Let's reach 250 Power Stones for an extra chapter
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The Oscorp genetics lab was a wreck, a testament to hours of frenzied activity. Empty coffee cups littered the counters, alongside discarded notes and half-eaten energy bars. Wires snaked across the floor, connecting various pieces of equipment in a haphazard fashion. Peter sat slumped in a chair, his face pale with exhaustion, while Gwen leaned against a nearby table, her eyes heavy-lidded. Ethan, ever vigilant, stood by the door, surveying the scene with a weary satisfaction.
"We did it," Peter mumbled, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. "We actually did it. We created a cure for the Goblin Serum." Relief floods Peter's features, washes away the worry, the guilt, and the exhaustion.
"Let's not celebrate just yet," Gwen cautioned, though a flicker of hope shone in her eyes. "It's still untested. We don't know if it'll actually work." Gwen's cautious optimism grounded the group, a reminder that success was not guaranteed, but it was within reach.
Ethan clapped his hands together, the sound sharp in the cluttered lab. "Alright, party pooper, let's hold the celebration for later. First, we need to make sure this stuff actually works."
Suddenly, Gwen's phone rang, startling them all. She glanced at the caller ID, her brow furrowing. "It's my dad."
She answered, her voice bright. "Hey, Dad! What's up?"
"Gwen Stacy…"
Her face shifted as she listened, the initial cheer replaced by confusion, then dawning horror. Her hand tightened around the phone, knuckles white. The others watched, their senses on high alert.
"Who is this?" Gwen demanded, her voice trembling.
A distorted, gravelly voice crackled through the speaker. "Let's just say I'm a concerned citizen, Gwen. One who has your father."
Gwen's eyes widened, and she gasped, fear gripping her heart. She glanced at Peter and Ethan, her face a mask of terror. "What do you want?" she whispered.
"Simple," the voice rasped. "I want you. Meet me at the Queensboro Bridge. Alone. And don't bring any friends, or Daddy Dearest gets hurt."
"Who is this?" Gwen asked, tears welling in her eyes.
A chilling laugh echoed from the phone. "You can call me the Green Goblin."
There was a muffled shout, a pained grunt. "Gwen, stay away!" a familiar voice cried, but it was quickly cut short. A sickening thud followed, and Gwen's breath caught in her throat.
"Dad!" she cried into the phone, her voice cracking.
"Remember what I said, Gwen," the Goblin said, his voice now devoid of any humor. "Come to the bridge, or your father is dead. Tick-tock, tick-tock…"
The line went dead, leaving Gwen staring at the phone in stunned silence. She dropped the phone as her body began to shake.
The gravity of the situation slammed into Peter and Ethan as they pieced together the one-sided conversation. The Green Goblin had George Stacy, and Gwen was walking into a trap. Their blood ran cold, a mixture of dread and determination gripping them. Ethan's hand moved swiftly, pulling out his phone and checking for any news reports. A headline blazed across the screen: "Explosion at Oscorp: Police Captain Missing!"
Peter stepped forward, his voice laced with concern. "Gwen, you can't go alone! It's the Green Goblin, he's way too dangerous."
"I have to, Peter! He has my dad!" Gwen's voice rises with every word. "I can't risk anything happening to him. I have to do this alone."
Ethan moved to block her path, his gaze unwavering. "Gwen, listen to me. This is exactly what he wants. He's trying to isolate you, to make you vulnerable. You can't just walk into a trap."
"I know it's a trap, but I don't have a choice!" Tears welled in Gwen's eyes. "He'll hurt my dad if I don't go."
"We can help you, Gwen," Peter insisted, his voice earnest. "Let us come with you. We can take him down together."
"No!" Gwen snapped, her voice tight with desperation. "If you come, he'll hurt my dad. I can't risk it. I have to do this myself."
A gust of wind seemed to swirl through the lab as Renamon materialized beside Gwen, startling all of them. One moment, there was no one there, the next, a golden fox-like Digimon stood tall, her blue eyes piercing. Her appearance was as seamless as smoke, evading detection by any alarm or security system.
"Gwen," Renamon said, her voice calm and steady. "I will accompany you."
"Renamon!" Gwen exclaimed, surprised by her sudden appearance. "But…"
"The Green Goblin seeks to isolate you," Renamon continued, cutting Gwen off. "I can provide protection without being detected. My skills lie in stealth. I can travel with you, observe, and intervene only when necessary. That way you can be sure your father will be safe."
Peter frowned, unsure of this sudden turn of events. "But it's still too dangerous. Even with Renamon, you'll be walking into a trap."
"Perhaps," Renamon acknowledged, her gaze shifting to Peter. "But I can minimize the risk. I can mask my presence. With my skills, I can get close to the Goblin and protect Gwen. That is all that matters."
Ethan studied Renamon, recognizing the unwavering determination in her eyes. "You're sure about this?"
"I am," Renamon replied, her gaze returning to Gwen. "Gwen's safety is my priority."
Gwen's jaw clenched, her resolve hardening. "I appreciate your concern, guys, but my mind is made up. I'm going to that bridge." She grabs her purse, her movements decisive, and begins to head toward the door.
"Gwen, wait!" Peter called out, his voice laced with desperation. He stepped in front of her, blocking her path. "Please, don't do this. There has to be another way."
"There isn't, Peter," Gwen said, her voice firm despite the tears welling in her eyes. "This is my decision. I'm going to save my dad, and that's that."
Ethan watched them, a battle raging within him. He understood Peter's desperation, his need to protect Gwen. But he also saw the unwavering resolve in Gwen's eyes, the fierce determination that mirrored his own. He knew that arguing would be futile, that she was going, with or without their help.
He sighed, relenting. "Alright, Gwen. But if you're going, we're going to do this smart."
Gwen paused, her eyes widening slightly. "What do you mean?"
"I mean we're not going to let you walk into a trap alone," Ethan said, his voice firm. "We'll follow you, provide backup without getting involved unless things go south. Renamon can keep an eye on you, and Peter and I will be close by, ready to jump in if needed."
Peter protested, "But that's too risky! What if the Goblin sees us? What if he hurts Gwen because of us?"
"We'll be careful," Ethan insisted. "We'll stay out of sight. The point is, we can't let Gwen face this alone. It's too dangerous."
Gwen looked at Ethan, her expression softening. She understood that Peter's concern was genuine, but Ethan's offer was more practical, more in line with her own need to take action. She nodded slowly. "Okay. But you have to promise me, both of you, that you'll stay hidden unless I absolutely need you. This is about my dad. I can't risk anything happening to him."
Peter hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Alright, Gwen. We promise. But if things get too dangerous, we're coming in, no matter what."
Ethan clapped Peter on the shoulder, a silent understanding passing between them. He knew that this was a dangerous game, but with Gwen and Renamon leading the way, and with Peter and him providing backup, they had a chance. A slim chance, but a chance nonetheless. "Let's get moving, then. We don't have any time to waste."
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