Peter Parker, Gwen, and Dr. Smythe entered a large glass enclosure housing humanoid rat-like cross-species creatures. The atmosphere was tense, the air filled with faint hisses and guttural growls.
"Hello, little fella." Peter waved cheerfully at one of the creatures.
The creature hissed and leapt upward, vanishing into the shadows above.
"Why are these creatures caged here, Dr. Smythe?" Gwen asked, her curiosity tinged with unease.
"These creatures are extremely contagious," Smythe explained. "Direct contact can result in a deadly infection or transform a human into one of them. We're working tirelessly to find a solution, Miss Stacy."
"Is there a cure for them?" Peter asked, his tone laced with genuine concern.
"For these things? No." Smythe's voice was clinical. "They're not human—they were created in petri dishes. However, for infected humans, we've made attempts, but progress has been... less than ideal."
As Smythe paused to sign off on some documents handed to him by his staff, Peter and Gwen exchanged uneasy glances.
Nearby, Baobhan Sith, concealed from human sight, glared icily at Smythe.
This wretched man is no different from the others, she thought. They always fear what they don't understand. They don't deserve someone like master as their protector.
"These creatures brought Europe to its knees during the plague," Smythe continued, gesturing toward the cage. "Such vermin deserve nothing but extermination."
Suddenly, the rat-like creature reappeared, leaping down and baring its teeth at Peter.
"Whoa! Easy there, buddy," Peter said, stepping back.
"Why is it acting like that?" Gwen asked, perplexed by its aggression.
"Probably can't resist my good looks," Peter quipped, hoping to lighten the mood.
"Unlike robots, biological creatures are unpredictable," Smythe remarked coldly. "That's why I prefer things I can control."
Peter raised an eyebrow. "Unpredictable, huh?" He muttered sarcastically, sensing Smythe's underlying motivations.
At Peter's side, Baobhan whispered, "Master, I don't like him. Shall I kill him for you?"
"No, Baobhan. You can't just go around killing people!" Peter hissed.
"You're no fun," she pouted, crossing her arms.
The group descended in an elevator, passing other cross-species in containment—humanoid scorpions and iguanas suspended in test tubes.
"Is that an iguana? This is officially the weirdest tour I've ever been on," Peter muttered after seeing a humanoid lizard inside the tube.
"Don't worry," Smythe reassured him. "Our next stop, the nanobot lab, will blow you away."
Baobhan's gaze lingered on the specimens. "Humans have become so inventive," she murmured. "These creatures remind me of the beasts from my time."
Peter tilted his head. "Wait, you're saying the mythical creatures from fairy tales are real?"
"Of course," she replied with a smirk. "Having me as your servant is proof enough."
"Since when are you my servant?" Peter shot back.
"Since you summoned me, obviously," she teased.
Gwen gave Peter a confused glance. "Who are you talking to?"
Before Peter could respond, a scientist interrupted, asking Smythe to sign off on a transfer. Smythe turned to Gwen.
"Perhaps you can help with this bureaucratic nonsense, Miss Stacy. Consider it punishment for trespassing."
Gwen frowned but nodded. "Fine."
Peter's spider-sense flared as he volunteered. "I'll go with her. Someone has to make sure she doesn't get eaten."
Baobhan smirked. Worried about her? How bold of you, Master. Shall I tell her you're a secret playboy?
Please, Baobhan, just help her for me, Peter pleaded.
After some teasing, Baobhan reluctantly agreed.
Smythe smiled faintly. "Beauty does have a way of attracting protectors. Meet me in the lab when you're done—and don't wander off."
As they left, Gwen sighed. "I don't get it. Why are you so skeptical about Dr. Smythe? He's trying to put an end to all this."
Peter frowned. "I don't trust him. Something feels... off."
Before Gwen could respond, one of the cross-species—a humanoid scorpion—suddenly awoke, thrashing inside its containment tube.
"What the—?" Peter stepped back as cracks formed in the glass.
"It's your blood!" Gwen exclaimed.
"No way! It's reacting to something else—oh no, it's breaking out!" Peter's alarm grew as his Dimensional Chat buzzed.
_______
Dimensional Chat Mission Activated:
Objective: Defeat all cross-species and stop Smythe's nano-robots.
Participants: 0/3
Spider-Man: "My luck is terrible today."
Pervert Sage: "Who's joining this mission?"
Shin: "Pass. Busy with my wife."
Kazuma-sama: "Stop showing off! Let me join. I need those OP rewards!"
[1/3]
Evil Spirit: "Ara, ara, count me in, Peter-kun~."
[2/3]
Batman Junior: "I'll join. Time to compare worlds."
[3/3]
__________
The scorpion cross-species broke free, killing nearby scientists. Alarms blared as Smythe barked orders for evacuation.
Gwen locked Peter in a secure room. "Stay here, Peter. This is my responsibility."
"No! I'm not leaving you!" Peter shouted as the glass door sealed.
Nearby, the humanoid mutant cornered Gwen.
"Get away from her!" Peter shouted, but his cries were unheard.
Just as the beast lunged, Baobhan appeared, crimson strings slicing through the air. The creature froze mid-attack before collapsing lifelessly.
"Who... who are you?" Gwen stammered, staring at the red-haired woman.
"Baobhan Sith, Fae Knight of Tristan," she replied smoothly. "And his servant." She gestured toward Peter.
Gwen blinked in disbelief as Baobhan smirked. "Now, little lady, step back. Let me handle this."
Side End.