The remaining cross-species panicked as they witnessed one of their own being killed mercilessly by Baobhan Sith. In fear, they scattered, disappearing into the shadows.
Baobhan Sith turned toward Gwen, her crimson eyes gleaming.
"You killed it? Why? And who... who are you?" Gwen stammered, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and curiosity.
Baobhan sighed dramatically. "Humans these days. A simple thank you would suffice. But alas, manners are scarce. Can you at least do me a favor and free him?" She pointed toward Peter, who was locked behind the reinforced glass door.
Gwen hesitated but eventually nodded. Entering the code on the keypad, she released Peter.
"Thanks for saving her, Baobhan. Really, you're a lifesaver," Peter said earnestly as he stepped out.
Baobhan smirked. "No need for thanks, Master. Just remember your promise." Her tone carried a playful warning.
"Promise? What promise?" Gwen raised an eyebrow, looking suspiciously between the two.
Peter scratched the back of his neck nervously. "Uh... it's a long story, Gwen."
Before Gwen could probe further, Peter's Dimensional Chat buzzed. He glanced at it.
________
Batman Junior: "Where are you, @Spider?"
Spider-Man: "Still inside Oscorp building. Where are you guys?"
Kazuma-sama: "Outside the building. Oh, and by the way, monsters are already running wild in the city."
Evil Spirit: "Shall I come rescue you, Peter-kun?"
Spider-Man: "No need, Kurumi. I'll handle things here. Just wait for me outside."
Batman Junior: "Alright, but hurry. Things are getting worse."
___________
Peter pocketed his device and turned to Baobhan and Gwen. "The cross-species have escaped the building. We need to stop them before the virus spreads."
Gwen's eyes widened. "If we don't act quickly, the entire city could be at risk! Let's go!"
Peter donned his Spider-Man costume, then knelt before Gwen. "Hop on. I'll get you somewhere safe first."
Gwen hesitated for only a moment before climbing onto his back, wrapping her arms around his neck.
As Peter stood, he noticed Baobhan glaring at him, her lips curling into a not-so-pleasant smile.
"Uh... something wrong?" he asked, his voice tinged with unease.
Baobhan chuckled, though it wasn't comforting. "Oh, nothing. Just... wondering."
As they moved through the building, a spider-shaped security robot suddenly descended from the ceiling, its cold, mechanical voice announcing: "Cross-species detected. Engage."
The robot fired a laser beam at Peter, who narrowly dodged thanks to his spider-sense.
Baobhan, observing the scene, sighed. "Machines. Annoying and lifeless. My powers are wasted on them."
Despite this, she summoned her blood wires, ensnaring the robot in crimson threads. With a sharp pull, she crushed it into a heap of sparking metal.
Peter grinned. "Thanks for the assist, Baobhan!"
"Don't get careless, Master. We need to get your... Girlfriend to safety." Her tone dripped with thinly veiled jealousy.
Peter sighed. "She's not my girlfriend, Baobhan."
"Oh? Then why does she know your identity?" Baobhan retorted, crossing her arms.
Peter groaned, sensing this wasn't a battle he could win. "I'm sorry, okay? Whatever I did, I'm sorry."
"You're forgiven," Baobhan said with a sly grin, "but only if you promise to never look at another woman without my approval."
"Uh... okay?" Peter replied, bewildered.
After navigating through traps and security measures, Peter finally carried Gwen to a quarantine room.
"You'll be safe here," he assured her as he gently set her down on a bed.
"Thank you, Peter. And... thank you too, Miss Baobhan, for saving my life."
Baobhan nodded gracefully. "It's my duty as his servant... and his owner."
Peter sighed at her usual antics but focused on Gwen. "What should I do now?"
"You need to find Dr. Smythe. He might have answers," Gwen said, though her voice betrayed doubt.
Peter frowned, recalling the Dimensional Chat mission. Smythe was likely part of the problem, not the solution.
"I'll try. But first, how can we stop the virus from spreading?"
"There's no antidote yet," Gwen admitted. "The virus has mutated. It's not like Dr. Connors' serum—it's far more dangerous."
Peter nodded solemnly. "Alright. I'll figure something out. I promise."
_________
Spider-Man: "Guys, be careful. These cross-species carry a deadly virus. Don't engage recklessly."
Kazuma-sama: "Wait, what? A virus? Am I going to turn into some freaky animal?"
Spider-Man: "Either that or... you die. So yeah, be careful."
Batman Junior: "Thanks for the warning."
Spider-Man: "Shin, any advice?"
Shin: "Use Kurumi's ability to create clones to analyze their patterns. Then contact Dr. Connors to help create an antidote. And, of course, stop Smythe."
Spider-Man: "Thanks, Shin. I owe you one."
___________
Gwen handed Peter a sleek device from the table. "Take this. It's an Oscorp prototype called the Os-Phone. I can use it to contact you."
Peter took the device and smiled. "Thanks. I'll be back soon. Baobhan, can you stay and protect Gwen for me?"
Baobhan grinned. "Of course. I'd like to... get to know Miss Gwen better."
"Don't do anything weird, okay?" Peter pleaded.
Baobhan feigned innocence. "Me? Weird? Never."
"Goodbye, Gwen. Stay safe."
As Peter left, Gwen shifted nervously under Baobhan's gaze.
"Now, my dear Gwen," Baobhan began with a mischievous smile, "why don't we get to know each other?"
Gwen swallowed hard. "Uh... sure. That sounds... nice."
Side End.