"Axel!!!"
What would it feel like to wake from a coma and see a blood-soaked supervillain standing over you?
Though Lois had graduated just a year ago, her travels and experience had made her sharp. Yet the moment she clearly saw Axel, she rolled her eyes and slumped back onto the hospital bed.
Noticing her about to faint again, Axel grabbed her by the lapel and gave her a firm slap.
Smack!
Lois's eyes snapped open, and she groaned in confusion. "My face… it hurts. Am I dreaming? Or is this hell? Ninjas… I was killed by ninjas, right? And you're not in heaven, so… why is this hell?!"
"Cut the theatrics," Axel said with a smirk. "Don't think I can't hear you 'blessing' me to hell. It's a blessing, not a curse. Heaven and hell? Just playgrounds for me. If I ever visit, well… hehe, let's just say the inhabitants better be ready for a world of pain."
Still holding her by the collar, Axel lifted Lois off the bed. Trembling, she steadied herself on her high heels and clutched his wrist.
"I… I didn't give the phone to anyone. I kept our promise," she said in a low voice, biting her lip nervously.
Axel nodded approvingly. "Good. You kept your word, so I didn't kill your father. I only broke both his legs. You're a hero, Lois. Without you, he'd be dead. Now you can brag you saved his life, hehe."
"Wait!" Lois shivered violently. "You… you said my father—"
"Yeah," Axel interrupted, "he broke both legs himself. He's an old man in his fifties or sixties, yet he ambushed a guy in his twenties like me. Shameless."
He pulled her toward the window. Outside, General Lane lay barely clinging to life. Lois's eyes widened, and she stumbled back. Axel slapped her butt firmly to steady her.
Smack!
Lois's feet lifted off the ground. "Ah!!!" Pain contorted her face. Half of her bottom swelled immediately, but the discomfort brought her to full alert. She leaned subtly against the wall and spoke calmly:
"My father was just following orders. You kidnapped me, yes, but your presence here was your choice. I even sent a hint via text. Most importantly… you're a criminal, Axel. Anyone should arrest you."
Lois glared, but Axel just grinned. He ruffled her hair.
"If your bottom hurts too much, rub it yourself. Too shy? I can help. As for your father, those broken legs may save him. This world is a nest of monsters. When I stir the waters, dozens leap out. Your father stepping back might give him a few more years. He's already a general. How far can he go? Your family isn't a political dynasty or a financial empire. A general's rank is the ceiling. Even if he keeps showing off, can he be president? No public shit skills, so forget it, Lois!"
He draped his arm over her shoulder.
"Come on, sister. Let your father heal himself. Time for lunch. In getting here, I killed forty people, took down a demon lord, and hundreds of their minions died. By the way, Smallville—any good food? Have you been around? If the food sucks, those deaths were for nothing, haha."
Lois wanted to check on her father but dared not defy Axel. She swallowed her panic and spoke calmly:
"Last year, at the Daily Planet, big stories were hard to come by. To get full-time hired, I ran all over Metropolis. Smallville is close to Metropolis and one of Kansas' largest agricultural towns, so I've been here during harvest a few times."
"Really?" Axel asked as he carried her toward a nearby barbecue. "Any big stories in Smallville? Full-time reporter now?"
"I… I have my own column now," Lois stammered.
Axel feigned surprise and chuckled. "Impressive, sister. Quick promotion. How'd you pull that off?"
Lois stiffened. "My father invited my boss to a party…"
"Damn," Axel said, rolling his eyes in disbelief.
Lois lowered her head in shame. Just then, General Lane glanced toward her. Seeing his cherished daughter in Axel's embrace, the old man, weak moments ago, felt his vein throb and bellowed:
"Axel! Let go of my daughter! I… ugh ah…"
"General, wake up!!!"
Even in this state, his strength surprised Axel. "Holy crap, he can still shout. Old man, you must have overdrawn your kidneys!"