Hold The Presses(O)

[Superman]

"I'll Always be Around......"

Sitting behind a wooden desk, laptop open to a white screen and a head face down beside it. It was truly an art in which he had perfected over the last month. With little good news flowing by, it was hard not to be somewhat lazy. In the past two weeks, Maxwell had written 10 articles about gang violence and the increase in deaths. O f course, this week, things had taken a turn for the better. A new face had appeared on the often disturbing front page of the Planet.

"A Return of Capes"

It was detailed look into the raise of heroic activity world over, including the sudden appearance of Super Girl. That was the one that made him actually have a smile when he came in to work. Then there was last night, a late night for him. The young man had finally made his choice, a choice that he would live with forever...and considering his background, he had a lot of time to regret it if need be. Two major gang leaders taken out and placed into police custody....in one night. Two large groups of thugs brought to justice...in one night.

The first thing he heard when he came in at 7 am was that Superman had come back. A funny thing to hear, made all the more amusing since he was the one that did it. it brought the question of whether his father ever felt like this? A mixture of humility and pride? A desire to say that he did it, but to keep silent in knowing better? If anything, he was certain that a phone call from his mother would be coming shortly. But then, she was always full of surprises....maybe she'd get a kick out of it as well...

But in all this, there still left one thing to do. He had to write a story of the details that were left on his desk of the events. Coming up with a title would be the first thing. Yet he was tired and not really in the mood to come up with some fantastic eye catcher for tomorrow's headline. Maxwell would have been all but content in just sleeping. Though as he continued to rest his head on the cool surface before him, he sighed as he pulled himself upright and pushed his glasses up to the bridge of his nose.

"Gotta focus Kent...Just come up with a title and then you can go outside for a breath of air..."

Making this statement, Max let his hands rest upon the keys of his computer and slowly typed in the title.

"Superman's Return?"

It was questioning the arrival of the supposed Man of Steel and also addressing the point of the article. With that done, the young report grabbed his coat from behind his chair and swiftly walked towards the elevator. Telling everyone that he was going to lunch, he heard a few of them mention that he'd been on break at this desk for close to an hour. To that, he simply smiled and shrugged his shoulders. They all knew that this was an slow morning for news, other than the events of last night. Also, they were aware that Max was one of the best and that his work was close to that of his mother. Not that he got special treatment, but they respected him enough to know when he needed time to think.

[Supergirl]

Superman's identity was now finally out in the open. The new Superman had appeared, and Supergirl was very very interested. She knew about Superman quite a bit. After all, she had had DNA from superman in her very own genetic structure. After those advanced modifications, she was a genetic child of Superman in a sense. Because of this, she had learned as much about the man as she could. She had a real father, so she would never consider Superman to be a relative, but the genetic resemblance could not be overlooked.

"Superman!" She cried out. "Superman! Help!"

Did she really need help? No, not really. She was standing in a dark alley in downtown Metropolis, not too far away from the Daily Planet. As of yet, she didn't even know he worked there. But in any case, she was safe here. It wasn't like anyone would mess with her while she was dressed as Supergirl. She crossed her arms in hopes that Superman would hear her call and appear soon.

[Superman]

"I'll Always be Around......"

It was a nice day, a shame that he had to spend most of it inside a building. Hands within his pockets, Max began walking down the busy streets of Metropolis. It seemed that everyone was attempting to get out and enjoy the peace, it wasn't as though there was much of it recently. Had one night actually changed the city? Or was Maxwell simply being overly optimistic? Perhaps he was, but it was a good change in pace. A chance to hope that her had made a difference in just doing the right thing.

Who knows? Maybe this is a treat of Metropolis becoming safer...

As a smile appeared over his face, he felt a high pitch noise catch his ear, causing him to stop suddenly.Was that a scream? Looking around, he managed to pick up on the direction in which it was coming from. The far side of the city in a alley way.

Well....One scream in broad daylight is a start...

Looking around, he sighed as he couldn't very well fly off in the middle of a crowded street. But then, where exactly was he going to go? Moving swiftly back into the Daily Planet, he ascended the staircase all the way to the third floor of the building. It was the paranormal department, and they were seldom busy. Which meant that he had an area to use as his escape route. Moving through the working area, he saw that no one was there and quickly moved into a closet. As he swiftly undressed, Max wondered just how his father managed to do this every day?

I'm sure super speed helps...Wonder why I don't have that?

Once out of his normal clothes and completely within his costume, he placed the clothing in the far back of the closet and then with a flash of red was out of the nearby window and outside.

Cape flapping behind him as he soared through the air, Max held a serious expression as he scanned the area below for the location of the voice. Landing in the alley, he crossing both arms over his chest and sighed when he saw it was a young girl in a super girl costume. Considering how the city was at the moment, it wasn't the best choice in clothing. But at least she looked unharmed. So perhaps maybe she was simply trying to get his attention? But for what reason?

"Are you alright miss? Is there something I can help you with?"

[Supergirl]

And it wasn't long until Superman came to join her, just as she had expected. It appeared he had super hearing as well. Of course, Supergirl was really wondering where he had gotten his powers from. Had his genes been manipulated to have Superman's genes as well? It was unlikely. Only STAR labs had that kind of technology, and even using it was so risky that it would most likely result in death for the one whose genes were being spliced. She doubted anyone would take such a risk on him.

"Hey there... nice tights," she said with a giggle. She looked up at him, now using her x-ray vision to see what else he had to offer aside from a tight-fit outfit. After a couple seconds though, she went back to her normal vision.

"Interesting birthmark you have on your inner-thigh there, Superman. Overall, I'd rate you an 8 out of 10," she winked playfully.

[Superman]

"I'll Always be Around......"

The first thing to come to his mind was how the hell she knew about that, not to mention that she seem to be making some kind of statement by rating him by the 10/10 system. Max was sure that his surprise was apparent, as he had physical mouthed the his first thoughts without saying a word. That was then it kicked him, though of course, it could have fooled anyone. The costume, the fact that she had looked him over....This wasn't just some random girl.

Coughing into a closefisted hand, Superman smirked while shaking his head.

"I take it you're Super Girl.......Not exactly what I'd think you'd be doing with your spar time. Do you always pretend to be in trouble?"

Looking her over, he could see that she wasn't exactly a child. If anything, he'd guess that she was in her later teens. Though the real question that came to mind was how exactly was she who she was? After all, if he had gotten his powers from Superman, who gave them to her? Was there perhaps more like him than he thought? Considering this, he figured this might be his best chance to learn more or it could be a chance to gain an ally. Either way, he had no intention of starting a fight. After all, if she could do something that he couldn't, what was there to say that she couldn't do things that he could..let perhaps lift up a bridge?

[Supergirl]

Supergirl used her powers of flight and began to levitate about 2 meters into the air. She crossed her arms as she continued to examine him, though not nearly as thoroughly as before. Still, from here she could look down at him, and she did so with a rather smirk grin. So he was Superman. She still couldn't believe that there was another one like her out here. Sure, technically she was human, but that wasn't what her genetics claimed. Any analytical work done on her would reveal her to be a hybrid. That was what her father had done to her.

"Don't pretend like you care about what I do," she said in a rather critical voice. She hadn't snapped at him or anything, but she was attempting to be rather frank right now. She wanted to get down to things, just as she felt he probably did.

"You want to know more about me. You want to know how I got my powers," she anticipated. Those were, after all, the same things she wanted to know about him.

"But.... I'm probably not going to tell you."

[Superman]

"I'll Always be Around......"

Looking up at her as she floated slightly above him, Max raised one eye brow as he felt as though she was attempt to display some kind of dominance over him. Which was fine, since he was sure this was just her being on guard. Why wouldn't she? After all, he was the new hero in this city. Not to mention that he was also similar to her in someways. With all these, it was likely she was still trying to see what he was going to do? So , hold his hands up slightly in surrender, Superman spoke calmly towards the young woman.

"Which I can understand completely...You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. Just know that I'm here only to help, not start trouble...."

Smiling as he let his hands drop to his sides, he relaxed as he hoped that she would do the same.

"Whatever questions I have can wait in till you're ready...."

[Supergirl]

"Questions?"

She did have questions for him. But they wouldn't come for due time. In fact, she had other plans for now. She wanted to learn more about him, yes, but she would find out in her own way. The rest would come later. What was this man of steel truly capable of? Could they even call him the man of steel yet? Was he as good as the legend of his name?

Supergirl wondered. Unlike him, she had no name to live up to. There had never been a Supergirl before. The closest thing up until now was Power Girl, but "Power Girl" was not the title which Supergirl hoped to take up. She was going to invent her own name, as she had done.

"I wonder if you live up to the title "Man of Steel."

In any case, still examining the man, she hovered to him with her arms crossed, just as earlier. She was exhaustively researching him as the biologist she was. Gently, she planted her feet in the ground. After only a second or two, without any hesitation, she planted her fist into him as powerfully as possible. It could quite possibly send him flying. In any case, she held back nothing in her punch.

[Superman]

"I'll Always be Around......"

Whatever statement he was going to make would have to wait, for as soon as he had started to believe that this encounter was going smoothly, he felt a punch connect directly into his chest. The fact that he had been unprepared, added to the impact as Max was sent fly from the alley and collided directly int the side of a building. The punch had packed a lot of power behind it, showing that the girl indeed had super strength. Raising up slowly from the ground, he looked around quickly to make sure that no one had been caught in his crash landing.

What the hell? Just when I think I figured her out, she turns and does something like that...Just what was that for?!

Seeing that no one had been harmed, Superman frowned as he floated up into the sky and looked towards the female with a serious gaze.

"Is that really how you end a conversation? Punching someone?"

Crossing his arms over his chest, Max was now fully prepared to defend himself. So much for just talking. It looked as though she was trying to fight.

[Supergirl]

Supergirl saw her punch land. It sent him flying, but he had also gotten back up almost right away. He really was strong. Maybe not "Man of Steel" strong, but pretty strong nonetheless. he was strong enough to wear Superman's clothing after all probably. She grinned. He was fun. He was actually the only person she had ever hit with her full strength. It made her feel so good to test out how powerfully she could punch, though she was sure he'd want to do the same.

"Awww, don't be a sourpuss," she pouted after he finally got back up. She then bent over just a bit and turned her head slightly so that her cheek was facing toward her. She pointed at her right cheek. She was clearly presenting her cheek as a target for him, and if he did try to punch her, she definitely wasn't going to try to dodge.

"It's fun. Don't think I'm not fair. You can punch me too. As hard as you can. I know you want to test your power."

[Superman]

"I'll Always be Around......"

"Fun?"

That comment left Max with a dumbfounded look on his face. Was she serious? As he stared at her, he realized that she was indeed not joking, present her cheek towards him as a target. Now...while not being completely raised by his grandparents, he had learned that it was never right to hit a woman. Of course, there were situations when it may be called to subdue them, but to actually physically strike a female at full force seemed insane. It was more crazy because of the fact that he had never actually thrown a punch at full power...ever.

Landing down next to her, he raised his left brow as he was unsure as to what to do at this point. It just didn't seem like a good idea. After all, this was a busy city and it could likely get someone hurt doing something like this. But Super Girl did have a point, he was curious as to just how powerful he was.

"If we're gonna do this....Could you give me a target that won't get me listed a domestic abuser? If there is any?"

[Supergirl]

Truth be told, Supergirl was actually a bit upset that he had decided not to hit her. It made her feel bad that she hit him simply because it was unfair. Nonetheless, she had still given him a chance to. He had simply decided not to take it. On the other hand, it still felt as a disappointment. She had never felt real pain before, and if this guy could provide her with pain and maybe even leave a mark, that would be amazing. She wanted to know what it felt like to bleed. It was simple curiosity.

"You're no fun,... But fine, we can find another place," Supergirl said as she began floating into the air again.

"I know a place."

[Superman]

"I'll Always be Around......"

She was defiantly a strange one. Despite appearance, she almost sounded like a kid. No fun? Sourpuss? These weren't the words he had expected to exchange the at first serious sounding heroine. But then again, it was nice to know that he wasn't the only one taking the super power thing lightly. Though in truth, Super Girl seemed to be taking it almost too lightly.

Either way, it seemed as though she was heeding to his request, which made Max feel a little more at ease.

"OK then....Lead the way..."

Floating up beside her, he smile calmly as her gestured for her to go first with both hands.

[Supergirl]

And in no time, they were off. Supergirl was going to head him to an empty forest clearing a good bit outside of Metropolis. It would serve as an excellent spot for them to do whatever it was that they were going to do together. Most likely they would be learning more about each other's powers and abilities. She was actually rather excited about it.

She looked back at him, now watching him follow her. She smirked as a mischevious idea came into her mind. Swiftly, she began to accelerate, and soon, she was flying well over 300 mph. Of course, this was her top speed. She wanted to lose him, and this way, she could find out who was faster, though she was pretty sure that she would be the winner of such a race.

[Superman]

"I'll Always be Around......"

Trailing behind her, Max looked down at the city as they passed by. It was usually quite the perspective bringer. Metropolis was small from above, and he could only imagine all the terrors that had plagued it. All the fights, all the death. Was this really what he wanted to do? Protect the city from any and every possible threat? Just like his father? He had already questioned himself about this decision, and he decided to do it because it was the right thing to do and because he felt that no one else could.

But there was more to it than that. Being Superman....Doing what his father had done, it made him feel closer to him in some way. It gave a better understanding to the man behind the cape, the one who said he regretted leaving home every day. The one that believed in him. He wasn't trying to live up to the standards of the Man of Steel, he was trying to live up to the standards of his father....Clark Kent.

Bringing himself back from his thoughts, he looked closer into the distance and realized where it was she was headed. It was an old forest area. Not too much active there and it was mostly just woods. It would be the perfect place for what they were going to do. Though he still wished he had a better idea of what that was. Did she plan on having them duke it out? Or was she trying to gather information out of him even now?

Watching her look back towards him, he saw her smirk like a devious child before disappearing into the distance. Blinking, he knew that she had to have just gone around 250 to 300mphs in just those few seconds. It seemed like a silly game, but he decided that he might as well play as well. Blasting off after her, he instantly flew past her and landed within the clearing with seconds to spar. If there was one thing he did know, was that he could fly fast....Of course, he still had to work on his abilities in flight.