Chapter 116: The Wedding on the Isle of Serenity
**September 18th, 2010**
Two days rushed by in a blur, consumed by last-minute jitters, logistical triple-checks, and the relentless tide of pre-wedding tasks. Ethan and his two brides-to-be, Anna and Jean, were meticulous, determined to ensure the day would be flawless.
The atmosphere was a whirlwind of controlled chaos, only slightly calmed by the return of Kitty Pryde, Angelica Jones, and Didi a week prior, ready to jump into the final preparations.
Didi hadn’t come back alone. With her were two nervous, wide-eyed sixteen-year-olds: Wanda and Pietro.
When Didi had first mentioned them during a phone call a few days earlier, Ethan was genuinely surprised. Didi had stumbled upon the Maximoffs purely by chance and, sensing their plight, had taken them under her wing.
Ethan mentally filed them away as potential allies to be cultivated, though his immediate focus on the wedding meant the initial meet-and-greet was postponed. He accepted Didi’s temporary guardianship, allowing them to finish the pre-planned ’vacation’ tour before returning.
Wanda and Pietro were typical teenagers, yet utterly cautious. Wanda’s trust seemed to extend only to her twin brother and Didi. Swept up in the wedding frenzy, they hadn’t yet had the chance to interact much with the others, but Ethan knew that would soon change.
The venue itself was a testament to Ethan’s recent philosophy: money is meant to be spent.
The location was a newly purchased, utterly private island, one of the most popular in the world for discreet, luxurious events: Mustique Cay, an exclusive gem hidden in the Caribbean.
Why buy a private island? Ethan’s answer had been simple: Because I’m rich.
Ethan had renamed it the Isle of Serenity for the occasion. He had initially wanted a small, simple affair focused only on their immediate circle, and Anna and Jean shared the sentiment.
Unfortunately, their definition of ’immediate circle’ and the sheer weight of Ethan’s ten years of globe-shaking in the Marvel universe had resulted in a guest list that was anything but small.
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The sheer volume of guests was why Ethan was so thankful he’d chosen an entire island. Mustique Cay—or the Isle of Serenity—was vast enough to accommodate the colossal influx, and he had poured his magical power into creating an event that would be unforgettable.
From the X-Men side, the attendees were a who’s who of mutant power and history, Professor Charles Xavier and Hank McCoy were present, Logan and as was Ethan’s mentor, Storm.
Scott stood beside Madelyn, who cradled their child—a little boy no more than six years old—in her arms.
His school friends, Bobby Drake (Iceman), Piotr Rasputin (Colossus), Kurt Wagner (Nightcrawler), and, of course, Kitty and Angelica, and few others were all there.
Hank McCoy adjusted his bowtie while Logan grumbled in the corner with a cigar already half-smoked. Storm stood tall and regal, her white hair glinting in the golden light. Bobby, Pyro, Kurt, Kitty, and Angelica mingled with other students from the academy, whispering and laughing.
Then came the magical guests. The Ancient One, accompanied by Wong, Mordo and few others who are good friends with Ethan and his girls, arrived through shimmering portals.
Ethan was genuinely shocked the Sorcerer Supreme had taken the time. Their presence ignited a frantic wave of hushed questions, but the Sorcerers offered only cryptic words, urging secrecy—a near-impossible demand given the crowd.
The Ancient One only smiled faintly. "Today is not a day for secrets," she said calmly, sipping tea that materialized from thin air.
The existence of a wider magical world was now becoming impossible to hide from some of Ethan’s allies.
The Industry Titans were also well-represented. Emma Frost and her associates made an appearance, her form glittering in the tropical sun.
And no major event would be complete without the "Party God" himself, Tony Stark, who flew in on a private jet alongside Pepper Potts, Colonel James "Rhodey" Rhodes, and Happy Hogan.
"Carter, Damn you!" Tony grinned while slapping Ethan’s shoulder. "Didn’t think you’d actually go through with it. Two brides? You’re making the rest of us look bad."
Ethan simply smirked. "You’ll manage that all by yourself, Stark."
He caught the subtle exchange that followed—Pepper shooting Tony a sharp, knowing look that clearly said, We’ll talk about this later.
Ethan’s employees, like Chloe and Barry from Accounting, mingled with various influencer figures and CEOs.
Then came the Superhero Contingent, the Fantastic Four (Reed, Sue, Ben, and Johnny), Thor, who got back after he finished his ’thing’ with his father and Dr. Jane Foster, exchanging greetings with the other guests.
The most unnerving arrival, however, was the King of Latveria, Victor Von Doom, attending with his own retinue.
"Try not to blow anything up, Victor," Ethan warned with a grin as Doom arrived.
"I only destroy mediocrity," Doom replied flatly.
Reed sighed. "Here we go again."
Reed Richards, of course, was there too, and Ethan personally made sure the two men were seated on opposite sides of the venue, to ensure Doom wouldn’t ignite another word-war with Reed Richards over the canapés.
One notable absence was the family of Jean and Anna; both brides had politely but firmly declined to invite them. Even when Ethan attempted to send personal secretaries to extend an olive branch, the families refused to come, and Ethan finally conceded the point.
Didi, Diana, and Susan stood off to the side, beside Wanda, who watched the process with a thoughtful gaze. Meanwhile, Pietro was entirely in his own world—already seated at the table, eating with the kind of focus that suggested food was the only thing that mattered right now.
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The time had arrived.
Ethan stood there, tall and calm, in a black tuxedo lined with silver threads that caught the sun like starlight. His blond hair was brushed back, and his blue eyes held a depth that made even Jean tease him earlier that morning—"You look like a prince out of a fairy tale."
He only smiled. ’Guess that makes you both my queens.’
Now, Ethan stood on a makeshift altar overlooking the crystalline ocean beside the Pastor, an old man with a kindly face, a shock of white hair, and black-rimmed glasses.
Ethan studied the old man closely, a faint sense of familiarity tugging at his mind. He was certain he’d seen him somewhere before—but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t quite place where.
A hush fell over the crowd as the two brides made their entrance.
Jean Grey appeared first, radiant in a gown of crimson silk that flowed like living flame. Her hair glowed faintly, a reminder of the power that lived within her, but her eyes were soft and full of warmth.
Anna Marie, stunning in an ivory dress that beautifully accentuated her figure, walked with a confident, joyful step, her emerald green highlights catching the sunlight.
Ethan’s heart did a strange, complex dance. Seeing them side-by-side, beautiful and utterly his, was an unprecedented feeling.
Tony whispered to Pepper, "You sure this isn’t the setup for a superhero power couple reality show?"
Pepper elbowed him gently. "Shh."
"Well," Tony then turned back before murmured to Rhodey while adjusting his sunglasses. "He always did overachieve. Why settle for one when you can have a full-house of powerhouses?"
"At least Doom hasn’t tried to correct the pastor’s theology yet," Reed Richards whispered to Ben.
At the altar, the elderly pastor—an old man with white hair and small round glasses—cleared his throat, adjusting his notes with shaking hands.
"Ladies and gentlemen — and, well, I suspect, several beings who are neither — we gather here to witness something extraordinary."
His voice warm and steady as Ethan stood between Jean and Anna. "We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of three incredible souls... the union of hearts, souls, and perhaps a few superpowers."
That earned laughter from the audience.
The formalities were concise, yet profound.
Ethan looked at his brides—Jean’s eyes shimmering red with emotion, Anna trying (and failing) to hide the happy tear threatening to fall.
The pastor continued, "Do you, Ethan Carter, take Jean Grey and Anna Marie to be your lawfully wedded wives, to love and cherish, through time, space, and whatever else your lives may encounter?"
Ethan chuckled softly. "I do. Even if it’s an alien invasion."
That earned a loud snort from Logan. "You’re gonna regret sayin’ that, bub."
Then came the turn for the brides.
"Do you, Jean Grey and Anna Marie, take this man, Ethan Carter, to be your husband—to love him, support him, and maybe keep him from blowing up the planet?"
A ripple of laughter went through the crowd.
Jean laughed, eyes sparkling. "I do."
Anna winked. "You bet I do, sugar."
Scott Summers, standing near Madelyne, sighed dramatically. "I swear, their vows were better than mine."
The exchange of rings followed as the pastor nodded, Didi stepped forward, handing him two rings — one crimson, one emerald, both glowing faintly with enchantment. While Diana is doing the same for Anna and Jean.
Jean took the red ring and slid it onto Ethan’s left hand, whispering, "For every time your fire warmed the darkness."
Anna followed, placing the green one on the same finger. "And for every time you made me feel safe to touch."
Ethan slipped two identical rings — one red, one green — onto their fingers. "For every life I live, every world I cross... I’ll always find my way back to you both."
Everyone gasped as tiny streaks of light burst above them, dancing in the sky like fireflies.
The pastor smiled. "Then by the power vested in me — (and I suppose, tolerated by every cosmic entity watching) — I now pronounce you bound in heart and soul."
"You may seal your vows," the Pastor announced, smiling broadly.
Ethan took Jean’s face in his hands first, his gaze melting into hers. The kiss was deep, soulful, and charged with pure emotional energy, a connection that had always spanned time and space.
Then he turned to Anna, pulling her close with a confident certainty. This kiss was fiery, bold, and unapologetically dominant, a testament to the powerful, electric connection they shared. He released her, his eyes twinkling. "Took you long enough to become Mrs. Immortal," he quipped, earning a playful punch on the arm from his new wife.
"I pronounce you husband and wives," the Pastor proclaimed, raising his hands.
As the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, Thor finally boomed, "A union worthy of Asgard! Let the mead flow!"
Doctor Doom, never one to miss a moment to inject himself, merely gave a curt, almost imperceptible nod. "Doom approves of the efficiency. Now, where is the champagne?"
Ethan looked from his radiant Jean to his feisty Anna, a profound, easy smile gracing his features. He was surrounded by power and responsibility—and in this moment, nothing mattered more than the two women by his side.
As the sun set and the party began, Ethan stood between his wives, arm around each of them, watching fireworks explode across the horizon.
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Music echoed across the shimmering coastline and laughter carried through the cool night breeze. The wedding had been beautiful—almost too perfect—and now, it was time for the part every guest had been waiting for.
The party.
At the center of it all stood Thor Odinson, God of Thunder and, apparently, self-proclaimed Master of the Feast. His booming laughter rang through the night as he lifted a barrel-sized bottle of rum—something Ethan had imported from a forgotten island distillery known only by pirates and gods alike.
Thor grinned broadly, raising the bottle high. "Friends! Warriors! Lovers of good drink!" he bellowed. "Tonight, we celebrate not a battle won, but a love that defies worlds!"
The crowd cheered. Tony Stark raised his glass with a grin. "Finally, a toast I can get behind."
Thor didn’t wait. He uncorked the massive bottle with his thumb—pop!—and began chugging the rum straight from it. The crowd erupted in whistles and cheers as the Asgardian god drained the entire thing in seconds.
When he slammed the empty bottle down on the table, it shattered into pieces.
"ANOTHER!" Thor roared, voice echoing across the beach.
Jane Foster covered her face in pure embarrassment. "Oh my god... he’s doing it again," she muttered.
Thor grinned at Ethan, clapping him on the back with enough force to make normal superhuman stagger slightly. "Ethan Carter! Husband of two mighty women! Come, share a drink worthy of your union!"
Ethan chuckled, straightening his jacket. "Only if you promise not to challenge me to an arm-wrestling contest after."
Susan leaned toward Jean, whispering, "Ten bucks says he does anyway."
Anna smirked. "Make it twenty. Thor’s gonna flip the table first."
The feast had turned into something that looked straight out of Asgard. Long tables loaded with food, barrels of ale and rum lining the beach, and guests from every corner of Earth—and beyond—mingling freely.
Up until now, most of them had only heard of each other. Many didn’t even know everyone personally—some had never heard of the Ancient One, Wong, or the others. But that was about to change; from this point forward, everyone would meet, mingle, and truly get to know one another.
Nearby, Tony Stark had somehow turned the event into a red-carpet-style media moment—complete with drones capturing interviews for "posterity."
Tony didn’t know much about most of them yet, but he was eager to create good memories for the wedding. Deep down, he was just as curious—determined to uncover who they really were when the celebrations were over.
---
[Interview Booth – Set up by Stark Industries for Fun]
Tony Stark, grinning into the camera:
"So, tell us—how do you feel about Dr. Carter’s big day?"
Logan leaned back in his chair, cigar between his teeth. "Kid’s got guts. Two brides? Either he’s brave or suicidal. Probably both."
Tony leaned into the frame, grinning. "Would you ever consider marriage again?"
Logan glared at him. "Next question."
Tony laughed and whispered to the camera, "That’s a no."
Storm, elegant as always, smiled softly. "He’s matured beautifully. Seeing Jean happy again... it warms my heart. And Anna... she’s come a long way. Ethan brought out the best in both of them."
Charles Xavier nodded thoughtfully. "Ethan has always walked between worlds—magic, science, and humanity. This union feels like the bridge he’s always been building."
The drone adjusted its focus as Wong stepped into frame, holding a cup of tea amidst a party of gods and heroes.
Tony smiled. "Ah, hello Mister! Who are you, Here to bless the ceremony?"
Tony didn’t know (care) about the sorcerers as only X-Men and few others knew about them.
Wong ignored him and turned to the camera, expression solemn. "A word of advice to all watching this recording..."
He leaned closer, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Never — and I mean never — mess with Ethan Carter’s wives. They are far, far crazier than he is."
The camera caught Tony nearly spitting out his drink in laughter. "Wait, crazier than Ethan?"
Wong didn’t blink. "You have no idea."
He turned away dramatically.
Doom even gave his rare opinion, standing in full armor and regal disdain. "The mortal has power, intellect, and influence. A trifecta rarely achieved. However—"
Tony immediately interrupted, "Here we go."
"—his taste in wine could use improvement," Doom finished flatly, then walked away as everyone burst out laughing.
Thor then stood proudly before the camera, half-empty mug in hand.
"Ethan Carter!" he boomed, cheeks flushed from drink. "A fine warrior! A fine friend! A man of honor who drinks nearly as well as I do!"
He paused, thinking. "Nearly."
Jane groaned in the background. "Please tell me this isn’t live."
Thor ignored her, lifting his mug to the lens. "May his love be eternal, his battles glorious, and his hangovers short!"
Then he downed the rest of his drink and yelled, "ANOTHER!" before walking out of frame.
Finally, Tony couldn’t resist giving his own "professional commentary." He leaned back in his chair.
"So, Ethan Carter. The man, the myth, the multitasker."
He gestured broadly. "He’s saved the world three times, built a company from scratch, dated two of the most powerful women alive, and somehow convinced them both to marry him. If that’s not overachieving, I don’t know what is."
Pepper’s voice came from off-camera. "You’re jealous, aren’t you?"
Tony turned to her with mock offense. "What? No! I just—okay, maybe a little."
He pointed at the camera. "But if you’re watching this in the future, Ethan — congrats, man. You’ve set the bar impossibly high. Thanks a lot."
Pepper sighed off-camera. "Tony..."
---
[A few moments later, at the Feast]
Thor had moved from rum to mead, standing on the table with his hair flying wildly. "Who among you mortals shall face me in the Challenge of the Bottle?!"
Everyone looked at each other nervously until Logan stood up, cracking his knuckles. "You’re on, blondie."
The challenge began with Thor and Logan seated at a long, sturdy wooden table, barrels of rum being rolled up before them. The place buzzed with excitement—cheers, laughter, and the rhythmic pounding of mugs against tabletops filling the air.
Thor threw back his head and laughed, the sound booming like thunder. "This mortal has spirit! Let us drink to his impending defeat!"
Logan smirked, lighting a cigar with a flick of his thumb. "Keep talkin’, golden boy."
The contest was nothing short of legendary. Barrel after barrel vanished between the two titans. By the fiftieth, Thor’s laughter had grown louder, rolling through the room like a storm. By the seventieth, Logan’s healing factor was the only thing keeping him from face-planting on the table.
At the hundredth, Thor was still laughing, his eyes bright and unfazed, while Logan paused just long enough to take a long drag from his cigar before reaching for another mug.
From the sidelines, Ethan raised his glass, grinning. "And that, my friends, is why you never challenge gods—or Canadians."
The room erupted in roaring laughter and applause.
For once, there was peace—no villains, no battles, no crises. Just laughter, music, and the feeling that, maybe, this was the beginning of something even more powerful than magic or heroism.
’Guess even gods need love and moments like this,’ Ethan thought with a quiet smile.
And on the Isle of Serenity, love burned brighter than any star.
"Well, ladies," Ethan said before turning to Jean and Anna, giving each of them a possessive squeeze of the hand, his tone a mix of confident satisfaction and smooth flirtation. "Looks like I finally finished building my ultimate power-up. And let me tell you, the synergy is going to be spectacular tonight."