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

Chapter 24: In A Galaxy, Far, Far, Away; Part 1

Kroakoa, the living island. Its lush greenery and diverse biomes provided a solace to many displaced beings. One such old soul was Treebeard, the ancient Ent of Middle-Earth. His tall and barky form towered above the group, leaves rustling softly with every slow move he made. He had found a new home on this island, but the tales from Middle-Earth and its recent happenings never ceased to intrigue him.

As Gandalf, Talion, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas stood amidst the serene setting of Kroakoa, the wizard began recounting the recent events, detailing Sauron's three monumental failures and his subsequent humiliation.

Treebeard, absorbing each word, rumbled in astonishment, "Bless my bark! Sauron, the so-called Dark Lord, was made a mockery? Thrice, no less?"

Legolas chuckled, "Yes, and you would have found it quite the spectacle, old friend."

Aragorn added, "To top it all off, we have captured a Nazgul. He's currently being held in a containment cell."

Gimli grunted in satisfaction, "Aye, watching those mighty Uruk-hai crumble and that wraith shriek in fear... it's a sight I won't soon forget."

Talion nodded, "Sauron's pride has been his undoing. He might have vast armies, but the forces we have assembled here, combined with the unforeseen interventions, have given us the upper hand."

Treebeard responded slowly, contemplating the gravity of the situation, "Dark times have always been countered by the brightest of lights. It seems that light is shining ever more brightly now."

…

Elsewhere in a vast clearing, set amidst the dense woods of Kroakoa, a diverse group of individuals had gathered. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation. Eskel, Letho, and Lambert were at the forefront, leading the group, preparing to initiate tests that would determine potential candidates for a new Witcher school. The old traditions were being revolutionized with the discovery of safer and less painful methods.

"We have made great strides," Eskel began, addressing the group. "The trials no longer need to be a harrowing experience. With the elixirs we've developed, you'll temporarily gain the abilities of a Witcher, without the pain or the consequences."

Letho held up a small vial, the liquid inside shimmering with a luminescent glow. "This is it. Once you drink it, focus on the signs we showed you."

Daryl, despite his efforts to hide it, was practically buzzing with excitement. He had been curious about the Witcher signs ever since learning about the dormant magic within him.

Eager participants from across the across the displaced world stepped forward. Among them were Siobhan from Ireland, Hiroshi from Asia, Cedric from Britain, Rosa from Mexico, Madison from the U.S., and Callum from Canada.

"Remember, it's all about focus," Lambert said, demonstrating the Aard sign, sending a gust of wind to rustle the nearby trees.

One by one, the candidates took a deep breath and downed the elixir. The initial reactions varied - some blinked in surprise, others steadied themselves, feeling the newfound power coursing through them.

Daryl was one of the first to try. With intense concentration, he executed the Igni sign, and a stream of fire erupted from his hand, making a brilliant display in the twilight.

Siobhan, with grace and poise, tried the Yrden sign, successfully creating a magical trap that caused the grass within to shimmer. Hiroshi, with a swift motion, channeled the Quen sign, a protective shield enveloping him.

Cedric tried Axii, managing to calm a nearby agitated bird, while Rosa beautifully showcased the Heliotrop sign, deflecting a thrown rock. Madison, with determination in her eyes, executed the Somne sign, sending a rabbit into a peaceful slumber. Callum's attempt at Aard sent a gust so strong, it knocked a few leaves off a distant tree.

The Witchers, watching the display, exchanged impressed glances. "It seems we have some potential here," Lambert noted, a hint of pride evident in his voice.

Eskel nodded, "Yeah, their world may have faced devastation, but from the ashes, we'll build anew."

Letho, watching Daryl's enthusiastic attempts at mastering the signs, chuckled, "And some are more eager than others."

In a quieter part of the clearing, Geralt sat cross-legged, observing his young son, Roderick, attempt to manifest his Witcher signs. Beside them, Freya, with her vast knowledge of magic, was guiding the young boy, ensuring he didn't overextend himself. Avallac'h stood a little way off, his wise eyes keenly taking in every detail, while Yennefer, with a gentle touch, was assisting their little daughter, Vivienne, in her attempts to crawl.

"Focus, Roderick," Geralt instructed gently. "Remember, it's as much about feeling as it is about thinking."

Roderick nodded seriously, his small face set in concentration. Drawing upon his nascent Witcher training, he attempted the Quen sign. What happened next took everyone by surprise.

Instead of the usual transparent, protective shield, Roderick's hands transformed. They took on a gray, rugged texture, looking for all the world as if they were carved from stone. The effect didn't stop at his hands; it seemed to be slowly traveling up his arms.

Geralt's eyes widened, and he reached out, touching his son's transformed hand. It felt exactly as it looked - like stone, reminiscent of the times when he himself had taken the Gorgon Grit potion.

Yennefer, momentarily distracted from Vivienne, looked on in astonishment. "Geralt..." she murmured, her eyes filled with wonder and concern.

Avallac'h approached, his usually impassive face showing a hint of intrigue. "Fascinating," he commented. "It seems the effects of the potions you've consumed, especially those with nanotech, might have been passed down genetically."

Freya, her fingers hovering over Roderick's arm, began chanting a soft incantation to reverse the effect. As the stony texture receded, Roderick looked up at his father, a mix of excitement and fear in his eyes.

"It's alright," Geralt reassured, hugging his son close. "We just discovered something new about you. It doesn't change who you are."

Freya, finishing her spell, smiled kindly at the boy. "Every mage, every Witcher, has unique abilities. We just need to learn how to control them."

Avallac'h, ever the scholar, seemed pensive. "This has never been seen before. A Witcher with the ability to manifest potion effects without consumption. The implications are vast."

Yennefer, her protective mother instincts on full display, shot him a warning look. "We will deal with the implications later. Right now, our priority is ensuring our son's safety."

Geralt nodded in agreement. "We will train him, teach him to control it. And Roderick, remember, it's just another part of who you are."

With a determined nod, Roderick replied, "I understand, Papa."

Sif moved quickly, her features taut with a mix of concern and astonishment as she approached Freya. The ambiance around them was one of confusion and whispered murmurs.

"Freya," she began cautiously, her voice low and urgent, "There's been an incident in Central Park. Your brother, Freyr... he has appeared."

Freya's heart raced, her eyes widening in disbelief. "What do you mean, 'he has appeared'? From where? How?"

Sif took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "Thor was in Central Park, assisting with some community service. Suddenly, a rift opened just above the ground. Freyr... he just fell out of it. And there was something else — just as he emerged, there was a fleeting glimpse of a massive flaming sword, one that bore a chilling resemblance to that of Surtur or, as many now refer to him, Ragnarok. But the portal snapped shut before the blade could come through."

Freya felt the world spin around her. The sheer unexpectedness of the news, combined with the reality of seeing a brother she thought she'd lost, was staggering.

"Thor was there? He witnessed this?" Freya asked, her voice quivering.

Sif nodded. "Yes, he was as surprised as any. Freyr looked equally stunned, understandably so. Thor immediately thought of you and sent for us."

With a fervor and a need for answers burning inside her, Freya said, "Take me to him."

…

Later, in New York…

Central Park was buzzing with a mix of excitement, confusion, and apprehension. The event of a portal opening up and dropping Freyr had drawn quite the crowd. But as the core group approached the scene, they managed to create a semblance of a private space amidst the chaos.

As Freyr stood there, dazed, the first person he locked eyes with was Freya. His usually stoic demeanor melted away, and without a second thought, he sprinted towards her. Their embrace was heartfelt and intense, filled with the silent communication that only close siblings share.

Freyr held her at arm's length, studying her face as if trying to commit every feature to memory, as if he might wake up and find this all a dream. "Freya... It's been mere moments for me," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

Freya nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. "I know. But it's been longer for us. So much has changed."

As she spoke, Freyr's gaze drifted past her, and his eyes widened in shock. "Tyr?" He blurted out, taking in the tall figure of the god standing not too far away. His surprise was evident — to Freyr, Tyr was Odin in disguise last time he saw him.

Tyr stepped forward, offering a humble nod. "It's truly me, Freyr. Not an illusion or trickery. I was kept in Niflheim, but... I'm free now."

Freya interjected softly, "It's a long story. But we have him back."

Freyr's eyes darted from Freya to Tyr, still processing the whirlwind of revelations. Mimir, ever the observer from Kratos's belt, remarked, "Seems like a family reunion is in order. Stories to be told, and questions to be answered."

Atreus, with a hint of mischief in his eyes, added, "We've got a lot of catching up to do."

Freyr gave a weak smile, clearly overwhelmed. "Yeah, one thing at a time."

…

Within the confines of a private chamber in Stark Tower, Freyr sat in silence as he processed the barrage of information that had been unloaded upon him. He stared blankly at the large window that overlooked the city of New York, its twinkling lights a testament to the diversity and complexity of this new world he found himself in.

Gandalf, leaning on his staff, remarked, "It is quite a lot to take in, even for those of us who have been here for some time. Worlds upon worlds, each with its own stories and struggles."

Freyr finally found his voice, "And every one of them interconnected by these... breaches, portals? The very fabric of reality is different from what I understood it to be."

Aragorn added, "It's not just the worlds. It's the beings. From the smallest creature to beings of immeasurable power, like the Core. Their existence redefines what we know of power and magic."

Atreus, looking at Freyr with empathy, said, "It's okay to feel overwhelmed. We all did when we first realized the magnitude of the situation. But together, we've been finding our way, helping each other through the challenges."

Freya gently squeezed her brother's hand, "One step at a time. Just as we always have."

Freyr took a deep breath, "This alternate Thor... he is different, you say?"

Thor, from this world, stepped forward, his demeanor more humble than the legends would suggest. "Aye, that I am. Circumstances and fate have a way of changing a man. I've seen life through the eyes of mortals, and it's given me a new perspective."

Freyr studied Thor intently, trying to find the essence of the destroyer, in this stranger's eyes. "It's both comforting and disconcerting to see you, even if you're not the Thor I knew."

Thor nodded with understanding. "The multiverse is full of such paradoxes. But I believe we are all here for a reason."

Geralt, who had been quietly listening, added, "And that reason is still unfolding. But one thing is certain, we're stronger together."

Freyr took another moment to process everything, the weight of their words heavy on his mind. "I may not fully grasp the scope of this yet, but I will stand by all of you. No matter the challenge."

In the dim light of the room, Freya took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts and strength before speaking. Her voice carried a tone of urgency and gravity as she began.

"Freyr... there is something else, something that casts a dark shadow over all our challenges here. You remember the green rift that the Allfather, Odin, became obsessed with?"

Freyr nodded, a slight furrow appearing on his brow. He remembered all too well.

"That rift is the very root of our tribulations. It leads to what we can only describe as the original hell, where a being known as the Serpent resides." Freya paused, ensuring her words had their full impact.

Freyr's expression shifted from concern to something more intense. "The Serpent? You speak as if this being is more than just a myth."

Freya nodded slowly, "It's very real, and far more malevolent than any entity we've ever encountered. This Serpent... it embodies the worst of what exists. It's the reason concepts such as war, deceit, and pride exist in our worlds. It's a force of pure, unbridled malevolence."

She hesitated, her eyes searching Freyr's to ensure he was grasping the severity. "And it's not just limited to abstract ideas. The Serpent has a very tangible, very dangerous influence. Whenever you hear that voice in your head, urging you to act on your baser instincts, to lash out or deceive, know that it's those beings on the other side of the rift, reaching out, attempting to pull you into their darkness."

Freyr's hands clenched involuntarily. "You're saying... that this Serpent... it's been manipulating us? All of us?"

Freya nodded solemnly. "It was the instigator of the very first war, one that it lost. Now, it is filled with rage, seeking to drag as many as it can down into its pit of despair. It's a spiteful, vengeful entity, and we must be vigilant."

She took her brother's hand, her grip firm. "If you ever encounter one of these green rifts, promise me, Freyr, that you will not heed its call. It offers nothing but pain and suffering."

Freyr took a moment, his face reflecting the weight of this revelation. "I promise, Freya. I won't let it led me astray. We must stand strong against it."

Freya gave a relieved smile, "Together, we will."

After giving Freyr a moment to process that, Freya prepared to bring one last piece of information to Freyr. One that was essential.

"There's one more thing you should know, Odin, through sheer luck and this conjunction, survived. He's here."

Freyr's eyes darted around, searching the room for a semblance of understanding. The weight of Freya's words pressed heavily on him. "Odin, is here? I saw him lose his soul to that marble when Sindri smashed it. I felt his absence."

Freya exhaled deeply; her voice steady but with an underlying note of emotion. "Yes, he was displaced from our reality just as you were. The conjunction that brought us all here is unlike anything we've ever seen or understood. But when it comes to Odin... his situation is different."

Freyr's brow furrowed, a myriad of emotions evident on his face. "Changed how?"

Kratos shifted slightly, his deep voice breaking the silence, "He's free from the Serpent's manipulations. The madness that consumed him, led him on a destructive path, is absent. The death of his former self and his displacement here... it seems to have purged that darkness from him."

Freya nodded in agreement. "He's introspective now, contemplative. Though he's still Odin, there's an air of genuine remorse about him. He's secluded in his quarters under watch, reflective, but when he does speak, there's sincerity in his words."

Freyr's eyes widened, struggling to wrap his mind around the information. "So, he's truly repentant for all the harm he's caused?"

Atreus, stepping forward, added, "He came forth willingly, offering insight, knowledge. There's a profound sadness in him, but also a hope, I think, for some sort of redemption."

Freyr exhaled, leaning back. "It's hard to fathom. That Odin, without his mad ambitions, free from his delusions... It's something I never imagined I'd witness."

Freya gently took her brother's hand, her gaze unwavering. "These times are filled with the unexpected, Freyr. But whatever comes our way, know that we face it together."

…

Amidst the remnants of the day's events, a device buzzed to life. The device showed an incoming call from a remote location, and as the message was relayed, the weight of the information wasn't lost on the recipients. The breach on Titan had opened all the way, signaling another imminent challenge.

"They've managed to stabilize a breach on Titan," Tyr relayed to the group, the screen projecting the coordinates and images. "It's leading straight to the outskirts of a planet called Tatooine."

Thor looked at the screen, his brow furrowing in thought. "Tatooine? Isn't that a desert world controlled by the gangs of the galaxy?"

"It is," Freya confirmed. "We need to proceed with caution. Thank you for the heads-up."

…

On Titan, the scene was abuzz. The resurgent planet showed signs of reconstruction and healing, with a diverse range of beings from various worlds working hand in hand. At the heart of this activity were Paz, Mando, the Armorer, along with derreck who was at the back. Their attention was solely on the now stabilized breach.

Deadpool, eyes twinkling with excitement, quipped, "Always wanted to visit a galaxy far, far away! I've heard they have the best space bars!"

Carlos, the repurposed Imperial droid, now adorned in vibrant colors and equipped with the latest Stark and Wayne tech, was diligently monitoring the portal's stability. "The breach is stable for now, but we must remain vigilant. If not handled correctly, the implications could be disastrous."

Letho, Logan, and several others from the assembled group joined in the inspection, ensuring every detail was attended to.

Mando looked at the swirling vortex. "We've got to reach out to Boba Fett. If anyone knows how to navigate the complexities of Tatooine, it's him."

The Armorer nodded in agreement. "And the Tusken Raiders. Your alliance with them during the Krayt dragon hunt will be beneficial."

As Carlos worked diligently on the breach, the pulsating energies from it seemed to overpower his calibrations. The portal became more erratic, its edges quivering violently, and it threatened to collapse or expand uncontrollably.

"Damn it," Carlos exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice. "This breach is more unstable than I anticipated."

Mando looked on with concern. "We can't afford any slip-ups here."

From the back of the group, a towering presence stepped forward. It was Derreck, his immense figure casting an imposing shadow as he approached the turbulent breach. Without a word, he reached out with his immense hands, grasping both sides of the portal.

The raw power emanating from Derreck was surreal, as he began to manually stabilize the breach, his form acting as a conduit and anchor. The energies danced around him, but he remained unyielding, the sheer ease and… slight boredom, he was showing was evident in his posture, like he was performing a mundane task.

With Derreck holding the breach in place, Carlos resumed his efforts. "Thanks, big guy," he called out. "Keep it steady."

Derreck gave a nod, his concentration unwavering. "Do what you need to, Carlos."

The group watched as the synergy between the mechanical genius of Carlos and the unparalleled strength of Derreck worked in tandem. The portal gradually started to stabilize, its erratic fluctuations calming under their combined efforts. The danger, at least for the moment, seemed to be averted.

With the portal stabilized, the group began moving through. Each individual passed under the watchful eyes of Derreck, who maintained a firm hold on the breach. The energies of the portal continued to ripple, but Derreck's unyielding strength ensured a safe passage for all. Mando, along with Paz, the armorer, Deadpool, Letho, Logan, and the rest of their diverse group, stepped through one after the other.

Carlos cast an appreciative look back towards Derreck. "You've got this?" he shouted over the din of the energies.

A nod was Derreck's only response, his focus absolute.

Once everyone was safely through, Derreck took one last look around, ensuring no one was left behind. Taking a deep breath, he released the portal. For a moment, it threatened to destabilize again, but as if sensing its master's intention, it held firm. Satisfied, Derreck stepped through, emerging on the other side with the rest of the group.

The suns of Tatooine shone harshly down on them as they found themselves in the familiar desert landscape, the dunes stretching out endlessly. The iconic twin suns hung in the sky, casting their combined glow upon the sands.

The heat was intense, and the sand underfoot shifted with every step they took. The vastness of Tatooine was both daunting and awe-inspiring. Every shadow and dune hinted at both danger and adventure. This was a land of smugglers, bounty hunters, and hidden treasures.

Mando surveyed the horizon, the polished beskar of his helmet reflecting the harsh sunlight. Beside him, Paz and the armorer stood vigilant, their helmets also in place, concealing their identities in line with the Way of the Mandalore.

"We're not far from the main settlement," Mando's voice came through the modulator of his helmet, slightly distorted but clear. "We should head in that direction. If we're going to make contact with Baba-Fett, that's where we'll find him."

Deadpool, adjusting his mask to shield his eyes from the twin suns, chimed in, "You think he'll have snacks? Traveling through portals makes me peckish."

Letho, the tall Witcher with distinct yellow feline eyes, looked at Deadpool with an amused smirk. "It's always about food with you, isn't it?"

Logan, taking a deep breath and feeling the warm sand beneath his boots, commented, "Feels like the desert back home. Just hotter. And with two suns."

Carlos, adjusting some of the new modifications on his vibrant colored droid body, said, "Let's stick together. We don't know what sort of reception we're going to get."

With a collective nod, the group began their trek towards the distant silhouette of the settlement.

…

As the group approached the settlement, the ambient sounds of a thriving community grew more evident. The familiar hum of bartering, laughter, mechanical tinkering, and banter filled the atmosphere. Dome-shaped structures made of sun-baked bricks typical of Tatooine dotted the landscape, signifying the traditional desert accommodations.

While the Mandalorians, including Mando, Paz, and the armorer, blended in more naturally due to the reputation of their kind in such parts, they still walked with a distinct purpose. This discernible intentionality was enough to make many locals cast wary, yet curious, eyes upon them.

But of the entire group, it was Derreck and Deadpool who seemed to be the most outlandish and intriguing to the onlookers. Derreck's

stature was enough to make him stand out, but his apparent sense of wonder at even the smallest of Tatooine's details made him a subject of intense curiosity. At one point, Derreck grinned at something that caught his eye, revealing rows of sharp teeth reminiscent of a great white shark. The sight startled a few nearby residents, who had presumed him to be human up until that point. Whispers spread like wildfire as people tried to figure out who or what he might be.

Deadpool, in contrast, was both a source of amusement and slight unease. His bright red attire and twin katanas on his back were alien to this world. Plus, his continuous chatter and playful remarks only added to his enigmatic aura.

"Hope they've got good food in this joint," he mused out loud, prompting amused glances and murmurs among the crowd.

As they ventured deeper into the settlement, a cadre of guards, distinguishable by their matching uniforms and gleaming badges, stepped forward. Their stance was firm, hands resting nonchalantly yet securely on their weapons.

Mando initiated the conversation, signaling a peaceful intent by raising a hand. "We're here to see Baba-Fett," he stated, the electronic modulation of his helmet making his voice both clear and commanding. With a thumb gesture, he indicated the group behind him, emphasizing their collective objective.

The guards, led by a statuesque Twi'lek with verdant skin, studied them meticulously, his lekku twitching in what appeared to be a contemplative manner. "Your business with him?"

"Private and of importance," Mando responded calmly. "It's a matter that Baba-Fett should hear personally."

The Twi'lek guard seemed to weigh the request, sharing silent exchanges with his colleagues. Finally, with a nod of agreement, he instructed, "Stay here."

As the guards moved to convey the message, the group stood still, knowing they were under the intense scrutiny of both the settlement's guards and its inhabitants. The next moves rested in the hands of Baba-Fett.

As the group waited for a response from Baba-Fett, they stood casually, surveying their surroundings. It was evident, even to outsiders, that the settlement was alive with information brokers, bounty hunters, traders, and those simply seeking a good deal. Among them, a certain bounty hunter, bearing scars from numerous skirmishes, tilted his hat slightly as his sharp gaze landed on Carlos. His eyes narrowed in recognition.

"Isn't that an Imperial droid?" he remarked loudly to a Rodian companion beside him. While the painted colors and the upgraded tech on Carlos gave a different impression, the droid's basic framework was unmistakable.

The comment quickly drew attention from those around, and many turned to look, some with disdain, others with simple curiosity. The Empire had a notorious reputation, and remnants of its presence were not always welcome.

However, even as whispers about Carlos spread, vendors and traders equipped with tech-savvy droids made a rather unnerving observation. Their droids, trying to catalogue and understand every visitor for potential business, were all transfixed by one figure—Derreck.

Unsettling scan results streamed into their monitors, depicting the almost eldritch reality of Derreck's biology. An ever-shifting, worm-like mass, constantly morphing and slithering. Endless tendrils that stretched into even tinier strands, creating a maddening fractal image. It was a sight that no scanner or droid programming could easily interpret or categorize.

Several vendors exchanged worried glances. What was this being? The intrigue regarding Carlos was quickly overshadowed by the unnerving mystery of Derreck.

One of the vendors, a tall Twi'lek, leaned over to a neighboring merchant and whispered, "What in the twin suns is that thing?"

The other vendor, a human with cybernetic implants, merely shrugged. "Dunno, but I've been in this business a long time, and I've never seen anything like it."

The growing murmurs and looks of awe, fear, and curiosity signaled that Derreck's presence was fast becoming the talk of the settlement.

The various scans from the vendors' tech continued to run on Derreck. Then, suddenly, a chorus of alarmed beeps, whistles, and digital chimes echoed across the settlement. Power readings from the droids and equipment skyrocketed to levels many had never seen before, indicating an unimaginable energy reservoir within Derreck.

A few devices, not built to handle such information surges, fizzled and sparked, going offline temporarily. Those with handheld devices watched as the screens glitched, some showing 'ERROR' or 'OUT OF RANGE' messages.

"You seein' this?" one merchant, a Sullustan, blurted out, holding his device up to his neighboring vendor. The readings were off the charts, beyond any measurement scale the device had.

Another vendor, an old Quarren with experienced eyes, scratched his head in wonder. "It can't be... Power levels like that, it's... It's impossible."

A Mon Calamari trader, whose ocular implant was directly linked to his scanner, blinked in disbelief. "It's as if... as if he's a living sun. I've never seen energy readings like this."

More murmurs spread like wildfire. "Is he a weapon?" "Who or what is he?" "Should we be worried?"

The sense of unease grew by the second, a few of the braver individuals approached the group, trying to get a better look at Derreck while maintaining a respectful distance. They exchanged glances with each other, clearly unnerved by what they had discovered. Some already began considering the opportunities, and the potential dangers, of having such a being in their midst.

One vendor, a shrewd-looking Weequay, whispered to a compatriot, "Think of what someone could do with power like that... or what it could do if it wanted."

As the atmosphere tensed, it became clear that Derreck's true nature—whatever it was—had made a significant impact on the denizens of the settlement. The once bustling commerce seemed to come to a momentary standstill as all attention was now undeniably fixated on him.

Logan, having been through countless conflicts and scenarios, knew the signs of a situation about to spiral. His eyes darted about, assessing the crowd's reactions. He leaned into Mando and Paz, speaking in hushed tones. "We might have a problem here. Too much attention on the kid, and it's not the good kind. We should address this, but not out in the open."

Paz replied, "Agreed. We need a controlled environment. A misstep now could be disastrous."

Just as they were about to strategize, an electronic whimpering sound caught their attention. A droid, one that had been scanning Derreck persistently, one that got too close, was clenching its head, sparks flying from its ocular sensors. The internal systems, unable to process the chaotic and ungodly amount of infinite data it was receiving from scanning Derreck, were overloading.

Derreck, seemingly oblivious to the tension around him, tilted his head with genuine concern and addressed the malfunctioning droid. "Umm... you need some Tylenol or something?"

Before anyone could react, the droid emitted a sharp electronic shriek and short-circuited, collapsing in a heap of smoking wires and metal. The abruptness of the event intensified the atmosphere, with the gathered crowd taking a collective step back, eyes wide with surprise and apprehension.

Deadpool, not one to ever let a situation be too serious, chimed in with, "Well, that was shocking! Get it? Because it got electrocuted? No? Tough crowd."

Logan shot him a look. "Not the time, Wade."

The Mandalorian, ever the diplomat in these situations, raised his hand to catch the attention of the crowd. "We mean no harm. We are here to speak with someone, and then we will leave peacefully. Our... companion is unique, but he's no threat to anyone here."

Whether it was Mando's calm demeanor or the sheer oddity of what had just transpired, the murmurs quieted a bit. Still, the situation remained volatile, and Logan's instincts told him they needed to proceed with extreme caution.

It was then that he noticed everyone's attention was being directed towards Derreck. Which only increased by the moment when they all looked in that direction.

Logan looked down at the droid on the ground that short circuited realizing that a piece of it's head was gone, in the front.

Then his eyes went upwards and he froze on the spot.

The whole area went silent…

Eerily so.

Apparently in its final moments, it inadvertently launched a piece of its metal plating. The sharp fragment sped through the air, embedding itself deep into Derreck's cheek and neck.

Everyone regardless of species or background were frozen at what they were seeing. Watching in horrified fascination as, instead of the expected blood and gore, an unsettling display unfolded: a myriad of black, worm-like tendrils constantly shifted and slithered, working to repair the damage.

Derreck's companions weren't as surprised by this alien-like regenerative process, having witnessed his unique physiology before. But to the vendors, guards, and bystanders of Tatooine, it was an unworldly sight that many would not forget.

Paz, even with his stoic Mandalorian training, whispered, his voice thick with shock, "That's not something you see every day."

The armorer, ever composed, tightened her grip on her staff, watching Derreck with a new layer of understanding as to why he's so bored all the time, since he didn't even flinch at what happened.

As Mando slowly turned to take in the scene, the droid's metal fragment was already being pushed out by the tendrils, hitting the ground with a muted, 'clang'.

His voice betraying nothing of his internal thoughts, Logan murmured one thing that every one of his companions thought in that moment.

Especially Deadpool.

"…. Crap…!"