Chapter 77: Chapter 77: Trails Of Gotham Part 1
After the shower shenanigans, Arias and Diana moved to the bath tub, where they soaked for a bit whilst holding a light conversation. During the talk, Diana got curious as to what type of work she'd be doing under Arias exactly, so she asked and he was now answering her.
"Well back in Gotham, a new law was introduced in which only heroes licensed or permitted by the city could operate there to fight against criminals that regular police officers can't handle. So far, the only person licensed is Harley, who works for me. They were others at an earlier stage but there was a bit of a falling out I should say so now I have to rebuild a Gotham Superhuman Task Force. That's the job I was specifying to."
Diana stretched her hands in the tub relaxingly and was excited by what the job had in stall for her. "That is quite the noble act, your actions a very admirable indeed. I would be honored to help keep the home of friend safe and secure, but does that mean I should resign from the Justice League? I do not want to protect a man who tried to take advantage of me."
Her words were referring to the US government, who was more or less the sponsor of the Justice League, a fact that Arias had revealed to her earlier.
The question she presented was actually valid, he hadn't thought too deeply about it because it wasn't known for sure whether she'd accept to go with him to Gotham and work for him.
But now that she asked, he considered the thought. It had its advantages and disadvantages; For one, her staying in the league would mean he could have access to intel he normally wouldn't but since she would be working for him, it was unlikely that they would allow her access to such.
More worrying than that, having her stay carried the risk of her interacting with others and growing different opinions. She was like a child in a new environment so what she believed and what sort of morals she leaned to would largely depend on the company she was around.
With all that in mind, the decision to make was clear. "I think you should resign or maybe take time off until you learn more about the world and people. I won't be there so who knows if you'll fall victim to someone's schemes again? I'd just be too worried for you." Arias lied as smoothly as a politician to Diana.
But to her, his words made sense and covered concerns she was worried about too. Because of Trevor and what the U.S government did, she had trouble trusting anyone but Arias or anyone who he didn't trust himself.
If he said it, then chances are high that his words were true, so Diana didn't hesitate to agree. "Then I shall resign. Should the world need help, then I will gladly provide assistance, but I will not be made a fool of again!"
The anger over the betrayal was still present within her, but this only worked in Arias's favor.
Before the two could converse any longer though, Harley waltzed into Arias's suite then came to bathroom. "Oh, there you are. I'm all done packing Mr. M, ouuu, can I hop in too?"
Neither Diana nor Arias tried to cover up when they saw Harley, Arias just had no reason to while Diana was used to being naked around women.
In the next moment, Arias got out of the tub and wore a towel before saying to Harley. "Feel free to, I'll need to pack my things though."
Arias knew for a fact that Harley couldn't be naked around him without presenting a vulgar idea. He didn't especially dislike it but with Diana present, he was sure the idea would involve three people.
Now wasn't the time to drown Diana in depravity so he chose to subtract himself from the equation. The moment he did so, Diana too came out. "Then I should pack as well."
Hearing Diana say that, Harley began inquiring if Diana would be joining them in Gotham, which sparked another conversation entirely as the two left Arias's suite together.
…
Once noon came, the group got on their flight and left Washington for Gotham, a trip that took less than an hour to complete.
Everything seemed normal until the group began to make their way out of the airport, where a huge crowd of people were standing outside Gotham International Airport, cheering and holding signs up.
The majority of the signs read "Welcome Wonderwoman" which caught Diana by surprise. Because back in Washington, although she had a fair number of fans, they were many protests towards her because of how she dressed and her demeanor general.
To make sure Diana would feel welcome, Arias leaked the news himself by asking his journalist contact, Vicki vale, to ensure the whole of Gotham knew that a new hero was coming.
And just as expected, the people were ecstatic, but it wasn't only for Diana. Some signs read "Welcome Back Arias" too while some even wrote, "Harley Is Gotham's #1 Waifu."
Seeing all this, Diana experienced the effect Arias had desired. She felt touched and wanted, instead of hated and judged. Harley simply pranced around waving and smiling at cameras.
Ever since she switched to being a hero, at least on the surface, she quickly became a favorite due to her ditzy nature and lovable raw humor. One could almost forget she was a psychopath… almost.
The welcoming party didn't consist of fans alone but also journalists eager to hear the scoop from Arias himself. But without much surprise, it was only Vicki and her Gotham Gazette crew who were allowed to pass by security and ask some questions.
"Arias Markovic, Vicki Vale of the Gotham Gazette, here to ask the question burning in the minds of all Gotham residents. What made Wonder woman choose to change cities? Is it really true that it was a decision of love? Or is this perhaps financial?"
Vicki's question made some fan girls in the crowd squeal and cheer. Sadly, Arias wasn't going to give them the answer they hoped for. He knew that Diana moving would spark controversy and hate for her by some, most especially in Washington so he needed to make her seem like a victim.
"To be quite honest, Diana needed to move because she was being taken advantage of in Washington. As you all know, she lacks knowledge of the world outside her home and came here without funds as a guest. Despite this, she was moved around by the government like some asset and wasn't even paid. This meant she was financially dependent on them."
"Not to mention the incredible and unfair hate and criticism she was receiving there despite doing so much for the people. As her friend, I simply offered her a job so she could be independent and enjoy many of the freedoms you all do. She isn't under any contract and is free to do as she wishes at any time, as it should be."
Arias's words were extremely critical of the government but with freedom of speech being a thing, he wasn't worried about the government making any moves towards him. If they did, they had to do so carefully.
And right now, Pete Ross's concerns were laid elsewhere. In his mind, they bigger threats to look out for, like Lex Luthor. Who was still in his home in Washington, having chosen to miss the media day as well.
He was watching the live welcome of Arias in his office with mercy standing at his side per usual. She could spot a frown on his face as he watched so she couldn't help but rub salt on the wound. "Looks like he's more brilliant than you. His city loves him and his got a superhero that can level buildings working for him."
To her spiteful remark, Luthor frowned for a moment longer before raising his head and grinning. "Oh please, I had long predicted this would happen. I would have done the same but Gotham's political office has rejected my offers, be it cause of Bruce or Arias. But that doesn't matter, the best thing to do now, is to make them want me."
Mercy frowned at the confident look he had and asked with crossed arms. "What stupid plan are you cooking up now?"
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