A Night of Wonder

That Night, in STAR Labs

The air inside STAR Labs was thick with dust, still heavy from the damage inflicted during the invasion. Construction tools and equipment lay scattered around, indicating some reconstruction efforts, but for now, the vast facility stood eerily silent. No workers remained on-site, and the only source of life echoed from a dimly lit and partially ruined meeting room.

Batman stood at the head of a long, cracked table, his arms crossed as he surveyed the dim space. Beside him were Victor Stone along with Green Lantern, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Shazam. The group had gathered at his request, though two key members were still missing.

"Why did you call us here, Batman?" Green Lantern asked with his arms folded, his green ring glow faint but noticeable in the dim room.

Batman's eyes flicked to the door. "Let's wait for everyone to arrive."

Just as he finished speaking, the door creaked open and a familiar figure stepped inside. Ethan Carter entered, brushing his coat as he muttered, "Sorry for the delay."

He walked past the others casually and took his place beside Diana, who stood next to Shazam. On Shazam's other side was Victor.

Suddenly, a red blur zipped into the room, scattering papers, wind gusting through the broken windowpanes. In an instant, the broken chairs were straightened and a new table constructed out of leftover parts.

"What's up, everyone?" Flash grinned as he skidded to a stop.

Green Lantern raised a brow. "You know, for someone who calls himself the fastest man alive, you're late."

Flash scoffed. "Hey, I'm helping people, you know."

Lantern rolled his eyes as Batman took a seat at the head of the table. The others followed suit. Ethan sat beside Diana, who sat beside Victor, then Shazam, Batman, Lantern, Flash, and finally, Superman.

"Thank you all for coming," Batman began, his voice steady. "I wanted to discuss a few important matters."

Lantern leaned forward. "What's the matter, Bats?"

Batman's gaze scanned the group. "Have you all seen the news today?"

Superman nodded grimly. "Yes. The damage and casualties are extensive. The government's working hard to keep fear of aliens under control. The President himself has requested we attend the press conference in two days."

Victor leaned back in his chair. "I think they're trying to use us to reassure the public. We're symbols of hope right now."

Batman gave a single nod. "Exactly. Your presence will help maintain calm and give people something to believe in. But more than that, it'll help prevent opportunists from taking advantage of the chaos. Crime rates will spike. I need you all to help keep things stable over the next few days."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

As they began to chat informally, Flash turned to Ethan. "Hey, Ethan—why don't you ever wear a supersuit? Not just here, you didn't even wear one when you fought Darkseid. If you don't have one, I could hook you up."

All eyes turned to Ethan.

He shrugged. "Do I have to wear skin-tight spandex and a cape that makes it easier for enemies to grab me? Just to save people?"

"…"

Silence settled over the room.

Ethan quickly added, "I'm not insulting you guys. I know you wear these… costumes to protect your identities, to keep your loved ones safe. But I don't have anyone to protect in this world, so I'm fine as I am."

The weight of his words struck them. The idea that he had no one in this world—that he had lost everything—was palpable.

Diana gently reached out and held his hand. "Don't feel alone, Ethan," she said softly. "You have us. We fought side by side for the people. We are warriors, united by purpose. We can be your friends."

Ethan gave an awkward laugh. 'They misunderstood… but I guess it's better this way.' "Thanks," he said simply.

Batman's eyes narrowed as he observed Ethan. "You're not from around here, are you?"

The room fell into a stunned silence.

Batman continued. "Ethan has no records in any government database. No facial recognition matches. At first, I considered shape-shifting—maybe he was altering his appearance—but he walks around all day with the same face, which may not be much for him but leads to my second guess."

He leaned forward. "You're like Superman… you're not from this planet."

The group stiffened. Superman, in particular, stared at Ethan, as though discovering a long-lost brother.

Ethan smiled lightly. "Are you psychoanalyzing me, Batman?"

Batman remained stone-faced. "A man shows up out of nowhere with strength surpassing the Man of Steel, at the same time as an alien invasion? You'll have to forgive my curiosity. Just answer the question."

Ethan sighed. "You'd make a great detective. Ever considered a career switch?"

Batman's stare remained intense.

"Alright, alright," Ethan said before raising his hands, "Yes, you're right. I'm not from this world. Think of me like Superman."

Gasps broke the silence. Diana blinked. Shazam's jaw dropped. Flash muttered something under his breath.

"But," Ethan added, "unlike him, I can travel between my home planet and here with ease."

Batman's gaze narrowed. "So, your planet is similar to Earth?"

Ethan chuckled. "More than you'd believe. It's scary how alike they are."

Superman leaned in. "How did you get here?"

Ethan smiled faintly. "It's one of my powers."

Batman's voice cut in. "Which one?"

"Come on, man," Ethan smirked. "Let a guy keep some secrets."

Batman's eyes sharpened. "Not if those secrets threaten the people."

Ethan frowned. "Are you saying I'm a threat?"

"How can we be sure you're not?" Batman asked bluntly.

Ethan stood. "Listen, I swear—I'm not here to conquer anything. I'd never harm innocent people."

Batman leaned back. "I know."

Everyone turned to Batman and surprised.

He continued, "Your first command during the battle was to protect civilians. You ordered Flash to evacuate people and create a perimeter so the fight wouldn't spread. Your body language, your tone… I can tell you mean no harm."

Green Lantern chuckled. "There he goes again. Someone give this guy the Best Detective Award."

He created a glowing green trophy mid-air and handed it toward Batman with a grin.

Batman then eyed Lantern, who rolled his eyes and dismissed the construct.

Flash looked confused. "If you knew he wasn't dangerous, why question him?"

Batman's gaze never left Ethan. "To test his honesty."

Ethan exhaled. "Man… you are exhausting."

"But still," Batman continued, "it would be wise for someone from this world to guide him."

Superman shook his head. "He doesn't need supervision, Batman. You said it yourself—he means no harm."

"I'm not talking about surveillance," Batman clarified. "He's new here. Someone should help him understand how things work."

"I'll do it," Diana volunteered quickly.

Everyone turned to her in surprise.

Batman raised an eyebrow. "You're still learning the outside world yourself, Diana."

"Not true," she said proudly. "I've been in Man's World for a week. I've learned most things."

"…"

Everyone deadpanned. Ethan smiled to himself before thinking, 'She's cute.'

Batman looked at Flash. "You'll help him. Guide him if needed."

Flash frowned. "Wait, what?"

Ethan could tell Batman was up to something, but it didn't bother him. 'Nothing can really harm me….' He gave a calm nod.

Diana insisted on joining too. She was also still adapting to the world, and perhaps she wanted to be closer to Ethan for other reasons. Flash wasn't sure how he felt about being a guide for two powerful beings.

Shazam stood up. "Maybe I could guide Diana—"

Victor immediately interrupted. "Not a good idea."

He glanced sideways at Shazam. 'That's a kid in there. Can't risk it.' Victor had figured out Shazam's secret after the battle, but he kept the information to himself.

The group chatted a bit longer. Superman, curiously, was extremely friendly toward Ethan, which made the newcomer slightly uncomfortable. 'Does he think I'm his cousin or something?' Ethan wondered.

Eventually, the meeting wrapped up. They all agreed to reconvene at the press conference in two days.

After everyone left, Batman remained seated, deep in thought. The shadows of the ruined room stretched long behind him.

'Ethan Carter… I really hope you won't turn against us. But I need a contingency… Just in case. Because if you do—It's going to be nearly impossible to stop you.'

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The city had settled into the lull of night. Even after everything that had happened, Central city glowed with a strange resilience. Lights flickered in windows, cars hummed through the streets, and people moved about as if an alien invasion hadn't nearly leveled the world.

Flash had zipped off back to his home for some much-needed rest, muttering something about protein shakes.

Ethan turned to Diana as the two hovered just above a city rooftop, the moonlight casting soft silver over them. "The night's still young," he said, glancing over his shoulder. "Wanna see more of this world?"

Diana crossed her arms before raising an eyebrow, "I would like that," she said with a nod.

With a grin, Ethan raised a hand. A soft pulse of red magic shimmered around her armor. In the blink of an eye, her usual battle-worn outfit morphed into a sleek, casual ensemble—dark jeans, a fitted jacket, and low boots. She looked like someone born to stroll city streets at midnight.

Diana blinked down at herself, turning slightly and admiring the change. "You sure you're not a wizard?"

Ethan smiled. "Maybe I am."

Her smile returned, "You are a mysterious man, Ethan Carter."

He stepped off the edge of the building and floated backward with his hands in pockets. "Then try to figure me out."

Diana floated after him with a grin. "Of course. I plan to."

The first stop on their impromptu tour was a quiet street corner ice cream shop still miraculously open. Despite the city's recent panic, the cozy glow of the place and the couple inside chatting over cones made it feel like a different world.

As they stepped inside, no one turned to stare. No gawking, no gasps, no cameras. The owner, a woman in her late 30s with a tired smile, simply asked, "What can I get you two?"

Diana tilted her head with a flicker of confusion in her expression. "…Odd."

Ethan smile is unfazed. "Something wrong?"

She narrowed her eyes. "Nobody's reacting. I'm standing here in civilian clothes but I'm still me. They should recognize me."

Ethan glanced around nonchalantly. "Huh. Maybe I did something," he said with mock innocence. "Who knows?"

He did use his telepathy to make others not recognise them but he doesn't need to tell her that.

The shop owner handed over a tray stacked with tiny cups—each labeled with a different flavor. Diana's eyes lit up with childlike wonder, "May I… try them all?" she asked politely. The shopkeeper chuckled and nodded.

Ethan also nodded politely and subtly slipped a shimmering gold coin onto the counter. The metal was too pristine. The woman blinked once, then shrugged as if it's not big deal. Ethan began to love telepathy for its uses.

Diana took a spoonful of the first ice cream. Her face melted into visible bliss. "This… this is the best food in this world," she declared, trying the next, and then the next.

"Better than nectar?" Ethan asked, amused.

She paused only briefly. "Nectar is divine. This… is wonderful."

After their dessert, they visited a nearby park untouched by the alien invasion. Families walked hand-in-hand, teenagers sat on benches, and somewhere in the distance a saxophone played beneath a lamppost. It was the kind of scene that felt too peaceful for a post-battle world.

Ethan leaned in slightly, his voice low. "You notice how quickly people moved on?"

Diana nodded slowly before looking around, "This world's resilience is... impressive," she said quietly, "After everything… people still laugh, still smile. Like nothing ever happened."

Ethan gave a small nod, "It's a type of adaptation," he murmured.

Diana turned her head to glance at him, eyes shining with curiosity. "You speak like you've seen a lot."

"I have," Ethan replied simply.

They walked a while longer until Diana suddenly took to the sky. "I propose a race!" she called back, wind whipping through her hair.

Ethan raised a brow. "And what's the prize?"

"If I win," she said before flying backward and smirking, "you owe me another ice cream. A big one."

"And if I win?"

She grinned wider. "You still buy the ice cream."

He shook his head and laughed. "Deal."

They raced across the skies, weaving through clouds, looping around towers. Ethan didn't hold back—not because he wanted to win, but because he knew Diana wouldn't want him to go easy and he won without much effort.

She landed beside him but smiling. "You don't treat me like a gentle lady of men's world."

"I figured you'd break anyone who did," Ethan said simply.

Their last stop was a cultural landmark—an old cathedral that stood untouched among newer skyscrapers. The bells chimed midnight as they sat on the stone steps, watching the stars shimmer above the city.

Diana looked sideways at him. "Why did you really come here, Ethan?"

He didn't answer right away. The silence between them was soft, not heavy.

Finally, he said, "Maybe I was looking for something."

Diana didn't pry. She simply nodded and rested her elbows on her knees, chin lifted to the stars. "Then let's see if you can find it."

Just then, a low chime sounded—barely audible at first, but insistent. It came from beneath his shirt, near his chest.

Diana's ears perked. She subtly turned toward him. "What was that?"

He froze. 'Damn it. The Omni-Watch… I forgot it was running low.'

"…Nothing," he said quickly before standing up. "I'm just… a little tired. Long day. Maybe we should call it—"

"Ethan." Diana's voice was firmer now. She rose to her feet before stepping closer.

He took a step back. "Really, it's not a big deal—"

"I heard something. It came from you." She reached out and caught his wrist before he could turn. Her grip was steady and unyielding. "What are you hiding?"

Before he could explain—or force his way out—the beeping turned into a pulsing glow. The face of the Omni-Watch shimmered violently, flaring up with bright light.

Ethan tried to shake her off one last time, but it was already too late. And then, in an instant, the world around them fractured—space itself bending, light distorting, as if someone had punched a hole through the fabric of reality.

With a burst of energy and a flash of impossible color, both of them vanished—gone not just from the city, or the planet, or the dimension. But from the multiverse itself.

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AN: Before you talk about how stupid it was for Ethan to let his guard down and let Diana dragged into his world, he did it on purpose and wait for the next chapter to know why did it.

And for your Info, Diana is officially in the harem. I tried to keep the harem as three only, but I changed my mind and added Diana. Let's hope she's the last one to be added in the harem.

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