Chapter 49

[Homelander's POV]

Lying in bed after a passionate night, I thought about the future.

After a physical encounter with Maeve, I didn't even feel like getting out of bed.

It was easy to reflect because I didn't have to do anything.

I would have liked to smoke, but I had quit that life, and I didn't want to start again.

It's not pleasant to constantly smell cigarettes especially given my very sharp sense of smell.

It's just time for reflection now that I have some free time. There isn't much time to think about anything with all the running around.

What's more important is what I'll do next.

It's already clear that I won't be able to stay as America's favorite for long.

The way I feel about all of this won't let it happen.

I need to raise my son with a different example, not under the weight of Homelander's legacy.

This could greatly affect a child and make him feel like they're not good enough.

He could end up with a second Homelander, maybe a bit better than the previous one, but I don't want that.

Homelander had no choice because scientists had pinned their hopes on him.

However, Ryan will have a normal life, a loving family, and many choices regarding his future.

He could excel at almost anything with his abilities. He could even become an excellent surgeon, the most basic option.

He has many options, not just becoming a superhero.

The main thing is to mentally prepare for puberty when controlling him will become much more complicated than it is now.

I need to find a quiet and peaceful place with a good school.

Ryan shouldn't be raised in isolation and must be prepared for the outside world. 

It's better to start small than to send him out unprepared.

I'm not considering schools for super-powered children because of their likely negative influence.

These schools often become average heroes who see the world through the lens of show business.

Deep and Maeve are examples of this.

While Maeve is somewhat understandable, Deep clearly shows a lack of intelligence.

This is clear.

There are plenty of small towns in America.

The distance from New York won't matter due to my flying speed.

Next, I need to consider my superhero career because my contract ends next year, and I'll be free from obligations.

The money I've saved would be enough for a couple of generations, assuming they don't indulge themselves.

I could buy a small business to stay occupied during a well-deserved break from all this mess.

Next, I just looked at the high ceiling, wondering why it was so high.

It's not like giants live here.

There's too much space as if people will be flying around.

That chandelier, what a dust collector.

I can imagine how difficult it must be to keep it clean and remove spider webs.

"I'm already thinking nonsense."

I sighed, threw off the blanket, and floated above the bed.

I smoothly transitioned to a standing position and flew straight to the bathroom.

After washing off the drowsiness under the shower, I dried myself with a towel.

Then I put on my suit and quickly flew outside.

It's important to rest, but important and urgent matters shouldn't be forgotten. 

I'm heading to another suspected terrorist base that needs to be found. They move around sometimes, which makes things more difficult.

After these couple of hours, the results were disappointing. It turned out that all the terrorists had disappeared and hidden somewhere.

So, I was quite irritated when I returned.

It was clear they had somehow found out they were being hunted but disappeared so quickly...

It must be related to the nuclear explosion that happened just yesterday.

That could have been a perfect signal to lay low. I should have just taken out the bomber instead of playing around with thermal vision.

Unfortunately, I can't turn back time like the famous Superman used to.

He could really handle any problem, and I'm nowhere near his level.

The nuclear explosion is now being discussed by everyone, and people started coming up with conspiracy theories as soon as the news broke.

There are theories emerging and just the fact that it could be one of the lost warheads from the USA or USSR was alarming.

There are still many warheads out there that haven't been found or even searched for.

This raises concerns about how fragile our world is.

"Sir, you're advised not to discuss the deceased protesters. The host has been warned in advance and won't discuss it, but she might if you slip up. Miss Stillwell wishes you good luck."

Ashley said with a forced smile.

We were in the studio of one of the channels where Maeve and I were invited.

I was already tired of the usual stuff about the danger of supervillains.

It's not good to repeat the same thing over 

I felt like a parrot in a zoo, forced to repeat things for food. Other than that, it was quite cozy.

A comfortable beige sofa, a bright room, and a nice host.

What annoyed me was that after this show, I'd have to head to film shoots with scenes of destruction, explosions, and battles.

"She could have just called if she couldn't be here in person, Ashley."

I said with a sly smile while makeup artists touched up my face.

"She didn't have time with everything going on."

She defended her awkwardly.

"I understand."

Hearing my response, Ashley sighed in relief and left to avoid being a nuisance.

Finally, the makeup artists finished their work, leaving Maeve and me alone.

"Is she so scared of you now that she won't even talk on the phone?"

Maeve smirked, clearly enjoying the situation.

"Madelyn has always been afraid of me. The point is, she can't control me anymore."

"And what has changed?"

"I've learned to read her. Now it's harder for her to lie to me, and our relationship is far from friendly."

"It sounds like she's lied a lot."

Maeve nodded understandingly, perhaps recalling a similar episode from her own life.

"You have no idea how much."

As we talked, it was time for the show to begin.

The host took her place in the only chair in the studio, positioned at an angle so she could see both the guests and the camera.

As expected, the host started the show with a greeting to the viewers and then introduced the guests.

"Thank you for agreeing to this interview."

"We're happy to be here and are pleased to answer your questions."

Maeve spoke first, naturally smiling at the camera.

"I agree with Maeve. We both enjoy being in your company, Maria. Do you mind if I call you by your first name?"

"No, I don't mind."

She replied with a rehearsed smile.

"Are we really being threatened by supervillains?"

"Yes."

I answered firmly to quickly move on to something more interesting.

"I don't know how else to answer this; I have nothing more to add."

"Homelander is very concerned about this. The important thing is that The Seven will protect you."

"Thank you for the explanation, Queen Maeve."

She continued impassively.

"Can we discuss the Compound V? Did you know about its existence?"

"No, none of us knew about this drug. We learned about it at the same time as everyone else, and it was a shock to us."

Maeve answered, taking on this question.

I think it's for the best.

"What do you say about the hashtag "white heroes"? The numbers are quite striking—ninety percent of superheroes are white. Six percent are African-American, and one percent are Latino and Asian. Why does Vought avoid diversity?"

Maeve smiled tightly and tried not to look into the host's piercing eyes.

She turned to me, noticing my completely genuine smile.

This is the expected question from someone who needs to boost ratings and stand out from the others.

"The answer is simple, Maria."

She looked at me.

"White people simply sell better."

"What, sorry?"

She said with bewilderment.

The camera crew and the entire production team were shocked by this statement.

Such words would have been more fitting coming from someone like Stormfront.

Even Maeve was extremely surprised by this declaration.

"White people sell better as products. Other countries eagerly buy up all the themed merchandise related to such heroes. China is at the forefront; they are the ones producing such goods. It's about profit, not diversity."

The entire studio fell silent, stunned by my words.

However, the host quickly composed herself and continued asking questions.

"So you're saying it was all for money?"

"What else would it be for? For national purity?"

I smirked.

"Even you are here not just for some imagined merits. First and foremost, people enjoy looking at you. If viewers preferred a black host more, you wouldn't be here."

"Do you think I didn't deserve this position?"

She asked with anger in her voice. Internally, she was celebrating, already seeing her ratings soar.

"Let's face the truth, Maria. It's not about whether it's deserved or not. It's about the audience we're trying to reach."

I sighed, having to explain basic things.

"Over the past twenty years, there have been more superheroes of other nationalities. Yes, you've cited statistics of active superheroes. But have you seen how many superhero children there are across the country? How many of them are African-American, Asian, and Latino? I assure you, they are clearly more than fifty percent."

"I hadn't looked at it from that angle."

She admitted, looking at me in surprise.

"Believe me, in the coming years, there will be more superheroes of color; it's inevitable."

"Is that... reassuring?"

Maria responded hesitantly.

"Let's move on to the next question, please."

Maeve intervened just in time to steer the conversation away from the topic.

"What about the nuclear explosion? What do you think it was?"

"To be honest, I have no guesses."

I stunned her with my answer, just as I did Maeve.

"I know the exact cause and saw the bomber with my own eyes."

"Wait, a bomber? So it was a super?!"

"Unfortunately, yes, but there's no need to worry now, as I have dealt with him on time."

"Can you describe everything in detail, if you don't mind?"

"With pleasure, Maria. Anything for you."

I flashed my best smile for the camera and began recounting the story.

Let them try to "cancel" me now.

I have just begun to set things right, and I won't let anyone stop me.

...

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