The streets of Gotham were in an uproar, the night filled with unrest as midnight approached.
Outside the Leviathan Residential Tower, an angry crowd had gathered, chanting and waving signs bearing words like *Murderer!* and *Anti-Christ!*
Sharp shouts and furious cries rang out, while some people held portraits of family members lost in the recent attacks, their faces set in expressions of deep resentment.
It had gotten so bad, that the city had called in more officers, their figures forming a dense barricade against the the protesters pushing forward, demanding justice.
Yet, as vehement as the opposition was, another crowd had taken shape nearby, standing firmly in support of Arias.
They argued passionately, citing his actions as justified measures in a world that had long oppressed them.
To no one's surprise, the arguments soon became physical, and fights erupted along the streets, leaving police scrambling to keep the clashing groups apart.
The wail of sirens echoed from all directions, filling Gotham with its old chaotic nature.
From beyond the city limits, even more people attempted to flood in, but checkpoints had been set up to stem the influx.
For those unable to make it to Gotham, protests raged outside government buildings nationwide, albeit with far less support—outside Gotham, the vast majority viewed Arias as nothing more than a villain.
Meanwhile, in a luxury suite overlooking the now chaotic city below, Lois Lane moved with ease through the cool water of an infinity pool.
She drifted to the edge, resting her arms on the glass lip as she gazed down at the lights of Gotham, scattered and shimmering in the night.
She let out a sigh, her voice barely more than a whisper, "He's got the whole country in turmoil…"
As she thought of Arias, his composed demeanor and sharp charm lingered in her mind, bringing a slight smile to her lips before she brushed it aside. 'Don't even think about it', she told herself. With a soft chuckle, she added under her breath, "A girl can dream, though, right?"
She pushed away from the edge, gliding smoothly on her back across the pool, eyes drifting to the dark, starlit sky.
Then, something caught her eye—a figure descending from above, a cape trailing behind in graceful arcs. Even without his features fully visible, she knew it was Superman.
She paused for a moment, her expression remaining calm as his figure grew clearer, before finally hovering just above her.
Lois didn't say anything and first swam to the glass steps, taking her time, before emerging from the water with the faintest smile playing on her lips.
Her white bikini, simple yet elegant, clung to her, highlighting her fit, shapely figure as water droplets slid down her body, glistening in the warm ambient light around the pool.
She reached for a towel draped over a nearby sunbathing chair, which she used to begin drying her hair as she shifted her gaze to Superman.
"Usually, I'm the one who has to chase you down, Superman," she teased, her tone sounding a bit mischievous. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
Superman's eyes had followed her silently as she left the pool, though his expression remained as steady as stone. Even as he responded, his voice also came out serious, "You visited Arias Markovich today. What did he want?"
Lois lifted a brow, pretending to be offended as she wrapped the towel around herself. "A lot of men would kill for the view you've got right now," she quipped, her tone light. "And the first thing you do is ask about another man? Ouch."
But Superman's face remained stern, his gaze firm. "I'm not here to play games, Lois," he replied. "You have no idea what's at stake here."
The playful look on Lois's face faded just slightly, her curiosity beginning to shape as she took a small step forward. "So why don't you tell me what's at stake?" she asked.
Without missing a beat, Superman answered, his words firm. "The world, Lois. The lives of millions."
The weight of his words settled between them, and Lois's playful demeanor finally faltered. She let out a sigh, pressing her lips together in a moment of contemplation before she spoke again. "He only talked about me interviewing him," she said finally, her gaze drifting away.
"Look, if I hear anything worth telling, I'll let you know—and the whole world, for that matter. It's what I do. I'm not some idiot who can be easily fooled or…" She hesitated, her eyes flashing. "Or some girl who can be bought. I'm looking for the truth here, too."
Superman's eyes softened slightly, his intense expression shifting as he studied her. From her body language, he could tell she was being genuine. "Alright," he said quietly, "just… be careful."
Without another word, he lifted into the air, his figure illuminated briefly by the pool's warm light before it disappeared against the dark sky above. Lois watched him go, still wrapped in her towel, feeling the weight of his warning settle over her.