Phoenix in DC

The jungle was quiet again, a stark contrast to the chaos that had erupted just days ago. Marco sat beneath the ancient mango tree, his back pressed against its sturdy trunk. Despite the calm, his mind churned with thoughts of the recent attack.

Grundy, Weather Wizard, the Teen Titans—everything was happening faster than he had anticipated. The peace he had cultivated over the years was starting to feel fragile, like glass under pressure. The mangoes were becoming a magnet for trouble.

He gazed up at the massive tree, its branches swaying gently as though trying to reassure him.

"Tree," Marco began, breaking the silence, "I need to talk to you about the mangoes."

The familiar deep voice resonated in his mind. "Speak, young one. Your heart carries much weight."

Marco hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "They're a problem. They're incredible, but they're bringing people here—dangerous people. I can handle myself, but the villagers… they can't. And I don't want more blood spilled over these fruits."

The tree was silent for a moment before replying, its tone calm and measured. "The fruits are a gift, born of our bond. To halt their creation entirely would sever that bond, weakening both of us. However, I can limit their abundance, allowing only a rare few to grow, hidden from those with greedy hearts."

Relief washed over Marco, and he let out a slow breath. "That's perfect. I don't want to lose the connection we have. Just… make it harder for anyone to exploit them."

"It is done," the tree said, its branches rustling. "But be warned: your power and your existence will still draw attention. This is a path you cannot avoid."

Marco frowned but nodded. He knew the tree was right. "Thanks, old friend."

A familiar chime echoed in Marco's mind.

[System Notification: Ability Progression]

[Phoenix Flame of Regeneration – Level 10]

[Phoenix Flames of Destruction – Level 9]

[Blue Flame Control – Level 8]

[Electro – Level 5]

[Armament Haki – Level 8]

[Observation Haki – Level 8]

[Conqueror's Haki – Level 7]

[Rokushiki Techniques – Mastered]

[Voice of All Things – Level 7]

Marco smiled faintly as he reviewed the panel. Each ability was a testament to the decade of relentless training he had endured.

His gaze drifted toward the sky, and he was pulled into a memory.

It was two years ago, during one of his grueling training sessions. Marco stood in the heart of a vast clearing, surrounded by the lush greenery of the jungle. He had pushed himself to his limits for weeks, trying to achieve full control over the Phoenix transformation.

Blue flames erupted around him, his body glowing with raw power. He focused on the shift, channeling everything he had learned. The flames surged, consuming him entirely, and for a moment, he thought he might lose control again.

But this time, something clicked.

His body morphed seamlessly into a massive Phoenix form, his wings spanning wider than the tallest trees. The blue flames flickered across his feathers, their light illuminating the jungle.

He let out a powerful cry, the sound reverberating for miles. The sensation was incredible—freedom, power, and control all at once. Marco soared into the sky, the wind rushing past him as he pushed himself higher and faster.

When he landed, he reverted to his human form with ease. His heart raced with exhilaration, and for the first time, he truly felt like the Phoenix he was meant to be.

Another memory surfaced, this one from just a few months ago. Marco stood beneath the full moon, its silver light casting an ethereal glow over the jungle.

He had always feared the Sulong transformation, the primal energy of the form threatening to consume him every time he tried. But tonight, he was determined to master it.

The moonlight washed over him, and the transformation began. His feathery hair turned a stark white, cascading down his back in a mane-like wave. His claws extended, sharper and more menacing, and his wings grew larger, crackling with arcs of electricity.

The surge of energy was overwhelming, but Marco focused, his breathing steady. The primal instincts clawing at his mind were subdued, replaced by clarity and control.

He tested the form, launching into the air and unleashing precise bursts of blue flames and Electro. Each movement was deliberate, every attack perfectly executed.

When he finally landed, he reverted back with a satisfied smile. The Sulong form was no longer a wild beast within him—it was his to command.

The present returned, and Marco stood, stretching his wings. He couldn't afford to dwell on memories for too long; there was still work to be done.

Later that day, he visited the village, as he often did. The people greeted him warmly, though there was a lingering tension in their eyes. The recent attack had shaken them.

He spoke with the elder, who expressed her gratitude for his protection. Marco assured her that the tree had limited the mangoes, and that they should be safer now.

As he walked back to the clearing, Marco couldn't shake the elder's words. The fight with the Teen Titans and the arrival of Grundy and Weather Wizard were signs of what was to come. The wider world was out there, and it was only a matter of time before it came for him again.

For now, though, he was ready.

LexCorp Tower – Metropolis

Lex Luthor sat in his high-tech office, the glow of monitors illuminating his sharp features. Mercy Graves stood to his side, her expression calm and professional.

The screen in front of them displayed footage from a tiny hidden camera—Grundy's. Despite his failure, the camera had captured valuable data, enough to pique Lex's interest.

The video paused on the image of Marco, standing tall with his wings partially unfurled, blue flames flickering around him.

"So, this is the one who stopped Grundy and Weather Wizard," Lex murmured, leaning back in his chair. His calculating eyes studied every detail of Marco's appearance.

Mercy glanced at him. "We still don't know who he is or where he came from. He doesn't match any known metahuman profiles."

Lex smirked. "A mystery. I like that. But we know one thing for sure—he's powerful. And that makes him valuable."

Mercy hesitated before speaking. "Do you think he's aligned with the Justice League?"

Lex's smirk widened. "Unlikely. If he were, we'd already know about him. No, this one's a lone wolf. And that makes him vulnerable."

Mercy tilted her head. "Your orders?"

Lex stood, his hands clasped behind his back as he paced the room. "Begin a search. I want every scrap of information we can find on him. His abilities, his weaknesses, his origin—everything. And prepare contingency plans. If he's this powerful, I want a way to control him, or eliminate him if necessary."

"Understood," Mercy said, turning to leave.

Lex turned back to the frozen image on the screen, his mind already working through strategies. "Whoever you are," he muttered, "you'll soon learn that no one escapes my reach".