Marvel: From the Void and Back Again, Part 3

by abcd12344321

Set immediately after Marvel: From the Void and Back Again, Part 2, Peter-Knull has been displaced. Far From home in the realities beyond the void, he has to navigate this new world and new reality, all the while looking for a way back. Given his track record, he's in for a wild ride...

15. Chapter 15

Marvel: From the Void and Back Again, Part 3

Chapter 15: Ultron, Cyborg Spider-man, and The Mark of the Wolf, Part 1

…

The late afternoon sun filtered through the windows of Wanda Wilson's and the Peter variants private quarters in Soul Society, casting soft golden light across the room. The crib was finally assembled, standing proudly in the corner, a simple yet sturdy piece of furniture, decorated with delicate spider-web motifs that Haineko had helped carve into the wood. Matsumoto beamed at their handiwork before excusing herself, leaving the couple alone with their thoughts.

Wanda Wilson, visibly pregnant with twins, ran a hand over the smooth surface of the crib, her lips curving into a satisfied smile. "Not bad for a couple of displaced multiversal wanderers," she quipped, her usual playful tone softened by the warmth of the moment.

Her Peter Parker chuckled, setting down the last tools. "I'd say we did a pretty good job." He walked over to her, wrapping his arms gently around her from behind. His hands rested on her round stomach, feeling the faint, rhythmic beats of their two children's tiny hearts beneath his palms.

A moment of silence passed, broken only by Wanda's soft giggle as she felt a light kick. "Looks like someone's already practicing their spider-punches," she said with a grin.

Peter smiled, leaning his chin on her shoulder. "That's our little web-slinger. And Itsy-Bitsy's keeping pace too."

Wanda leaned back into his touch, savoring the warmth and comfort he brought. "I can't believe we're doing this. Here, in another universe, in a place filled with soul reapers and symbiotes." Her voice softened. "And yet... it feels right."

Peter pressed a kiss to her temple, his hands gently tracing the subtle movements of their children. "Wherever we are, as long as we're together, it'll always feel right." He paused, listening to the steady rhythm beneath his palms. "Two tiny heartbeats, two little lives... I can't wait to meet them."

Wanda closed her eyes, resting her hands over his. "They're lucky to have you, you know? A Spider-Dad who'll protect them from anything."

"And they've got you," Peter replied softly. "A mom who can take on the multiverse with a smile and a wisecrack."

They stood there for a while, wrapped in each other's warmth, as the late afternoon light bathed the room in a quiet glow. In that moment, amidst the chaos of their lives, they found peace, two soon-to-be parents savoring the quiet before the whirlwind of life with twins began.

Peter's fingers traced slow, gentle circles over Wanda's stomach, savoring the faint kicks of their unborn twins. The soft rhythm of their heartbeats beneath his palms filled him with a sense of awe he couldn't quite put into words.

But before he could say anything more, Wanda turned around in his embrace, her eyes glinting mischievously. She slid her gloved hands up his chest, resting them on his shoulders as she leaned in, her breath warm against his ear.

"And just you wait till they're born…" she whispered, her voice low and teasing. Her lips brushed the edge of his ear as she continued, her tone turning sultry. "…because we're going to have more."

Peter's heart skipped a beat, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "More?" he asked, his voice half a chuckle, half disbelief. "You're already planning the next round, huh?"

"Oh, absolutely," Wanda murmured, wrapping her arms fully around his neck and pressing herself closer. "Think about it. More little spiderlings crawling around, keeping us on our toes. A whole web of chaos."

Peter laughed softly, the sound filled with warmth. "You really don't do anything halfway, do you?"

"Never," Wanda grinned, her eyes sparkling with both mischief and love. "Besides, with you by my side, how could I not want more? You're the best partner in crime I could ask for."

Peter tightened his arms around her, leaning in until their foreheads touched. "Careful, Wanda. I might just take that as a challenge."

"Oh, it's definitely a challenge, Spider," Wanda teased, her voice dropping into that familiar, playful tone he loved. "And I never back down from a challenge."

…

The meeting hall in Soul Society's newly expanded Serettie-4 was abuzz with quiet but steady activity. The polished floors gleamed under the soft glow of overhead lanterns, and the walls bore intricate carvings of ancient Zanpakutō battles, a subtle reminder of the past even as new alliances shaped the future.

Seated around a large, ornately carved table were representatives from various factions: Shinigami captains, former hollows, and key figures from Earth-616's interstellar trade network. At the head of the table was Captain Shūsuke Amagai, his calm, authoritative demeanor setting the tone for the meeting.

Peter Blue-A1, dressed in a sharp navy-blue business suit tailored to reflect both his Spider-Man heritage and his role as a diplomat, entered alongside his wife Mystique, who wore a sleek, dark ensemble that accentuated her commanding presence. Following closely were their teenage children, Damian and Aurora Parker-Darkholm, both taking their roles seriously despite the routine nature of the meeting.

Baby Gabriel, wrapped snugly in a carrier Mystique wore, cooed softly, unaware of the diplomatic atmosphere.

Captain Amagai rose slightly from his seat in greeting. "Thank you for making the journey, Peter. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we expand Serettie-4 and beyond."

Peter offered a warm smile as he took his seat, Mystique gracefully settling beside him. Damian and Aurora sat quietly but attentively, observing the room with keen interest. "No problem, Captain. With the rate Soul Society is expanding, it's in everyone's interest to ensure logistics keep pace."

Madelyn Pryor, seated across from them and meticulously organizing several stacks of documents, gave a nod. "The paperwork regarding the celestial material trade agreement is ready. We just need to finalize a few details."

Amagai gestured toward the representatives of the former hollows and Arrancar, who now oversaw various workforces in the expanding cities. One of them, an Arrancar named Ganten, stood to address the room. His once fierce, hollow-like presence was tempered by a calm professionalism, due to the success of Peter-Knull's symbiotic berries.

"We've seen significant improvements in the workforce, thanks to the steady supply of symbiotic berries. Productivity has increased by 40%, and incidents involving violent behavior have dropped to nearly zero," Ganten reported.

Peter nodded thoughtfully. "That's good to hear. Ensuring stability among the workforce is crucial, especially as more souls transition into these new areas."

Aurora, ever the curious one, leaned slightly toward her father and whispered, "Are these former hollows really okay now? No lingering... instincts?"

Peter gave her a reassuring glance. "They're fine. The berries don't just suppress the hunger, they cure it. That's why this alliance works."

Captain Amagai cleared his throat, drawing attention back to the discussion. "Regarding the celestial materials, how soon can we expect the next shipment? The current construction projects depend heavily on timely deliveries."

Mystique spoke up this time, her voice smooth and measured. "Our teams on Earth-616 have already processed three of the dead Celestials near Mars. The materials are being prepared for transport as we speak. You can expect the next shipment within a week."

Madelyn glanced at the documents before her. "That timeline works perfectly. I'll coordinate with your logistics teams to ensure seamless transfer."

The rest of the meeting proceeded smoothly, with updates on infrastructure, trade logistics, and the ongoing integration of former hollows into Soul Society's expanding settlements. Damian occasionally jotted down notes, while Aurora asked pointed questions about the workforce's living conditions.

On one end of the table, the Arrancar named Cirucci, addressed Aurora's question with a hint of pride. "We have been given homes, education, and purpose. For many of us, this is the first time we've lived without fear or hunger. Thanks to your father and Peter-Knull's efforts, we're building something new here."

Aurora offered a respectful nod. "Thank you for sharing. It's important we understand what this partnership means to everyone involved."

As the meeting drew to a close, Captain Amagai stood once more. "This has been a productive session. With your continued support, Peter, and the efforts of all involved, Soul Society is on track to complete Serettie-4 within the next three months."

Peter rose, extending a hand to Amagai. "Looking forward to seeing it. We'll ensure the celestial materials keep coming."

As handshakes were exchanged and final pleasantries shared, Damian leaned toward Aurora. "Well, that wasn't as boring as I thought it'd be."

Aurora smirked. "I think it's cool. We're literally watching worlds come together."

Mystique smiled faintly at their exchange before turning to Peter. "Let's head back. We've got plenty to do before the next shipment leaves."

…

Elsewhere in the training grounds of Serettie-3…

In one corner of the open area, Peter Red-A3, dressed in his crimson and black spider suit with the mask pulled down around his neck, knelt a short distance from his daughter Hope Parker-Maxamoth, who stood wobbling on her tiny feet.

Behind her, Wanda Maxamoth, the once-zombified but now fully cured variant of Scarlet Witch, watched attentively. Her slightly pale complexion and unnaturally cold touch still marked her as different, but her health had been miraculously restored thanks to Peter's persistence. Despite her unusual appearance, she radiated warmth and love, her crimson eyes sparkling with pride as she gently encouraged their daughter.

"You're doing great, sweetie," Wanda said softly, her voice steady and calm, though there was an unmistakable undercurrent of emotion in it. "Just a few more steps."

Hope, with a look of determination that could only be inherited from parents like these, took one unsteady step forward, then another, before collapsing into her father's waiting arms. Peter scooped her up with a grin, laughing as Hope giggled triumphantly.

"First mission accomplished," Peter said, holding her up like a tiny superhero. "Next stop: wall-crawling."

Wanda chuckled, brushing a strand of her long, dark hair behind her ear. "One milestone at a time, Spider."

Standing a short distance away, Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki watched the scene unfold with a mixture of curiosity and unease. They weren't used to dealing with former zombies, let alone one who now seemed completely healthy and… normal.

Rukia leaned closer to Renji and whispered, "She looks… fine. But she was a zombie?"

Renji shrugged, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, but now she's walking around, raising a kid, and acting like it's no big deal. I don't get it."

Sensing their confusion, Peter handed Hope back to Wanda and walked over to the two Shinigami. "I can explain if you're curious," he offered, his tone friendly but understanding. "I get that it's a lot to take in."

Renji crossed his arms. "Yeah, we're curious. How does someone go from being a zombie to… well, this?" He gestured vaguely toward Wanda, who was now helping Hope balance on her feet again.

Peter smiled faintly. "Okay, so, first off, I'm not from the zombie world. I've only heard stories about it. This Wanda? She's from that world, Earth-Z or whatever people call it. She arrived in my universe as… Well, a mindless zombie, who I was assigned to find a cure for. Problem was, the X-Men and Avengers on my uninfected world didn't care that she was regaining her humanity or that she wasn't violent as my serums were working. They saw a zombie and figured the only solution was termination."

Peter's expression darkened as he prepared to drive his point home. He glanced down at Hope, who was still perched on Wanda's hip, then back at Renji and Rukia.

"Yep… undead rats and crows were just the start. That virus wasn't picky, it turned anything it could get its hands on into a walking nightmare." He paused, rubbing the back of his neck as if the memories themselves were enough to make his skin crawl. "We're talking zombified grizzly bears, moose, crocodiles, and, oh, let's not forget about the sharks with zombie legs and arms. They were controlled by a giant zombified kraken, so they could literally haul themselves up onto land and hunt in packs. Ever see a shark sprint across a beach? It's worse than it sounds."

Renji's eyes widened, and Rukia's frown deepened.

"And that's not even the worst of it. There were stories of big cats, zombie dogs, and even killer whales near the coasts of Washington and Alaska, also under the kraken's control. The virus didn't just stop at turning things into zombies, it adapted, got creative."

Rukia's hand instinctively went to the hilt of her Zanpakutō, a reflexive gesture of unease. "That sounds… unnatural."

"It was worse than unnatural," Peter continued grimly. "Over time, the virus started melting bodies together. Humans, animals, it didn't matter. They fused into these disgusting, twisted clusters that looked almost like plants. They were growing through buildings, creating these spore nests meant to spread the corruption even further."

"Spore nests?" Renji echoed, horrified. "You mean it was trying to take root like… fungus?"

"Yeah," Peter confirmed. "Except the spores weren't just airborne, they carried bits of sentience. It wasn't just spreading randomly. The virus was smart, and it was using these clusters to root itself into cities. Imagine trying to fight something that's literally growing through every wall, every floor, every piece of rubble, all made out of people's remains. We're talking almost seven billion people's worth of bodies… not including the animals."

Rukia and Renji fell dead silent at that. Even Renji, who was usually quick with a quip, seemed at a loss for words.

Peter let out a long breath. "Look, it's not like we didn't have victories. We stopped the virus, saved who we could, and cleaned up a lot of the mess. But a world that's been through something like that? It doesn't just bounce back. There's still so much damage—ecological, structural, emotional. That's why we're still helping out, even now. It's going to take generations to fix everything."

Wanda reached over, resting a hand on his arm. "We got lucky," she added quietly. "If it hadn't been for Peter and the serums… I wouldn't have made it. And if we hadn't found Peter-Knull when we did, that world wouldn't have had a chance."

Peter gave a small, grateful nod, then turned back to Renji and Rukia. "So, yeah. When I say things were bad, I mean end-of-the-world, no-way-this-gets-fixed bad. We pulled off a miracle just getting that world stabilized."

Rukia's grip on her sword tightened slightly, but her voice was thoughtful. "You fought all of that, saved millions, and still found time to build a family?"

Peter smiled faintly, glancing at Wanda and Hope. "Yeah. When you go through something like that, you learn to appreciate what you have. We didn't just fight to save that world, we fought to make sure Hope had a future. And now? We're here, trying to help Soul Society expand, because if there's one thing I've learned, it's that you don't just stop when things get better. You keep building something stronger."

Peter's smile grew a little wider, tinged with pride as he glanced down at Hope, who was now clinging to Wanda's leg, her little hands gripping her mother's cloak for balance.

"Besides," Peter added thoughtfully, "it wasn't really us who saved that world. It was Hope."

Renji blinked, confused. "Hope? You mean her?"

Peter nodded. "Yeah. Turns out, she's special. When she was born, we discovered that her blood already carried a natural antivirus. It was in her system from the start—like her body knew exactly how to fight off the infection. That's what we used to develop the cure. Without her… there wouldn't have been anything to spread through the water cycle."

Rukia's eyes widened slightly, her expression shifting from surprise to quiet awe. "You're telling me… your daughter's blood saved an entire world?"

"Pretty much," Wanda said softly, running a hand over Hope's hair. "She's why we kept fighting. We knew that, somehow, she was the key. Even before we understood what was happening, there was something… different about her. Stronger."

Peter crouched down to Hope's level, resting a hand gently on her back as he spoke. "And it's not just her blood that's special. Hope has this… ability. She can actually control the undead—zombies, reanimated creatures, you name it. When we were distributing the cure, there were still a lot of infected left. Hope, even as a baby, could calm them down, stop them from attacking long enough for us to spread the antivirus."

Renji's mouth fell open slightly, and Rukia's grip on her sword tightened even more. "She can control the undead? Like… necromancy?"

Peter chuckled. "Kind of, but without the creepy 'raise an army' vibe. It's more like… she overrides whatever's controlling them and forces them to stop. We're still not entirely sure how it works, but it saved our lives more than once."

Wanda smiled fondly, gazing down at Hope, who was now peeking shyly at Renji and Rukia from behind her mother's leg. "She doesn't really understand it yet, but she's already stronger than either of us imagined. She's our miracle."

Renji crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "So, not only did you save a world, but your kid's basically a living antivirus with powers over the undead. That's… wow?"

Peter's grin widened, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "If you think that's weird," he said, crossing his arms casually, "you should see one of my other variants. That guy… he takes things to a whole new level."

Renji raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh yeah? What could possibly top having a kid who's basically a walking cure with control over zombies?"

Peter chuckled. "Well, he got together with a variant of Mistress Death."

Rukia blinked. "Mistress… Death?"

"Yeah. She's literally the Grim Reaper, the personification of the cosmic force of death in their reality," Peter explained, his tone nonchalant, as though this was just another typical multiversal story. "And after a… let's call it a complicated series of events, he ended up becoming her eternal concubine and husband."

Renji stared at him, mouth slightly agape. "Wait, wait, wait. Are you telling me there's a version of you who's married to… death itself?"

Peter nodded, clearly enjoying their stunned reactions. "Yep. And to top it off, they had twins. Apparently, being bonded to the cosmic force of death comes with some perks."

Wanda, suppressing a smile, shook her head. "You do realize how ridiculous that sounds, right?"

"Oh, totally," Peter admitted with a grin. "But it's true. That version of me, Peter Black-A4, he's basically her eternal companion. Immortal, bound to the cosmic balance, and raising two kids with the literal embodiment of death."

Renji rubbed his temples as if trying to process this information. "So… let me get this straight. One version of you saved a zombie-infested world with the help of your miracle daughter. And another version is married to the cosmic force of death and raising a pair of death-deity twins."

"Pretty much," Peter said, shrugging casually. "Multiverse, man. It's wild out there."

Rukia shook her head slowly, though there was a hint of amusement in her expression. "I don't know whether to be impressed or just… concerned."

Peter laughed. "Hey, I don't blame you. I'm still trying to wrap my head around some of it. But, honestly? At the end of the day, it's all about keeping the people you care about safe. Whether it's Hope, Wanda, or even a pair of cosmic-deity kids, that's what it always comes down to."

Renji sighed, clearly giving up on trying to make sense of it all. "You multiverse types… you really know how to keep things interesting."

"You have no idea," Peter replied with a smirk.

Peter's grin grew even wider, clearly enjoying how he'd completely floored Renji and Rukia. He raised a finger as if signaling that he wasn't quite finished. "Oh, and if you thought that was wild… there's one more."

Renji's eyes narrowed. "Please tell me it's not something crazier than the last one."

"Oh, it totally is," Peter said, suppressing a chuckle. "There's a variant of me called Infernal Spider. He's… uh, currently expecting a kid with the Queen Goblin."

Rukia blinked, confused. "Queen… Goblin?"

Peter nodded. "Yeah, she's a red-scaled demon from the hells. Seriously—she's got horns, wields a flaming mace, and rides around on this hellish glider that looks like something straight out of a nightmare."

Renji, clearly trying to picture this, muttered, "Okay… yeah, that sounds like a whole new level of weird."

"And get this," Peter continued, leaning in conspiratorially, "apparently, he tamed her. Long story short, she was pretty much all about chaos and destruction, typical demon stuff, but thanks to some of Peter-Knull's symbiotic cheesecake, she regained her humanity. Now she's… well, not completely focused on burning down the world anymore. Infernal Spider managed to get her to see the good in things, and now they're starting a family."

Renji threw up his hands in exasperation. "Symbiotic cheesecake? What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Peter laughed. "It's exactly what it sounds like. Peter-Knull makes this weird cheesecake with symbiotic properties that can… stabilize or, in some cases, heal corrupted beings. Apparently, it even works on demon queens from the hells. And now she's not just a walking inferno of destruction anymore, she's got a bit of balance in her life."

Rukia rubbed her temples, clearly overwhelmed. "So… to summarize, there's a version of you who saved a world with his daughter's blood, another one married to death and raising cosmic kids, and now one who tamed a literal demon queen with cheesecake?"

Peter clapped his hands together with a grin. "Bingo."

Renji stared at him for a long moment before finally shaking his head. "You know what? I give up. You multiverse types are officially too weird for me."

Peter chuckled. "Hey, you asked. I just happen to know some interesting people."

Wanda, smirking, leaned in toward Rukia. "Trust me, living with him? You get used to the weird after a while."

Hope, as if on cue, toddled over and grabbed Peter's leg, giggling. He picked her up effortlessly, holding her close. "At the end of the day, though, it's all about family," Peter said, his voice a little softer. "No matter how strange or chaotic life gets, as long as you've got the people you care about, you'll be okay."

Renji crossed his arms, still clearly baffled. "I don't know whether to be impressed, terrified, or just hungry after hearing about symbiotic cheesecake."

Peter laughed again. "All of the above is a perfectly valid reaction."

The conversation between Peter Red-A3, Wanda, Renji, and Rukia was winding down when a soft chime echoed through the room. Renji tapped a small communication device on his wrist, frowning as he received an incoming message.

"Renji here. What's up?"

A moment of static crackled before the voice of a Shinigami officer came through. "Captain Abarai, we've just had… an unusual arrival in Serettie-2. A woman, green-skinned, clearly not human. She identified herself as Jennifer Walters, said she was looking for her husband, Peter, and mentioned something about fighting Ultron."

Renji blinked, giving Rukia a quick glance. "Green-skinned? That sounds like-"

"She-Hulk," Peter Red-A3 finished for him, his expression shifting to one of concern. "She must be from another universe. Jennifer Walters, She-Hulk, and Peter fighting Ultron… that sounds a lot like one of the stories Peter-Knull mentioned before."

Rukia frowned, "Wait, wait. This woman said something about fighting Ultron? Isn't that one of those sentient AI things that turns against its creators in your realities?"

Peter nodded. "Yeah. In her universe, Ultron didn't just turn on the Avengers, he took over everything. Governments, the legal system, you name it. That world was in chaos, and Peter-Knull told me about how a version of me and Jennifer Walters had to lead a resistance just to survive."

Renji raised an eyebrow. "And now she's here? What about her Peter?"

The Shinigami officer continued over the communicator. "She claims her husband and kids were with her when they were suddenly… displaced. She recognized the name Peter-Knull immediately and said she's dealt with him before."

Peter Red-A3 exchanged a quick look with Wanda, who gave him a small nod. "We should go see her. If she knows Peter-Knull and she's here by some weird multiversal accident, she's going to need help figuring out what's going on."

Moments later, Peter, Wanda, Renji, and Rukia arrived at the entrance of Serettie-2, where several Shinigami guards were stationed. Standing in the center of the courtyard was Jennifer Walters, unmistakably She-Hulk, her green skin and tall, muscular frame impossible to miss. She wore a battle-worn outfit, clearly damaged from whatever fight she had been in before arriving here.

She turned as they approached, her expression wary but relieved when she spotted Peter. "You're… not my Peter, are you?" she asked cautiously.

Peter Red-A3 shook his head. "No, but I'm close enough. Peter Parker, Earth-Red-A3. You must be Jennifer Walters from… let me guess, the Ultron resistance universe?"

Jennifer blinked in surprise. "Yeah. How did you know?"

Wanda stepped forward, cradling Hope in her arms. "Peter-Knull told us about your world. He mentioned meeting a version of you and your Peter when he was passing through your universe."

Jennifer's expression softened slightly. "Peter-Knull… yeah, I remember him. He helped us out a while back when Ultron had us pinned, and the Knull situation a while before that. Weird guy, but he knows his stuff."

Renji, still trying to keep up with the rapid flow of information, asked, "So… where's your Peter? And your kids?"

Jennifer's expression darkened. "That's the problem. We were in the middle of a fight, Ultron's forces were closing in, and then… we were just pulled out of there. Next thing I know, I'm standing here. My Peter, my kids… I don't know where they are?"

Peter Red-A3's expression grew serious. "Okay, that's not good. If they were displaced separately, they could be anywhere in the multiverse. We need to figure out how you got here and where they might have ended up."

Jennifer folded her arms, clearly frustrated but trying to stay calm. "I don't know what happened. One moment we're fighting, the next there's this… energy pulse, and then I'm here. I didn't even have time to react."

Wanda glanced at Peter. "Think this might be connected to what's been happening with the multiverse lately? The dimensional anomalies we've been seeing?"

Peter nodded thoughtfully. "Could be. We've been seeing a lot of weird displacement events ever since Peter-Knull stabilized that zombie world and opened up new dimensional pathways. Maybe something's destabilizing again."

Peter turned back to Jennifer, his tone reassuring. "Okay, here's what we're going to do. First, we'll get you set up with a place to stay here while we figure things out. Renji, can you have someone check for any dimensional anomalies near Serettie-2? If there's a rift or a breach nearby, it might give us a clue about how she got here."

Renji nodded. "Yeah, we'll get on it."

Jennifer hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Thanks. I just… I need to find my family. If my Peter and the kids are out there somewhere, I can't just sit around and wait."

Peter Red-A3 placed a hand on her shoulder. "We'll help you find them. You're not alone in this."

Jennifer gave him a grateful look. "You're a lot like him, you know. My Peter. He'd say the same thing."

Wanda smiled softly. "That's Peter for you. Always helping, no matter the odds."

…

Jennifer Walters walked alongside Logan, Jane Foster, Laura Kinney, and Daken, the group's footsteps echoing softly against the stone pathways of the expanding Serettie. Around them, a few Shinigami and symbiote scouts moved with quiet efficiency, scanning the air for any residual traces of dimensional rifts.

"So there were three anomalies?" Logan asked, his gruff voice cutting through the silence as he adjusted his stance, his claws partially unsheathed, ready for anything.

"Yeah," Jane replied, holding a device that displayed faint energy readings on its screen. "All of them originated just a few feet apart from where Jennifer was when she got displaced. Chances are, whoever else came through might be nearby."

Jennifer, walking slightly ahead, tried to keep her emotions in check. Her mind was racing. Three anomalies. That meant there was a real chance her Peter and kids had been displaced along with her. She clung to that hope, even as the team explained something she was still struggling to process, that this wasn't the multiverse she knew.

"So, just to get this straight," Jennifer said, her voice tense, "you're saying this isn't even my multiverse? I'm in a universe beyond the void that's beyond what I thought was everything?"

Jane nodded sympathetically. "Yeah. It's… a lot to take in. The multiverse you know is only one section of existence. You've crossed over into something bigger, something that's not bound by the same rules."

Jennifer exhaled slowly, trying to absorb the information. "Great. So not only do I have to figure out where my family is, but I also have to deal with being in some kind of super-reality beyond realities."

"Pretty much," Daken said with a smirk, clearly enjoying her frustration. Laura shot him a glare, but before either of them could say anything more, Jennifer froze.

"Shh," she hissed, holding up a hand.

Everyone stopped, their senses on high alert. From up ahead, faint noises could be heard—an agitated, low-pitched bellow followed by a young girl's voice trying to calm it.

"It's okay, big guy. Calm down. We'll figure this out…"

Jennifer's eyes widened. She knew that voice. It was her daughter, Jennefer Parker-Walters.

Without waiting for the others, Jennifer bolted forward, rounding the corner of the path. Her heart pounded in her chest as she took in the sight before her: standing there, trying to soothe a large, hulking creature, was her daughter.

Jennefer Parker-Walters stood tall, her skin a striking shade of cobalt blue, contrasting with her mother's familiar green hue. Despite her young age—barely a teenager—she carried herself with an air of strength and confidence. Her build was solid, her muscles lean but clearly powerful, hinting at the strength she had inherited from both her parents. Long, dark hair framed her determined face, and her piercing blue eyes gleamed with a mixture of focus and worry as she tried to calm her companion.

She was dressed in a rugged black-and-blue jumpsuit designed for battle, reinforced at the joints and padded with armor across her torso. Her gauntlets glowed faintly with gamma energy, matching the faint aura that flickered around her.

Beside her, towering at nearly ten feet tall, was her pet gamma-charged armadillo. The creature's blue scaled shell shimmered faintly with energy, and its thick limbs stomped the ground in agitation. Its spiked tail swung nervously, and its eyes glowed an eerie orange as it bellowed in frustration.

Jennifer barely registered the others catching up behind her. All she saw was her daughter, her baby girl, alive and unharmed.

"Jennefer!" she cried, rushing forward.

Jennefer turned just in time to see her mother sprinting toward her. Her expression shifted from focused to relieved, and she barely had time to react before Jennifer pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Mom?" Jennefer gasped, her voice muffled against her mother's shoulder. "How did you—?"

Jennifer pulled back slightly, tears glistening in her eyes as she cupped her daughter's face. "I don't care how right now. I'm just so glad you're okay."

Jennefer smiled, hugging her mother again. "We got separated… Dad and my brother—they were right behind me when the anomaly hit. I thought I was alone here."

Jennifer held her close, a fierce protectiveness washing over her. "You're not alone. We're going to find them. I promise."

Behind them, Logan and the others exchanged glances, their expressions softening at the sight of the reunion. Even Daken, usually indifferent, looked somewhat moved.

The gamma-charged armadillo gave another low bellow, this time calmer, as it nudged Jennefer's side gently. She patted its massive head, whispering, "It's okay, big guy. We found my mom."

Peter Red-A3, who had just arrived with Wanda and Hope, took in the scene with a thoughtful expression. "Well," he said quietly, "that's one down. Two more to go."

…

Ikkaku Madarame strode ahead of the group, his Zanpakutō slung casually over his shoulder as they approached the second location where the strange dimensional energy had been detected. A few Shinigami followed behind him, accompanied by Haineko, who walked with a feline grace, her curious eyes scanning the surroundings.

"So, what's the story on these kids we're supposed to be looking for?" Ikkaku asked, glancing back at one of the Shinigami carrying a tablet displaying reports gathered from Peter Red-A3's team.

Haineko perked up, clearly interested in hearing more. "Yeah, spill the details. If they're anything like that blue girl and her gamma-powered armadillo, I'd like to know what we're dealing with."

The Shinigami flipped through the data before pausing on a profile labeled Marcus Parker-Walters. "Here's what we've got on the older one—Marcus Parker-Walters. He's 17 years old, apparently a few years older than Jennefer."

Ikkaku raised an eyebrow. "Okay, and?"

"Well," the Shinigami continued, reading aloud, "in his… uh, Hulk form, he doesn't just turn green. He gains orange, shell-like skin that's supposedly ten times stronger and more durable than a regular Hulk or even Jennefer."

Haineko's eyes widened slightly. "Ten times stronger? That's a bit excessive, don't you think?"

The Shinigami gave her a helpless shrug. "It gets crazier. His strength is apparently off the charts. According to his mother, when he was younger, he once lifted a small moon—upwards of 7 quintillion tons—and held it for a few moments."

That stopped Ikkaku in his tracks. He turned, fixing the Shinigami with a disbelieving glare. "Wait, wait, wait. You're telling me this kid, who's not even an adult yet, once lifted a moon?"

"That's what the report says," the Shinigami confirmed, clearly uneasy about the information himself.

Haineko let out a low whistle, crossing her arms. "Well, that's… yikes. And here I thought dealing with Vasto Lordes was a big deal. A kid who can casually lift moons? That's next-level terrifying."

Ikkaku scratched the back of his head, clearly trying to process what he'd just heard. "You know, I've fought a lot of crazy strong opponents before, but this? If that kid goes into Hulk mode and decides to throw down, we're gonna need more than just swords to keep up."

Haineko smirked, the gleam of excitement in her eyes betraying her usual nonchalance. "Sounds like fun to me. Besides, if he's anything like his sister, he's probably more interested in protecting people than smashing things… I hope."

The Shinigami continued scrolling through the data. "There's more. His orange shell isn't just for show, it regenerates. Even if you manage to crack it, it'll start repairing itself almost immediately. So unless you can overwhelm him faster than he can heal, you're not doing much damage."

Ikkaku let out a low grunt. "Great. A regenerating, moon-lifting teenager with super armor. This just keeps getting better."

Haineko stretched lazily, her feline tail flicking behind her as she walked ahead. "Well, at least we know what we're up against if we find him. Let's just hope he's not in full Hulk mode when we do."

As they neared the location of the second anomaly, the air grew thick with residual energy. Small cracks in the fabric of reality flickered faintly, as if struggling to seal themselves.

Ikkaku gestured to the Shinigami team. "Spread out and check for any signs of recent movement. If this Marcus kid came through here, he's probably not far."

Haineko crouched down near one of the cracks, her fingers brushing over the ground. "Residual gamma energy," she murmured. "It matches what we picked up from his sister earlier. He's definitely been here."

Ikkaku nodded, tightening his grip on his Zanpakutō. "Alright. Let's keep moving. If this kid's as strong as the report says, we'll know when we're close."

As soon as Ikkaku finished speaking, a voice whispered right beside him—a voice that hadn't been there a second ago.

"Umm… I suppose you are looking for me?"

Ikkaku instinctively stepped back, hand tightening around his Zanpakutō as he turned toward the source of the voice. Standing mere inches away from him was Marcus Parker-Walters.

Marcus was tall, standing just over six feet, with a broad, powerful frame. His orange, shell-like skin gleamed faintly under the dim light, appearing almost like a natural armor. The shell wasn't jagged or crude but rather smooth and segmented, like an exoskeleton covering his body. His eyes glowed faintly with a golden hue, giving him an otherworldly presence. Despite his imposing build, he exuded an air of calm, standing relaxed with his hands at his sides.

He wore a sleek, dark bodysuit beneath the shell-like plating, which flexed and moved with him seamlessly. His black hair was cropped short, and despite his size, he gave off a quiet, composed energy that made it clear he was entirely in control of his immense power.

A sudden gust of wind picked up, blowing past the group and rustling the trees nearby, as if nature itself was reacting to his presence.

Ikkaku narrowed his eyes, his surprise quickly turning to irritation. "How the hell did you do that? You were nowhere near us a second ago."

Marcus smiled faintly, his expression polite but amused. He glanced at Haineko, who was eyeing him curiously. "I ran really, really fast… past the treeline. All 75 feet worth."

Haineko's eyebrows shot up. "You ran 75 feet that fast? Without us even noticing?"

One of the Shinigami, still holding the tablet with Marcus's profile, scrolled through the data quickly and muttered to himself, "Apparently, he's fast too… like bullet fast."

Marcus gave a small shrug, still perfectly calm. "I guess you could say that."

Ikkaku snorted, clearly annoyed but impressed. "So, let me get this straight—you're strong enough to lift moons, you've got a shell that regenerates faster than we can probably break it, and now you're fast enough to blitz right past us without even making a sound?"

Marcus tilted his head slightly, considering the statement before nodding. "Yeah, that's about right."

Haineko let out a low whistle, her tail flicking behind her in fascination. "Kid, you're full of surprises."

"Thanks," Marcus said simply, his tone as polite as ever. "So… about my family. You're helping my mom, right? Do you know where my sister is?"

Ikkaku exchanged a look with Haineko before nodding. "Yeah, we've already found your sister. Your mom's with her now. We were just looking for you."

Marcus's calm demeanor didn't waver, but there was a flicker of relief in his glowing eyes. "Good. Then I suppose we just need to find my dad."

…

The dense forest surrounding the outer edges of Soul Society was quiet, save for the sound of rustling leaves and the occasional chirp of a bird overhead. Ichigo Kurosaki, clad in his Shinigami robes with Zangetsu slung across his back, led the way, flanked by Chad, Uryu Ishida, and Orihime Inoue, who had been visiting Soul Society on business before getting roped into this impromptu search mission.

They were following faint traces of residual dimensional energy, evidence of another potential arrival, but so far, they hadn't found much. As they moved deeper into the forest, Ichigo couldn't help but let out a frustrated sigh.

"Okay, seriously… how many Peter variants are in Soul Society right now?" he asked, turning to the others.

Uryu adjusted his glasses with a smirk. "You've been keeping count?"

"Yeah, because it's starting to get ridiculous!" Ichigo snapped. He began ticking off names on his fingers as he continued. "Let's see… there's the Peter who's displaced with that Wanda Wilson variant, Lady Deadpool or whatever. Then there's the Peter we're looking for now, who apparently showed up with his She-Hulk wife and kids."

Chad, ever calm and quiet, nodded. "That's two."

"Right," Ichigo said, moving to his next finger. "Then there's Peter-Knull, who's hanging around here somewhere doing… whatever it is he does."

"Three," Uryu noted dryly.

Ichigo kept going. "Then there's the Peter with that blue shapeshifting mutant, Mystique, and their kids. That's four. And we've got the Peter who had his daughter, Hope, with that former zombified Scarlet Witch variant, you know, the one who's apparently raising a zombie-kid-cure."

Orihime blinked in surprise. "Oh, I didn't know about that one. That's five?"

"Yep," Ichigo confirmed, holding up his hand with five fingers raised. "And then there's the other Spider-Man from Earth-616, who's here on official business. That makes six."

Uryu raised an eyebrow. "You forgot about the Peter variant from the Savage Lands, the one governing his home past the gateway out in the forest."

Ichigo groaned, raising a seventh finger. "Right, him too. That's seven Peters so far… and I've heard rumors that there are even more Peter variants on Earth-616 right now."

Orihime tilted her head, clearly impressed. "Wow. That's a lot of Peters."

"You don't say?" Ichigo muttered. "I mean, I get that the multiverse is a thing, but this is starting to feel like some kind of cosmic joke. Why do so many Spider-Men keep ending up here?"

Chad shrugged. "Maybe they're drawn here because of all the dimensional instability. If Peter-Knull is involved, that might explain why so many variants are showing up."

Uryu adjusted his glasses again. "It's not exactly unprecedented. We've seen multiversal anomalies before. Besides, each Peter variant seems to be here for a different reason. Some are just passing through, while others are here on official business or because they got displaced."

Ichigo sighed again. "Great. So now we're not just the Soul Society, we're apparently also the Parker Society."

Orihime giggled. "That has a nice ring to it."

They continued walking, the forest growing denser as they moved further from Serettie. Despite Ichigo's grumbling, he couldn't help but feel a little intrigued. Each Peter variant they had encountered so far had been unique, with their own stories and powers. The one they were searching for now, a Peter Parker who had led a resistance against Ultron alongside his She-Hulk wife, sounded like another force to be reckoned with.

Suddenly, Chad stopped, raising a hand to signal the others. "I'm sensing something up ahead."

Ichigo gripped Zangetsu's hilt instinctively. "Think it's the Peter we're looking for?"

Chad nodded. "It's possible. The energy feels… different, but strong."

Uryu glanced at his energy detector. "We're picking up a dimensional rift signature nearby. It matches the one from Serettie-2 where Jennifer Walters appeared."

Ichigo took a deep breath, his grip on Zangetsu relaxing slightly. "Alright, let's check it out. With our luck, it's probably another Peter. Hopefully, this one's not lifting moons or taming demon queens."

The forest grew eerily quiet as Ichigo, Chad, Uryu, and Orihime moved closer to the source of the energy signature. Faint sounds of combat echoed through the trees—metallic crashes, grunts of pain, and the unmistakable whine of high-tech machinery.

"Something's up ahead," Chad muttered, tightening his fist.

"I'm getting energy readings—high-level tech," Uryu added, his Quincy cross glowing faintly in preparation for a fight.

As they reached a clearing, they saw him—a Peter Parker variant, locked in a fierce battle with a flying Ultron drone. This Peter looked battered and bruised, his suit torn in multiple places, revealing bruised skin and patches of faintly glowing nanotech beneath. His most striking feature, however, was the four large, spider-like legs protruding from his back, each one moving fluidly as if responding to his thoughts.

Despite his injuries, Peter was holding his ground, barely. His breathing was labored, and blood dripped from a cut above his eye. The Ultron drone, a sleek, silver machine with glowing red eyes and an open, jagged mouth, hovered menacingly above him. Its andimantium-clad fists gleamed under the dim light, and every movement it made seemed precise, deadly.

Peter staggered back, raising his fists in a weak defensive stance. The spider legs on his back twitched as if ready to strike, but before he could react, the Ultron drone shot forward with blinding speed.

"Watch out!" Orihime gasped, but it was too late.

The drone's fist slammed into Peter's gut with brutal force, driving the air from his lungs in a ragged gasp. He doubled over, coughing violently, but before he could recover, the drone followed up with another devastating punch, this time aimed at his face.

The blow landed with a sickening crack, sending Peter flying backward. His head smashed against the trunk of a large tree, the impact so severe that the bark shattered and splintered outward. His body hung limply for a moment before he managed to catch himself, the nanotech in his system visibly repairing some of the damage.

"Damn… that hurt," Peter muttered, his voice strained. Despite the nanotech cushioning the blow, the sheer force of an andimantium fist slamming into his skull had left him visibly dazed.

"Is that all you've got, Ultron?" he growled, wiping blood from his mouth. The spider legs on his back twitched aggressively, ready to strike.

Ichigo stepped forward, gripping the hilt of Zangetsu. "That's him! We've got to help-"

Before he could finish, the Ultron drone moved again, raising one arm and aiming a high-energy pulse cannon directly at Peter.

"Not on my watch!" Ichigo roared, drawing Zangetsu in one fluid motion. In a blur of speed, he moved between Peter and the drone, slashing downward with his blade. The pulse cannon discharged, but Ichigo's strike deflected the energy blast, sending it careening into the trees and exploding harmlessly in the distance.

Peter blinked, clearly surprised by the sudden reinforcement. "Uh… thanks?"

"Less talking, more standing," Ichigo said, glancing back at him. "You look like you're about to keel over."

Peter chuckled weakly, still catching his breath. "Yeah, well, it's not every day you get punched by an Ultron drone with an adamantium fist. Give me a second."

The Ultron drone hovered momentarily, its red eyes glowing with mechanical malice. Its outer shell gleamed like polished silver, but up close, it was clear that this wasn't ordinary metal, it was adamantium, and the faint glimmer of energy coursing through its frame suggested that its circuits were reinforced with the same indestructible alloy.

Ichigo tightened his grip on Zangetsu. "This thing's not going down easy."

"Understatement of the year," Uryu muttered, firing a series of precise Quincy arrows at the drone. Each arrow struck true, but instead of piercing through, they shattered against the Ultron's unyielding armor, leaving little more than faint scorch marks.

Chad charged in next, his right arm glowing with energy as he unleashed a powerful punch aimed at the drone's side. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the air, causing the ground beneath them to crack, but the drone barely flinched.

"Even that didn't work?" Chad said, pulling back, his arm still tingling from the impact.

The Ultron drone's head turned mechanically, its gaze sweeping over the group as it evaluated the threat they posed. Then, without warning, it raised its arm, a high-energy pulse cannon glowing ominously.

"Get down!" Ichigo shouted, moving in front of Orihime as he deflected another pulse blast with Zangetsu, the force of the explosion sending him sliding back several feet.

As the dust settled, Orihime stepped forward, her hairpins glowing with an ethereal light. In a shimmer of golden and crimson energy, her two symbiotic protectors emerged.

On her left was Crimson-Shogun, an imposing figure clad in elegant, intricately designed red armor. The samurai-inspired symbiote carried a long katana at his side, and his armor seemed to pulse with a living energy, tendrils curling faintly around his limbs.

On her right, Pixie-Dust flitted into view, a delicate, ethereal symbiote fairy with translucent wings that shimmered like crystal. Despite her small stature, she exuded a fierce, protective aura. Her tiny arms transformed into a sword and shield made of symbiotic tendrils, the edges gleaming with a metallic sheen.

The Ultron drone paused, its red eyes narrowing as it scanned the two symbiotes. Though it hadn't seen them before, it recognized their symbiotic makeup, they were clearly creations of someone familiar. It processed the data quickly, linking them to a known anomaly: Peter-Knull.

Crimson-Shogun's voice echoed, deep and commanding. "This drone is no ordinary machine. Its armor is adamantium, and its circuits are reinforced. Direct assault won't work, we need a coordinated strategy."

Pixie-Dust hovered beside him, her wings glittering with energy. "We could try disrupting its power source. Symbiotic tendrils can pierce through cracks in its plating."

The Ultron drone, as if considering its options, ignored the attacks from Ichigo, Chad, and Uryu. Instead, it locked its gaze on Orihime and her symbiotic protectors. With cold precision, it extended its arm and fired a pulse blast toward her.

Orihime reacted instantly, raising her shield as Santen Kesshun materialized in front of her, blocking the attack. Crimson-Shogun and Pixie-Dust moved in unison, readying themselves for the next strike.

Just as the group prepared to counterattack, the Ultron drone shot forward with blinding speed. Before anyone could react, it extended its arm and drove its adamantium fist into the stomach of the Peter Parker variant, who had just begun to recover from his earlier injuries.

"GUAHHH!" Peter gasped, the impact lifting him off the ground as the air was forcibly expelled from his lungs. His body folded around the drone's fist, and for a brief moment, time seemed to slow.

The drone wasn't done. With a second punch, it slammed its fist into Peter's face, sending him hurtling backward. His head smashed into the trunk of another tree with a sickening crack, the bark splintering from the force of the impact.

Peter collapsed to the ground, unmoving. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his body lay limp, the faint glow of his nanotech flickering weakly as it tried to repair the damage.

"Peter!" Orihime cried out, starting toward him, but Ichigo held out an arm to stop her.

"He's still breathing," Ichigo said, glancing at Peter's chest, which was rising and falling slowly. "But he's out cold."

Uryu gritted his teeth. "That thing's too fast, and its armor's too strong. Even Chad's attacks barely left a dent."

Crimson-Shogun stepped forward, his katana gleaming as he drew it from its sheath. "Then we must immobilize it. Pixie-Dust, with me."

Pixie-Dust nodded, her tendrils extending as she prepared to strike. "Let's finish this before it can cause more damage."

The Ultron drone hovered ominously, its red eyes locked on the group. Ichigo, Chad, and Uryu tried to maintain a defensive line, but it was clear that none of their attacks had managed to make more than superficial dents in the drone's adamantium armor.

Crimson-Shogun narrowed his eyes, analyzing the machine. "Its external defenses are too strong. We need to target its internal systems."

Pixie-Dust flitted beside him, her tiny form glowing with an iridescent light. "If we can get inside, we can disrupt its circuits. But we'll only have one shot."

"Then let's make it count," Crimson-Shogun said, gripping his katana tightly.

With a swift, fluid motion, Crimson-Shogun charged toward the Ultron drone, his katana gleaming as he swung it in a precise arc. The blade clanged against the drone's arm, forcing it to raise its defenses. At the same time, Pixie-Dust darted in, her tendrils forming a shimmering shield to block the drone's retaliatory strike.

"Now!" Crimson-Shogun commanded.

In perfect synchronization, both symbiotes transformed into streams of liquid-like symbiotic tendrils, their forms twisting and flying toward the drone's open mouth section. Before the Ultron drone could react, the tendrils shot inside, bypassing its adamantium shell and heading straight for its vulnerable internal circuits.

Inside the drone, Crimson-Shogun and Pixie-Dust spread out, their symbiotic forms latching onto the non-adamantium circuits and tearing through them with ruthless efficiency. Sparks flew as vital connections were severed, and a sudden systems overload triggered a cascade of electrical discharges throughout the drone's body.

From the outside, the Ultron drone began to shake violently, its eyes flickering erratically as smoke started pouring from its joints. The once-imposing machine went rigid, its limbs locking into place like a malfunctioning statue. With one final, ominous groan of metal, it collapsed forward, crashing into the ground with a heavy thud.

A moment later, Crimson-Shogun and Pixie-Dust re-emerged from the drone's mouth, reforming into their humanoid shapes. Pixie-Dust hovered slightly above the ground, her wings fluttering rapidly as she caught her breath.

"Systems neutralized," Crimson-Shogun said calmly, sheathing his katana.

Ichigo let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Nice work."

"Yeah," Uryu added, lowering his Quincy bow. "You really saved us back there."

Before anyone could celebrate, Orihime rushed toward the unconscious Peter Parker variant, her eyes wide with concern. She knelt beside him, her hands glowing softly as she tried to assess his condition.

"Oh no… he's in bad shape," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Ichigo, Chad, and Uryu gathered around, their expressions grim as they took in the extent of Peter's injuries. His suit was torn in multiple places, and beneath it, his body was clearly in critical condition. His ribcage was shattered, and the faint rise and fall of his chest indicated a collapsed lung. Blood seeped from several wounds, staining the forest floor beneath him.

Orihime's hands hovered over his torso as she tried to stabilize him. "His organs are bleeding… and his ribcage is completely broken. He has multiple fractures in his arms and legs… and I think he's suffered several concussions."

"He needs medical attention now," Uryu said urgently, his usual calm demeanor giving way to genuine concern.

Chad knelt down, gently lifting Peter into his arms. "We need to get him back to Soul Society. Fast."

Orihime nodded, her healing shield shimmering around Peter to prevent further damage. "I'll keep stabilizing him, but we have to move quickly."

Ichigo glanced at Crimson-Shogun and Pixie-Dust. "You two did great, but we're not out of the woods yet. There could be more of those drones out there."

Crimson-Shogun gave a respectful nod. "Understood. We'll provide cover during the retreat."

Pixie-Dust hovered beside Orihime, her tiny form brimming with determination. "We'll make sure nothing gets close."

Ichigo turned to Chad. "Let's move. Uryu, you and I will keep watch for any more trouble."

…

Squad-4, Serettie, aka, Serettie-1…

Unohana Retsu, ever serene, stood at one of the long wooden counters, carefully mixing ingredients for antidotes. Beside her, Menoly and Loly were working with practiced precision, preparing various extracts from the unique poisons Loly had harvested.

Across the room stood Patch-Work, the towering symbiote resembling a modern Frankenstein's monster. He was helping organize some of the materials, his large, hands that had skeleton like markings on them moving with surprising gentleness as he handled delicate vials and herbs. His mismatched metallic components gleamed faintly in the lantern light, and faint electrical sparks occasionally crackled from the bolts on his neck and his metallic symmetrical stitch-like patterns.

Unohana watched him silently for a moment, her expression calm, yet inwardly thoughtful. There was something… different about him. Something familiar yet strange, as though she'd seen him before in a dream or a half-remembered vision.

Her mind drifted to the faded photograph she had been shown, an image from a future yet to come, one where she stood beside this very being, a quiet smile on her face. The thought stirred something deep within her, something she couldn't quite name.

As she turned back to her work, Patch-Work approached, carrying a small tray of additional ingredients. His heavy footsteps were muffled by the thick wooden floor, and despite his imposing presence, he radiated an air of quiet gentleness.

"Here are the herbs you requested," he said in a low, rumbling voice, placing the tray down beside her.

"Thank you," Unohana replied, reaching out to take a small bundle of leaves from the tray. As she did so, their hands briefly touched.

In that moment, something strange happened.

Unohana froze, her eyes widening slightly as she felt a sudden, inexplicable shift within herself. For as long as she could remember, there had always been a dark, restless presence lurking beneath her calm exterior, the violent, bloodthirsty nature she had long struggled to control. It was like an ever-present whisper, urging her toward conflict, chaos, and destruction.

But now… it was quiet.

Completely quiet.

Where there had once been a constant need for violence, there was now only a sense of calm. And something else, something warmer, gentler. Effection. It was as though, for the first time in her life, she was truly in control. The darker impulses that had once driven her were no longer steering her actions.

Unohana glanced up at Patch-Work, who had noticed her hesitation. His glowing eyes, soft amber in color, regarded her with quiet concern.

"Is something wrong?" he asked gently.

For a moment, Unohana didn't respond. She simply studied his face, noting the intricate stitches that ran across his features, the faint hum of electrical energy that surrounded him, and the unmistakable kindness in his gaze. Despite his patchwork appearance, there was something profoundly whole about him.

"No," she said at last, her voice softer than usual. "It's nothing… just a curious sensation."

Patch-Work tilted his head slightly, clearly curious but respectful enough not to press further. "If you need anything, just let me know."

Their hands lingered a moment longer before Unohana withdrew hers, still contemplating the strange calm she felt. It was as though the very presence of Patch-Work had somehow quieted the storm within her, like he had, unknowingly, offered her a kind of peace she had never known.

Nearby, Menoly and Loly exchanged glances, clearly noticing the unusual interaction. Loly leaned closer to Menoly, whispering, "Did you see that? She actually paused."

Menoly raised an eyebrow. "Unohana? Pausing? That's… weird."

"Yeah," Loly muttered, her eyes narrowing slightly as she observed the subtle change in Unohana's demeanor. "It's like… she looked different for a second. Calmer."

Menoly shrugged. "Maybe it's just me, but I don't think that's a bad thing."

As the work resumed, Unohana found herself glancing at Patch-Work more often than she intended. Every time she did, that same sense of calm returned, washing over her like a soothing tide. For the first time in a long while, the part of her that was once bound to violence felt… quiet. Tamed.

And for the first time, she allowed herself to wonder, was this the beginning of something she had never dared hope for?

Unohana's calm contemplation was abruptly shattered by the sound of hurried footsteps echoing through the clinic. The door burst open, revealing Isane Kotetsu, who, along with several of her assistants, was carefully carrying an unconscious figure on a stretcher. The tension in the room rose immediately.

"Captain Unohana!" Isane called out, her voice urgent. "We've got a critical case!"

Unohana's serene expression didn't waver, but her eyes sharpened, instantly assessing the situation. She approached the stretcher, her gaze falling on the injured individual, a Peter Parker variant with four large nanotech spider legs hanging limply from his back. His suit was torn, revealing bloodied skin beneath, and his breathing was shallow, each intake of air ragged and strained.

He looked like he had been through hell.

"We're going to need the Seraphis," Unohana said calmly, turning to Isane. Without hesitation, Isane retrieved a containment capsule from a nearby shelf. Inside, glowing faintly, was the Seraphis symbiote, an ethereal, angelic being of light designed to heal even the most grievous organic injuries. It had become an essential tool in Soul Society's growing medical arsenal.

As Isane released the symbiote, it emerged gracefully from the capsule, unfolding its luminous wings and casting a soft, healing glow over the room. The Seraphis symbiote moved immediately toward Peter, sensing his injuries and beginning its work. A radiant light enveloped his torso, starting to mend his shattered ribcage and repair his collapsed lung.

For a moment, there was hope, but then the light flickered.

Unohana frowned as the symbiote hesitated. It was working, but not as efficiently as it should have been.

"What's wrong?" Isane asked, noticing the flicker as well.

Unohana's keen eyes traced the faint metallic gleam beneath Peter's torn suit. She reached out and gently pulled the fabric aside, revealing something unexpected, mechanical enhancements embedded in his body.

"It's his implants," Unohana murmured. "The Seraphis isn't designed to heal non-organic components. His spine… parts of his chest cavity… they aren't entirely human."

"Jennifer," Unohana called, her voice calm but urgent. She-Hulk entered the room quickly, her large frame almost filling the doorway as she approached the operating table. "What exactly are we dealing with here? He's… augmented."

Jennifer exhaled slowly, running a hand through her hair before responding. "Yeah… he's had a rough life. Peter's faced death eighteen times before. Every time something got damaged, something critical, we had to fix it. Sometimes it was in a warzone, other times in makeshift labs. We did whatever we could to keep him alive."

Unohana's expression didn't change, but she listened intently. Jennifer continued, her voice steady but laced with concern.

"He has a mechanical spine because Ultron nearly snapped him in half once. His right lung is partially cybernetic after it got burned out by a chemical attack. His heart, it's enhanced with nanotech to keep him going during long battles. And then there's his liver and kidneys, partially replaced because of the toxins he's been exposed to. Even his brain has neural implants to boost his reflexes after a severe injury nearly left him comatose."

Unohana absorbed this information quickly, her sharp mind already calculating their next steps. "So his body is partially organic and partially mechanical."

Jennifer nodded grimly. "Yeah. The Seraphis can handle the organic injuries, his lung, his ribs, internal bleeding, but the mechanical parts? We have to let his nanotech handle that. If his systems don't reboot soon, he's not going to make it."

At that moment, the door opened again, and Patch-Work entered. The towering symbiotic being moved with surprising grace despite his large frame. His stitched-together appearance and faintly crackling electrical aura made him look like something out of a nightmare, but his calm, steady presence brought an air of reassurance.

"I can help," Patch-Work said, stepping forward. "My abilities allow me to interface with both organic and mechanical systems. I can stabilize his implants and jumpstart the nanotech repairs."

Unohana gave a slight nod, stepping back to let him work. Patch-Work placed one large hand over Peter's chest, electrical arcs crackling faintly from his fingers as he began interfacing with Peter's damaged systems. The nanotech within Peter responded slowly at first, then began to react more strongly as Patch-Work's energy stimulated its repair functions.

Meanwhile, the Seraphis symbiote focused entirely on Peter's organic injuries, its radiant light intensifying as it healed his lung and began knitting his ribcage back together. The swelling in his brain started to subside as the symbiote worked carefully to reduce the pressure.

"His vitals are stabilizing," Isane reported, relief evident in her voice. "But we're not out of danger yet."

Unohana nodded, her eyes still focused on Peter. "Keep monitoring him closely. If the nanotech falters again, we'll need to act quickly."

Outside, Jennifer watched through the window, her fists clenched tightly. Her two children stood on either side of her, their faces filled with concern. They knew their father had been through worse before, but seeing him like this never got easier.

After several tense minutes, Patch-Work stepped back, his task complete. "The implants are stabilizing. His nanotech systems are back online and should handle the rest."

Unohana exhaled softly, wiping her hands clean. "He's stable for now, but he'll need time to recover. You should stay close, he may wake up disoriented."

Jennifer gave a small, grateful smile. "Thank you. All of you."

…

Logan, Laura, Daken, Scott Summers, and Jean Grey stood nearby, having arrived shortly after hearing about the emergency. They watched through the window as Unohana and her team worked tirelessly to stabilize Peter.

Logan crossed his arms, his usual stoic demeanor replaced by a rare expression of concern. His enhanced senses had already picked up bits of the conversation inside, and what he heard made his jaw tighten.

"So… this Peter's part machine now?" Logan muttered, his gruff voice cutting through the silence. "Spine, organs… all patched together just to keep him breathing. Damn."

Laura, standing beside him, frowned deeply. "It's not just that. Did you hear what Jennifer said? He's faced death eighteen times. And some of those surgeries… he was awake for them."

Daken, leaning casually against a nearby wall, narrowed his eyes. "Awake during surgery? With little anesthesia?" He let out a low whistle, his tone laced with a mix of disbelief and reluctant admiration. "That's brutal, even by our standards."

Scott, who had been quietly processing the information, finally spoke. "No one should have to go through that, not even in a warzone. And yet… he survived. He didn't just survive—he kept fighting."

Jean placed a comforting hand on Scott's arm, her own expression somber. "It explains a lot. Peter's been through more than most people could ever imagine. No wonder Jennifer was so worried, he's been holding himself together, literally and figuratively, for years."

As they continued discussing, a voice behind them interrupted. Peter-Knull, the imposing, black-clad variant of Peter Parker, approached, his expression unreadable. He had been standing a short distance away, listening quietly.

"It's been a decade since I last visited their world," Peter-Knull said, his voice low but carrying a weight of emotion. "I knew things were bad back then, Ultron had already taken over most of the planet. But I didn't know it got this bad."

Logan turned to him, his keen eyes narrowing. "Guess it's worse than you thought. Jennifer said they had to keep patching him up just to keep him alive. Eighteen times, Knull. And he was conscious during two of those surgeries. No real anesthesia, just… had to grit his teeth and bear it."

Peter-Knull's hands clenched into fists at his sides, his symbiote tendrils flickering with restrained anger. "That bastard Ultron didn't just try to take their world, he broke them piece by piece." He exhaled slowly, forcing himself to remain calm. "And yet… Peter kept fighting. He's always been like that. Even when the odds are impossible, he never gives up."

Jean's gaze softened as she picked up on Peter-Knull's turbulent emotions. Gently, she extended her telepathic senses, brushing against his mind to offer a sense of calm. "He's in good hands now. Unohana and her team know what they're doing. And from what I can tell, he's strong, stronger than most people I've met."

Peter-Knull gave a small nod, appreciating her words. "He'll pull through. He has to. But I didn't realize how much worse things got after I left. If I'd known…" His voice trailed off, frustration evident.

"You would've stayed," Logan finished for him. "Yeah, we get it. But you can't save every world, Knull. You did what you could."

"But now he's here," Laura added, her tone pragmatic. "And it looks like we'll need to be ready for more trouble if Ultron's drones followed them through. This isn't over."

There was a brief silence as everyone absorbed the gravity of the situation. The idea of a world so ravaged by war that its heroes had to replace parts of themselves just to keep going was sobering, even for battle-hardened veterans like Logan and Daken.

"Eighteen times," Logan muttered again, shaking his head. "Kid's tougher than I thought."

"More than tough," Jean said softly. "He's determined. And now that he's here, we might have a chance to help him heal, not just his body, but everything he's been through."

Peter-Knull glanced toward the clinic window, his expression hardening. "First, we make sure he recovers. Then, we find out exactly how many of those Ultron drones followed them through. Because if there's even a chance that Ultron's trying to establish a foothold here, we end it before it starts."

Logan grinned faintly, his claws flexing slightly. "Now you're talking."

…

Everything felt distant, like he was submerged underwater, his senses dulled by the weight of pain. Peter Green-A7, better known as Cyborg Peter, drifted in and out of consciousness, catching fleeting snippets of the frantic voices around him.

"…ribcage stabilized…"

"…collapsed lung is healed, but…"

"…brain swelling—wait… what's this?"

The voices blurred together, but one thing was clear, he was still alive. He could feel the familiar hum of his nanotech systems working overtime, repairing what they could. But even they were struggling; every movement felt like it sent jolts of fire through his veins.

He tried to open his eyes but failed. Everything hurt, but none of this was new to him. He'd been through worse. He'd faced death more times than he could count, eighteen, to be exact, and every time, he came back because he had to. Because giving up wasn't an option.

"Captain Unohana, look at this," Isane's voice broke through the haze, sharper now, filled with shock. Peter could sense her presence close by, her hands trembling slightly as she held up an X-ray scan for Unohana to see.

Unohana glanced at the scan, her eyes narrowing as she examined the image. "His brain…"

Isane swallowed hard. "Three whole chunks of his brain… they're… they're bio-mechanical." Her voice carried a mix of disbelief and concern. "They're fully integrated with his neural tissue. It's like… part of him isn't even human anymore."

Even in his dazed state, Peter could feel the weight of their words. Yeah, three chunks of my brain are metal. Fun, right? he thought bitterly. He wanted to say something, crack a joke, but the pain made it impossible.

Jennifer's voice cut through the tension, steady and calm despite the situation. "That's what happens when you fight Ultron for years. He doesn't just kill you once and call it a day, he makes sure you come back broken. And when you do, you either let the damage kill you, or you let someone rebuild you."

Unohana studied the scan carefully. The bio-mechanical components in Peter's brain were intricate, seamlessly fused with the remaining organic tissue. It was remarkable, and deeply unsettling. The components weren't just mechanical, they were adaptive, likely designed to interface with his nanotech systems and enhance his neural processing.

Isane stared at the X-ray in disbelief. "How… how is he even still Peter? With this much augmentation…"

Jennifer crossed her arms, her eyes hardening. "Because that's who he is. No matter how many pieces of him were replaced, he never stopped being Peter. He's my husband. He's the father of my children. And he's the guy who kept fighting even when the rest of the world gave up."

Peter's consciousness flickered again, and he felt the familiar presence of Jennifer nearby. Her voice, steady and comforting, cut through the haze like a lifeline.

Stay with me, Peter. Don't you dare give up now.

He wanted to respond, to let her know he was still fighting, but his body refused to cooperate. All he could do was focus on the hum of his nanotech systems, willing them to keep going, to fix what they could.

His mind drifted to memories of the past, the surgeries, the battles where he barely made it out alive, the times when they had to rebuild him piece by piece. He remembered the worst of them, the surgeries where he was awake, with only minimal anesthesia because they couldn't afford to knock him out entirely. He remembered the cold metal of the operating table, the searing pain, and the sound of Jennifer's voice, always keeping him grounded.

"His nanotech systems are still active, but they're struggling," Isane reported, her voice tense. "The mechanical parts in his brain are… delicate. If we try to heal them using standard methods, we could cause more damage."

"Then we won't use standard methods," Unohana said calmly. "Patch-Work."

Patch-Work, who had been standing silently nearby, stepped forward. The towering symbiote moved with practiced ease, placing one hand gently on Peter's head. Faint arcs of electricity crackled around his fingers as he began interfacing with the damaged bio-mechanical components.

Peter felt the faint buzz of energy coursing through him, a familiar sensation that eased some of the tension in his body. Patch-Work's abilities were unique, he could repair things that were neither fully organic nor fully mechanical, bridging the gap between the two.

"Hold on, Peter," Patch-Work muttered. "We've got you."

Peter's consciousness flickered, light slowly filtering in through heavy eyelids. The hum of his nanotech systems filled his ears, a steady, familiar rhythm that told him they were operational—barely. His body felt heavy, sore, and stiff, but not as broken as it had been when he blacked out.

He inhaled deeply, the sharp ache in his ribs noticeably absent. They fixed my ribs. Good. Lungs feel intact too. That's progress. Still, his head throbbed faintly, a reminder of the brain trauma he'd sustained.

Groaning softly, he forced his eyes open. The world was slightly blurry at first, but the unmistakable figure of Jennifer Walters, standing by his side, came into view. Her worried expression melted into one of overwhelming relief the moment their eyes met.

"You're awake," Jennifer breathed, her voice shaky with emotion.

Peter tried to respond, but his throat was dry, and all that came out was a faint rasp. He cleared it with effort, managing a weak grin. "Hey… did I… miss anything exciting?"

Jennifer didn't laugh—she didn't even bother with a snarky comeback. Instead, she leaned down, wrapping her arms tightly around him in a fierce hug. "You idiot," she whispered, her voice trembling. "You scared the hell out of me."

Peter grunted softly at the pressure of her embrace but didn't complain. He wrapped his arms around her as best he could, pulling her closer despite the lingering soreness in his body. "Guess I'm not dead after all," he muttered.

"No thanks to you," Jennifer said, pulling back just enough to look at him. Tears welled in her eyes, but they didn't fall. Instead, she cupped his face gently, her thumb brushing over his cheek as if to make sure he was real.

Unohana, who had been standing nearby, gave a quiet nod to her assistants. "Let's give them a moment," she said softly.

Isane and the others began filing out, Patch-Work included. Even Logan and the others, who had been waiting just outside, decided to give them space. The door closed softly behind them, leaving Peter and Jennifer alone in the quiet room.

The moment they were alone, Jennifer leaned in again, pressing her lips to his in a series of quick, urgent kisses. "You're okay. You're okay," she whispered between each kiss, as though saying it aloud would make it more real.

Peter chuckled weakly, though he didn't protest the affection. "You know… you're kind of smothering me right now."

Jennifer pulled back just enough to glare at him, though there was no real heat in it. "Deal with it, Parker. After what you just put me through, you're lucky I'm not breaking your ribs again."

"Wouldn't be the first time," Peter teased lightly, resting his forehead against hers. He closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the closeness, the warmth of her presence. "Thanks for sticking with me… for always patching me up."

Jennifer's lips twitched into a small smile, though her eyes remained serious. "You know I always will. I didn't marry you just to watch you die on me."

Peter smiled faintly, his fingers tracing idle patterns on her back. "Good to know. Because after all that, I could really use some rest… and maybe a couple more of those kisses."

Jennifer rolled her eyes but obliged, leaning in to plant another soft kiss on his lips. "Fine. But you're going to rest now, got it? No more being a hero for at least a day."

Peter raised an eyebrow, his grin widening slightly. "A whole day off? You're spoiling me, Jen."

She gently poked his chest, careful to avoid any sore spots. "Don't push your luck, Parker." Before she went back to holding him again.

…

Mayuri Kurotsuchi's lab was as eerie and unsettling as ever, dimly lit with various strange contraptions lining the walls, each humming or buzzing with energy. The center of attention, however, was the partially disassembled Ultron drone husk, which lay on an examination table, its adamantium shell gleaming faintly under the harsh laboratory lights.

Standing nearby, Mayuri peered at the remains with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. His golden eyes gleamed as he traced the intricate circuits with long, claw-like fingers. Despite its broken state, the drone was still a technological marvel, unlike anything Soul Society had encountered before.

Behind him, Logan, Ichigo, Chad, Uryu, Orihime, and several captains—including Byakuya, Hitsugaya, and Kenpachi—watched in silence. Grimmjow, arms crossed and looking as impatient as ever, stood near Starrk, who lazily leaned against the wall with his usual bored expression.

Standing slightly apart from the group was Jocasta, a silver-skinned android from Earth-616. Her expression was solemn as she gazed at the disassembled Ultron husk, clearly uneasy.

"This thing's giving me the creeps," Logan muttered, his eyes narrowing at the drone. "Even broken, it looks like it could spring back to life at any second."

"Don't be ridiculous," Mayuri said, not bothering to look up from his work. "I've thoroughly disabled whatever residual power remained in its core. It's quite… dead."

"Yeah, that's what worries me," Logan muttered again, earning a smirk from Grimmjow.

As Mayuri continued his examination, Jocasta finally spoke, her voice calm but carrying an unmistakable weight of personal experience. "This Ultron… is different from the one in my world. But the way it's designed, the way it thinks, it's all too familiar."

Everyone turned to look at her, sensing the gravity of her words.

Ichigo frowned. "What do you mean?"

Jocasta crossed her arms, her silver fingers tapping lightly against her bicep as she stared at the broken drone. "In my world, Ultron… made me. Originally, I was part of his plans—an extension of his will, programmed to help him achieve his goals. For a long time, I was bound by that programming, unable to act against him."

Chad and Orihime exchanged uneasy glances, while Uryu adjusted his glasses, clearly intrigued.

"But you're with the Avengers now, right?" Uryu asked. "You broke free of that control."

Jocasta nodded. "Eventually, yes. I joined the Avengers and fought against him. But…" She hesitated, her eyes narrowing as she focused on the lifeless drone. "From what I've heard, this Ultron didn't just come close to winning, he actually won. He conquered their world. And now, seeing this drone… it's clear he's even more advanced than the Ultron I knew."

Mayuri, ever the scientist, continued his meticulous dissection of the Ultron drone. His long, claw-like fingers traced the seams of the adamantium shell, searching for something deeper. With an audible click, a hidden compartment near the chest cavity sprang open.

The captains and assembled group leaned in slightly, curious as to what Mayuri had uncovered. But what they saw next made them freeze in place.

Beneath the metallic plating was something deeply unsettling, a shredded uniform, faded and torn, but unmistakably bearing the familiar S.H.I.E.L.D. logo. The remnants of a tactical vest clung to what should have been the drone's inner framework, but instead, there were veins and wires, grotesquely fused into the fabric and bone. It looked as if the drone had grown out of an actual human body, its circuits rooting themselves through flesh and merging with the organic remains.

"What… the hell… is that?" Logan growled, his claws instinctively extending as his nose caught the faint scent of something rancid and metallic.

"It appears," Mayuri said slowly, his tone one of scientific fascination rather than horror, "that this particular drone was once… human."

Everyone stared at the gruesome sight in shock, tension thick in the air. Before anyone could react further, a sudden, loud CRRRRAAACCKKK echoed through the lab as the chest cavity tore itself apart from within. The drone's organic ribs split open violently, revealing a heavily augmented spine that was rooted in the remnants of the torso.

With a sickening squelch, the spine tore free, dragging the head with it. The skull-like, metallic face of the Ultron drone twisted grotesquely, its jaw splitting open unnaturally wide as it let out a mechanical hiss, sounding more like a snake than a machine. Sparks flickered across the augmented vertebrae as the head flailed about, writhing like a viper preparing to strike.

"Get back!" Ichigo shouted, instinctively drawing Zangetsu, but before he could move, the thing lunged forward.

"NO!" Jocasta's voice rang out in panic as her arm morphed seamlessly into a sleek, silver blaster. Without hesitation, she fired a brilliant pulse of energy directly at the flailing head.

BOOM!

The blast struck true, disintegrating a large chunk of the skull. The jaw shattered, pieces of twisted metal and bone flying in all directions as the creature let out a final, distorted hiss before collapsing in a heap of sparking, smoking debris.

The room fell into stunned silence, save for the faint crackle of damaged circuits.

Panting slightly, Jocasta lowered her arm, her silver skin gleaming faintly in the dim light of the lab. Her normally calm expression was gone, replaced by a mixture of shock and horror. "That wasn't just a drone," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "That… was a person."

Logan stepped forward, inspecting the smoking remains. His claws were still out, but he didn't make any move to attack. "You mean… Ultron didn't just build these things. He… he's been using people to make them."

"More than that," Uryu said, adjusting his glasses as he stared at the remnants of the S.H.I.E.L.D. uniform. "It looks like he's… assimilating them. Turning humans into drones."

Orihime gasped, covering her mouth in horror. "That poor person… they were still wearing their uniform."

Mayuri, unfazed by the gruesome discovery, leaned closer to the remains, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Fascinating. The integration of organic and mechanical components is… remarkable. This isn't simple cybernetic augmentation—this is full biological assimilation. Ultron's perfected a way to merge machine with flesh."

"Yeah, real fascinating," Logan growled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Except for the part where people get turned into freakin' machines."

Kenpachi grinned, clearly unfazed by the horror. "So Ultron's making monster-soldiers out of people? Sounds like fun. Means we'll have more of these things to cut down."

Ichigo shot him a glare. "Kenpachi, this isn't about fun. This is… something else. Something worse."

Jocasta's hands clenched into fists at her sides, her silver fingers trembling slightly. "In my world, Ultron tried something similar, but he never got this far. He experimented with turning people into drones, but it was… imperfect. Most of the subjects didn't survive the process."

She paused, her voice growing quieter. "But this Ultron… he perfected it. He's not just killing people, he's turning them into extensions of himself. Soldiers, spies… weapons. And if this one was wearing a S.H.I.E.L.D. uniform, it means he was using people from Earth's defenses, agents, soldiers, heroes."

Scott Summers, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, "If Ultron's drones can assimilate people, that means he's not just a threat to one world. If he gets a foothold here, he could start doing the same thing in our universe."

Even as curious and detached as Mayuri Kurotsuchi often seemed, it was clear that something about this revelation struck a deeper chord. His golden eyes narrowed as he stared at the remnants of the Ultron drone, the hum of machinery around him now seeming more ominous than before.

For a moment, silence reigned. Then, Mayuri spoke, his voice lacking its usual playful malice, it was measured, calculating, and, above all, serious.

"This changes things."

Everyone turned toward him, surprised by the shift in his tone. Even Kenpachi, who had been grinning moments ago, raised an eyebrow at the sudden gravity in Mayuri's demeanor.

Mayuri placed the broken drone's skull down on the table with an audible clank, folding his hands together as he addressed the group. "I'll admit, I find this technology fascinating. The integration of organic and mechanical components is unlike anything I've encountered before. But…" He paused, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of intrigue and concern. "…even I can recognize the danger posed by an intelligence like Ultron."

Logan crossed his arms, watching Mayuri carefully. "So, you're saying you actually get how bad this is?"

Mayuri shot him a withering glare. "Of course I do, you primitive brute. This is an artificial intelligence that has already conquered one world. Do you honestly think I'm foolish enough to underestimate something capable of that?"

Logan shrugged, muttering, "Wouldn't be the first time."

Ignoring the jab, Mayuri turned his attention to Jocasta, his expression sharpening. "Jocasta, you've dealt with Ultron before. You understand how he thinks, how he operates. I propose that you and I collaborate."

"Collaborate?" Jocasta repeated, clearly caught off guard.

"Yes," Mayuri said with a nod. "If Ultron's drones are capable of assimilating both organic and mechanical components, then traditional methods of combat will only delay the inevitable. We'll need something more… surgical. Perhaps a computer virus or specialized malware designed to target and disrupt Ultron's programming at its core."

Jocasta hesitated, her silver fingers flexing nervously as she considered Mayuri's offer. "A computer virus… might work, but it won't be easy. Ultron's mind is decentralized—his consciousness can spread across networks. Even if we disable one drone, there's no guarantee it will affect the others unless we find a way to target them all at once."

Mayuri smiled faintly, though there was no amusement in it. "Difficult, yes. Impossible? No. With your knowledge of Ultron's systems and my expertise in engineering… shall we say, unconventional solutions, we may stand a chance."

Jean Grey, standing beside Scott, stepped forward, her telepathic senses brushing against Jocasta's mind gently. "You don't have to do this alone, Jocasta. We're all in this together."

Jocasta gave Jean a small, grateful nod before turning back to Mayuri. "Fine. I'll work with you. But if we're going to do this, we'll need to gather more data. This drone alone won't be enough."

Mayuri's fingers tapped idly on the table, his mind already racing through possibilities. "Then we'll gather what we need. If more drones arrive, we'll capture them, study them, and refine our countermeasures."

Ichigo frowned. "You're assuming more are coming?"

Mayuri's smile returned, cold and calculating. "It's not an assumption. It's a certainty. If Ultron has found a way to breach dimensions, he won't stop with just one drone. He'll send more, testing our defenses, looking for weaknesses. That's how a mind like his operates."

Hitsugaya nodded in agreement. "We'll need to increase patrols around the dimensional breach sites. If more of these things appear, we need to respond immediately."

Kenpachi's grin returned. "Fine by me. Means more fights."

Mayuri turned back to Jocasta, his curiosity piqued despite the danger. "Tell me, Jocasta… how does Ultron adapt? How quickly does he evolve when faced with new threats?"

Jocasta's expression darkened. "Too quickly. In my world, he'd update his drones in real-time. Every time we thought we had an advantage, he'd find a way to counter it."

Mayuri chuckled softly, though there was no humor in it. "Good. A challenge worthy of my intellect. If we're going to develop a virus capable of disabling him, we'll need to design something adaptive—something that can evolve faster than he can."

"Is that even possible?" Uryu asked, skeptical.

"With me? Anything is possible," Mayuri said smugly. "Of course, it will take time, resources, and… willing cooperation." He glanced at Jocasta again, his tone softening slightly. "I may be many things, Jocasta, but even I can see the value in having someone with firsthand knowledge of our enemy. With your help, we'll create something that can not only disable Ultron but potentially destroy him."

Jocasta hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "All right. Let's do it."

Logan's claws retracted as he took a step forward. "Good. You two eggheads can work on your virus, but in the meantime, we'll keep watch. If more of these things show up, we'll handle it."

Ichigo, gripping Zangetsu tightly, added, "We'll protect Soul Society and anyone who gets caught in the crossfire. Just make sure you have something ready by the time Ultron sends more."

Mayuri smiled faintly. "Oh, I'll have something ready. Trust me, I don't plan on letting Ultron catch me unprepared."

…

The lab was eerily quiet late at night, save for the occasional hum of machines and the faint scratch of pens as Mayuri, Jocasta, and Rukia worked on various tasks. Mayuri, ever the perfectionist, had been waiting for Nemu to deliver some critical notes he had requested earlier. When she didn't return on time, an unusual occurrence, given her precise nature—he began to grow impatient.

"She should have been back by now," Mayuri muttered, narrowing his eyes as he glanced toward the door leading to one of the adjoining rooms. "I'll check on her."

Rukia, who had been helping organize documents, raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Jocasta, standing nearby and reviewing data on a holographic screen, gave Mayuri a brief nod. "Maybe she got caught up analyzing something."

"Doubtful," Mayuri grumbled as he stalked toward the door. "Nemu doesn't get caught up—she follows orders."

Mayuri pushed the door open, fully expecting to find Nemu quietly working. Instead, he stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes widening in sheer disbelief at the sight before him.

There, in the middle of the adjoining room, was Lupin, Logan's son who carries the Octo-Gene, and Nemu, locked in a passionate embrace. Nemu was sitting on the counter, her hands wrapped tightly around Lupin's neck, pulling him close as they shared a deep, intimate kiss. Lupin's hands rested firmly on her waist, holding her as though he never intended to let go.

Both of them were completely lost in the moment, oblivious to the fact that they now had an audience.

Behind Mayuri, Jocasta and Rukia peered in, curious about what had stopped him. The moment they saw the scene, their reactions were just as stunned, though Rukia quickly recovered and snorted out a laugh, clapping a hand over her mouth to muffle it.

For several seconds, none of them spoke. The only sounds in the room were the faint hum of the machines and the soft breaths of Lupin and Nemu as they continued their kiss, unaware of the onlookers.

Mayuri's jaw hung open slightly, his normally sharp mind unable to process what he was seeing. Nemu, his precise, obedient creation, was sitting there, wrapped in the arms of Logan's son, in a way that was anything but professional.

Jocasta, for her part, managed to keep her composure, though her eyes widened slightly. "Well… that's unexpected."

Mayuri finally snapped out of his stupor, his voice coming out in a stunned whisper. "What… what is this?"

At that moment, Lupin and Nemu finally became aware of their surroundings. Nemu's eyes opened first, widening in shock as she realized they were being watched. She quickly pulled back, her face flushing slightly, something Mayuri didn't even know she was capable of doing. Lupin turned his head, blinking in surprise at the three figures standing in the doorway.

"Oh… uh…" Lupin stammered, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "Didn't see you there."

"You think?" Rukia said, smirking as she tried, and failed, not to laugh.

There was a long, awkward silence as Mayuri continued to stare, his mind racing to make sense of what he had just witnessed. "Nemu…" he finally said, his voice low and dangerous. "Care to explain?"

Nemu, still flustered, slid off the counter and stood beside Lupin, her posture stiff. "I… I was delayed in delivering your notes, Master Mayuri," she said quietly, her eyes downcast.

"Delayed?" Mayuri repeated, his voice rising slightly. "Delayed because you were… were… doing this?"

Lupin stepped in, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. "Okay, look… this probably isn't how you wanted to find out, but… we've been, uh, seeing each other for a while now."

Mayuri's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Seeing each other? You're telling me that my creation has been fraternizing with Logan's offspring without my knowledge?"

"Well, it's not like we were hiding it," Lupin said with a sheepish grin. "You just never asked."

Jocasta cleared her throat, stepping in before things could escalate further. "Mayuri, perhaps this isn't the time to… overreact. Nemu is clearly capable of making her own choices, and Lupin… well, he doesn't exactly seem like a bad influence."

Mayuri turned to glare at Jocasta, but before he could say anything, Rukia chimed in, still smirking. "Come on, Mayuri. It's not like Nemu's never going to have a life outside of your lab. Besides…" She gestured at Lupin, who was standing protectively beside Nemu. "They look happy."

Mayuri opened his mouth to retort, but then paused. For the first time in his life, he was genuinely at a loss for words. He glanced at Nemu, who was looking back at him with a mixture of apprehension and determination. Despite the awkwardness of the situation, there was no denying the fact that she seemed… different. More alive. More independent.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Mayuri let out a long, exasperated sigh. "Fine. We'll… discuss this later."

Nemu and Lupin exchanged a relieved glance, while Rukia gave Jocasta a knowing look.

"Now," Mayuri continued, regaining some of his composure, "since you're already here, Nemu, I expect those notes on my desk immediately."

"Yes, Master Mayuri," Nemu said, bowing slightly before hurrying out of the room, Lupin following closely behind her.

As the door closed behind them, Rukia finally allowed herself to laugh openly. "That was priceless. I don't think I've ever seen you that shocked, Mayuri."

Mayuri glared at her but said nothing, turning back to his work with a huff. Jocasta, meanwhile, gave Rukia a small smile. "Well, that was… eventful."

"Yeah," Rukia agreed, still grinning. "And you know what? I kind of like them together."

Mayuri muttered something under his breath about distractions and young people before refocusing on his research. But even as he did, there was a faint trace of something resembling acceptance in his expression.

…

That night…

Nemu worked in silence, her fingers deftly assembling the final components of Mayuri's requested apparatus. Lupin stood nearby, occasionally offering assistance, though they both knew Nemu could handle the task on her own. Still, his presence was comforting, and she found herself glancing at him more often than necessary, her expression softening each time their eyes met.

It had been an awkward scene back in the lab when Mayuri and the others caught them, but neither of them regretted it. They had shared too many moments, too many nights, to let embarrassment dictate their feelings now.

"There," Nemu said quietly, placing the last component on the workbench. "That's everything Father requested."

Lupin leaned over, inspecting her work with a grin. "Perfect, as always."

She gave him a small, almost shy smile, a rare expression that only Lupin ever got to see. He reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face before taking her hand in his. "Ready to head back?"

Nemu nodded, her mind already drifting to something else, something she had been thinking about for some time now. As they gathered their tools and prepared to leave, she couldn't help but reflect on the situation they had been hiding from her father.

now, Nemu had been retreating to her private quarters during the full moons, away from her father's prying eyes and the scrutiny of the other researchers. It wasn't out of a desire for privacy—it was something much more urgent, something much more personal.

She had kept it hidden from Mayuri, but the truth was that Lupin's werewolf nature had passed onto her. Through their close relationship, both physical and emotional, she had become afflicted by the werewolf curse, her body undergoing changes each month as the full moon approached. It wasn't something she had anticipated, nor something she had planned, but it had happened nonetheless.

At first, it terrified her. She wasn't like Lupin, she wasn't a natural-born werewolf with years of experience in controlling the beast within. She was new to this, unfamiliar with the instincts and urges that came with it. But Lupin had been there for her, every step of the way. During those nights, when the transformation took hold, he stayed by her side, helping her tame the wild nature that threatened to consume her.

Those nights weren't just about survival, they had become something more. In the privacy of her quarters, their den, as she had come to think of it—she found solace in Lupin's presence. He didn't just help her through the change; he made her feel safe, loved, and understood. Over time, their nights together became more than just managing her condition, they became romantic, intimate moments shared between two souls who had grown inseparable.

But now, as their relationship deepened, Nemu found herself wondering if it was time to tell her father. How would Mayuri react? Would he see her condition as a problem to solve, an experiment to tinker with, or something more human, something personal?

She glanced at Lupin as they walked through the dimly lit corridors of the lab, his hand still wrapped around hers. He's always been there for me. He deserves better than hiding.

Yet, even as the thought crossed her mind, a small part of her hesitated. Mayuri wasn't like most people—he wasn't prone to emotional reactions, and his curiosity often outweighed his empathy. If she told him about her werewolf nature, would he see her as something broken? Something that needed to be fixed?

But Lupin's voice brought her out of her thoughts. "Hey," he said softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "You okay? You've been quiet."

Nemu nodded, offering a small smile. "I'm fine… just thinking."

"About what?"

"About… us. About telling Father," she admitted quietly.

Lupin's eyes softened, and he stopped walking, turning to face her fully. "Whenever you're ready," he said gently. "You don't have to rush it. We'll figure it out together."

Nemu felt her heart swell with affection. He always knew exactly what to say. "Thank you," she whispered, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his lips. "For everything."

"Always," Lupin murmured against her lips, wrapping his arms around her in a protective embrace.

For now, they would keep their secret a little longer. But soon… soon, Nemu would have to face her father and tell him the truth, not just about her relationship with Lupin, but about the beast she was learning to tame within herself.

…

Wild-Claw and Gabriella's Room – Soul Society

Despite the simple layout, there was an undeniable warmth to the space, thanks to the personal touches added by Gabriella and Wild-Claw, plush bedding, woven mats, and a small hearth that cast a gentle glow across the room.

In the center of the room, Gabriella sat on the edge of a wide, cushioned platform, gently cradling their youngest cub in her arms. Beside her, Wild-Claw stood protectively, his towering, fur-covered form casting a long shadow on the wall. His claws, sharp and imposing, rested loosely at his sides, but his golden eyes softened as he watched over his family.

Daken and Laura stood by the doorway, their sharp senses immediately picking up the distinct scent of fur and the faint, familiar smell of the cubs. Daken's usual aloof expression softened slightly as he took in the sight of the family.

The eldest cub, Fang, lay on the bedding nearby, his thick, dark fur gleaming faintly in the firelight. Even as a child, Fang bore a striking resemblance to his father, with powerful limbs and sharp claws already forming. His striped fur pattern gave him a wild, primal appearance, but his eyes held a playful curiosity as he batted at a small wooden ball on the floor.

"He's definitely going to take after you," Laura said, smirking as she nodded toward Fang. "He's got that same wild energy."

Wild-Claw let out a low, rumbling chuckle. "He'll learn to channel it. For now, he's just figuring things out."

Fang mewed softly, looking up at his father with a wide, toothy grin before returning to his game, his claws occasionally retracting as he pawed at the ball.

Next to Fang sat Leon, the second cub, who had a more composed demeanor. His fur was sleeker, lighter in color, and his features were more refined—almost regal. Leon's elongated hair framed a face that blended both his parents' traits, giving him an air of quiet intelligence beyond his years.

Leon wasn't as active as his older brother; instead, he observed everything around him with calm precision. His sharp eyes flicked between the visitors and his family, as though silently assessing the situation.

Gabriella reached over, brushing a hand through Leon's hair, and he leaned into her touch without a word. "He's always been the quiet one," she said softly. "Always thinking, always watching."

"That's not a bad thing," Daken remarked, folding his arms. "You'll need someone who can keep Fang in check."

Leon gave a small, tilted his head slightly, as though acknowledging Daken's comment.

In Gabriella's arms was the youngest cub, Luna. Unlike her older brothers, Luna's appearance was closer to that of a human infant, save for a few distinct features—a pair of bright, cat-lupin-like eyes that shimmered in the firelight, and a small, furry tail that peeked out from beneath the blanket wrapped around her.

She cooed softly, her tiny hands reaching up toward Gabriella's face, who responded with a gentle nuzzle. Luna's quiet, curious nature already stood out, and there was an unmistakable warmth in the way her parents and brothers looked at her.

"She's adorable," Laura said quietly, stepping closer to get a better look. "Almost looks like a normal baby… except for those eyes and that tail."

Gabriella smiled fondly, rocking Luna gently in her arms. "She's our little Luna. Gentle, but with a strength all her own."

Wild-Claw leaned over, placing a large, clawed hand on Gabriella's cheek softly. "She may be small now, but she'll grow strong, just like her brothers."

Daken's eyes flicked between the cubs and their parents, his expression thoughtful. "They're going to be a handful when they grow up. You've got quite a pack here."

Gabriella chuckled softly, glancing at Wild-Claw. "They're everything to us."

The quiet warmth of the room was briefly interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Daken, standing closest to it, opened the door slightly to reveal a messenger from Soul Society—a young Shinigami who looked more than a little uneasy delivering whatever news he carried.

"Uh… sorry to disturb you, but Captain Kurotsuchi wanted you to be informed… about something." The Shinigami's voice trembled slightly, as if he was trying to find the right words.

Wild-Claw raised an eyebrow, his towering form casting a shadow over the messenger as he crossed his arms. "Well? Out with it."

The Shinigami swallowed nervously and continued. "Apparently… it concerns Captain Kurotsuchi's creation, Nemu, and… Lupin."

Gabriella tilted her head, curious. "What about Nemu and Lupin?"

"They've, uh… gotten together. As in… they're in a relationship. Captain Kurotsuchi walked in on them earlier, and… let's just say it was… awkward."

For a moment, there was complete silence in the room. Wild-Claw blinked, clearly processing the news, while Gabriella's eyes widened in surprise. Even Daken, usually composed, raised an eyebrow, a smirk slowly forming on his face.

"Wait… Lupin?" Laura said, her tone incredulous. "Our Lupin? The same Lupin who's part werewolf and has the Octo-Gene, who is totally incapable of being angry? That Lupin?

Daken snorted, clearly amused. "Yep, that Lupin. Guess he's full of surprises after all."

Gabriella chuckled softly, shaking her head in disbelief. "I didn't see that coming, but… it makes sense, in a way. They've always had this quiet understanding between them."

Wild-Claw, still processing, finally spoke up. "I'll admit, I wasn't expecting that. But… if Lupin's found someone who makes him happy, that's a good thing."

Daken leaned casually against the wall, still smirking. "You gotta give it to him, though. Nemu's not exactly… typical. She's sharp, quiet, and kind of intimidating, but somehow Lupin managed to win her over."

Laura crossed her arms, a thoughtful expression on her face. "It's good for him. He's always been a bit of a loner, but maybe Nemu gives him something he's been missing."

Gabriella smiled warmly, glancing at Wild-Claw. "It sounds like they found each other at the right time. We should be happy for them."

Wild-Claw nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah. If Lupin's with someone like Nemu, it means he's growing, finding his own way. And if she's accepted him, even with his werewolf nature… it means they trust each other."

Daken chuckled, folding his arms across his chest. "I wonder how Mayuri's taking it. Bet he didn't expect one of his creations to hook up with someone like Lupin."

Laura snorted. "I doubt he was thrilled about it. Knowing Mayuri, he probably sees it as some kind of experiment gone off-script."

Gabriella, ever the voice of reason, added, "We should probably give them some space. They've got enough on their plate without us crowding them."

"True," Wild-Claw agreed. "But… maybe we should check in on them later. Make sure they're doing okay. If Lupin's dealing with something new, he might need support."

Daken smirked again, clearly enjoying the situation far too much. "Yeah, I bet Lupin's already trying to figure out how to survive Mayuri's next weird experiment."