The sun peeked through the curtains, casting a soft golden hue across the living room. Ethan sat comfortably on the plush sofa, clad in a simple grey T-shirt and loose pajama pants.
He held a glass of orange juice, the condensation dripping lazily down the sides. His legs were crossed, and a relaxed smile tugged at his lips as he watched the morning news unfold on the large flat-screen mounted to the wall.
On-screen, the news anchor's voice was filled with both excitement and relief.
> "In an unprecedented turn of events, last night's chaos in Harlem was averted thanks to one man — Ethan Carter. The individual we now recognize as a rising heroic figure managed to stop not one, but two monstrous threats, now dubbed as The Abomination and The Hulk."
"Despite the destruction caused during the confrontation, there were miraculously zero casualties, and only a few reported injuries. Eyewitnesses claim Ethan intervened before things got completely out of control."
"This marks the second time in recent months Ethan has prevented a disaster. Once again, the world is asking—who is this man?"
Ethan chuckled softly at that last line, sipping his juice. "Well, that's flattering."
"Someone's enjoying their fifteen minutes of fame," came a teasing voice from behind.
Ethan turned his head to see Anna stepping into the room, her hair tied in a messy ponytail, dressed in a light robe after finishing her breakfast.
A moment later, Jean walked in before stretching with a quiet yawn. Diana followed with her usual poise, and lastly, Didi strolled in holding a tray with coffee mugs.
"Morning, ladies," Ethan greeted, placing the juice glass on the coffee table.
"Morning," they chimed back in near unison, though Jean's amused eyes narrowed as she glanced at the TV.
"News says I'm a hero again. Should I start wearing a cape?"
Anna plopped down beside him and snorted. "Yeah, great and all… until we're the ones dragged into interviews and political meetings about it."
Jean flopped on the other side of the couch before crossing her arms. "Seriously. Between this and the Sinister incident, my inbox looks like a warzone."
Ethan raised a hand in surrender, chuckling. "Alright, alright. I'll handle it. I'm not heartless enough to leave everything to my girls."
Anna and Jean exchanged glances — and then, in perfect synchronization, replied with flat expressions, "You were totally heartless when you ditched us after the Sinister incident and had your little romantic getaway with Diana for a week."
Diana tried to suppress a smirk while sipping her coffee. "Well, it was a lovely week, to be fair."
Ethan scratched the back of his head while laughing awkwardly. "...Okay, that's fair. My bad. But hey—everything's under control now!"
"Barely," Jean mumbled, though her lips curled into a smile.
Trying to redirect the conversation, Ethan asked, "Any updates on Banner?"
Ethan brought Banner and Betty back to his home, gently settling them in a guest room to rest.
He then opened a portal, allowing Didi to step through and join him.
Afterward, he explained the situation to the girls after they arrived before casting a healing spell to help Banner recover.
Betty didn't fully understand what was happening, but she could tell they weren't hostile. Trusting her instincts, she chose to stay by Bruce's side and quietly fell asleep in the same room with him.
Didi nodded, taking a seat on the armrest beside Diana. "He's awake. A bit shaken, but stable. Betty was with him."
Jean glanced over. "He's stable. You did a number on him last night, though."
Anna interjected, "I don't think so. Ethan's always precise. He knows how to control his strength."
Diana gave him a soft, knowing smile. "He only hits as hard as he has to. He wouldn't hurt an innocent soul. He's not reckless with his power."
Ethan gave a modest shrug, though he couldn't help the pride that gleamed in his eyes at their trust in him.
Just then, Betty Ross stepped into the room, her expression gentle but tired. "Good morning. I just wanted to say… thank you, Mr. Carter. For everything."
"No need to thank me," Ethan said before standing and nodding respectfully. "How's Banner?"
"He's asking for you."
Together, Ethan and the women headed to the guest room. Bruce Banner was sitting up on the bed, still looking pale. His body stiffened slightly when Ethan entered, and his hands clenched the blanket without realizing.
Though his memories were fragmented, he remembered Ethan's punch vividly—the blinding light, the force, and the absolute helplessness. The memory alone sent a chill down his spine. That moment alone had shut the Hulk down. It was terrifying.
Ethan gave him a reassuring smile. "You alright, doc?"
Banner took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah. Better. Thanks for… stopping him. That could've gone a lot worse."
"You're welcome," Ethan replied, then added with a chuckle, "For what it's worth, I was holding back."
Anna snorted. "He doesn't hold back against us."
The group shared a laugh, easing the tension in the room.
Anna then eyed Banner curiously. "So… you just turn into that thing? Was this planned, or an accident?"
"It was an experiment," Banner admitted, lowering his gaze. "A classified one. Meant to replicate something useful… it didn't go the way we expected."
They didn't press further. Ethan already knew the details — he wasn't going to force the man to revisit painful truths.
As the group left to let him rest, Banner turned to Betty with a bewildered expression. "There are… a lot of girls here. Are they…?"
Betty chuckled softly. "They're all Ethan's… girlfriends."
Bruce stared at her in disbelief. "All of them?"
She nodded.
Bruce just slumped back on the bed. "I think I need more sleep."
....
Later that day, Ethan held a press conference. Calm, composed, and confident, he explained the situation in Harlem—carefully omitting Banner's identity and the exact origins of the Abomination.
The reporters bombarded Ethan with questions—about his powers, his origins, and the whole "Sinister situation." But he handled it all with ease, giving them just enough to satisfy their curiosity… and only what he wanted them to know.
Two days later, after recovering, Banner and Betty decided to leave. Ethan understood. "Peace is important," he said, handing Bruce an envelope with a generous amount of money. "Use this to settle down somewhere quiet. And if trouble ever finds you again… call me."
Bruce hesitated, but took it. "Thanks… I hope we never need to call you again."
"Same here," Ethan replied with a chuckle. "But if you do—I'll be there."
They said their farewells, and the house returned to its usual rhythm. Or… almost.
Since Ethan handled the media with finesse—quelling rumors and skillfully shifting the spotlight to where it needed to be: recovery efforts and public safety—the situation began to settle quickly. The chaos gave way to calm but public sentiment was already shifting. People weren't just grateful… they were inspired.
One expected development remained: the public had found their new hero. And it didn't take long before the world gave him a name.
They called him Aeon.
Borrowed from his company, the name spread like wildfire across news headlines and social media feeds. To the public, he wasn't just a powerful stranger anymore—he was the newest superhero on the scene.
One who saved the day and the one who might just be more than human.
In the days that followed, Didi had become surprisingly clingy. She was always nearby, the only times she gave him space were during his one-on-one dates or when he went into the bathroom.
At first, it felt flattering. Being followed by a cute, powerful girl was far from unpleasant. But soon, Ethan realized it bordered on comical.
During one afternoon while reviewing research data, he turned and found Didi standing directly behind him, silent, holding a cup of tea.
He blinked and said slowly, "Why are you following me so much?"
Didi tilted her head innocently. "Is it a crime to follow the person I'm interested in?"
Ethan opened his mouth… and then closed it. 'Well. That's a loaded answer.'
He rubbed his neck and muttered, "I guess not. It's just… different."
The other girls didn't seem to mind Didi's behavior, or perhaps they simply found it entertaining. In fact, Jean just waved it off, saying, "Let her do what she wants. It's not like she's harming us."
Later that week, Ethan met Susan Storm for coffee. It had been a while since they'd caught up—too many battles, responsibilities, and chaotic headlines had gotten in the way. But now, for a brief moment, things felt… normal.
They sat at a quiet café tucked away from the city noise, steam rising from their mugs as sunlight filtered through the window.
At one point, Susan even joked, "Careful, Ethan—you're getting more famous than the Fantastic Four."
Ethan chuckled but shook his head. "Nah… the world loves you guys more. I'm just the new face for now."
There was no jealousy in his voice, just honesty. He knew fame was fleeting—but respect, especially the kind the Fantastic Four had earned, was something deeper.
Susan smiled warmly. "Same old humble Ethan."
They drifted into memories—missions, missteps, shared laughs from earlier days. The kind of conversation that made time slow down.
Then, mid-sip, Susan's eyes widened when Ethan casually offered to assist with her research project.
"You'd do that for me?" she asked, surprised.
"Of course," Ethan replied. "That's what friends — and maybe a little more — are for."
Susan blushed, and the conversation took a lighter turn. And for now, things were calm and peaceful.
But Ethan knew better than anyone: that peace… never lasted forever.
.....
The week after the battle brought more than just calm skies and public praise.
Behind the scenes, something far more revolutionary had been quietly brewing—and now, it was ready.
Aeon Biotech, in collaboration with Frost Industries, officially launched the Immune+ Protocol.
It wasn't just a medical breakthrough. It was a paradigm shift.
The protocol's objective was clear: to enhance the human immune system naturally, fortifying it against common viruses, bacteria, and even life-threatening conditions like cancer. A fusion of cutting-edge biotech, selective cellular stimulation, and gene-enhancing therapies—Immune+ was unlike anything the world had ever seen.
The public embraced it almost instantly.
Media outlets couldn't stop talking about it. Medical journals scrambled to analyze it. And everyday people? They called it hope in a vial.
But not everyone was thrilled.
Major pharmaceutical corporations—many of whom had long benefited from prolonged treatments and expensive therapies—saw it as a threat. Attempts were made to discredit the research, to challenge the ethics, even to shut it down entirely.
They failed.
Because at the front of it all stood Ethan Carter and Emma Frost—two titans in their own right.
Ethan, the visionary force behind Aeon Biotech and Emma, elegant and calculating, backed the initiative with her intellect, resources, and political sway. Together, they were unstoppable.
No smear campaign stuck. No lawsuit found footing. No sabotage attempt got close.
In press conferences, Ethan remained composed. "We're not here to replace anyone," he said, "we're here to elevate humanity."
Now seated in his private office atop the Aeon Biotech Tower, Ethan gazed through the massive glass windows overlooking the city skyline. Sunlight poured in, casting a warm golden hue on the pristine white marble floors. He wasn't wearing a suit today—just a simple black shirt, sleeves rolled up.
The computer-screen in front of him displayed live global news feeds. Every channel had the same headline:
"Immune+ Protocol: The Future of Health?"
He sipped his espresso slowly, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Just yesterday, the Immune+ Protocol had officially launched. The project was years ahead of anything currently offered in public healthcare.
Across the globe, people were reacting. Some called it a miracle. Others, a threat to the pharmaceutical empires that had dominated human health for decades.
But the numbers spoke for themselves.
Within a week of its release, Immune+ had already reached over two million applicants globally. Clinics overflowed with registrations. Volunteer trials returned with staggering success rates—immune responses had tripled, infection rates dropped to almost zero, and early-stage cancer markers were dissolving at the cellular level.
It wasn't just a hit. It was a revolution.
--------
One year later...
News Report Excerpt – Global Health Times:
> "IMMUNE+ PROTOCOL TAKES THE WORLD BY STORM"
Aeon Biotech and Frost Industries' revolutionary health initiative, Immune+, has changed the global health landscape. With over 1.2 billion successful administrations worldwide and rising, the protocol enhances the human immune system naturally, increasing resistance to common illnesses, chronic conditions, and even terminal diseases. Experts praise this as "the single greatest medical advancement in the last hundred years."
---
News Report Excerpt – Financial Watch:
> "Big Pharma Takes a Hit as IMMUNE+ Redefines Healthcare"
Hospitals, pharmaceutical conglomerates, and private clinics around the world report steep declines in demand. In just under a year, more than 35% of traditional pharma businesses have shut down. While critics question the sustainability of such sweeping change, the public overwhelmingly supports Ethan Carter and Emma Frost's bold innovation.
---
Public Vox Populi – National Broadcast Segment:
> "My mother had stage three cancer. After Immune+, her body started fighting back on its own. She's alive today. I can never thank Ethan Carter enough."
— Maya R., New York Resident
> "I haven't had a cold in over a year, and I used to fall sick every other month. The air even smells cleaner now!"
— Carlos M., Rio de Janeiro
> "I don't know who Ethan Carter really is, but I swear he's some sort of angel sent to fix this messed up planet."
— Elena G., Italy
---
Satellite Reports – Environmental Data Analysis:
> "Atmosphere Recovery Accelerates"
In a surprising side effect, global weather stations and satellites have detected a steady improvement in Earth's atmospheric composition. Pollution levels are at a 70-year low. The ozone layer—previously riddled with holes—is healing at an unprecedented rate. Trees, flora, and marine ecosystems show signs of accelerated recovery. Scientists link this to the rise of green life thanks to Aeon fertilizers and reduced chemical-based industries.
-------
Inside the Stark Residence – Upstate New York, Morning
A silver cup clinked loudly as it was set down on the glass table.
Tony Stark, looking haggard and older than he should, stared at his own reflection in the surface of the holographic interface. Deep bags rested beneath his eyes, and a subtle tremble lingered in his right hand.
With a quiet hiss, the mechanical chest plate unlocked, and he pulled the arc reactor from his chest. The faint glow died down almost instantly. He flipped it over and opened a panel—revealing the source of his growing dread: the palladium core, burned and blackened.
"Great," Tony muttered with a sardonic smirk. "Another day, another core cooked to hell."
He tossed it aside with more force than necessary. The sound echoed in the empty room.
J.A.R.V.I.S.' smooth voice echoed through the speakers.
> "Sir, the core degradation is accelerating. We've already exhausted every known elemental combination to synthesize a stable substitute. The palladium remains irreplaceable at this juncture."
Tony reached for a replacement core from a box. His fingers trembled slightly as he snapped it into the arc reactor and pressed it back into his chest. It lit up, but the warmth was brief.
Lifting his shirt slightly, Tony stared at the mirror screen infront of him. Veins—dark, sickly, and branching like a dying tree—spread out from the reactor site, crawling across his chest in jagged lines.
He exhaled heavily. "Yep. That's not new," he muttered, jaw tightening.
J.A.R.V.I.S. spoke again.
> "Might I suggest looking into the Immune+ Protocol, sir? There are promising reports regarding its success in cellular regeneration and toxicity elimination. It might prove... beneficial."
Tony scoffed. "Yeah, let me just pick up the phone and call Mr. Golden Boy. Ask him to save the man who once said he doesn't trust anyone without a screwdriver and daddy issues."
He picked up a small, circular diagnostic device and placed his thumb on it. A soft beep, then a red number flashed on the screen: BLOOD TOXICITY – 30.7%
He winced. "Wonderful. That's two percent higher than yesterday."
He leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling, running a hand through his tousled hair.
"Not like it's too late to ask for help," he said, voice quiet now. "But if I do… it means admitting I can't fix this. And that's supposed to be what I'm good at."
Tony's lips curled into a half-smile, bitter and tired. "Building stuff. Breaking stuff. Fixing stuff. Sometimes myself. Most times… not."
The silence hung heavy around him, broken only by the soft hum of the arc reactor keeping his heart beating.