Looking at Ashley's shocked expression, Axel released her shoulder and extended his hand toward Queen Maeve.
Maeve quickly took his hand. Axel pulled her closer and said, "See, Buddy, I'm not a complicated man. I keep things simple. A slap, then something sweet. You've already had the slap, now it's time for the sweet part. Let's see if you like it."
He pulled Maeve onto his lap.
Adjusting the edge of her armor so she could sit more comfortably, Axel wrapped an arm around her waist.
"So, Maeve, what kind of reward do you think I prepared for you?"
"I..."
Before she could answer, Axel slapped her lightly.
Slap!
He laughed.
"I know about you. I know you're into women. I know you had to hide it, and I know Homelander forced you to stay away from your lover."
Maeve froze.
Axel leaned back slightly, his tone casual.
"So what do you think your reward is? Simple. You get her back."
"Are you serious?!"
Maeve's eyes widened.
Axel tapped her again, amused.
"Of course I am. Who's going to stop me? From now on, you live how you want. Be with her openly. If you feel like it, I can even arrange a massive public wedding."
Maeve's composure broke.
"Thank you... thank you... I... I..."
She struggled to form words.
Axel waved it off with a small laugh and turned his attention elsewhere.
He looked at The Deep.
"And you, The Deep. Do you remember what I said earlier?"
"I will obey all your commands and fulfill your requests, I..."
"Fuck."
Axel cut him off immediately.
The Deep panicked and dropped flat to the ground.
"It's my fault, I..."
"Shut up. Look at me."
The Deep forced himself to stop retching and raised his head.
Axel thought for a moment, then glanced at Madelyn.
"If Disney has Disneyland, we can build something better. Call it Deep Land."
Then he looked back at The Deep.
"As long as you do your job well, I'll give you your own aquarium. Fill it with whatever you want. Octopuses, dolphins, anything."
The Deep's breathing grew heavier.
Axel continued, his voice sharpening.
"You told me about what's happening to dolphins in Japan. If you want to save them, if you want payback, then earn it. Show me you're worth the effort."
"Yes, sir!"
The Deep shouted, his voice shaking with excitement as his imagination ran wild.
Axel smiled faintly and turned to Black Noir.
"Black Noir."
Black Noir suddenly broke into muffled sobs.
Axel chuckled and tapped his helmet.
"You act like a killer, but you like kids and toys. That much is obvious."
He glanced at Madelyn again.
"Stop burying him in dirty work. Give him something cleaner. Set up public events, charity, amusement parks. Let him interact with kids."
He waved casually.
"Go on, show some gratitude."
Black Noir immediately slammed his head against the floor repeatedly.
Axel did not wait and turned to A-Train.
"And you."
A-Train froze.
"Did you take drugs today? You ran into me on the street and tore my clothes. Get over here."
"I... I..."
"I said get over here."
Axel pulled him forward without effort.
Then he grabbed A-Train's arm and yanked.
Blood sprayed everywhere.
A-Train let out a broken scream, but immediately covered his own mouth, terrified to make more noise.
Axel patted what remained of his arm calmly.
"Don't scream. You caused this."
He tilted his head slightly.
"Pick that up and go get it fixed. When you're done, get out of The Seven. I want someone better in your spot."
"Wait!"
A-Train dropped to his knees, clutching his severed hand.
"Please, I can't leave. My family depends on me, I..."
"Quiet."
Axel cut him off and tapped his neck.
"Listen properly. You're out for now. But I'll review everyone again soon. If someone disappoints me and you manage to impress me, you might get your spot back."
A-Train hesitated, then nodded with difficulty.
Holding his severed hand, he left the room in silence.
Axel turned to Ashley.
"I'm going to take a shower. When I'm done, I want a full list of candidates for The Seven."
"Yes, sir."
She nodded quickly.
Then Axel looked at Translucent.
"Now you."
Translucent stiffened.
"You're a problem. I don't like people who spy on others."
Axel smirked.
"Maybe I should bring A-Train back and replace you. Or just throw you out right now."
"No, please!"
Translucent dropped and grabbed Axel's leg.
"I'm useful. I can gather secrets, I can report everything to you, I can do anything you need!"
Axel stepped on his head without hesitation.
"Then stay useful. And don't ever spy on me."
He kicked him aside.
Finally, Axel looked at Homelander.
Homelander swallowed hard and moved forward, lowering his head under Axel's hand.
Axel tapped his face twice.
"Madelyn, do you know one of my habits?"
Madelyn tensed.
"What... habit?"
Axel smiled slightly.
"Every day, when you pump milk, set aside a bottle for him."
Madelyn's eyes widened.
Homelander froze, then suddenly grabbed Axel's leg tightly.