Afternoon
After saving the girl and driver, Enigma turned on his anti radar and flew like a blur towards the multiple grid stations in the NYC. Reaching there, he touched them with his reverse time touch.
He could control it now on countries level. Soon, a light green light spread the infrastructure linked to the grid stations and in seconds everything returned back to normal.
Whether they were silent homes appliances, police stations, media centres and hospitals, everything was back on with a glimmering light green light covering the area.
From the satellite view, it was like the entire NYC was shining in a vibrant light green light.
...
Evening
Highway towards NYC
Sarah Brant was on her way to NYC. She was obviously going to be a bruised but Star of tonight show. Her live feedback of the Guardian event was most important topic tonight.
But looked like topic was going to change. Suddenly, she heard a voice in her head. A very familiar voice.
Enigma " Good evening, Miss Brant."
Sarah " Enigma?!"
Her eyes widened...
Enigma" Yes. I know world have many questions for me. So, will you mind being my medium?"
Sarah" Pardon?"
She felt her car moving forward and upward in the air.
Enigma " Hang on."
He was below her car with his back pressed with the car. He took the car in the suburbs of NYC. Then, in a swift motion, he came out and put it on the ground.
He went towards her door. She opened her car door with a visible pain. Giving a hand...
Enigma " Are you alright, Miss Brant?"
Holding his hand to come out.
Sarah" Barely and you can call me, Sarah."
A sudden wave of light green light travelled from Enigma's hand and covered her entire body. She felt her body healing, her bruises vanishing. As the light died down...
Enigma " You are okay, now."
She released his hand and checked her arm, legs, back, belly and hips. She was healed. She looked towards him.
Sarah " So..."
Enigma " Can I have your phone?"
Nodding, she gave her dead phone to him. He held it in his hand and it shone in light green light. Then, it came to life. He returned it saying.
Enigma " Turned the recording on. You are going to need IT."
Turning on her video camera...
Sarah" Are you going to give me an interview?!"
Enigma" Something more. An opportunity for my first live interview. I will give you answers for many things about me, the world and beyond."
Her eyes widened.
Sarah" For real?!"
She couldn't believe it.
Enigma" If you can manage it..."
Cutting his words...
Sarah" I can! Give me a chance! "
After some moments...
Enigma" Stopped the recording, a portal will take you to your studio's parking lot. Show your director the video and convince him for tonight's live show with my interview."
Sarah stopped the recording and saved it. She put her phone in her bag carefully which was more important than her life, right now. Then, she sat in her car and a portal appeared.
Sarah " How will I call you?"
She asked from her car window.
Enigma " Just announce my name live on TV and I will be there."
After some moments, she nodded and turned on the engine. Then, she drove her car through the portal and came in the parking lot of her studio. Then, she looked around.
It was real. She picked up her bag and ran towards her director's office. After some moments, she was in her director's office. Who was seeing the recording 5th time.
Then, he put the phone down with a smile.
Director " Prepare for our greatest show ever!"
...
18 October 2011
Tuesday
Evening,
8:00 PM EST
Main Studio
NYC
Live Global Broadcast
The red light on the main camera blinked on. The "NYC Tonight" theme music, usually upbeat, was replaced by a more solemn, powerful orchestral swell.
The screen split: on one side, a grand, sweeping shot of the New York City skyline, now brilliantly lit, a dazzling tapestry of re-ignited power; on the other, the serious, expectant faces of co-anchors Mark and Sarah Brant.
The tension in the studio was palpable, thick with the anticipation of a global audience. Mark, his usual charismatic energy now tempered by a profound gravitas, leaned into the camera.
Mark" Good evening, New York. Good evening, indeed, to every corner of our world that is watching tonight. What you are about to witness is not just a news broadcast; it is a moment that will forever be etched into the annals of human history."
His voice, usually so fluid, held a tremor of genuine awe. Sarah, her hazel eyes gleaming under the studio lights, her short brown hair perfectly styled, nodded, her composure remarkable given what she had just endured.
Sarah " Today, our planet experienced a series of events so extraordinary, so profound, that they challenge the very fabric of our understanding of power, of heroism, and of the forces that shape our destiny.
From the very brink of disaster, we witnessed salvation. And tonight, we begin to seek answers from the source of that salvation."
Mark continued, a montage of rapid-cut, dramatic footage flashing across the massive digital backdrop behind them:
The Sky Sentinel and Star Gazer: Glorious, triumphant shots of the massive plane and shuttle preparing for launch, then taxiing, then lifting off, soaring into the blue.
Optimistic music played briefly.
The EMP's Silent Strike:
The music turned ominous. News graphics showing the NYC map turning dark red, lights extinguishing, traffic lights going black.
Then, footage of Iron Man fighting Titanium Man, culminating in the bomb being thrown skyward.
Project Guardian's Plunge:
The Sky Sentinel, now a terrifying, uncontrolled missile, plummeting from the edge of space, ice forming on its wings, alarms blaring.
Terrified passenger faces, oxygen masks dropping.
Enigma's Miraculous Intervention:
A rapid sequence of raw footage, enhanced by slow-motion replays: the black blur, Enigma's precise grip on the shuttle, the red beams severing couplings, the effortless placement of the shuttle in orbit.
Then, Enigma grasping the plummeting Sky Sentinel, his powerful body visible against the fiery re-entry, the "Vvooom!" of energy dissipation, and the gentle, silent landing on the baseball field.
The Second Rescue:
Quick cuts of Enigma blurring from the stadium, stopping the truck, healing the driver with a flash of green light, saving the girl.
The Grid Re-Illuminated:
Stunning satellite footage showing the entire NYC power grid, dark and lifeless, suddenly erupting in a simultaneous, brilliant cascade of light, a glorious tapestry of electricity.
Mark "This afternoon,"
Mark's voice returned, filled with an almost desperate need for clarity.
Mark " Our city, specifically the entire NYC, faced an unprecedented crisis. A massive electromagnetic pulse, the result of a conflict in Midtown Manhattan, plunged millions into darkness.
It crippled our infrastructure, brought our proudest technological achievement, Project Guardian, to the very brink of catastrophic failure, hurtling it and its precious human cargo towards an unimaginable fate.
For agonizing minutes, our world was silent, vulnerable, and afraid."
Sarah interjected, her voice firm, resolute.
Sarah " But in that moment of profound darkness, a light returned. Not just the physical light of our cities, but the light of hope, of an unwavering protector. We are talking, of course, about Enigma.
The being who, just days ago, sacrificed a portion of his power to save our planet from Galactus, was believed to be incapacitated, recovering from his monumental act."
Mark's gaze intensified.
Mark " Tonight, that narrative has been utterly shattered. Enigma, in a series of breathtaking, impossible acts, proved that he is not only fully recovered, but perhaps more powerful, more versatile than we ever imagined.
He saved hundreds of lives on that plane, he healed a man with a touch, and in a feat that defies all known science, he restored power to the entire NYC in a matter of minutes!"
Sarah leaned forward, her voice dropping, almost a whisper, as the camera focused tightly on her.
Sarah "I know this because... I was on that plane. I was one of the passengers. And I witnessed it all."
....
Main Studio
NYC
Live Global Broadcast
The digital backdrop behind Sarah now shifted to a simple, stark graphic: "EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT: SARAH BRANT."
The studio lights seemed to dim, creating a more intimate, intense atmosphere. Mark stepped back slightly, allowing Sarah to take center stage.
Mark "Ms. Brant, Sarah,"
Mark prompted gently, his voice acknowledging her trauma.
Mark " Tell us. From your perspective, what happened when the EMP hit the Sky Sentinel?"
Sarah took a deep, steadying breath, her hazel eyes reflecting the memory of the terror, yet maintaining a profound clarity.
Sarah " It was... instantaneous."
She began, her voice gaining strength as she recounted.
Sarah " One moment, we were cheering, watching the Earth curve beneath us. The next, utter darkness. Alarms screamed, then died. The plane bucked like a wild animal.
Oxygen masks dropped. People were screaming, terrified."
She continued, her hands occasionally gesturing, reliving the horror.
Sarah " I saw the lead scientist, the one on the broadcast, she was thrown, rolling. I unbuckled my safety belt, instinctively, I just wanted to help. But the plane... it just kept accelerating.
Upward. I was slammed against the back wall, couldn't move. Everything was floating around us – cups, stationery, children's toys. It became freezing.
I could literally feel the ice forming on the windows."
She paused, her voice thick with the memory of pure helplessness.
Sarah " We knew, we were going to die."
Mark interjected, his voice low.
Mark "And then you saw him?"
Sarah " Yes."
Sarah confirmed, her voice now tinged with a new awe.
Sarah " Through the window. A blur at first, then I could make him out. Black. Cloaked. It was Enigma. He flew under the shuttle, which was still firing, roaring, pushing us faster and faster.
He just... grabbed it. With his hands. Like it weighed nothing."
Her eyes gleamed.
Sarah "And then, from his eyes, two beams, bright red, incredibly focused, shot out. They cut the shuttle free. Like a surgical laser, just... precise. He took the shuttle, and just... flew with it away. Into space.
Effortlessly. He just... vanished with it."
She paused, remembering the next terrifying part.
Sarah "And then the plane, without the shuttle, without its wings, it started falling. Spinning like a top. A giant, winged boomerang, hurtling towards the ground.
I was ping-ponging off the walls inside. Everyone was terrified. I was just trying to get back to my seat, but I couldn't."
Mark's expression was grim.
Mark "And Enigma reappeared, you said?"
Sarah "Yes!"
Sarah's voice was almost a shout of disbelief and gratitude.
Sarah "Just as we were about to hit the stadium, he was there again. In front of the plane's nose. He caught it. He just... caught it. And he started spinning with us.
Slowly. Gently. We could see these thick, invisible waves of force coming off the plane, going down, hitting the ground. There was this deep, resonant sound, like a giant tuning fork, Vvooom!
He was dissipating all that kinetic energy into the earth, slowly, safely. No crash. No impact. He just... put it down. Like a feather. On the baseball field."
She inhaled deeply.
Sarah "He came inside. He broke the door like it was cardboard. And he was so calm. He asked if I was alright. All of us. Like he'd just helped us cross the street."
.....
Main Studio
NYC
Live Global Broadcast
Mark, visibly moved, nodded slowly.
Mark "And that wasn't the end of it, was it, Sarah?"
Sarah "No,"
Sarah said, her voice filled with a renewed sense of wonder.
Sarah "He left the plane and blurred away. For a moment, I thought he was gone. But then, on the local news feeds, cameras picked him up just blocks away.
A truck driver having a heart attack, veering out of control towards a little girl. And Enigma was there. Instantly."
She paused, letting the silence build.
Sarah "He stood between them. He just... stopped the truck. With his hand. Like it was nothing. Then, he got the driver out, and he touched him. On his chest.
And a light green light came from his hand, a soft, ethereal glow. The driver, who was writhing in agony, just... calmed. His pain vanished. His eyes opened, wide with wonder.
Enigma healed him. Right there. On the street."
Sarah's gaze became direct, piercing, as she looked into the camera.
Sarah "And then, after all that. After he saved the plane, after he saved the girl and healed the man... the lights came back on. Everywhere. Across the entire NYC!
All at once. Not gradually. Instantly. A simultaneous, impossible re-ignition of the power grid."
She gestured to the stunning satellite footage that now played on the backdrop: the NYC, hours ago a dark void, now sparkling with a shiny visage of millions of lights.
Sarah "We were told he was 'nerfed.' That he was incapacitated, recovering from saving the planet from Galactus. Today, Enigma proved that whatever that 'nerf' was, it is gone.
Or it was never true. He demonstrated a power that can bend reality, heal the impossible, and restore NYC's infrastructure in minutes."
Mark, leaning forward, his voice hushed with the weight of the moment.
Mark "And Sarah, what did he say to you? What did he say about all this? About why he returned, why he revealed his full power?"
Sarah held up her phone, its screen now showing the video, she had recorded.
Sarah "He knows the world has questions. He told me... he asked me to be his medium. He said he would give me answers. About him. About the world.
And beyond!"
She looked at Mark, her hazel eyes gleaming with a mix of exhaustion, awe, and the formidable courage of a reporter about to embark on the interview of a lifetime.
Sarah " He said if I announced his name live on TV... he would be here."
The camera slowly pulled back, revealing Mark's astonished face, then the buzzing newsroom, and finally, the countdown clock on the wall, ticking towards the greatest exclusive in human history.
All viewers were baffled, shocked and speechless upon this information.
.....
Main Studio
NYC
Sarah Brant stood before the camera which was sending live footage. With a deep breath...
Sarah " Ladies and Gentlemen! Tonight is going to be a live interview with one and only, mysterious hero, Enigma! "
As she said that a light green swirling portal appeared in the studio and Enigma came out of it before the audience. Soon, loud cheers were booming in the stage area.
Director Maxwell was sooo happy that he was trembling. Mark on the other hand, was baffled and speechless. Sarah raising her hand...
Sarah " Thanks for coming."
Shaking her hand....
Enigma" I told you that I would come."
Soon, a skinny black hair lady in braless white shirt and blue jeans and sneakers with a Bluetooth Mic came but she was 5 while he was 6'4. Enigma took the Mic and attached to his belt. He nodded to her and she went back.
Enigma " Are you okay there?"
Mark, who came back to his senses.
Mark" Well, I didn't know that you would come."
Enigma" It's alright. But now, I am here. I think, I can give answers to public questions. And to make it clear that it's true. I, Enigma, take a Universal oath in the name of Lord order, ###$$$####!"
As he said that a glowing blue shine covered him. A big mask of serenity appeared above him. It had white colour with black eyes.
Lord order" I am Lord order! Who represents the laws of cosmos! State your conditions of your vow!"
It declared before the baffled audience.
Enigma" During this interview, I will either say the truth or I will not talk about it."
He said baffling everyone.
Lord Order" Done!"
Then, he vanished.
Earlier....
Uatu lunar base
Enigma was talking with Uatu.
Enigma " Can I use Lord Order as an arbitrator?"
After some moments....
Uatu" Yes but you will have to pronounce a certain word in cosmic language."
He taught him the language by speaking cosmic word. Because Enigma already had Delta class Changer type: omnilingual.
Now....
Enigma was glad to learn IT. Everyone was baffled and speechless.
Enigma " Pardon."
Mark " What was that?!"
He snapped.
Enigma" A cosmic oath ceremony done by speaking cosmic language at the end."
He explained.
Sarah" So, that was a vow for this interview and lord...?"
She stammered.
Enigma" As he said, Lord Order is a being of order in universe. I told you that we will talk about beyond world. So, let's start with your first question?"
Both of them sat down on two parallel sofas with a table between them. After a deep breath, Sarah took a card.
Sarah " Enigma, your appearance just days ago to confront Galactus, and now today, has been nothing short of miraculous! The world knows you as a savior, but little else.
Who are you? Where do you truly come from?"
Leaning back...
Enigma" First, everyone has a secret identity. So as I. Sorry but I can't tell who am I. But I can tell you, where I was born. I was born in Brooklyn, NYC. I was a normal person with normal parents.
But one day, I lost my parents. Due to some small time criminals, I was conflicted about what to do. Then, one day, I awakened as a Meta human. I learnt about other Meta humans being threatened due to many reasons.
I also learnt about things beyond world through some adventures and then, I decided to be a hero to save people from crime, Meta humans from many dangerous people and our planet from both inside and outside dangers."
Blue light was still shimmering around him.
Mark " Pardon me but how do we know if you are telling the truth?"
He questioned.
Enigma" I will be hit by cosmic force which will seal me in some dimension."
There was nothing. So, he was telling the truth and audience cheers for his truthfulness and his endeavour.
Sarah " I can't believe, you are doing this. Plus, you were born in Brooklyn, NYC! That's unbelievable!"
She was baffled.
Enigma " I have to clear people's doubt."
....
After another applause by the audience, Sarah took another card.
Sarah" After the Galactus event, the world was told you were 'nerfed,' incapacitated, your vast powers diminished for months. Yet today, you saved a plummeting plane, healed a man's heart attack with a touch, and restored power to NYC in minutes.
What is the truth about your abilities, and why did the world believe you were weakened?"
After some moments....
Enigma" First, what Lord Galactus said was true but it was about my two powers, Power Tinkering and Reality Manipulation. I am NERF and can't use those for next 6 months.
I was also incapacitated for almost a week due to cosmic backlash. Before telling you about my powers, what do you know about Meta humans or.... mutants...as we were called before."
He said word mutant with disgust.
Sarah" Not much. Mark?"
She looked towards him.
Mark " Same. I don't know much too."
Nodding...
Enigma" Let's start with Meta humans first. Meta humans means humans with powers. I am using this term for....mutants... Meta humans are divided into classes based on power potential but I also classified us on our power types."
Sarah, Mark and everyone were listening to him closely. Obviously global public, heroes and villains along certain organisations and individuals. Kids too.
Enigma " First, power or potential based classification. There are six classes."
A hologram from his palm appeared in the air in a triangular form.
Enigma " First, Epsilon class! These are Meta humans awakened either with cosmetic like change of appearance as power or with detrimental powers like one can't sleep.
They make 20% of Meta humans population and are hunted by anti Meta human groups."
Sarah" What?! 20% of Meta humans only have cosmetic changes and self detrimental effects!"
She was shocked.
Mark" Change of appearance a power and lack of sleep too?!"
He was shocked.
Sarah" And they are hunted by anti Meta humans groups?!"
A new name appeared above Epsilon on hologram.
Enigma " Delta class. They are Meta humans with passive power. Most never know about being a Meta human themselves. They are either lucky, super smart or are skilled in a certain skill or tool.
There are some rare types too. They make 50% of Meta human population."
Everyone was surprised again.
Sarah" 50%! Of Meta humans have passive powers?!"
Her eyes were wide open.
Mark" That's mean, 70% of Meta humans are like real weak!"
He was baffled. So were the viewers.
Enigma" Next is Gamma class. They are strong enough from Street level hero or villain to able to destroy a street or village in a single day or instantly if they have offensive power.
I am using this as a comparison. Whirlwind is a Gamma class Meta human. They are strong but sometimes have some physical changes like cosmetic appearance.
They make 15% of Meta human population."
Sarah" So, there are upper and lower limits."
She had a thoughtful look.
Mark" I like the comparison. It can help heroes and security agencies."
Everyone nodded. This was a really important information.
Enigma" Next, Beta class. They have either cosmetic changes with powers or can't control their power properly. Their offensive power range from town to towns level.
They make 10% of Meta humans."
Sarah" Are they ones responsible for accidents?"
She asked.
Enigma" Mostly."
With an understanding look...
Mark" I can see an increase of power levels but they are less in numbers."
After some moments...
Enigma" Alpha Class. They are completely in control without any side effects only if their parents weren't cosmetic Meta humans. Their offensive power range from cities level to country level.
They make 4.9 % of Meta human population. Lodestar is an Alpha Class by the way. He's handling the city tonight. But don't worry if something tougher than him comes, I will handle it."
Sarah" So, is he weaker to Magneto?"
She asked.
Enigma" Yes."
Mark" Damn! Ahem, I meant, he looked stronger."
He said changing subject.
Enigma" Last, Omega class. With unlimited potential. Same as Alpha Class, your parents can give you cosmetic changes. As for offensive power, it ranges from Continent, multiple continents, planetary, Solar system, galactic, Universal and Multiverse level!
Magneto is planetary omega class user. They make 0.1% of Meta human population."
Sarah" Universe level?! And there are more universes?!"
She was shocked.
Enigma" Yes. Multiverse theory is a fact. I said same thing during Project: Sentinel too. Bolivar Trask's daughter, Tanya's power had sent her somewhere but we haven't found her yet because she hasn't appeared yet.
She seems to be constantly moving across the multiverse. We can stop her but it can be detrimental before the completion of her first time of using her power even unconsciously."
Bolivar and Larry were crying at home seeing this.
Mark" That's something!"
He was baffled again.
Enigma" Yes. Now, power types."
A new hologram like a spreadsheet appeared.
Enigma " First, we have Mover. They can have superspeed, flight, teleportation and portals."
Sarah" Like you."
Nodding....
Enigma" Second, Shaker. They have area of effect powers like Lodestar."
Mark" I really like your hologram and images of powers being used."
He said with excitement.
Enigma" Thanks. Third, Brute. They can have super strength, endurance or regeneration as single, double or all at times. Like Hulk for example can be one but isn't."
Sarah" So, you are using him as an analogy."
After some moments...
Enigma " Next, Breaker. They can bend laws of cosmos. Like my lost reality manipulation."
Mark" Yeah, bending reality is something."
He nodded.
Enigma " Master. They can summon minions through magic learn by this power or can mind controlled others. Like my Earth Elementals."
Sarah" So, you became a mage like this!!"
She was astonished.
Enigma " Yes, next. Blasters. They can use elemental and organic projectiles. Like my red energy."
He showed his red glowing hand.
Mark" That's super cool."
He said excitedly.
Enigma " Thinker. They have telepathy, telekinesis and Psychic weapons and equipments."
Sarah" Like what?"
She was confused.
Enigma" Anything. But they can have one or multiple."
A new name appeared.
Enigma " Striker. They have touch based powers, like my healing power."
He showed his glowing hand with light green light.
Mark " Yeah, you healed that driver with IT!"
Enigma" Changer. They can change their appearance into elements, plants, animals or impersonate others."
Everyone was baffled and astonished.
Sarah" Imposters?!"
Enigma" Yes but they can't copy others memories or abilities."
He clarified.
Enigma" Last, Trump. They can manipulate powers like my power tinkering that I lost."
Mark" Yeah, you sacrificed it."
After some moments....
Enigma" Now about awakenings before I talk about my power. Awakenings happened due to stress conditions but..."
He turned towards the camera.
Enigma" Everyone listen especially kids. This is not a game. It's like a lottery. The percentage of classes are like percentage of gaining a power with any mostly single type.
Once and for all! Please! The Meta, who have awakened or not or who thinks, they can be one. Don't risk your life. Yes, you can gain power IF you have x-gene or what I prefer Meta gene."
Everyone applaud again.
Sarah" That was good advice."
Mark " No doubt."
He admitted.
Enigma" Now, awakening normally give 1 potential level power but in rare cases 2-5 are possible but with increasing numbers till 5 which is maximum number, I had seen such cases.
They are rare. Really rare cases. Awakening can give two to five combined power types at a time as single power too. But they are hard to control. Lodestar has two types: magnetic field and magnetic body.
It helps him shaping the metals but it was really hard for him to master."
Sarah" Woah!"
She was surprised.
Mark" Can Magneto do that?"
Enigma " Maybe but only for limited time. It will strain his body."
They nodded.
Enigma" Awakening usually happens from 5 years old to 18 years old. As I told, I was awakened myself at age of 16. So, I am an average Meta in terms of awakening.
As for those, who awaken after age of 18 or at birth are rare. But I have seen records of such events."
Sarah" Can you tell us where?"
She asked.
Enigma" I can't talk about it."
Mark" Now, what about your power?"
Seeing Mark smile...
Enigma" Before that I want you to know about double awakening."
Sarah" Double..."
Her eyes widened.
Mark" Awakening?!"
Enigma" Some Meta humans are awaken two times in their lives. Where second time either compliment their first awakening or give another good power.
And, I am one of the earlier ones."
Everyone was baffled and speechless.
Enigma" I had both awakenings same day which is also possible in the cases like mine. My first awakening is Delta class Trump type: Cumulative random power creation!
A passive power which randomly create power from any class and type in a duration of 6 days. And all those powers are accumulated in a list in my brain.
My second awakening is a Omega class power which adapt my body to all these powers. I learnt about list of my powers and my first awakening through it. "
After some moments...
Sarah" So...."
Mark" The powers.... you use...."
They were shocked.
Enigma" I gained them from my first awakening. Which is like a lottery system out of a lottery system."
He turned towards the camera again.
Enigma" But that's how awakening is, a lottery. You can either win, hit the jackpot or lose badly. I am someone, who got a lottery system out of a lottery system."
Sarah" You said.... you were...16 when.... you were.... awakened..."
She said with shock.
Mark" What's your.... current age?!"
Enigma " 32."
Everyone in the studio and probably the smarter ones in the world might be shocked and speechless.
Sarah " That's mean.... you have.... hundreds of.....different powers...."
Enigma" I can't talk about this."
Blue light was still shimmering around him.
Mark " What about Breaker and Trump Powers?"
Enigma " I only had reality manipulation and power tinkering excluding my first awakening. Which I can't use for six months. That's why Galactus called me NERF."
.....