After confirming with Batman, Superman descended gracefully to the harbor, landing beside Batman with his cape fluttering momentarily before settling.
"Don't antagonize him," Batman warned in a low voice as soon as Superman touched down, though his eyes remained fixated on the approaching vessel as he added, "We need to handle this delicately."
As the yacht finally docked, the worry among the soldiers was visible. Weapons were raised, fingers hovered near triggers, and eyes narrowed in suspicion. Soon , the yatchts gangplank was lowered, and the first to step out was Cheshire.
She no longer wore her usual outfit but instead now wore a sleek black suit tailored to perfection, hugging her figure in all the right places. The suit jacket cinched at her waist, paired with a short skirt that revealed a hint of lace from her sheer black pantyhose. Her high heels clicked against the metal ramp as she descended with a feline grace and a playful smirk on her lips.
"Well, aren't you all just a welcoming committee," Cheshire teased, her voice full of her usual sarcasm. She surveyed the hostile glares and aimed rifles with a nonchalance that only someone like her could muster.
Batman's eyes narrowed as he discreetly scanned her face. "Alfred, any match on her identity?" he whispered into his communicator.
Alfred's voice came back, puzzled. "No match, Sir. It seems she's a ghost in the system. No records, no facial recognition hits. She's a complete enigma."
Batman frowned slightly but kept his composure as Cheshire continued to descend, her smirk not wavering.
In the next moment, Tala appeared at the top of the ramp, her presence equally eye catching.
She wore a light purple suit that contrasted beautifully with her dark hair, the jacket's plunging neckline adding a touch of allure. The matching pants flowed elegantly with each step, and she moved with a seductive confidence.
"Seriously, two of them?" one soldier muttered under his breath, unable to hide his admiration.
Another soldier nudged him, whispering, "Talk about unfair. Here we are, ready for a potential firefight, and the guy has his own supermodel entourage."
"Who needs backup when you've got… that?" the first soldier quipped, trying to keep his voice low but failing miserably.
Cheshire, overhearing the exchange, glanced back at Tala and then at the soldiers. "Aww, you boys are too kind. But don't worry, we're not here to steal your hearts—just your boss's attention." She winked, causing a few of the soldiers to blush among themselves.
Superman remained stoic, but Batman could feel the growing tension. "Stay focused," Batman reminded the soldiers. "This isn't a social visit."
Shortly after Tala had began descending, Arias himself finally appeared, dressed in his usual immaculate suit. His eyes surveyed the scene with an almost amused detachment, as if this entire situation was just another day for him.
The soldiers' grip on their weapons tightened, but they didn't make any sudden moves. Batman and Superman exchanged a quick glance before stepping forward to meet Arias.
"Superman, Batman," Arias greeted, his voice smooth and steady. "I didn't expect you of all people to welcome me here. And with so many… friends."
Superman stepped forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. "We're here to ensure this goes smoothly, Markovich. Any misstep, and we'll act accordingly."
Arias raised an eyebrow, a faint smile appearing on his lips. "I wouldn't expect anything less from the Justice League."
Batman's eyes flicked towards the soldiers, silently signaling them to lower their weapons. Reluctantly, they obeyed, though their wariness remained visible.
"Shall we then?" Arias said, gesturing towards the awaiting convoy.
As they moved towards the convoy, Cheshire and Tala flanked Arias, their confident strides never faltering. The soldiers watched them go, still muttering among themselves about the unusual scene.
"Remember," Batman said quietly to Superman, "keep an eye on him. We can't afford any problems right now."
Superman nodded, his gaze never leaving Arias. "I'll be watching."
As Arias, Cheshire, and Tala made their way towards the convoy, soldiers moved with practiced efficiency as they formed a protective cordon around the group, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any potential threats. The scene was similar to that of a presidential motorcade, complete with armored vehicles and tight security protocols.
A heavily armored luxury sedan waited for Arias, its black paint glinting under the harbor lights. But before he could enter, the security detail carefully checked and rechecked the vehicle, their attention to detail bordering on obsessive.
Sniffer dogs were led around the perimeter, while bomb disposal units stood by, ready to spring into action at the slightest hint of danger.
As Arias approached the sedan after the check was done, soldiers stepped aside with a crisp salute, their faces stern but their eyes showing a mix of curiosity and fear.
"Eyes on the target, maintain formation," barked the commanding officer, causing the soldiers to respond in unison, their movements precise and disciplined.
Arias entered the sedan first, settling into the plush leather seat. Cheshire and Tala followed, each taking their places at his sides. The door then closed with a soft thud, sealing them inside the luxury vehicle.
As the convoy began its journey to the Leviathan residential building, the streets were cleared, creating a secure path through the city. Police escorts on motorcycles led the way with their sirens wailing and lights flashing. Overhead, helicopters hovered, providing aerial surveillance and ensuring no threat went unnoticed.
But back inside the sedan, Arias leaned back with a satisfied smile on his lips. Tala, always attentive of her new Master, reached for a crystal decanter filled with an amber liquid. She poured a generous measure into a tumbler, the ice clinking softly as it settled. She then handed the drink to Arias with a smile, "here you go, mazter."
'Two can play at that game.' Cheshire, not to be outdone, picked up a cluster of grapes from a silver platter. She plucked a grape and held it to Arias's lips. "How about a snack boss? Or if you prefer… a little on the road fun" she teased in a playful tone.
Arias chuckled, accepting the grape with a small nod. "You two certainly know how to make a man feel welcome, the government could learn a thing or two from you," he remarked, purposefully savoring the moment to put across a certain image. After all, he was sure he we was being watched from several angles.
As they neared the Leviathan residential building, the convoy encountered a media frenzy. Reporters and camera crews jostled for position with their microphones and lenses pointed expectantly towards the approaching vehicles. Flashbulbs went off in rapid succession, creating a strobe-like effect that illuminated the night.
Superman, flying alongside the convoy, landed near Batman who stopped at the front, his expression one of mild annoyance. "How did they get here so fast?" Superman asked, causing Batman to narrow his eyes as he scanned the chaotic scene. "Someone must've leaked it," he replied, his gaze shifting to the sedan where Arias sat. "And I have a pretty good idea who."
Inside the sedan, Arias's smile widened as he took a sip of his drink. "Ah, the power of the press," he muttered, enjoying the spectacle unfolding outside. Tala leaned in closer, her chest pressing against his arm as she refilled his glass. Cheshire continued to feed him grapes but kept brushing her fingers lightly against his lips.
Once the vehicle came to a full stop, and the doors were opened by the ever-vigilant security detail. Arias casually stepped out and was immediately met with countless voices asking questions and the blinding glare of camera lights.
However, he remained composed, this was after all what he wanted.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the press," he began, his voice audible above all the commotion, "thank you for your warm welcome. I look forward to addressing your questions in detail in due time. For now, please keep them brief."