I was setting up for the morning, when Hughie burst through the door, panting as if out of breath. "They're coming!"
"What?" I simply asked.
"Neumann —she's using you — as a common enemy so she can become president." He said in between pants of breath. Who's Neumann? She hasn't been in here before… but an informant might have.
"I assume she's using Homelander's death as reason?"
"Yeah, she's — sending the military after you." His hand still rested on the door frame, I appreciate him appearing to run here, I'll give him a sword in return.
"Alright, turn the sign to say closed on the door, I'll give you something later, for now don't come back until after the attack."
He nodded and closed the door, I wasn't sure if I'd like him or not but I think he's redeemed himself in my eyes after the Alexander situation.
"Alright clones! Apparently there's gonna be some military attack later on, only from the Boys universe so not to worry. Just be prepared in case there are some that take you off guard." I wasn't worrying about this, I would only worry if my customers were here, the sorcerers might not survive, they're tough but not bulletproof… I think.
Hours pass and I get bored, I start writing down the first part of 'Concerto Multiversal'. It's extremely difficult to write a unique piece like this, up until now I seem to just write fast but boring pieces.
The door peeked open and a canister of a misty grey gas surrounded the room, I simply let it. Seconds later, a full team of soldiers came in manning guns and special gear. Not a single barrel wasn't pointed at me or my clones.
The final guest to enter was a rugged man with a shield in hand and a tight military-esque uniform on. He seems special, let's have a look.
[Observe lv19]
[Ben - Soldier Boy
Tier 8B - City block level.
Alignment - Lawful Neutral
The first success of Vought, Soldier Boy was designed for one purpose only and that was killing Nazis. His success created a chauvinistic culture wherever he went. However, as he was a product of his time, he misused his abilities grossly and is accused of mass murder directed towards African Americans.
Currently Nonchalant]
He must be the ace in the hole, similar level to Homelander actually. I covered my kitchen with thorns, I'd rather not have to clean up all the broken bottles after all.
"Alright boys light him up" He pulled a cigar out and lit it, taking in a deep breath as he saw the bullets simply bouncing off our spectral bodies. With a puff of smoke, he said, "I knew it wouldn't be that easy… You killed my son you know? I didn't know him and from the sound of it, thank fuck for that, but I have a principle to stand on after all." He squashed the cigar underneath his boot and marched towards me, I recall my clones, it's simply overkill for them.
Still walking calmly towards me, he threw a fist at me almost begging for me to do anything in my repertoire in return. For now I'll just let it land.
(Alan Hermann POV)
The man who butchered Homelander, everyone saw the video, this man skinned him and hung the skull on the wall. But we have soldier boy, the man who won a fucking world war, we have this, the only complications might be the collateral injuries.
I watch Solider Boy go up calmly, and just as he gets in range I watch him swing right for the jaw. Just as I expect to see Oliverick being sent into the floorboards, his fist stops right on his face ending with a dull thud.
Huh? God that's strange I could've sworn I heard the impact, nothing happened, maybe Soldier Boy was just messing with him.
The guy spluttering and coughing next to me brought me out of my focus, I look over to him and see his eyes bloodshot and his skin going crimson red and dry. "Do you need a medic?" I ask him, he goes to wave me away but he coughs up a splattering of blood. Just then I hear the same coming from the rest of my team, what the hell's going on?
(Oliverick's POV)
"Don't bother Ben, you might've stood a chance before but not now." I look down at him cradling his hand in the other.
"You goddamn pussy bastard, too afraid to throw a punch!" His left hand was mangled, the knuckles caved in further in his hand and his fingers froze in an unnatural position.
"I don't need to throw a punch, I can kill you by breathing"
"Where do you get off? I stormed Normandy for fucks sake! I'm a hot blooded war hero, fight me like a -" He started coughing into his hand, speckles of blood sit atop it. "What have you done?" His voice took a grim overtone, a bloodlust clear in his eyes.
"I took a deep breath." I walked around the bar, towering directly in front of him now. "You have the Pestilence, there is no cure. Return to Neumann, tell her you failed, I will remove it. Or fight it, I haven't had the chance to see how it affects people yet and you are a sturdy test subject at least." His skin started flaking and going beat red, I could hear his heart slow down, rendering him unable to activate his bomb ability.
He chose not to respond, swinging wildly at me with his good hand. I dodged and back-stepped every swing, monitoring him as he slowly collapsed to the ground, spitting blood and bile up.
I look over to the guard I left alone, "Alan, report to Neumann on the mission." With someone to tell the tale, people will be hesitant to try this again. The man ran immediately, leaving his gun on the floor where he ran from.
Soldier Boy's face was covering in warts and spots, popping and oozing and he dragged himself towards the door. I've seen enough. I remove the Pestilence and decapitate him on the floor, minutes later and his skull hangs beside Homelander's, with his own nameplate.
The soldier uniforms were added to the mini-shop and the guns, bullets and tech were added as well. Now my job simply lies in cleanup, it took 5 minutes and the bar was open once more, whilst I waited for customers me and my clones were reading different franchises of books.