Chapter 10

Author's Note:

Hiya once it's a me Author-san, I understand most worries that y'all have in regards to harem.

Trust me I do, I've been there with y'all as a fellow reader, that's why I'm making it very different compared to others so y'all don't have to worry much it's not happening yet anytime soon anyway. Just a bit farther ahead, so I do hope y'all enjoy the peace for now. Cause a storm is coming 😈 Ahahahahahahahahahahaha

Anyway back to the story, Enjoy! 😜

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**Annie's POV**

Walking out of the conference room, Annie felt a whirlwind of emotions. Her mind was still reeling from the encounter with The Deep. The mixture of fear, disgust, and confusion lingered in her chest, making it hard to breathe. She followed A-Train's advice, heading towards the restroom to gather her thoughts.

As she entered, the cold, polished surfaces of the restroom greeted her—black and grey tiles, sleek stalls, and large mirrors reflecting a version of herself she barely recognized. She approached the sink, her hands trembling as she turned on the tap. The sound of running water echoed, amplifying the silence in the room.

Annie splashed her face with water, trying to wash away the grimy feeling left by The Deep's unwanted advances. The water mingled with her ruined makeup, streaking down her cheeks. As she stared into the mirror, her eyes were wide and unseeing, still processing the near-catastrophic event.

The questions swirled in her mind like a storm: *How could this happen? Was he always like this? Has he done this to others?* The realization hit her hard, and she felt a wave of nausea. She barely made it to the sink before retching, her stomach emptying in response to the traumatic experience.

Head bowed, tears mingling with the water, she started to sob quietly. The door opened, and Annie stiffened, expecting the worst. But instead, a hand touched her shoulder gently. She looked up to see Queen Maeve, her usual fierce expression softened with concern. Without a word, Maeve pulled her into a comforting embrace.

"There, there, you're going to be fine, trust me," Maeve murmured, awkwardly patting her back. Annie clung to her briefly, grateful for the unexpected support. As they pulled apart, Maeve gave her a small, reassuring smile.

"Thank you," Annie whispered, her voice raw with emotion.

Maeve shrugged, trying to play off the moment. "Oh, please. Us girls gotta stick together, after all. Show the boys...well, except for Homelander, that we're not damsels in distress. That we can kick their asses if they think otherwise."

Annie managed a small, tentative smile. "Does that include A-Train?" she asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Maeve chuckled, a rare sound that seemed to ease the tension in the air. "Actually, make that A-Train as well. Even without his speed, he's surprisingly skilled in combat." Her expression turned serious for a moment. "But I'll get him on the floor under me next time, one of these days," she whispered to herself, her gaze distant for a moment before shaking her head with a sigh.

Clearing her throat, Maeve continued, "But don't worry about The Deep anymore. He's not as important as he likes to think he is."

Annie frowned, confused. "What do you mean? He said he was Homelander's right-hand man."

Maeve burst out laughing, the sound echoing in the restroom. "The Deep? Right hand? He wishes. The real right-hand man is Noir, and even that's debatable since he's so loyal to Vought. The Deep's just...a member. Nothing more."

Annie felt a mix of relief and shock at this revelation. She had been so naive, believing The Deep's lies. "Maeve, what about A-Train? He saved me... What's he like?"

Maeve's expression softened. "You know, they say don't judge a book by its cover. A-Train's like a grumpy teddy bear, but he has a heart of gold. Out of all of us, he's the most genuine hero. Just be careful around Homelander, okay? He's unpredictable. And don't act too wary around him; it'll make him suspicious."

Annie nodded, grateful for the warning and advice. "Thank you, Maeve. I really appreciate it."

Maeve gave her a nod and a small smile. "Take care of yourself, Annie. And remember, you're stronger than you think." With that, Maeve left, leaving Annie alone to collect her thoughts.

After freshening up, Annie decided she needed some fresh air. Changing into a civilian outfit—a black t-shirt, blue skinny jeans, a jean jacket, and black and white Converse shoes—she left the Vought Tower, craving some time away from the suffocating environment.

As she walked through the city, her mind kept replaying the events of the day. The Deep's betrayal, A-Train's unexpected rescue, and Maeve's surprising kindness all swirled in her thoughts. Lost in her reverie, she was startled by a faint meowing coming from a nearby alleyway.

Curious, she followed the sound and found herself in a narrow, dimly lit alley. The cries grew louder, and as she moved closer, she spotted a tiny tuxedo kitten, barely old enough to walk, mewling pitifully. The sight tugged at her heartstrings. The kitten was alone, vulnerable, and clearly in need of help. Gently, she scooped the little creature into her arms, marveling at how it fit perfectly in her palm.

Looking around, she realized there was no sign of the mother cat. Her heart ached for the tiny creature, so fragile and innocent. Determined to help, she quickly searched for a nearby veterinary clinic on her phone and found one a few blocks away.

Arriving at the clinic, she was greeted by an elderly vet cleaning up for the night. The vet looked at her with a kind smile as Annie explained the situation. "Excuse me, I found this kitten in an alley. Could you check if it's okay?" Her voice was tinged with concern.

The vet's eyes softened as she took the kitten from Annie, handling it with expert care. "Well, what are you standing there for, girlie? Come on in, and let's take a look at this little fella."

Annie watched anxiously as the vet examined the kitten, checking its fur, skin, ears, eyes, nose, and temperature. She breathed a sigh of relief when the vet finally smiled and said, "You're lucky you found her in time. She's a bit malnourished but otherwise healthy. Just needs some good care and feeding."

Annie's heart swelled with relief and gratitude. "Thank you so much! I wouldn't have known what to do without you."

The vet waved off her thanks. "It's no trouble at all. Happy to help the little critters. Here's a formula and some medicine for her. She's not been weaned yet, so make sure you feed her this until she can handle solids."

As Annie reached for her wallet to pay, the vet shook her head. "No charge, dear. Kindness like yours is rare these days. Just make sure to bring her back for regular check-ups, okay?"

Moved by the vet's generosity, Annie thanked her profusely and left the clinic, cradling the kitten in her arms. As she walked back to the Vought Tower, she couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Despite the darkness she had faced today, there were still moments of kindness and light. The tiny kitten nestled in her arms was a reminder that even in a world filled with superpowered beings and corporate machinations, there was still room for genuine compassion and care.

Annie smiled softly as she looked down at the sleeping kitten. "I think I'll name you Luna," she whispered, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. With Luna by her side, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. She would navigate the challenges of being a member of The Seven, but she would do it on her own terms. She would be a hero, not for fame or glory, but because it was the right thing to do.

As she entered the Vought Tower, Annie felt a newfound determination. She would face whatever came her way, whether it was dealing with The Deep's repercussions, navigating the complex dynamics within The Seven, or finding her place in this strange new world. With Luna as her companion, she knew she could handle it. She was Starlight, after all—a beacon of hope in the darkness.