The training arena was still buzzing with energy as the last echoes of the spars faded.
Todd stood near the center, his suit only slightly torn, a few fading bruises on his arms and torso already healing thanks to his regeneration.
Robot stepped forward, tablet in hand, and addressed the remaining heroes.
“After careful evaluation, the following individuals have been selected for the new Guardians of the Globe roster: Rex Splode, Dupli-Kate, Atom Eve, Monster Girl, Frozone, Shrinking Rae, and Wolf Man.”
A mix of reactions rippled through the room.
Some heroes nodded in quiet approval, others looked visibly disappointed.
Black Samson simply nodded in understanding, the selections made sense with Wolf Man and Frozone providing more versatile support for the team composition.
Eve, however, looked visibly upset.
She crossed her arms, stepping forward.
“I… I applied, but I don’t think I want to join. Not right now.”
The room went quiet.
A wave of displeasure spread among the other heroes.
Whispers broke out, some muttered under their breath, others exchanged frustrated glances.
The disappointment was palpable, especially from those who had been passed over.
No one said anything directly, but the tension in the air was thick.
The unspoken sentiment hung heavy: she had applied, been chosen, and now was backing out.
Eve looked conflicted but stood her ground.
“I just… need time to think.”
Robot nodded calmly.
“Understood. The position will remain open for now if you change your mind.”
Cecil Stedman suddenly appeared in a flicker of teleportation energy, stepping out from a side entrance.
He looked tired but composed as he surveyed the group.
“Excellent work, Robot,” Cecil said.
“The selections look solid. Now, all of you, outside. The press is waiting.”
“Why? This was supposed to be an internal evaluation.”
Cecil sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Reporters have been camped outside the Pentagon all day. The public knows we’re forming the new Guardians. We need to make a statement to prevent panic. Show them the new team and reassure them that Earth is still protected.”
He then turned to Todd.
“You too, Homelander. You’re a hotshot now. The public wants to hear from you.”
Todd raised an eyebrow but nodded.
“Fine.”
_____
Outside the Pentagon, a large crowd of reporters and cameras waited behind barricades.
The moment the heroes emerged, flashes erupted like a storm.
Leading the pack was Roxanne Ritchi, microphone in hand, sharp and professional as always.
“Robot! As the new leader of the Guardians of the Globe, can you tell us how the team plans to protect Earth after the tragedy with the previous Guardians? And what about the murderer still at large? The public is terrified, are we safe?”
Robot stepped forward calmly.
“We are committed to protecting this planet. The new team combines experience and fresh talent. We will investigate the attack on the previous Guardians thoroughly. Earth is not defenseless.”
Another reporter pushed forward.
“What about the Flaxan invasions? Will the new Guardians be able to stop future threats?”
Robot answered steadily, giving measured responses about coordination with the GDA and increased preparedness.
Then the cameras swiveled toward Todd, who stood a little to the side, looking composed in his slightly torn suit.
“Homelander! You’re the breakout hero who turned the tide against the Flaxans twice. What do you say about the murderer who killed the previous Guardians? Are you going to hunt them down?”
Todd stepped forward, the cameras focusing on him.
He looked directly into the lens, his expression serious but commanding.
“A terrible tragedy befell our world this past month.
Terrible.
And let’s not mince words about this.
We…
attacked.
Our world was attacked.
Some people…
they want me to come out here and speak empty platitudes to you all.
A little bit of corporate talk.
But I don’t want to do that.
I can’t do that.
You want to know why?”
The reporters leaned in.
Roxanne held her microphone closer.
“Why?”
“Because I believe that what God wants me to do is get on over there, find the filthy bastards who masterminded this, whatever cave they’re in and introduce them to a little thing called God’s Judgement! That’s what I think! Sounds like a hero thing to do! Sounds like the right thing to do! Is it not our God-given purpose to protect the world from invaders, villains, terrorists, and other bad guys? Psalm 58:10! ‘The Righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance and he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked.'”
A stunned silence fell over the press.
Then cameras flashed wildly and questions exploded.
Todd raised a hand, his voice steady and powerful.
“I’m not here to make pretty speeches. I’m here to protect this world. And I will. By any means necessary.”
Donald and Pentagon guards quickly stepped in, forming a barrier as the reporters tried to swarm closer.
“Thank you, that’s enough for today,” Donald said firmly.
“The new Guardians will release an official statement soon. Please give them space.”
The heroes were ushered back inside as the press continued shouting questions.
Todd walked beside Robot, a small, satisfied smile on his face.
[Homelander Template: 95%]
This was exactly the kind of attention he needed.