Homelander had become somewhat more introspective, even if it was due to Stan Edgar's manipulation. He began to consider what he was missing to meet his father's expectations.
One of those was to rid himself of his dependence on Madelyn. That proved relatively easy once he asserted his dominance—at least, that's what he believed.
The second challenge was taking control of Vought, which was also not difficult. Both Madelyn and other senior executives would not dare to contradict him.
The third was his lack of strength. Homelander knew a straightforward method would be to enhance his abilities with Compound V. However, he remembered his first encounter with Allen and the words he had said.
"I'm glad you're a narcissist, mama's boy... you're doomed in a world where there are no opponents for you... You've never faced someone your size, have you? Not to mention someone stronger..."
Each word penetrated Homelander's body and stabbed his heart. Indeed, Homelander was weaker than the current Allen, and he had to accept that reality.
...
Homelander summoned Sam and Luke to the training room. Both boys stood cautiously away from Homelander, well aware of John's dangerous and unpredictable nature.
"You guys look tense," Homelander raised a hand to stop them. "*Cough* You know, I feel something like your older brother."
Sam's eyes widened in shock. Luke opened his mouth in disbelief. They had studied Homelander before coming here, and this kind of behavior was not something they had expected.
"I mean, Stan... my father raised you, even gave you my blood, right?"
Sam and Luke tensed. This was information Homelander shouldn't know, and they didn't know how he would react if he did.
"Oh, come on, guys, don't worry. If I were angry, I would have already killed you!" Homelander laughed.
Luke and Sam exchanged glances, agreeing with Homelander's words.
"So, technically, we're related," Homelander chuckled awkwardly but ultimately happily. Certainly, he had no one like this, and these brothers could be as close to true blood relatives as he could get.
"John, first of all, thank you," said Luke, trying to relax. "Thank you for not killing us."
Homelander laughed and then removed his jacket, revealing a sleeveless tank top.
"Now that we're getting along a bit better, would you mind helping me... improve my skills?"
Once again, Homelander left the brothers speechless. Homelander admitting he needed to improve was contrary to his narcissistic nature.
Homelander hadn't completely shed that part of himself, but recalling Stan Edgar's letter, it also included a few postscript notes.
Stan Edgar mentioned how the brothers had become so strong. And the blood of Homelander himself was the reason they were so powerful and technically related to him. Homelander was willing to accept their existence and even their help.
Of course, this was all carefully planned by Stan Edgar, from Homelander's acceptance of his weakness to the connection with the Riordan brothers.
Homelander smiled, and the brothers had strange expressions. However, they saw no reason to refuse. This would also help them understand the extent and strength of Homelander.
Now Homelander felt more complete... only one thing was missing.
Lastly, Homelander needed one more thing: to break a strong chain that had bound him since childhood.
For Homelander, there were a few people who meant a lot in his world. Madelyn was someone to appreciate, Stan was someone to admire. Outside of them, there were two people, and Dr. Vogelbaum was his choice.
...
While Sam and Luke went to capture Popclaw on Homelander's orders, he visited Dr. Jonah Vogelbaum.
Vogelbaum had Homelander ushered in as if he already knew he was coming and the reason for his visit. They both headed for Vogelbaum's study.
The aroma of old books filled the nostrils of Homelander, who sat across from Jonah.
"You're here about Rebecca Butcher, aren't you?" Vogelbaum said with indifference.
"Rebecca Butcher?"
Homelander frowned. The name seemed familiar for some reason, but it wasn't why he was here.
Unfortunately, Vogelbaum's assumptions were wrong, because with Allen's intervention the enmity of Homelander and Butcher was not so evident and did not trigger Homelander's investigation of Butcher leading him to the truth.
Butcher hated Homelander. A significant part of The Boys series revolves around this vengeful drive that he desires with fervor every day and night. But what is the origin of this hatred?
Years ago, Butcher and his wife attended a party at Vought where they met Homelander. Unexpectedly, Homelander took an interest in Rebecca Butcher, and through deception, took her to a secluded place where he proceeded to assault her.
Rebecca didn't return to Billy Butcher out of fear and shame. She soon realized she was pregnant with Homelander's child. But the fetus developed so rapidly that Rebecca had no choice but to turn to Madelyn Stillwell.
An unusual event: a baby born with superpowers, and not just any baby but Homelander's child.
Madelyn concealed this fact, and everything was left in the hands of Dr. Vogelbaum, the heartless man who treated children as test subjects and had no qualms about lying and hiding such existence.
Rebecca Butcher received help in exchange for disappearing and not telling anyone, not even Billy Butcher.
"What does Rebecca Butcher have to do with me?" Homelander asked inquisitively.
Jonah Vogelbaum took a cold breath, becoming pale. Homelander hated him, but there was also a sort of respect. This bond was created inevitably after their interactions, but Jonah knew he was one of the people Homelander least wanted to see. If he wasn't here for Rebecca Butcher, then...
"I remember seeing you more often behind reinforced glass than in person. You're a cold and almost terrifying guy." Homelander stood up and walked around the room, unsettling Vogelbaum, who was used to having everything under control.
"Isn't it about Rebecca Butcher?" Vogelbaum asked one last time, and at that moment, he recalled Stan Edgar's letter.
"Who? That's not why " Homelander looked out the window. "My father made me realize how much I took for granted, including letting my life be guided by others for too long..."
Vogelbaum laughed, which even caught Homelander's attention, who had thought he lacked feelings.
'So, Edgar, is it my turn to be sacrificed?... Am I not even essential, or were you forced to this level?'
Jonah understood...
Homelander hadn't come because he discovered his son but to kill him. To him, who had played a role in Homelander's life as a symbol of fear. Something like this as opposed to Madelyn's existence might seem unnecessary, but when you realize that you can do what others cannot, when you realize that everyone else is an ant before your power, it becomes dangerous.
Vogelbaum's existence was essential to always remind Homelander that he was just a lab rat.
Homelander was hurt by Vogelbaum and even feared him deep down.
"Are you here to rid yourself of your fear?"
Homelander did not answer, but his eyes grew cold. Stan Edgar ensured that Homelander was always mentally weak, emotionally dependent, craving affection and attention, easily manipulated, and with little control over his emotions.
It might seem dangerous, but a Homelander like this was easier to manage than a Homelander with a mindset like Stan Edgar's.
At that moment, Vogelbaum stopped seeing the young John and instead saw a monster about to be born.
Vogelbaum could accept his death in silence and wouldn't feel bad. after having played god all his life and treated life as a toy, a retribution like this was fitting.
Homelander positioned himself behind Vogelbaum.
"Do you remember when you wanted to see how much heat I could withstand and put my hand in that thing?... Then you turned it on and I started screaming... it was really hot... and you just kept increasing the temperature... do you remember?"
Vogelbaum did not respond. He could feel Homelander increasing the pressure on his shoulders.
"You asked why Rebecca Butcher should matter to you."
Homelander ignored Vogelbaum's words and continued to squeeze his shoulders to the point of causing him pain.
"You met her at a party and after forcing her to sleep with you... she got pregnant"
"What?..."
Homelander's hands froze, as did his mind. He had expected pleas and begging from Vogelbaum, which is why he hadn't killed him immediately. But realistically, it was unlikely Vogelbaum would plead for his life.
"What... did you say?"
Vogelbaum didn't fear his death, but after being so easily discarded by Stan Edgar, a small desire to mess up his plans was born.
'It's impossible to control all the variables, and you know it, Edgar...' Vogelbaum thought.
...
Butcher got out of his car with Hughie. They were in a forest with a nice house nearby, something Bill Gates might use for a vacation.
They both looked at the house in the distance, aside an older woman stood observing the scenery through binoculars.
Her tired gaze and distant eyes, marked by the wrinkles of age, made her appear as a woman who had been through many things in her life. However, her upright posture and strong demeanor also made her look very resilient in character.
Butcher silently approached until he was standing next to her.
Butcher seemed hesitant to speak, which was surprising to Hughie, who thought Butcher had no qualms about yelling at the devil himself.
"Grace..."
"William..."
The woman's response was curt and dry. The tension between them was palpable. It was no surprise; Butcher had promised never to come see her again.
"Is there something interesting?" Butcher asked, noticing she couldn't stop using her binoculars.
"Birds..."
"I didn't know you liked birds."
"It was a choice between birds or alcoholism," the woman said flatly.
Butcher hesitated for a moment but decided to continue, "I need your help... I'm with Frenchie, Malvin, and this kid named Hugh Campbell and..."
Mallory stopped watching the birds and turned to Butcher with a frown, then she turned and headed towards her house.
"Grace, this time will be different," Butcher said with conviction, as it was what he genuinely believed.
"I did my best, and in return, my grandchildren were burned alive," Mallory said with immense bitterness. "You know how this path of vengeance will end. It will destroy you and everyone with you, I'M DONE."
Hughie finally understood why Butcher was uncomfortable, and neither Frenchie nor MM wanted him to seek her help.
Mallory looked at Hughie. "You'd better stay away from him. I don't know how he convinced you, but it's not worth it."
"Are you done? And what about me?" Butcher said with reproach.
Mallory stopped and looked back at him. Butcher approached slowly.
"You recruited me, trained me, turned me into a damn missile aimed at Homelander, and now you condemn me for doing the same thing!"
"..."
Mallory couldn't respond, and this time, there was a trace of guilt in her eyes.
"Come on, Mallory, it doesn't matter if you don't want to come back, but I need your help. This time will be different."
"How will it be different, William?!" Mallory shouted, losing her composure. "How will you prevent them from killing you this time, or worse, killing everyone before killing you?"
Butcher grew angry and kicked a nearby tree, toppling it.
"Because this time, I am different... we are different."
Mallory looked at Butcher in horror. "You didn't, did you, William? Oh my God..." She glanced at Hughie, who felt uncomfortable. "I can't believe you'd do something like this!"
"Mallory..."
Mallory lunged at Butcher, and all her bad memories came rushing back
"Shut up!" Mallory grabbed Butcher's clothes with her eyes bloodshot. "Damn, bastard! You know well the horrible things the Supes have done. Everything we fought for, everything we sacrificed, was to ensure no one had that power! And now you dare to come to my house asking for help after becoming one of them?!"
Mallory said no more and turned to enter her house.
"I used to think the same..." Butcher said with a calmer voice and a more ordinary tone, which made Mallory's eyes widen. It had been years since she'd heard Butcher speak like this.
"One day, I met a boy. He had enormous power, even more potential than Homelander. However, when I met him, I didn't see a monster, or a superior being, or a chosen one... he was just a normal kid... with a good heart..."
"..."
"Mallory, power didn't kill Malvin's father, or take my wife, or steal your grandchildren... it was people... bastards who don't deserve that power."
Mallory's eyes widened in astonishment. In all her years, she had never been so shocked by what she was hearing. Was Butcher actually speaking in favor of the Supes?
No, he was speaking in favor of someone specific.
Mallory was caught off guard and didn't know how to respond to this situation.
"William... let me meet him and I'll see if it's worth helping you..."
Butcher smiled, and Hughie breathed a sigh of relief.
...
...
...
Allen decided to head back immediately but had to wait for Annie to finish getting dressed.
He took her to his apartment and then headed towards where Mother's Milk had instructed.
Upon arrival, he found a man engulfed in flames, about to kill Frenchie and MM.
Allen didn't hesitate to strike Golden Boy and then hovered in the air.
"You guys get out of here," Allen said. The pair nodded and left.
Allen decided to start streaming, but he couldn't get distracted at that moment. He descended slowly and stood in front of the crater Golden Boy had created.
The heat in the air was palpable as Allen approached Golden Boy.
"1,000°C (1832°F)..." said Allen. "Ang the temperature slowly rises."
The ground beneath Golden Boy began to melt as his temperature rose. Allen remained silent, with a calm demeanor.
"It's a shame someone as young as you had to end up like this..."
As he finished speaking, a shadow fell behind Allen. Turning around, Allen saw Sam with his fist poised to strike. Allen used his left hand, which he had taken out of his pocket, to block the punch.
The blow was so powerful it cracked the ground beneath Allen.
"I see..."
Allen noticed two things in the brothers' eyes: seriousness and clarity.
They clearly understood who they were up against, and both had resolute and clear expressions. This wasn't manipulation or deceit; both knew their opponent was a monster and yet they didn't back down.
Allen, for his part, showed a determined look. It was unusual for him to face someone younger than himself, but that didn't mean he would show them any mercy if they were acting of their own free will.
Allen pushed Sam's fist away and punched him in the stomach. Normally expressionless, Sam's mouth opened as he felt his insides being churned.
"Sam!"
Golden Boy shouted before launching himself at Allen but was met with a kick to the face that sent him crashing through a building.
Luke reacted and tried to recover quickly, but Sam collided with him as he was thrown by Allen.
The two boys crashed into a truck, which was then pushed into a wall.
"Hey, Sam..."
"...?"
"That guy is really strong..."
"...*Nods*"
...
Allen watched the brothers from a distance. They were strong, and he wasn't being sarcastic. Both had powers at the highest level in terms of combat and destruction. Sam's strength was comparable to Homelander's, and Luke's flames were much hotter than regular fire.
They terrifyingly coordinated their attacks, covering the gaps between each other's strikes, almost as if they could read each other's minds. Not only that, but they were experts at fighting individually. Allen could imagine Stan Edgar putting them against each other to train them more than once. He wouldn't be surprised if they had also trained with Black Noir.
If their opponent hadn't been Allen...
Allen noticed a black metallic bracelet on Luke's wrist, which had a constant green light. It wasn't a watch and resembled the collar around Sam's neck.
Luke and Sam pressed a button on their devices, and the light changed to blue.
Homelander and A-Train weren't the first to realize that Compound V could enhance them. Stan Edgar, aware of this, equipped them with special devices capable of withstanding their heat and strength to prevent destruction. These devices injected them with a modified version of Compound V.
A burst of heat radiated for miles around. Allen squinted, knowing he should have considered this possibility since discovering how A-Train used Compound V.
Allen's casual clothes changed as a white cape appeared on his back, reflecting the sunlight, the cape wave due to the heat wave emitted by Luke.
...
Felicia – Golden Boy... really had great potential. It doesn't surprise me they had to kill him at the beginning of the original story. They couldn't let anyone overshadow Homelander.
Gwen – The younger brother Sam is also very strong, but wasn't he supposed to have schizophrenia or something like that?
MJ – Hmm, maybe it's that device around his neck...
Superman shook his head from his fortress as he watched the screen. Clark wondered how his life would have been if he hadn't been the son of Jonathan and Martha Kent.
He'd like to say that he'd end up the same as he is now, but the reality is that much of our behavior comes from our parents, environment, and what we see growing up.
Luke and Sam were raised by Stan Edgar and became what they are today.
===
A/N: There are two types of villains, those who are created and those who choose to be, Homelander being of the first type and Stan Edgar of the second.
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