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[b]Metropolis, DE
One Month Ago[/b]

"Luthor," Superman snarled as he landed in the billionaire's office. Clark had clashed with Lex Luthor all year, though he had only learned that fact recently. Luthor had been behind Metallo, Toyman, and the release of the Parasite. All of it was just a test for Clark. Luthor wanted to see what the hero could do, and how he did it. "You wanted me. So here I am. You put the people of this city in danger just to test me. People died, Lex. And now I'm here to put you behind bars."

Luthor laughed at the superhero's challenge and stood, striding over to his liquor cabinet. Luthor was an impressive human being. He was tall, powerfully built, and one of the smartest men on the planet to boot. He poured a glass of scotch before turning back to the Man of Steel, "Superman, you have nothing against me. You and I both know that. If you lay a hand on me you'll just turn the people against you and your freaky friends yet again."

Superman's lip curled at the villain's mockery. He knew it was the case. Luthor was too good at covering his tracks, and Superman attacking the first son of Metropolis would lead to more trouble than he could deal with t this point, "That may be the case, but I hope you know I'm on to you. You won't be able to sneeze without me knowing. And eventually you're going to slip up. When that happens, I'll be there to put you away."

"For your sake, you better hope that happens, alien," Luthor spat back. "Because I plan on attending your funeral in a year." He quickly changed the subject, "I have to congratulate you for inserting yourself into world affairs so quickly. When do you and your so-called Justice League start overthrowing governments and installing martial law? When do you decide who lives and who dies?"

Clark new the accusations were merely meant to get under his skin, but it still got to him anyway. "That shows how little you know about us, Luthor. None of us want that. We're here to protect people. Deep down you know that, even if you don't or won't let yourself believe it. You'll see it in the end."

"No, Superman," Luthor's eyes narrowed, "I'll be the one leading the charge against you when the great human race realizes what a farce your front is."

"Well then, I'll see you there, Lex," was Clark's response as he took off again and left the industrialist alone.

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[b]Now[/b]

Superman soared over Metropolis, sailing over skyscrapers before dipping down towards the street. Cars honked their horns as the Man of Steel passed overhead, and Clark slowed down to wave at the kids on the corner. They eagerly waved back at their hero, amazed that Superman had taken the time to acknowledge him. Clark liked the fact that they once again cheered him in the streets. It's not that he needed to be. He would protect these people no matter what they thought about him, but he couldn't deny receiving acceptance wasn't terrific. They knew he was an alien, a being more powerful than they would ever be, and yet they still accepted him. That was comforting.

Of course Lex Luthor and the others like him were still saying the heroes of the world were nothing but a menace. Amanda Waller and her HAMMER thugs were still breathing down their necks, waiting for the Justice League or one of its allies to slip up. Mouthpieces like G. Gordon Godfrey and the Reverend William Stryker constantly called them monsters and works of the devil. There was still a percentage of the populace believed all that. 

But Clark didn't care about that right now. He had a more important mission on this night. Floating up the side of an apartment building in the more ritzy section of Metropolis, Clark knocked lightly on the balcony door of his target. The door slid open, and out stepped Lois Lane, dressed in pajamas and carrying a laptop under her arm.

"Took you long enough, fly boy," she smiled slyly at the superhero.

"Traffic was murder," Superman winked.

"Sure, sure," she rolled her eyes. "So are you ready for this interview?"

"I've been ready since I showed up, Miss Lane."