Lois and Y/N walked briskly down the busy Metropolis streets, their footsteps echoing in sync as they made their way to a nearby café. The morning sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over the city. The bustling sounds of traffic and chatter filled the air, a familiar symphony that helped Y/N feel more at ease.

Lois and Y/N walked briskly towards a nearby café, the morning sun casting a warm glow over the bustling city streets. As they approached the entrance, they noticed a tall, broad-shouldered man fumbling with the door handle. With a sudden, unexpected show of strength, he accidentally ripped the handle clean off.

"Hi, there. After... you," the man said sheepishly, holding up the broken handle with an embarrassed smile.

"Thanks. See you in there, big guy," Lois replied, her cheeks flushing slightly as their eyes met. She and the man exchanged a quick, shy glance before she led Y/N into the café.

"Hey," the man started, his voice tentative.

"Uh, hello," Lois responded, the hint of a smile playing on her lips.

"Uh, my name is..."

"Clark!" a cheerful voice interrupted, as the café owner bustled over, beaming. "Oh, those repairs you did on the back door are wonderful. Ooh, and I have the three dozen donuts you wanted to eat all ready to go. Such a good appetite, this one."

Clark's face turned a deeper shade of red as he tried to explain. "No, see, it's... It's not all for me."

"But he gets the sprinkles all over. That's why we made him the bib."

"Uh... Well, it's... Today's my first day of work and I'm..."

"Honey, Clark is here. Good man! Did he get his bib?" another voice chimed in from the back, adding to Clark's growing embarrassment.

"Thank you," Clark muttered, clearly flustered.

Lois chuckled softly, amused by the scene unfolding before them. "Well, now you've... seen me in a bib," Clark said, looking utterly mortified.

"Uh-huh?" Lois replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"So, I'm, uh, just gonna leave before this gets any worse. Goodbye forever," Clark finished, turning to make a hasty exit, his face still flushed.

Lois watched him go, a small smile on her lips, before turning back to Y/N. "Come on, let's get you that coffee," she said, leading him to the counter.

As the door swung shut behind Clark, Lois and Y/N approached the counter, where a cheerful barista greeted them with a smile. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, bringing a sense of comfort to Y/N.

"Good morning! What can I get for you?" the barista asked.

Lois glanced at Y/N, her supportive smile encouraging him to order. "I'll have a creamy peppermint coffee, please," Y/N said, his voice gaining confidence as he spoke.

"Of course," the barista replied, quickly preparing his order. As the coffee machine whirred to life, Y/N felt the tension easing from his shoulders, the familiar routine bringing a sense of calm.

Lois leaned against the counter, her eyes still sparkling from their earlier encounter. "That guy was something, huh?" she said, glancing at Y/N. "Clark, right? Seems like he's got quite the reputation here."

Y/N nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, he seems... interesting."

The barista handed Y/N his coffee, the cup warm and comforting in his hands. "Here you go! One creamy peppermint coffee."

"Thank you," Y/N said, taking a grateful sip. The rich, bold flavor spread through him, helping to ground him further. He felt more ready to face the day ahead.

Lois paid for the coffee, then turned to Y/N with a determined look. "Ready to go? We've got a big day ahead of us."

Y/N nodded, feeling bolstered by the simple act of having his morning coffee. "Yeah, I'm ready. Let's do this."

As they strolled down the busy street, Lois took a moment to glance at Y/N.

"Hey, Y/N," she began, her tone casual yet thoughtful, "can I ask you something?"

Y/N looked at her, a curious expression on his face. "Sure, Lois. What's up?"

Lois hesitated for a brief moment, gathering her thoughts. "What do you think about... getting married and having kids? I mean, someday, not right now," she clarified quickly, her cheeks flushing slightly as she spoke.

Y/N's steps slowed as he considered her question. His routine-oriented mind usually preferred to stay focused on immediate concerns, but he recognized the importance of her question. "Um, well, marriage and kids..." he began, searching for the right words. "I think... it sounds nice. I mean, having a family and all. It's just... a big step, you know?"

Lois nodded, giving him space to express his thoughts. "Yeah, it is a big step. I just wanted to know how you feel about it. No pressure, just... curious."

Y/N appreciated her understanding. "I guess... it's something I'd like, eventually. Having a partner, someone I can always count on, and maybe kids. I think... it would be nice to have a family. But it's also a bit scary," he admitted, his honesty shining through.

Lois smiled warmly at him, touched by his openness. "Yeah, it is a bit scary. But it can also be amazing, you know? Having someone to share everything with, and maybe raising kids together. I just wanted to know if you ever thought about it."

Y/N nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. "I do think about it, Lois. And with you, I think... it could be really good."

Lois's smile grew wider, her heart swelling with affection for Y/N. "I think so too, Y/N. I really do." She reached out and squeezed his hand gently, grateful for the honest conversation and hopeful for the future they could build together.

———

Earlier that week

Lois stared at the small, plastic device in her hand. The two pink lines were unmistakable, glaring up at her as she struggled to steady her breathing.

"Positive," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart. "I'm pregnant."

Lois sank onto the edge of the bathtub, her thoughts spiraling. How could this have happened? They had been careful, hadn't they? Her mind flickered through the moments that might have led to this, her memories a blur of passion and intimacy.

She remembered that night vividly—the one where they had let their guard down completely. It had been a spontaneous decision, a moment where their love for each other had eclipsed all other thoughts. Things were crazy at work. Y/N made her a hot bath. She pulled him in. They had laughed, and then... well, things had naturally progressed from there.

"Y/N," she murmured, her thoughts turning to him. How would he react to this news? She knew he loved her deeply, but the idea of becoming parents was something they had never seriously discussed.

Her hands trembled slightly as she set the pregnancy test on the bathroom counter. She needed to calm down, to think clearly. This was huge—life-changing. Lois took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She knew she had to talk to Y/N about this, but the thought filled her with a mix of fear and excitement. Would he be ready for this? Were they ready for this?

She closed her eyes, imagining Y/N's reaction. His routine-oriented mind might find this news overwhelming at first, but she knew his heart. He had a deep capacity for love and care, and she believed that, in time, he would come to embrace the idea of becoming a father.

———

Lois burst into Mr. White's office, her expression determined as she wasted no time in getting straight to the point. "Stolen military robots are being hidden here in Metropolis, and I've got the scoop," she declared, her voice ringing with confidence.

"Mt. Simonson Base is the inventory warehouse for experimental military projects, and a day ago they got robbed. The only road out leads through Metropolis, which means thieves with dangerous war machines are loose in our city. People need to know about this. So...Ready for me to bust the story wide open?" she finished, her eyes blazing with determination.

Mr. White's stern expression softened slightly as he regarded Lois. "No, Lois, you're an intern," he reminded her firmly. "The only reason I called you in today was to meet them."

As Lois turned to face the newcomers, she saw Clark and Jimmy standing in the doorway, their expressions a mix of curiosity and surprise.

Y/N and Lois recognized Clark as the man they saw earlier.

"These are the new interns," Mr. White announced, gesturing towards Clark and Jimmy. "I want you to show them the ropes and get..."

Lois interrupted, her excitement palpable. "They can help me with the story," she interjected eagerly.

Jimmy perked up, eager to contribute. "Oh, have you considered that these robots might have come from beyond the stars?"

Lois gave him a quizzical look. "Uh, they came from an army base.

"There's only so many places to hide them." Clark added.

"I've already got a lead." Lois said

"So we follow up..." Lois began.

"Moth Man," Jimmy continued.

"Meet my source..." Lois added.

"Merpeople! Merpeople!" Jimmy exclaimed, throwing his hands up dramatically.

"Find the robots," Clark added.

"And get the story." Lois concluded

"Then what are we waiting around here for?" Jimmy added, ready to dash out the door.

"Uh, donut, Mr. White? Chief?" Y/N offered, holding out a box of donuts.

Mr. White's stern expression softened momentarily as he grabbed a donut. "New interns, out. Y/N, out. Old intern, stay," he ordered, pointing to Lois. Clark, Jimmy, and Y/N exchanged glances before making their way out of the office, leaving Lois behind to face Mr. White.

Mr. White's voice was firm as he laid down the rules. "You do not report the news. You do not leave this building. Your job is to teach the interns how to scan things and make coffee. That's it."

Lois opened her mouth to protest, but Mr. White cut her off. "Mr. White, for the good of Metropolis..." she began.

"For the good of me," Mr. White interjected, his tone brooking no argument. "You need to stop coming in with these wild ideas. Do what I tell you to do. Lane, this is your last chance."

Lois felt her determination falter under the weight of his words, but before she could respond, Mr. White added, "And besides, I don't want to fire you. Especially not since you're pregnant."

Lois's eyes widened in shock, her hand instinctively moving to her stomach. "How... how do you know?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mr. White's stern expression softened slightly. "My wife had the same look in her eyes," he said, his voice gentler now. "Like a deer caught in the headlights. I've seen that look before."

———

Outside Mr. White's office, Y/N was waiting anxiously, his concern evident as Lois emerged.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly. "I can apologize to Mr. White, if... if that'll help."

Lois smiled, touched by his concern. "Are you kidding? He kept me behind because he wants you to help me follow up on my stolen robot story."

Y/N looked puzzled. "Really? He seemed pretty upset."

"Nah, that's just his face," Lois reassured him with a grin. "You wanna impress Mr. White, this is our chance. Let's go."

Meanwhile, Jimmy nudged Clark with a knowing look. "You like her."

Clark blushed furiously. "No. What? I mean, I... I admire Miss Lane."

"Yeah, you do," Jimmy teased.

"As professionals, Jimmy. Professionals," Clark insisted, trying to maintain his composure.

"Well, come on, Kansas. Just take a risk. What's the worst that could happen?" Jimmy encouraged, giving Clark a playful shove towards Lois and Y/N.

———

Meanwhile, Leslie Willis, one of the criminals responsible for the theft of the military robots, met up with her partner, Badger, and the rest of their hired crew in a dimly lit warehouse. The air was thick with tension, and the crew's impatience was palpable.

"Don't touch that," Leslie snapped as one of the hired hands reached for a strange-looking device.

Badger approached her, his face a mix of frustration and concern. "What took you so long, Willis? The crew was getting restless."

Leslie sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Our fence wasn't at the drop point. We have no buyer."

"What the..." Badger started, but Leslie cut him off.

"It gets better," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Every buyer, fixer, or fence in Metropolis has just disappeared on us. We're stuck here."

Badger's eyes widened with alarm. "Leslie, we can't just sit in a warehouse full of freaky stolen science weapons till the cops show up. We don't even know what half this stuff is. What are we going to do?"

Leslie glared at him, her frustration boiling over. "I don't know, Badger. Why don't we panic real loud in front of the thieves and killers we hired for this job?"

The tension in the room grew thicker, and the crew exchanged uneasy glances. Leslie took a deep breath, trying to regain control of the situation. "What we need to do is keep moving," she said, her voice firm. "We can't stay here and wait for the cops to catch up to us. We find a new buyer, or we find a way to offload this stuff ourselves."

Badger scratched his head, thinking hard. "Maybe we should talk to Nigma. He's one of the people we hired, right? He might know what to do."

Leslie shot him a look that could freeze water. "Nigma? Are you serious? Where is he, anyway?"

Badger shrugged. "He was here a minute ago, grabbing armfuls of the tech. Probably in his room."

Leslie groaned and headed straight for Nigma's room, her patience wearing thin. She pushed the door open and found Edward Nigma sitting in the middle of a chaotic pile of stolen tech, sorting through it with almost childlike enthusiasm.

"Nigma," Leslie called, trying to keep her frustration in check.

Edward looked up, his face lighting up with a bright, infectious smile. "Oh, hi, Leslie! Look at all this amazing stuff! It's like a treasure trove of technology! Did you know that this piece here can interface with—"

"Nigma, focus," Leslie interrupted. "We have a problem."

Edward's smile faltered slightly, but he remained upbeat. "Oh, sure! What's up?"

"We need a new buyer for this tech, and fast. Every contact we had in Metropolis has disappeared on us. Do you have any ideas?" Leslie asked, trying to convey the urgency of their situation.

Edward's eyes lit up again, and he began to pace around the room, talking rapidly. "Well, if all the buyers and fences are gone, we could try reaching out to some of the black-market contacts outside Metropolis. Or maybe we can create a distraction to throw off the authorities while we figure things out. Or, ooh! We could even—"

"Nigma," Leslie cut in, "we don't have time for all that. We need a solid plan now."

Edward paused, his mind clearly racing. "Okay, okay. How about this: we could use some of this tech to create a temporary signal jammer. That way, we can buy ourselves some time to find a new buyer without being tracked. It's simple, effective, and we can do it quickly. And sneak outta town!"

Leslie considered the idea, seeing the logic in it. "Alright, let's do it. But we need to move fast. Can you handle it?"

Edward beamed, his hyperactive energy channeling into focused determination. "Absolutely! I'll get started right away."

Leslie watched him for a moment, marveling at how his brilliant mind worked. Despite his quirks, Edward Nigma had a way of seeing solutions where others saw only problems.

Edward's fingers flew over the various pieces of technology, his excitement palpable. "So, Leslie, what do you think about these?" He pointed to a sleek, modular device. "This one can change its form completely, kind of like...well, imagine if someone could turn into anyone or anything they wanted! Isn't that cool?"

Before Leslie could respond, he moved on. "And look at this! It's a delivery system for a super-strong serum. Think about the potential for enhancing physical abilities. You know, like someone suddenly gaining the strength to lift cars or break through walls!"

He barely paused for breath before holding up a small, cylindrical gadget. "This one can drop the temperature in a room to below freezing almost instantly. Just think of the implications for creating instant ice structures or even freezing people solid!"

Leslie tried to keep up, but Edward was already onto the next item. "Oh, and this is a botanical growth accelerator! It could make plants grow super fast and strong. Can you imagine? An entire garden in minutes, or even using it to create living barriers!"

Her head was spinning as he continued, now brandishing a small, shimmering piece of material. "This is a high-resistance polymer that can withstand extreme heat and pressure. It's almost like having armor that can protect you from anything, even the hottest flames!"

He picked up another device, his eyes gleaming. "And this! This one can generate high-speed rotations, creating powerful whirlwinds. Think about using that to create distractions or even offensive attacks!"

Leslie tried to interject, but Edward was on a roll, now pointing to a small, sleek object. "And finally, this one can control weather patterns in a localized area. Imagine the chaos we could create with a sudden thunderstorm or a mini tornado!"

Edward's words tumbled out in a rapid stream, his excitement making it hard for Leslie to catch everything. "Edward, slow down," she managed to say, holding up a hand. "I can't understand you when you talk so fast."

Edward paused, his face a mixture of eagerness and apology. "Sorry, Leslie. I just get so excited about this stuff. What do you think?"

Leslie took a deep breath, trying to process the barrage of information. "I think... you've got some incredible tech here. But we need to focus on what can help us right now. Let's get that signal jammer up and running first, and then we can figure out the rest."

Edward nodded enthusiastically. "Right! Signal jammer, coming up!" He set to work

———

Meanwhile, Y/N made his way to the police station, his mind still buzzing with the urgency of Lois's story. He had arranged to meet with an old friend, Ethan Bennett Johnson, who happened to be the older brother of Flip Johnson. As he approached the station, he felt a familiar mix of anticipation and nerves.

Entering the station, Y/N spotted Ethan near the front desk, chatting with a colleague. Ethan looked up and smiled as he saw Y/N, waving him over.

"Y/N, good to see you, man!" Ethan greeted warmly, extending a hand.

Y/N shook Ethan's hand, a small smile forming on his face. "Hey, Ethan. Thanks for agreeing to meet me on such short notice."

"No problem at all," Ethan replied. "What brings you here? You mentioned something about needing information?"

Y/N nodded, glancing around to ensure they had a bit of privacy. "Yeah. Lois—my girlfriend—she's got this lead on stolen military robots hidden somewhere in Metropolis. We think it's connected to a recent robbery at Mt. Simonson Base."

Ethan's expression grew serious. "We actually investigated that awhile ago, couldn't find much of anything. You think these robots are still in the city?"

"Yes," Y/N confirmed. "We have a hunch they might be. I was hoping you could help us out, look into any recent suspicious activity."

Ethan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Alright, I'll see what I can do. We've had a few reports of unusual activity in some of the old warehouses down by the docks. Might be worth checking out."

"Thanks, Ethan. That's really helpful," Y/N said, feeling a surge of hope.

Ethan gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Don't mention it. Just be careful, okay? These people you're dealing with sound dangerous."

Y/N nodded. "I will. And thanks again. This means a lot."

Ethan smiled. "Anytime, Y/N. Keep me posted, and if you need backup, don't hesitate to call."

With a nod of gratitude, Y/N left the station, his mind already racing with the new lead. He had to get back to Lois and the others, share what he'd learned.

———

On with the investigate the stolen robots, Clark, Lois and Jimmy go to the convenience store and meet up with one of Lois' contacts: a group of children who work in delivery service for the Daily Planet. Their leader, Flip Johnson, calls the group "the Newskid Legion". One of the Newskids, Gabby, saw a group of garbage trucks running a red light. Clark and Lois believe the thieves must be using these trucks to transport their stolen goods in plain sight.

The four interns arrived at a warehouse located at Metropolis' docks. As they approached, Lois's phone buzzed with multiple text messages from Perry White, insisting they return to the Daily Planet immediately. Lois, however, was determined to follow the story.

Clark voiced his concern first. "Uh, wait. Lois, this is starting to feel dangerous for you and Jimmy. And, uh, to me, too. Are you sure that Mr. White is okay with us following this?"

Lois hesitated, glancing at her phone. "Oh. Yeah, that was him just now. Uh... He said he can't wait to see our story."

Y/N was scanning the area, trying to keep his anxiety in check.

Y/N found himself drifting towards the perimeter, scanning for other possible entry points. The sounds of the city faded as he moved further away from his friends.

Suddenly, he felt a familiar sensation—his mind slipping into the strange, private space where the four holographic entities resided.

"Y/N, you really need to stay focused," Upgrade's mechanical voice crackled, breaking the silence. "This is no time to get distracted."

Y/N sighed, glancing around to ensure he was still alone. "I know, Upgrade. But I can't help it. Everything feels so overwhelming."

"You're stronger than you think," came the soothing voice of Lara Lor-Van. Her holographic form shimmered beside him, radiating a calm, motherly presence. "Remember why you're here. You're protecting those you care about."

Y/N looked over at his friends in the distance.

Lois gestured emphatically. "Just lift me up. You're, like, twice my size. You can definitely—"

As Lois tried to balance herself on the trash bin, she slipped and fell directly into Clark's arms. Both of them blushed furiously, caught off guard by the sudden closeness.

Clark looked flustered. "Are you okay?"

Lois blushed . "Yeah, I'm... Uh, I'm—"

Y/N watched the scene unfold, a pang of jealousy sparking within him. Before he could fully process the emotion, Malware's dark voice echoed in his mind. "Are you just going to stand there? Do something about it. Show them who's in charge."

Y/N's jaw tightened, but before he could act on the impulsive thought, Azmuth's voice cut in sharply.

"Shut up, Malware! Malware, you've always been a bad influence. Y/N doesn't need your toxic advice."

Malware's holographic form sneered. "You're one to talk, Azmuth. You're the reason he's got all this power in the first place. If anyone deserves to be trapped here, it's you."

Lara Lor-Van's calm, soothing presence intervened. "Enough, both of you. Y/N needs clarity, not your bickering."

Upgrade chimed in, his voice steady and mechanical. "Focus on the mission, Y/N. Don't let personal feelings cloud your judgment."

Malware's voice cut through his thoughts, dripping with scorn. "You're such a wimp. When you were a villain, you had more of a backbone. Now you're just a scared little boy."

Y/N felt his chest tighten, the words stinging. "I'm not a villain anymore, Malware. I'm trying to do the right thing."

Azmuth's stern voice interrupted. "Enough, Malware. Your constant negativity is of no help. Y/N, you are on the right track to bring great."

Jimmy, who had been checking the door, interrupted. "Guys! We don't have to go through the window or whisper. The door's unlocked."

Everyone paused, realizing the implications. Y/N frowned. "Oh, that's not good."

Cautiously, they pushed the door open and stepped inside. The warehouse was empty.

As they looked around the warehouse, disappointment hung heavy in the air as it appeared empty.

"No! The robots should be here. Look around. There has to be something," Lois exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice.

Y/N's eyes scanned the area, landing on a crate with the initials "PM" stamped on it. "Oh, look! 'PM.' PM could be initials, like..."

Jimmy's face lit up with excitement. "Paranormal Meta-sapiens! It's the term for the super-intelligent gorillas France has been hiding."

Lois considered the possibility. "Maybe part of a uniform."

"Or a French one," Jimmy added eagerly.

Just then, Y/N's phone began to ring, breaking the tension of the moment. He exchanged a glance with Clark before answering.

"Uh, hello?" Y/N said cautiously, recognizing the voice of his boss on the other end of the line.

"I know Lane is dodging me," Mr. White's voice boomed through the phone, frustration evident in his tone. "So I'm gonna tell you what I texted her. All three of you need to get back to the Planet right now, or don't bother coming back at all."

Y/N's heart sank as he relayed the message to the others. They exchanged worried glances, realizing the severity of the situation.

Lois quickly approached Y/N and Clark, holding up a piece of fabric. "Port of Metropolis. This is from a dockworker's jacket. They're moving the robots to the docks. Come on, we can catch them, and then we can—"

Clark stopped her mid-sentence, his expression stern. "Perry just called. Lois, you lied."

Y/N paused, his expression guarded. He struggled to articulate the turmoil of emotions swirling within him. "You... you lied," he managed to say, his voice trembling slightly. "I thought... I thought we were a team. I trusted you."

Lois looked at them both nervously, "I mean, technically, yes, but you wouldn't have helped me if I told the truth."

Clark's disappointment was evident. "You didn't give us the chance."

Lois's voice quivered as she tried to defend her actions. "Because this was too important. The people of Metropolis need to know what's happening in their city, and—"

Clark interrupted her, his tone firm. "This isn't about the city, Lois, it's about you. I trusted you, and you used me, Y/N, and Jimmy just so you could get your story."

Y/N felt a lump form in his throat, hurt by Lois's deception. "We're not a team," he said quietly. "We're just three dummies who listened to you because we didn't know any better. Now we do."

Lois's eyes flashed with frustration. "Fine. I don't need your help anyway."

With that, she turned on her heel and dragged Jimmy away, leaving Y/N and Clark standing in the empty warehouse.

"Clark? Did I overreact? Should I have been upset?" Y/N asked him nervously.

Clark's expression softened as he looked at Y/N. "Yeah, I think you do. We trusted Lois, and she lied to us. It's understandable to feel hurt."

Upgrade's voice crackled in Y/N's mind. "You have every right to feel upset, Y/N. Your trust was betrayed, and that's not easy to come to terms with."

Lara Lor-Van's holographic form shimmered beside him. "It's natural to feel conflicted, but remember, your feelings are valid. Don't doubt yourself."

Malware's dark voice interjected. "Of course, you have every right to be upset. Lois manipulated us, used us for her own gain. She doesn't deserve our loyalty."

Azmuth floated forward, his expression serious. "Trust is earned, Y/N, and Lois broke that trust. It's okay to be upset, but don't let it consume you.  While she did lie, her good actions to you outweigh the bad."

———

Lois ranted as she and Jimmy wandered through the city, frustration evident in every word.

"I can't believe them. What is wrong with my sweet, caring, and adorable boyfriend, and your dumb, beautiful, coward of a best friend?" she exclaimed, her tone a mix of anger and hurt.

"Y/N's probably just raised that way. Clark's just... You know, he just grew up in a... Wait, did you say 'beautiful'?, even though you have a boyfriend?" Jimmy asked, momentarily thrown off by her description

Lois continued, her voice rising with each word. "And then he says I'm the selfish one. I mean, yes, I lied. But they wouldn't have helped me unless I had. Not like he helped that old lady with the bib, or... or helped me with Flip, or... or brought everyone doughnuts. Y/N... he's done so many amazing things," she trailed off, her tone softening as she spoke of her boyfriend.

"I was being selfish. I got them fired. All to chase a bunch of robots that might not even be in the city anymore?" Lous asked herself now sad.

But her thoughts were interrupted as Jimmy called her name urgently. "Lois! We found the robots."

Lois's eyes widened in surprise. "And the people who stole them," she added, her determination reignited.

Lois and Jimmy arrived at the docks just in time to witness the thieves loading large crates onto boats. Lois immediately reached for her phone to call the police, but her heart sank as she realized it wasn't working. She tried repeatedly, frustration mounting with each failed attempt.

"Come on, come on!" she muttered under her breath, tapping the screen desperately.

Beside her, Jimmy fumbled with his camera, trying to capture evidence of the criminal activity. But to his dismay, the camera refused to cooperate, the screen remaining stubbornly blank.

"What's going on? Why won't it work?" he muttered, shaking the device in frustration.

Meanwhile, not far from them, Leslie Willis stood in the shadows with Edward Nigma and two hitmen, Lawrence Crock and Floyd Lawton. Leslie's frustration was palpable as she glared at the boats.

"What the hell is taking so long?" Leslie snapped, her eyes darting around the docks.

Edward, hyperactive and cheerful despite the tense situation, fiddled with a piece of alien tech. "Patience, Leslie. This is quite fascinating! The tech here could revolutionize—"

"Save it for later, Nigma," Lawrence growled, his eyes scanning the perimeter. "We need to make sure everything gets on those boats before anyone catches wind of this."

Floyd, always the pragmatist, loaded his gun and kept a steady watch. "Let's just get this over with. The longer we stay here, the higher the risk."

Leslie's eyes narrowed as she spotted movement behind a stack of crates. Her expression darkened as she recognized Lois and Jimmy.

"Huh? Hey!" she shouted, her voice echoing across the docks.

Several of the thugs turned at her shout and, without hesitation, began firing at the pair. Bullets ricocheted off the metal containers, and Lois and Jimmy ducked for cover, their hearts pounding in their chests.

"Someone take care of this!" Leslie barked, her frustration palpable.

In the chaos, one of the thugs scrambled to a control panel and hastily activated one of the stolen military robots. The machine whirred to life, its metallic limbs unfolding as it powered up, glowing menacingly.

Edward Nigma, always the curious mind, exclaimed, "Why would you use the robot?"

Meanwhile, Flip Johnson saw everything that happened and raced to warn Clark and Y/N. She soon found Y/N and Clark.

"Clark! Y/N! Lois was right," Flip blurted out, panting heavily.

Clark frowned, still thinking about Lois's deception. "Ugh. I know. She did lie, but would we have helped her if she told us the truth? I... I don't think I would. And what does that say about me?"

Flip shook her head frantically. "Not that! Lois and Jimmy found the robots, and the robots turned on them."

Y/N's eyes widened in alarm.

"What do we do? Should we call Perry? The President? My mom?" Flip asked

Before either of them could react further, they both noticed Clark was no longer standing with them. He had vanished, leaving only a slight breeze in his wake.

Flip looked around, confused. "Where did he go?"

Y/N, breathing heavily and clearly on the verge of an anxiety attack, tried to steady himself. His hands were shaking, and he felt his chest tighten, but he knew he had to keep it together.

"Flip," he managed to say, his voice wavering, "I need you to go find Ethan. Tell him everything—about the robots, Lois, Jimmy—everything. He can get backup. Okay?"

Flip nodded, her own fear evident but determined to help. "Okay, I'll find Ethan. What will you do?"

"I'm gonna try and help..."

———

Lois and Jimmy were running through the maze of shipping containers, the heavy thuds of the robot's footsteps echoing behind them. The mechanical monster was relentless, its red eyes scanning for its targets. Just as they thought they might have a chance to escape, a sharp whistle pierced the air.

Suddenly, a figure in a sleek suit stepped out from behind a container, blocking their path. He had a cold, calculated look in his red eye, and his hands were steady, holding two pistols aimed directly at them.

Lois, panting and trying to catch her breath, glanced at him and smirked despite the danger. "I'm guessing your friends call you Bullseye?"

The man's lips curled into a humorless smile. "My friends call me Lawton. My enemies call me Deadshot."

Lois's smirk faltered as the gravity of their situation sank in. Jimmy, eyes wide with fear, whispered, "What do we do now?"

Deadshot's gaze didn't waver as he took a step closer. "Now, you run out of luck."

Before Deadshot could pull the trigger, the robot caught up, its massive frame towering over them all. Lois and Jimmy were trapped, caught between a lethal assassin and an unstoppable machine.

As Lois and Jimmy found themselves cornered by Deadshot and the robot, help was on the way from two different directions. Clark arrived at the far side of the dock, quickly assessing the situation. He realized that the only way to save his friends was to use his powers. Spotting a nearby locker room, he dashed inside and grabbed a jacket with a hood to keep his face hidden. He needed to act fast, but he also needed to keep his identity a secret.

On the other side, Y/N arrived, his heart pounding with anxiety. The scene before him was chaotic, and he felt overwhelmed, unsure of what to do. The voices in his head grew louder, each offering different advice, but one voice stood out clearly—Azmuth, calm and authoritative.

"Y/N, you need to focus," Azmuth said, his tone firm yet gentle. "You have the power to help them. Use it. Transform and protect your friends."

Y/N took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. Azmuth had always been like a father figure to him, guiding him through the most challenging times. Trusting in Azmuth's wisdom, Y/N closed his eyes and concentrated. He could feel the familiar surge of energy coursing through him as he morphed out of his human form and into his Malware form.

His body shifted, merging with the alien technology that had become a part of him.

From his hiding spot, Clark watched as Y/N transformed, amazed by the sight but knowing he couldn't hesitate any longer. With his face hidden by the hood, Clark moved swiftly towards Deadshot and the robot, ready to use his powers to save his friends.

Deadshot smirked, aiming his gun at Lois and Jimmy with chilling precision. "I want to be the nice guy here, so I'm going to make this quick."

Before he could pull the trigger, a blur of motion intercepted him. Clark, moving at superhuman speed, knocked Deadshot off his feet, sending him sprawling across the ground. Clark, his face hidden by the hood, stood protectively in front of Lois and Jimmy.

Deadshot, momentarily stunned, scrambled to his feet, glaring at the hooded figure. "Who the hell are you?"

Clark didn't answer, keeping his focus on Deadshot.

Meanwhile, Y/N, now in his Malware form, faced the towering robot. With a surge of energy, he launched himself at the machine, using his enhanced strength to deliver powerful blows. The robot staggered but retaliated with its own attacks. Y/N's body altered, absorbing some of the robot's technological components to increase his own power.

As Y/N fought, he noticed a flying figure out of the corner of his eye. Clark had taken to the air, his hood flapping in the wind as he used his incredible strength and speed to combat Deadshot. Y/N was momentarily surprised to see someone else with extraordinary abilities but quickly refocused on the robot.

Using his nanite spikes, Y/N managed to disable the robot's central processing unit, causing it to collapse in a heap of inert metal. He turned just in time to see Clark land another powerful punch on Deadshot, knocking him out cold.

Y/N, panting from the exertion, approached Clark cautiously. "Who... who are you?"

Clark, still keeping his hood up, glanced at Y/N. "Just someone trying to help."

Lois and Jimmy, still catching their breath, were wide-eyed with shock as they looked between the hooded flying man and Malware. Jimmy, his camera momentarily forgotten, blurted out, "Did Malware just save us?"

Before they could fully process the situation, more thugs arrived, surrounding them with menacing looks. Their eyes widened at the sight of Malware and the flying man, clearly not expecting such formidable opponents.

"Stay behind us," Clark instructed, his voice calm yet commanding. Lois and Jimmy nodded, stepping back as Malware and the hooded man prepared for another battle.

The thugs rushed forward, but they were no match for Malware's advanced technology and raw power. With a series of swift, calculated moves, he disarmed and incapacitated them one by one. His nanite spikes and enhanced strength made quick work of the attackers, leaving them either unconscious or too injured to fight back.

Clark, using his super speed and strength, moved with equal efficiency, ensuring that none of the thugs could get close to Lois and Jimmy. Between the two of them, the fight was over almost as quickly as it had begun.

Meanwhile, hidden behind a stack of crates, Edward Nigma watched the scene unfold with barely contained excitement. His eyes gleamed with curiosity and fascination as he observed Malware's abilities. Turning to Leslie, he couldn't help but share his thoughts in the form of a riddle.

"What walks the line between human and machine, possessing strength beyond imagination?" he asked, his voice almost a whisper.

Leslie, frustrated and anxious about the unexpected turn of events, snapped, "What are you talking about, Nigma?"

Edward's smile widened. "The answer is Malware. Fascinating, isn't it? A living embodiment of technological power."

Leslie glared at him, her mind racing to figure out their next move. "Yeah, fascinating..."

Leslie turned, her frustration boiling over as she realized they were now alone, surrounded by chaos and failure. With a determined glint in her eyes, she knew it was time to regroup and come up with a new plan.

"Alright," she declared, her voice firm and unwavering. "It's time for a new plan."

With swift movements, she activated all the remaining robots, sending them into action against Malware and the flying man. Each machine surged to life, their metallic forms whirring as they advanced towards their targets with deadly intent.

Malware and Clark, now faced with a horde of rampaging robots, sprang into action without hesitation. With precision and coordination, they engaged the mechanical adversaries, each using their unique abilities to combat the threat.

Malware, with his technological prowess and enhanced strength, swiftly disabled the robots with calculated strikes. His nanite spikes sliced through metal casings, rendering the machines inert with each precise blow. He moved with agility and speed, dodging incoming attacks while delivering devastating counterattacks.

Clark, utilizing his superhuman speed and strength, was a blur of motion as he incapacitated the robots with powerful punches and well-timed maneuvers. His movements were fluid and efficient, his blows landing with incredible force as he protected Malware and fought to neutralize the threat.

With a powerful surge of strength, Malware seized one of the robots, tearing off its arm with a resounding metallic snap. The severed limb dangled limply as he held it aloft, his eyes glowing with determination as he surveyed his surroundings.

Without hesitation, Malware activated his body alteration abilities, his form shimmering with energy as he merged with the robotic appendage. Nanites surged from his body, intertwining with the mechanical components as he absorbed them into himself.

As the integration process completed, Malware's strength and capabilities surged, enhanced by the assimilated technology.

Malware unleashed a barrage of energy blasts from his newly augmented arm, each shot striking true and tearing through the ranks of the remaining robots. The air crackled with energy as he fought with unwavering resolve, his aim precise and his attacks relentless.

Beside him, Clark moved with a grace and speed that seemed almost superhuman, his fists a blur as he delivered powerful blows to any robot that dared to approach. Together, they made quick work of the mechanical adversaries, their combined efforts proving too much for the remaining forces to withstand.

As the last of the robots fell to the ground in a heap of twisted metal, Malware and Clark stood side by side, surveying the aftermath of the battle.

Lois looked at them both. "Hello? Who are you?"

Clark flew off and Malware took off.

Ethan and the police arrived on the scene, already detaining Badger and several of the criminals responsible for the chaos. Among the crowd, Y/N and Clark emerged.

Lois rushed forward, her eyes brimming with emotion as she enveloped Y/N in a tight hug. "I'm so sorry for everything," she exclaimed, her words tumbling out in a frantic stream. "I'm sorry I lied. Clark was right. I was being selfish,
and you just left us. But you came back, and...and I'm sorry."

Y/N returned the hug, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "It's okay, Lois," he reassured her, his voice calm and steady.

Ethan approached the group, his expression serious as he explained the police procedures regarding the confiscated robots and the ongoing investigation. "The robots will be taken into custody as evidence," he began, his voice firm and authoritative. "We'll conduct a thorough investigation to determine their origins and any potential threats they may pose."

He turned to the four, his gaze sweeping over them. "Did any of you manage to capture images of anything that might be important?" he inquired, his tone tinged with curiosity.

Jimmy's eyes lit up with excitement as he checked his camera, his fingers scrolling through the photos until he found what he was looking for. "I got a few shots," he exclaimed, holding up the camera to show Ethan. "They're a bit blurry, but you can definitely see them."

Ethan examined the photos with interest, nodding in approval.

As Ethan walked away, his gaze fell upon a small device lying on the ground nearby. Picking it up, he examined it closely, noting its intricate design and unfamiliar markings. It seemed out of place amidst the chaos of the scene.

Recognizing the importance of preserving potential evidence, Ethan decided to hold onto the device for safekeeping. He slipped it into his pocket, making a mental note to include it in the ongoing investigation.

———

Back at the Daily Planet

Mr. White's frustration was palpable. "This is garbage," he declared, his voice sharp with disappointment.

Lois, undeterred, countered, "Mr. White, this is gold."

"What you brought me is a bunch of blurry pictures of robots falling. What on earth were you thinking?" Mr. White's glare intensified as he addressed the group. "And you dragged Y/N and my brand new interns into this," he admonished, clearly displeased with the situation.

"It's the truth. Lois was right about the robots, and we all stand by the story we broke, because we're a team," Y/N asserted

As Mr. White dismissed the interns, their future uncertain, Jimmy remained optimistic. "We're not fired?" He exclaimed, surprised by the unexpected reprieve.

Mr. White's response was cryptic. "I'll figure out what to do with you tomorrow," he stated, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Does that mean you'll run our story, Chief?" Lois pressed, her determination unwavering.

"I'll run your story on the day you get me a photo shoot with Malware's return and your very real 'Flying Man,'" Mr. White replied gruffly.

The four left the office.

Lois jumped happily and kissed Y/N. "This is great," she exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious.

"And... And I promise, from now on, no more secrets. You in, Clark?" she asked eagerly.

"Of course, Lois," Clark replied, his smile warm and reassuring.

Lois declared, "And no matter where they go, no matter where they hide, we will track Superman and Malware down and force them to tell us all their secrets. And then we'll publish them."
———
Additional villains

Deadshot (He'll be replacing Bloodsport since Bloodsport appeared in the recent My Adventures with Superman comics)

Failsafe

Clayface

Next chapter: Y/N finds himself captured and taken hostage by Leslie Willis.