chapter twenty:
❛ a simulation ❜

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the reason i always say "please don't be a ghost reader" this isnt just because i want votes, i mean i do, but ive been writing on this app for 3 almost 4 years and it helps me stay motivated because that means people are reading my stuff. and unlike other people, they have so many views on their books and i know my writing isnt the best but i love to write and it just helps me stay motivated. and i know i unpublish and republish my chapters and i get thats really annoying

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As their class bus finally rolled to a stop outside the grand hotel in Prague, the students buzzed with excitement. The view outside the windows was breathtaking-stone architecture, bustling streets, and a hotel that looked like it belonged in a fairytale. The moment the doors swung open, Gwen was already on her feet, practically leaping down the bus steps. She landed on the cobblestone sidewalk and, with dramatic flair, dropped to her knees, pressing her hands to the ground.

"Thank the lord!" she exclaimed, kissing the ground and throwing her arms up in mock reverence.

Peter followed her down the steps, laughing at her antics. But, naturally, Flash wasn't about to let this moment pass without a comment. "Praying for Parker to finally ask you out, Stacy?" he sneered.

Gwen stood up, brushing off her jeans with a smirk, and gave Flash a withering look. "Aren't you the one who said he thought Spider-Man and Spider-Woman were 'the coolest ever'?" she countered, raising an eyebrow. Flash's smug grin quickly turned into a scowl as he glared back at her.

"Whatever," he muttered before storming off toward the hotel entrance, red-faced. Gwen shared an amused look with Peter, who was trying to stifle his laughter.

The two followed Flash inside, and they were immediately struck by the grandeur of the lobby. The floors gleamed under crystal chandeliers, with intricate molding and luxurious furniture filling the space. Gwen's jaw dropped as she took it all in, and she noticed her classmates looking equally awestruck.

Mr. Harrington clapped his hands, drawing their attention. "Alright, everyone, get settled into your rooms," he announced with a grin. "And be ready for tonight's big surprise-we're going to Prague's annual Carnival of Lights!"

The students cheered, clearly thrilled about the night ahead. Gwen, however, felt a prickling sensation and realized MJ was staring intently at her from across the room, her gaze cool and unreadable.

Gwen crossed her arms, feeling the irritation bubble up. "Why do you keep staring at me, Jones? Got something to say?" she asked, a challenge in her voice.

MJ merely sighed, her expression unchanging. "Nope," she replied, her tone calm as ever, before turning away.

Peter nudged Gwen's side, shooting her a "let it go" look. Gwen huffed but rolled her eyes and let it drop. Just then, Peter's phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling his attention away. He glanced at the screen, and his eyes widened slightly as he read the message. He gave Gwen a quick look and subtly gestured for her to come over.

"What's up?" Gwen asked, leaning in.

Peter leaned closer, his voice just above a whisper. "Spider time," he said with a wink. Her expression immediately shifted to a serious one, understanding the urgency. Before they could make their exit, though, Ned appeared beside them, a sheepish look on his face.

"Hey, guys," he greeted, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, I know I've been... kind of distracted with Betty. But I'm still your guy in the chair. I'm here for you both."

Peter smiled, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "It's all good, Ned. Really."

"Yeah, don't worry about it," Gwen added, giving him a reassuring smile. "You've been a great friend."

Ned sighed in relief. "Thanks. I just... you know, I don't want you guys to think I bailed on you." He then glanced around, lowering his voice even further. "So, what's going on with the elemental thing? Where's it supposed to hit next?"

Gwen and Peter exchanged a tense look. Peter swallowed, glancing back at Ned. "Uh... here. In Prague."

Ned's eyes widened, a flicker of panic flashing across his face. "Wait, we're here? And the thing is here?" he whisper-yelled, trying not to freak out.

Peter nodded, sighing. "Yeah, and it's not great. We're working on it, though."

Ned's gaze darted around as if seeing danger lurking in the corners. "You two have to do something. Please. We're counting on you," he urged.

Before they could reassure him, a familiar voice called out. "Ned!"

Betty waved him over, her face lit up in a smile. "Yeah, I'm coming, babe!" Ned called back, giving Gwen and Peter a final look of encouragement. "Seriously, though, you guys have got this. I believe in you."

As he hurried off to join Betty, Gwen watched him go, a weight of responsibility settling over her. She let out a quiet sigh, her expression turning determined. Turning to Peter, she gave him a firm nod. "Looks like it's up to us."

Peter nodded back, his gaze steady and focused. The two shared a moment of understanding, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Peter had left the hotel with a sense of purpose, the weight of the mission heavy on his shoulders. Gwen watched him go, her heart a mix of worry and excitement. She knew the risks he was taking meeting with Nick Fury, especially with everything that had happened recently. "Just call when you're ready," she had insisted, not wanting to be left in the dark about what was happening. Now, alone in their lavish hotel room, she could feel the anxiety creeping in.

With a sigh, Gwen pushed her worries aside and turned her attention to the dresser, where a small box sat waiting. The card attached read, "To GS from NF." Her curiosity piqued, she approached it, her heart racing as she opened the box. Inside lay a sleek, black leather suit, identical to the one Peter had shown her the day before. It was tailored for her, with intricate designs woven into the fabric that caught the light in a way that sent a thrill down her spine.

"This is incredible," she whispered to herself, holding it up to admire the craftsmanship. The suit felt cool against her skin, and as she carefully slipped it on, she marveled at how it hugged her body perfectly. Gwen stood in front of the bathroom mirror, her reflection revealing a powerful version of herself that she had only dreamed of. The leather clung to her, a second skin that seemed to pulse with potential. "I can't believe I'm actually going to wear this," she said aloud, a smile creeping onto her lips.

But just as she began to revel in the moment, a strange noise echoed through the room. It was a low, unsettling hum that made her pause. "What was that?" she murmured, furrowing her brow. Cautiously, she opened the bathroom door, peering out into the dimly lit hotel room.

Suddenly, the world around her lurched, and she felt herself being pulled into a whirlpool of darkness. "What the-" Gwen gasped as the floor disappeared beneath her. She tumbled into a simulation, the sensations disorienting. When the world settled, she found herself standing in a simulated version of Stark Industries, the bustling sounds of a busy workplace surrounding her.

Everything appeared strikingly real: the bright overhead lights, the faint hum of machinery, and the chatter of employees going about their business. "Where am I?" she muttered, glancing around in confusion. She felt a sense of déjà vu, but before she could gather her thoughts, the environment morphed again, and she was back in her apartment. The familiarity of her surroundings felt strangely comforting, but something was off.

Gwen stood in her living room, still clad in her new suit. "I'm probably just asleep or something," she said to herself, shaking her head as if to clear the fog clouding her mind. Just then, she noticed her brother, Max, sitting on the couch, his expression mirroring her own bewilderment. "Max!" she exclaimed, relief flooding her heart as she rushed over to him, enveloping him in a tight hug. "What's happening? How did I get here?"

Max's eyes widened as he returned her embrace, but before he could respond, a bizarre mechanical tentacle shot through the window with a swift, chilling motion. "Max!" Gwen screamed, her voice tinged with panic as the tentacle wrapped around him, pulling him away with terrifying speed. Her heart raced, adrenaline surging through her veins. Without thinking, she sprang into action, instinctively pulling her mask over her face, a gesture that felt both empowering and urgent.

"No!" she yelled, adrenaline coursing through her as she dashed to the window. In a heartbeat, she leaped out, propelled by the same instincts that had saved her countless times before. As she soared through the air, she felt a rush of wind against her face, the night sky stretching out before her like an endless canvas.

Just as she leaped, the simulation dissolved around her, and she found herself plummeting through darkness, the street of Prague rushing up to meet her. The sensation of falling gripped her, but she quickly regained her composure. With a flick of her wrist, she shot a web toward a nearby light pole, the webbing sticking instantly. She swung forward, momentum carrying her as she caught herself and flipped, hanging upside down.

As she dangled, her heart racing and breathless, Gwen surveyed her surroundings. The vibrant streets of Prague were alive with lights, the sounds of nightlife echoing around her. But her focus quickly shifted back to her hotel room. Her eyes widened as she noticed ominous drones emerging from the window, their mechanical whirring slicing through the crisp night air. "What the fuck?" she muttered, confusion washing over her.

Her instincts kicked in again, and Gwen felt the weight of urgency settle in her chest. Whatever was happening, it was connected to the simulation and the strange mechanical creature that had taken Max. "I need to figure this out," she vowed, determination igniting within her as she swung away from the light pole, ready to confront the unknown dangers that awaited her.

The night felt charged with possibilities, and with every swing through the streets of Prague, she steeled herself for whatever lay ahead, her brother's safety at the forefront of her mind. "Hold on, Max," she whispered to herself, "I'm coming."

Gwen swung through the vibrant streets of Prague, her senses heightened as she followed the trail of drones buzzing overhead. The cool night air whipped against her face as she darted between historic buildings, their stone facades illuminated by the soft glow of street lamps. The rhythmic whirring of the drones grew louder, guiding her deeper into the heart of the city, where the shadows elongated and twisted into dark corners.

She ducked into a narrow alley, the walls looming ominously on either side. Here, the air felt thicker, and the light from the street lamps barely penetrated the darkness. "Where are you taking me?" she whispered to herself, determination coursing through her veins as she focused on the dimly lit path ahead.

As she ventured further, a raucous laughter echoed through the alley, cutting through the silence. Gwen's instincts kicked in, her heart racing as three figures stepped into her path, blocking her escape. They were scruffy men, their clothes tattered and stained, and they wore sneers that spoke of trouble. "Look what we have here, boys," one of them jeered, his eyes glinting with malice. "A little spider girl lost in the dark. How cute."

Gwen felt a surge of adrenaline and narrowed her eyes, squaring her shoulders. "I'm not in the mood for games," she shot back, her voice steady despite the rising tension. She could feel her spider senses tingling, alerting her to the danger.

The man in front took a step closer, puffing out his chest. "Oh, we're just getting started," he taunted, lunging at her with a wild swing.

With a fluid motion, Gwen dropped into a defensive stance, her body reacting instinctively. She ducked under his punch, then sprang up, executing a backflip that sent her soaring over him. Landing gracefully behind him, she wasted no time; her leg shot out, connecting with his chest and sending him crashing into the alley wall with a thud.

The other two men exchanged glances, hesitating only briefly before charging at her. Gwen was a blur of motion, flipping sideways to dodge the first guy and launching a web that ensnared him before he could react. With a swift kick, she sent him tumbling to the ground, struggling to break free from the sticky strands.

The last man hesitated, fear creeping into his expression as he realized he was outmatched. Gwen took a step forward, her confidence radiating from her. "You picked the wrong spider to mess with," she quipped, her tone laced with bravado.

But just as quickly as the adrenaline had surged, it began to dissipate, replaced by a growing sense of unease. Gwen's heart sank as she scanned the darkened alley. The drones had vanished, and with them, any lead she had on what was happening. "No... no, no, no!" she muttered, frustration bubbling to the surface. She clenched her fists, feeling the reality of her situation crashing down around her. "This isn't right," she thought, the words echoing in her mind.

Suddenly, a chilling realization gripped her: Was I really in a simulation? Max hadn't been real; he couldn't be. The panic clawed at her chest, but she shook her head, willing herself to focus. She needed to check on him, to know he was safe. Taking a deep breath, she pulled out her phone and dialed his number, her fingers trembling slightly.

"Come on, pick up," she urged, her heart racing as the phone rang.

After a few rings, Max's familiar voice broke through the static. "Gwen! Hey!"

Relief flooded her system, warmth spreading through her chest at the sound of his voice. "Max! Are you okay? I just-"

"I'm fine! Just watching TV. Where are you?" he asked, his tone bright and carefree.

Gwen couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "I'm in Prague, but I think I might be in some weird simulation or something."

"What do you mean?" Max asked, confusion evident.

"Nothing, just... I had a weird experience. Are you sure you're alright?" she pressed, the worry creeping back in.

"I'm totally good! Mom's making dinner, and Melina is excited because she thinks you're bringing me a cool souvenir," Max replied, and Gwen chuckled softly at the thought of her soon-to-be stepsister's excitement.

"Melina is there?" she asked, her heart warming at the idea.

"Yeah! She's been bugging me to call you! Here, let me get her!" Max exclaimed, and Gwen could hear the sound of shuffling on the other end.

Moments later, Melina's voice chimed in. "Gwen! Are you okay? I miss you!"

"I miss you too, Melina! I promise I'll bring you something really cool, okay?" Gwen assured her, feeling a rush of affection.

"Okay! Hurry back!" Melina replied, her voice bubbling with joy.

After a few more exchanges, Gwen hung up, feeling lighter despite the uncertainty lingering in her mind. But just as she began to process everything, her phone buzzed in her pocket, jolting her back to reality.

She pulled out her phone and saw a message from Peter flash across the screen: "It's time. Meet me at the rendezvous."

Her heart raced at the urgency of his words. Whatever had been happening was about to escalate, and she needed to be ready. "Guess the simulation will have to wait," she murmured to herself, determination igniting in her chest.

Gwen took a deep breath, her mind shifting gears as she prepared to dive back into the chaos. "Let's do this." With a quick flick of her wrist, she shot a web into the night sky, swinging off toward the meeting point. The shadows of Prague stretched out before her, and she felt the thrill of the hunt coursing through her veins.

As she traversed the rooftops, she couldn't shake the feeling that something larger was at play. Her thoughts raced, memories of the simulation colliding with the present. What was real? What wasn't?

The streets below blurred as she swung from building to building, her instincts sharp and focused. But even as she soared through the night, doubt lingered in her mind, a nagging question she couldn't shake. What had she left behind? And what awaited her at the rendezvous?

The thrill of the chase kept her heart pumping, but as she approached the meeting point, a shadow loomed over her thoughts-a reminder that her journey was just beginning, and the true danger still lay ahead.

ASH SPEAKS!

sigh we're almost to no way home :(
i dont want to write gwen forgetting peter and only knowing spiderman

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!!
COMMENT AND VOTE! IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:)