Later that evening, inside the Carter Residence…
Inside the state-of-the-art training room of the Carter Residence, two women stood facing each other in tense silence. The air between them shimmered faintly with power — not a word spoken, not a signal exchanged, yet both knew this sparring session wouldn't be a casual one.
Jean Grey's crimson hair glowed in the training room's ambient lights, her eyes shimmering golden red, the telltale sign of the Phoenix stirring within. Across from her, Anna Marie stood tall and firm, her posture as solid as a mountain. Her physique had evolved and enhanced by the powers of a Viltrumite and Atlantean heritage she had absorbed. Her muscles rippled with restrained strength, her skin almost humming with stored energy.
And then — without a sound — they clashed.
Jean opened with a sweeping arc of telekinetic force, compressing the air into a wave of invisible power. Anna reacted instantly, ducking low and charging forward, her movement enhanced by sheer physical prowess.
Her fist swung toward Jean, disrupting the air with its velocity. Jean barely stepped aside, her body catching the edge of the impact, forcing her backward. The floor beneath Anna cracked under the pressure of her momentum.
Anna pressed forward, dodging flaming projectiles and slashes of psychic blades. She knew Jean was holding back — just slightly — but the Phoenix wasn't known for restraint. Flames coiled around Jean's figure as she began to channel more of the cosmic entity's energy, her eyes burning bright.
Jean then attacked by sending a flurry of telekinetic spears toward Anna, each one wrapped in flames from the Phoenix Force. But Anna weaved between them effortlessly, the years of instinctive combat training etched into her reflexes thanks to the memories she absorbed. Her body blurred as she rushed forward, aiming a thunderous uppercut—one that Jean deflected midair with a psychokinetic shield, her expression unreadable.
They didn't exchange a single word.
It was a silent agreement—a mutual decision made without needing to speak. No more holding back.
Jean later unleashed a wall of fire, searing across the air like a tsunami of molten sun. Anna growled, muttering a few incantations under her breath — Kamar Taj spellwork danced across her golden armor in the form of shimmering sigils.
The protective spells shimmered for a moment, clashing with the inferno… before breaking apart, overwhelmed by the purity of Phoenix fire.
Anna growled, muttering a curse under her breath. With a swift motion of her hands, she conjured a barrier that transformed most of the incoming flames into water, creating a thick, hissing mist thanks to the remaining flames, that cloaked the battlefield and blocked Jean's line of sight.
But Jean was a psychic mutant—she didn't need her eyes to see. Her telepathy painted a clear picture of her opponent's every move.
Anna hurled spell after spell, trying to break Jean's focus with bursts of mystic arts, but Jean incinerated them with effortless flames. Anna gritted her teeth—she could no longer bluff her way through this.
With the same thought, Jean's eyes flared. The flames on her body intensified—her hair lifting like a crown of fire as her full connection to the Phoenix ignited. Her aura flared outward in waves, the training room trembling under the psychic and cosmic pressure. She raised both arms, and from the void of her will, conjured a vortex of blinding Phoenix flames.
It spun forward like a solar storm—roaring, alive, devouring air itself.
With a few graceful gestures, the mystic arts surged around Anna. Golden sigils shimmered and danced across the surface of her body before forming a transparent enchanted armor, glowing brighter as she prepared for one final stand.
After that preparation, Anna didn't hesitate. She gathered all her strength into a single punch and launched it straight into the eye of the flame vortex.
The moment her fist made contact, the room exploded with blinding light and roaring heat.
BOOM!
Anna's boots slid across the floor as she dug in her feet. Her face twisted in raw effort, and then—defying all logic—she threw a full powered punch at the vortex.
At the last possible moment, Jean clenched her jaw and pulled back. She decreased the output of the Phoenix Force, enough to prevent catastrophic damage — but not entirely.
The force of Anna's punch still tore through the flames, and she was flung backward across the room. Her golden armor shattered like glass, and her training outfit was scorched and torn, revealing rapidly healing burns underneath.
Anna lay on the ground for a moment, catching her breath, smoke curling off her shoulders. She sat up with a grunt, checking her injuries. Minor. Already healing. If not for Logan and Lobo's regenerative abilities she had absorbed, she might have been seriously hurt.
Jean descended gently, flames fading around her as she landed. Her breathing was uneven, her brow damp with sweat. She clenched her fists, frustration flashing across her face. Not because she won — but because she had almost lost control.
Neither said a word for a while. The silence stretched between them, not in animosity, but in mutual reflection.
They were strong. No doubt about that. Jean wielded the power of a cosmic force. Anna could absorb and weaponize nearly any ability, and her physical enhancements placed her above most beings on Earth.
But it wasn't enough. Not after what Ethan did.
His little proposal prank — faking his death, making them experience that heart-wrenching moment of loss — it had changed something inside both of them. Opened their eyes. Shattered their comfort.
They thought their current powers were enough to protect him… but they were wrong.
There were countless beings out there — across space, other universes, dimensions — some of them so powerful they could destroy worlds without effort. And Ethan, as strong and adaptable as he was, couldn't always face them alone.
They couldn't let him.
"We were arrogant," Jean finally said quietly, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand. "We thought being strong meant we were safe."
Anna, now fully healed, stretched her arms above her head. "Yeah. We slacked off. Trained like it was some hobby. But after that… prank of his?" She smirked dryly. "Reality check hit hard."
Jean walked over to the bench, grabbed a bottle of water nearby (Protected from thier attacks thanks to the protection spells made my Ethan before) with her telekinesis, and took a long drink. "We have to get stronger. Not just for us… for what's coming. For our future."
Anna nodded. "Especially once we're married. If we have kids… we can't depend on Ethan to save us all the time. He's not invincible. What if something… someone, kills him before his body can adapt?"
Jean clenched the bottle tightly but said nothing.
They both understood — more clearly now than ever — that strength wasn't a luxury. It was a necessity.
After a short break, Jean sat cross-legged on the mat, trying to lower her heart rate. Anna paced around, practically vibrating with energy.
"I've been thinking," Anna said suddenly, stretching her limbs. "Where should we go for the honeymoon?"
Jean raised an eyebrow, amused by the sudden topic shift. "Honeymoon? We're talking about getting stronger and now you bring up honeymoons?"
"Can't a girl multitask?" Anna grinned.
Jean, sipping from a water bottle, blinked. "We've already visited most of the Earth. Beaches, mountains, cities, volcanoes — all checked."
Anna grinned. "So let's go beyond. We can use Ethan's watch. Maybe explore space or hop to another universe."
Jean leaned back on her palms, thoughtful. "DC Universe?"
"Exactly." Anna's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You never got to go last time. Diana can hold the fort here, and we can visit Themyscira — the Amazon homeland. Women-only island, remember?"
Jean chuckled. "I heard Ethan tried to set up a branch of his company there and got politely rejected."
Anna burst out laughing. "Yeah, he did! They weren't buying it. He came back grumbling about warrior princesses and impossible business permits."
Their laughter filled the room — a rare moment of levity between warriors. But as it faded, their thoughts returned to power. Responsibility. Growth.
"You're strong, Anna," Jean said, studying her. "But you don't have a defining power. Something like… the Phoenix Force."
Anna nodded. "Yeah, I've thought about that too. That's why I lost to you. I've got all this strength, but I need something more."
Jean hesitated. "You sure you don't want a piece of the Phoenix Force? We've talked about it before…"
Anna shook her head firmly. "Still a no. That's your thing. And Ethan's, now. I want something unique to me. Something I can make my own."
She crossed her arms and looked toward the magic circle drawn at the edge of the room. "I'm thinking… I'll hunt down some high-level criminals. Steal their powers. Permanently."
Jean raised an eyebrow. "That's risky. But if anyone can pull it off, it's you."
Anna grinned. "I was even thinking… Magneto."
Jean blinked. "You're kidding."
"Nope. Imagine it — electromagnetic control with Viltrumite strength. I could throw cities."
Jean smirked. "Yeah, that sounds terrifying."
Later, they returned to the center of the room. The fire and psychic energy were gone. Now it was time for a different kind of training — quiet, subtle, and elegant.
Magic.
Their hands glowed with ancient sigils of Mystic arts. Mystical energy pulsed gently between them as they began their practice again — two women in love, two warriors preparing for the future.
And in that future, they would not stand behind Ethan Carter.
They would stand beside him.
And should the universe ever dare to threaten him — or their future family — it would find itself burned by fire and broken by fury.
----------------
Inside the grand living room of the Carter Residence, Ethan Carter was facing a very different kind of storm.
While Anna and Jean were outside training with focused determination—slinging spells, energy blasts, and witty insults—Ethan was trying his best to stay calm. And sane.
He sat on a luxurious couch with a giant bowl of popcorn, watching an old comedy show. Laughter echoed from the screen… but the strain on his face told a different story.
He laughed awkwardly, but his eyes darted nervously to the two beautiful women lounging dangerously close on either side of him.
Diana, the regal warrior princess, wore a silky off-shoulder top and shorts that really shouldn't be classified as clothing. Didi—sweet, angelic (well, deathly)—had gone a step further. A loose crop top and a skirt so short it may as well be considered belt-like.
Neither of them had worn… additional support underneath.
Ethan tried—oh, he tried—to focus on the screen. But every few seconds, one of them would lean close. Diana's hair tickled his cheek as she whispered teasingly, "Still enjoying your punishment, love?"
Ethan's eye twitched. 'This is cruel. This is divine punishment. And not the sexy kind.'
He had expected this from Didi. That woman had turned teasing into an art form. But Diana?
His sweet, noble, justice-obsessed Diana?
She leaned over, her silky raven hair brushing his cheek, her lips brushing against the shell of his ear. "You okay, darling? You seem tense~"
"Yeah…" Ethan's voice cracked. "Just… comedy is intense today…"
Didi giggled softly, tracing lazy circles on his arm. "You're so tense, Ethan. Should we help you relax?"
'Why are they like this?' he screamed internally.
'Anna and Jean must have corrupted them! My noble goddess of war is now a seductress! And Didi… she was supposed to be gentle—okay, technically she's the literal embodiment of death, but still!'
"And to think," Diana added with a mischievous glint in her eye, "you brought this on yourself with that prank. You're not allowed to touch us until the punishment ends."
"And yet…" Didi leaned in closer, "we can still touch you~"
He gulped. Hard. He could smell Diana's freshly washed lavender shampoo and Didi's soft, citrus-sweet perfume. They were practically on him.
Any closer, and—
"Okay!" Ethan blurted out, nearly launching himself forward. "Let's change the topic!"
Both women pouted adorably in sync. "Aww~"
"So, Didi," he said quickly, pointing a non-existent remote at her, "are you really sure you want to travel the world alone?"
Didi blinked. "Of course. I want to understand this world better. Explore different cultures, eat different snacks, learn mortal ways of this universe up close. Maybe I'll try skydiving."
"Skydiving?" Ethan coughed. "You… you can fly though!"
She gave him an innocent smile. "But I've never done it with a parachute! Espacially in this universe."
"…Okay, that's actually fair."
Diana raised a brow. "Will you be okay by yourself?"
"I'll wear sunglasses and a big hat," Didi assured them. "Total disguise. No one will recognize the Goddess of Death as a tourist with a selfie stick."
Ethan shook his head. "Right. Well, after the honeymoon, we can plan something together. Vacation as a group. Safer that way."
"Oh?" Diana smiled warmly. "Where do you plan to take Anna and Jean for the honeymoon?"
"Uh…" He smirked, leaning back with a relaxed air. "I was thinking of spinning the Omni-Watch and going wherever it lands. A random universe. Could be a peaceful beach, could be a planet of talking bananas. Who knows? Adventure is part of the romance."
"That's either really brave or really dumb," Diana said, smiling.
Didi leaned in. "I vote dumb, but adorable."
"Yup," Ethan admitted proudly. "Surprise honeymoon. Best kind."
Before either of them could respond with another teasing comment—or worse, escalate their teasing—a glowing circle of golden sparks appeared behind the couch.
A portal.
But it didn't feel hostile. Ethan's enhancements only allowed portals from trusted individuals—after they mentally pinged him. Like a magical phone call. He'd accepted this one just seconds ago.
"Someone's coming," he warned before standing up quickly.
Both Diana and Didi became alert instantly, their playful expressions wiped clean as they turned toward the portal.
And then—
CRASH!
An exhausted, disheveled man tumbled out like a sack of tired potatoes.
Torn robes, one sandal missing, soot marks on his face, and dark bags under his eyes.
"…Wong?" Ethan said before blinking.
The portal snapped shut behind him. Wong landed on his hands and knees, panting.
Ethan stepped forward to help him up, but Wong slapped his hand away. "Don't. You. Dare. Touch. Me."
"Whoa, whoa—what?" Ethan blinked again, confused. Diana stood behind him protectively while Didi tilted her head curiously.
"You look like you just escaped from a cursed sleepover. What happened? You okay?" Ethan asked carefully.
Wong slowly rose, swaying like a drunk college student after finals week. His eyes were red—not from magic, but sleep deprivation and deep, ancient betrayal.
"You've got a lot of nerve… asking me that, you bastard," Wong growled.
Ethan recoiled. "What did I do?!"
Wong pointed at him with all the rage of a man who hadn't slept in eight days. "I trusted you. I treated you like a brother. I thought we were family. And this is how you repay me? You and your girlfriends?! You all are nuts!"
Didi softly giggled behind Ethan after understanding what happened while Diana is still confused.
"What… what are you even talking about?" Ethan blinked again. "What happened?"
Wong looked around the room, fury etched into every tired wrinkle of his face. "Your girlfriends happened, Ethan! Your. Crazy. Girlfriends!"
"Oh…" Ethan's face went blank. He had a very faint idea now.
But nope. He wasn't going to walk into that trap. He kept his expression innocent. "I have no clue what you mean, Wong. Please, elaborate."
"Do you know what Anna and Jean did to me?! DO YOU?!"
Ethan blinked. "Nope. No idea."
Wong suddenly grabbed Ethan by the collar, his grip trembling with fury and desperation. Diana stepped forward, ready to intervene, but Didi raised a hand and stopped her with a subtle shake of the head.
Before Wong could utter a word, he let out a harsh curse under his breath—then collapsed.
Ethan caught him instinctively, a flash of concern crossing his face. With a gentle wave of his hand, he used telekinesis to lift Wong and carefully lay him on the nearby couch, making sure he was stable.
"What the hell did they do to you, Wong?"
.....
Meanwhile, late at night, the top floor of a luxurious high-rise in Manhattan was lit with a soft, ambient glow. The large room, tastefully furnished in whites and greys, echoed with the faint clink of a wine glass being swirled.
Wilson Fisk — better known as the Kingpin — stood tall and imposing by the floor-to-ceiling window, his pristine white suit immaculate, reflecting his taste for elegance and power. He gazed down at the bustling city below, the nightlife of New York shimmering like a restless beast.
"There's something poetic about this city at night," Fisk said calmly, his deep voice laced with amusement. "The chaos below, the calm up here. Don't you think so, Norman?"
From the corner of the room, a sharp voice cut in.
"Spare me the metaphors, Fisk. I'm not here for the view."
Norman Osborn, dressed in a dark green tailored suit, stepped forward with visible irritation. He looked younger than expected — sharp features, slicked-back auburn hair, and an expression that clearly screamed, I'd rather be anywhere else.
Fisk chuckled quietly, turning away from the window and strolling toward the lavish chair behind his desk. As he seated himself, he gestured toward the chair across from him.
"Then by all means, Mr. Osborn," Fisk said with a tilt of his glass, "sit. Let's get to it."
Norman walked over with stiff, calculated steps, sitting down but not leaning back. His posture was tense — the posture of a man who didn't trust the room, or its occupant.
"I must admit," Fisk said, placing his wine down, "I'm curious. You declined my offer before. You made it quite clear you didn't want anything to do with me."
Norman didn't argue that. Instead, he reached into his briefcase, took out a leather folder, and placed it on the desk between them. With a flick of his wrist, he opened it to reveal a single photo.
Fisk leaned forward.
It was Ethan Carter.
"He's the reason I'm here." Norman said simply, voice steady but grave.
...
Author's Note:
So, how did you guys like the chapter?
Any guesses on what really happened to Wong?
Also—Why do you think Norman met with Kingpin regarding Ethan? Any ideas?
Stay tuned for more chapters! And as always, your reviews, theories, and feedback are much appreciated.