A/N: I'M ALIVE!! 🔥

For those who have not read my message in my bio (which I highly advise), I will say here: 

I just started school and I'm sorry to say, I have to get accustomed to my crazy schedule and writing my stories. So please be patient from here on out as I will try my best to get things ready for the story and school. 

So please refrain from asking when I will be updating as I love this story and I won't give up on it, I only ask for some time to get accustomed to school and writing my stories.🥹

SUPER DUPER LONG CHAPTER AHEAD! And this will be the final chapter of the arc😙 Enjoy!

Gwen groaned as light dimmed through her thin blue curtains. She rolled her eyes, turning the other way and cuddling inside her bed. She can smell the flower fragrance on her sheets and the warmth. 

She stopped as a subtle knocking was heard on her door, she groaned, pretending to go back to sleep. She heard a chuckle causing her to turn around slightly to where it was coming from. 

"I called you three times, you're going to be late."

Gwen was paralyzed. She remembered very well those eyes and the wrinkles underneath. Her lips trembled as she shakily stood on her feet. The man softly smiled at her, leaning against the door frame. 

"Dad?" she whispered. 

"Good morning, get changed. Breakfast is ready," George smiled at her, turning away.

He's here? How is that possible?

"Dad, wait," she grabbed his hand and refrained from flinching back as she felt his warmth. Tears pooled in her eyes as she tackled him in a hug. George blinked owlishly and awkwardly hugged his daughter as she cried. 

"Is something wrong, sweetheart?"

Gwen stopped as a new voice came. She trembled as she turned around to see a beautiful woman with blonde hair and blue eyes. The woman glanced at her and worriedly cupped her cheek. 

Gwen whimpered as the woman looked her over, feeling her warmth. 

"What happened, Dove?" Helen asked, wiping her tears. She grew worried as her daughter was crying. She hardly cried in front of them.

"Y-You're here...Mom..." Gwen tearily laughs, hugging her too. The parents can only stare at each other confused for their daughter. They both smiled knowingly and glanced at her.

"Are you nervous about school?" the woman teased. 

Gwen was confused. This has to be a dream. Her father is not with her and there is no way her mother was there too. She's dead. It's not possible. She felt that she was missing something but nothing comes to mind. 

Why wouldn't her parents be there? They have always been there, weren't they? George backed away and ruffled her messy hair. "Hurry up, your breakfast will get cold."

Gwen nodded as they both walked downstairs. She glanced around her room and saw the many vinyl records crowded in her boxes along with her police radio at the corner. She spotted her mirror and gaped at herself. She was much older and taller. 

Her eyes were bright blue and innocent as well as no scars around her. Especially the scar on her jaw was gone.

Turning to her closet, she changed into her clothes along with her headband. Coming from the closet, she assumed she had to get to school. She shrugged and grabbed her backpack along with her phone. 

Running downstairs, she found her parents eating breakfast already. She flopped to a seat, unable to keep her eyes from them. Why did she feel so happy to see them? She smiled softly as her father teased her mother. 

"Did you finish your homework?" George turned to her, raising a brow. 

Gwen stopped eating and glanced at him. He sighed and shook his head as Helen laughs, hugging Gwen. 

"Relax. I helped her last night," Helen winked at her which caused Gwen to amusedly smile at her. 

"She better. That band is a terrible example of her."

"They're not that bad," Helen shook her head. "Speaking of band," she turned to Gwen. "Let that girl know that I have the shirts she asked for...what was her name again?"

"Mary Jane," Gwen answered. She blinked. How did she know that? 

Helen nodded as she stood up and handed Gwen her lunchbox. "Off you go. Don't want to be late for school."

Gwen smiled, hugging her. "Thanks, mom."

"You're being awfully clingy today. Is everything all right? After your band practice, you have been smiling a lot lately," Helen stopped before grinning mischievously at her. 

"Don't tell me that boy finally asked you out for prom?"

Gwen frowned at her. Who was she walking about? Gwen shrugged and grabbed her backpack, running out of the house. 

She stopped in her tracks as she can smell the familiar smell of smoke and oil early in the morning. Somehow, she loosened her tense shoulders as she took in the city. It was still the way it was. But it somehow felt like home to see it not change at all.

She heard steps behind her, confusing her. She turned around and gasped. Her heart pulsed, making her tremble and hold her breath. It can't be...

A tall boy with glasses smiled softly at her. Age made him well, showing his strong, lean build. Gwen couldn't help but stare at the boy as he walked toward her. 

"Did you see a ghost?" he teased as he grabbed her hands. Gwen felt small compared to him. Her eyes welled up in tears as she felt grief. The familiar green eyes softened at her.

"N-No," she whispered. 

The boy raised a brow and smiled at her. "Don't tell me you stayed up late to watch Dad Cop, again."

"P-Peter?" she whispered. 

Peter blinked as she started to tear up. "What's wrong?! Is there something on my face?! Did I scare you? What's wrong?!" 

Gwen tearily laughs, wrapping her arms around his waist. He hugged her back, leaning his head on top of hers. He's here. He was always here, right? She could have sworn the boy was smaller than him. How did he get so tall?

"Hey! School!" George calls. 

Peter laughed as they started walking to school. Peter grabbed her hand and kissed it making her blush lightly at the affection. "Is everything all right?" he asked. 

Gwen took a moment to realize he was really talking to her, which made her unexpectedly so happy, and blinked. She shook her head, "I-I don't know...I felt like I fell asleep for years."

Peter chuckled, "What was it about?"

"You won't believe me," Gwen walked backward, staring at him. 

Peter smirked, grabbing her hands so she wouldn't fall. "Try me."

"For one. My mom was dead," Gwen chuckled at how Peter knocked his knuckles on her head. "Knock on wood."

"And!" Gwen interrupted him, slapping his hand away. "You transformed into a large lizard. I had powers too! It was crazy because I suddenly went to another dimension."

"You're right," Peter shook his head. "I don't believe you," he teased and laughed as Gwen punched his arm. 

"It was crazy, you were smaller too," she teased and shrieked as Peter hugged her to him. They both smiled as their faces were near to each other. Gwen chuckled as he pecked the tip of her nose. 

Gwen bit her lip. "You missed," she whispered. 

He raised a brow and kissed her cheek. "I don't think I did."

Gwen laughed, pushing him away. "Idiot. We're going to be late." She goes to walk but Peter grabbed her hand and walked off course, confusing her. 

"Did you forget? You have band practice. It's Saturday," Peter chuckled. Gwen frowned before letting him lead her to the same old garage. 

"But what about school?" she frowned. 

Peter chuckled, "You made an excuse that you have tutoring on Saturdays. Don't you remember?"

Gwen frowned lightly before suddenly remembering the excuse, making herself laugh. "I guess I forgot."

She took in her surroundings and stared at the walls and frowned. Weren't there supposed to have posters there? She shook her head and followed the boy. 

She took in the sight of the reflection of the glass they passed by. Her eyes softened as they both calmly walked together. Gwen grinned and stepped next to Peter. 

Peter took notice and smiled, "I've been meaning to ask you something. I hope I'm not too late. I know that you're the most popular girl in school and have been asked many times but I was wondering if–"

Peter stopped and glanced at her and saw the smirk on her face. He flushed and pinched her cheek, making her exclaim and laugh at him. 

"Do you want to go to prom with me?" he finally asked.

"Can you tell me again?" she rubbed her ears before glancing up at him. 

Peter stared at her before smiling at her and raising her other hand. 

"Gwendolyne Maxine Stacy. Would you do me the honors to go to prom with a lonely nerd like me?" he slightly bowed which made her grin widely. 

"Why, I never thought you'd ask."

Peter glanced in the direction of MJ's garage and smirked. Looking at both sides of the street, he ran off with Gwen's hand still in his. Gwen laughs as they both ran off, almost getting hit by other cars. 

"Where are we going?" she laughs. 

"Prom is tonight! We have to go shopping!" he laughs which made them run faster.

"Then what took you so long?" Gwen yelped as she almost tripped and kept running. 

"I don't know!" They both laughed as they ran inside the random clothes store. The loud steps echoed in the store as the two teenagers ran around. They ran faster as they saw security following them. 

They laughed harder as Peter slipped and fell on his back before running again. They ignored the shouts of people calling out on them but they didn't care. 

They didn't realize when they passed the fountain, it was slippery from the kids playing on the fountain before.

Gwen screamed in shock as they both fell inside the water fountain. They stayed under as the security left. They resurfaced and laughed, splashing each other. 

Gwen splashed him, "How could you?"

Peter laughed as he swam towards her. "What? This is our last year of high school. We should make the most of it."

Gwen chuckled, shaking her head. "You're a dope."

Peter smirked, hugging her to him. "I'm your dope."

Gwen raised a brow, "The dope that took almost thirteen years to confess."

Peter's jaw dropped, "Hey! You didn't say much either."

Gwen shrugged, "I liked you from the start. Not my fault you were oblivious."

He deadpanned, "You're the most oblivious one. I liked you since the moment I met you."

Gwen laughed, "That's right. That was the time you lied to me, huh?"

"You scared me," he laughed as he stood up, helping her out of the fountain. Their clothes were soaked and heavy. They stepped out as the water was now pooling on the floor. They weren't bothered by it as they made their way to the exit. 

They ignored the stares from the other customers as they held hands. Gwen blinked at the bright light of the sun. She hummed from the warmth and glanced at Peter. Her eyes softened as he was relaxed by the light. 

He took notice of her stare and glanced at her. He smiled and picked up her hand, kissing her knuckles. 

"I'm glad I'm here with you," he whispered. 

Gwen smiled softly, kissing his knuckles too. "I feel the same."

She hugged his arm as they walked on the sidewalk. It was soothing for her. She didn't believe it. It was perfect for her. It must have been an awful nightmare to think everything was gone from her grasp. 

Gwen stopped at the familiar building in front of them. Oscorp Industries. She frowned at it. She came here before, but she didn't have any recollection of so. 

"Is something wrong?" Peter asked, stepping next to her. He spotted the building and frowned at it before finally remembering it. 

"Remember? We came here for a field trip a while back," he spoke, getting her attention. 

"...I don't."

Peter hummed before taking her away from the building. They found the cheapest store and entered. The owner glanced at them before turning back to his magazine. Peter and Gwen looked around. Gwen already had a dress at home and went to look for tuxedos for Peter. 

She glanced at the boy and chuckled as she saw him looking over the science section of the small library. She rolled her eyes and went back to search. She yelped as she was suddenly hugged from behind. Looking up, she smiled at Peter. 

"Hi," she whispered. 

"Hi," he whispered back and helped her find a tuxedo too, not moving far from her. He found one and handed it to her. She observed it before looking back at him. 

"Do you want to try it?" she asked. He nodded and grabbed it before heading to the dressing room. 

She looked around the store and stopped as she spotted today's magazines. She frowned a little and picked it up, nodding to the store owner and looking at the contents. 

She hummed at the picture of a woman with long black hair wearing handcuffs as she was entering the police car. 'Cindy Moon arrested for illegal experiments.'

Gwen shook her head in disappointment. The woman was very famous for her company and to hear she has been conducting experiments on spiders was insane. She heard rumors of working along with Norman Osborn but who knows?

Turning around when she was called, she smiled at Peter in his black tuxedo. Gwen nodded and turned to the store owner, paying for the suit. She has been working part-time with her father and had little money to spare. 

Looking at the time, they were a few hours before prom. Peter took off his tuxedo and headed back home. On their way home, they spotted the corndog stand and bought themselves a snack. 

Gwen grinned and took a bite, absolutely loving the treat. Peter laughed, shaking his head. "I still can't believe you can eat these for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and never get tired of them."

"Are you kidding?" Gwen glanced at him, waving her corndog. "These are the best. I don't know what you're talking about."

Peter nods before coughing harshly as a body collided with his from behind. Gwen blinked as she didn't expect the attack. Her eye twitched as Harry and Peter wrestled on the floor. Thankfully, being the responsible one here, Gwen had Peter's bag. 

The boys laughed as they played on the grass next to them. Gwen rolled her eyes playfully and kicked them both harshly. They exclaimed in pain and turned to her. 

"Stacy! What was that for?" Harry rubbed his stomach as Peter laughed, holding his head in pain. 

"That's for taking my boyfriend, dumbass," Gwen smirked. She liked the sound of that. 

Harry scoffed, standing up. "Geez. Speaking of boyfriend," he started. "Did he finally ask?"

Gwen laughed, "Yes. As you can see, we went shopping just now."

Harry laughed, shaking his head. "No wonder MJ was blowing up my phone. You know you missed band practice, you know."

Gwen shrugged, "It's fine. She'll understand."

Gwen knew how the band was important for MJ. She couldn't help herself but miss band practice sometimes, spending all her time with her boys. They were stupid and she had to be there for them. 

"You're lucky you're her friend. If it were me, she would break up with me instantly," Harry shivered. 

Gwen grabbed his phone and looked at the time and cursed herself. "I have to go. See you guys later." 

She grabbed Peter's hand, handing him his tuxedo, and kissed his cheek, running away. "See you tonight!"

Peter and Harry can only stare as she left. Peter stopped as Harry wrapped an arm around his shoulders, dragging him to Peter's place. 

🕸🕷🕸

Gwen smiled as she looked at herself in the mirror. She wore a long, flowy, blue dress that reached down to her ankles. It was littered with gold stars.

A/N: Not mine 😙

Gwen absolutely loved this dress. She remembered how she went with MJ and the girls to get this dress. MJ intended to get it but she liked a green dress and Gwen kept this one. 

It made her blue eyes pop. She wore green earrings for Peter's eyes. Gwen stopped as she heard a knock by the door and smiled as her mother was crying to see her. 

"Mom," Gwen smiled. 

Helen shook her head, smiling at her. "You look so beautiful. That boy won't take his eyes off of you."

Gwen flushed and turned away. "Stop. We're just going to dance a little and then we're going to McGoofy's."

Helen blinked owlishly, staring at her daughter in confusion. "McGoofy's? What's that?"

Gwen stopped playing with her bangs and frowned too. What was she talking about? She shook her head. "I mean McDonald's. We're probably going to stay late tonight."

Helen stared at her daughter a little and grabbed her hand, guiding her to a chair, brushing through her blond tresses. Gwen leaned back as she stared at her mother in the mirror. 

"See that beautiful and strong woman in the mirror staring back at us. Oh, you are there too," Helen laughed as Gwen slapped her hands lightly. Helen laughed more and hugged her from behind, leaning her chin on the girl's shoulder. 

Helen took a further look at her and her eyes teared up again, alerting Gwen. "What's wrong?"

Helen shook her head, waving her hand. "My baby girl is all grown up. In a few months, you're going to college and leave us behind. Where did the years go?"

Gwen's eyes softened and hugged her. The woman was slightly taller than the girl and they hugged tightly.

"I'm always going to be here. I'm always going to call you every day. Me, Harry, and Peter won't go too far. Besides, it's just prom. I'm not going anywhere. I won't leave you behind."

Helen stepped back and wiped her tears before smiling at Gwen, cupping her cheek. "I love you so much. I'm sorry I couldn't say that on my deathbed."

Gwen stopped and glanced up at her mother. "What do you mean? What are you talking about?"

But Helen didn't respond. She only walked away downstairs, only confusing the girl more. Something is wrong. but she wasn't sure where it was coming from. 

She felt a pull coming from her chest but she couldn't figure out what it was. It felt wrong. Turning back to the mirror, she gasped in horror. Taking large steps back, her eyes couldn't move from the reflection. 

It was of a girl with colorful veins shining through her body. Her eyes were colorless and her skin was grey and cold to the touch. The girl touched the mirror and opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. 

Gwen shook her head in denial. This has to be a dream. What is that? What does it want? She trembled in fear as the girl's hand closed to a fist and started banging against the mirror. Her breath was visible against the glass as she grew angrier and desperate. 

Gwen closed her eyes and hugged herself as she can feel herself walking towards the girl. She hesitantly raised a hand towards the mirror and opened her eyes. She blinked as the girl was gone and in its place was herself in her blue dress. 

Gwen shook her head. She's now seeing things. She shivered at the thought of the girl from before. 

"Gwen! Peter's here!" she heard Helen call from downstairs. She gulped, taking her bag. Before she could walk out the door, she took a glimpse at the mirror and paled as the girl wasn't there. But she can still see the handmark inflicted on the mirror. 

"Gwen!"

Gwen shakily sighed and walked out of her room. She frowned worriedly as she walked down the stairs. Who was that? She can hear the small conversation her parents were having with Peter and took a deep breath. 

She's going to spend the whole night with the boy she loves. She smiled, glancing at the pictures on the wall, and found the picture of a small Gwen hugging a laughing Peter. They both made a peace sign in their hands as they didn't even bother to stare at the camera. 

Walking down the stairs, she saw her family look up at her. Gwen smiled as Peter's eyes widened. He flinched as George pushed him to her as Gwen grabbed his hands. 

"Gwen...you look..." he started but Gwen interrupted him, kissing his cheek. "You look beautiful too," she smirked. 

Peter grinned, shaking his head at her. "I was going to see you look okay."

Gwen raised a brow at him, "Oh really? Is that how you're going to say it?"

"Yup," he smirked at her, before pulling her in a hug. 

They flinched as a flash lit at them. They turned to see Helen taking pictures of them. Gwen rolled her eyes, grabbing Peter's hand. "Okay! We're off! We're not coming back until tomorrow."

George raised a hand at them, "Midnight."

"3," she negotiated but George took it as a challenge. "1"

"5" Gwen grinned, making Helen laugh and hug her husband. "Be back for breakfast."

Gwen grinned and hugged them. "See you tomorrow. Love you!" She didn't hear them back as she grabbed Peter's hand and ran out of the house. She passed by her garden and spotted Uncle Ben and Aunt May waiting for them in their car. 

They entered and made their way to the school. She smiled at the couple in front of them, greeting them.

"Hi, guys."

"You are so beautiful, sweety. You're so tall," May smiled at the girl behind her before turning to Peter. "Isn't she, Peter?"

Peter flushed and glanced at Gwen. He heard his uncle clear his throat and grabbed Gwen's hand. "She's ethereal."

It was Gwen's turn to blush and smile softly at him, leaning her head on his shoulder, playing with his fingers. Both of them only sat in silence, taking in their presence and loving every single moment. Ben and May can only stare knowingly at them before facing the road. 

"I'm not scared...of the dark," Peter lowly sang, getting Gwen's attention. "I'm not running, running, running. No, I'm not afraid of the fall..."

Gwen chuckled and hummed to the song with him. She knows how much he loves this song. They even made the habit to put it in their ringtone. 

Gwen's eyes focused on the lights on the road as the sky darkened more. They stopped by the school and parked in front. Peter was the first to get out and gave a hand to her. Gwen smiled at him and grabbed it, stepping out. 

"Tell us how it goes!" May exclaimed as Peter blushed in embarrassment as most of the students glanced at them but Gwen didn't mind, waving at them as they left. 

"I love them," she chuckled. Peter shook his head, wrapping an arm around her waist and kissing her head. He can see the hateful glares of the boys on him. He narrowed his eyes at them, knowing his bullies. 

But he's not going to let them ruin it. He's going to spend this great night with the love of his life. His hand rummaged to his pocket and sighed in relief to find the box still there. 

They walked inside and they were instantly blasted with music and dancing couples on the dance floor. 

Gwen grinned when she spotted their friends and walked over. MJ, Glory, and Betty squealed at the sight of them and hugged them. Gwen hugged them back before yelping in pain from the smack on her head. 

MJ glared at her, "You missed band practice again! What am I going to do with you?!"

Gwen sheepishly smiled at her, "I love you?"

"I love you too!" she huffed before waving Harry over. Harry smirked, standing next to MJ and staring at the couple. They have been going at them for years and they are finally together. 

The DJ started playing more music as Gwen started dancing with Peter and laughing for the rest of the night. Peter twirled her and goofily danced with her most of the night. 

Gwen was completely entranced by him. Her eyes softened at him. She remembered very clearly how the boy clung to her when they were younger. He tried to get away as he was being bullied but she didn't give up on him. 

The prom night in their freshmen year was almost a disaster as the bullies bothered Peter that night but he fought back and asked Gwen to be his girlfriend. Ever since that night, they have been inseparable and have been dating for four years now. 

They were the most beautiful and memorable years of her life. She wrapped her arms around Peter's shoulders as he placed his hands on her waist at the slow dance. Gwen couldn't take her eyes off of him. 

"I love you," she whispered. 

Peter's eyes softened and kissed her, pulling him close to her. The dance became quiet as they were the only ones on the dance floor. Gwen pulled back and cupped his cheek. 

"Don't leave me," she whispered. 

"Never," he kissed her back this time before hugging her to him tightly. 

They danced in peace as the music slowly drift off their ears, enjoying the warmth they both give off as they stayed still. They were the center of the universe and they cared for each other, not caring for anything else. 

Gwen felt a tap on her shoulder and glanced back and laughed as Glory brought drumsticks and handed them to her. She groaned, not wanting to do it but she felt a small shove from Peter. 

She saw the grin on his face which she grinned back before dragging Glory backstage. Their laughs echoed in the empty hallway along with their heels. Gwen arrived first, opening the door and smiling at MJ and Betty. MJ was adjusting the mic as Betty was getting her guitar ready. 

Gwen saw her drum set and grinned at it. Softly caressing the bass pedal, she slightly frowned. Didn't she have one? She was sure she was paying for it.

Gwen shook her head, that's nonsense. Adjusting and testing the drums, she nodded to the girls as the curtains moved. The crowd cheered for them as Gwen started the bass. 

The thrill Gwen had as she hit the drums on a beat that collided with her heart. Feeling the rhythm and syncing with MJ's voice as they played. 

Gwen loved this. Her life is just perfect. She has her family, her friends, and Peter. Everything was just what she wanted and she wouldn't give them up in the world. She opened her eyes and found Peter's once again. 

Giving one last beat, the song was put to a stop with the crowd cheering loudly. But somehow, Gwen only heard Peter's cheers over everyone. Seeing as the girls nodded to her, she nod back and sneaked out off the stage. 

Finding Peter, she snatched his wrist and dragged him outside. She laughs as they were by themselves and twirled around happily. 

"I love the adrenaline of the drums!" she laughed, turning to Peter who smiled softly at her. 

Gwen stopped and took notice of Peter standing in front of her. She saw so much change from him, making him more handsome. Peter walked towards her, touching her chest with his. 

He cupped her cheek, softly kissing her. She kissed him back and hugged him tightly. The cool breeze can be shown from their warm breaths but they suddenly felt too hot outside but they didn't separate. 

Gwen opened her eyes, leaning back. Peter raised his hand, showing a small box, getting her attention. 

"What's this?" she asked, as Peter handed it to her. 

Peter blushed and looked away. "A ring."

Gwen's eyes widened and stared at him in disbelief. Is he? She looked down at the box and opened it. She laughed as she found a ring pop in its place. Peter gasped and went to snatch it but Gwen moved it away from his reach. 

"Are you...proposing to me, Peter Benjamin Parker?" she teased. 

Peter blushed, waving his hands. "No! I mean, maybe? No! Gwen!" he grabbed her hands, staring intently at her. "I was meant to give you a promise ring. But I messed up! Again!" he slammed his hand against his head. 

Gwen wasn't bothered. In fact, she grabbed the candy and inserted her ring finger in it, taking a lick. 

"I love it," she smiled. "I'd take this over any ring."

Peter's eyes widened before grinning at her. He showed his hand and showed the ring on his finger before intertwining it with hers. 

"I love you," Gwen whispered, placing her head against his. 

"I–"

Gwen flinched as she heard a crack. She gasped, looking around but kept hearing a loud bang not far from her. She tightened her grip on Peter and looked around. She paled as she saw her reflection in the school's window. 

It was that girl again. Except this time, the girl was screaming and sobbing. She kept punching the window to get to her. Her eyes welled up as she suddenly felt the emotion the girl had. 

Grief? Sadness? Guilt?

Why was she feeling this way? She shook her head as ringing filled her ears painfully, making her gasp. 

"Gwen! Gwennie, are you okay?!" Peter helped her. 

But that made the girl of the reflection screech louder, crying harder and punching desperately at them. 

Gwen didn't know what was happening. She suddenly felt heavy, a scorching pain burning her body as she somehow ended up inside the window, seeing another version of herself with Peter. She traded places with the girl.

She gasped as her pain was excruciating, making her sob loudly. "Peter!" she sobbed, knocking on the window. 

But Peter was helping the other Gwen to the ground. She banged on the window desperately and gasped at the color of her skin. It was cold to the touch and it was grey. Almost as if she were a corpse. 

She wailed loudly as lights started shining through her veins. She didn't like it. She hated it. It hurts!

"Peter!" she wailed, leaning her head against the window. Her eyes was seeing everything blurred and did a double take as the girl who was with Peter suddenly dusted away, leaving Peter by himself. 

Peter's face was stoic as he slowly stood up. Gwen gasped for air and clung to the window sill as everything around Peter started to dust away too. He slowly walked towards her, blankly staring at her which made her cry in relief, not caring about anything around. 

"P-Peter!" she gasped. "Peter!"

Peter stopped in front of the window, placing a hand on it. Gwen wanted for him to desperately open it and help her but he only stood there. She was confused. They were so close yet so far to touch. 

"Peter?" she whispered but the boy only sadly smiled at her. Gwen shook her head, placing her hand on top of his from the window. She frowned as she didn't feel his warmth, only feeling the cool glass. 

"Gwennie..." Peter spoke. It was muffled but she can hear very clearly. "You need to wake up. They need you."

Gwen gritted her teeth as everything started flooding her mind with everything she went through. She shook her head, "What are you talking about?! Open the window. Please!"

Peter shook his head, nodding to something behind her. Gwen coughed, turning around and seeing a large man with an empty gauntlet in his left hand. His purple skin was covered in cracks and his eyes were pupil-less. 

Just like back in the cave. 

Gwen frowned, turning back to see Peter still there. He nodded for her to go but Gwen wanted to refuse. 

"Come, little one. We have much to talk about," Thanos delicately grabbed her hand, guiding her away from the window. Gwen struggled but it was too late as a golden hue brightened the dark void. 

It took time for Gwen to adjust to the sudden light and finally saw the many statues in front of her. She frowned further as Thanos stopped in front of them. 

"You saw them," Thanos started, facing the statues. "A long time ago. The big bang sent 6 elemental crystals. Hurtling across the virgin universe. The elemental crystals each control an essential aspect of existence. Space...Reality...Power...Mind...Time...and Soul..."

"You might find this surprising," he glanced at the girl, seeing the girl looking up at him curiously. "Everyone here came to this universe and became the first heroes without the need of miraculous. The guardian and everyone here worked alongside each other for many years..."

"But...we all sensed the power of the stones, coming to the island where Wakanda resided. We all believed the power of the stones can help so many lives...but the miraculous holders believed it was a power too dangerous. After years of distrust, the miraculous tried destroying the stones.

"In which resulted in a war between the miraculous holders and everyone here," he started touching every statue, dusting away the stone, and showing a live person behind it, revealing Wolverine first.

"We didn't want to fight back but it had to be done as the power of the stones brings balance to the universe. Defeating the miraculous holders, we had to find a way to bring all this conflict to an end. Banner chose the idea of starting over, using the time stone. 

"I ended up getting the vote as we all assumed the power of the stones won't take control of me...but it was a mistake," Thanos looked away as he touched several other statues. 

"You worked with them?" Gwen asked, staring at the stoic heroes coming back from their slumber. 

Thanos nodded, smiling softly at the girl. "I worked with the Guardians of the Galaxy," he chuckled before continuing his story. 

"The power of the stones took control of my body causing everyone slowly turns into stones. It wasn't painful," he states, seeing the confused look in her eyes. "In fact, it put each one of us into a long slumber of our dreams we wished. Just like you."

Gwen gasped, her eyes widening at the information. She shook her head in denial, laughing dryly. "That's not possible. Everyone is there, I need to go back to them. Peter is waiting for me."

Thanos sadly stared at her, "I'm sorry. But the stones took advantage of your vulnerability trapping you and everyone outside to stone."

Gwen's heart dropped. Everyone? Including her class? Her friends? Her eyes welled up, falling to her knees and clenching her fists. She gritted her teeth, shaking her head and grasping her head. 

"You are the only one who can free everyone from their slumber," Thanos stated, touching the last person. 

Gwen snapped her head up at him, "That's not possible. You were literally trapped in there. How am I supposed to do it? I'm not strong enough to withstand the power."

"That's where you're wrong," Spider-man stepped in front of her. "You have the symbiote inside you, don't you?"

Gwen's eyes widened, "I have its corpse. How did you know that?"

Spider-man took off his mask, kneeling in front of her. "We saw your memories. Including someone else's."

She frowned, not understanding what he was talking about. 

"Doctor Ray wanted to get the soul stone to bring back his wife. He knew nobody can stand the stones. Which is why he made those experiments. He found you and gave you the symbiote."

Gwen shook her head. She tearily frowned at the floor. All this time...Ray accomplished his experiments and accomplished his dream to have someone take in the power. He did it without lifting much of a finger.

"I'm dead," she whispered. "I can't save them."

Peter placed a hand on her shoulder making her face him. She saw the determination in his eyes and the smile he had. He was much older than her.

"They're waiting for you...You can do anything no one can," he smiled, nodding to everyone around. "You saved us and we want to give you a thank you gift. But you need to wake up first."

Gwen's lip trembled as she stood up and walked towards the window. Her heart broke as she saw the smile Peter still gave her, his hand still on the window. She placed hers on top of it, not wanting to part. 

"Do I have to go? Why can't we be like this? I don't want to wake up with you not with me. I'm sorry, Peter. Even if you're not real..." she sniffed, sobbing softly. 

"I love you so so much and it hurts that you're not by my side like always. I'd do anything to have you with me. Why can't I? It's so unfair!" she cried.

She looked down at her hand and cried more as the ring pop started to dust away along with the window. 

"You promised! You'll never leave me!" she shouts, pounding on the window. "Don't leave me!"

Peter smiled at her as his feet started to dust away. 

"I love Ghost-Spider. But I love Gwen Stacy more," he smiled through his tears. 

That was the last straw for Gwen to wail as everything left her grasp, leaving her on her own. Her hand started to materialize with her suit. Her glowing veins are still visible as her body became rosy again. 

Her eyes burned through the tears as she kept wailing as the light dimmed. She can hear the gratitude from the heroes behind her but she refused to see them. 

Only staring above her. She hiccuped as she clenched her fists, blood seeping through. 

🕸🕷🕸

The sky was a warm orange as time passed. It was quiet as the sound of waves was only heard from the deserted island. More specifically to the peaceful statues around the island. 

Including the statue of a certain hero on the ground surrounded by several statues. 

The hero was at peace as the stone started to slowly fall away, leaving the gasping girl. 

Ghost gasped and coughed out, not being able to breathe. She groaned as she shakily stood up. Looking around, her dimmed eyes stared at Damian's statue. 

It wasn't real. Her eyes teared up as she bit her lip. She dropped to her knees letting out a blood-curdling scream. Gripping on the floor, she started punching the ground while crying. 

Leaning her head on the ground, she screamed as she hugged herself. She was on her own once again. Her father was gone. Her mother is dead and Peter was once again gone. 

What a sick joke. 

Gwen whimpered loudly, as she felt the burning tears on her face. She ignored the burning sensation on herself as she now realized that she is never going to get what she always wanted. 

She'll be alone...once again. 

She heaved as she shakily stood up, raising her hand. Her heart still pounded her chest heavily as she felt remorse for what she did while staring at the statues around.

Touching the cold statue, she took deep breaths and gasped as a hand held her shoulder. She glanced behind her to see a mirage of Spider-man and the rest of the heroes behind her touching every stone on the island. 

Spider-man nodded to everyone and whispered. "Release."

One by one, all the statues started to dust away and release the hosts. They all coughed up the dust and went on their days. Ghost, on the other hand, gripped Damian's neck. 

Her eyes still burned from the tears falling. She started to slowly consume the vibranium from each person around the island. They all groaned uncomfortably but Damian's eyes only stared at the mask of Ghost-Spider in fear. 

How is it possible?! Their power is gone. 

Damian gritted his teeth as he couldn't move away from her. He took out his knife from his pocket and stabbed her arm that held him. His eyes widened in shock as the girl didn't flinch as it hit her suit. 

She only continued taking in every power from him and the others. 

"What are you?!" he demanded. 

Ghost shakily sighed as all the vibranium took in the shape of a sphere in her hand, almost the size of her hand. It wasn't heavy for her but she half wished it was. 

"It's over. You won't cause harm anymore," her voice broke. 

Her words almost gave a double meaning to herself. She touched Damian's head, making him unconscious. The others stared at her in disbelief, taking a few steps back but they were suddenly paralyzed. 

Ghost's hand glowed yellow, pointing at them. "Forget," Spider-man whispered.

Their eyes dimmed slightly as the power cooled them down. 

She didn't listen to the others and only watched quietly as every hero smiled at her in thanks and disappeared with the sun. They can finally rest in peace. 

Her eyes only wandered to Spider-man who patted her head before disappearing from her view.

The people blinked and looked at each other, confused about what they were doing in the middle of the forest. 

They turned around but didn't see anyone in front of them other than Damian. 

🕸🕷🕸

Adrien was in shock. His body was paralyzed for a moment but then he started coughing up dust, looking around. 

Where's Gwen?

He frowned and continued running where he heard a few groans. He saw a small gold light and found Ghost shining it on the several people that were there. 

He spotted Damian on the ground and Ghost turning away from everyone and webbing herself away. 

He wasn't losing her again. He gritted his teeth and kept running, cursing himself when he tripped several times. He pants as he never thought he would be running too much. 

But he kept running and sighed in relief to see Gwen standing by herself on top of the meteor. Now that he thinks about it, it really does look like a mountain as the grass was everywhere. 

He frowned slightly as he can see Gwen rubbing her ring finger, stoically looking over the ocean. The warmth of the sun is soothing and calming as they can smell the ocean from the mountain. 

But he's sure Gwen didn't feel that. He cautiously walked towards her. Gwen sensed him, punching her fists and taking off her suit. Her eyes were swollen and he took notice of her red nose. 

His eyes softened. She was crying. He opened his arms and Gwen didn't hesitate to fall on them, clinging to him. She kept sniffing, refusing to cry more. 

"I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere," he whispered, wrapping his arms around her. "I promise."

"Don't..." she whispered, getting his attention. "Don't promise me anything. Don't say anything."

Adrien frowned in worry but stayed quiet as he felt warm tears on his shirt and hugged her tighter. 

🕸🕷🕸

Arriving back at the springs, Gwen and Adrien received an earful of lectures from the teacher and the principal. Adrien seemed to be taking much of the lecture as Gwen was blank from it.

Once they were done, Gwen went back to their room. The class was glad to see them and teased Adrien for staying with Gwen but they were surprised to see both Adrien and Gwen quiet.

What happened to them?

Lila tried to be around Gwen but the girl was so quiet. She only went on her way and stayed away from everyone. Lila frowned worriedly as Gwen's once shining blues were now dimmed.

She freaked out more as she saw the cut on the girl's hip but Gwen ignored her and went to their room, lying on her bed and pressing constantly on her wound.

It seemed that it helped her see that what she was seeing is real. She didn't want to go through that beautiful dream.

She bit her lip, holding back tears as she tried to sleep. But the feeling of Peter's warmth and kisses will never cease in her mind.

Gwen gritted her teeth as she sat up and hugged her knees, silently crying alone.

🕸🕷🕸

The class was packing up to go back to the hotel and they can suddenly feel a dampened mood from Gwen. Kim instantly blamed poor Adrien which shocked him.

"What did you do?" Kim whispered to Adrien.

"What?!" Adrien's eyes widened in disbelief.

Max and Nino nodded to the boys. "Yeah, what happened? What did you guys do?"

Adrien bit his lip, glancing at the girl who stood silently next to Lila. He tried to talk to the girl earlier but the girl didn't budge only saying that she'll talk to him later.

He didn't know what happened. He was running after her when he was suddenly awake. He kept running to see Gwen defeating Damian but she was crying. Just what happened while he was gone?

He got from everyone that they were suddenly coughing up dust and frowned. What did Gwen do?

🕸🕷🕸

The class arrived at the hotel in a few hours and Gwen immediately went to their room.

Everyone was worried but they couldn't get anything out of the girl. So Adrien decided to cheer her up and tell her to talk to him.

So...he decided to enter Gwen's room. He didn't expect a pillow flying at his face and dropping to the ground. He bolted up and glared at the culprit and deadpanned at Lila who was tapping the ground, glaring at him.

Thankfully, Adrien wasn't as sneaky as Lila was still wearing her clothes.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, crossing her arms.

Adrien huffed, standing up and patting his legs. He looked around and frowned as he didn't see Gwen anywhere. Lila rolled her eyes, already knowing why he was here.

"Gwen's gone."

Adrien's eyes widened and snapped his head to her. Lila sighed, rubbing her temple.

"Where?" he asked.

Lila shook her head, sitting on the bed and looking up at him. She narrowed her eyes at him. "What happened? Gwen won't talk to me or with anyone."

Adrien hesitated but shook his head. He can't say anything. Gwen is Ghost-Spider and he can't reveal her identity or how he is somehow connected to all of this.

"I can't say," he shook his head.

Lila took a good look at him and sighed, lying back on her bed. Her back was facing him as he awkwardly stood, looking around for clues when Lila pointed outside.

Adrien frowned and glanced outside. He glanced at the girl once more before walking out to the balcony. He frowned as the sky was getting dark already.

The soft cool breeze was slapping his face softly as the orange glow of the sun. There was hardly anyone around and found something in the corner of his eye.

His eyes widened as he spotted a girl in a white dress walking on the beach by herself. He gripped onto the box inside his pocket and bolted out of the room.

Lila didn't bother following him as she knew that the only one who can fix this mess was him.

🕸🕷🕸

The people exclaimed in shock as Adrien was running out of the hotel in a haste. She bumped into a few of her classmates and tried to run after him but Kim, Max, and Nino stopped them from going further.

They must settle their own war.

Adrien pants as he kept running, ignoring the sand getting in his shoes or how the breeze was getting colder as the sky darkened.

Finally arriving at the beach, he pants as he looked around. He coughed as he didn't realize he was basically running at his full speed to get to the girl.

He kept running in the direction he last saw her and found footprints, making him run faster.

He sighed in relief when he finally found her. Gwen was wearing one of her new dresses and held her shoes in one hand as she slowly walked on the beach barefoot.

Her eyes were closed as she used her senses to keep walking, ignoring how the sky was getting dark with every step she took.

The heroes were able to push down the sudden power in her veins. She can feel the power surging in her veins and it scared her. What if she turned everyone to stone again?

What if she is already living a fake life? Is this even real?

She would subconsciously rub her ring finger and take deep breaths as she kept walking.

Gwen stopped in her tracks as she heard a scream behind her. She pushed back her hair and glanced behind her. She wasn't surprised to see Adrien in the slightest as he stood behind her and heaving.

"G-Gwen," he coughs, holding a hand out for her to wait.

That's what she did, only staring blankly as he got his composure. He looked up at her and frowned at the girl. She wasn't giving many reactions to him.

"Why did you follow me?" she blankly asked, making him shiver uncomfortably.

"Because you're my best friend," he stood up, slowly breathing better.

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Are you sure? How can I know you're here? Are you really here, huh? Adrien?"

Adrien frowned as she gave slight malice to his name but ignored it as he saw the pain in her eyes, walking closer to her. She took a step back from him, keeping a distance.

"What are you talking about?" he frowned. "Of course I'm here. Why wouldn't I be? Did something happen? You know you can talk to me, Gwendy."

Gwen dryly laughed, shaking her head. "Right. Because everyone here is real. Leave me alone, kid." She turned to walk away but gasped as a hand grabbed her wrist and pulled her back to him.

She narrowed her eyes as he glared at her, holding her tightly and ignoring her strength, and grabbed her arms, making her face him.

"Do you feel this?" Adrien tightened his grip on her arms making her eye twitch.

Not receiving an answer, he grabbed her hands and placed them on his face, continuing to stare at her. "Do you feel this?"

Gwen can only stare at him in confusion as he used her hands and slapped himself. Her eyes widened and tried to remove her hands from his grip but his hands tightened on her hold. "Do you feel this?"

Gwen gritted her teeth, shaking her head to remove herself from him but he headbutted her, leaving his head on hers. "Did you feel that?"

Adrien held back a groan as he didn't realize the girl's head was a rock and continued glaring at her. He stopped for a moment seeing the pain in her eyes and sighed softly, leaning his head on hers.

"Those things from the other night...the lights. They did something to you and hurt you. I don't know what happened but I am glad you're here. Whatever we have gone through or what we have is real."

He lightly grabbed her hands and placed them on his chest. Gwen's eyes softened slightly as she felt his pulse through his shirt. She can see the sincereness in his eyes and bit her lip.

"Do you feel that?" he whispered. His warm breath hit her softly making her shiver slightly as she realized how cold it has gotten.

"That's my heart...if I wasn't real, do you really think my heart would be beating this crazy for you right now?"

Gwen's eyes widened at his words, leaning back a little to stare into his eyes and saw his glare softening for her and holding her hands tightly, making her realize that he was still there.

He was always there.

She flushed softly and leaned her head on his shoulder, making him sigh in relief and hug her to him.

"I'm here," he whispered, hugging her tighter as she started trembling. "I will always be here. Whether you are the most horrible person in the world or someone from another universe, I'll never leave."

"Because you're my bad luck charm. Nothing will ever be interesting or fun without you, Gwen," he smiled as he felt warm tears on his shirt as Gwen hugged him back.

"No matter how many times you push me away, I'll always be waiting for you."

Adrien went through his pockets, taking out his little box and showing it to her. Gwen opened her eyes as she sensed it and her eyes widened at it. It was the same box Peter gave her. She bit her lip and opened it. She softly gasped as it was a small golden anklet of a clover.

Gwen softly smiled, pulling out the small jewelry. She looked back at Adrien and shook her head. "You shouldn't buy things like this to me. How much did it cost?"

But Adrien smiled at her, taking the anklet and kneeling down in front of her. His eyes lowered to adjust the jewel on her right ankle but Gwen's eyes never wavered from his figure. After a few minutes, Adrien finally stood up and gave a hand to her.

Gwen stared at it for a moment before slowly grabbing it, and looking into his eyes. Adrien smiled at her before kissing her head, making her flush.

"This can be the symbol of our charm."

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Next Episode: Questionnaire Pt.2♥

A/N: I couldn't stop crying while writing this chapter. And the fact that I had to rewrite this chapter five times was killing me inside 😭  

I haven't done a questionnaire in a while 😙 so feel free to ask questions and I will answer them next chapter, so comment directly at the little goofy emoji above or anywhere. I can give you guys a week before publishing the Questionnaire or more depending on you guys😉

Make sure to check my account for any messages. You can also text me there. See you guys later 👋🏽

Thank our amazing meme creator for these: halla92455

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Published: August 31, 2022

Word Count: 9130