees can't fail a piss test. Let's just get this over with, ok? Just do it pretty fast." he said, looking around with a nervous expression.

When Kimiko stepped towards Hughie, M.M. shook his head, "Hold on. Hold up. Have a seat, please. Only been here three minutes, and it's already The Bold and the Batshit. All right. Go ahead." he nodded, placing a ripped trash bag over Hughie's lap.

"Do it here," Wonder Woman added, inspecting Hughie's arm, "Hughie won't have permanent damage and it'll be a clean break." she said, making Kimiko nod as she took hold of Hughie's arm.

As Hughie counted down, Milo flinched and nearly gagged when he heard the sound of Hughie's bone snapping, "Oh God, I'm gonna be sick." he gagged, letting Mel help him towards the bathroom.

Wonder Woman listened as Hughie screamed and cursed, "Has he never done this before?" she questioned, looking at Butcher, "Nah, he's a squirrelly git." he smirked, listening to Hughie's continuous curses.

—————————————

Wonder Woman followed Mel and Milo out of their car. Kimiko, Hughie, and M.M. did the same as they followed Butcher.

They seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by fields and a lush forest. A perfect hiding place for someone to never be found again.

"Diana?" Wonder Woman suddenly heard her name being called. She turned, seeing an older woman staring at her.

Mel nudged her side, "Grace Mallory." she muttered, following Milo to where a little boy stood. Wonder Woman soon nodded, "Nice to meet you." she said to the woman, chuckling when Mallory looked at M.M. and Hughie, "I don't even want to know." she said, motioning to where Wonder Woman stood.

Wonder Woman began to walk towards the house, but she stopped when she heard the same conversation between M.M. and Hughie.

Why M.M. came back in the first place.

"Soldier Boy killed my family." he answered, raising an eyebrow when Wonder Woman looked at him, her eyes shocked and filled with hundreds of different emotions, "The family in Harlem. The car thief. I remember... He remembered. He wanted..." The Supe trailed off, stepping back and walking into the house.

Wonder Woman looked around the barren house. It was a miracle the whole thing hadn't collapsed yet. She was about to sit down when she felt a small tug of her arm.

She looked down, seeing the little boy from before, "Oh, hello, my name's Diana Prince, and you are?" she greeted, kneeling down to be at his level.

The little boy continued to smile, "My name's Ryan, Butcher bought me a game, Mel and Milo said you'd like to play with me and Kimiko." he explained, holding a box in his free arm.

Wonder Woman was about to decline the offer, but the Supe caved, "All right, you lead the way." she smiled, following Ryan back outside and towards the porch.

Even with her being so close to getting the answers she needed, there was a thought. Maybe Wonder Woman wasn't meant to know what happened to Soldier Boy. To know what happened to the two people who mattered most.

Wonder Woman followed Ryan outside, sitting on the edge of the porch. Mel and Milo were sitting beside Kimiko, carving their initials underneath loose pieces of wood.

Once the game was set up, Wonder Woman watched Kimiko and Ryan play Connect Four. She focused on the fields for a moment before Ryan spoke up, "Butcher said you guys have powers." he said, looking at Kimiko and Wonder Woman.

Both Kimiko and Wonder Woman nodded, making Ryan smile falter, "Me, too. Do you like yours?" he questioned, watching Kimiko shake her head.

Wonder Woman remained silent, thinking the question over in her head. She never liked to think about it. Her powers and abilities made life harder for Wonder Woman.

Her abilities made her into Diana Prince, which then transformed into Wonder Woman.

It was confusing and something Wonder Woman tended to sweep under the rug.

"Do you ever get scared of them?" Ryan asked, his voice small and unsure of his own question. His question made Kimiko nod again, "Aunt Grace wanted to get me a dog, but I told her no. I was afraid I'd hurt it." the little boy said, looking back at the game.

Wonder Woman looked at Ryan, "But you're a little boy. You're still new to this world. Still learning and experiencing new things. Ryan, you may not understand your abilities, but that doesn't mean you're someone who can hurt others. Anything that's ever happened, it's not your fault." she assured with a small smile.

After a moment, Wonder Woman squeezed Ryan's shoulder before standing. She walked towards one of the many trees, looking at the aged bark and branches.

Wonder Woman didn't know what to think. The subject of abilities and the life of a Supe kept clouding Wonder Woman's mind.

It wasn't that she regretted having her abilities, but maybe that was because she never hurt anyone... Or maybe she never deserved to have them.

The thought made Wonder Woman frown. Maybe life would've been better without abilities and powers. Maybe life would've been more fair and less painful. Maybe she could've had a chance to be normal like everyone else.

Wonder Woman leaned against the tree, looking out at the rest of the property. The trees and growing grass. The sound of the birds that flew through the sky. Everything that she's missed in forty years.

She took a deep breath, turning back when everyone began to walk out of the house. She wanted to smile when she saw Ryan, but a frown pulled at her lips when Butcher stormed out of the house.

"What happened?" Mel questioned as she and Milo went to follow everyone else. Butcher didn't bother to look at anyone, "We're off." he answered, his voice gruff and stoic.

Everyone made no move to leave, feeling the air tense when Ryan ran to Butcher, "Butcher, wait up. Where are you going?" he asked, frowning when Butcher looked at him, "The city." he answered again.

Ryan still smiled, "When will I see you again?" he questioned, not sure why Butcher gave him the cold shoulder, but he still tried to smile.

When Butcher heard Ryan's words, "You won't. Ain't safe for you." he answered, trying to get to the car and past Ryan. The man didn't want to look Ryan in the eyes. It didn't do much but make Ryan feel upset and hurt.

Ryan watched Butcher try to make it past him, but he quickly shoved the older man back, "Wait! What are you talking about?" he asked, his voice dropping and becoming tense.

Butcher didn't bother to give much of an explanation, "I got to go." he muttered again, trying to walk off again. He was only stopped when Ryan grabbed hold of his arm.

No one could hear the hushed words Ryan and Butcher shared, but everyone heard Butcher's rising voice after a few seconds, "Well maybe I don't want to look at you. After what you done to my Becca. Did you ever think about that?" he questioned, his sharp voice cold.

It didn't take long before Ryan let go Butcher, his eyes glowing red. Just like his father. Mel thought to herself, walking towards Wonder Woman and placing her hand on the Supe's shoulder.

Everyone watched as Ryan ripped off his St. Christopher chain, throwing it on the ground and running off without another word.

Butcher leaned down and grabbed the chain, walking back to the car. The group shared a look before following each other back to their cars.

A complete waste. Traumatic and hurtful... But a complete waste.

—————————————

Wonder Woman found herself back in the place where this mess of overthinking began. On her bed and spiraling down the internet.

Payback

Payback 1984

What happened to Soldier Boy?

Where's Soldier Boy?

Payback members

Wonder Woman stared at the last search. Everyone's name and picture: Swatto, TNT Twins, Mindstorm, Black Noir, Gunpowder, Crimson Countess, Wonder Woman, Soldier Boy... And Phantom.

Phantom. Payback's personal Barbie doll. Her million-dollar smile and never-faltering smile and physique. She was only sixteen, but was one of the strongest members of Payback.

More so than Soldier Boy... And maybe even Homelander.

"Oh my God." Wonder Woman whispered to herself, reading an article about what happened to the second youngest member of Payback.

April 15th, 1984:

Sad day for the Supe community and Vought's Payback. Sixteen-year-old Phantom has been reported missing. Last seen leaving Vought Tower, Phantom has been reported to have gone missing around three in the morning.

No signs of struggle have been reported. Authorities and Vought have released statements on what happened to America's Phantom Barbie.

Wonder Woman stared at the screen, sliding the laptop off and onto the bed. Her body was numb, freezing cold in the room that seemed to get warmer.

The Supe wanted to leave the apartment and continue the search for Soldier Boy and Phantom on her own. She'd be able to find them with less information than anyone else... But that was the adrenaline talking.

Wonder Woman's head filled with static and manipulative thoughts. Thoughts of how she'd be able to find them faster than anyone else. Thoughts of how none of this could be true.

Soldier Boy wasn't dead and Phantom... Phantom wasn't kidnapped. He wasn't. She wasn't. They couldn't be. Wonder Woman thought to herself, stopping in the middle of the room and slipping to her knees.

She kneeled on the floor, her hands trembling as her fingers clenched themselves into fists. Hopeless and unable to do anything. It filled her veins and replaced the anger that filled her eyes with tears.

No crying. Not yet. Wonder Woman thought, staring at her tiara that was balanced on the dresser. She couldn't allow herself to cry. Not when no bodies or evidence was official.

The tears would soon flow... But not now. Not when Wonder Woman still had so much work to do. Not when she still had to find the light and justice.