It had been an hour since Ethan raised the colossal, glowing green magic circle over both Metropolis and Gotham—a sight so awe-inspiring that people from rooftop to rubble had frozen, watching in quiet reverence.
In a world used to chaos, this was different.
Metahuman attacks and city-level battles were almost daily occurrences. A giant robot fight in Tokyo? Barely made the front page. Magical creatures rampaging through Central City? Tuesday material.
But what Ethan did today was the kind of event that froze people mid-scroll, made networks break from regular programming, and forced even the most cynical viewers to look up.
"Aeon Performs City-Wide Healing Magic!" "Green Light Brings Life: Gotham and Metropolis Healed by One Man's Spell" "Aeon: Miracle Worker or Metahuman Messiah?"
Though the destruction was still present—buildings cracked, streets torn, debris scattered like war relics—the people were not.
Because every person injured in the cataclysmic fight… had been healed.
Citizens once pinned beneath concrete slabs were now walking freely. Emergency workers stood stunned as wounded victims—burned, crushed, bleeding—rose up as their pain erased. Even bystanders who'd only suffered scratches or broken bones found themselves whole again, as if none of it had ever happened.
The streets were abuzz. But the newsrooms? They were in chaos.
------------------
Inside the Daily Planet Newsroom…
Monitors were flashing, phones were ringing nonstop, and reporters scrambled to verify what they'd just witnessed.
In the control room of Daily Planet TV, the anchorwoman looked stunned but collected as she turned toward the feed on her right.
"Lois, can you hear me?"
Lois Lane, live at S.T.A.R. Labs, adjusted her mic and nodded. "Loud and clear, Nora."
Nora Williams, the anchor, pressed forward. "You've been on the scene since this began. Walk us through this timeline—how did this all start?"
Lois exhaled sharply, still trying to process the whirlwind of events. "It started with an unknown alien—riding what I can only describe as an interstellar motorcycle—descending into Earth's orbit. He was loud, aggressive, and immediately engaged Superman in battle," she began. "The fight escalated, dragging all the way to Gotham before circling back."
Images of Lobo and Superman locked in aerial combat rolled in the background.
"Superman, by all means, was holding back, but it was clear he was reaching his limit," Lois continued. "Then… someone new arrived. A woman—named Rogue joined the fight. She wasn't just powerful, she was tactical. With her help, Superman gained the upper hand, and they managed to subdue the alien."
Nora leaned in. "And then the second threat?"
"Yes," Lois said with a nod. "A new entity, a mutated humanoid coated in some kind of purple biomass, emerged. More dangerous than the first. He absorbed energy, powers—even Superman and the Green alien guy fell against him."
The footage showed Martian Manhunter kneeling in pain and Superman knocked down.
"But then—Rogue returned. She didn't hesitate. Engaged him alone and defeated him. And moments later, another figure descended… him."
The feed shifted to the awe-inspiring shot of Ethan Carter, hovering in midair with the massive green magic circle spinning above him.
Lois's voice softened. "That was the moment everything changed."
---------------
Across Other Major Channels…
WGBS News (Home to Cat Grant):
Cat Grant who is seated in her signature red blazer, eyed the camera with the confidence of a seasoned journalist. "A cosmic brawler, a power-absorbing metahuman, and a god-tier healer walk into a fight—no, this isn't a joke. This was Metropolis. This was real. And that green spell? It didn't just save lives—it changed everything."
They aired interviews with civilians who had been caught in the battle zone:
"I was under a car," said a middle-aged man, blinking in disbelief. "One second I couldn't breathe. Next thing I know, I'm glowing green and the pain's gone. Who the hell was that guy?"
"My daughter had a broken arm," a mother said tearfully. "We were waiting for an ambulance — and then she wasn't hurt anymore. Just like that."
Galaxy Broadcasting: Their panel of analysts was already debating the origins of the magic circle. "Was it something ancient magic thing? Or are we finally witnessing the rise of an entirely new magical science—one that blends biotech and sorcery?"
Channel 52: An on-the-ground reporter was interviewing a nurse from Metropolis General Hospital.
"I was treating a man whose spine was crushed in the collapse—suddenly, he stood up. Just stood. And he said, 'I feel better than I did ten years ago.' I… I can't explain that."
LexCorp News (Heavily Biased): "Well, well, well," the anchor sneered. "Another metahuman with reality-warping powers shows up, and everyone just applauds? Isn't anyone going to ask where he came from, how long he's been here, or what kind of control he has over these so-called 'healing spells'?"
[Channel Fox News - Studio Interview Segment]
A sharply dressed news anchor with glasses adjusted his tie and addressed the viewers. "Today, Metropolis didn't just see a battle… it saw a revelation. Aeon. That name is echoing through every street. And alongside him — a mysterious woman known only as Rogue — real name confirmed to be Anna Marie. Our sources say she's a co-founder of Aeon Biotech, the same company that's revolutionizing cross-dimensional technology."
A pause, as footage showed Anna hovering over the broken streets, holding the unconscious form of the defeated parasite villain. "Sources suggest Rogue and Aeon aren't from this world. Another alien arrival? Or something more? We don't know yet — but we're watching."
------------------
Back to Daily Planet Live…
Lois turned back to the camera, standing outside the S.T.A.R. Labs lot, where Lobo had just been restrained.
"As of now, the alien known as Lobo is being contained here," she reported. "S.T.A.R. scientists are working to determine what brought him to Earth and what kind of interstellar things may follow him."
She paused, then added, "The woman identified as Rogue—her real name is Anna Marie—has been confirmed as the co-founder of Aeon Biotech, the same biotech firm recently launched by Ethan Carter. Information is scarce, but signs point to both of them being from another world—much like Superman himself."
Lois glanced over at footage now showing Ethan hovering with serene focus as the last of the green energy bathed the cities.
"The green-skinned alien, who later identified himself as Martian Manhunter, stood alongside them..."
She gave a small, admiring smile. "And then Ethan Carter AKA Aeon joined, but he didn't fight. He healed. Across two cities. And not just bruises and cuts. We're talking crushed lungs, broken spines, severed arteries."
Lois looked directly at the lens. "Being a hero isn't just about who you punch. It's about who you save. Being a hero means standing tall when others fall. And today… Metropolis saw what that looks like."
"I'm Lois Lane, reporting live from S.T.A.R. Labs. We'll have more on the situation, on Aeon Biotech, and the identities of these new heroes… very soon."
She tapped her mic to signal the end, as the screen faded into the buzz of breaking headlines.
------------
Deep within the Batcave, surrounded by the quiet hum of machinery and the rhythmic flow of data streaming across dark monitors, Bruce Wayne stood alone — silent, still, and watchful.
The overhead screens played the final moments of Ethan Carter's wide-scale healing spell again and again. The massive green circle, the floating figure, the aura of power and peace... It was unlike anything Bruce had seen before.
"The world is changing faster than I predicted."
On one screen, the Daily Planet News broadcast was looping — Lois Lane's steady voice reporting live from the chaos-touched streets of Metropolis.
On another monitor, Bruce tapped a few keys and pulled up the trending social media chatter.
[FACEBOOK - PUBLIC POSTS]
> Brenda M.
"I swear I was bleeding all over my kitchen and now I'm just… fine. That green light saved us. Who IS Aeon???"
> Jason C.
"We need a monument for that guy already. Forget statues. Just rename the damn city."
> Victor D.
"What if he's TOO powerful tho? I mean… whole city healed in seconds? That's god-tier stuff."
> GothamSurvivor47.
"Is it just me or did that Rogue chick punch Lobo into another ZIP code? Girl's a beast!"
[INSTAGRAM - STORIES / POSTS]
> @citygirl_metro
"I was bleeding out near 7th Ave… and then the sky went green. I'm whole again. I saw Aeon. He looked at me. He knew. Thank you."
> @urbanjournalist
[Video: Panoramic view of glowing circle across Metropolis]
"This was real. I've never seen Superman look relieved before. Aeon just changed the rules."
> @gothamgirltruth
[Photo: Anna Marie in battle stance]
"Who is SHE? The girl that took on Lobo and Parasite?? She's terrifying and hot. I'm scared and in love."
[TWITTER/X - TRENDS]
> #AeonSavesMetropolis
#RogueOfAnotherWorld
#JusticeLeagueFounders
#GothamHealed
> @KnightWatch77
"Just watched the footage again. Anna tanked Parasite with raw power. Ethan healed thousands. Gotham and Metropolis got their guardian angels tonight."
> @LexTruthInc
"Am I the only one wondering what happens when Aeon isn't on our side?"
> @TruthInMeta
"Ethan Carter just changed the definition of a superhero. That was mass resurrection level healing. Who IS this guy?"
> @BatFacts
"Batman still top-tier. But Aeon? That dude just healed a city. This is Justice League 2.0."
---------------
Batman turned away from the screens, jaw set, eyes narrowed beneath the cowl. He didn't like dealing in unknowns.
He crossed the room and tapped a keypad. A steel panel slid open from the rock wall, revealing a massive vertical monitor.
On it: the Justice League Candidate Index — an encrypted system designed to track, assess, and prepare for any meta-level individual operating within Earth's sphere.
With a low whir, faces appeared in profile — Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Martian Manhunter… and now, new additions: Ethan Carter and Anna Marie.
He brought up a profile window.
[File: ETHAN CARTER / ALIAS: AEON]
The screen illuminated with Ethan's image — standing tall in his suit, cloak fluttering behind, arms crossed, expression calm and unreadable.
Batman's voice broke the silence, crisp and analytical as he recorded the entry:
> "Subject: Ethan Carter, known as Aeon. Member of the Justice League. Founder of Aeon Biotech."
He typed swiftly, pulling in feeds of the battle, biometric scans from satellites, energy readouts.
> "Strengths: Advanced Elemental manipulation. Large-scale healing capabilities confirmed. Possible telepathy, flight, enhanced durability. Highly intelligent, displays leadership capacity and controlled use of power in high-stress scenarios."
His tone darkened slightly.
> "Weaknesses: None confirmed. No recorded fatigue, no visible vulnerabilities. No recorded dependencies. Suspected — adaptation-based physiology. Capable of adjusting to damage or threat variables in real time."
Bruce paused, then added quietly, "Contingency status: Incomplete. Requires further surveillance and data."
He tapped a key, closing the folder.
Immediately, he opened a new one.
[NEW FILE CREATED: ANNA MARIE / ALIAS: ROGUE]
A still image appeared — Anna mid-battle with her hair flowing up and had expression fierce.
Batman observed her in silence for a long moment, then began the audio log:
> "Subject: Anna Marie. Alias: Rogue. Recently appeared during battle with Lobo and Parasite. Fought on equal terms with both. Likely possesses power mimicry or absorption traits."
He paused again as he reviewed the footage of her draining Parasite's energy and turning it against him.
> "Strengths: High resilience. Strategic combat instinct. Can likely steal or replicate powers — including meta-level abilities. Appears highly protective of Carter and operates in coordination with him."
> "Weaknesses: Unknown. Potential volatility if power absorption is unstable. Psychological profile pending."
> "Contingency status: Pending further analysis. Recommend indirect field observation."
He saved the file and sat back in his chair, fingers steepled beneath his chin, lost in thought.
The cave was quiet — but his mind was not.
Outside the cave, the world was celebrating miracles. Inside, Batman was preparing for inevitability.
"Two unknowns with immeasurable power," he murmured. "From another world. One leads a biotech empire, the other absorbs anything she touches. Healing cities… now. But tomorrow?"
The screen behind him glowed with two files, side by side — Aeon and Rogue — their silhouettes lit against a sea of data, warnings, and silence.
Bruce closed the folders, watching their images fade to dark.
His eyes shifted back to the green pulse footage.
That… didn't scare him.
What scared him was how easily it all happened.
In just one hour, these two newcomers had changed the world's perception of power.
He sat in silence, the soft ambient hum of the Batcave surrounding him.
"This world," he whispered, "will be unrecognizable in the coming days."
The monitors glowed on, the green hue of the spell still reflecting in his mask.
The shadows of tomorrow had arrived and the Bat was watching.
------------------
High above Metropolis, in the sleek, steel-and-glass fortress of LexCorp Tower, the evening sunlight painted a golden hue across the skyline. But inside the dim-lit executive office, the atmosphere was far from warm.
Lex Luthor sat in his obsidian leather chair, one leg crossed over the other, his fingers steepled together as a large screen displayed recent footage of the battle in Metropolis and Gotham.
His cold eyes narrowed at the glowing figure of Ethan Carter — Aeon — as the massive green healing circle expanded across both cities, reversing damage and revitalizing the injured.
Standing a few paces behind him, arms folded behind her back, was Mercy Graves—his personal assistant, and one of the few people he actually trusted. She remained silent, stoic, silently observing her employer's reaction.
Lex leaned forward slightly and let out a dry chuckle. "Great. Just great," he muttered with disdain. "As if Superman wasn't enough of a goddamn headache. Now we have two more contestants entering the ring."
He tapped a remote, rewinding to the moment Rogue — Anna Marie — absorbed Parasite's energy and slammed him to the ground like a ragdoll.
"Look at this. This girl tanked the guy who disciplined Superman like he was a street thug. And the Aeon guy? He doesn't even throw a punch — just waves his hand and heals a city. A whole city, Mercy."
Lex's voice was bitter, laced with thinly veiled contempt. "He put himself in the spotlight. Broadcast his power like a saint walking through fire. That's not heroism. He didn't do it out of kindness."
He took a breath and leaned back, continued with voice tightening with suspicion. "That was a calculated display. That's a message. He's sending a message—'Look at me, world. Look at what I can do.' This son of a bitch is playing hero in front of the world."
"He's planning something… something big. You don't show that kind of strength unless you're preparing for the next move."
Mercy remained quiet for a beat before replying in her calm, professional voice. "If I may remind you, Mr. Luthor... your sister Lena joined Aeon Biotech just a few days ago. Official records confirm she was personally appointed as Secretary to Dr. Ethan Carter."
Lex's jaw twitched. His wine glass, which had been resting quietly on the desk, was gripped a little tighter as he turned to face her.
Lex snapped. "Don't you dare call him a doctor, Mercy. He didn't earn that title here. No Earth-based education, no doctorate from any legitimate institution. He doesn't have credentials. Just powers."
Mercy tilted her head slightly but didn't flinch.
Lex stood up before walking slowly to the window, swirling the deep red liquid in his glass as he gazed down at the city.
His voice dipped into a quiet growl. "Superman, for all his problems, at least grew up here. He has roots—human memories, childhood attachments. But this Ethan Carter? No past. No record. No emotional baggage. That makes him more dangerous than any Kryptonian."
He paused, voice lowering into something far colder. "That makes him dangerous."
Lex took a long sip from his glass, letting the rich wine slide across his tongue before swallowing. "As for my dear younger sister Lena… she had nowhere else to crawl. She burned every other bridge she had in Metropolis. Carter's company was the only ladder left within her reach. But that doesn't mean we can stop watching her."
He turned back to Mercy. "Track all communications from Lena's office. Discreetly. Tap into her internal Aeon Biotech correspondence if possible. I want full visibility."
Mercy nodded. "Understood."
She tapped a few commands on her tablet before continuing. "Our people have begun counter-influence campaigns across social media — trying to downplay their heroics, flood the feeds with skepticism, conspiracy theories, doubt."
She glanced up. "But... it's not working well. Their popularity is organic and emotional. It's not just awe — it's gratitude. They didn't just stop destruction. They saved lives."
Lex returned to his desk, now visibly irritated but controlling his emotions. "And what about our partnership outreach?"
"We extended formal partnership proposals to Aeon Biotech through three channels," Mercy replied. "All three were respectfully declined. They're not interested in corporate mergers, funding offers, or tech collaborations."
Lex raised an eyebrow, mildly impressed despite himself. "So they're not just arrogant... they're independent."
He set down the wine glass and looked up at the ceiling, the gears in his mind turning. "There's a message in silence. Ethan Carter is isolating himself from traditional power networks. No sponsors. No investors. That means no leash."
He sat back down and opened a holographic projection of Aeon Biotech's structure. "Which means," Lex murmured, "if we want to understand his endgame… we may have to go through some backdoor."
Mercy didn't respond, but Lex could already see the chessboard forming in his mind. Aeon Biotech was rising too fast. Public opinion. Political capital. Meta-tech dominance.
Lex Luthor never feared power. But he feared unpredictability — and Ethan Carter was exactly that.
He leaned back, eyes narrowing as the hologram shifted to display footage of Anna Marie throwing Parasite into a crumbled building like a hurricane in human form.
"Start digging deeper on the girl too," he added. "Anna Marie. Rogue. Whatever alias she's using — find out everything."
"Background, weaknesses, emotional triggers. If she's Carter's right hand, then she's the opening we need."
Mercy simply nodded. "Consider it done."
As the screens continued playing footage of cities being healed and citizens cheering in the streets, Lex Luthor sat still in the shadows of his tower — calculating, watching, and waiting.
Because in his world, power was only real when you could control it.