NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Friends
Chapter 5: Friends*
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It's been three weeks since I started training at the New York Sanctum. In those three weeks, the training has been pretty intense, focusing on several languages like Latin, Sanskrit, Arabic, and other ancient tongues.
Training at the New York Sanctum has truly pushed my limits. Every day, for four to five hours, it feels like stepping into another world where words and ancient symbols hold immense power.
Wong is always serious and teaches with tough love, leaving almost no room for mistakes. I wonder if Wong is always this strict because of his background or because of the immense responsibility as the Sorcerer Supreme. But there's no time to ponder too much; every second at the Sanctum is precious.
Even though my time at the Sanctum is only 4-5 hours a day, Wong certainly doesn't waste a moment. His methods are effective, albeit exhausting. This training is not just about memorizing words or understanding theories. Every movement, every intonation, carries deep meaning. I feel the weight of responsibility with every step.
In three weeks, I've grasped the basics of Sanskrit, Latin, and Arabic. I'm amazed at how quickly I've been able to master the fundamentals of these languages. Just a few more weeks, and I'll be ready to start learning to cast spells.
With Wong's brutal training methods, combined with my regular schoolwork, it's making me use my brain at full capacity.
In the midst of these exhausting lessons, my thoughts often drift to my goal of becoming a hero who can protect my friends. This motivation keeps me going, even when exhaustion is constantly looming.
Life outside the Sanctum is equally challenging. School assignments are piling up, and I still have to maintain my physical fitness. Morning runs, nighttime push-ups, all part of the routine. Even though I want to, I can't afford to join a gym due to financial constraints. And I don't want to burden May.
Another reason is that I want to focus entirely on learning the languages and the theory of mystic arts as quickly as possible.
I've been so focused that I didn't notice Gwen's strange behavior. She started acting differently two weeks ago. I noticed she often distances herself from me and Ned. She leaves early and arrives late for some reason.
She often looks tired and falls asleep during class. Though I must admit, I do the same if I already understand or find the lesson boring. During those times, I study Sanskrit or something else instead during class.
Gwen is frequently busy outside. I know this because whenever I visit her house, she's never there. She usually goes out when her dad is working, but she always goes out with us. So, her current behavior worries me.
So, this Sunday, after a bit of persuading, Gwen agreed to go out with me. Though I already have some suspicions about the reasons behind her strange behavior, I want to confirm it directly.
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Peter and Gwen sat together on a bench in Times Square Park. The same bench where Gwen had once comforted Peter. Peter once again found himself lost in silence, closing his eyes and savoring the winter air.
Gwen, on the other hand, was visibly uneasy, unable to match her friend's calm. Although she was silent, her thoughts were elsewhere. She didn't even notice what Peter was doing.
"Is something wrong, Gwen? Is there somewhere else you'd like to go?" Peter asked, moving closer and looking directly into her eyes.
Gwen flinched slightly and gave a nervous smile. "No– no, there's nothing... I just... why do you ask?"
"Don't be so nervous. I'm not trying to interrogate you or anything. It's just that, you know, I've been worried about your behavior lately. You know that, right?"
"What do you mean?" Gwen replied, still showing signs of anxiety.
Peter sighed, leaning back on the bench, looking up at the darkening sky. Stars began to appear slowly, one by one.
"Honestly, Gwen, I don't want you to reveal any secrets you have right now. But there's a part of me that gets more worried every day."
Gwen remained silent, watching Peter as he focused on the sky. She had worried about Peter the last time they were here, and Gwen knew Peter understood. But it seemed his concern had grown too much for him to stay calm.
Peter took a deep breath, holding it for a moment before letting it out slowly. He was trying to calm himself as he prepared to reveal his secret to Gwen first, instead of waiting for her to say it first. "I don't want to do this, because I'm afraid if I tell you, you'll hate me." Peter said, looking deeply into Gwen's eyes, clearly afraid.
Gwen widening her eyes, the look of genuinely fear in Peter's eyes making Gwen froze for a moment. Before Gwen could respond, Peter continued. "This has to do with the nightmare I had. In that nightmare, you received a gift. You used it so well and became a hero, like the Avengers."
Gwen's eyes widened, a chill ran down her spine. Her breath quickened, and she stood up reflexively, looking at Peter with a mix of shock, confusion, and fear.
"Peter, you–"
"Hey, hey, it's okay, Gwen. Calm down, calm down. I'll explain everything to you, okay?" Peter stood up to calm Gwen, holding her shoulders, and they sat down again.
"Can I continue?"
Gwen just nodded, now giving Peter her full attention, her gaze intense.
"Back to my nightmare. I saw you becoming a hero. You saved the city and kept New York safe. You were amazing, Gwen, absolutely amazing," Peter looked at Gwen before continuing, "You became a hero I personally admired."
Gwen didn't respond, her gaze still intense. Emotions swirled in her eyes, and Peter wanted to discuss it, but he pressed on with his story.
"And my admiration for you somehow made me do something I regret."
"Why does your dream feel so long?" Gwen complained, and Peter sensed her attempt to lighten the mood with humor. He hadn't noticed this cute side of her before. Peter smiled but continued his story.
"I created a serum with Dr. Connors' help. We made a serum to splice DNA from other species to take certain traits, to graft them into human DNA. Because the goal of this serum was regenerative properties, we used a lizard as the donor."
"You created something like that? That's cool." Gwen started to relax a bit, perhaps happy with her own joke.
"Yeah, it was cool, until I recklessly drank the imperfect serum and ended up as a lizard monster." Peter gave a bitter smile to lighten the mood.
"…Peter." Gwen held Peter's hand, shocked by the revelation. Peter reciprocated, squeezing Gwen's hand tighter.
"Gwen had to stop me to prevent me from hurting others. And the saddest part is, I would die as Gwen tried to stop me."
"What!?" Gwen shouted in surprise, drawing the attention of people nearby.
I held Gwen's hand tightly. "It's okay, Gwen. I'm still here, I'm still with you, okay?"
"Is that what you dreamed about? Is that why you changed? Why didn't you ever tell me?" Gwen felt a bit betrayed by Peter's revelation.
"I'm sorry, Gwen. You're right, I should have told you. But the depression I felt at the time stopped me from sharing it. And a week later, I didn't feel the need to tell you because everything seemed fine. So, I'm sorry, Gwen."
Gwen was still a bit shocked but took a deep breath. She looked at Peter intently, seeing the regret in his eyes, and nodded. "You should have told me, Peter. But, yes, I forgive you. As long as you promise not to keep anything from me again, okay?"
"Isn't that a bit strict, ma'am?" Peter joked, only to receive a sharp look from Gwen.
"So, it's my turn to tell now, right?" Gwen asked nervously.
"You got bitten by a spider and gained its powers?" Peter asked with a slight smirk.
"You're right, Peter. But what does your dream have to do with–" Gwen sighing admitted, then drifted into her thoughts.
"–WAS YOUR DREAM A VISION OF THE FUTURE!?" This time, her panicked scream definitely drew everyone's attention in the park. Gwen panicked again, looking at Peter with pure fear.
Peter hugged her immediately, holding Gwen as he tried to calm her down. "CALM DOWN, GWEN, calm down! It's not a vision of the future, okay!? Calm down, sweetheart! Okay!?"
They embraced for quite some time, Gwen holding Peter tightly as she calmed herself. Peter also had to reassure the public to avoid causing a scene.
"Feeling better?" Peter asked, and Gwen nodded.
"If it's not the future, then what?" Gwen asked in a low voice, still trying to process everything.
"It was another reality, where there were no Avengers there. You were the only hero in New York."
Hearing that, Gwen's heart calmed a bit. Though she was still holding onto Peter for some reason.
"So you don't actually die in the future, right?" Gwen asked, releasing their embrace to start talking again.
Peter smiled warmly to reassure Gwen. "Of course, I'll die someday, Gwen. But I won't repeat the mistakes from that dream. And I'll make sure you know if I ever start experimenting with lizards. I promise."
Gwen just gave Peter a stern look for his joke. Peter raised his hands in surrender. "But seriously, I won't let the same thing happen, Gwen. So don't worry, okay?"
Gwen nodded after giving Peter a long, stern look.
"But Gwen, there's actually more to the dream." This time, Peter looked at her with a very serious expression.
"It doesn't stop there?" Gwen asked in surprise, not expecting there to be more.
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Peter suggested they head home so he could have a place to share his wild experiences with Gwen. He had to struggle to stop May from teasing the both of them.
Once they were safely in Peter's room, he began telling her everything. He spent hours recounting his fate afterward, how he ended up in the Sanctum Infinitum and had to avoid Strange's madness, the Watcher's explanations, and Strange's ghostly visit.
He had to work hard to answer Gwen's questions, given the massive amount of information and the foreign terms involving the multiverse and dimensional travel. Peter also shared his limited knowledge about the Marvel universe and its various versions.
Peter also explained his decision to study the mystic arts and what little he glimpsed when his mind was read by Sorcerer Supreme, Wong. Peter shared his shock with Gwen when he learned that Strange and Peggy battled powerful beings like Ultron.
"So, this universe died and was brought back to life by this Strange guy?" Gwen asked Peter.
"Yeah, I'm just as confused as you are. But one thing I'm grateful for is somehow being able to meet you all again. I have a home and loved ones back."
Gwen held Peter's hand and said, "I don't understand everything, but I'm happy for you, Peter."
Peter smiled, nodding and squeezing Gwen's hand in return.
Gwen then asked, "But why don't I remember this Strange guy?"
"Honestly, I doubt anyone knows him since sorcerers usually stay humble and avoid getting involved in worldly affairs. Strange's position before becoming a sorcerer was also a doctor. Even though he was one of the best, I doubt you knew that many doctors in your past."
"Makes sense, but... can a sorcerer really become that powerful?"
"Multiverse is always a dangerous concept, and anyone delving into it will be just as dangerous."
"And you're planning to become one of them!?" Gwen asked with an angry tone.
"If it's to protect you, I'll do anything." Peter looked straight at Gwen, his gaze serious and full of determination.
Gwen was stunned, her face turning red as she became momentarily flustered.
"Besides, now that you're one of the Spider-People, your path ahead will be full of challenges, and I want to be by your side when that happens."
"I– I'm not planning on becoming an Avenger, you know." Gwen managed to calm herself and replied to Peter.
Peter smiled and replied, "And I'm not asking you to be one of them either, Gwen. But, 'with great power comes great responsibility.' Those were Ben's favorite words, and I hold them dear. I don't want to demand you to be a hero, no. I just want you to understand the power you have now and learn to use it correctly at the right time and moment. Can you do that for me, Gwen?"
"It's not like I'm going to rob a bank or something, you know?" Gwen replied to Peter with a low tone.
"Yeah, I know. You're too good for that."
"What kind of answer is that!?" Gwen replied while blushing. "But, Peter, are you sure you want to study magic? You're one of the smartest people I know. With your intelligence, I wouldn't be surprised if you managed to replicate Iron Man's suit someday." Gwen asked worriedly.
"I know you're worried, Gwen. But I'm not as rich as Tony, so I doubt I can create that suit even in 10 years, let alone with the costs and contacts for materials and equipment. That's why I'm studying the mystic arts. Besides, I've already had contact with beings from other universes, even if just for a short time, so I have some insight into them. I'm also planning to uncover the mysteries of the energy within me little by little so I can use it for others, especially those I care about."
Gwen fell silent, hearing Peter's words. She looked at Peter's face and saw the determination in his expression, making her feel a spark in her chest.
Silence filled the room, and Peter let Gwen process her thoughts. He knew Gwen was still at the beginning of a big step. So, for several minutes, Peter's room was very quiet.
Gwen lay down next to Peter on his bed. Peter joined her, and they stared at the ceiling of Peter's room. They rested their minds, with Gwen processing all the information and Peter feeling mentally free from the burden of revealing everything.
"So, you won't hate me, right, Gwen?" Peter asked after they had been silent for a long time.
"Why would I hate you? Sure, you were annoying for keeping such a secret, but I won't hate you for it. What makes you worried, Peter?"
"...Well, isn't it like I took over your friend's body? I don't really understand my situation either. I have three memories inside me, but somehow I always know and consider myself to be Peter Benjamin Parker from the beginning. But, I don't know... it feels like I took over this body just to live again. You–"
"I don't understand all that complicated stuff, Peter. To me, you'll always be my friend, and I believe no magic can stop you from being my friend." Gwen looked at Peter with firm conviction in her eyes. This time, Peter was silent, seeing the scene. The same spark appeared in Peter's chest.
"...Do you really think that way?" Peter asked with a relieved voice.
"I always do, and I always will." Gwen smiled, reassuring Peter, who returned her smile.
They both rekindled their spirits, warmth spreading in their hearts. Peter became confident in his identity, and Gwen became determined to do something with her powers.
Their mutual support would be the key to their future victories. Though that would be a story for another time. Peter broke the silence once again and said, "Gwen, should I take you home? Your dad must be a little worried by now."
"Oh, crap! What time is it!?" Gwen stood up in panic and quickly gathered her things.
"Calm down, Gwen. It's still 9 o'clock. I'll help explain to your dad, okay?" Peter also quickly prepared his winter clothes to escort Gwen home.
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They said goodbye to May, though they had to endure her teasing first. They had dinner with May's gentle ribbing in between bites. Peter had to keep deflecting her comments until they finished dinner.
Once dinner was over, they set off for Gwen's house. Peter kept his promise and explained to George how they got so caught up in their time together that they lost track of it. Gwen was safe for now, and they stood at her front door, saying their goodbyes.
"Thanks, Pete. For helping with my dad."
"No problem, as long as you promise to take me along when you train next time."
"Hehe… alright, blackmailer, I'll let you know when I do. Goodbye, Peter. Stay safe."
"Goodbye, Gwen."
Peter headed home, and Gwen watched him until he disappeared from sight. She closed the door and went to her room, still trying to process everything that had happened. So much information and so many unfamiliar concepts.
Yet, her determination and spirit were ignited. She decided to train intensively, testing her limits and honing her control over her powers.
Gwen had always felt alone since her body started changing. The strange spider bite had distanced her from friends and family. She felt lucky to have Peter, who was willing to support her.
Even though the way Peter found out was a bit uncanny, Gwen was still happy. She was glad she wasn't alone anymore, that someone understood what was happening, and that person was very special in her life.
Despite the worrying incidents in Peter's story, Gwen somehow felt at ease. The confidence in Peter's eyes when he reassured her made Gwen feel like she could leave everything she didn't understand in his hands. And for the first time in two weeks, Gwen slept soundly and had sweet dreams.
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"So you told her everything? Are you sure that was a good decision?" Wong asked Peter after Peter recounted his confrontation with Gwen.
"Yes, Gwen was chosen to be the Spider-Totem instead of me. And you know the fate of all of them, right? The multiverse is a battlefield for the Spider-Totems because they are the guardians of the Web of Life. I haven't told Gwen that yet, but I will someday. She needs to know a little about the multiverse for now." Peter replied to Wong with a serious expression.
"...If you say so, alright. I hope you know what you're doing, Peter." Wong sighed, resigned. He really didn't want Peter to share his multiverse experiences with Gwen because that knowledge alone was dangerous. "I wonder how you have all this knowledge, and I don't know if it's a good thing or not," Wong muttered quietly.
"Did you say something, master Wong?" Peter asked, confused.
"Forget it. Shall we continue your training? You want to learn how to create spells soon, right?" Wong shifted the focus, and Peter nodded, starting their training.
Wong opened a glowing portal in the middle of the New York Sanctum's hall, radiating with slowly spinning magical energy. "Come on, Peter. We'll continue your training in the library at Kamar-Taj in Kathmandu," Wong said firmly. Peter followed Wong through the portal, feeling a cold breeze from another place greet him. In an instant, they stood inside a grand library, surrounded by high shelves filled with ancient books.
Peter was taken aback by the books Wong handed him. "Aren't these books a bit too much, Master? I've only been studying languages for three weeks, and you're already giving me books like the Codex Imperium?"
"Yes, you mentioned yourself that you have experience with dimensional travel and the multiverse. So, try reading these books first. I think it's alright for you to study them a bit earlier. Of course, no spellcasting practice is allowed yet, so start reading!" Wong said with his usual stern and serious expression.
Wong left Peter to his studies, and he began to tackle the pile of books. The Corpus Hermeticum, Codex Imperium, The Book of Invisible Sun—titles that were intimidating. He began opening them one by one, but the ancient languages and complex symbols made his head spin. Each page demanded more focus and understanding. Peter had to refer to dictionaries and use Google Translate to decipher the difficult words. The hours of process was exhausting, but he pushed on, determined to learn as quickly as possible.
Wong watched Peter from a distance, monitoring his progress closely. Though there were moments when Wong felt concerned about Peter's knowledge of the multiverse, he couldn't deny his dedication and progress in learning everything Wong offered.
He was still very young, but Wong would know if Peter acted recklessly. Wong almost wanted to stop Peter from telling Gwen about the multiverse. However, seeing their situation, Wong felt they both needed it at that moment.
Especially Peter, during his training, Wong noticed a deep-seated restlessness within him. After observing Gwen's behavior, Wong was grateful he hadn't stopped Peter. His aura became more positive, and his enthusiasm for learning grew stronger.
A part of him felt grateful for his pupil. Occasionally, his expression softened when he saw Peter's increasingly strong positive aura. Wong's lips curled into a slight smile, a sign of his gratitude for seeing his student grow. However, he wouldn't show it too openly, to keep Peter grounded and focused on learning as much as possible.
"Master Wong, may I take some books home to read?" Peter's question brought Wong back to reality. Hours has passed since Peter began to study. He nodded, waving his hand, and they both headed towards the portal to the New York Sanctum.
Peter packed the books into his bag and prepared to leave. He bid farewell to Wong and started his journey home. Wong watched Peter disappear from sight before returning inside. Though his face remained stern, the small gesture showed his support and pride in Peter.
Wong then began meditating, delving into the memories Strange had given him, studying new knowledge to enhance his own understanding. He couldn't let his student surpass him one day. Therefore, he studied harder, delving into the memories of Supreme Strange.
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