Later that evening, after handling all his Aeon Biotech work, Ethan went to et Cyborg. Thanks to his company's focus on land fertility and plant growth, Aeon Biotech was already experiencing imnse success in a sector many other companies had neglected.
Now, his attention turned toward another matter.
Inside the temporary Justice League base at Star Labs, Cyborg was busy working on building a more permanent headquarters.
Ethan materialized in the room with a flicker of red energy portal, hands casually in his pockets. "Still married to the motherboard, I see."
Victor turned with a grin. "Soone has to build our future ho brick by digital brick."
Ethan chuckled. "I admire the hustle. Anyway, figured I'd check in—and see how things are going with Sarah."
"Actually... we have a date tonight."
"Oh, sounds like things are getting serious with Sarah, huh, Vic?" Ethan asked with a teasing glint in his eye. "Congrats, man. Play your cards right, and you might just beco a man tonight."
Victor's brow furrowed with a faint flush rising on his tallic cheek. "I already am a man, Ethan. What is that even supposed to an?"
Ethan simply smiled with a noncommittal shrug. "ans exactly what you think it ans, champ. Don't play coy."
Changing the subject, Ethan then leaned against a console while crossing his arms. "Alright, enough about your... personal developnt. Let's talk about sothing a bit more pressing. I've been thinking about the whole 'super-villain containnt' problem."
Victor sighed, turning from his holographic schematics. "Another one of your 'revolutionary' ideas, Carter?"
Ethan's tone shifted slightly, more serious now. "It's more like a proposal. Sothing we need to consider sooner than later."
Victor looked over his shoulder. "Go on."
"I want to build a prison. Not just any prison—sothing secure, absolute. A place for criminals too dangerous to be held by traditional ans. People like Joker. Monsters who laugh at death like it's a joke and treat murder as performance art."
"If we lock them up in a regular prison, they'll eventually escape and cause even more destruction. That's why we need sothing stronger—
a place they can't break out of. Sothing absolute."
Victor nodded slowly. "That's a big step, I can start designing sothing later, but it'll take ti."
"We already have it, we don't need to build it from scratch... " Ethan cut in before pushing off the console.
Victor frowned. "What do you an?"
"The Phantom Zone."
Victor's eyes widened, "How did you know about that? That was Krypton's—"
"Yeah, yeah, Krypton's ultimate solution for their worst," Ethan interjected, waving a dismissive hand. "Look, how I know isn't important right now. What is important is that it's the best course of action against criminals like the Joker, who laughs at the death of others. Or whoever else poses an existential threat."
Victor hesitated, running a hand over his tal jaw. "It's a big decision, Ethan. Banishing soone to another dinsion? That's... extre, even for us."
"And that's why we're going to make it, as a League," Ethan asserted. "Call every mber for a eting. I want to propose this idea clearly: who can be sent to the Phantom Zone and who can't, based on the voting of League mbers and the severity of the cris they've committed. We'll set the rules, make it airtight."
"Batman might not like this idea," Victor warned, "He's usually against anything that sounds like 'extra-judicial punishnt'."
Ethan's lips quirked into a confident smirk. "He rarely likes anything. Trust , I think I can convince him... if he listens. Besides, even Batman has to admit so threats are just too dangerous to keep around."
"Alright," Victor conceded, a flicker of curiosity in his gaze. "I'll arrange the eting for three days from now. Don't be late."
"No promises," Ethan replied, a playful glint in his eye. "I have other etings to attend to anyway."
With that, he raised a hand, and a swirling red portal opened before him. Ethan stepped through, vanishing from sight, leaving Victor to ponder the implications of the Phantom Zone and Ethan Carter's increasingly... unorthodox thods.
.....
After leaving the Star Labs behind, Ethan decided it was ti to follow through on a promise he'd made.
He found Diana in her personal quarters, seated near the open window as the golden sunset cast a divine glow over her.
She wore her traditional Amazonian attire: a crimson battle wrap draped elegantly over her chest, secured by a golden clasp bearing the eagle of Themyscira. Her legs were wrapped in leather sandals, and a skirt of royal blue with silver accents flowed with every subtle movent. Her bracers glead in the warm light, and her long raven hair cascaded freely down her back like a waterfall of night.
Ethan stepped in before raising an eyebrow and letting out a low whistle. "So... this is what they an by Goddess Mode."
Diana smiled before tilting her head. "Careful, or I might start charging you for complints."
"Trust , I'd go bankrupt," he said with a playful grin as he walked closer. "You look stunning, Diana. Like war and beauty had a baby and it decided to make everyone else feel inadequate."
She chuckled and shook her head as he wrapped his arms around her. She leaned into his touch, her voice soft. "Are you sure you're ready to et my mother now?"
Ethan nodded before pulling her closer. "Yeah. I figured it's about ti. Besides, I wanted to talk to her about opening a branch of Aeon Biotech on the island. The untouched ecosystem there—it's perfect and I think our tech could coexist with its natural beauty, even enhance it."
He paused while locking eyes with her. "And since I'm dating you, it's only fair I et the woman who raised you, right?"
Diana's lips twitched with amusent. "You're either very brave... or very stupid."
He smirked. "A little of both, depending on the day."
With a subtle flick of his fingers, Ethan summoned a glowing red portal. Opening it to Themyscira wasn't easy—the island was shielded by layers of ancient magic, illusions, and divine wards.
But Ethan wasn't just anyone. He had read Diana's mories, visualized the island countless tis, and applied his own brand of psychic power. After a few seconds of magical resistance, the air shimred, twisted, and parted to reveal the radiant shores of Themyscira.
Beyond the portal stretched an untouched beach with crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and distant marble structures nestled between lush forests. The scent of sea breeze and blooming orchids greeted them like a warm welco.
Ethan stepped through with Diana beside him, and the portal sealed shut behind them.
Diana inhaled deeply, the scent of ho filling her lungs. "It's been so long..."
She smiled as her feet touched the sand, her posture easing, the rigid edges of her warrior-self softening in the embrace of familiarity.
Just a short distance ahead, two Amazons were sparring—sharp blades clashing in rhythm. One had short brown hair and erald eyes: Artemis, the ever-fiery warrior of Bana-Mighdall. The other, taller with silver-blonde hair and stoic features, was Philippus, the Amazon general and royal guard.
The mont they noticed Ethan, their weapons dropped into defensive positions, eyes narrowing with imdiate tension.
But when Diana stepped forward, both won froze—shocked.
"Princess Diana?" Artemis asked before lowering her sword.
Philippus blinked, visibly surprised. "It's been a long ti... we thought you would never return."
Diana approached with a warm smile and hugged both won. "Hello, sisters. It's good to see you, too."
Their eyes eventually drifted to Ethan.
"And this is...?" Artemis asked with her eyebrow raised.
Diana turned slightly and gestured toward him. "Ethan Carter. He's... soone important to ."
Ethan nodded politely. "Nice to et you both. Love the island—five stars so far. Sand's a bit warm, though."
Philippus narrowed her gaze. "You know n are not allowed here, Diana."
"I do," Diana said firmly. "And I'll speak to Mother about it myself."
Artemis exchanged glances with Philippus, who finally nodded. "Very well. But you know the Queen's word is law."
Ethan gave a diplomatic smile. "That's the plan. Request an audience, ask politely, survive the first five minutes."
But before the tension could rise, Diana took Ethan's hand and said, "We'll go directly to the palace. I know the way."
With a single, synchronized leap, the two shot into the sky—Diana flying with effortless grace and Ethan levitating alongside her.
They soared over ancient buildings carved from marble, over rivers flowing with pristine water, over gardens that shimred with flora untouched by ti. The palace lood ahead—regal and grand, encircled by towering columns and vine-laced statues.
Inside the palace's eting room, Queen Hippolyta sat at the head of a circular table, deep in discussion with her council. Scrolls and reports were scattered across the marble surface—topics ranging from magical anomalies to border security.
A sudden gust of wind and a heavy thud echoed in the chamber. All eyes turned to the balcony, where two figures had just landed gracefully.
"Diana?" Hippolyta's voice was a mix of surprise and stern curiosity.
The Queen was surprised by her daughter's sudden visit—she wasn't supposed to return yet. But beneath the shock, a warm smile spread across her face. She was simply happy to see her daughter again.
But soon she narrowed her eyes, spotting a blonde man standing near her daughter "And... who is this?"
Ethan straightened his collar, smiled, and gave a half-bow. "Ethan Carter, Your Majesty. I'm here to talk business."
He paused, his eyes twinkling as he added, "And... because I might be romantically involved with your daughter."
------
A few monts later, the warm glow of the evening sun stread in from the arched windows of the Royal Council Hall. The chamber was crafted from gleaming white marble, decorated with golden columns and mosaics depicting centuries of Amazonian triumphs and wisdom. Despite the beauty of the setting, an unmistakable tension hung in the air like a drawn bowstring.
Ethan and Diana were seated side by side inside the grand council chamber of Themyscira—directly opposite Queen Hippolyta and the gathered circle of Amazon elites.
He kept a composed expression, though he could feel the weight of half a dozen sets of eyes evaluating him like a blade under inspection.
Directly across from them sat Queen Hippolyta, every bit the regal figure of myth and legend. Draped in a deep blue royal robe with gold trimming and wearing a laurel circlet of polished bronze, she stared at Ethan with the intensity of a lioness.
Beside her were several of Themyscira's most prominent figures.
General Antiope, Hippolyta's battle-hardened sister, whose presence radiated barely restrained strength. Her scarred arms were folded tightly across her armored chest.
Donna Troy, with raven-black hair and curious eyes, stood tall yet visibly surprised. Diana's close friend and honorary sister.
Althea, the royal physician, whose calm deanor belied a mind sharper than most of the island's swords.
Dessa, proud and tall, her dark skin catching the sunlight as she leaned forward, clearly suspicious.
Derinoe, elderly yet formidable, leaning slightly on a carved staff, her gaze flickering between Diana and Ethan with unreadable emotion.
Diana, however, was glowing with joy. She reached out and gave Ethan's hand a gentle squeeze beneath the table. "It's good to see all of you again," she said warmly.
They responded with polite nods and small smiles. Their eyes flicked back to Ethan.
"Allow to introduce you all," Diana said, standing slightly taller. "This is Ethan Carter... my partner."
Ethan stood and nodded respectfully, bowing slightly. "It's an honor to be in the presence of Themyscira's finest."
There was silence for a mont, followed by Antiope's voice, sharp as ever. "So, you're the man our Princess has decided to bring ho."
Diana smiled, undeterred. "More than that. Ethan is not only my boyfriend—he is soon to be my husband."
Dead silence fell over the chamber.
Even the birds chirping outside the open windows seed to pause.
Althea blinked slowly. Donna's mouth parted in shock. Dessa looked away and sighed. Derinoe's eyes narrowed in skepticism.
Antiope leaned forward with an arched brow. "You what?"
Ethan, anwhile, was doing his best not to laugh at the sheer intensity of their reactions.
The silence broke like glass.
Donna blinked, stunned. "Wait... what?"
Even Derinoe leaned forward. "You intend to marry him?"
Dessa looked Ethan up and down, frowning. "He has a... strong aura. But n are easily corrupted. They manipulate. They break things."
Another Amazon muttered, "n are weak. This one hides it with confidence."
Althea chid in with a soft voice, though no less skeptical. "Diana, have you considered how this will reflect on your legacy? Our legacy?"
"Are you certain he isn't controlling you?" one of the advisors muttered.
Diana's eyes hardened. "He isn't manipulating . I chose him. Of my own will. I want to be with him. I love him."
Ethan's chest swelled slightly at her words. It wasn't just the pride—it was the unwavering way she spoke, like a warrior shielding him from the world.
Hippolyta had said nothing so far, her eyes were locked on Ethan like arrows aid at a target. If looks could kill, he would have been vaporized, resurrected, and vaporized again.
Finally, she spoke. Her voice was low, calm—but sharp.
"You left this island," she said coldly before turning to Diana, "chose to live in a world of chaos, to fight monsters and gods alike. You defied tradition in becoming our ambassador. And now you return... with him?"
Diana's expression didn't waver. "Yes. Because I've lived among humanity. I've seen their light, their flaws—and their potential. And among them, I found soone worth loving."
"Ethan Carter," she said before turning to Ethan, "do you truly love my daughter?"
He t her gaze, unwavering. "Yes. With everything I am."
"Can you promise ," she continued, her voice quiet but filled with power, "that you will keep her happy? That you will not be her downfall?"
Ethan's voice was steady. "I promise. I will do everything in my power to keep her happy. To protect her, love her, and stand beside her—not in front, not behind, but with her."
The council chamber fell into another mont of stillness.
The way she's questioning him, Ethan can't help but feel like he's asking Diana's mother for her daughter's hand.
Then, to the astonishnt of every Amazon present, Hippolyta leaned back in her seat and exhaled slowly. "Then I have no objections."
Antiope turned to her, incredulous. "You... agree with this?"
"Are you serious?"
"Your Majesty—"
"Hippolyta, please—"
The Queen held up a hand.
"She is not a child," Hippolyta replied firmly. "Diana is an Amazon warrior—one of our finest. We trained her to be strong, wise, and just. We cannot now claim she is incapable of making her own decisions."
Diana looked at her mother with wide eyes, a soft smile breaking on her lips.
Hippolyta finally allowed herself the faintest smile in return. "Though that doesn't an I won't be watching you, Ethan."
She then turned to Ethan, voice sharp. "But if you do hurt her, I will end you, no matter what powers you command."
Ethan smiled faintly. "Fair. But you won't have to."
But not everyone in the room was convinced.
Antiope grumbled, "Still not sure about this..."
Dessa frowned. "You may have the Queen's word, but you have not yet earned ours."
Ethan exhaled lightly and smiled. "Fair enough. Earning your respect is sothing I'm willing to work for."
Hippolyta's gaze narrowed. "Now, tell . Why are you really here?"
Diana turned toward him expectantly, and Ethan stood up.
"I wanted to propose the establishnt of a branch of Aeon Biotech here on Themyscira," he said. "It's a scientific and ecological advancent company. We specializes in accelerating plant growth and rejuvenating infertile lands."
He glanced around the hall.
"Themyscira is a paradise, yes—but even paradise can face change. I believe we can preserve and even amplify your ecosystem without harming it. Your island could be a beacon of natural advancent to inspire even the mortal world."
The reactions were imdiate—and not warm.
Antiope's eyes narrowed. Althea's lips pressed into a thin line. Derinoe shook her head subtly.
"You bring technology here? Onto sacred land? Tainting what nature perfected?"
"It would only enhance the natural balance," Ethan replied calmly. "Not replace it."
Donna, looking concerned, said, "Why would we need such a thing? We've survived millennia without outside help. Themyscira is not your testing ground."
Dessa scoffed. "We don't want man-made miracles poisoning our lands."
"Even well-aning inventions co with unintended consequences," Althea added.
Ethan sighed internally. Of course. He'd expected skepticism—but this was bordering on outright resistance.
Even Diana began to frown—frustrated not at Ethan, but at the pushback from her people.
Hippolyta didn't speak. Not yet.
He glanced at Diana and mouthed quietly, 'This is going to take a while...'
He smiled anyway, straightening his back. "Alright then. Let's talk."
------------------
While Ethan was still occupied in Themyscira, making diplomatic moves and trying to convince a council of warrior queens that biotech wouldn't ruin their sacred soil, sothing unexpected stirred back in the world he'd built.
Specifically... near the hotel that stood tall under the banner of M & C Hotel.
(He had renad the hotel to "M & C," short for Marie and Carter Hotel.)
A woman had checked in recently. Quiet. Reserved. But there was sothing about her that unsettled the staff, even if they couldn't place it.
She was hard to miss despite her efforts to blend in. Long crimson-red hair cascaded in a single, smooth braid down her back, tucked partially under a wide-brimd hat. She wore a full-body trench coat, black leather gloves, and thick tinted glasses that completely obscured her eyes.
Her entire appearance scread "overly cautious tourist" — and yet, there was an unsettling natural grace to the way she moved, like a serpent in human form, patient and purposeful.
But the most striking thing? Beneath that overcoat, whenever her collar shifted slightly or the light hit her cheek just right... her skin glead faintly green.
She had been staying in the penthouse suite for three days now. Never ordered room service. Rarely spoke to the staff. But always—always—kept her windows open.
And today, she had finally seen what she was waiting for.
Anna Marie.
The beauty was casually strolling around the hotel's lush rooftop garden, humming to herself, enjoying the fresh air, dressed in a sleek white tank top and black leggings.
The mysterious woman smiled and followed.
Anna noticed her tail long ago, they crossed into the east wing corridor. She didn't say anything at first. She could hear the faint pattern of footsteps behind her—far too soft for a regular guest.
They turned a corner where the security caras didn't reach.
Anna stopped.
Without looking back, she spoke in a bored, slightly amused tone. "You're not even trying to be sneaky. Do all weirdos co out of their caves when Ethan's out of town?"
The woman behind her paused, then chuckled—a soft, rich sound.
Anna turned and raised an eyebrow.
The woman stepped forward and removed her hat. Her long red braid spilled out. She smiled with teeth just a bit too white, a bit too perfect.
"I an no harm," she said sweetly. "Truly. I just wanted to et Dr. Ethan Carter. And you," she gestured lightly, "seed like the most direct route."
Anna didn't return the smile.
Her eyes narrowed. "And why would soone like you want to et him?"
The woman's eyes glead behind her glasses as she pulled them off slowly, revealing brilliant erald irises—unnaturally bright. Obsessively fixated.
Then ca the grin. It wasn't sinister. Not in the obvious way. But there was an edge of obsession, of mad reverence, that sent a small chill up Anna's spine.
"I want to et the man," she whispered, "who developed that formula. The one that made plants grow like they were kissed by gods. The one who's restoring dead soil, reclaiming poisoned earth, giving birth to forests where nothing should grow. That man."
She leaned in slightly, eyes wide with manic joy. "I want to talk to him. I want to understand him. I want to know how he thinks. How he feels about plants. How he loves them..."
Anna stared at her, visibly disturbed. Her eyes scanned the woman's exposed collarbone, then her arms where the sleeves had slightly shifted.
Green skin. Red hair. The earthy scent. The obsession with flora.
Her breath caught for a mont. "...You've got to be kidding ," she muttered. "I knew you were weird, but this level of weird? You're off-the-charts batshit."
The woman blinked. "I've been called worse."
Anna took a step back, frowning. "Alright, Lady Crazy. What's your na?"
There was no offense taken.
In fact, the woman smiled brighter, as if the nickna pleased her.
"Dr. Pala Lillian Isley," she said.
The na rang in her mind like a warning bell. Her mory clicked from DC comics—Poison Ivy. Eco-terrorist. One of Gotham's deadliest figures. Brilliant biochemist turned plant-obsessed extremist. A woman who could command entire forests—and kill with a kiss.
Anna stared at her for a long mont.
Great. One more unstable genius woman obsessed with Ethan. Just what we needed.
She sighed, "...Why can't he attract normal won?"
------------------
After what felt like a diplomatic marathon, Ethan finally stepped out of the Queen's council chamber, ntally exhausted from hours of persuasion and endless counterargunts. Convincing Hippolyta and the Amazon council to allow the establishnt of an Aeon Biotech branch on Themyscira was proving to be far more difficult than any boardroom negotiation or alien war.
He knew it wouldn't be easy—this was sacred land, after all—but the resistance was stronger than he expected.
Still, he had planted the seed.
And seeds, he thought, were his specialty.
---------------
Later that evening, Ethan stood under the golden canopy of a lush tree, the Amazon architecture in the background glowing with torchlight. He pressed two fingers to his temple, reaching out with a gentle pulse of telepathy.
> "Anna. I'll be staying here for a day or two more. Need to give them ti to think about the proposal."
There was a mont of silence before her thoughts returned to him.
> "...Okay."
That was it.
No jokes. No sarcasm. No teasing.
Just a flat, brief response.
'Odd,' Ethan thought. 'That wasn't like her.'
But he brushed it off. Anna could handle herself. And if there was sothing wrong, she'd tell him. Eventually.
---------------
The next morning, he tried to interact with the other Amazons. Most still wouldn't even et his eyes. So outright ignored him. Others treated him with the politeness of a stranger tolerated only because of Diana's presence.
That was, until one of the warriors—Penthesilea, if he rembered right—challenged him during the training session.
Ethan accepted with a casual shrug.
And in the sparring ring, surrounded by towering statues and golden columns, he moved like a blur of red and gold.
They didn't expect him to hold back, but they quickly realized he wasn't fighting to win—he was matching their strength, making each match a perfect tie.
And he did it again, and again, and again—no matter who stepped forward.
Derinoe, Antiope, even Dessa all took their shot.
Each ti, Ethan ended the match with a respectful nod, barely breaking a sweat.
They were Amazons—fierce, proud, powerful—and it irritated them to no end that this man had the skill and control to toy with the outco. But... there was sothing honorable in the way he did it. He never gloated. Never humiliated them.
By the end of the second day, the tension around him had cooled.
They still didn't trust him completely, but they no longer glared daggers at him.
A few even greeted him with curt nods of acknowledgnt.
This is progress.
---------------
Finally, the ti ca to leave.
Diana hugged her fellow Amazons one by one, exchanging quiet words, smiles, and promises to return again. There was real warmth in her eyes—a kind of bittersweet joy at seeing her people again.
Then she took Ethan's hand and turned toward the open courtyard.
With a flick of his wrist and a pulse of red energy, a swirling portal shimred into existence, crackling like liquid fire.
Gasps filled the courtyard.
A few Amazons instinctively reached for their blades.
"He's a wizard," Diana said with a soft chuckle while giving Ethan a teasing look.
Ethan turned to them and smiled politely. "Just making travel a little faster."
No one said anything—but the surprise and respect in their eyes spoke volus.
As the two stepped into the glowing portal, whispers began to spread.
"He's powerful."
"Maybe he's not like the others."
"This man... might truly be sothing else."
------------------------
Author's Note:
Hey everyone!
How did you like the Chapter?
Just a heads-up—I'll be picking up the pace a bit from here. The DC arc is heading toward its conclusion and should wrap up in the next two or three Chapters.
As always, feel free to share your thoughts, theories, or suggestions in the comnts. I really appreciate your support!
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