The amber hues of the setting sun cast long shadows across the city skyline as the clock approached 6:30 p.m.
Within the luminous walls of Aeon Biotech's headquarters, the final echoes of busy footsteps faded into the calm of evening. Inside the top floor, Jean and Anna were wrapping up the last of their tasks, sorting files and reviewing data on their laptops.
Anna stretched with a groan, then turned toward the tall, elegant woman leaning casually against the wall—Diana Prince, dressed in a simple, tasteful blouse and slacks that did little to hide her graceful poise. She had observed most of the day's work in silence.
"So, what do you think?" Anna asked before brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "This is what we do around here. Pretty glamorous, huh?"
Diana smiled politely, though her eyes carried a flicker of confusion. "I admit… I didn't understand much of the science, but it doesn't seem like easy work."
Anna laughed. "You have no idea. Sometimes I feel like we're drowning in spreadsheets and test results."
Before she could continue her rant, Jean interjected with a warm yet determined voice. "But it's worth it. This is Ethan's dream. And we're going to make it a reality, no matter how much work it takes."
Anna's grin softened, "Yeah… you're right. It is a good thing—especially the eco projects and the low-cost fertilizers for farmers. It's nice doing something that matters and I'm proud to be part of it."
Diana's smile widened as she nodded in agreement. A flicker of memory crossed her mind—of Themyscira, the beauty of her homeland, and the importance of nurturing what the world provides.
"It's admirable," Diana said thoughtfully. "I would love to see your products reach my homeland someday. It could benefit many of my sisters there."
Anna and Jean exchanged a surprised glance. Neither had considered interdimensional expansion of Aeon Biotech's operations before.
"We should bring that up with Ethan," Jean said. "Honestly, it might be a game changer."
Before the conversation could go further, the door to the workspace swung open. Kitty strolled in with her usual casual confidence, followed by Bobby and Angelica who tried to stop her, "Kitty, you can't just waltz into the boss's floor without permission!"
"It's past work hours," Kitty shrugged. "That means I'm off-duty and technically just visiting friends. Besides, we're planning something fun."
Anna raised a brow. "Fun?"
Kitty turned to her with a smirk. "Yes. Pub night. You, me, Jean, and whoever else wants in. It's Friday, and we all deserve a break."
Anna laughed. "Now that is a plan I can get behind."
Jean looked up from her tablet. "Honestly? I'm in too. Ethan's not a fan of pubs, so he'll probably skip. But we can have our own night."
Angelica sat down beside Diana. "What about you, Diana? Will you come?"
Diana gave a gentle smile. "Why not? There's much this world has to offer. And I plan to enjoy every bit of it."
Anna laughed and pulled Kitty into a casual conversation, the room warming with the presence of friends. Angelica took a seat beside Diana, who gave her a polite nod.
The Amazon had been introduced earlier that morning under the cover story as Ethan's cousin, working in foreign cultural diplomacy and works at the Louvre Museum in Paris as a curator of antiquities.
Still, most of the team hadn't interacted much with Diana throughout the day. She had remained an enigmatic presence, more observer than participant.
Bobby, meanwhile, couldn't help stealing glances at her. Her striking beauty and calm presence were hard to ignore. Unfortunately for him, Kitty noticed. She nudged his leg with her foot. Hard.
"Ow! What was that for?" Bobby blinked at her.
"That's what you get for eyeing another woman in front of your girlfriend," Anna teased with a smirk.
Bobby threw his hands up, "I'm just curious okay. But if you take offense, I'm sorry!"
Diana chuckled. "Don't worry. I don't take offense."
Before the teasing could escalate, Jean clapped her hands lightly. "Alright, it's getting late. Ethan's probably waiting for us, and we still need to get ready for pub night."
Just as they were about to leave, another figure entered—Natalie Rushman, dressed sharply as always. Her eyes scanned the room before locking onto Jean and Anna. "I was just coming to get you, Ms. Grey. Ms. Marie."
Jean sighed with exasperation. "Natalie, how many times do we have to tell you? Just call us Jean and Anna after work."
Anna nodded. "Exactly. Enough with the formal stuff. Besides, we're going out to blow off some steam at the pub. You're coming too."
Natasha hesitated. "I've… never really been to places like that."
Kitty and Anna exchanged mischievous grins.
"That's exactly why you're coming," Kitty said. "You need to live a little."
"Don't worry," Anna added. "It's just a girls' night out. No spy missions. No corporate chaos. Just drinks, dancing, and loud music."
Natasha pursed her lips, clearly uncertain, but then nodded. "Alright… but just for a bit."
Angelica turned to Diana. "You coming too?"
All eyes turned toward the poised Amazon.
"Why not?" Diana said, a twinkle of curiosity in her eyes. "There's so much in this world I haven't experienced yet. I intend to enjoy it."
Natasha raised a brow, "Dr.Carter is not joining us, right?" she asked.
Jean shook her head. "No, he doesn't like crowded places like pubs. Too loud for him. He prefers peace and quiet. So it's just us tonight."
The group agreed and began dispersing.
Bobby offered Kitty a ride on his motorbike, which she accepted with an exaggerated sigh of romance. Angelica got into one of the company cabs.
They all decided to move out of the X-Mansion and experience life in the outside world. Kitty and Angelica share a room in the same apartment, while Bobby lives in the unit across the hall. Since Bobby and Kitty are dating, it's only natural for her to ride with him on his bike—leaving Angelica to take a company cab.
Jean, Anna, and Diana shared a sleek black sedan, chatting excitedly about outfits and drink specials.
Natasha waited until they had all left.
Once alone, she reached into her coat and pressed a small comms device to her ear.
"This is Romanoff," she whispered. "Did you get anything on Diana Prince?"
A distorted voice came through the earpiece. "Yes. We've run deep scans. Her record is flawless—too flawless. Background is clean. Too clean. No financial history, no family activity on our database. Practically artificial. Keep an eye on her."
The voice continued, "And Ethan? They say he went on a business trip, but there's no flight, train, or vehicular record of departure or return. He just vanished—and came back with her."
Natasha's eyes narrowed, "I already had my suspicions. Something's definitely going on here…"
She removed the earpiece, tucked it away, and walked toward her own car and paused beside it, leaning against the door, her mind began replaying everything—again.
She still couldn't believe it. Ethan had vanished.
Three days ago, Jean and Anna told them that he had to leave on a business trip. But when Natasha ran it through S.H.I.E.L.D.'s secure channel, she found no travel records. Not through airports, not via private transport, not even satellite surveillance could place him anywhere.
It was like he just… disappeared.
She had already tried to find out what he was doing. And each time she attempted to reach the 18th floor—the R&D level Ethan personally controlled—something even stranger happened.
She always ended up in her own office.
No matter what route she took. No matter which corridor. No matter what time of day.
It didn't matter if she used an elevator, climbed the emergency stairs, or even disabled building security.
Every single time—she reappeared in her own cabin, as if reality had looped itself.
One step forward… and she was back at square one. She'd seen nothing like it.
And now, just like that, Ethan had returned and introduced a new player: Diana Prince. A woman whose background checks came up too clean. Too perfect.
No inconsistencies. No gaps. Just a flawlessly constructed persona. And Spies don't believe in clean records.
She got into her car and sat there for a moment, fingers gripping the steering wheel. A faint smile crept to her lips—not of joy, but the thrill of the unknown.
This pub night might just be a casual getaway for the others.
But for her? It was an opportunity.
People got loose in places like that. They let their guard down while laughing, drinking, and talking freely.
Maybe—just maybe—Jean or Anna or maybe Diana would slip.
And she'd be there to catch it.
She started the car, "Let's see what secrets you're hiding, Dr. Carter."
She pulled out of the lot, merging into the sea of city lights.
He already knew everything about them—now it was their turn to learn everything about him.
---------------
While the hum of nightlife stirred in the streets below and laughter spilled from bar patios, a storm of intentions brewed high above New York's skyline.
A young man with golden-blonde hair and blue eyes stood silently. In his hand hovered a shimmering bubble of energy, no larger than a basketball, displaying a scene that is currently happening.
Inside the sphere, Ethan Carter could be seen walking alongside a woman—Susan and softly smiling as he escorted her to her doorstep.
He said something that made her laugh, then turned to leave, stepping into a glowing blue portal that whisked him away.
The bubble pulsed once—then burst, scattering into particles of light that vanished into the wind.
"That's enough," came a voice from behind the blonde man. A rough, commanding tone. "You've seen what you came to see. Time to return."
Frank turned slightly, his eyes narrowing at the figure who crossed his arms and stood tall. Nathan Summers—Cable—looked at the younger man like one might regard a brother.
"You know," Cable said, "whatever you're planning, don't take it too far. Uncle Aeon may not like this."
Frank gave a small, almost imperceptible smirk. "He is not here."
"That doesn't mean he isn't watching."
A bitter chuckle escaped the young man's lips. "That guy vanished from his home and went to what he calls his 'true home.'" His fists clenched. "And what I plan to do... I have a reason, okay?"
Cable's jaw clenched. "Frank…"
He sighed and reached into his coat and flicked his wrist, summoning a portal of white and silver. The shimmering doorway to the future spun slowly beside them.
"Just remember—he's your father. And he loved you. Loved all of you. Don't let his future actions warp how you view his past."
After saying that Cable went into the portal which closed afterwards.
For a long moment, Frank said nothing. He simply stared down at the street below.
Then he whispered to himself, "He's the best father to his children... and a perfect husband to his wives." His eyes narrowed. "But that doesn't mean he gets to abandon them. Abandon us."
He turned, slowly, and lifted his chin into the empty air beside him.
"I know you're there," he said calmly. "It's hard to pretend I didn't see you."
Then suddenly Reality shimmered. A ripple of energy peeled through the air like cracking glass, revealing a figure in yellow robes.
She stepped out of the distortion with regal grace, the folds of her golden cloak fluttering softly in the breeze. She removed her hood slowly, revealing a wise, aged face with piercing eyes. The Ancient One.
She met Frank's eyes with a knowing look.
"I expected to meet you," Frank said with a slight bow of respect. "I've only heard of you in my time. You're his teacher, right?"
The Ancient One smiled softly. "And you are… far too early, my boy."
"I don't care," Frank replied. "I'm not leaving."
"You must understand," she said gently. "This is not your time. Your presence here—your actions—may unravel events that are barely holding together."
He raised a brow. "So I should just leave? Because it's inconvenient to have me here?"
"It is unwise to meddle," she said gently. "Especially now. This timeline is delicate. Any misstep could fracture what little stability remains."
Frank's eyes narrowed again. "What if I don't want to leave? You think you can stop me?"
She looked at him—not with challenge, but with patience. "No," she admitted. "I don't have the power to stop you. And if we fought, it would do more harm than good."
She stepped forward, her voice softer now. "But it is wise... to heed the advice of the old generation. Especially when that advice is given in kindness."
"Save it," Frank snapped. "I'm not leaving. Not yet. I want to understand him. The man before he became what he was. I want to see who he was—who he really was—before he became... that."
The Ancient One tilted her head slightly. "Very well. But tread carefully. This timeline has already diverged from its original path. The moment Ethan Carter gained his powers, the river of fate changed course."
"I give you my word," Frank said quietly. "I won't use my powers to disturb this timeline. But…"
He met her eyes, "Some events need to happen for me to exist. And I won't let those be undone."
There was a long pause.
Then the Ancient One raised her hand and opened a swirling yellow portal behind her. Just before stepping into it, she glanced back and asked, "What is your name again, young traveler?"
Frank smiled faintly, "You can call me Frank," he said. Then, after a pause, he added: "Franklin Carter."
And with that, he stepped into the shadows, vanishing from the rooftop—leaving behind ripples of energy.
But one truth remained. Ethan's future had arrived in the present.
---------------
Author's Note:
I mentioned this before, but damn, Susan Storm is now officially part of the harem.
I originally planned to keep the harem at three, but now it's grown to five. And I'm sure that's where it will stop. (Actually, I'm not. 😉)
But what do you think is going on here? Why is Frank involved, and what happened in the future timeline?
Stay tuned for more chapters, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
Reviews are always appreciated!
Also, check out the character chapter, and you can add some pictures of Diana and Susan there! I didn't find any satisfying pictures to add. But will add in future.