𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐀 𝐅𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧?

———————————————

Mel sat on the edge of the bed as she scrolled through her phone, “What the fuck kind of names are Firecracker and Sister Sage?” she questioned, looking up from her phone when Phantom entered the room.

The Supe placed the stoned gun on the bedside table, shrugging with a small smirk, “Names that dicks like Vought would bend over for.” she snickered, looking at the room’s door when it opened.

“Ok, old girl, there you go.” Milo said, setting Luna onto the bed next to Mel. He watched Luna huff with content, huddling herself into the bed’s blankets and pillows.

The sight made Phantom chuckle, gently patting the top of Luna’s head, “So what time is Firecracker doing her podcast? Or whatever the hell she’s doing.” she questioned, watching Milo shrug while Mel continued to scroll through her phone.

Milo sat beside Mel, softly smiling when his girlfriend rested her cheek against his shoulder, “I have no idea, but maybe we should go to the Starlight House.” he suggested, feeling Mel lift her cheek from his shoulder.

“Why?” she questioned, “they don’t want our help, even if they were the ones who called us in the first place.” she muttered, clearly not happy with what happened between her and Butcher.

Phantom shook her head, “Yeah but they need our help, Mel,” she said, trying to reason with Mel, “without us, they don’t stand a chance. Especially if Butcher’s still there.” she said, looking up when she heard Milo’s thoughts.

Even if M.M. said he wanted him gone?

His thoughts made Phantom nod, “Especially if Butcher is still there. We all know M.M. was bluffing.” she sighed, making Mel roll her eyes, “Damnit. I hate it when you’re right,” she muttered, standing from her spot beside Milo, “come on, we gotta go.”

—————————————

Milo didn’t speak as he held the door open for Mel and Phantom. He waited until he followed them inside the Starlight House.

He only cracked a small smile when he heard Frenchie’s voice, “Firecracker’s celebrity friends are arriving. I saw Jon Voight.” he said, excited and proud of himself.

As everyone stood in the lobby, they all turned their heads when Butcher walked into the lobby. Mel stared at him with narrowed eyes.

Before she could do anything, Milo grabbed hold of her hand, “Not now.” he whispered into Mel’s ear while Phantom stood at the front of the group. She didn’t want trouble to start so soon.

But Annie didn’t seem to care.

“What the fuck is he doing here?” Annie questioned while M.M. sighed, knowing it was coming, “Bringing him back in.” he explained, his voice firm and unrelenting.

While Annie scoffed, she kept her thoughts hidden. Mel didn’t hesitate to make her thoughts or words known, “You’ve got to be shitting me,” she said in disbelief, “Butcher doesn’t give two shits about you, M.M., but that doesn’t stop you from trusting the bastard.”

Her words made Annie nod in agreement, “I don’t trust him. I don’t. And you’re insane if you do, okay? And you can drink yourself to death in whatever dark hole you crawled out of.” she said, glaring at Butcher with cold eyes.

Butcher chuckled at the sound of Annie’s words, “That’s a good idea. I might just do that.” he smirked, heading back towards the door.

Mel watched him go, but her eyes narrowed when M.M. shook his head, “Wait a minute. Hold on a second, Butcher. Look, Lord knows I got problems with the guy, too. We both do, but this is bigger than us. All of us. That shit Homelander and Sage are talking about, that’s some end-of-time shit. Team is shy one total asshole. Now, we need this motherfucker. Annie, this is my call. It’s done.”

M.M.’s words didn’t ease Mel’s suspicions as she shook her head, crossing her arms over her chest. She didn’t understand how everyone in the room could be so obedient and quick to roll onto their backs whenever Butcher was the subject of the conversation.

But Butcher seemed pleased with getting his way, “Well, all right then. Happy we got that sorted, eh? Now, can someone please explain to me what makes you Firecracker’s Moby Cunt?” he questioned, looking at Annie.

Annie only shrugged, “I have no idea.” her tone a bit rushed and guarded. Butcher tilted his head while Phantom narrowed her eyes, “Bollocks.” he retorted, not believing her words.

“I don’t. Now, what’s our next move?” the ex-Supe questioned, ignoring Phantom’s piercing look. She wanted to take a small look into her head to see the truth.

Phantom remained still, not paying much attention to the rising argument. She stared at Annie, finally breaking through her guarded walls.

Before Phantom could find any type of answer, she was forced from Annie’s mind when a sharp image of a man inside an elevator crossed her eyes.

Phantom stared at the image before it suddenly disappeared, leaving the Supe confused and uncertain as to what it meant.

She thought it over until she heard Butcher’s voice, “You get me 50K from the Company, and in three hours I’ll have all the first we need on Little Miss Guns and Ammo.”

M.M. shook his head, “Butcher, there’s no way I’m letting you out of my sight with 50 grand.” he said, looking up when Butcher smirked, “All right. But I’m warning you, you ain’t gonna like it.”

The two men made their way back towards the door, but Butcher stopped when he took hold of the door knob, “And another thing,” he said, looking back at Phantom, Mel, and Milo, “you three. You ain’t needed here no more.”

Phantom tilted her head, her eyes narrowing, “Excuse me?” she questioned, her voice growing low and tense. Not out of fear, but aggression and anger.

Milo held Mel’s shoulders, holding her back from both her words and actions. He didn’t want Mel to start another fight, especially if Phantom was beginning to grow upset as well.

But Butcher didn’t seem to care, “You heard me. I don’t need your bitching opinions anymore. You’re done.” he said, walking away with M.M without a second thought.

Mel didn’t wait to speak her mind, “Fucking bullshit,” she spat, looking back at the remainder of the group, “you motherfuckers are nothing but bitching whiners. Always wanting to rebel against Butcher, but the moment he speaks, you all fucking fold!” she exclaimed, unable to hold her anger back.

She soon scoffed, shaking her head, “The moment you fuckers need our help, we won’t be there.” she cursed as Milo began to pull her towards the doors.

Phantom didn’t say much, watching Mel shout and curse at everyone in the lobby. She eventually covered her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter and happiness for Mel saying everything in her mind.

“We’re going outside. We need air.” the Supe finally said, ignoring Annie as she tried to reason with them as she grabbed Mel’s jacket and Milo’s coffee cup.

Phantom forced the doors open with her narrowed eyes, making sure Mel and Milo were out first before closing the doors with a small sigh.

Once everyone was outside, Phantom finally broke into laughter, “Oh shit, that was funny. Nice one, Mel.” she said while Mel smirked, gently tugging at her hair, “I’m not staying here and being some fucking puppet for those assholes.”

“Let’s just go home,” Mel said, looking at her boyfriend and the Supe, “why the fuck are we still here? We’re done. Butcher doesn’t want us here and I sure as hell am not gonna play nice with him.” she said, her voice still tense and upset.

While Phantom found it hard to stop laughing, Milo sighed, rubbing his temples, “We can’t leave. Not yet, at least,” he began, looking at Mel, “I’m not gonna leave them behind to be killed by Homelander and the rest of the Seven.”

Phantom soon nodded, opening her mouth to speak, “I know—” she stopped, quickly turning her head when she heard a familiar Australian accent echo down the alleyway, “Trouble in paradise, I’m guessing?” the female question, standing beside the male.

Phantom didn’t hesitate to step forward, standing in front of Mel and Milo. Her eyes grew red, not wanting to cause a scene… But she wasn’t in the best mood.

“Now’s not a good time, thanks.” Phantom said, shaking her head as her fingers curled. She listened as the female snickered and the male tilted his head, “We’re not here to fight, mate,” he finally said, his Australian accent thick, “we’re here to talk to the three of you.”

“Especially you.” the female said, making eye contact with Phantom. She watched Phantom return to normal while Mel crossed her arms over her chest, “Well before we do anything done. Let’s start with names.” she said, watching the Australian’s share a look.

The female adjusted her sunglasses, “Stephanie,” she answered, chuckling when the male sighed with annoyance, “come on, don’t be rude.” she snickered, teasing him.

“Colby.” he finally answered, his voice holding more annoyance than before. It made Mel smirk, “Good to know. I’m Mel.” she introduced, looking at Milo and Phantom, expectantly.

Milo softly sighed, “Milo.” he said with a small wave of his hand. Phantom stared, opening her mouth to speak.

But she stopped when Stephanie shook her head, “No need… Marie Moniclare.” she said, watching the Supe tilt her head, “Do I know you?”

Colby shook his head, “No, but we know you. Everyone knows Phantom how she was killed after being kidnapped in the ‘80s,” he said before his eyes narrowed, “but you, mate. You’re still breathing.” he said, looking at Stephanie when she adjusted her glasses once more.

It managed to catch Mel’s attention, “What’s with the glasses?” she questioned, her eyes growing stern when Stephanie chuckled, “No, but if you want to see my eyes, you’ll just be turned to stone. You think lover boy will still find it in himself to love you?” she snickered, nodding to Milo.

“Oh shit.” Phantom said, sharing a look with Milo. She soon nudged Mel’s shoulders, “Are you falling head over heels?” she questioned, watching Mel’s lips form a smirk of her own, “Funny. I like her.”

Milo scoffed, “Seriously? Didn’t you want to kick their heads in this morning?” he scoffed, feeling Mel squeeze his hand before looking back at the Australians, “Anyways, what do you two want? I’m kinda getting tired of this cat and mouse game.” she frowned, watching Colby step back and letting Stephanie take control.

Stephanie and Phantom made eye contact, their eyes narrowed with suspicions of one another. It was clear that both Supes didn’t know whether or not to trust each other.

“We wanted to see if the rumors were true,” Stephanie finally said, “that the infamous Phantom, Soldier Boy, and Wonder Woman live… But I’m only seeing one. Where’s the other two?” she said, looking at Mel and Milo before settling back onto Phantom.

Her words stirred some anxiety in Milo’s stomach while Mel’s grip on his tightened. But none of that was anything compared to Phantom’s surge in frustration.

The Supe’s eyes grew sharp as they sparked with red and chaos. She didn’t take lightly to those who tried to stick their noses where it didn’t belong, “They’re dead, but I don’t take lightly to people talking about them.” she spat, curling her fingers as wisps of energy whirled around her palms and knuckles.

But it was a fruitless attempt of intimidation. Stephanie stepped forward, “Don’t strain yourself, Phantom,” she chuckled, “but let’s move on and pocket this conversation for another day. It seems like we have a common enemy in Homelander. Not to mention his little rag-tag group of arseholes.”

“We have unfinished business with him, and it seems like you three do too,” Colby added, nodding towards Mel and Milo, “so, let’s put any bullshit to the side. Let’s put our differences aside and see if we can come up with some type of deal. We help each other get rid of Homelander and try not to kill each other… Even if we were the ones who helped you lot.” he finished in a mumbled tone.

Mel scoffed at his final words, “Don’t give me that crap. No one asked for your help, you were the ones who kept acting like damn ninjas, flipping around and doing all sorts of fucking tricks.”

“And in thanks, you come and shoot at a bus?” Stephanie questioned, watching Phantom smirk, “Then why step up now? We nearly killed you. Why now and not before?” the Supe questioned, listening as Firecracker’s show began, hearing applause and the Supe’s oddly specific voice.

The Australians shared a look, “Homelander’s killed a lot more than just your friends. He and his friends have killed hundreds of innocent people. There’s blood to shed and justice to be had.” Colby explained while Milo nodded, “Then let’s work something out. We help each other until the job is done.”

Phantom seemed to agree as she and Stephanie shook hands, “We’ll keep this on the downlow. I don’t want Butcher or anyone finding out until the time is right.” the Supe said towards the couple.

All it did was make Mel smirk while Milo sighed, “Great.” he muttered, not liking that they were keeping yet another secret from Butcher.

Even if Butcher was keeping hundreds of secrets from them.

Some bigger than others.

—————————————

“So, you’re twins?” Milo questioned, looking to his left to look at the Australians. Stephanie sighed from her spot on the ground, leaning her head back against the brick wall.

Colby nodded, “Yes. She’s my younger sister.” he answered

Stephanie sighed from her spot on the ground. Colby sat beside his younger sister, listening as Milo continued to ask questions, “Was it like a few hours apart or straight second afterwards? Do you guys have telepathic shit? Can you guys read each other's minds?”

“Please, mate, no more twin questions.” Colby relented, placing his head in his hands. Stephanie’s eyes fell shut with an exasperated sigh, “We were five minutes. We don’t have telepathic shit, and we can’t read each other’s minds.” she answered, watching Phantom pace back and forth.

The newly formed team had been listening in on Firecracker’s ‘fifteen-fucking-hours of fame.’ As Mel liked to call as she contemplated getting drunk before she could hear any more of Firecracker’s words.

“Jesus Christ,” Mel muttered, rubbing her temples, “all she does is bitch and moan about Annie. Did Annie kill her fucking mom?” she questioned, looking up at Phantom.

The Supe listened, shaking her head with a frown, “I don’t know, but Annie is hiding something, and I’m gonna find out what it is.” she said, turning to walk back into the building.

But before she could open the door, the group tensed when they heard Firecracker’s next subject of her presentation, “And the truth… It is so much worse than you could ever imagine,” she began, her voice making it clear that it wouldn’t be pleasant, “six months ago, Starlight visited a clinic. She wasn’t going for a checkup.”

Mel raised an eyebrow, sharing a look with Milo, “The fuck?” she muttered under breath, listening as Firecracker continued, “She found out that she was pregnant, and she had an abortion. She was raised a Christian. She knew the difference between right and wrong. She knew exactly what she was doing. So you won’t tell me that those teens over there, that they’re safe with her. With that baby killer?” she ranted, her voice raising until the tensions snapped and left nothing but rage.

Burning hot rage.

That’s all it took to make Mel snap again, “Oh hell no.” she said, not stopping as she began to walk from the alleyway and towards the stage.

Phantom was quick to follow after her, not bothering to stop Mel in her rage, “Stay here, all of you.” she said over her shoulder.

Milo nodded while Stephanie and Colby made no move to get up, “Make sure she doesn’t actually kill Firecracker. We might need her alive.” he called, listening as Phantom chuckled once more, “No promises.” she muttered to herself.

Mel slowly broke into a sprint, not stopping until she got onto the stage. She laughed, watching Annie punch Firecracker’s nose.

The Supe fell to the ground, unable to put up a fight as Annie beat her own fists into her face. Mel watched, seeing her audience run for safety, “Let this be a fucking reminder!” she shouted, her voice loud and booming across the stage.

Phantom watched from the edge of the stage, not bothering to step in. She wanted to see how far Mel and Annie could take it. How far both women could take their frustrations out of Firecracker.

The sight made the Supe crack a smile.

“Go on,” Mel nodded, finally making her way over to Annie and Firecracker, “break her fucking nose.” she said, kneeling down to grab a handful of Firecracker’s hair.

She gave the locks a sharp tug, smiling when she heard Firecracker’s noises of discomfort and pain, “It hurts, doesn’t it?” she questioned, pulling once more, “it hurts when someone just goes after you. It hurts when someone fucking guts you.” she snickered, casting a look back at Anni for good measure.

“Fucking pathetic,” Mel said, releasing Firecracker’s hair to grab her chin instead, “you wanna talk about abortions and how it’s killing babies? Let me get you clued in on a little secret.” she whispered, holding Firecracker’s chin, feeling her blood against her fingertips.

Mel held Firecracker up until she let her go, making sure the Supe stood up straight, “It’s none of your fucking business, you worthless shit.” she whispered in Firecracker’s ear before shoving Firecracker towards Annie.

As Firecracker was hit once more, Mel lunged forward until the bottom of her boot made contact with Firecracker’s already bleeding nose.

Mel snickered, smiling as she stared down at Firecracker’s body, “Dumb bitch.” she spat, stepping back and jumping off the stage with an amused smile.

She and Phantom shared a look before the Supe nodded back towards the alleyway, “Get everyone and go back to the motel. I’ll be there soon.”

“You got it.” Mel said, walking back to the alleyway. She didn’t bother running through the crowds of screaming people. She wasn’t afraid.

Phantom remained behind the camera, watching Annie take her anger and rage out on Firecracker. She crossed her arms over her chest, still not making a move to stop her.

Even as M.M. arrived, Phantom placed her hand on his chest, “Not yet.” she said, wanting to make sure Annie got any bit of anger out. She didn’t want to have Annie lose her mind so quickly.

“Look at the damn cameras,” M.M. hissed, nodding to the cameras that continued to film the entire interaction, “they’ll think she’s a monster.” he said, forcing Phantom to finally step in.

The Supe climbed into the stage, grabbing Annie’s wrist before she could punch Firecracker, “Enough. Look, it’s all just a plot to make you go psycho.” she muttered, nodding back to the cameras that surrounded the stage.

Phantom yanked Annie to her feet without much effort, “Go.” she nodded, her voice stern and unmoving. She watched M.M. guide Annie away from the cameras, not moving as the cameras faced her.

She looked at the cameras, her eyes slowly beginning to glow with red, “Hello again.” she whispered, curling her fingers until the cameras were crushed and destroyed.

The secret was out. Phantom lived.

And if Phantom lived, then so did Soldier Boy and Wonder Woman.

Phantom didn’t spare anyone a second glance as she began to walk off. She knew her cover had been made and everyone would soon know the Supe was alive.

As Phantom walked, she could hear people’s voices. All of them holding the same shock and anger. All of them knew there was no doubt that Soldier Boy and Wonder Woman were alive as well.

The thought made Phantom curse as she made her way back to the alleyway, but she came to an abrupt stop when blood-covered walls flashed across her mind and eyes.

Phantom stared at the image until she saw Homelander in another image. He was covered in blood and standing in an elevator.

She stood in silence, not understanding what Homelander had done. Not until she heard Stephanie’s voice, “Oi, you alright?” she questioned, standing at the edge of the alleyway.

“I’m fine,” Phantom nodded, the images disappearing from her mind, “just thought I saw something.” she mumbled, continuing to walk back towards Mel and Milo.

Stephanie watched Phantom walk away before she chuckled, “This’ll be fun.” she smiled, adjusting her glasses as she walked behind Phantom.

It’d be one hell of a ride.