Chapter 12: Allies in the Shadows

The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the city skyline. Marcus hovered silently above, taking in the sight of a bustling metropolis, a world that was still blissfully unaware of the dangers lurking beneath the surface. In his iconic Superman suit, complete with the bright red cape and the legendary "S" symbol emblazoned on his chest, he floated effortlessly, blending into the golden hues of the setting sun. Below, people went about their daily routines, completely unaware that a new force had entered their lives—someone who wasn't controlled by Vought, who had his own agenda.

Marcus had spent the day strategically positioning himself across the city, making calculated appearances. He had rescued a group of workers from a collapsing building earlier in the morning and stopped a runaway train in the afternoon, actions that would generate headlines and increase his public profile. It was all part of his plan—to build the legend of Superman in a way that would endear him to the public and make him untouchable. But beyond the public image, Marcus had far bigger goals in mind.

As he touched down in a dimly lit alleyway, the shadows enveloped him. Standing a few feet away, just out of the light, was a figure Marcus had been expecting. Dressed in a sleek, tailored suit, the man stood with a calm, collected demeanor, his face obscured by the shadows but his presence unmistakable.

Victor Neuman, the supposed father of Victoria Neuman, better known as the head-popper. The man was a calculated player in the complex web of politics, power, and corruption that intertwined with Vought International. Marcus had been watching him for weeks, waiting for the right moment to approach. He knew that aligning himself with someone like Victor could be dangerous, but it was also necessary. In a world where brute strength wasn't always enough, Marcus needed allies who could work behind the scenes—people who could manipulate the chessboard in ways he couldn't.

Victor glanced up as Marcus approached, his eyes sharp. "Superman," he greeted, his voice smooth. "Or should I say Marcus?"

"Superman will do," Marcus replied, his tone firm. He wasn't about to reveal any more than was necessary. Especially not to someone like Victor, who undoubtedly had his own hidden agenda.

Victor smirked, stepping into the faint light cast by a nearby streetlamp. "As you wish. Your sudden rise to fame has caused quite a stir. Vought doesn't know what to do with you, you know. It's amusing to watch them scramble."

"I'm not here to entertain you," Marcus said, his voice cold. "I'm here to talk business."

Victor's smirk faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "Of course. Let's get to it, then. You're aware of Victoria's... capabilities?"

"Head-popping is a rather specific skill set," Marcus said, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm aware. I've also been keeping an eye on her. She's dangerous."

"Dangerous, yes," Victor agreed, his eyes narrowing slightly. "But also incredibly valuable. You see, Superman—can I call you Marcus?—in this world, power comes in many forms. Victoria and I, we have access to a different kind of power. And that's where we can help each other."

Marcus remained silent, waiting for Victor to continue. He wasn't about to trust this man blindly, but he needed to hear what he had to offer.

"Vought is crumbling from within," Victor continued, his voice taking on a more conspiratorial tone. "They're distracted, panicking about their image and your sudden appearance. But they're still dangerous, and their fall needs to be carefully managed. Otherwise, there will be chaos."

"And that's where you come in," Marcus said, his tone flat. "You want to control the collapse, make sure you and your daughter come out on top."

Victor nodded, his smile returning. "Exactly. We don't want anarchy. We want control. You want to bring Vought down, and we want to make sure that, when the dust settles, the world isn't left in a worse state than it already is."

Marcus's eyes narrowed as he considered Victor's words. The man was a manipulator, that much was clear. But he wasn't wrong about Vought. If the company fell without a plan in place, the power vacuum could lead to even more chaos. He had seen it happen in other universes—when the tyrant falls, a dozen others rise to take their place.

Suddenly, Marcus's vision flickered. His surroundings faded into a semi-transparent overlay as the System Panel appeared before his eyes:

________________________________________

[SYSTEM STATUS]

Current Ability: Superman (Basic)

•Strength: 85%

•Speed: 87%

•Flight: 88%

•Durability: 86%

•Heat Vision: 87%

•Solar Absorption: 88%

•Mental Ability: 89%

________________________________________

"We form an alliance," Victor said simply. "You keep doing what you're doing—saving lives, playing the hero. Build your reputation, make the people love you. Meanwhile, Victoria and I will work from the shadows, gathering support from key figures within the government. When the time is right, we move against Vought—together."

Marcus considered this. He knew he couldn't trust Victor completely, but the offer had merit. With Victor and Victoria working behind the scenes and Marcus operating in the spotlight, they could hit Vought from all sides. It was a tactical advantage he couldn't ignore.

"And what happens after Vought falls?" Marcus asked, his voice measured. "You and Victoria take over? Create your own version of Vought?"

Victor raised an eyebrow. "That depends on how things play out. But rest assured, Superman, we have no interest in controlling you. You would be free to do as you see fit. Our interests are aligned for now—that's what matters."

Marcus didn't respond immediately. He looked up at the sky, watching as the last rays of sunlight disappeared beyond the horizon. The world was shifting, and alliances were forming in the shadows. He knew Victor was a master manipulator, someone who always had an ulterior motive. But Marcus wasn't naïve. He had his own plans, and he wasn't about to let Victor or anyone else control him.

"Fine," Marcus said after a moment. "We'll work together, but don't mistake this for trust. I'm watching you and your daughter closely. If either of you steps out of line, you'll regret it."

Victor's smile widened, though there was a coldness to it. "Understood. It's been a pleasure, Superman. I look forward to our future... collaboration."

Without another word, Victor turned and walked away, disappearing into the shadows of the alley. Marcus remained where he was, watching him go, his mind racing with the possibilities. He knew this alliance was risky, but it was also necessary. For now, he would play along. But he would remain vigilant. Trust was a luxury he couldn't afford in a world as dangerous as this.

As Marcus took to the sky, flying into the night, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. Vought's fall was coming, and he would be at the center of it. But he wouldn't just be a pawn in someone else's game. He would make sure that when Vought finally crumbled, he was the one left standing—stronger and more powerful than ever. Some people might call it selfish but does he give a fuck?