Chapter 9: A Tangled Web

The directories expanded before him like a treasure trove of forbidden knowledge. Peter skimmed through files and downloaded everything that caught his eye: robotics, Dr. Otto Octavius' research, nanotechnology, and, of course, the spiders.

"This is gold." Peter murmured, his excitement building.

One section of the server was heavily encrypted, protected by multiple layers of firewalls. Peter hesitated for a fraction of a second before diving in, his curiosity and greed overcoming any sense of restraint.

The firewalls fell one by one, each breach fueling his determination. Beyond them, he found files labeled with ominous names:

GOBLIN PROJECT, SPIDER AUGMENTATION, SUPER SOLDIER PROTOTYPES.

Peter's smirk faded as he scrolled through the documents. Diagrams of experimental serums, data on physical enhancement, and notes on human trials filled the screen. His stomach churned, but he copied everything to his USB.

"Peter…" Gwen's voice, soft but urgent, pulled him back. "What are you looking at?"

Peter yanked the USB free and turned off the terminal, erasing all traces of his activity. "Nothing you want to know about."

"Peter…" Gwen tried again, her voice tinged with suspicion.

He ignored her, turning his attention to the spiders in the enclosure and with a massive grin forming he moved.

"Peter! Don't!" Gwen's voice rose, her weak protests barely slowing him down.

Peter laughed, his grin mischievous as he opened the glass panels one by one, carefully trapping each spider in vials he stole earlier. Their vibrant colors and intricate patterns fascinated him, their potential too tempting to ignore.

"These little guys are coming with me." Peter said, securing the last of the spiders in his backpack. He slung it over his shoulder, the weight satisfying.

"You're stealing from Oscorp." Gwen hissed, glaring at him despite her pale complexion.

Peter shrugged, his grin unrepentant. "I'm borrowing them. For science."

"This isn't science!" Gwen said, trying to stand but faltering. "It's theft!"

"Call it what you want." Peter replied, catching her before she stumbled. "But these spiders are too important to leave here. Now, come on."

....

He supported Gwen as they made their way to the door. Peter peeked into the hallway, ensuring it was clear before stepping out. They moved quickly, Peter guiding Gwen toward the observation deck.

"You're insane." Gwen muttered as they neared the group.

"Insanely good at saving both our butts." Peter shot back.

Gwen glared at him but didn't argue further, too exhausted to fight.

Peter opened the door, slipping back into the observation room with Gwen just as the group prepared to move to the next exhibit.

"Everything alright?" MJ asked, noticing Gwen leaning heavily on Peter.

"Yeah." Peter said quickly, flashing a reassuring grin. "She just felt a little dizzy. Must've been all the excitement."

The teacher glanced over, her brow furrowing. "Are you okay, Gwen?"

Gwen straightened slightly, forcing a weak smile. "I'm fine, just... needed some air."

The teacher nodded, satisfied. "Alright, let's keep moving."

Peter exhaled in relief, his backpack secure and his secrets safe, for now.

....

The tour moved on, winding through Oscorp's expansive halls as the students marveled at the futuristic technology on display. Groups from other classes merged into theirs, forming a large crowd. Peter and Gwen walked near the back, with Peter keeping an arm subtly around Gwen's waist to steady her as she grew paler.

"Hey." MJ said, glancing back. "Gwen, are you alright?"

Gwen forced a smile, her voice shaky. "I'm fine. Just... a little tired."

Flash raised an eyebrow. "Tired? What's there to be tired about? You're not even carrying anything."

Peter shot him a glare. "Lay off, Flash."

Their teacher clapped her hands to gather the group's attention. "Alright, everyone, settle down. We're heading to the main auditorium. Mr. Osborn himself will be giving a presentation."

The students murmured excitedly, quickening their pace.

....

As the group funneled into the wide hallway leading to the auditorium, Gwen stumbled, her legs buckling slightly. Peter caught her before she hit the ground, his grip tightening.

"Gwen?" the teacher asked, her brow furrowing. "Are you okay? You don't look well."

"I'm fine..." Gwen tried to say, but her voice trailed off weakly.

The teacher stepped closer, concern evident in her voice. "No, you're not. I'll call someone to take you home."

Peter straightened, his mind racing. He couldn't let anyone else get involved, it was too risky. "I can take her." he said quickly.

The teacher hesitated. "I don't know, Peter.."

Peter interrupted, forcing a reassuring smile. "It's fine. I know her dad. I can get her home safely."

The teacher blinked in surprise. "You know Captain Stacy?"

Peter nodded without missing a beat. "Yeah, he'll appreciate me helping out."

After a moment, the teacher sighed. "Alright, but make sure she gets home and call her parents when you're there. I'll let the school know."

"Got it." Peter said, helping Gwen stand.

....

The taxi ride was quiet, the hum of the engine filling the silence. Gwen leaned against Peter, her breathing shallow and her face pale.

"Gwen." Peter said softly, glancing down at her. "When you wake up, call me immediately, okay?"

Gwen stirred slightly, her gaze meeting his. "Why?"

"Just trust me." Peter replied, his voice steady. "That spider that bit you... I don't think it was normal. You need to let me know if anything weird happens."

She nodded weakly, her eyes fluttering shut.

....

The taxi pulled up outside Gwen's modest home, a cozy two-story house with a well-kept yard. Peter paid the driver and carefully helped Gwen out of the car, supporting her as they approached the door.

Gwen fumbled with her keys, but Peter took them gently, unlocking the door and stepping inside. The house was quiet, her father evidently not home.

"C'mon." Peter said softly, guiding her up the stairs to her room.

When they reached her bed, Gwen collapsed onto it immediately, her exhaustion overwhelming her. Peter pulled a blanket over her and crouched beside her, his voice low.

"Keep this between us, alright? Don't tell anyone what happened."

Gwen gave a faint nod, her words slurred. "Okay..."

Peter hesitated, watching her for a moment. Then he stood, slipping quietly out of the house.

....

By the time Peter arrived home, the sun was setting, casting long shadows across the yard. He avoided the kitchen, where he could hear Aunt May humming as she prepared dinner, and instead headed straight to the garage.

Inside, he flipped on the lights, revealing a makeshift lab filled with books, tools, and salvaged electronics. He set his backpack down carefully, pulling out the vials containing the spiders.

"Alright, little guys." he muttered, arranging them on the workbench. "Let's see what makes you tick."

Peter retrieved a microscope and prepared a small sample of webbing from one of the vials. As he examined it, his brow furrowed in fascination. The structure was unlike anything he'd seen, dense, elastic, and far stronger than standard silk.

"Definitely not normal." he murmured.

He jotted down notes, his mind buzzing with possibilities.

'If Oscorp is working on this, what else are they hiding?' he thought, glancing at the USB he'd taken.

Peter set up his laptop and inserted the USB, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. "Time to dig deeper." he said, his curiosity outweighing his caution.

The garage was silent except for the faint hum of his equipment, the air thick with anticipation. Peter leaned forward, ready to uncover the secrets of Oscorp and the spiders that had captured his interest.

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