Utopian sliced through the heavens at a breathtaking speed, leaving the sands of Bialya far behind. He flew low, skimming the contours of mountains and carefully avoiding the airspace of major cities, shaking off any attempt at pursuit or radar detection. His body, now a perfect weapon, showed no sign of fatigue. His mind was focused on a single goal: getting home.
He wanted to return to Japan, his sanctuary. He wanted to return to his simple life as a mangaka, to the sound of his pencils on paper and the smell of ink. He wanted to become Marcus again, the man behind the hero, and reunite with his friends—those living legends who had become his family.
The feel of the wind on his skin changed, becoming wetter, saltier. Then, he saw them: the Japanese coastline, familiar and soothing. A smile spread across his face for the first time in days. Without slowing down, he accelerated, breaking the sound barrier with a discreet BOOM that barely rattled the windows of the houses below. A few seconds later, he landed with surprising grace on the balcony of his nice Tokyo apartment.
He slid open the glass door and stepped inside, taking a deep breath of the familiar air of his home.
Marcus: Finally... I'm home.
The feeling of relief was short-lived. As he looked up, he froze. On the other side of the living room, a man was sitting at his desk, pencil in hand, drawing on a storyboard. A man who looked exactly like him in every way. It was him.
Surprise flashed across his face for a second, then his sharp mind immediately understood. This wasn't a clone or a malicious impostor. The posture, the serenity, the precise way of holding the pencil... There was only one person capable of such mimicry.
The double looked up, and a peaceful smile illuminated his features—Marcus's features. Then, in a fluid shimmer of light, his form wavered and transformed, revealing the imposing stature and red skin of J'onn J'onzz.
Martian Manhunter: You are back. I am happy to see you safe and sound.
J'onzz stood up, delicately placing the pencil down.
Martian Manhunter: I assumed your appearance to ensure you did not lose your job and to maintain your cover. We deemed it the best solution to preserve your civilian life. I had done it before, when Superman was kidnapped.
Marcus looked around. The apartment was immaculate, his plants were watered, and finished manga pages were stacked neatly on his desk. A profound sense of gratitude washed over him. They had watched over his life, the one he cherished so much.
Marcus, his voice slightly emotional: J'onn... I... Thank you. Truly.
The Martian Manhunter inclined his head.
Martian Manhunter: That is what family does. Welcome home, Marcus.