𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐀 𝐅𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧?

———————————————

Phantom handed Milo her bags with a small smile, “Thanks, Milo.” she mumbled, turning back when she heard a small bark from the entrance of the warehouse.

The Supe kneeled to the ground, holding her hand out as Luna hobbled from the warehouse and towards her open arms.

Luna was only getting older, growing much slower and bitter towards the world. The dog couldn’t stand anyone who wasn’t Phantom. She especially couldn’t stand anyone who didn’t have treats or promises of cuddles.

And luckily, Phantom had both of those things.

Once figuring that out, Luna decided to latch onto the Supe for comfort and warmth; and Phantom loved Luna for it.

Phantom was never allowed any pets during her time in Vought, so her time with Luna was nothing but fun and adventure.

“I expect to be called at the end of every day. Or every morning. No matter what. I need to know that the three of you are safe.” Wonder Woman explained, handing Mel a bag of snacks for the drive.

Mel nodded with a reassuring smile, “Don’t worry, we’ll call and text. Wally’s gonna show you the texting part.” she explained, giving Soldier Boy a nod before getting into the car.

Milo looked at the warehouse, nodding when he saw Damian and Kiko at the entrance. Before he could say anything, Wally shoved a bag of computer equipment into his arms, “Remember everything I told you?” he questioned, hoping that he wouldn’t have to explain it again.

“Yeah, I remember and I’ll call if anything goes wrong,” Milo answered, ruffling Wally’s hair, “thanks, Wally. We’ll be back in a few days.” he said, sending everyone a smile before he and Mel got into the car.

They all left the three Supes to have some privacy.

Phantom looked at her parents with a weary smile, “Ok, I’ll be gone for a few days, but I’ll be…” she trailed off when Wonder Woman and Soldier Boy pulled her into a hug.

The older Supes held onto Phantom, rubbing steady hands up and down her back. They silently hoped everything would work out.

That Phantom would come back to them in one piece. That Phantom would be safe.

Soldier Boy rubbed her back, taking a deep breath, “Be safe and I mean it, Marie. I don’t want to hear that you were taken out by some dickhead like those assholes at Vought.”

His words made Phantom chuckle, “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. Everyone and everything’s gonna be fine.” she assured, looking at them before Wonder Woman leaned down, kissing her forehead.

“We’ll see you soon, sweetheart.” Wonder Woman nodded, stepping back with Soldier Boy as Phantom got into the car.

Luna barked before Phantom curled her fingers, having the dog float until she was perched on her lap, “So bossy.” Phantom mumbled, stroking her white fur as they drove off.

As Milo’s car disappeared into the distance, Wonder Woman sighed, “She’ll be all right.” she nodded, resting her cheek on Soldier Boy’s shoulder, “I know she will,” he agreed, kissing the top of her head, “it’s the others I’m worried about.”

—————————————

“Damnit, we should’ve gone to the motel first.” Phantom muttered, handing Luna to Milo as she pulled a mask over her nose and lips, “and this is just stupid.” she added, motioning to the mask.

Mel rolled her shoulders, smirking when saw Phantom’s mask, “Hey, it’s all an effort to keep you from being seen, remember?” she chuckled, closing the door, “and we’ll be quick. We’re just here to show our faces and go. I’m not here to rub fucking elbows with them.” she mumbled, following Milo into the Flatiron Building.

Phantom took Luna back into her arms, following the couple into the building. As they walked through the lobby, Phantom’s eyes grew red as she quickly manipulated everyone’s mind to move on without questioning them.

Standing in the elevator, Phantom felt herself chuckle, “The last time we were in this building. Diana and I jumped from a window and you two did the same.” she smirked, the memory bringing a smile to her face.

Mel chuckled, leaning into Milo’s side, “That was pretty fun.” she smiled, walking out to the elevator once they made it to the right floor.

They walked down the hall until they stood in front of the right apartment, “After you.” Phantom said, curling her fingers and forcing the lock to undo itself.

Mel didn’t hesitate to push the door open, walking into the apartment. Milo and Phantom shared a look, following her inside.

“Long time no see.” Mel sighed, grabbing the door and slamming it shut. She watched everyone quickly turn towards the front of the apartment.

Hughie helped Annie from the ground, instantly smiling when he saw the group. Kimiko stared before she broke into a smile, standing from her seat.

Mel smiled, wrapping her arms around Kimiko, “It’s so good to see you, Kimiko,” she smiled, holding Kimiko close, “how have things been here? Seems a bit depressing.” she chuckled, pulling away to sign her last question.

Her question made Kimiko huff, “Slow.” she answered, looking at Milo when he groaned, “This doesn’t look all that fun.” he signed, looking down at the books on Kimiko’s desk.

Kimiko shook her head with a fond smile, turning when she saw Phantom with Luna, “Is that the infamous Luna?” she signed, stepping towards Phantom.

The Supe tilted her head, “Infamous?” she questioned, glancing at Mel before she allowed Kimiko to take hold of the small dog.

Before Phantom could get any answers, she sensed two sets of eyes settle onto her. She shot Kimiko a polite smile, turning towards the back of the apartment.

M.M. and Butcher.

Phantom walked towards the older men, seeing the questioning gaze in their eyes. She quickly peaked inside their heads, hearing the same thing in echoed tones.

Where the fuck have you been? They both questioned, the voices in their heads echoing and growing louder inside Phantom’s mind.

Phantom soon sighed, “Don’t ask.” she finally smiled, seeing M.M. chuckle before she pulled into his arms for a hug. It felt nice.

She returned his hug, patting his back and pulling away when M.M. smiled, “Don’t worry, I won’t ask.” he nodded, feeling Phantom pull away after a moment.

Phantom turned to Butcher, tilting her head when she saw the growing tumor. The thing seemed to be moving in his body.

“I’m surprised you’re still breathing.” the Supe said, staring at the tumor with narrowed eyes. It was a miracle Butcher wasn’t dead.

He must’ve been God’s favorite. Or his least favorite, considering Butcher was still alive.

The moment didn’t last long when Frenchie’s exasperated voice suddenly called from the middle of the apartment.

Everyone watched as the man muttered and cursed in French, throwing all his research and efforts into the garbage bin, “Six months of work, c’est merde!” he groaned, grabbing different piles of work and throwing them away.

Kimiko pet Luna’s head once more before handing her to Mel, “So the acid didn’t work. We’ll think of something else.” she signed, trying to calm the man.

Frenchie shook his head, growing more upset with himself, “Like what?” he questioned in return, looking up when Hughie took a step forward.

“Hey, look, I-I totally agree with whatever you said. No one wants Neuman gone more than me, and no one knows how dangerous she is for the country. Yeah, we may never get another shot like that ever again…” Hughie soon trailed off, realizing how terrible his words were, “I am really bad at pep talks.” he finally muttered.

Mel shook her head, “Fucking Christ, Hughie,” she mumbled, looking back at the group, “all right, we’re gonna go to the motel and get acquainted with the vending machine.” she smiled, watching Butcher stand after her, “That’s me, as well.” he said, going to drop the glass bottle in the nearby garbage bin.

He only stopped when M.M. scoffed, “Recycling bin, motherfucker.” M.M. frowned, rolling his eyes when Butcher dropped the glass into the regular bin.

As Butcher left, Phantom looked back at Hughie and Annie, “Who shit on his pillow?” she questioned, nodding when Annie waved him off, “He blew our cover with Neuman. He almost got Hughie killed again.” she said, rubbing Hughie’s arm.

As Phantom nodded, Mel smirked, “Don’t tell me you’re the only one who wants him here, Hughie. Why not let the man go out because of a gun in his mouth?” she questioned, not holding back with her words.

She held no remorse for the man after everything he’s put everyone through. Especially Milo and her friends.

Hughie didn’t hesitate to shake his head, “We’re not cutting him loose.” he said, making sure everyone in the apartment heard him.

Mel didn’t dwell on his words, “All right, we’re leaving.” she nodded, motioning for Milo and Phantom to follow her from the apartment.

They were close to the door when M.M. cleared his throat again, “Where are you three going? We need you guys here.” he explained, watching Mel shake her head.

She looked at the older man with a frown, “Oh no, no, we only came to be backup, remember? You six are the masterminds of taking down Neuman and Homelander. We’re only here if one of you gets killed.” Mel answered before sharing a look with Phantom.

The Supe didn’t hesitate to give her own answer, “You’ll figure it out. I can be seen by anyone. If I am, we’re all fucked and we’d be dead within seconds,” she frowned as she pulled the door open, “we’ll see you guys tomorrow. Text us the address and we’ll be there.” she muttered, walking out of the apartment.

Once the door closed and the group was in the hallway, Phantom chuckled, “Was it just me or were they not all that happy to see us?” she questioned, taking hold of Luna as they walked down the hall.

Milo nodded with his own smile, petting Luna’s head, “Well, that’s what happen when you fuck up a mission that was doomed to be begin with.” he snickered, watching the Supe smile while Mel chuckled.

“Oh, it wasn’t even our fault. Butcher was the one who screwed everything to hell.” Mel defended the past six months as they made their way back to the car.

—————————————

“Yes, yes, I’ll be careful. No, I’m not sending you a picture of what the room looks like. Because it’s creepy.” Phantom groaned from her spot on the edge of the bed.

The Supe was on call with Wonder Woman and Soldier Boy, listening to them go on and on about her safety.

She looked up when she heard Mel clear her throat, “Let’s go. We’re late.” she whispered-yelled while Milo silently sipped on his coffee.

Phantom waved her off, pinching the bridge of her nose, “Ok! Ok, ok, I’ll send it to you later. Wally or Kiko will help you figure it out,” she began, not wanting to dwell on the conversation anymore, “I gotta go! I gotta go, yes, I love you, too. Ok, bye, Mom.” she quickly said, ending the call without realizing what she called the older Supe.

But Mel and Milo heard it.

Their eyes widened in surprise as they watched Phantom stand from the bed. Milo averted his eyes when Phantom noticed them staring, “What?” she questioned, pulling her facial mask over her nose and mouth.

Mel shook her head, pulling the door open, “Nothing, nothing, it’s just… I didn’t know you started calling Diana ‘Mom.’” she explained with a small smile, making sure Luna remained asleep in her bed in the corner of the motel room.

The dog could sleep through an Earthquake. She’d be happy that the group would leave her alone for a few hours.

When Phantom heard Mel’s words, her eyes widened, “Did I call her that?” she questioned with a small frown.

Before Phantom could get lost in her thoughts and spiraling mind, Milo grabbed hold of her shoulder, “Don’t worry about it. Diana already knows that you’ve been wanting to call her that for months. Maybe even years.” he said with a reassuring smile.

Phantom looked up at Milo with a hesitant smile, nudging his shoulder, “Thanks,” she nodded before looking at Mel, “but where are we even going? I thought you said we were only backup for them.” she muttered, getting into the backseat of the car.

As the group settled into the car, Mel nodded as she sat in the passenger seat, “I know, I know, but M.M. sent me directions and we’re gonna find out if Homelander’s guilty or not,” she sighed, trying to get the radio to work, “if that dick isn’t guilty, all hell’s gonna break loose.”

The three shared a look as Milo began to drive towards the city, “We gotta hurry.” Milo said under his breath, turning the radio up as Phantom curled her fingers, prompting the trial’s broadcast to play in the car.

—————————————

It didn’t take long before the three stood in near the courthouse, “Holy shit.” Milo breathed, seeing the sea of yellow and red.

Everyone was standing at the front of the courthouse, waiting for the anticipated verdict. It was nerve wracking as everyone waited for the answer that hung over the city and nation.

Phantom stood behind Mel, watching as everyone suddenly looked at their phones. Notifications and bells run across the city.

Milo was quick to grab his phone, sharing the screen with the other two women, “Oh shit.” he suddenly muttered, sharing another look with Mel.

Before Phantom could read the result, she caught something in the corner of her eyes. The Supe turned her head, her eyes narrowing when she noticed two figures near an alleyway.

Just Phantom was about to make a move toward them, the figures disappeared into the crowd. Her eyes began to glow with red, but she pulled back when Mel grabbed her shoulder, “You all right?”

“Shit,” Phantom softly gasped, not expecting the sudden touch, “um, yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Just thought I saw something.” she answered, looking at the sea of red when they suddenly cheered.

“Not guilty!” one man shouted, in support of Homelander.

Shit. Son of a bitch. Motherfucker. Shit. Shit. Shit.

Mel threw her head back, tugging at her black locks, “God-fucking-damnit.” she groaned, mentally cursing as Milo pocketed his phone once more.

Milo shook his head, “We should get out of here before anything happens.” he suggested, making Phantom nod, “Yeah, let’s…” she trailed off when someone suddenly shouted, “Fuck you, fascist!” they screamed, throwing their cup of coffee over the barricade.

It didn’t take long before all hell broke loose.

The man who freshly spilled coffee on him suddenly climbed over the barricade, beginning to attack the Starlighters.

Chaos broke as both sides began to fight, unable to contain their aggression and fury over one another. It was complete hell. A brooding war.

The three watched with bated breath, witnessing people beat others that were once good friends and neighbors.

Phantom stepped to the side when smoke began to fill the air. She narrowed her eyes and went to take a step forward when she suddenly gasped, watching a man grab Mel.

“Shit!” Mel cursed when the man threw her onto the floor. Milo didn’t hesitate to turn and punch the man, sending the group into a fight of their own.

Milo practically lunged onto the man, punching and kicking his ribs, “Fucking dick!” he shouted, grunting when he was shoved into the door of a car.

Phantom helped Mel stand, “You ok?” she questioned, knowing she’d have to get involved in the fight within a few seconds.

“I’m fine, go split their fucking heads open.” Mel grunted, rubbing her sore scalp. Her words Phantom chuckle, “I’m not that brutal.” she smirked, standing straight.

Phantom walked towards the men, watching them attack and beat Milo down. She was tempted to use her abilities, but she didn’t want to make matters worse.

She took a breath, rolling her shoulders before she grabbed the first man’s collar. She grit her teeth, throwing him off Milo and onto the street.

Not looking back, the Supe walked towards the second man. He was already up and ready to fight Phantom, “Strong girl, huh? Fucking freak.” he spat, going to grab to Phantom’s shoulders.

And she let him. Phantom didn’t tense or shrink back. Instead, she pulled her head back before leaning forward.

The man let out a wail when Phantom suddenly head-butted him in the nose. It didn't take much to know that his nose was broken by the way it was bleeding.

Phantom stepped back, going to help Milo, “Are you ok?” she questioned, not seeing the first man stand from the street.

“Oh shit! Marie!” Mel shouted from her spot beside Milo. She grunted when a new man grabbed her in a headlock, forced to watch Phantom get kicked into the alleyway.

As Phantom struggled from the heavy kick, Mel tried to bite and scratch the man’s arm, “Mother… Motherfucker.” she choked, getting more irritated.

After a moment, Mel reached back and grabbed the collar of his shirt. She grunted, throwing the older man over her shoulder and onto the pavement.

“Fucking bitch.” she spat, running after Phantom. She made sure to grab Milo’s arm, hoisting her boyfriend up as she kept her eyes trained on Phantom.

Once Milo was able to run on his own, they split. Milo turned his attention to a few injured people in the crowds, “Hurry! Run! Go home!” he shouted, trying to help as many people as he could.

Mel quickly ran into the alleyway, sighing with relief when she saw Phantom had the upper hand. She watched the Supe slam the man’s head into the brick wall, “Fucking dick.” she groaned, yelping when the man suddenly punched her neck.

As Phantom fell to the ground, she heard the man chuckle, “You kiss your mother with that mouth?” he questioned, his voice mocking and cruel.

Phantom lifted her head, her throat aching from the sudden punch. Her eyes narrowed, feeling them threaten to turn red.

Before Phantom could do anything to defend herself, she looked at the other end of the alleyway, “Hey!” Mel suddenly shouted, her voice strong and booming over the chaos.

“Why not fight someone your own fucking size?” Mel questioned, her presence dominating and intimidating.

She walked towards the man, nodding for Milo to help Phantom from the ground, “You gotta get her out of here.” she quickly said before setting her attention back on the man.

The man was the same height as Mel, a bit skinnier, but still with a strong build. But it was hard to ignore how the man’s eyes slightly widened when he caught sight of Mel.

Mel couldn’t help but smirk, looking down at her own body. She saw her muscles glow under the gloomy skies. Her biceps and triceps were enough to make any fight end in a few minutes.

Her muscles were sharp and defined, just as her waist was slim and abdomen toned. Her muscles were tight and gave way to the abs that took years to earn.

Not to mention her thighs and legs. They kicked down many doors and kicked many people through doors. It was one of Milo’s favorite things.

Mel threw the first punch, striking the man in the jaw. She watched him fall to the ground, making her smirk as she stepped over his body, “Just like Homelander,” she snickered, grabbing his jaw, “a fucking pussy.” she sneered before hearing something.

She quickly stood, seeing two more men, “You guys just keep multiplying.” she muttered, getting ready to kick their heads in.

Just as Mel was about to throw herself into the fight, she remained still as two figures dropped from the rooftops, landing beside Mel.

Mel tilted her head with confusion, turning to Phantom when she coughed, “It’s them.” she said from her spot in Milo’s arms.

“Oh shit.” Mel muttered, stepping back as the figures in black threw themselves towards the two new men.

As if watching a movie, the two figures were in perfect sync. They looked as if they walked out of an action movie, dressed in black clothes and masks.

The two men grunted as they tried to fight back, unable to keep up with the figures merciless actions. One soon shook his head, running off from the alleyway.

Looking at the last man, the taller figure soon kneeled to the ground. They turned their head, nodding as the shorter figure began to run forward.

They used the taller figure as a boost, leaping onto their back and using their own body as a weapon and obstacle.

As the shorter figure landed on the last man, Mel laughed as she began to jump up and down, “Oh shit! Shit!” she laughed, seeing Milo try to get her attention, “You still don’t know if they’re on our side or want our heads on a plate.” he argued, making Phantom agree.

Phantom looked at the figures, curling her fingers and forcing the last man back into the street. She and Mel shared a look as the figures turned towards them.

The figures stared until they took a step forward. It was enough to make Phantom stand at the front of the group, her head tilted as her eyes glowed red.

Mel was quick to notice, grabbing Phantom’s shoulder as the figures walked off, “I thought you wanted to be hidden. What happened to that?” she questioned.

Her words made Phantom shake her head, “I can’t have you two getting hurt.” the Supe answered, seeing her friends had bumps and bruises.

She only chuckled when Mel reached up to cup Milo’s cheeks, “You ok?” she questioned, tilting Milo’s head side-to-side as she tried to examine his injuries.

It made Milo smile, turning his face to press a kiss to Mel’s palm, “I’m fine, Mel. How about you, that dickhead grabbed your hair hard.” he said, running a gentle hand through her hair.

Mel only smiled, leaning up to kiss his lips, “I’m fine if you’re fine.” she nodded, turning back to Phantom when she cleared her throat, “Sorry to interrupt, but we gotta go before things get worse.” she suggested, guiding the two from the alleyway.

The group was close to Milo’s car when they saw Annie in the air. Just as Phantom could process what happened, she heard a woman suddenly scream.

The crowd was quick to step back, giving the group a small glimpse of what happened. Three figures laid on the ground, their heads split open as blood pooled around their heads.

Mel stared while Milo averted his head, “Son of a bitch. Come on, we gotta go.” he said as the group practically ran back to the car.

—————————————

Phantom sighed, sitting against the bed’s headboard while Mel and Milo sat on the floor. Luna was wandering around the room, getting her comfortable in the motel’s open closet.

The group stared at the T.V. screen, watching the chaos unfold and grow. Every channel only talked about Homelander and how much of an American hero he was.

How Starlight would pay for the three lives lost. How Starlight and her organization was to blame for everything in the world.

It made Phantom’s frustration grow as she held her phone on her lap. Her hand lightly shook from how tight her grip was, her eyes glowing red, “We have to find those guys.” she said, watching Mel lift a bag of ice from her cheek.

“We’ll go tomorrow. It’s not safe anymore.” Mel answered, watching Milo stand from the ground, “You think we should call Damian and Kiko? This might require more than the three of us. Shit, maybe even Diana and SB.” he muttered, icing his eye.

Phantom was quick to shake her head, “No.” she said, glancing down at her phone as it began to vibrate. She felt her grip tighten, knowing it was Wonder Woman trying to call.

And she knew if Wonder Woman understood the severity, she knew Soldier Boy would do anything and everything to make it out to her.

Phantom took a deep breath, covering her phone and closing her eyes. She felt herself relax as she twisted the call, giving the older Supes the impression that everything was ok.

And it was. Everything was ok, and everything was going to be ok.