Dr. Manhattan explained that while he always recognized that Ozymandias' plan seemed feasible, it was inherently flawed. Even without Kara's intervention or her journal, the plan would eventually unravel.
The fundamental issue with Ozymandias' scheme was its reliance on Dr. Manhattan's power. Unless Dr. Manhattan continuously appeared to instill fear in humanity, the illusion of peace would crumble. Such repeated acts would accelerate the world's collapse rather than prevent it.
"In truth, world peace cannot be sustained by panic and lies—it requires hope," Dr. Manhattan stated with serene wisdom.
Despite this understanding, Dr. Manhattan chose to turn a blind eye to the inevitable conflicts brewing in the world, allowing them to run their course. This passive decision led the world closer to its ultimate destruction.
It was during this time that Dr. Manhattan traveled to Kara Zor-El's universe. Even as Ozymandias and others sought him out, Manhattan remained resolute in his decision.
However, Kara reminded him of something he had forgotten: his own humanity. Deep down, Dr. Manhattan had never truly abandoned his human essence—he had merely suppressed it. His humanity had always been tied to his wife, Janey Slater. That's why he kept their photograph for so long. Contrary to common belief, it was not Laurie Jupiter (Silk Spectre) who represented his human connection.
"Laurie and I were a tragedy from the beginning," Dr. Manhattan admitted.
When he finally remembered the core of his humanity, it became clear to him that his role in shaping the outcome of global conflict had been the catalyst for much of the chaos that followed. "My influence tipped the scales of war and set the world on this path. If I aim to remain impartial, I must undo the circumstances that allowed me to interfere in the first place."
With unwavering clarity, he revealed his ultimate goal.
"Kara," Dr. Manhattan said softly, "you once told me that the future does not define the present—it is the present that defines the future. You encouraged me to live fully in the moment. That's why I've come to you. I want to start over, to rewrite my destiny."
Kara, perplexed by his resolve, tilted her head and asked, "Are you absolutely sure? You wield the power of a god. Are you really ready to give that up?"
Dr. Manhattan smiled, a faint flicker of human warmth gracing his features. "I've seen the birth of the universe and glimpsed its end. I've witnessed the ascent of humanity and the fall of civilizations. I have lived a life far longer than most can comprehend. But my heart still yearns for the simplicity of the life I shared with Janey before all of this."
Kara raised an eyebrow and pointed at the infinite expanse of stars above them. "Your Janey, huh? Are you sure you're not just longing for her younger, prettier self?"
Dr. Manhattan chuckled, his laugh surprisingly human. "No. I don't care about her youth or beauty. What I miss is the love we shared during those days."
Their failed marriage had not been entirely Dr. Manhattan's fault. When he became a being of unimaginable power, Janey's attitude toward him changed. She couldn't fully reconcile her emotions with the reality of his transformation. These changes in their dynamic were inevitable—part of the frailty and complexity of human relationships.
Dr. Manhattan's request was straightforward: he wanted Kara to prevent the accident that had transformed him into what he was. In doing so, history would reset itself. Superhumans would cease to exist, the Watchmen would never form, and the world's trajectory would revert to its original course.
Of course, this also meant that Dr. Manhattan would cease to exist.
Kara finally nodded. "Alright. If this is truly what you want, I'll help you. But I don't want to end up like you—blue skin and all."
Dr. Manhattan smiled, reassuring her. "You won't. Unlike me, you won't need to restructure your body. My powers will adapt to you, allowing you to retain your humanity. You'll control this power, not become one with it as I did."
With that, he gently took Kara's hands. A radiant blue light emanated from his body, enveloping them both. Quantum energy surged through him and into Kara, transferring the unfathomable power of the Quantum Realm into her.
As the transfer completed, Dr. Manhattan's form dissolved into shimmering particles of light. His presence faded entirely, leaving Kara standing alone.
Kara opened her eyes and looked at her hands, now glowing faintly with blue energy. Unlike Dr. Manhattan, she retained her human form. Her connection to the Quantum Realm was different—she was not bound to it but instead wielded it as a tool.
In that moment, Kara felt time itself unfurl before her. Past, present, and future converged, allowing her to perceive every moment simultaneously. It was overwhelming yet exhilarating. She saw everything, including what would happen just seconds from now.
Sure enough, as she predicted, Laurie approached her, a look of confusion on her face.
"What about Jon?"Laurie asked. "What happened to him?"
Kara tilted her head and smiled enigmatically. "He's married. With kids."
Laurie blinked in surprise. "Wait, what?"
Kara couldn't help but chuckle. Some things never changed.
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