X-Men: The Unnatural Omega's Volume 3, Omniversal Breach

by abcd12344321

As the fabric of the omniverse come undone, it does so with consequences, now, doorways are opening up not to the marvel universe, but also between the universes. And with it, their world is growing, now, they must rise to the occasion, new alliances will be formed, new enemies will be made, and the omniverse will never be the same.

9. Chapter 9

X-Men: The Unnatural Omega's Volume 3, Omniversal Breach

Chapter 9: Return to Gotham, Part 2

…

The vastness of space stretched endlessly around the Watchtower, which stood sentinel against the vast backdrop of Earth. The technological marvel, a product of Earth's brightest minds and alien technologies, was the primary bastion of the Justice League. Its walls had stories, some triumphant, others harrowing. Today, it stood on the precipice of another tale.

As the Batwing approached, cutting through the silence of space, Cyborg's voice echoed over the comm system. "So far, all systems show normal. But we're talking about Hades, an entity from another dimension. The usual scanners might not cut it."

Inside the Batwing, tension was high. Wonder Woman, ever the focused pilot, gently maneuvered the craft into the Watchtower's primary hangar. As they touched down, they were met by the waiting members of the Justice League. Flash leaned against a wall, impatiently tapping his foot, while Green Lantern hovered, his ring glowing brightly.

Aquaman, with his trident in hand, eyed Kratos suspiciously, especially noticing Mimir hanging from his belt. "Strange allies you've brought," he whispered to Batman.

Batman, his voice ever steady, replied, "Desperate times."

The room grew more tense as eyes fell upon General Zod. For many of the League, he was an embodiment of a dangerous past. But this was not the time for disputes. There was a bigger threat at hand.

Green Lantern, trying to ease the tension, floated over to Paz and his Mandalorian companion. "You guys part of some elite force? The armor looks… protective."

Paz, nodding, responded, "The Mandalorian Guild. And yes, it's served me well."

Flash, meanwhile, zoomed around Carlos the Imperial Droid, circling him multiple times before stopping, "You're not from around here, are you?"

Carlos beeped, "A galaxy far, far away."

While introductions and uneasy acknowledgments were being exchanged, Batman began coordinating the mission. "We need to split up. Hades' main target is the weapon control room. But he might have laid traps or have other plans. We can't take any chances."

Wonder Woman, drawing her sword, agreed, "I'll take the eastern wing. Aquaman, Flash, join me. We need to ensure the aquatic chambers and the speed labs are secure."

Superman, with a noticeable glint of worry about Lois, added, "I'll cover the living quarters and medical bay. Cyborg, Negan, Maggie, with me."

Negan smirked, adjusting his grip on Lucille, "Medical bay? Do they have aspirin here? I've got a headache from all this space travel."

Batman pointed to the central hub. "That's where the weapon controls are. Zod, Kratos, Freya, Lantern, and I will head there."

Zod's eyes met Superman's. The weight of shared experiences, both adversarial and collaborative, passed between them in that brief moment. The battle scars from the Kryptonian civil war may have faded, but mutual respect had grown in its place. Zod offered a curt nod, acknowledging the need for unity against a common enemy.

The teams began to mobilize, but as they did, a subtle change permeated the Watchtower. The regular harmonic resonance of the station, so familiar to its occupants, became distorted, gradually replaced by an eerie, dissonant hum. Overhead lights cast erratic shadows, intensifying the uncertainty that gripped the team.

Aquaman's eyes narrowed, a distant focus reflecting his telepathic connection with the waters of the Watchtower. "The aquatic chamber... its waters are in turmoil. Something is agitating them from within."

Before anyone could react to this revelation, a laughter, cold and mocking, reverberated throughout the vast halls of the Watchtower. It was unmistakable: Hades had not only infiltrated their stronghold but was also ready to play a game of cosmic chess with the heroes of Earth and beyond.

…

The dim lighting of the Watchtower's aquatic chamber cast eerie, moving shadows over the walls and floor as the team made their way inside. The sound of gentle water ripples could be heard, interrupted occasionally by soft, gurgling noises. As they approached the main tank, a horrific sight greeted them: bodies, floating aimlessly, their vacant eyes staring into the void.

Maggie and Negan, who had become accustomed to the nightmarish world of walkers, felt a deep-rooted horror grip them. These weren't just ordinary walkers. The way they moved, or rather, didn't move, in the water was different. They floated serenely, more like driftwood than ravenous corpses.

But it was the walker outside the tank that truly captured their attention. It stood there, its pallid face pressed against the glass, one hand stretched out, touching its reflection. The creature seemed to be... contemplating. Its eyes, usually dull and vacant, held a spark of... something. Curiosity? Recognition? It was impossible to tell, but the mere notion was deeply unsettling.

Negan muttered under his breath, "Damn. Never thought I'd see the day when one of these things seemed to... think."

Maggie, aghast, whispered back, "This isn't natural, Negan. Walkers don't reflect on their existence. What has Hades done?"

Around them, the others exchanged glances of disbelief and concern. The situation had just escalated into something even more unpredictable. Whatever Hades had done to alter the nature of these creatures, it presented a potentially new and alarming challenge for the group.

A sudden clink echoed in the chamber, a result of Aquaman accidentally knocking a small tool off a nearby table. The sound ricocheted off the walls, drawing the attention of everyone in the room, including the contemplative walker.

For those unacquainted with walkers – Aquaman, Cyborg, Flash, and many others – the sight of such a creature was both perplexing and revolting. Their minds attempted to grapple with the reality of a reanimated corpse, something so contrary to the laws of life and death they knew. Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman had previously read the reports about Maggie and Negan's world, but reading about the apocalypse and seeing its harrowing results firsthand were two entirely different experiences. The room was thick with tension and disbelief.

Cyborg, his metallic fingers flexing in preparation, took a cautious step forward. His intention was clear: neutralize the threat. But as he approached, the walker did something unexpected. Instead of advancing or showing aggression, it stumbled backward, bumping into the wall behind it. Its glazed eyes darted around in what looked like... fear. Its mouth opened and closed as if it wanted to communicate, but couldn't find the words.

Maggie and Negan exchanged a startled glance. This wasn't typical walker behavior. Walkers were driven by an insatiable hunger; they didn't show fear or hesitance.

Wonder Woman, her brow furrowed with concern, whispered, "It's frightened."

Cyborg paused, his arm still raised. He looked back at the group, uncertainty evident in his eyes. "What... what do I do?"

Batman, always analytical even in the face of the unknown, responded, "Approach slowly. Let's try to understand it first."

The room was heavy with uncertainty, but one thing was clear: Hades had made alterations that went beyond the comprehension of even the most seasoned heroes. They were truly in uncharted territory.

The team advanced with careful steps, the weight of the situation pressing down on each member. The walker's emaciated form looked fragile and melancholic, its pale eyes glistening with an emotion that walkers weren't supposed to possess. Every detail screamed 'out of the ordinary,' but what caught the attention of Maggie and Negan, more than anything, was a tattered medical band around its wrist. A faded barcode, and more notably, the number '1' were visible on it.

Negan, with a mix of recognition and horror, whispered to Maggie, "Is that...?"

Maggie nodded, her face taut. "The barcode... it's from one of the research facilities in France."

Cyborg, curious about the odd behavior of this walker, asked gently, "Who are you?"

The walker seemed to consider the question, its cloudy eyes focusing on Cyborg with what appeared to be comprehension. After a few moments, it responded, its voice a raspy whisper, "Frank... Name... Frank... Patient zero."

Maggie swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper, "You were the first? From the labs in France?"

Frank's eyes met Maggie's, filled with an ineffable sorrow. "Yes... didn't... want this..."

Wonder Woman, stepping forward with her usual grace, said, "We may have stumbled upon an invaluable source of information. This might be the key to understanding the true nature and origin of the infection."

Batman, his analytical mind already racing, added, "And perhaps even finding a solution. That barcode and the number might lead us to more data."

Negan, eyebrows furrowing, mused aloud, "But why would Hades have him here, of all places? What's the play?"

Superman, ever the beacon of hope, replied, "Right now, our focus should be on understanding Frank's situation and ensuring he's not a threat. If there's any chance to make things right, we have to explore it."

With Frank's presence, the mysteries surrounding the outbreak gained another layer. The team knew that they were in the midst of something larger, and they needed to approach each revelation with caution.

Cyborg's eyes flickered with electronic light, his advanced systems analyzing the water's composition and the energies within. Suddenly, he detected an anomaly—a distinct energy signature indicating a breach in the fabric of the multiverse. Projecting an image from his arm, the group could see a live feed of another world—Maggie and Negan's world. The backdrop was unmistakably the cityscape of Paris, France.

"Guys," Cyborg announced, voice urgent, "This isn't a random occurrence. That's a deliberate breach to Maggie and Negan's world. See the Eiffel Tower in the distance? Hades has opened a portal."

Negan clenched his bat tighter, his eyes narrowing. "Of all the places..."

Maggie, her voice thick with emotion, whispered, "Home... But why here? Why now?"

Superman, his eyes sharp and thoughtful, responded, "Hades knows what he's doing. He's using our fears, our pasts, our memories against us."

Batman's expression darkened, and he suddenly seemed more alert, "Frank wasn't an accident. This aquatic chamber... all of it... It's a ruse. A distraction."

Wonder Woman nodded in agreement, "If he's playing games here, he might be taking action elsewhere."

Cyborg's eyes widened with realization. "The control room!" he exclaimed. "It's the heart of the Watchtower, the main hub. If Hades wants to take over or cause real damage, that's where he'd go!"

…

As the heroes approached the control room, a growing sense of heat warned them of who awaited inside. The doors slid open to reveal the unmistakable blue flame of Disney's Hades, casting eerie shadows over the large console.

"Well, if it isn't the justice brigade! You're just in time for the fireworks!" Hades exclaimed, his iconic smirk in place. His lanky fingers hovered precariously close to a menacing red button on the console.

"Stay your hand, Hades," Batman warned, taking a step forward.

Hades chuckled, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Oh, Batsy. Always so serious. You should lighten up! And speaking of creations," he said, turning his gaze on Batman, "how's my little pet project, Patchwork, doing? Had a rough start, didn't he? You'd think being crafted by a god would give him some... pizzazz."

Wonder Woman's fingers tightened around her lasso. "Enough games, Hades. Release the control of the Watchtower and return to where you came from."

The god of the Underworld leaned casually against the console. "Now, now, Wonder Woman. Why so hasty? I mean, with one little press," he motioned dramatically to the button, "I could give a whole new meaning to 'groundbreaking' for the eastern seaboard."

Superman's blue eyes were cold, his patience clearly running thin. "We're not here to play games. Step away from the console."

Hades rolled his eyes, his theatricality undiminished. "Always straight to business with you lot. But hey, thanks for dropping by. It's been... explosive." He punctuated the statement with a cackle, clearly reveling in his own wit.

The room had grown increasingly tense with every passing second. Just as Hades was about to mock the heroes further, a distinct hum permeated the atmosphere, one which suggested machinery powering down. All eyes turned to the corner of the room where Carlos, the former Imperial droid, was connected to a wall panel. Wires ran from his arm to the central circuitry of the Watchtower.

Hades looked momentarily stunned, his fingers now hovering over a now inert console. The once menacing red button was simply... a button.

Carlos detached from the panel and turned to face Hades, a smirk visible on his metallic face. "Apologies for the interruption, Mr. Hades. But it seems your explosive plans have just been... defused. Shall I explain in intricate detail how I rerouted the core energy of this station to nullify your antics?"

The atmosphere in the room grew hotter as Hades' temper flared, the blue flames of his hair erupting into fiery red. The temperature spike was palpable, making the air waver with its intensity.

"You insufferable piece of junk!" Hades roared, his rage causing him to burst into intense flames. He swung his arm in a fit of anger, causing the console next to him to melt instantly from the searing heat.

Batman braced himself against the wave of heat, his cape offering some meager protection. "Carlos, step back!" he commanded.

Carlos, although non-organic, seemed to understand the urgency, retracting his wires swiftly and stepping away from the enraged deity.

Despite the chaos, Batman held his ground. "Enough, Hades. Your time here is done."

Carlos, adjusting slightly as he regained his stance, flashed an almost smug look towards Hades. "Indeed. Perhaps in the future, you'll think twice before underestimating what you call a 'simple' droid."

With a roar of fury, Hades lunged directly at Carlos. But before he could make contact, Zod, Kratos, Wonder Woman, and Superman sprang into action. Like a coordinated force, they each tackled a part of the deity, their combined strength taking him off his balance.

Zod grappled with Hades' right arm, using his flight to pull him off the ground. Wonder Woman's Lasso of Truth encircled Hades' waist, the golden rope burning bright against the raging flames. Kratos swung his Leviathan Axe, forcing Hades to dodge and further distracting him. Meanwhile, Superman focused on Hades' legs, ensuring he couldn't gain a firm footing.

From the sides, Aquaman summoned water from the Watchtower's internal reservoirs, dousing the flames on Hades' hair, weakening him for a split second. Cyborg's arm transformed into a sonic cannon, sending waves of disruptive energy that disoriented the god of the underworld.

Negan and Maggie, although unfamiliar with such god-like battles, didn't stand idle. Negan swung the new and improved Lucille, his metalic baseball bat, hitting hades in the gut with a swing of his bat, while Maggie took shots with her armored fist to his face, making him constantly shift and lose balance.

Paz and his Mandalorian companion coordinated their blasters, setting them to stun and firing in bursts. The darts of energy zapped around Hades, further adding to his disorientation.

Freya whispered ancient incantations, her voice harmonizing with the chaos, creating a shimmering shield that blocked Hades from accessing the outer boundaries of the room. Carlos, using his droid capabilities, began overriding the Watchtower's systems, sealing off the control room, ensuring Hades had no escape route.

In the midst of this coordinated assault, Mimir, hanging from Kratos' belt, began reciting tales of past failures and defeats of Hades from various mythologies. This psychological warfare, playing on Hades' ego and insecurities, was the final touch, ensuring he was completely overwhelmed.

Hades, with a surge of defiance, unleashed a pulse of dark energy that knocked everyone off their feet. Gaining momentum, he fixated his fiery gaze on Carlos, evidently intent on scorching the droid. But before the vengeful flames could find their mark, Kratos, driven by instinct more than strategy, stepped in and grabbed both of Hades' arms.

A loud, agonized scream echoed through the chamber, not from the Spartan, but from Hades. The blue flames that characterized the god were rapidly subdued, hissing and retreating, as if water had been poured over them. Everyone, including Kratos himself, looked on in shock. The god of the Underworld writhed under Kratos' grasp, his form showing signs of distress.

Kratos' skin, still carrying the radiant luminescence of the core's healing energy, seemed to act as a direct counter to Hades' infernal nature. It was a reaction none had anticipated, least of all Kratos, who stared at his own hands, bewildered by their newfound potency.

"I don't... understand," Kratos murmured, his voice a blend of confusion and realization.

Hades, weakened and struggling to free himself, gasped, "What magic is this?!"

Wonder Woman, seizing the moment, approached, her lasso shimmering. "This is the power of the core, Hades. A force of creation and balance, far beyond your realm of destruction."

The team, regathering from the initial shock, formed an encircling ring around the diminished god. Batman, analyzing the situation, nodded towards Kratos. "The core's energy. It's an antithesis to Hades. We have an advantage."

Aquaman added, "And it's an advantage we need to press on with."

Hades, now more desperate than defiant, glanced around, realizing the depth of his predicament. "This isn't over," he spat, his voice shaky.

With a hurried gesture, a shadowy portal emerged beneath him, swallowing him whole. The gateway's chilling presence faded, leaving behind a room that bore the marks of their fierce confrontation.

Everyone exchanged glances, relief evident in their eyes, but also a sense of wonder, particularly at Kratos. The Spartan, still coming to terms with the unexpected turn of events, muttered, "The core... it did more than just heal me."

Superman approached Kratos, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "And it might have just given us the edge we need."

The heroes split up, ensuring that the Watchtower's every nook and corner was free of any lingering threats. Batman and Cyborg worked in tandem, accessing the mainframe and running system diagnostics to ensure Hades had not left any residual control measures. Aquaman and Wonder Woman oversaw the restoration of the aquatic chamber, ensuring the damage was limited.

Superman and Zod, with their advanced Kryptonian senses, scanned the station for any hidden presences, while Kratos and Paz focused on establishing a perimeter, making sure no external threats approached the Watchtower.

Carlos, using his internal systems, interfaced with the Watchtower's AI, ensuring the station's systems were back to their original protocols.

After ensuring the security of the station, the team gathered in the main conference room. The holographic table in the center displayed the breach that led to Maggie and Negan's world, the distorted reality of a France overrun by the undead clear to see.

"We need to decide what to do about this," Superman began, pointing at the breach. "We can't leave it open. It's a potential doorway for more threats."

Maggie, taking a deep breath, added, "Our world is a mess. But I can't just let you seal it off. There are still survivors there, people trying to rebuild. They need help."

Aquaman pondered, "Is there a way to control the breach? Make it so it can't be accessed without our knowledge or consent?"

Batman replied, "Cyborg and Carlos could potentially create a security measure to monitor and control the access. But the breach itself... sealing it entirely might not be the best option. It could be a lifeline for Maggie and Negan's world."

The room then shifted its attention to the other lingering issue: Frank, the sentient walker, who had been safely isolated in a containment unit during their confrontation with Hades. Negan, eyeing the creature, remarked, "Never thought I'd see the day... a walker that talks, thinks."

Cyborg analyzed the medical band around its hand. "This barcode and the number... It indicates he's Patient Zero. The source of the entire outbreak."

Kratos, eyebrows furrowing, said, "Every problem has its solution, and every lock has its key. We may not have all the answers now, but there is a place that might offer some refuge in the meantime."

Superman nodded, catching onto Kratos' line of thought. "Krakoa. The island sanctuary for those displaced by the Conjunction event."

Aquaman looked puzzled. "Krakoa? I've heard mentions but never been."

Wonder Woman elaborated, "It's an island in the neighboring multiverse, specifically the Marvel Universe or Earth-616. Many displaced beings have found a temporary home there while they sort out the mess of the Conjunction."

Maggie, looking hopeful, questioned, "And you think Frank could find refuge there?"

Batman, fingers steepled, said, "At least temporarily. We need to gather more data on him and understand the root of this outbreak. And we have allies in that universe who could be invaluable in this research."

Paz nodded, "Mr. Fantastic and Iron Man, they have the technology and expertise we need. If there's a way to find a cure or a means to control this, they would be our best shot."

Negan, ever the skeptic, raised an eyebrow, "And what if this Frank here becomes a problem on Krakoa? We'd be just shifting our problem elsewhere."

Freya responded, her eyes reflecting her wisdom, "Krakoa has dealt with beings of immense power and potential danger before. They have ways to ensure the safety of their inhabitants. Besides, we're not abandoning him there. It's a temporary solution until we find a better one."

Superman took a deep breath, "Then it's settled. We'll transport Frank to Krakoa for the time being. Cyborg, Carlos, can you establish a stable portal to Earth-616?"

Cyborg nodded, "With Carlos's help, I believe we can. It won't be a permanent connection but should serve our immediate needs."

Carlos added with his signature smugness, "Between my tech and his, we can definitely make it happen."

Wonder Woman stood, "Once Frank is safely in Krakoa, we can get the blood samples and data to Mr. Fantastic and Iron Man. This will be a multi-universal effort, but together, I believe we can find a solution."

The team nodded in agreement, realizing the weight of the situation but determined to do whatever it took to restore balance to the multiverses and aid the survivors of Maggie and Negan's world.

…

One by one, the assembled team approached the portal Cyborg and Carlos had managed to stabilize. A swirling vortex of vibrant blues and greens, it pulsed like a heartbeat, representing a doorway to another reality.

Kratos approached the portal first. He glanced back at the Justice League members, nodding in silent acknowledgment, before stepping through. He was closely followed by Freya, who held Mimir's head close, her eyes filled with resolve. The disembodied head whispered tales of other worlds as they disappeared into the vortex.

Maggie and Negan exchanged a quick look, mutual understanding passing between them. Their world had been tumultuous and challenging, but this new journey was one neither had expected. With firm steps, they walked side by side through the portal.

Paz, adjusting his Mandalorian helmet, turned towards Superman, "We'll get those samples to Stark and Richards. We'll find a way to help your friends." Superman nodded, placing a reassuring hand on Paz's shoulder, "I know you will." With that, Paz, alongside his companion, stepped through.

Cyborg and Carlos were the last. Cyborg took a moment to appreciate the technology marvel they'd achieved together. He looked at Carlos, "You ready?" The droid responded with his typical confidence, "Always." Together, they stepped into the portal, which closed behind them, leaving the Watchtower silent once again.

Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the remaining team watched the portal dissipate. There was a somber moment of reflection before Zod, surprisingly breaking the silence, spoke up, "They're brave, going to another universe like that. I respect that."

Feora, standing beside him, added, "We may be from different worlds and values, but the essence of heroism remains constant."

Superman noticed the gleaming medal hanging around Zod's neck. The intricate details and emblem of the Nilfgaardian Empire were hard to miss. "The emperor honored you well for defending his kingdom," Superman remarked.

Zod touched the medal gently, a rare softness in his eyes, "Recognition was not something I ever sought. But... it's pleasant to be appreciated for one's deeds, especially when it's a result of protection and not conquest."

Batman chimed in, "Every world, every universe has its own challenges, but also its own rewards. Perhaps this conjunction event, despite its chaos, has given many of us a chance to see things from a different perspective."

On the island of Kroako, amidst its flora and fauna, and against the backdrop of different multiverses merging, a hodgepodge of beings from different realities gathered.

Mimir, hanging from Kratos' belt as usual, began recounting the recent events in vivid detail. His storytelling was second to none, drawing everyone in with his narration.

Paz stepped in, "The Justice League and their Watchtower have been instrumental in preventing another catastrophic event. And then there's the matter of our new guest," nodding towards Frank, who was standing a bit apart from the group, observing his surroundings.

Logan3, the clone of Wolverine, inspected Frank curiously. "He's a walker?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. The very concept seemed alien to him.

Deadpool, always one for the theatrics, chimed in, "But not your run-of-the-mill brain muncher. This one's got panache. And, he talks!"

Freya's gaze was analytical as she observed Frank. "It's fascinating, really. A sentient being born from an infection. He's unlike any other."

Jean, from the original timeline, tried reaching out with her psychic abilities. The mental landscape was unfamiliar, but there was a consciousness there. "He's scared," she whispered to Logan beside her, who grunted in acknowledgment.

Lego Batman, ever dramatic, said, "So he's the origin? The alpha walker?"

Frank, taking the initiative, stepped forward. His voice, raspy and unique, echoed, "That's what they tell me. It's hard to remember everything... but I know I was the first. And I know I'm different."

Hiccup, always the peacekeeper, said, "He's no threat. He's just as lost as the rest of us." Astrid and the other dragon riders nodded in agreement.

Jon, a bit distant but observant, added, "Every world has its own versions of horror. Our duty is to understand, not fear."

Arya, ever the realist, responded, "Understanding is good, but vigilance is better."

Kroako, the sentient tree-faced being, rustled, the wind whistling through his branches as he spoke, "This place, this Kroako, is a haven. Here, everyone is given a chance, a place to belong. Frank, like all of you, is welcome."

…

Upon the serene shores of Kroako, a familiar whirring sound signaled the arrival of a Quinjet. As it touched down, the ramp lowered, revealing Mister Fantastic, Iron Man, and a few others, including Hank Pym, Beast, and Avallac'h. The latter held a cold storage container with blood samples from Frank.

Greeting the residents of Kroako, the group quickly settled into a makeshift lab area, with an array of equipment quickly assembled by Iron Man's nanotech and Reed Richards' elasticity aiding in its setup. Hank Pym, while adjusting a microscope, commented, "Always impressed with your tech, Stark."

Iron Man, while calibrating a device, smirked, "Just wait till you see what it does next."

Mister Fantastic, ever the focused scientist, brought up a holographic display showing the cellular structure of Frank's blood samples. "It's fascinating," he began. "Every sample we've taken has shown slight variations. It's like the virus isn't just sitting in his bloodstream; it's become an integral part of his DNA."

Avallac'h, with a knowledge of genetics from his world, added, "The mutation rate is astounding. In my world, I've studied the Elder Blood, a gene with powerful and unique properties. This... it's reminiscent but different. Like the virus and his genetic material are communicating and evolving together."

Beast, adjusting his glasses and peering at another sample, noted, "It's not just replicating or mutating in the traditional sense. It's adaptive. Almost like the virus is learning or responding to its environment within Frank."

Iron Man, intrigued, said, "So, what you're saying is, he's not just Patient Zero because he was the first to be infected. He's Patient Zero because he's unique?"

Avallac'h nodded, "Yes, and it's like his cellular structure is still in flux. He might be developing, or already possess, abilities beyond what we've seen."

Mister Fantastic's fingers danced over the holographic display, zooming into a particular cellular cluster. "Look here. See these markers? These are typically associated with latent metahuman abilities. But the way they're interfacing with the virus... it's like they're enhancing each other."

Hank Pym, intrigued, added, "We've seen cases where external agents unlock or magnify latent abilities. Scott's transformation as Ant-Man, for example. But this... the level of symbiosis here is unprecedented."

Iron Man pondered, "We need to keep monitoring him, understand his potential. If he's evolving, we need to know into what."

As the scientists continued their discussion, Frank, from a distance, observed with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Despite the uncertainty of his own condition, the combined intellects of multiple universes were now dedicated to understanding and perhaps aiding him in controlling his ever-changing nature.

Beast, having catalogued all samples meticulously, quickly fetched the desired sample. "Here you go, Reed," he said, handing over the old sample from the walker that arrived with Maggie and Negan.

Reed took the sample, placed it under the microscope, and, with great precision, dropped a droplet of Frank's blood onto it. The entire group huddled around the microscope, observing the sample's reaction in real-time.

As they watched, a fascinating transformation began to unfold. The dormant, degraded cells of the walker brain tissue started to show signs of activity. Slowly but surely, the areas associated with higher cognitive functions began to light up. The neural pathways, which were previously dead and inactive, started to rebuild and reconnect.

Mister Fantastic, taken aback by the results, voiced his observations, "This is... remarkable. The sample... it's as if the presence of Frank's blood is kickstarting the brain's higher functions. Look here," he pointed at the sample, "These are the regions associated with memories, decision-making, personality... they're coming back online."

Beast, his blue fur bristling with excitement, responded, "It's not just regenerating the tissue; it's restoring its functionality. If applied in the early stages, it could potentially halt the progression of the infection, maybe even reverse it."

Iron Man, always the pragmatist, pointed out, "It's a leap from a sample to a full-blown cure, but it's a start. This could be our way of combating the spread."

Avallac'h, looking thoughtful, commented, "And if this works on the already turned? We might not only be looking at halting the spread but also potentially bringing back those lost to the virus."

Hank Pym interjected, "The implications are massive. But we need to proceed with caution. This virus, combined with Frank's unique genetic makeup, is still an unknown variable. The results could vary from individual to individual."

Reed nodded in agreement. "Hank's right. We have a promising lead, but it requires thorough testing, trials, and control measures. This could be the key to saving Maggie and Negan's world, but we need to be methodical about it."

A sense of hope permeated the atmosphere. With this discovery, the prospects of bringing an end to the apocalypse that plagued Maggie and Negan's world seemed more plausible than ever. But as with all scientific endeavors, the path ahead was filled with research, trials, and the quest for understanding the full extent of Frank's unique condition.

After hours of intense discussion and observation, the assembled group finally agreed that it was time to inform Maggie and Negan about their findings. Given the significance of the potential breakthrough, it was Reed and Tony who decided to deliver the news, believing that their combined expertise would be most assuring.

Maggie and Negan were waiting in a different room, occasionally glancing at the busy lab with a mix of anticipation and concern. The weight of their world's crisis was evident in their eyes. The duo looked up as Reed and Tony entered.

Tony started, trying to choose his words carefully. "We've made some significant discoveries based on the sample we took from Frank."

Reed, being more direct, continued, "His blood, when exposed to the tissue of a turned walker, reactivates higher brain functions. In layman's terms, it has the potential to restore a walker's memories, cognition, and possibly prevent someone from turning altogether."

Maggie's eyes widened, her mind racing to absorb the implications. "You're saying... there's hope? That we can potentially cure the walkers?"

Negan leaned forward, the usually sarcastic and tough exterior replaced by a look of genuine interest. "You're saying Frank's our miracle ticket out of this nightmare?"

Tony interjected, "It's still early days. What we've observed is in a controlled environment, on a tissue sample. We need more testing, more research, but the initial findings are promising."

Reed added, "We believe, with more time and resources, we could develop a treatment or a preventive measure against the walker infection."

Negan exhaled deeply, a mix of relief and disbelief. "All these years... and the key might've been right under our noses."

Maggie, tears forming in her eyes, said, "Thank you. For everything. For giving our world a chance."

Tony smiled, "We're in this together. Different universes, same goal. We're going to do everything we can."

Reed nodded, "This is a monumental step forward. We won't stop until we've done everything possible."

The air in the room shifted from tense anticipation to cautious optimism. With the combined intellect and resources of two universes, they now had a fighting chance to turn the tide against the walker apocalypse.