Chapter 6: Ghost-Spider*
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"Is this the spider that bit you, Gwen?" Peter asked, examining the dead spider in Gwen's hand closely.
Gwen had to place the spider's remains in a small glass box. She mentioned that its body was very fragile, like ashes after a fire. The spider was pale white without any distinct patterns or colors other than white. It had seven legs because one of its legs broke off when Gwen placed it in the glass container.
They were currently in Gwen's apartment. The living room had a modern design with a comfortable light gray sofa and a glass coffee table in the center. Gwen sat on the sofa with Peter beside her.
On the living room walls, there were several pieces of contemporary art and family photos that added a personal touch. In one corner of the room, there was a bookshelf filled with books and several awards won by Gwen and her father.
"Tell me again, where did the spider bite you?" Peter asked Gwen.
"On the roof of my house, while I was enjoying the meteor shower."
"Oh yeah, I remember that day. It was on the news. I wanted to see it too, but because of the city lights, I couldn't see them clearly."
"You're right, their light was dimmer than I expected."
"Do you think this spider came from the meteor? Some kind of alien spider, maybe? I also remember there were reports about some meteors landing in residential areas, and yeah, if I'm not mistaken, one landed near your house." Peter said, shifting his gaze towards Gwen.
"You think so? Are all Spider-People bitten by alien spiders?" Gwen asked, placing the container on the table.
"No, most of them are bitten by genetically engineered spiders from certain companies. Although there are some different cases, most of them are results of genetic engineering. But it seems like your case is quite different from the others, Gwen."
"Many Avengers got their powers from experiments or failed experiments, so I'm not surprised if someone engineered this spider too." Gwen offered her opinion thoughtfully.
"You might be right, Gwen. But regardless of the spider's origin, can you tell me what powers you received?" Peter asked, preparing his notes.
"Should we move to another place? You know, to test my powers." Gwen suggested.
Peter nodded, noticing that Gwen's apartment was too cramped to test superpowers. "Alright, let's continue after we get to—where are we going?"
Gwen just smiled and said, "I know the perfect place, follow me."
With that, they both set off, leaving Gwen's apartment for a secret location known only to Gwen.
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Gwen led Peter far from the bustling city. They walked a long way until they reached an abandoned industrial area on the outskirts of town.
Gwen guided Peter into one of the old warehouses in the area. From the outside, the building looked large and sturdy, but signs of wear and tear were evident. The brick and concrete walls were starting to crack and were covered in moss, with faded graffiti decorating some parts.
Gwen slid the warehouse door open, and they stepped inside. The interior was filled with stacks of wooden crates, old metal drums, and defunct machinery. Dark shadows enveloped the corners of the room, giving the impression that this place was once a hub of activity but had long been abandoned. Large windows on the walls were mostly broken, allowing dim light to filter in.
"This place is perfect, Gwen. Perfect for getting ambushed by gangs and drug dealers. How did you even find a place like this?" Peter asked, his tone a mix of worry and frustration.
"Sorry, Peter. I know this place from a former bandmate. The reason it's not occupied by gangs is that the police once caught him selling drugs here."
"Really? Who was selling drugs, Josh?"
Gwen smiled nervously, "Yeah, good guess, tiger. So don't worry, there won't be anyone else here besides us."
Peter sigh, seeing her reckless act. "Alright, if you say so. First question, how much weight can you lift?"
Gwen smiled, a little nervous but ready to show her abilities, the ability Gwen already tested herself in the past two weeks. They started experimenting with Gwen's powers, testing her strength, speed, and reaction time. Peter meticulously noted down every result, fascinated by Gwen's supernatural abilities.
"So, you can turn invisible, huh?" Peter guessed, trying to locate where Gwen had disappeared. "That could be pretty handy if you ever need to go incognito."
"Well, don't all Spider-People have that ability?" Gwen asked, suddenly appearing in front of Peter and startling him.
"Oh my God, Gwen! Don't do that again," Peter said, annoyed, clutching his notes and looking at Gwen.
"Hahaha, sorry, sorry. So, what other abilities do Spider-People have?"
Peter sighed and replied, "Each one is different, but the common abilities are sticking to walls, Spider-Sense, and shooting webs."
Gwen looked puzzled and curious. "They shoot webs? From where?"
Peter chuckled, amused by Gwen's misunderstanding. "From their hands. Almost all of them create gadgets to shoot webs."
Gwen breathed a sigh of relief after hearing Peter's explanation. "Oh, thank goodness. But what kind of gadget do they use?"
Peter grinned widely and answered enthusiastically, "Good question, Gwen! The gadget is called a web shooter. It's a small device worn on the wrist. Web shooters are equipped with a spring or pressure mechanism to shoot the webs. Inside the web shooter, there's a cartridge filled with a special web fluid developed by Spider-People. This fluid has a unique chemical composition that allows the webs to solidify instantly when shot. These webs are incredibly strong, capable of bearing heavy loads and stretching as needed." Peter explained, clearly passionate about Spider-Man and the cool web shooters.
Gwen nodded in understanding. "That sounds like a perfect gadget for a spider-themed hero. But do we need to create one to be a superhero?" She asked, slightly complaining.
Peter smiled gently and said, "To be a hero, you don't need any gadget, just the right heart is enough." He then changed his expression to a more serious and calculating one. "However, to maximize your potential, I think we could use web shooters."
Peter once again got lost in thought, his brows furrowing as he pondered something. "We can start making the web shooters later, but I want to dig deeper into your other powers, Gwen."
"You mean this?" Gwen then produced a thick cloud of smoke from her hand. The smoke was pale white, similar to the dead spider, and it gathered in Gwen's hand.
"Can you control it freely?" Peter asked as he touched the smoke. He observed every detail carefully.
Gwen responded by changing the shape of the smoke, forming it into simple spheres, cubes, prisms, and even a spider. Peter watched the smoke intently, continually trying to feel something as he touched it.
Peter furrowed his brows, examining the substance in front of him. He then said, "It's not always just smoke. Sometimes it feels like I'm touching something solid, like cotton or candy floss." Peter analyzed, then noted down his hypothesis.
Gwen closed her eyes, absorbed in the strange sensation. "Actually, I also somehow feel your touch through this smoke, Peter. It feels weird, as if I'm connected to it, not physically but maybe… telepathically?" Gwen helped Peter describe the mysterious smoke.
Peter looked surprised and asked Gwen, "Do you feel anything when I touch the smoke, Gwen? Isn't that amazing!?" Peter stopped and continued jotting down his analysis in his notebook. "You could use it to ambush enemies or escape, combined with your invisibility, you'd really become a ghost." Peter said, enthusiastically writing down more ideas and theories.
"A ghost, huh." Gwen said softly, her mind drifting as she pondered Peter's words.
As if struck by lightning, Peter got an idea. "Gwen, can you manipulate the smoke into threads or strings?"
Gwen snapped out of her thoughts and nodded, following Peter's direction. Gwen slowly spun the smoke like cotton candy into thread.
Gwen looked at Peter for confirmation, "Keep going, Gwen, make it as long as possible." She continued, spinning the thread until a pile started forming beneath them.
Seeing this, Gwen finally understood Peter's intention. "You want me to make webs from my smoke?"
Peter looked at Gwen and replied excitedly, "Exactly, Gwen! Isn't it amazing!? With webs you create yourself, you can always feel when they are touched!"
Peter's enthusiasm was contagious, and Gwen added her idea, "And if needed, the web can turn into a smoke bomb. I could even create webs inside the smoke to confuse enemies!"
They both smiled broadly and started experimenting more with the smoke. They tried and tried many things with the smoke and webs, and the results were indeed surprising.
It turned out that the smoke had web-like attributes, or rather, it was Gwen's unique organic web. They knew this because Gwen could easily create webs from the smoke, even though its composition remained the same. When transformed into webs, they had adhesive, elastic, and strong properties, as Peter imagined. And when in smoke form, the composition changed, making it as light as smoke but still controllable.
"So, it can be concluded that you are one of the Spider-People who create organic webs. However, your webs are special because they can change from conventional webs to smoke or vice versa. And even in smoke form, you are still connected to them telepathically and can manipulate them freely. As webs, you can create strong adhesive webs, and as smoke, they can act as radar and obscure enemies' vision."
"Good job, nerd," Gwen teased, seeing Peter's enthusiastic analysis.
"Hey, you're just as much of a nerd as I am," Peter replied, blushing slightly, but he continued, "But seriously, the applications are vast and varied. You'll need to be very creative in using them, Gwen."
Gwen nodded, agreeing with Peter's words. With her unique web form, she could use them more flexibly and in many different combinations. "Lucky for me, I don't have to create web shooters, even though they sound cool."
Peter responded without realizing he was exposing himself, "Right!? I really want to help you create them, I already have the theories in my head!" Realizing his slip, he changed the topic and said, "However, with my busy schedule at Kamar-Taj, I doubt I can finish it quickly."
Gwen didn't notice Peter's concern, she pondered their current situation. "Too bad, so what I need to do now is practice fighting?"
Peter hesitated for a moment, thinking about it, then replied, "Do you want to come with me to Kamar-Taj? Although their focus is on mystic arts, they have some masters who are skilled in combat. That's only if you want to, of course. You could also join a dojo or something." Peter spoke awkwardly at the end of his sentence.
Gwen watched Peter as he invited her. She found Peter's indirect approach quite cute. She chuckled softly and replied, "You know, that's actually a good idea. I'd love to see where you train your magic."
"Really!? Great! I mean, of course, it would be great for you, Gwen. I'll talk to Master Wong, I'll convince him, leave it to me." Peter responded with a wide smile.
Gwen smiled at Peter's antics and said, "Alright, I think that's enough for today. Let's head home." Gwen suggested, still amused by Peter's behavior.
"Okay, let me walk you home." Peter stood up and started packing his things.
With that, Peter walked Gwen home. They chatted about their daily events on the way. They laughed and smiled as they spent the rest of the day together.
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Peter arrived home as the sun was setting below the horizon, casting a soft orange glow across the sky. He felt relieved after a long day, and the fact that he had taken the day off from Wong gave him the freedom to enjoy the rest of the day without any burden.
As soon as he got home, Peter headed straight to his room, intending to continue reading the book he was studying. However, before he could open the first page, May called him from the kitchen.
"Peter, our oven broke again. How about we eat out tonight?" May appeared from the kitchen with flour-covered hands.
Peter closed his book and smiled, "Sure, May. Is there any place you want to go?"
They decided to try a small Italian restaurant that had just opened near their home. Peter felt happy to spend time with May. With school and his mystic studies, he rarely had the chance to spend time alone with her like this.
The restaurant they visited had a warm atmosphere with small lights hanging from the ceiling, casting a gentle glow on the tables. The fragrant aroma of pasta and pizza filled the air.
As they sat down, the waiter brought menus, and Peter immediately started a conversation, "So, how was your day, Aunt May?"
May smiled and began to talk about her day at work. Peter listened attentively, occasionally slipping in comments or questions that showed how much he valued everything she said.
Not long after, the waiter arrived with their orders. Peter with his lasagna and May with her carbonara pasta.
"You know, Peter," said May, twirling her fork in her pasta, "I always enjoy spending time like this with you. It feels like we haven't had much time to sit together lately."
Peter nodded, recognizing how busy their lives had been. "I feel the same way, Aunt May. I'll try to make more time for us."
They continued their dinner with warm conversations. May talked about vacation plans and ideas for home improvements, while Peter shared a bit about his studies without mentioning anything too mysterious or related to his recent mission as Guy-in-the-Chair for Spider-Woman.
Peter drifted into his thoughts, recalling today's events with Gwen. He smiled, remembering how unique and powerful Gwen's spider abilities were. Beyond the basic abilities like wall-crawling and heightened senses, her organic webs could be controlled telepathically and turned into smoke, coupled with invisibility. Gwen was one of the most unique Spider-People Peter knew.
Peter snapped out of his thoughts when May gave him a worried look. He apologized with a gentle smile and continued the conversation, making sure he was fully present for May.
After finishing their dinner, they walked home with full stomachs and light hearts. Along the way, they passed a small park with creaky wooden benches as the wind blew. May paused for a moment, gazing at the now star-filled sky.
"You know, Peter, I still remember when you were little, we often walked in this park. You always ran after butterflies," May laughed softly, reminiscing about those times.
Peter laughed along, "Yeah, I remember. Butterflies always fascinated me. Though now, I don't know why, but I like spiders more." Peter ended his sentence with a meaningful smile.
May, not noticing, continued and responded to Peter's comment. "Eh, what's so good about spiders? Butterflies with their beautiful wings are definitely more interesting."
Peter just smiled fondly, staying silent and listening to May as she talked, occasionally patting his shoulder gently. May brought up various topics, even revisiting ones they discussed at the restaurant. They continued their walk through the park towards home.
When they got home, Peter helped May clear the dinner table and wash the used dishes. Peter also checked their oven and prepared the tools needed to fix it the next day. May didn't allow Peter to do it since it was already late. Peter just followed May's words and cleaned himself up.
Once everything was done, they sat together in the living room, watching their favorite TV show. Both of them immersed in the comfort of each other's company, enjoying the simple moments often forgotten in the busyness of daily life.
May suddenly said, "Peter, you know, I'm so proud of you. Whatever you do, always remember that I'm here for you."
Peter turned and smiled gratefully, feeling comforted by May's presence. Without many words, Peter knew how much that support meant to him. They continued watching TV until late at night, before Peter finally went back to his room with a calm heart and hopeful mind.
That night, as he lay in bed, Peter reflected on everything that had happened. He felt grateful to have May in his life, someone who was always there for him unconditionally. With that thought, he slowly fell asleep, dreaming of the adventures that awaited him the next day.
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Although initially rejected by Wong, thanks to Peter's negotiation skills, he agreed to find a mentor to train Gwen in hand-to-hand combat.
Although the Sorcerers do not focus too much on physical training, at least they have a good foundation to teach Gwen. Relying on Gwen's sneaky Spider-Sense ability, Peter thought she would easily outmaneuver the fighters in Kamar-Taj. However, in reality, Gwen lost in her confrontation.
The hand-to-hand combat teacher who trained Gwen was a former professional soldier. She was a close combat specialist and had been in the military for quite some time. She felt devastated after losing her husband in the war. Somehow, she ended up becoming a sorcerer in Kathmandu, Kamar-Taj.
Gwen's mentor was named Veronica Silva, a 34-year-old woman from Symkaria. She was a former royal special forces soldier along with her husband, Nozel Silva. Due to a civil war, she lost her husband and discovered the harsh reality of the Symkarian government's actions that led to the rebellion.
After her husband's death and before joining Kamar-Taj, she switched professions to become a mercenary. Her husband's death made her doubt her government's intentions and motives. So, for several years, she lived on the battlefield without the strict rules of any nation.
When she was in a critical moment, the Ancient One visited her personally and offered her a place at Kamar-Taj. She began studying the mystic arts and found peace in the mission of protecting the world.
She felt like she was in the right place because her and her husband's goal in becoming soldiers was to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. And after understanding the Sorcerers' mission, even without her husband, she had a new purpose to protect her universe from greater threats.
Veronica, with sharp eyes and quick movements, taught Gwen the basic techniques of combat. Gwen, who felt confident with her Spider-Sense, soon realized how difficult it was to face a professional soldier. Every time Gwen fell, Veronica helped her up and provided useful tips.
Gwen, who had only fought relying on knowledge from movies and comics, had to face the reality of the vast experience and skill gap between her and a professional. Although Gwen's Spider-Sense initially surprised her teacher, Veronica quickly adapted and defeated Gwen. Gwen was fascinated by her teacher's skills and began eagerly following her new mentor's lessons.
"Kamar-Taj has a lot of interesting people, doesn't it?" Peter said, watching Gwen get beaten by the former soldier. He was glad Gwen had an opponent who could help her improve. He was pleased with this development because at least Gwen would keep training here before actively becoming a hero out there.
Seeing how Gwen kept getting back up after being defeated gave Peter new motivation to continue his studies. Peter left Gwen, heading to the library and focusing his mind. He read and tried to understand the books Wong had given him earlier.
The books were still as difficult to understand as ever, but Peter didn't give up and did what he could to better comprehend and delve into their contents. Using dictionaries and Google Translate, he carefully considered the context for words with multiple meanings.
Wong watched the two young ones from a distance and smiled. He felt admiration for the spirit and care they had for each other. Their mutual encouragement made Wong nod in approval.
Although initially surprised by Peter's request, Wong eventually agreed to find a mentor for Gwen. The strength, agility, and danger detection that the girl possessed would surely overwhelm other sorcerers. Fortunately, Kamar-Taj had someone skilled in close combat.
Seeing Veronica's demeanor, Wong knew she was the right mentor for Gwen. The combination of Gwen's spirit and Veronica's mission was perfect, and Wong looked forward to the results of Gwen's training in the future. His presence as Sorcerer Supreme was needed elsewhere, so Wong left them quietly.
After hours of studying and reading, Peter looked toward the library door and saw Veronica and Gwen walking closer. Gwen looked tired but enthusiastic, her face flushed from the intense training she had just undergone. Veronica smiled faintly, proud of the progress her new student had made. "You did well today, Gwen," said Veronica firmly yet supportively. Gwen nodded, feeling relieved and more motivated.
Peter was pleased to see Gwen's progress and thanked Veronica for her guidance. "Thank you, Master Veronica. Gwen learned a lot today," he said sincerely. Veronica just nodded and gently patted Gwen's shoulder, "Stay focused and never give up. We'll continue again tomorrow."
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