Marvel: Viral

by abcd12344321

During a fatal accident involving a runaway vehicle containing viral cargo, Peter Parker meets his end. Only to wake up in the morgue hours later with hardly any memory of his life, and a few new, abilities. The question everyone is asking is, is this really Peter, or is it the virus that consumed his body and mind, 'Apex?

12. Chapter 12

Marvel: Viral

Chapter 12: The Baby Shower and The Conspiracy

…

The baby shower was already in full swing, the apartment complex's event space transformed into a vibrant, welcoming venue. Bright decorations in shades of orange, black, and soft gold adorned the walls, colors chosen with a playful nod to Rachel's newly adapted viral form. A banner hung across the room, reading:

"Welcome, Baby Summers-Parker!"

At the center of it all were Rachel Summers and Peter Parker, standing close together and smiling warmly as they greeted each guest. Rachel's hand rested instinctively on her abdomen, a subconscious reminder of the life growing within her. Peter, ever the attentive host, made sure to thank everyone for coming, his viral form subtly subdued so as not to intimidate anyone. For tonight, he was just Peter, a man celebrating with his family and friends.

The guest list was meticulously checked as everyone arrived, with Aunt May playing the role of organizer and unofficial greeter. She stood near the entrance with a clipboard, marking off names one by one.

The first wave of guests included a group of diplomats and representatives from various organizations that had benefited from Peter's philanthropy. These were individuals who had seen firsthand how his donations had transformed their communities, and they had come to express their gratitude in person.

A diplomat from South America, a tall man with silver-streaked hair, approached with a beautifully wrapped box. "Mr. Parker, Ms. Summers," he began, his accent in every word but his words clear. "This is a token of appreciation from our people. Your generosity has preserved our cultural heritage and funded education for generations to come. We owe you a great debt."

Peter shook his hand in a strong grip, his expression humble. "You don't owe me anything," he said. "I'm just glad I could help."

Rachel smiled warmly. "Thank you for coming. It means a lot to us."

Next, a representative from a local hospital stepped forward with a modestly wrapped gift. "Thanks to your funding, we've been able to open a new children's wing. We're honored to be here to celebrate with you tonight."

Peter and Rachel exchanged glances, their smiles growing. "You're doing the real work," Rachel said. "We're just happy to support it."

As more benefactors filed in, each bearing gifts, ranging from handmade items to expensive heirlooms, Peter couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Every donation he had made had been worth it, and seeing the tangible results of his efforts filled him with a quiet pride.

The arrival of J. Jonah Jameson and the Bugle crew caused a small stir. Jameson, ever the larger-than-life personality, stepped in with a booming voice. "Alright, Parker! Where's the cake? I didn't come here just to shake hands and smile for photos!" Despite his gruff demeanor, there was a glint of genuine warmth in his eyes.

Behind him, Betty Brant and Robbie Robertson carried a large, carefully wrapped box. Betty grinned as she handed it over. "This is from all of us at the Bugle. And don't worry, Peter—we made sure Jonah didn't write anything snarky on the card."

Peter laughed, shaking Robbie's hand and exchanging a quick hug with Betty. "Thanks for coming, guys. It means a lot."

Jameson grunted, crossing his arms. "Yeah, yeah, don't get all sentimental on me. Just make sure that kid of yours doesn't inherit your terrible sense of humor."

"Don't worry, Mr. Jameson," Rachel chimed in with a smirk. "We'll make sure he has good role models."

Jameson raised an eyebrow. "Good luck with that," he muttered, though his lips twitched in a faint smile.

The next wave of guests was a veritable who's who of the superhero world. The X-Men arrived in full force, led by Logan, who grumbled about the decorations but couldn't hide the protective warmth in his eyes as he greeted Rachel. Storm, elegant and composed, brought a gift wrapped in shimmering silver paper. "This is a special night, Rachel," she said. "We wouldn't miss it for the world."

The Avengers followed shortly after, with Steve Rogers shaking Peter's hand firmly. "Congratulations, Peter. You and Rachel are about to start something incredible."

Tony Stark arrived fashionably late, carrying a sleek gift bag. "This is cutting-edge tech for the baby," he said with a grin. "Because, let's face it, your kid is going to outgrow regular baby monitors in about three days."

Mary Jane and Paul Watson arrived quietly, slipping through the crowd with a wrapped gift in hand. MJ's expression was a mix of nostalgia and acceptance as she approached Peter and Rachel. "Congratulations," she said softly, her voice sincere. "You two deserve this."

Peter's smile was warm but tinged with understanding. "Thanks, MJ. It means a lot."

Paul placed a supportive hand on Mary Jane's shoulder. "We're happy for you," he said simply. "And thanks for inviting us. We needed this."

Rachel, ever gracious, extended her hand to Mary Jane. "I'm glad you're here. Really."

For a moment, the past lingered unspoken between Peter and MJ, but it was clear that they had both moved on. Tonight was about celebrating the future, not dwelling on the past.

Perhaps the most surprising group was the one composed of individuals who had come to view Peter as a near-mythical figure. They were a mix of scholars, spiritual leaders, and everyday people who had been touched by his actions. They brought gifts that ranged from symbolic trinkets to heartfelt letters.

One man, an elderly professor, handed Peter a small, intricately carved box. "This is a token from our community," he said reverently. "You've given us hope in ways we never thought possible."

Peter accepted the gift with a humble nod. "Thank you," he said softly. "But I'm just doing what I can."

As the room filled with laughter and conversation, Aunt May continued to mark off names on the guest list. The gifts piled up in one corner of the room, a colorful testament to the love and support surrounding Peter and Rachel. And through it all, Peter and Rachel remained inseparable, their hands often brushing as they moved through the crowd.

…

The festivities were in full swing. The warm hum of conversation, laughter, and clinking glasses filled the room as the guests mingled, exchanging stories and sharing memories. The atmosphere was lively but intimate, a perfect reflection of the love and support that surrounded Peter, Rachel, and the unborn child.

When it came time for the cake-cutting ceremony, everyone gathered near the center of the room, where a towering, three-layered cake stood as the centerpiece. The cake was as unique as the couple it celebrated, each layer represented a different flavor, symbolizing the blend of their lives.

The bottom layer, chocolate fudge, was decorated with intricate black and red icing, a nod to Peter's viral form.

The middle layer was a vibrant orange creamsicle, representing Rachel's fiery mutant energy and the orange tendrils of her new form.

The top layer, a classic vanilla buttercream, symbolized the innocence and hope for their child's future.

Rachel and Peter stood together, hands clasped around the knife, as the guests cheered them on. "Ready?" Peter asked with a soft smile.

Rachel grinned. "As I'll ever be."

They cut into the cake together, the room erupting into applause and laughter. Plates were passed around as the guests eagerly sampled the unique flavors. Logan, standing near the dessert table, muttered with a smirk, "Not bad, kid. Even managed to make it taste good."

"High praise coming from you," Peter shot back with a grin, earning chuckles from the nearby X-Men.

With the guests full of cake and the energy of the evening still buzzing, it was time for the gift-opening ceremony. Peter and Rachel sat together on a couch in the center of the room, a mountain of gifts surrounding them. Aunt May stood nearby, clipboard in hand, keeping track of who gave what so proper thank-you notes could be sent later.

The first gift opened was from Miles Morales, who sheepishly scratched the back of his neck as Rachel tore into the bright red wrapping paper. Inside was an adorable teddy bear, wearing a tiny Spider-Man shirt emblazoned with Miles's original emblem.

Rachel held it up with a wide smile. "This is perfect, Miles. Thank you!"

Miles grinned, relieved. "Figured every kid needs a good teddy bear. And, you know, I couldn't resist the shirt."

Peter laughed. "Starting him young. I like it."

Next came an assortment of baby toys, blankets, and supplies. Gwen gifted a soft, glowing nightlight shaped like a cartoonish spider. Jessica Drew's gift was a high-tech baby monitor, courtesy of Tony Stark, who'd added "a few upgrades." Steve Rogers handed over a hand-carved wooden rocking horse, saying it was a gift from the Avengers as a whole.

The room erupted into laughter when a small group of guests revealed their gifts, a collection of unusual foods tailored to Rachel's newfound cravings. A carefully arranged platter of honeyed locusts, candied beetles, and roasted crickets was unveiled, earning a delighted gasp from Rachel.

"Are you kidding me? This is amazing!" Rachel exclaimed, already reaching for a honeyed locust.

Logan raised an eyebrow, watching her take a bite. "You actually eat that stuff?"

Rachel grinned as she popped another piece into her mouth. "Don't knock it until you try it, Logan. It's delicious."

Peter smirked, leaning in to whisper, "Told you they'd catch on to the roach meatloaf."

Rachel nudged him playfully. "You were right."

Some gifts carried a deeper emotional weight. Aunt May presented a small photo album, filled with pictures of Peter's childhood, along with a handwritten letter for the baby to read someday. Rachel's eyes misted over as she flipped through the pages, her hand gripping Peter's tightly.

Logan handed over a simple silver locket, engraved with the initials of both Peter and Rachel. "Figured you'd want somethin' to keep close," he muttered, his gruff tone masking his sentimentality.

Rachel smiled, her voice soft. "Thank you, Logan. This means a lot."

Several members of the movement that saw Peter as a viral protector had also arrived, offering symbolic gifts. One woman presented a small, ornate box containing soil from New York's community gardens, an offering of renewal and growth. Another gave a handmade quilt, stitched with patterns symbolizing strength and unity.

Peter accepted each gift with humility, his gratitude evident. "Thank you for this. It's… more than I could ever ask for."

As the pile of gifts dwindled and the night wore on, Rachel leaned into Peter's shoulder, her hand resting on her abdomen. The room was filled with the warmth of connection and love, the laughter of friends and family echoing in the air. For the first time in what felt like forever, Peter and Rachel felt a sense of peace, a moment to breathe and celebrate before the storm of the unknown arrived.

…

As the gift-opening ceremony continued, the room quieted when Eddie Brock stepped forward, carrying a small, carefully wrapped package in his hands. The atmosphere shifted slightly, not tense, but curious. Eddie and Peter, or rather Apex, had been rebuilding their relationship ever since Peter's transformation. The invitation to the baby shower had been unexpected but welcome, a sign that bridges were being mended.

Eddie approached with a small smile, his towering frame contrasting with his hesitant demeanor. Behind him, the faint tendrils of Venom rippled, a reminder of their shared symbiosis. "Hey, uh… congrats, both of you," Eddie said, his voice gruff but genuine. "I wanted to get something meaningful. Something… unique."

Rachel, sitting beside Peter on the couch, smiled warmly. "Thank you, Eddie. You didn't have to-."

He cut her off, shaking his head. "No, I did. Trust me, this is something you're gonna love."

Peter raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Alright, Brock. Let's see what you've got."

Rachel carefully unwrapped the gift, the paper giving way to reveal a sleek black box. She opened it, and her breath hitched. Inside was a photograph, but not just any photograph, it was an ultrasound-like image, printed and framed. It wasn't the typical fuzzy grayscale picture one might expect; instead, it was a vivid, high-definition rendering of the mass of tendrils within Rachel's body, glowing faintly orange and black. The image captured the intricate, almost beautiful complexity of their unborn child in a way that no one had seen before.

The frame itself was engraved with the words: "The Future Is Yours" in delicate script.

Rachel's hand flew to her mouth as she stared at the picture. "Oh my god," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "This is… incredible."

Peter leaned closer, his red and black eyes widening as he took in the image. "How…?"

Eddie rubbed the back of his neck, glancing briefly at Venom's shifting tendrils. "Let's just say we've got connections. Venom's… abilities made it easier to pick up the energy and detail from the scans you had done. Thought it might be something you'd want to keep."

Rachel looked up at Eddie, her eyes shining. "Eddie, this is amazing. Thank you."

Eddie's lips twitched into a small smile. "Figured it was fitting. People get ultrasound photos, right? Well… this is yours."

Peter reached out to shake Eddie's hand, his grip strong but grateful. "This means a lot, Brock. Really. Thank you."

Eddie shrugged, but there was a faint blush on his cheeks. "Yeah, well, don't get all sappy on me, Parker. I'm still trying to get used to you being… this." He gestured vaguely at Peter's viral form.

Rachel, still staring at the image, traced a finger over the glass. "It's perfect," she said softly. "Absolutely perfect."

The room seemed to relax as the moment passed, a shared understanding settling over everyone. Eddie had given them more than just a gift, he had given them a tangible connection to the extraordinary journey they were on. And in doing so, he had solidified his place in their lives, not as an adversary but as an ally.

Logan, standing nearby with a cup of coffee in hand, muttered to Kurt, "Gotta admit, Brock nailed it with that one."

Kurt nodded, his tail flicking. "It's… oddly beautiful, isn't it?"

As Rachel and Peter admired the framed image, the room buzzed with quiet awe. The tendrils, the glow, the very essence of life captured in the photograph.

Rachel hugged the frame close to her chest, her smile radiant. "This is going in the nursery," she declared, glancing at Peter.

He chuckled softly, his arm wrapping around her shoulders. "Of course it is. It's part of the family now."

…

Elsewhere in a high-tech base where the Spider-Man variants, Miguel O'Hara, Hobie Brown, Jessica Drew, Pavitr Prabhakar, Mayday Parker, Spider-Ham, and Spider-Man Noir, and the others gathered around a holographic display as a message from the Time Variance Authority (TVA) and S.W.O.R.D. played out before them.

On the screen, the commanding visage of a TVA representative addressed the group. His voice was clipped and emotionless, betraying none of the gravity of the words he was saying. Beside him, a S.W.O.R.D. scientist nodded along, her arms crossed and her expression unreadable.

"O'Hara, Spider-Team," the representative began, "this operation is of the utmost importance. Apex, the viral anomaly, and now his progeny represent an unprecedented threat to the stability of the multiverse. Every attempt to correct this timeline has resulted in failure, and now the stakes have escalated beyond containment. We must act decisively."

Miguel's claws flexed as he crossed his arms, already dreading what was coming next. "Get to the point," he said tersely.

The scientist stepped forward, her voice clinical. "We've developed a specialized viral agent. A countermeasure, if you will. It's designed to target Apex's adaptability and disrupt his ability to regenerate or evolve. With his biology compromised, we believe we can neutralize him and prevent the further spread of the virus."

The Spider variants exchanged uneasy glances, their shared unease growing.

"And how exactly are we supposed to 'neutralize' him?" Jessica Drew asked, her voice laced with skepticism. "It's not like he's just going to sit there and let us spray him with your magic weapon."

The TVA representative's expression didn't change. "We're aware of the baby shower being hosted in New York. A diplomatic event with numerous high-profile attendees provides the perfect cover. The countermeasure has been disguised as a gift, an inconspicuous box containing an aerosol dispersal unit. It will be triggered upon opening, releasing the agent directly into Apex's face. With some luck, it will overwhelm his adaptability and incapacitate him."

The room went still as the weight of the plan sank in.

Hobie broke the silence, his voice sharp. "You've gotta be kidding me. You're telling us to crash a baby shower, their baby shower, and spray some dodgy science experiment in their faces? Nah, mate. That's not happenin'."

Spider-Ham, uncharacteristically serious, chimed in. "Yeah, this feels wrong. I mean, it's a baby shower. Not exactly a battlefield."

The TVA representative's tone grew colder. "This is not a matter of ethics or sentimentality. The survival of the multiverse takes precedence. Apex has already demonstrated the ability to outmaneuver and overpower every attempt to contain him. If we allow his child to be born, the threat will only grow exponentially."

Mayday Parker frowned, her arms crossed tightly. "And what about Rachel? She's part of this now too. You're not just targeting Apex, you're targeting her, her baby, their family."

The S.W.O.R.D. scientist didn't flinch. "The agent is designed to target Apex's specific viral signature. Rachel and the child should remain unaffected, though, admittedly, there is a small margin of error."

"Small margin?" Pavitr repeated, his voice rising. "Do you even hear yourselves? You're gambling with the lives of an entire family, and for what? A chance? A maybe?"

Miguel held up a hand, silencing the growing murmurs. His jaw was tight, his voice low and dangerous. "And what happens if it doesn't work? What if Apex adapts like he always does, and now you've given him a weapon to turn against us?"

The TVA representative's gaze hardened. "That's not your concern, O'Hara. Your mission is to deliver the package and ensure the agent is deployed. Nothing more."

"No," Miguel snapped, his claws flexing. "This isn't a mission, it's an execution. And you want us to carry it out under the guise of a gift? That's not how we do things."

The scientist interjected, her tone icy. "Your personal feelings are irrelevant. If you refuse to carry out this mission, we'll find others who will."

Jessica Drew slammed her hand on the table. "You're asking us to betray everything we stand for. You can't expect us to just-."

Miguel cut her off, his voice steady but furious. "Enough."

He turned back to the hologram, his red eyes glowing faintly. "We'll take the package. But if you think for a second that we're going to follow through with this… you're dead wrong."

The TVA representative's expression didn't change, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes, annoyance, perhaps. "You're walking a dangerous line, O'Hara."

Miguel stepped closer to the hologram, his voice dropping to a low growl. "So are you. If this is how you deal with anomalies, maybe the real threat to the multiverse isn't Apex, it's you."

With that, he shut off the transmission, the hologram flickering out of existence. The room was silent for a long moment, the weight of what had just transpired settling over the group.

Hobie broke the silence, leaning back with a scowl. "So, what now, fearless leader? We gonna crash the party or toss their 'gift' in the bin where it belongs?"

Miguel's claws tapped against the console, his mind racing. "We're not doing anything until we figure out exactly what we're dealing with. That means breaking this thing down, analyzing it, and coming up with a plan that doesn't involve betraying everything we stand for."

"And if they come after us for not playing along?" Noir asked.

Miguel's gaze hardened. "Then we remind them why you don't mess with Spider-Men."

…

The room was silent save for the soft hum of machinery as Miguel and Pavitr worked over the mysterious package, dissecting its mechanisms with precision. The rest of the Spider variants stood nearby, tension thick in the air as they waited for answers.

Hobie leaned against the wall, his foot tapping impatiently. "So? What's the verdict? Just another dirty trick, or are we talkin' full-blown apocalypse in a box?"

Miguel didn't answer right away. His claws delicately removed the casing from the package's core, revealing a complex dispersal system connected to a vial of viscous liquid. The substance inside the vial pulsed faintly, an unsettling, almost alive quality to it. His jaw tightened as his scanners fed back the results.

"Pavitr," Miguel said, his voice grim. "Double-check the readings. Please tell me this isn't what I think it is."

Pavitr adjusted the scanner, his normally cheerful demeanor replaced by an uncharacteristic seriousness. The screen beeped as the results came through, and his face paled. "Miguel… this isn't an anti-viral agent."

"No kidding," Miguel muttered, his red eyes narrowing. "This is something far worse."

"What is it?" Jessica asked, stepping forward, her arms crossed tightly. "What are we looking at here?"

Miguel held up the vial, his claws careful not to apply too much pressure. "This isn't just an agent designed to overwhelm Peter or Rachel's adaptability. It's viral acid. An infectious, airborne pathogen designed to liquefy organic matter on contact."

Spider-Ham blinked, his cartoonish form unusually stiff. "Wait, wait, wait. Are you telling me they sent us a weaponized acid virus? To a baby shower?"

Miguel's claws clicked as he set the vial down carefully. "It's worse than that. This thing isn't just a weapon, it's a ticking time bomb. If this disperses, it won't just target Rachel or Peter. It'll infect everything. The pathogen is engineered to spread exponentially, attacking and breaking down organic matter at the cellular level."

Noir's voice was low, grim. "How bad are we talking?"

Miguel's hands clenched into fists as he turned to face the group. "Bad enough to make Ebola look like a cold. If this thing gets out, it'll turn the planet into a dead zone in a matter of days. Nothing will survive. Not plants, not animals, not people, nothing."

Jessica's eyes widened, her fists tightening. "And they wanted us to deliver this to Rachel? To her face?"

Pavitr nodded, his voice shaking slightly. "The dispersal mechanism is designed to trigger upon opening. Whoever opens the box would be hit directly, and the virus would spread from there. If we had handed this to Rachel, it wouldn't just kill her, it would've started a chain reaction that would end with Earth as a lifeless husk."

Hobie slammed his fist against the wall, his frustration boiling over. "Those bastards! They didn't just want to take out Apex, they wanted to scorch the Earth while they were at it!"

Mayday's voice was trembling with rage. "They lied to us. They didn't tell us this was a bioweapon. They wanted us to deliver it without knowing what it really was."

Miguel nodded, his expression hard. "And they would've pinned it all on us when it went wrong. 'Rogue Spider-Men,' they'd call us. Convenient scapegoats for the disaster they engineered."

Spider-Ham, uncharacteristically quiet, finally spoke up. "What do we do now? We can't just… sit on this."

Miguel stared at the vial for a long moment, his mind racing. "First, we contain this. No one else can know about it, not the TVA, not S.W.O.R.D., no one. If this thing is as bad as the scans say, even the knowledge of its existence is too dangerous."

Jessica folded her arms, her expression steely. "And then?"

Miguel's gaze swept over the group, his resolve clear. "We destroy it. Completely. Every trace of it. Whatever the TVA or S.W.O.R.D. thinks they're doing, they're out of control. This thing doesn't just target Peter and Rachel, it threatens the entire planet. We can't let it exist."

The room was silent for a moment, the weight of the decision settling over them. Then, one by one, the Spider variants nodded, their determination unshakable.

Hobie pushed off the wall, his voice sharp. "Alright, then. Let's burn this nightmare to the ground."

Miguel's claws flexed as he turned back to the console. "Agreed. But we have to be smart about this. If they find out what we've done, they'll come after us. And they'll come hard."

Jessica smirked faintly. "Let them. We've faced worse."

Miguel allowed himself a small smile. "Then let's get to work."

…

Elsewhere at the S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, Nick Fury's single eye scanning through a digital report on his screen when the notification from Miguel O'Hara came through. The urgency of the message alone was enough to make Fury straighten in his chair. As he opened the encrypted feed, the faces of Miguel and the gathered Spider-Man variants appeared on his screen, their expressions grim.

"What's going on?" Fury asked sharply, his tone leaving no room for pleasantries.

Miguel wasted no time. "Director Fury, we've got a serious problem. The package S.W.O.R.D. and the TVA handed to us? It's not an anti-viral agent. It's a bioweapon."

Fury's brow furrowed, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl. "Explain."

Miguel held up a vial encased in a protective shell, the dark, viscous liquid inside faintly pulsing. "This thing isn't just designed to neutralize Apex. It's a highly infectious, airborne, waterborne viral acid. It doesn't just target Apex's biology—it targets everything. Organic matter, human or otherwise, would dissolve on contact. If this thing were released, it wouldn't just incapacitate Rachel Summers or Apex. It would wipe out life on Earth within days. The planet would be a dead zone."

Fury's eye narrowed, his hands clenching into fists on his desk. "You're telling me they wanted you to deliver this to Rachel as a gift?"

Miguel nodded, his expression grim. "That's exactly what I'm telling you. The dispersal mechanism was designed to activate the moment the package was opened. Rachel would've been hit first, but the pathogen would've spread from there. Even Apex and Rachel's virus-enhanced biology might not have stopped it from turning the rest of the planet into a lifeless wasteland."

Fury sat back in his chair, his jaw tightening as his mind worked through the implications. Finally, he leaned forward, his voice low and dangerous. "Leave it with me. And O'Hara?"

"Yeah?"

"Good call bringing this to me first. I'll take it from here."

Miguel nodded, and the transmission ended.

…

Moments later, Fury was on the line with the higher-ups at S.W.O.R.D. and the TVA. His voice was a quiet storm, cold and controlled but brimming with fury.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" Fury barked, his words sharp enough to cut steel. "You sent my people a goddamn bioweapon and told them to deliver it like a party favor?! Do you have any idea how close you came to wiping out the entire planet?!"

A S.W.O.R.D. representative tried to interject, their voice trembling. "Director Fury, the situation with Apex and Rachel Summers is highly unstable. The decision to deploy the agent-."

"Don't you dare try to justify this to me!" Fury snapped, slamming a hand on his desk. "You didn't just go behind my back—you put billions of lives at risk because you thought you could play god! You're supposed to protect this planet, not gamble with it!"

The TVA liaison, a cold, calculating woman with an air of superiority, spoke up. "Director Fury, this was a necessary precaution. Apex and his offspring represent an unprecedented threat to the timeline and the multiverse. Every attempt to neutralize him-."

Fury cut her off, his voice icy. "Every attempt? You mean every half-baked, shortsighted disaster you've cooked up because you don't have the guts to admit you don't know how to handle this? Let me make one thing clear: You are not running this show. I am."

The room on the other end of the line went silent, the weight of Fury's words sinking in.

Fury leaned closer to the camera, his voice dropping to a lethal whisper. "You pull a stunt like this again, and I'll make damn sure you never get the chance to do it a third time. I don't care how high up the chain you are, you don't mess with my people, and you sure as hell don't mess with my planet."

The S.W.O.R.D. representative stammered. "Director Fury, with all due respect, we-."

"Don't 'with all due respect' me," Fury growled. "You want respect? Earn it. And right now, you're all on thin ice."

He ended the call with a sharp click, the screen going dark. For a long moment, Fury sat in silence, his mind racing. The revelation of the bioweapon and the sheer recklessness of S.W.O.R.D. and the TVA had lit a fire in him, one that wouldn't be easily extinguished.

Reaching for his communicator, Fury keyed in a direct line to one of his senior agents. "Hill, get me everything we've got on S.W.O.R.D.'s bioweapons division and their ties to the TVA. I want names, projects, everything. And lock down all sensitive areas of New York, I don't want anything slipping through."

"Yes, sir," Hill's voice replied crisply.

As Fury leaned back in his chair, his gaze hardened. He didn't know what they were thinking, but if there was one thing he knew, it was how to handle people who thought they could play games with the fate of the world. And this time, he wasn't playing nice.

…

A few hours later…

Nick Fury sat in his office, reviewing the latest reports on the security around New York. After Miguel's revelation and the near-catastrophe with the TVA and S.W.O.R.D.'s bioweapon, Fury had barely slept. He was sifting through updates when an urgent notification lit up his screen, followed by a knock at the door.

"Come in," Fury said, his voice sharp.

Maria Hill entered, holding a tablet. Her expression was grim, her usual composure tinged with a rare unease. She handed the device to Fury without a word.

"What now?" Fury muttered, scanning the screen. His eye narrowed as he read the message.

…

Priority Alert: Supreme Court Ruling

To: Director Nicholas J. Fury, S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters
From: Office of Government Collaboration
Subject: Supreme Court Ruling on Apex (Peter Parker)

After a week of intense deliberations, the Supreme Court of the United States, in collaboration with Congress, leading geneticists, and military bio-weapon experts, has reached a ruling regarding Apex, the sentient viral entity known to the public as Peter Parker.

While the Court acknowledges Apex's significant contributions to humanitarian efforts, including the funding of schools, hospitals, and food banks, as well as his pivotal role in crime prevention and community rebuilding, the ruling was ultimately based on Apex's genetic and biological nature.

In a vote of 5-4, the Court has declared that Apex is, at his core, a sentient virus. Despite his human memories and consciousness, his fundamental composition is non-human and falls under the jurisdiction of biological weaponry regulation.

Effective immediately, the following measures have been enacted:

Classification as a Volatile Bio-Weapon: Apex is now classified as a volatile bio-weapon under federal law, with strict protocols for monitoring and containment.

Revocation of Rights: Apex is no longer legally entitled to the full rights and protections afforded to human citizens under U.S. law.

Special Oversight Committee: A government-led committee, including members of the military and bio-weapons experts, has been established to oversee Apex's activities and enforce containment measures if deemed necessary.

Immediate Monitoring Orders: All movements and activities of Apex, as well as his associates, are to be monitored with real-time surveillance.

This decision reflects a balance between the recognition of Apex's efforts and the inherent risk posed by his biological nature. Further steps will be determined as the situation develops.

End Message.

…

Fury's jaw tightened as he finished reading. "Damn it," he muttered, tossing the tablet onto the desk. "I knew this was coming, but not this soon. They've gone and lit the powder keg."

Hill crossed her arms. "It gets worse, sir." She handed him another file. "While this ruling was being finalized, the government has already begun enacting measures to enforce it. They've mobilized specialized containment units in major cities, including New York. They're not waiting for Apex to step out of line—they're treating him as if he's already a threat."

Fury leaned back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. "They're playing with fire, Hill. Peter's been playing nice because he's trying to build something here. You treat him like a monster, and he's got every reason to act like one."

Hill hesitated before speaking. "There's more. They're not just targeting Peter. They're looking into Rachel Summers as well. The reports from Reed Richards about her viral transformation have raised alarms. They're treating her as a potential bio-weapon too."

Fury's fists clenched, his voice a low growl. "So, what? They're going to send these containment units to crash a baby shower? Drag a pregnant woman into custody because she doesn't fit their definition of 'normal biological organism?'"

Hill nodded grimly. "That's possibly what it looks like if they decide to go down that route."

Fury stood abruptly, pacing the room. "This is going to blow up in their faces. Peter's got the entire city eating out of his hand. You think they're going to stand by while the government treats him like a weapon of mass destruction? And what about the Avengers? Or the X-Men? You think they're going to let this slide?"

Hill nodded, her voice steady despite the tension. "No. And that's why we need to get ahead of this before it turns into a war."

Fury stopped pacing, turning to face her. "Get me Reed Richards on the line. And the members of the mutant community. if you can reach them. We need a united front on this, superhuman, mutant, and otherwise. If the government wants to push Apex into a corner, we need to make damn sure he's not standing there alone."

Hill hesitated. "And if Apex finds out about this ruling?"

Fury's expression darkened. "He's going to find out. And when he does, we'd better be ready for what comes next. Because if they push him too far… Peter Parker won't be the one they're dealing with. It'll be Apex. And that's a fight none of us are ready for."

…

The conference room was filled with tension so thick it was suffocating. The room was packed with representatives from the mutant community, the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and key legal minds like Jennifer Walters (She-Hulk) and Matt Murdock (Daredevil). Nick Fury stood at the head of the table, Maria Hill beside him, her expression as unreadable as always. The crowd sat in grim silence as Fury prepared to deliver the news.

"Alright," Fury began, his voice sharp and unyielding. "We've got a situation. After nearly a week of deliberations, the Supreme Court handed down their decision this morning. And it's as bad as you're all probably imagining." He tapped the table, and a hologram of the official Supreme Court decision appeared.

"The ruling was 5-4," Fury continued. "Divided, sure, but it's enough to set a precedent. Apex—Peter Parker—is no longer recognized as a human being under U.S. law. They've classified him as a sentient viral entity and are enacting measures to treat him like a volatile bio-weapon. And Rachel Summers?" Fury's gaze swept over the room. "She's being flagged as a secondary bio-weapon. That ruling goes into effect immediately."

The room erupted into a cacophony of voices. Logan slammed his fist on the table, his claws extending slightly. "They can't be serious?! Peter's been busting his ass keeping this city safe, feeding people, helping mutants get back on their feet, and they repay him by calling him a weapon?!"

Jean Grey, sitting beside him, looked pale but composed. "And Rachel? She's pregnant, for God's sake! How do they justify targeting a pregnant woman, let alone one who hasn't hurt anyone?"

Magneto leaned back in his chair, his eyes cold. "Because they fear what they do not understand," he said quietly. "It's always the same. When humanity encounters something beyond their comprehension, their response is to destroy it."

Emma Frost, looking uncharacteristically strained due to her ongoing legal battles over the cloned children, raised an eyebrow. "This isn't just fear, Erik. This is opportunism. Certain factions in the military and government are using this as an excuse to consolidate power. If they can label Peter and Rachel as weapons, they gain carte blanche to treat them however they please."

Jennifer Walters, her green skin faintly glowing under the room's lights, leaned forward. "They're setting a dangerous precedent here. This ruling doesn't just apply to Peter and Rachel—it opens the door to dehumanizing anyone who doesn't fit their narrow definition of 'normal.' If you're not fully human, you're a target."

Matt Murdock nodded beside her, his tone somber. "Legally, this is shaky at best. The ruling hinges on the idea that Peter's virus constitutes his entire identity, despite evidence that he retains his humanity, his memories, and his morality. The dissenting justices were clear, they know Apex is only a threat if treated as one."

Fury's jaw tightened as he gestured to Maria Hill, who brought up another hologram. This one displayed the military's plans for deploying containment units in major cities, including New York.

"They're not waiting around," Fury said grimly. "The military's already mobilizing. They've got containment units stationed in key locations, ready to act the moment someone gives the order. And if they decide Rachel's pregnancy poses a risk, they'll come for her too."

Pixie looked horrified, her wings flickering faintly. "This isn't just about Peter anymore. It's about control. They want to make an example out of him."

Gabriella, sitting beside Laura and Daken, clenched her fists. "How do we stop this? They can't just take people like this, treat them like weapons instead of… people."

Logan's voice rumbled low. "We stop it by making damn sure they never get close enough to try. They want a fight? We give it to them."

Jean placed a hand on Logan's arm, her voice calm but firm. "We can't escalate this, Logan. That's exactly what they want, to provoke Peter into becoming the threat they're claiming he is."

Reed Richards cleared his throat, his expression serious. "There's a larger ethical question here. By ruling that Peter and Rachel are bio-weapons, they've stripped away their humanity. This ruling sets a precedent that could eventually target mutants, enhanced individuals, and anyone deemed 'other.' If we don't challenge it now, we risk allowing a system of oppression to take root."

Magneto's gaze sharpened. "It's already taken root. This is merely the next phase."

Jennifer Walters interjected. "From a legal standpoint, this ruling can be challenged. The Supreme Court's decision is binding, but it's not absolute. If we can gather evidence that Peter and Rachel are being unjustly targeted, we can file a federal injunction to halt any actions against them."

Matt nodded. "But it won't be easy. The government will argue that this is a matter of national security, which gives them a lot of leeway."

Fury was still digesting the legal and ethical nightmare the Supreme Court had unleashed when Maria Hill's communicator buzzed with an urgent notification from security. She frowned, tapping her earpiece.

"Go ahead."

A tense voice came through the line. "Director, the Red Guardian is here. He's not alone. He brought some of his contacts. They're in civilian outfits, but security confirmed their identities."

Fury's eye narrowed. "Did he say what the hell he wants?"

The agent hesitated before replying. "Sir, he says he has something big. Documents that prove backdoor dealings, foreign influence behind this Supreme Court ruling. He claims Hydra and Orchis have been pulling strings, using international scandals to force certain government officials to push Apex's classification as a bio-weapon. It's bad, Director."

That made Fury sit up straighter, his hand tightening into a fist.

Hill's voice was just as sharp. "And you verified the documents?"

"Yes, ma'am. Our preliminary checks show they're legitimate. Red Guardian says he risked his life getting them here. And sir…" The agent hesitated. "If this information gets out, some of the highest-ranking officials in the government will lose all credibility. He says this is our best shot at stopping this before it escalates."

The room went silent.

Fury exhaled sharply. "Bring him in."

The doors to the conference room opened moments later, and Alexei Shostakov, the Red Guardian, strode in, flanked by two individuals, a sharp-eyed Russian intelligence operative who long since defected just by being here and a middle-aged woman in an unmarked business suit who also risked her life by being here.

Alexei was dressed in civilian attire, but his imposing frame and presence commanded the room. He set a thick folder of documents on the table with a heavy thud, looking directly at Fury.

"You are not going to like what's in here, my friend."

Fury gestured for him to sit, already reaching for the folder. "Try me."

Alexei glanced around the room, acknowledging the familiar faces of Logan, Magneto, Jean, and the rest. "I have been… how do you say? Doing my own investigating. Turns out, the Supreme Court ruling? It wasn't just fear or paranoia driving it. It was engineered."

He gestured to the file. "Hydra and Orchis have been working behind the scenes, pulling strings on key members of your government. Your democracy, he exhaled slowly to prepare himself for what he's about to say. is compromised. These officials? They were strong-armed. Blackmailed. Hydra had dirt on them—international scandals, bribery, secret dealings they didn't want exposed. They were given an ultimatum: push the Apex ruling through, or have their careers, and their families, torn apart."

A heavy silence filled the room.

Fury's eye flickered over the documents, flipping through pages rapidly. Financial records. Emails. Signed agreements. Communications between Orchis operatives and government officials.

Hill inhaled sharply. "My god… this is enough to burn half of Washington to the ground."

Jennifer Walters pulled one of the pages closer, scanning it quickly. "These aren't just hints of wrongdoing—these are direct correspondences. Hydra and Orchis practically wrote the damn ruling for them."

Matt Murdock's lips pressed into a tight line. "This means the ruling isn't legally sound. If these documents prove that this decision was made under coercion or through unlawful influence, we have grounds to challenge it."

Emma Frost smirked slightly. "So, to summarize, our enemies didn't even bother hiding their corruption. How delightfully sloppy of them."

Red Guardian leaned back, cracking his knuckles. "Sloppy? Maybe. But this was not meant to be found. I had to go through hell to get these. People died to bring this to you."

Fury looked up from the documents, his expression unreadable. "Does anyone else know you have this?"

Alexei shook his head. "I made sure of that. But they will be looking for me. And if they find out I gave this to you?" He chuckled darkly. "Let's just say, I will not be making it to the witness stand in time."

Fury's mind worked fast, already processing the next steps. "If we go public with this, it'll tear through Washington like wildfire. But we need to play this smart. If we leak this the wrong way, they'll paint it as fake news. A conspiracy theory. We need to get this in front of the right people."

Jennifer nodded. "We can't just throw this into the media and hope it sticks. We need federal oversight, a neutral party. Someone in the judiciary who will take this seriously."

Matt Murdock's expression darkened. "And we need to move fast. If Hydra or Orchis finds out we have this, they'll bury it. Or worse, they'll use this as an excuse to go after Peter and Rachel now before this information can spread."

Hill crossed her arms. "Director, I don't think we have a choice. We need to make our move—now."

Fury looked around the room. Every person here knew what was at stake. If this information was true—and all signs pointed to it being airtight—then Apex wasn't just being targeted out of fear. He was the victim of a manufactured crisis.

Fury's jaw tightened. "Alright. We take this straight to the top. But we do it right. We control the narrative. We make sure it sticks. If Hydra and Orchis want to play dirty, we'll play smarter."

He turned back to Red Guardian. "Alexei, you just handed us the biggest weapon in this fight. And I don't waste opportunities."

Alexei grinned. "I like the sound of that."

Fury exhaled. "Hill, get the right people in the room. Murdock, Walters, you start preparing a legal counteroffensive. And everyone else?" He looked over the assembled Avengers, X-Men, and allies. "You stay ready. Because if they catch wind of this before we move? They'll strike first."

The room collectively nodded, a storm of purpose settling over them. The battle wasn't just for Peter and Rachel anymore.

This was about stopping the corruption that had nearly turned the country against them.

And if Fury had his way, Hydra and Orchis were about to regret ever playing this game.

…

Two days later…

For two days, a storm brewed behind the closed doors of the highest levels of government.

After Nick Fury brought the files to the few uncompromised senators, congress members, and top military officials, a quiet but ruthless war was waged in the shadows.

It was a race against time, Fury and his operatives worked to expose the rot before Orchis or Hydra caught wind of what was happening.

With each passing hour, different teams were deployed in secret operations to gather the final missing pieces, encrypted bank accounts, financial trails, offshore holdings, private phone calls, even leaked audio of Orchis blackmailing and coercing high-ranking members of the U.S. government.

And then, when the last piece of evidence was verified and cross-referenced, the bombshell was dropped.

The President, alongside Congress and the Supreme Court, met behind closed doors.

No cameras. No leaks. No press.

The files were laid out before them, undeniable proof that members of Orchis and Hydra had orchestrated the Supreme Court ruling against Peter Parker—forcing certain members of the administration's hand through threats and extortion.

Some of the most powerful men and women in the country sat in stunned silence as the tapes were played, high-ranking officials begging for their lives, for their secrets not to be exposed, caving to Orchis's demands.

It was treason.
It was corruption.
It was the final straw.

The President, along with his key allies and members of the judiciary, made a unanimous decision, Orchis was now an officially recognized terrorist organization.

NATO followed suit, sanctioning the once-global organization, seizing its assets, shutting down its shell corporations, freezing bank accounts, and blacklisting every government agent with known ties to them.

For the first time, the world was moving against Orchis instead of letting them manipulate events from the shadows.

Sitting in a S.H.I.E.L.D. command room, Logan leaned back in his chair, the faintest of smirks crossing his face as he listened to the official orders coming in.

"Effective immediately, Orchis operatives are to be arrested on sight. Any individuals found collaborating with Orchis will be subject to immediate detainment under federal anti-terrorism laws. Their facilities within U.S. jurisdiction are now flagged for shutdown and seizure, with military enforcement authorized where necessary."

Logan let out a low chuckle, shaking his head as he glanced at Jean, Magneto, and Fury.

"Took 'em long enough."

Jean, though still furious over how far things had gotten, couldn't deny the relief washing over her. Orchis had caused so much suffering, from the the times they gave them grief beforehand, to the systematic targeting of mutants, and now this orchestrated lawfare against Peter and Rachel.

Finally, the world saw them for what they truly were.

Extremists.
Manipulators.
Cowards who had sown division, fear, and chaos for far too long.

Fury exhaled sharply, arms crossed. "This doesn't mean they're done. They've still got assets, operatives in hiding. But this? This is a death blow."

Magneto, always pragmatic, nodded. "They won't go quietly. A cornered animal is the most dangerous."

Logan's smirk remained. "Yeah? Let 'em come. 'Bout time they got a taste of bein' the ones hunted down for a change."

As the official orders rolled in across federal agencies, military channels, and international security networks, the reality set in, Orchis had finally crossed a line they could never uncross.

And the world?

Was finally ready to fight back.

…

Two more days later…

For two days, coordinated global operations were carried out in silence.

With Orchis officially designated as a terrorist organization, intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and elite strike teams moved in surgical precision, hunting down every known high-ranking operative still within reach.

They weren't just taking down foot soldiers.
They were decapitating the leadership.

And by the time the dust settled, Orchis was finished.

The heavily reinforced prison facility was built to hold some of the most dangerous minds in history. Walls reinforced with adamantium alloys, state-of-the-art surveillance, mutant-suppressing technologies, and psionic dampeners ensured that no one was getting out.

Inside a specialized containment wing, a group of captured Orchis leaders sat in high-tech holding cells, stripped of their power and influence, their delusions of control shattered.

Guards stood at attention, fully armed, watching the prisoners like hawks.

Among them sat Dr. Alia Gregor, Feilong, and multiple high-ranking military and scientific minds that had once engineered mutant genocide and built weapons of war disguised as "containment measures".

And at the very center of it all, in a reinforced cell, was the lead director of the Nimrod Sentinel Program, one of the most dangerous minds behind Orchis's technological advancements.

Dr. Erasmus Mendel.

Mendel, a gaunt man with piercing eyes and an air of unsettling arrogance, had not stopped talking since the moment he was captured.

The guards had tried to ignore him.
They had tried drowning out his voice.

But he was relentless.

"You fools! Do you not see? This is temporary! You are grains of sand trying to stop a tsunami!"

His voice echoed through the containment wing, filled with deranged confidence, his eyes burning with delusions of godhood.

"You think locking us away changes the course of history? Do you think you have won? Humanity cannot be restrained by mere law! This world belongs to us, to those who shape the future with intellect, power, and divine will!"

A guard outside his cell rolled his eyes.

"Jesus, does he ever shut up?"

Another guard smirked, shaking his head. "They had to gag him during transport. He wouldn't stop ranting about evolution, extermination, and how the machines would finish what we wouldn't let him start."

At that, one of the agents, standing at the entrance of the wing, muttered, "Guy's got the worst god complex I've ever seen."

Mendel slammed his fists against the glass of his cell, his face twisting in fury.

"You think you have removed us from the game, but we are inevitable! You are insects clinging to a fragile reality! The future is machine! The future is NIMROD! You think the world will choose to coexist with filth? With viral monstrosities like Parker? With mutant vermin who—"

The guard pressed a button on the console.

A thick metal gag shot up from the restraints inside Mendel's cell, clamping his mouth shut in an instant.

Finally, silence.

The guards exhaled in relief.

"Thank God," one muttered. "If I had to hear one more word about how machines were gonna replace us, I was gonna throw myself into traffic."

The prisoners were secured.
Their empire was dismantled.
Orchis was finished.

And for the first time in years, the mutant community, the superhuman world, and those who had suffered at Orchis's hands could finally breathe.

It wasn't just revenge.

It was justified satisfaction after all the grief they caused.