Research The Sigil

Just the hormones talking, Lane, Lois told herself. Feeling unaccountably peckish, Lois dug around in the fridge for something to snack on as she did her research. She ended up grabbing a tub of yogurt and a jar of pickles. An odd combination, but a healthy one. The moment she chomped down on the first pickle, felt the sour juices roll over her tongue, Lois knew that was exactly what her body was craving.

Munching away, Lois turned back to her laptop, trying to ignore the way her bloated stomach hit the edge of the table.

The naked reporter ate and searched, searched and ate. Finding the origin and meaning of a random symbol required more than just a google reverse image search, but fortunately, Lois had a few more resources than most people. University libraries, symbol databases, a few contacts in the dark web...all it took was time and concentration.

So Lois Lane ignored all the distractions, steadily emptying the yogurt tub and leaving the jar of pickles empty except for the juice, which the reporter slurped down like a cocktail. She ignored her own body as her stomach pressed forward, as her boobs started to ache, as her hips began to creak uncomfortably...but finally Lois sat back, unconsciously putting a hand on her swollen abdomen as she gazed at the screen.

The symbol was associated with an ancient religion...or cult...a branch of Satanism dedicated toward the demoness Blaze. Supposedly an ancient Sumerian demon, invoked by women unlucky in love, women who wanted to conceive, and those already pregnant who wanted protection for their children. The idol was some kind of icon of the cult...a focus for her worship...and the way that the worshippers received her blessings, by touching it.

Touching it... Lois remembered stealing the idol, cradling it to her bare flesh, holding it for the long car ride from the club.

As if seeing it for the first time, Lois stared down at her stomach. It was standing out even more than an hour ago. More than it ever had in any abdominal bloat she'd ever experienced, almost a good five inches. In fact, she would almost say that she looked...

Something inside of Lois Lane's abdomen shifted. A completely alien sensation to her. An unfamiliar weight moving on its own. Pressing against her from within.

"Great Caesar's ghost!" Lois whispered as she finally put the pieces together.