Rise of an Immortal

Inside the sleek glass-paneled auditorium owned by Aeon Biotech, the press conference hall was tightly packed—flashes from cameras went off every few seconds, reporters buzzed in every direction, and murmurs filled the air like an electric current.

The press had gathered in full force: The Daily Bugle, WHIH World News, Metro News 1, The New York Bulletin, and even foreign outlets like BBC Marvel and Tokyo SuperVision had swarmed the hall. The world had questions, and it demanded answers.

At the center of the spotlight stood Jean Grey and Anna Marie, calm but watchful, seated behind a long white desk with official A-emblem banners draped behind them. The weight of global curiosity was on their shoulders.

Jean adjusted her mic. "Let's begin," she said.

With serious expression and professional grace, "Mr. Sinister had long been working from the shadows," Jean stated, her voice calm and firm. "He abducted and experimented on mutants, trying to engineer the perfect being for years. Ethan Carter was one of those experiments. But he broke free, with the help of the X-Men, and he stopped Sinister—twice."

"Years ago, he targeted mutants, extracting abilities through forced mutation, and stockpiled a weapon designed to destroy populated zones."

Anna continued, "But he was stopped. Ethan Carter, along with the X-Men and representatives of global authorities, neutralized the threat. The weapon was redirected from cities and instead destroyed Sinister's own hidden facilities."

The crowd erupted. A hand shot up, a man in a navy blazer. The Reporter asked, "Are you saying Ethan Carter is responsible for destroying the labs years ago? Who is he exactly? A mutant?"

Jean replied calmly, "Ethan Carter is not a mutant. He was one of Sinister's victims, experimented on... but rescued. What he has is power—but not mutant power. Think of him like the Fantastic Four. He didn't choose them—but he uses them to help others."

Anna looked at the Reporter, "Strong, fast, can fly, survive hits, and command the weather a little."

The murmurs grew. People were beginning to grasp the scale.

Another Reporter asked, "Is he dangerous?"

Jean gave a dry smile, "He's not the one who built a world-destroying weapon. He stopped it."

Anna replied, "We just saved millions. Let's focus on that, sugar."

Jean looked at the sea of flashing cameras and expectant faces with calm professionalism.

"Everyone believed Sinister was dead after the previous incident," she began, her tone steady but weighted with seriousness. "But he returned… stronger than before. This time, he came back with vengeance, targeting those who had failed him in the past. And he wasn't the same man—he had acquired new, dangerous powers."

She paused for a moment, letting her words sink in before continuing.

"I want to express my deepest sorrow for the innocent lives that were lost during this attack. The moment Ethan found out, he didn't wait for a plan, for backup—he confronted Sinister head-on. And this time... he made sure it was the end. Sinister overused his powers in desperation, and ultimately, he exploded from within. He's gone for real this time."

The room buzzed with murmurs and whispered speculation. Hands shot into the air as questions poured out.

A reporter at the front stood quickly. "What kind of weapon did Sinister use this time? Was it some kind of mutant-enhanced tech?"

Jean and Anna exchanged a glance—silent, brief, but telling. Anna offering a composed smile.

"We're still analyzing the remnants," she said smoothly. "But whatever it was, it's been dealt with and poses no further threat."

She left it at that, and the room fell quiet once more.

Anna continued, her Southern drawl sharp and confident. "Sinister tried to burn down the people and even the world with his new powers. But Ethan stopped him. He's injured, restin', but alive. And the world's safe. For now."

There were murmurs. Accusations. Questions. Speculation.

"Where did he come from?"

"Did he create Aeon Biotech with stolen tech?"

But Jean and Anna stuck to the plan. Focus on Ethan's heroism. Keep the narrative tight.

The conversation was controlled, careful. A few sharp questions cut in—some asked if this was all fabricated, others questioned the ethics of hiding the truth for so long—but none lasted.

The press saw two composed women, one a world-known psychic, the other a powerhouse with charm.

The listed "public" powers were carefully revealed: Superhuman strength, High-speed flight, Enhanced endurance and Weather manipulation.

Nothing about adaptation and Phoenix fragments. Just enough truth to keep the world watching—but not enough to alarm them.

The press conference had ended—but the world was only just beginning to react.

A Few Hours Later...

The press conference video went viral immediately. Social platforms exploded in classic internet fashion.

[YouTube Comments on WHIH News Live Upload]

▶️ "Jean Grey & Anna Marie Speak on Ethan Carter's Heroics"

💬 @PowerFan2009:

"He saved us and made my lawn green again?? Protect this man at all costs."

💬 @XtraMutants:

"Anna looks like she wanted to slap that WhisperNet guy, lol. She's the queen we need."

💬 @theonlystorm:

"Wait, he has weather powers?"

💬 @EmmaIsMyQueen:

"Can we get an Emma + Ethan collab?? Brain and business?? Yes please."

💬XxFireStormxX:

Did y'all see Jean Grey? She looked like she came outta a Vogue cover and still dropped war intel like a boss 😳🔥

💬mutantH8r92:

Nah man this Ethan dude is sus. He "redirected" an attack? How tf do you redirect a laser? 🧢

💬JeanNation4Life:

Because he's HIM. Also y'all better leave Jean alone—she's been saving the world before half of you were born.

💬RhodeyFan01:

So we're just gonna let this Ethan Carter guy fly around with thunder powers and not make him register? Civil War vibes all over again...

[Tumblr: #EthanCarter]

🔁 user: jean-is-mother

Jean Grey standing like an omega-level goddess while men cry around her 😭👑

🔁 user: meninlabs

Ethan Carter's "immune+" protocol is about to replace Flintstone Gummies in 3 weeks, and I for one welcome our wellness overlord.

🔁 mutantmusings.tumblr.com:

So you're telling me the guy who invented tech that makes dead soil bloom just took down one of the most dangerous madmen in history… and he can fly??

This isn't just "powered," this is planetary-level plot twist.

[Facebook Comments]

Emma Frost (@OfficialWhiteQueen)

Immune+ human trials are progressing. Thanks to Ethan Carter's vision, we might just enter a new era in medicine.

#AeonBiotech #HumanResilience

💬 Matt Landon

Emma, are you serious? We're trusting another superpowered dude with our immune systems now? After what happened with MGH?

💬 Samantha Keene

Chill. If Ethan looks like that AND fixes my allergies, I'll donate blood to his lab myself.

💬 Erik the Vegan Mutant

You just jealous he prettier than your dad, Matt.

Cassandra Blake:

Omg… Ethan Carter is not just hot and smart—he SAVED THE WORLD?! 😱 #MarryMe

@ScienceSpidey:

That fertilizer tech is incredible. But also... wow, storm powers? Next-level stuff.

[Twitter – Trending Hashtags]

#EthanCarter

#AeonBiotech

#NotAMutant

#SinisterWho

#ImmunePlus

#EthanIsDaddy

#JeanGreyQueen

#MutantAlliance

Tweet by @TonyStarkOfficial:

Not bad, Carter. Saving the world while running a green company. Let's grab a drink sometime—unless you only do organic martinis. 🍸⚡️

Tweet by @WMax94:

I trust Jean Grey. That's all I need. #TeamXMen

@RealGeekIntel:

HOLY. CRAP. Ethan Carter? The Aeon Biotech guy?? He's a damn superhuman?? #EthanCarter #NotAMutant

Tweet by @SuperMomEmma:

He may have powers, but he chose to protect the world. That's the kind of power I respect. #EthanCarter

Facebook Status Updates:

Alex Harper updated his status:

Ethan Carter being experimented on, rescued by X-Men, and then turning into a world-saving demigod sounds like a web series arc. Wait. Is it real???

> Emily Sorensen commented:

He's hot. And makes fertilizers that turn deserts green. Marry me.

u/XxMindEyeOpenerxX:

Okay but hear me out: What if Ethan's been around for longer than we think? What if he's not even human? What if… HE IS SINISTER CLONE #EthanTheory #CloneWars #NotClickbait

> u/BiotechBabyYoda:

Dude. Just say you're jealous. Man grows wheat in the Sahara and now he controls the weather. Let him live.

News Headlines Flood the Web:

Daily Bugle: "Aeon Biotech CEO: Savior or Secret Threat?"

MCN: "Ethan Carter Revealed to Have Superhuman Powers – What This Means for Humanity"

The Whisper Net: "Too Good To Be True? Investigating Ethan Carter's Meteoric Rise"

------------------

Meanwhile – Private Aeon Biotech Lounge Room

Inside the executive lounge of Aeon Biotech's towering headquarters, the atmosphere was a mix of quiet relief and exhaustion.

Jean Grey sank into the plush white leather couch, her jacket draped over the armrest, while Anna Marie—better known to the public as Rogue—cradled a tall glass of chilled lemonade, condensation rolling down the sides.

Anna took a sip and broke the silence, "Well... that was somethin'. I thought one o' them reporters was gonna throw a chair when we said Ethan ain't a mutant."

Jean cracked a small smile, eyes still closed. "They tried. But I think your southern charm disarmed half the room."

"Damn right it did," Anna winked.

Jean gave a tired chuckle and leaned back before massaging her temples. "At least no one asked about the Phoenix today. That's a first."

Didi who is standing near the expansive glass wall overlooking the city skyline, turned to them with a smile.

Her long dark hair was tucked behind one ear, and the faintest glow of amusement sparkled in her eyes. "Give it time. The internet's already in love with him. Twitter hasn't shut up for hours."

Didi had insisted on attending the press conference just to see the chaos unfold firsthand. She hadn't been disappointed.

She wasn't alone, either. Yurio Oyama, the stoic new head of security for Aeon Biotech, stood at a respectful distance. Her cold expression never wavered, but the loyalty in her eyes was clear. Jean had saved her from Stryker's brainwashing weeks ago, and she hadn't left her side since.

"Your phone, ma'am," Yurio said softly, stepping forward and handing Jean her buzzing mobile. "It's been... relentless."

Jean blinked at the screen—42 missed calls. Messages from Professor Xavier, Emma Frost, Hank McCoy, even a few international contacts in government and media.

She groaned. "Why does everyone think I know where he is?"

Didi chuckled, walking over and plopping down beside Anna. "Because you probably do. He told me he was turning off his phone and vanishing for a bit. Said something about—what was it? 'Sand, sunsets, and stolen kisses'?"

Anna nearly choked on her lemonade.

"Diana? He actually took her to Dubai?"

"Yup," Didi nodded. "Private flight. Five-star everything. Honestly, I'm jealous. I wanted to see this world too."

Jean rolled her eyes, though a faint smile betrayed her affection. "Well... he did promise us a few dates and some 'fun nights' before the month ends. I suppose he earned a small vacation."

Anna leaned forward, her Southern accent dipping into playful sarcasm. "Small vacation? He just redirected a world-ending weapon, blew up five hidden labs, and somehow convinced the public he's just a glorified weatherman with abs."

They all laughed.

Just then, the doors opened with a soft hiss, and familiar faces stepped in—Bobby Drake (Iceman), Angelica Jones (Firestar), and Kitty Pryde (Shadowcat).

"Party in the lounge?" Bobby grinned, tossing a bottle of soda to Anna, who caught it without looking.

"Just tryin' to stay sane," Anna quipped. "Want me to catch you up on the PR-approved version of events?"

"Please," Angelica said, flopping into a nearby chair. "But no spoilers. I want to pretend Ethan's just some guy with a tragic past and dreamy powers."

"The internet already does. You should see Tumblr." Kitty snorted before pulling out her tablet. "The trending hashtags are wild. #GodCarter, #StormKing, #NotAMutantButHot, and my personal favorite—#DaddyAeon."

"#DaddyAeon?" Jean blinked. "Seriously?"

"Yup." Didi smirked. "And there's a meme of you two standing behind him like backup singers at a rock concert."

Anna covered her mouth to stifle her laugh. "That ain't far from the truth."

Then Anna filled them in real details—skimming the dangerous details and focusing more on how public opinion was spun like a top—Jean stood and stretched.

She checked her calendar. "Canceling the rest of today's meetings. No way I'm answering more questions about Ethan's 'origin story'."

Yurio stepped forward. "I'll notify your assistant."

"Thanks, Yurio."

As the conversation drifted to less stressful topics—what to wear at the upcoming gala, the status of Immune+ trials, and whether Ethan would ever open a personal Instagram account—Jean allowed herself a moment of stillness.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city buzzed on, unaware that its quiet day had been hard-earned.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Dubai

Sunset drenched the skyline in a warm orange hue. Ethan Carter stood at the edge of a private balcony, overlooking the glittering Arabian Gulf. He wore a casual white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and designer trousers. Diana, in a flowing crimson dress, leaned beside him as they clinked glasses.

"Any regrets?" she asked, looking at him with serene eyes.

Ethan took a long breath, the sea breeze ruffling his hair. "None. I protected what mattered. Let the world talk."

"They're not just talking, Ethan," Diana said, handing him a phone. "They're obsessed."