Marvel: Blood in the Water

"The scientist who tried to recreate the serum has been killed."

[Do we have the serum he created, or do we know who did it?]

"The only thing we know for sure is that the serum wasn't successful... the man aged more than ten years in just one day. I think he injected it into himself, and something went horribly wrong. He also seemed to be psychologically unstable, according to the kids."

[Kids?]

"Yes, Agent Coulson. He had a verbal spat with two kids near their school. It was caught on CCTV, so I came to the precinct to interview them. One of the kids is a detective's son, so I couldn't ask much in detail. However, based on their statement, I could determine that he looked older than his biological age and was behaving erratically."

[Alright… focus on finding who killed him and who hired him to create the serum in the first place. I've already sent a team to locate the lab he might've been working from. I'll brief Director Fury on the findings.]

"Got it, Phil," Sophia—though it would be more fitting to say Shield agent Natasha Romanoff—responded, cutting the call.

On the other side, as Phil pocketed his phone, he turned around to find Director Nick Fury and another woman standing just behind him. He motioned for them to enter.

"Director Fury, Vice Director Maria Hill," he greeted. "I was just about to brief you."

Maria Hill was Director Fury's right hand. Though her official title was Vice Director, she often acted as Fury's closest advisor and secretary. She was the one Fury trusted implicitly, the keeper of many of Shield's secrets.

"What's going on, Phil? You heading out?" Director Fury asked, his brow furrowing as he sized up Phil's demeanor.

Phil nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, Director. I just got a report from Agent Romanoff. It seems someone tried to replicate the serum that was given to Captain America. So far, the scientist's dead, and local authorities are investigating."

"That serum?" Maria's voice held concern. "Did the culprit manage to replicate it?"

"Not according to the latest report. But until the detective officially writes up his findings, we can't say for sure."

"We handle threats like this every day, Phil. Why does this one concern you so much?" Fury asked, his voice rough but tinged with curiosity.

Phil sighed, shaking his head. "Ever since Tony Stark found out it was us who sent Romanoff to him, he's been keeping an eye on her. We expected it—Stark doesn't want to share his Iron Man technology with anyone. But being put on his watchlist spooks Romanoff a bit. I think I should pay him a visit."

"Tony Stark is a problem, but Howard Stark is someone the entire Shield respects. He's one of the three founders. Tell Romanoff not to worry about Tony's surveillance. We need to gain his trust, and the only way to do that is with a bit of transparency," Fury advised.

Phil nodded in agreement, though a part of him still doubted Stark's full cooperation.

"I'll handle it, sir. Is there anything else?" Phil asked, his gaze steady.

"There's the energy signature we picked up from New York City a few days ago. I haven't received any updates on that," Fury replied, his expression turning thoughtful.

Phil hesitated, then spoke with more caution. "We found no definitive traces to back up the claim. The equipment is still being tested, though many believe it could have been a glitch. Both teams we sent out to investigate returned empty-handed. The location couldn't be pinpointed, and the neighborhood was residential. Even the police reports didn't show any unusual activity during that time frame."

Fury gave a heavy sigh. "Hmm... I've got something else for you, but I see you've got your hands full."

Phil paused, sensing something more pressing. "What happened?"

Fury turned back to face him. "We've received a special request from the military. They want us to find a man named Bruce Banner. Higher-ups are pushing hard to locate him. I need to know why, and if we should even get involved."

Maria, who had been silently observing, slid a tablet toward Fury, her fingers working quickly on the screen. She glanced up at Phil. "He's one of our top Strike team agents. Recruited personally by Alexander Pierce. Should I send him on this mission? You can join him after you meet with Stark."

As Fury took the tablet, Phil gave Maria a subtle nod, silently thanking her for the quick suggestion.

"Agent Brock Rumlow," Fury muttered, reading through the file. "His profile is impressive. The Strike team has been a remarkable initiative. Brief him on the mission, and Phil, I expect you back by tomorrow."

"Got it, Boss," Phil affirmed with a nod, and Fury turned to leave.

Smith Residence. (10 minutes later)

"I think they're back," Maya said, peering through the window as Elise's car rolled up the driveway. She was busy putting up decorations for the kids' birthday. As soon as her voice reached the others, Derek—who had been inflating balloons—Mrs. Smith, and Jared's Aunt May hurried to the window. When they saw Jared and Ryan step out of the car, they rushed toward the door.

"Stay inside, both of you," Mrs. Smith called over her shoulder, glancing back at Maya and Derek. Derek, who had already started heading toward the door, was stopped by Maya.

"It looks pretty serious," Maya said. "Let's stay out of it for now. We can squeeze the details out of Ryan later."

Understanding that something important was going on, Derek nodded and returned to his task of inflating balloons.

Outside, as the two women opened the door, they enveloped the boys in tight hugs. Jared was momentarily caught off guard, but he didn't push Aunt May away.

Mrs. Smith looked at Ryan and said, "Your father called. He told me you got into it with a man who ended up getting murdered."

"Are you two hurt?" Aunt May asked, her voice laced with concern as she checked Jared.

"No, Aunt May… when we encountered him, he was alive," Jared reassured her. "Ryan's father showed up right after, and the man went his way."

Both women sighed with relief.

Detective Elise stepped out of the car just then. "The kids are right," she said, her voice firm. "We only brought them in for questioning because they were the last to see the man alive. It's a procedural formality, and they gave clear statements to both the detectives and the FBI."

"The FBI is involved in this?" Aunt May asked, her voice sharp with shock as she pulled Jared closer again.

"Yes," Elise nodded, her expression stoic. "We don't know much yet. Mathew's at the crime scene. He said he'd come here as soon as he can."

"That's a relief," Mrs. Smith murmured. "I didn't know what to do when I found out the kids were already at the precinct."

Elise nodded. "No need to worry. I'll take my leave now."

"Come on," Mrs. Smith insisted with a warm smile. "You're already here. Might as well stay and celebrate with the kids."

Elise hesitated briefly before accepting, stepping inside.

Jared's POV

As I entered the house, I saw the twins chasing each other around, toys in hand. Derek was surrounded by colorful balloons, and Maya was busy sticking letters spelling out "Happy Birthday" on the wall.

"You guys seem to be having fun," I joked, my voice light despite the weight of everything that had happened.

Maya walked toward me, handing me the tape and scissors. "I've got other things to do," she said, "but I'm heading home to change. By the time I come back, I expect this place to look like a party."

Ryan, sensing an opening, was handed a pack of deflated balloons by Derek. "I need to shower," Derek said with a grin. "I'll be back in an hour. Promise."

"So who's gonna spill what happened?" Maya asked, her eyes fixed on Ryan and me.

"It's not as serious as they're making it seem, I'll tell you guys later." Ryan answered quietly.

"We'll talk about it tonight," I added, feeling the weight of the day settling over me.

Derek, clearly impatient, was about to press further when the sharp sound of metal clanging against metal echoed through the house, followed by the shrill screams of the kids.

Instantly, everyone sprang into action, including Elise whose hand instinctively landed on the gun holstered on her waist, who had been talking to Mrs. Smith and Aunt May in the kitchen. Everyone rushed toward the bathroom, fear evident in their faces as they tried to figure out what had happened.

**

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