𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐀 𝐅𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧?

———————————————

Phantom kept her eyes closed, levitating above the bed. Her chest rose and fell at a calm and steady pace, listening to every sound in the motel room.

Mel and Milo were out getting breakfast for the new makeshift group, leaving Phantom with the two Australians… And they were doing nothing but making it harder to meditate.

The Supe struggled to keep her eyes shut before she sighed, “If you’re gonna keep staring, you might as well start talking.” she grumbled, listening as Colby snickered and Stephanie chuckled, “It’s just a shock to us,” she began with a smirk, “I mean, last we heard, you were dead in that fuckin’ Soldier Boy blast.”

“Which, how in the hell was he able to do that shit? Russia stick him needles and give him those nasty new powers?” he questioned, forcing Phantom’s eyes to snap open.

They grew red with anger and frustration. Phantom lifted herself towards the ceiling, her fingers curling as wisps of energy curled around her body.

Phantom stared at the Supes, “Don’t say anything about him or Diana. You two dipshits don’t know shit about them.” she hissed, her fingers curling as she prepared herself to severely injure the two of them.

Enough to the point where they took their last breath.

The Supe couldn’t stand it whenever people talked about Soldier Boy and Wonder Woman in any light that was negative or troublesome. Especially Soldier Boy.

It wasn’t that she held Soldier Boy on a pedestal of greatness. She knew his troubled past and less-than-acceptable actions, but he was her family. Her surrogate father.

Sensing her incoming attack, Colby morphed into a brown snake, hissing and threatening to strike. His new form didn’t phase Phantom. It only made her more enraged.

She raised her hand, ready to strike Colby into oblivion; but before she could do anything, Stephanie stepped in front of her brother, “So it’s true.” she suddenly said, her sunglasses reflecting the red around Phantom’s hands.

“Soldier Boy was sent to Russia. Him and Diana both got sent.” Stephanie added, watching Phantom turn her attention to her, the Supe’s eyes were cold and focused.

Phantom continued to glare, “No. It was just Soldier Boy and I. We… I still don’t know what happened to Diana. Not in full detail, at least. She doesn’t like to talk about it.” she muttered, her eyes returning to normal as she lowered herself to sit on the edge of the bed.

The Supe softly sighed, “Sorry about that. I’m just frustrated with everything that’s going on.” she muttered, scooting towards the bed’s other end when Stephanie sat beside her, “Sorry about Colby. He likes to think with his heart more than his head.” she said, teasing her twin and snickering when Colby flipped her off when he morphed back into his original form.

Phantom didn’t say much, lifting her eyes to look at Stephanie, “And you?” she questioned, focusing as she attempted to take a peak inside her head.

But Stephanie was stronger than he appeared. She managed to block her out without a second glance. It made Phantom scoff as she pulled her mental connection from Stephanie’s mind.

“I like to think that stone walls are the only things that keep out any distraction.” she answered, rolling her eyes from behind her glasses when Colby groaned, “Fucking just say your head, Steph.” he called, sitting on the floor when he saw Luna waddle towards him.

Colby watched her, tensing when the old dog crawled onto his lap. He didn’t make much of a fuss, gently stroking her soft fur, “Oh. Oh, this is nice.” he mumbled, quickly morphing into another Maltese and cuddling with the older dog.

The sight made Stephanie chuckle as she watched her brother cuddle with Luna. She soon looked around the motel, “When will your friends be back?” she questioned, making Phantom look down at her watch, “Probably meeting with Butcher. There was something he wanted to tell everyone, even though he was the one who said he didn’t want to see us anymore.” she muttered, still frustrated with the man.

Stephanie nodded, “And you stayed? That’s a bit of a shock, ain’t it?” she chuckled, making Phantom crack a smile, “I’m not his biggest fan and I’m kinda stuck being inside thanks to Firecracker’s little podcast.” she explained, leaning her head back with a small sigh.

She couldn’t go anywhere. If she went anywhere and someone saw her again, they’d know Soldier Boy and Wonder Woman were alive. That was the last thing anyone needed.

Phantom just hoped Mel and Milo were having better progress than her.

—————————————

Mel and Milo shared a look as they stood at the doorway of the apartment. They watched as everyone moved around the apartment, trying to keep a low profile after the previous night’s explosion. It was hell to say the least.

Mel didn’t say much while Milo smiled as Hughie handed him two cups of coffee, “Thanks, Hughie.” Milo smiled, handing Mel one cup before M.M. walked into the room.

His eyes were instantly set on Butcher, who walked in from the kitchen with a cup of coffee, “How was it that you took out Ezekiel?” he questioned, making Mel look up from the cup, “Wait, you killed that stretchy creep? And here I thought he could live through everything.” she smirked, making Milo smile.

Butcher glanced at Mel before he sighed, “I have no idea.” he finally answered, looking up when M.M. scoffed, “Bullshit.” he said, not believing Butcher’s words.

“God’s honest. I blacked out, came to, and there he was. All over the shop. But never mind that bollocks because, my son, I have found it—the answer to all our prayers.” Butcher explained, taking a small sip of his own coffee.

Milo tilted his head as he and Mel took a sip at the same time, “And what’s that?” they both questioned, watching Butcher smile, “ Ah, it’s nothing much. Just a… A virus that kills Supes.” he said, slurping on his coffee while the information sunk into everyone.

Mel’s eyes widened while Milo choked on his coffee. She quickly took his cup and brought her hand down on his back, “Shit, shit, shit.” she muttered, helping Milo while the rest of the team questioned Butcher and the supposed virus.

“Such a thing does not exist.” Frenchie said, watching Butcher shrug, “Did not exist. Does now. You see, some clever cunts over at Godolkin University cooked up a bug that latches onto the V in their bloodstream. Now, it’s completely harmless to humans, but to Supes? Fucking diabolical.” he said, looking at Mel and Milo with his signature smirk.

The news of a potential virus made Milo’s stomach drop while Mel’s chest tightened. She knew she’d have to be the one to share the news with Phantom and everyone else.

Mel was about to grab her phone when Annie spoke, “So, you shove this shit onto me and Kimiko and we just… Drop dead?” she questioned, frowning when Butcher nodded with a smile, “Yep. That’s the idea. Now, it ain’t juiced enough to kill Homelander. But I reckon we get our hands on some and try it out on our lovely V.P. elect.” he smirked, turning to M.M. with his crazed eyes.

But M.M. wasn’t all that impressed. Instead, the man was more suspicious than anything, “And why the hell are we just finding out about this shit, Butcher?” he questioned, not believing Butcher’s words. Not after everything.

“There’s only one small snag. When I went to God U to nick it, Neuman had pipped me to the post, so we’re gonna have to nick it from her.” Butcher explained, turning when Annie scoffed, “This is insane and desperate. Even for you.”

Her words only made Butcher laugh, “Well, insanely desperate’s where we are, don’t you think, love?” he said, an argument beginning to brew between the two of them.

Mel would’ve laughed, but the thought of Butcher having a virus strong enough to kill her friends made it a bit hard to laugh and smile.

She only looked at Milo when he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, “It’s gonna be ok. We’ll figure it out.” he whispered as the group tried to come to an agreement, “Ok, all right, time out. Look if this virus is as dangerous as Butcher says it is, do you really want it in Neuman’s hands?” M.M. suggested, trying to play peacekeeper once more.

Listening to M.M.’s words, Annie looked at Kimiko and Milo before she finally caved, knowing she lost the argument, “No. No, you’re right.” she sighed.

Butcher smiled once more, “All right, then. Then we’re sorted. Oh, uh, uh… One other tiny little thing. I need you to get us one presidential pardon.” he said, looking at M.M. before Mel began to tug Milo towards the door, “I need to talk to you outside.” she said, her tone urgent and leaving no room for any argument.

Milo was quick to agree, “Yeah, yeah, we’ll see you guys later. Good luck.” he quickly said, opening the door and ushering Mel out to the hallway.

“Wait, wait, aren’t you guys coming with us? Maybe Phantom should come.” she suggested, knowing they’d have a better chance with Phantom on their side.

Annie’s words made Mel pause as she looked back into the apartment, “No, she’s not going with you guys. She can’t have anyone else finding out her ass is alive. We can’t be out and getting presidential pardons right now. Call us when you have shit that’s less public and more secretive.” she said, sending Kimiko and Hughie a smile before walking out with Milo.

Milo nodded, looking at Butcher, “Be safe,” he said, looking at the older man, “all of you.” he finished, looking at everyone before Mel closed the door.

Once they were alone in the hallway, Mel grabbed Milo’s shoulders, “That’s the fucking virus they were talking about. Damian and Kiko. That’s why Wally convinced them to leave that damn school in the first place.” she frantically said as Milo pulled her into a much-needed hug.

They both shared the same worries for their friends. From Damian, Kiko, and Wally. To Phantom, Wonder Woman, and maybe even Soldier Boy.

Milo rubbed Mel’s back, “We have to tell Phantom. Shit, we have to tell everyone.” he whispered, feeling Mel nod against his chest.

She pulled away from his arms, holding his forearms, “We have to go. We have to go right fucking now.” she nodded, quickly rushing down the hall with Milo.

—————————————

“A virus?” Phantom asked, looking up at Mel and Milo from her spot on the edge of the bed, “a fucking virus?” she scoffed, feeling herself lose grip on her abilities.

Stephanie leaned against the wall while Colby sat on the floor with Luna on his lap. They both listened, exchanging nervous glances every few seconds.

Mel nodded, watching Milo pace back and forth, “Yeah, some virus they’ve been trying to cook up at God U. The one Wally told us about.” she explained, watching Phantom drop her head into her hands, with an exasperated sigh, “God-fucking-damnit,” she muttered, standing from the bed, “I have to call Diana. Have you told anyone that it’s real?” she asked, looking at Mel and Milo.

“On our way over here,” Milo nodded, looking at the Supe, “maybe you should call Diana. We’ll be outside.” he suggested, opening the door for Mel.

Mel turned her head, “You two, let's go.” she said, watching Stephanie push herself off the wall, “This virus. Does your mate have any more of it?” she asked, making Mel shake her head, “Not yet, but he will soon.”

Once Phantom was left alone in the room, her hands moved from her hair to the blankets. Her hands gripped the blankets with an iron grip, trying to remain calm.

But it was a losing battle.

She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to calm herself as she took a deep breath. Waves of frustration and anger ripped through her body, making it harder to relax and calm.

Knowing Butcher had purposefully kept this information from them, wasting months of time that they could’ve used to find or create this virus.

But no.

Butcher decided to lie and wait for everyone to risk their lives before coming clean about everything.

Phantom felt herself slide to her knees, wrapping her arms around her middle as a bubble of chaos formed around her body.

The red energy that surrounded Phantom grew darker, the red becoming crimson-scarlet before turning to burgundy.

She was losing control. She was close to losing control again.

Phantom kept her eyes shut before she finally screamed, the sound echoing in the bubble she created for herself. Her body shook against the noise and electrifying energy.

Anger and rage filled the bubble and Phantom’s body, unable to stop herself from screaming and wailing.

While the sound was silent to the rest of the world, it grew louder until Phantom’s ears rang and her throat was raw.

After a moment, Phantom allowed the bubble to drop before she pushed herself to her feet. She took a breath, grabbing Mel’s computer and logging in with a single touch against the screen.

The Supe was quick to call Wonder Woman, hoping the woman would remember how to answer a call from the computer. She knew Wonder Woman and Soldier Boy still struggled with technology.

But a small pulled at her lips when she saw Wonder Woman and Soldier Boy appear on the screen, “Hi, sweetheart.” Wonder Woman greeted while Soldier Boy was still weary about using the computer, “Hey, kiddo.” he finally said when Wonder Woman nudged his side.

Before Phantom had a chance to explain, Wonder Woman spoke again, “I thought we agreed that you’d be calling everyday. I’ve only gotten two calls the entire time you’ve been gone.” she lightly scolded, making Phantom sigh with some guilt.

She knew only one of the two calls were fake, but she didn’t dare say anything, “I know, I know, sorry. It’s been crazy over here. More so than last time,” she explained, tugging at her hair, “I’ve been made.” she suddenly said, wanting to rip the bandaid off before anything else.

Her words only took three seconds to register before Soldier Boy stood, “That’s it, I’m going out there. I’m not gonna have my fucking daughter get hunted like some damn dog.” he said, making Wonder Woman shake her head, “Ben, come on, don’t do this. Not again.” she said, trying to convince her love to calm.

Phantom watching them through the screen, “No, no. We’re not doing that. Come on, Dad,” she groaned, “I need you two to stay down and stay out of the fucking way. I’m not risking any of your, especially now that there’s a damn virus that can kill fucking Supes!” she nearly shouted, feeling her power ache to be released and cause havoc.

But she forced herself to take a deep breath, tugging at her hair as she listened to Soldier Boy while Wonder Woman was stunned into silence, “I, uh, what?” she finally questioned, looking up when Soldier Boy cursed again, “Damnit,” he muttered under his breath, “Wanda was fucking right.”

Phantom tilted her head, confused, watching Wonder Woman look up at him, “Wanda? Like Wanda Wanda?” she questioned as Soldier Boy sat back down.

All it did was make Phantom more confused, “Who the fuck is Wanda? Wanda sounds smart. Let’s call Wanda.” she quickly said, growing more panicked the longer anyone went without talking to her.

She only rolled her eyes when Wonder Woman looked at the screen, “Language,” she sternly said while Soldier Boy went on another cursing spree, “enough!” she shouted before the call cut out, leaving Phantom more confused and frustrated than before.

Phantom stared at the screen before she slammed the computer shut, “Goddamnit!” she yelled, forcing the motel door open.

When the door was forced open, Mel turned her head, watching the door break free of its hinges, “Son of a bitch.” she said, watching Phantom slide to the floor with her head in her hands. Her hands glowing with red chaos.

Stephanie watched on, turning her attention to Colby when she noticed her twin still held Luna in his hands, “Rough call, I’m guessing.” she called, smirking when Mel snapped her fingers, “Enough.” she warned, not wanting Phantom to lose herself again.

Milo stared at Phantom before he sighed, “Hey… Maybe we should call your brother. Maybe he can help, you know?” he suggested, watching Mel shake her head, “No. I’m not getting him involved with this. None of this.” she said, quickly shooting down the idea.

“Wait, you have a brother?” Phantom questioned, shocked that Mel had anyone but herself. Mel stared at her, “Yeah?” she shrugged, growing a bit annoyed at Phantom’s continuous questions, “Since when? What’s his name? Where the hell is he?”

“Since I was three. His name’s Adam. I’m not telling because I don’t fucking know,” Mel answered, “I just have the one, but he doesn’t talk to me anymore. He stopped talking to anyone when my dad and brother died.” she explained, watching Phantom nod, “Good to know.” she answered, standing.

As Phantom stood, she stumbled when she sensed a deep ache in her chest. It came from someone she had contact with.

She fell back onto the floor, hearing the echoed voices of Mel and Milo. She looked up at them, feeling Mel grab her arms and lift her onto the bed.

Phantom was quick to close her eyes and attempt to find the source of the ache. She searched through the minds of everyone she ever knew and loved, trying to find the source of the ache.

While she felt a dull ache from Soldier Boy, Wonder Woman, and Mel while everyone else seemed remotely normal.

But Hughie?

Hughie was the one. He was the main source of the ache and emotional turmoil. Phantom kept her eyes shut, hearing Hughie’s echoed cries before her eyes opened, “Hughie’s dad. Hugh. He’s… He’s dead.” she whispered, looking up at Milo and Mel from her place on the bed.

She felt Mel cup her cheek, holding onto her wrist with a trembling, “What the fuck is happening?” she whispered, her chest rising and falling at a fast pace.

All the while Colby leaned towards Stephanie, “Who’s Hughie?” he questioned, going silent when Stephanie shook her head, “Not now.” she said, her voice stern enough to make it clean that she wasn’t playing.

Colby rolled his eyes, “Buzzkill.” he muttered, nuzzling his nose into Luna’s soft fur. He looked up when he saw Milo look at him with a deadpan expression, “Shut it.” he said while Mel continued to console Phantom.