Sally Avril
Note: This story focuses on the lost of Sally Avril, it will also explores the past of Sally and Gwen.
Four years ago
Sally and Gwen are attending their first day in Midtown High as Freshmen. Sally is with Gwen while holding up her phone recording themselves.
"Day One at Midtown High, me and my bestie Gwen are beginning our new lives as Freshmen." Sally narrates and recordings. "Check out these hotties here."
"Sally, seriously, are you trying to find me a boyfriend here?" Gwen said.
"Come on Gwendolyne, we're not in middle school anymore. You really need to stop being shy when it comes to boys. Who know? Maybe one of these bad boys will take interest in smart, beautiful, and blonde Gwen Stacy." Sally smiled.
"Quit it." Gwen smiled.
Gwen is still holding onto the phone that contained the video of their first day in Midtown High. She smiled as she watched how free spirited Sally Avril was that day. She was so confident in herself that she took on Midtown High as a Freshmen.
Gwen cried a tear as she now knows that's not the case anymore since her best friend was murdered last week at the hands of Martin Li AKA Mister Negative.
At the home of May Parker, Peter and May are watching the news about the day that Sally Avril died and that Ghost-Spider is the main suspect in her murder.
"It's been a sad day for the people of New York as seventeen year old Sally Avril lost her life last week. As of right now, the vigilante knows as Ghost-Spider is the main suspect in the late Avril's death. We have live footage of Captain George Stacy of the NYPD giving a statement."
The news switched to the precinct with Captain George Stacy and Lieutenant Yuri Watanabe in their uniforms along with other high ranking officers.
"Thank you all for coming, the loss of Sally Avril is a devastating loss to all of us, especially my daughter Gwen who was best friends with Sally. As of right now, I've issued an arrest warrant for the capture of the vigilante known as Ghost-Spider who was spotted with the deceased and is now considered a murder suspect." George Stacy said.
"One question, what are you going to do about that webhead Spider-Man? He and that Ghost-Spider are partners, what will become of him?" Jameson said.
"I am aware, I hope that Spider-Man could help us in bringing Ghost-Spider to justice. But if he doesn't and is aiding and harboring a fugitive, he'll be considered as a criminal to the people of New York City." George Stacy said.
"I'm pretty sure that Spider-Man will be protecting her, I can guarantee that. As I always say, masks aren't above the law. They've brought the war to our city twice. It's time that these masks pay for their crimes." Jameson said.
The news switches back to the anchorman.
"There you have it, J Jonah Jameson of the Daily Bugle has spoken out against these heroes for their involvement in the murder of Sally Avril, but the question remains, will Spider-Man bring Ghost-Spider to justice or will he protect her against the law, time will tell. In the meantime, the wake of Sally Avril will happen today with family, friends, and fellow students attending to give their respects for the late Sally Avril."
Peter and May are finished watching the news about Sally's death and the public painting Ghost-Spider as a murderer.
"Unbelievable, Jameson never waste time taking advantage of someone's death for his anti heroes agenda. His ego surely has no limits." May said.
"That's the least of my problems. By the way, any news on Martin Li?" Peter said.
"No, no one from work has seen him in these past week. It's like he's disappeared of the face of the Earth. Maybe he's running after you and Gwen identified him as Mister Negative." May said.
"No, the Demons are still around and their hold over New York is growing. He hasn't left town, he's still here." Peter said.
"Can't you go to George Stacy and tell him what you know." May said.
"If it were that easy, these past days we've been hunted by the police so our creditability doesn't carry much weight with them." Peter said.
"This isn't right, Gwen has already suffered enough with the loss of her best friend, she shouldn't be painted a killer." May said.
"I know." Peter said.
"This is all wrong." May said.
"May." Peter looked at May. "I know... it's not fair."
"By the way, how is Gwendy doing?" May wondered.
"What do you think? Her best friend just died in her arms and she couldn't save her. The pain of loss is something I know all too well, it can change you." Peter said.
"Have you seen her?" May said.
"Last week, I came by to comfort her after I've heard about her death. It's been hard on her." Peter said.
"You did the right thing seeing her. Are you going to the wake?" May said.
"Yeah... I want to pay my respect to Sally and say goodbye." Peter said.
"I didn't know that you were close to her?" May said.
"Not that close, I remember the first time I've met her and Gwen, it was my Junior year at Midtown High. Those two were inseparable, like sisters." Peter smiled.
Flashback
Four years ago
Gwen and Sally are touring around Midtown High as they see the football jocks such as Flash Thompson and cheerleaders like Liz Allan.
"Wow, this place sure is something. Wouldn't you agree?" Sally said.
"If you say so, school is still a school, high or not." Gwen said.
"Seriously Gwen, they say that high school is the best years of your life before you graduate. There like guys driving car, sports, and prom One day we'll look back at these four years and remember the good times." Sally said.
"Maybe for you, as for me all I can think about is studying and getting straight 'A's. I have no time for boys." Gwen said.
Gwen carries her books as she walked away from Sally until she bumped into someone.
"Oh! I'm so sorry, I was careless." Gwen said.
Gwen looked at the guy she bumped into, she got surprised at the sight of the guy she bumped into. He's sixteen years old with brown hair and brown eyes, good looking.
"It's okay. You must be new to Midtown High, I'm Peter Parker." Peter introduced himself.
Gwen felt attracted to Peter since the first time she saw him, she began to have feelings that she never felt before.
"And you are?" Peter asked.
"Oh, I'm Gwen... Gwen Stacy. I'm new here." Gwen smiled.
Peter and Gwen shake hands.
"Nice to meet you Gwen." Peter smiled.
Gwen smiled as she couldn't help but feel attracted to him. Her heart started beating and she felt like she has butterflies in her stomach. Sally could see that Gwen is blushing a bit as she never seen Gwen like this before.
"Hi, I'm Sally Avril, her best friend." Sally introduced herself.
"Nice to meet you too Sally." Peter smiled.
The school bell rang as classes are about to start soon.
"That's the bell, I should get going. Nice to meet you both." Peter walked away.
Sally could see that Gwen is still staring at Peter as he walks.
"Uh, Earth to Gwendolyne Stacy." Sally said.
"Uh, what did you say?" Gwen said.
"Nothing, I've never seen you this way." Sally said.
"Like what?" Gwen said.
"Freezing at the site of a guy." Sally said.
"Hey, I don't freeze." Gwen said.
"Oh, now I see what's going on here." Sally smiled.
"See what?" Gwen said.
"Isn't obvious?" Sally said.
Gwen still remained clueless to what Sally is saying.
"Gwen Stacy... you're in love." Sally smiled.
Gwen said nothing but she can't deny that Sally is right. For the first time in her life, she fell in love with Peter Parker.
Later at the church as everyone dressed in black for the wake of Sally Avril, her friends, family, and fellow students attended the wake as they listen to the choir that's being played. Gwen arrived with Father dressed in black. She sees Sally's parents as well as Sally's boyfriend Jason Ionello.
"Hi there Mr. and Mrs. Avril." Gwen said.
"Oh Gwen.' Mrs. Avril said.
Gwen hugs Sally's mother.
"Thank you for coming. Sally loved you like a sister she never had. It means a lot that you came." Mrs. Avril said.
"Of course, Sally means so much to me." Gwen said.
"Why? Why did this happened? Sally was a good girl, she never hurt anyone. She was always kind hearted and so full of life. Why did this happen to my baby?" Mrs. Avril cried out.
Gwen watched as Sally's mother cries out again in pain over the loss of her daughter, her husband tries his best to comfort her but he's just as hurt as she is. Gwen could see that Sally's death brought suffering to everyone who loved her. A part of her blames herself for dragging Sally into the life of a hero, she also blames herself for not being able to save Sally.
Gwen was about to take a seat until she sees Peter and May here dressed in black.
"Hey Gwen." Peter said.
"Peter... thank you for being here." Gwen said.
"Anything for you, Gwen. I'm always here for you." Peter said.
Peter and Gwen hugged each other until she switched for May and hugged her too. They then took their seats with George Stacy who is already sat down. They all listen to the choir that's been played for the past hour.
Later a priest came by to say a few words.
"Thank you all for coming. It's a sad day when a life is cut short tragically. Sally Avril was one of those life ended too soon. Now I would like to invite her closest friends to come up and say a few words."
Gwen got herself up as did Jason Ionello, they arrived at the podium.
"Go ahead, you should go first." Gwen said.
"Thank you." Jason Ionello took to the podium to speak. "Hello, my name is Jason Ionello, I was the boyfriend of the late Sally Avril. Just months ago I've asked her out to prom, finally had the courage to do and she said yes. After prom, she and I went out on dates and became a couple. Being with Sally brought out feelings that went beyond a simple crush, I fell in love with her. One the last day before she died, I told her that I loved you, and she told that she loved me too. Sally Avril... I'll never forget you for all the good times we've had... thank you."
Jason finished saying his speech as Gwen and everyone listen.
"You're turn Gwen." Jason Ionello said.
Gwen went to the podium and speaks.
"My name is Gwen Stacy, I was the best friend of Sally Avril, we were like sisters. I remembered the first time we've met, it's was in the third grade. I was one of those nerdy types that not a lot of people wants to befriend, but Sally didn't care, she saw through me as more than just a science prodigy, she saw me as a person. She was always there for me when I was having trouble fitting in. I was there for Sally too when she had trouble solving math since math wasn't her best subject. When we first went to high school, she and I would talk about boys, she told that I was beautiful and that I would one day find someone that I could love. I was so lucky to have her in my life while it lasted, she taught me so much. I'll never forget you Sally... we love you Sally." Gwen said her words.
Gwen went back to sit down with her father as the wake continues. A lot of people are still sadden with the death of Sally as tears are dropping down their eyes.
Martin Li watches the new footage of the wake of Sally Avril. he remains in hiding after his alter ego Mister Negative killed Sally. He couldn't help but feel guilty that an innocent girl died by his hand. He looked himself in the mirror and sees guilt in his eyes.
"Why? Why did you kill her?! She was just a girl, she didn't have to die! Why?!" Martin Li yelled.
Martin Li was hope to speak to Mister Negative but was unable to. He felt powerless as he couldn't stop his dark side from killing an innocent life.
"I need to make this right. I know how to make this right." Martin Li said.
Martin Li pulled out a phone and records himself.
"Hello... My name is Martin Li and want to confess." Martin Li said to himself.
Most people had already left the wake as Gwen is still at the church as she place her hand on the coffin that Sally is resting in.
"I'm sorry that I failed you Sally. Forgive me for not saving you." Gwen teared up. "I promise that I will find Mister Negative and I'll make him pay for he'd done to you, I swear."
Gwen felt sad for Sally's death and angry at Mister Negative for killing Sally. Gwen looked up and see Peter coming towards her.
"Gwen, it's getting late. You should go home and get some rest." Peter said.
"Why did this happened to her? Why did she have to die so soon?" Gwen said.
"Honestly Gwen, I still don't understand why all this cruelty is happening to good people, this world is never in short supply of it, Sally is another victim of it." Peter said.
"I don't know how I'm going to live without her." Gwen said.
"There will be a time where you'll have to learn to live without Sally. Just remember that you're not alone, you have your dad and you have me." Peter said.
Peter and Gwen hugged each other until Gwen walked away feeling nothing but pain and hate. Peter could see that Gwen is in pain, something he too understands about the loss of a loved one, some wounds never heal.
Flashback
Four years ago
Gwen and Sally had already finished their first day of high school. They began to walk home as they talk.
"Okay, here's what I gathered so far, Peter Benjamin Parker, age 16, lives in Queens with his aunt. Science Prodigy, straight 'A' student, he's definitely your type of guy." Sally said.
"You got all that in one day of school?" Gwen said.
"That and he's got social media page." Sally shows Peter's online profile.
"Oh!" Gwen said.
"By the way, he's single." Sally said.
"How do you know?" Gwen said.
"I asked around and heard that he recently broke up with Liz Allan last month, she's the head cheerleader who used to date the star quarterback Flash Thompson. So this is your chance to ask him out." Sally said.
"Ask him out on a date?" No way!" Gwen said.
"Gwen, come on, he's really quite a catch, a hot attractive nerd is definitely your type. So you go out there and get him, girlfriend." Sally smiled.
"Look I admit that he's good looking and all that, but I'm okay just being his friend." Gwen said.
"Gwen, as your best friend, let me give you some advice. You really need to stop being shy and be more confident in yourself. Trust me, guys are into that. If you don't take you chance now, someone else will." Sally said.
Gwen has to admit that Sally is right, since Peter is single it's most likely that some other girl will make her move and get Peter. Gwen never felt this way for a guy before in middle school. Her feelings for Peter are unlike anything she felt before. She'll have to make her move soon before someone else does.
Sometime later at Avengers Tower, Gwen is still working out on her crosses. She kept on punching the bag as all she can think about is Sally.
Gwen remembered that day that she and Sally fought off the demons. Gwen was still fighting off Demons while Sally was fighting Mister Negative. She saw that Mister Negative pierced his blade through Sally's body.
"NOOOO!" Ghost-Spider yelled.
Gwen kept on punching as she felt angry that Mister Negative had killed her.
Gwen was taken back to that time she watched as Sally died in her.
"Sally?... Sally?... Sally, open your eyes, please!" Gwen cried.
Gwen began to show tear in her eye as she kept punching the bag. She pictured Mister Negative on the bag as she got angry again and punched the bag hard off the chain as if tore open and sand pored out.
Gwen took a break after she destroyed the bag. She laid down on the floor as she pulled out her phone and sees a picture of herself and Sally. The only thing she can think about is finding Mister Negative and making him pay for murdering Sally. She has an idea on how to find Mister Negative and the Demons.
"JARVIS!" Gwen called out.
"Yes Miss Stacy." JARVIS said.
"Can you locate Turk Barrett for me?" Gwen said.
"At once." JARVIS said.
JARVIS is doing his part in locating a criminal name Turk Barrett.
George Stacy returned home after working so long. He's doing everything he can to locate Ghost-Spider for her role in Sally's death. He decided to check up on his daughter who's been wrecked emotionally since Sally died. He went to her bedroom to check up on her.
"Gwen... I wanted to see if..." George Stacy opened the door.
George sees the room is empty and that Gwen isn't home, now he's getting worried. He dialed his daughter's phone number.
"Come on, pick up." George Stacy said to himself.
"Hi this Gwen, please leave a message after the beep." Gwen's phone.
George could see that Gwen's isn't calling back, now he's getting really worried for his daughter. He then decided to dial the only other person who's close to Gwen.
Peter and May returned home after the wake.
"What a day, this takes me back to the day Ben died." May said.
"Yeah, me too." Peter said.
Peter remembers the day that Ben died, his whole life changed in that one moment. His phone rang as he picked it from his pocket, it's George Stacy calling.
"Hey George Stacy, what's going on?" Peter said.
"Peter, is Gwen with you?" George Stacy said.
"No... why?" Peter wondered.
"Because she's not home and she's picking up, I'm getting worried." George Stacy said.
"Maybe she still processing Sally's death and needs some space." Peter said.
"Can you check on her? I know that you and her are close, she needs a friend. Please talk to her." George Stacy said.
"I will." Peter said.
"Thank you." George Stacy hangs up.
Peter puts away the phone as he too is getting worried for Gwen. He noticed a change in her eyes, it showed rage. Peter realized what Gwen wants to do.
"I have to go." Peter said.
"What's going on Peter?" May wondered.
"I think that Gwen is going after Martin Li, I have to find her." Peter said.
"Peter, the police are looking for Ghost-Spider and they know that you're partners. If they spot you, I don't know what they'll do." May said.
"May, I have to stop before she crosses a line that she can never come back from. She's blinded by her lust for revenge. I have to try May." Peter said.
"Okay... go." May said.
Peter pulled out his phone and called Avengers Tower to reach JARVIS. He might have a lead on how to find Mister Negative.
"JARVIS, I need a location for Turk Barrett." Peter said.
"I already found the information, I gave it to Ms. Stacy." JARVIS said.
Peter heard that Gwen is looking for Turk Barrett, she's already got a head start.
"Damn it, get me the address immediately." Peter said.
Spider-Man swings into Hell's Kitchen were Turk Barrett relocated after his hangout at Harlem was compromised last year. He enters the building and see some gang members unconscious after a fight, Ghost-Spider was here. He then spotted Turk Barrett hanging upside down in a web.
"Uh, not again! Like I don't have enough with one spider, now I have two." Turk Barrett said.
"She was here, wasn't she?" Spider-Man said.
"What? She didn't tell you? Looks like she went solo, that girl sure can handle herself. She came in and ruffed me and my boys up demanding information on the Demons, pretty pissed off." Turk Barrett said.
"You told her where to find the Demon, I need that location now." Spider-Man demanded.
"Screw you and her! I had enough with spiders in day, just take me to jail, I'm not tell you sh-" Turk Barrett got cut off.
Spider-Man got his hand on Turk's neck, not looking friendly right now.
"Listen, I don't have time for this! I need to find her fast, tell me where the Demons are or I'll finish what she started!" Spider-Man intimidates Turk.
"Okay! Okay, take it easy. Put me down and I'll write it down." Turk Barrett said scared.
Spider-Man released him from the webs as he got up and writes the address down on paper.
"Here, this the only Demon hideout I know of, I swear." Turk Barrett hands the paper.
Spider-Man has the address as he hears sirens closing in. He bailed out in time as Yuri Watanabe and the police arrived. They see Turk Barrett as well as other criminals webbed up.
"Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider were here, weren't they?"" Yuri Watanabe said.
"Yeah, those two assault me and my friends here, they're out of control." Turk Barrett said.
"Where are they going?" Yuri Watanabe said.
"I'll gladly tell you." Turk Barrett said.
Turk gave Yuri and the police information where the Demons are hanging out, where Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider are heading.
Somewhere in the docks that the Demons now control, Ghost-Spider looked and sees Demons hanging inside a building full of crates.
"So when will the cargo be coming in?"
"Soon, Mister Negative wants us to move the product around town as soon as it gets here."
Ghost-Spider sees at least 10 Demons here, she decided to take them out one by one. She sees one hiding behind the crates trying to smoke. She webs him and pulls him up before he could say a word.
"Hey, smoking break is over, come over here!"
The head Demon calls the other to him, but no reply.
"Are you deaf?"
They still don't hear a word from the other Demon, they started to get suspicious about his quietness.
"You two, go check it out."
Two Demons proceeded cautiously to find the missing Demon. They spilt up along the way. One went left as the other went right. The right one found a cigarette lying on the floor, still lit. He bent down to pick it up but he then heard a noise from above as he found the missing Demon trapping in a web above the ceiling. He was about to call it in until he got webbed up and yanked back.
The other Demon proceeded as he still couldn't find the missing Demon, but then he got worried for his other friend who split up.
"Hey, did you find anything?"
He called out to the other Demon but still no reply.
"Are you there? Speak up!"
He began to realized that another Demon has disappeared, someone else is here. He pulled out his gun as he looks around and heard a noise nearby. He see something moving fast as he shoots in that direction, but he missed. The other Demons heard the noises as they grabbed their weapons, they looked around to find the intruder. They heard the noise coming from the crates as they check, they found a gun on the ground that was fired recently.
"Whoever you are! You made a big mistake!"
"So have you!" Ghost-Spider said from above.
They looked up as they see Ghost-Spider dropping down and attacked them. She jumped on one and pinned him down. She see two more aiming their gun at her, she shot webbing at them and yanked their guns. She runs and does a scissor kick on the two. She see five Demons still standing holding swords, they swing their swords as she duck and does a sweep kick, one fell as she webbed him down. She stands up and fight three Demons by doing a flying knee on one, she then side kicks the one on her left, she finished the one on the right with a spinning hook kick. The head Demon sees that Ghost-Spider took out his fellow Demons with ease.
"Are you so eager to die?"
"No, I'm eager to find your boss, Martin Li." Ghost-Spider said.
"You'll never find him."
"We'll see." Ghost-Spider said.
The head Demon pulled out his gun and shoots at her but she dodges it easily with her acrobatics. She webs a crate and swings it around and tossed it at the head Demon. The crate crashed onto him, he got bested by Ghost-Spider as he sees her walking towards him, he tries to shoot his gun but it ran out of bullets. He pulled out the empty cartridge and reloads another cartridge into the gun. Ghost-Spider got in closer as he point the gun at her but she grabbed his wrist and twisted it, he yelled out in pain.
"AHHH! Damn you!"
"Where's is Martin Li?" Ghost-Spider said.
"I'll never talk."
"I'll ask you again. Where is Mister Negative?" Ghost-Spider said.
"Even if you do find him, you'll end up dead just like that foolish girl that died at his hand." The Demon laughed.
Ghost-Spider got angry as someone insulted her friend. She has her fist ready to aim at the Demon.
"Go ahead, do it."
Ghost-Spider was about to punch with full force until Spider-Man came in and webbed up her arm in time. She looked as Spider-Man just stopped her.
"What the hell are you doing?" Ghost-Spider yelled.
"What the hell are you doing?" Spider-Man replied.
"I'm looking for Mister Negative, so stay out it." Ghost-Spider said.
"Listen to me, the police are on their way here, we have to get out of here." Spider-Man said.
"Then you go, I'm going to finish what I started." Ghost-Spider said.
"Ghost-Spider, don't do this! This isn't right." Spider-Man said.
"I have to find him, I have to find Martin Li." Ghost-Spider said.
"And then what? Finding him and doing whatever it is you're going to do isn't going to bring her back." Spider-Man said.
Ghost-Spider has too much anger inside her to listen to Spider-Man.
"I have to avenge her. Isn't that what you do, you're an Avenger, isn't that suppose to mean something." Ghost-Spider said.
"Then avenge her the right way, bring her killer to justice, that's the only way to honor her. I know how you're feeling, when my uncle died, I wanted revenge on the man who killed him and I was ready to take it, but I realized that he wouldn't want to be remembered like that. He told me with Great Power comes Great Responsibility. What would Sally want you to do?" Spider-Man said.
Ghost-Spider still has the Demon in front of her as Spider-Man lets go of her arm and trusts her to make the right choice. She remembers that Sally died to save her life and that she saw Gwen as a hero, she couldn't bring herself to do something she would later regret for the rest of her life.
"She saw me as a hero... I won't let Martin Li and the Demons destroy the hero she saw me as..." Ghost-Spider lets go of the Demon.
"You did the right thing, you made the right choice." Spider-Man said.
They then hear the sirens coming in closer as the police had arrived. Yuri and the police arrived and sees the Demons all webbed up and defeated but no sign of Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider.
Sometime later they're at Central Park all dressed in their regular clothes.
"How are you feeling?" Peter said.
"I'm glad the you stopped from doing something that I would regret later. Thank you." Gwen said.
"You were there for me when I wanted revenge on Kasady for Ben's death and you stopped me. So this time I had to be there for you." Peter said.
"I was so angry at Martin Li for killing Sally, but the truth is... it's all my fault." Gwen cried out with tears. "Sally's dead because of me."
Peter could see that Gwen is feeling guilty for Sally's death, something he too understands.
"Gwen... you can't blame yourself for what's happened to Sally. She chose to put on that costume to help you, she chose to save you despite knowing that she could get herself killed." Peter said.
"Sometimes I wished that I never told Sally the truth about me, maybe I could've spared her from this life." Gwen said.
"Hey, you couldn't have known that. We all die someday, some sooner, others later. But one thing I know for sure is that you're a hero. You chose to save her that night she got attacked by the lizards, she was able to live longer because you saved her life. That's the person you truly are, the person that she died believing in. I know now that I made the right choice in training you to be a hero, because you are. You more a hero than I ever could be." Peter said.
"Thank you." Gwen smiled.
"I promise you... we're going to find Martin Li and clear your name." Peter said.
"Are you sure about this? If you help me, then you'll put a target on your back with the police." Gwen said.
"It's a risk I'll have to take, because you're innocent. I'm with you till the end." Peter said.
Gwen smiled as she hugged Peter. They are together in this, they'll take on everyone in order to bring justice for Sally and to clear Ghost-Spider's name.
At the Stacy home, George opens the door and Gwen returns home.
"Gwennie… thank god that you're alright. I was so worried." George Stacy said.
"I'm okay dad, I promise. I just needed to be alone for awhile." Gwen explained.
"Please, don't do this again, you're all I have left to live for." George Stacy said.
George and Gwen hugged each other.
"I'm gonna miss her." Gwen said with sadness.
"I know Gwennie... I know." George Stacy said.
The next day as the hearse along with other cars came into the cemetery.
Gwen along with Jason Ionello and their classmates each pick up a handle and carried the body that Sally Avril is resting in.
Peter and May both followed along with Sally's parent, George Stacy and other people.
Later they arrived and see the tombstone that reads.
Sally Avril
September 10, 2004- May 12, 2021
Loving Daughter
They all lower the coffin as to prepare for the burial.
"Would anyone like to say a few words?"
Jason and the rest of Midtown Students don't know who will speak up.
"I will." Gwen speaks up.
Gwen went in front of the coffin and began to speak.
"I know that I said enough at the wake but there's more." Gwen took a deep breath and speaks. "Sally Avril is the bravest person I've ever met. Everyone said that she was friendly and kind, but in truth she has a great strength inside her heart. She would always stand up and do what's right no matter what anyone said. To me... she was a hero... my hero. She deserves justice, and I promise you Sally, that person who took your life will face justice, that's a promise."
Everyone is touched by Gwen's own words and how she speaks about how brave Sally truly is.
Jason Ionello and some classmates came forward with the school flag that each person signed.
"If it's okay, we like this buried with her." Jason Ionello holds up the flag.
"She would like that." Gwen said.
Gwen and Jason put the flag on top of the coffin as it slowly gets lowered down into the ground. Gwen picked up pieces of dirt, she tossed it onto the coffin.
"Goodbye Sally, I'll never forget you." Gwen said.
Gwen walked back to her father as men with shovels picked up dirt to cover the hole, letting Sally Rest In Peace.
Sometime later after the burial of Sally ended. Peter approached Gwen to check up on her.
"Are you alright?" Peter wondered.
"I will be, once I find Martin Li and bring him to justice. I promised Sally on her grave." Gwen said.
"I'm with you until the end." Peter said.
"Thank you Peter." Gwen said.
The car honked as George is already in the car, waiting for Gwen.
"I should go." Gwen said.
"I'll see you later." Peter said.
Peter and Gwen hugged each other as she left to join her father. Peter then left the cemetery with Aunt May.
Flashback
Four years ago
The next day, Gwen decided to finally be brave enough to tell Peter about her feelings for him.
She found Peter and was about to talk with him until she sees a redhead teenage coming up to Peter and is kissing him. Gwen stopped and was shocked to find out that Peter now has a girlfriend.
Peter then sees Gwen looking at them.
"Gwen?" Peter said.
"Sorry... didn't want to interrupt." Gwen said.
"It's okay, Gwen Stacy, meet Mary Jane Watson, my next door neighbor and best friend, now my girlfriend." Peter introduced.
"Hi... I'm Gwen Stacy." Gwen introduced herself.
"Mary Jane Watson, my friends call me MJ." Mary Jane introduced herself.
"Nice to meet you, MJ." Gwen smiled.
"Nice to meet you too, something tells me that you and me are gonna be great friends." Mary Jane smiled.
"I'd like that." Gwen smiled.
The bell rang as class is about to start soon.
"See ya later Tiger." Mary Jane smiled.
Mary Jane kissed Peter before she left to her own class, Gwen couldn't helped but being jealous of Mary Jane, she's very beautiful as well as confident. She couldn't do anything but respect their relationship.
"I should get going too." Gwen said.
"Okay, see ya later." Peter said.
Gwen walked away and joined Sally as they both walked towards class.
"Is that girl?" Sally said.
"Yeah, she's his girlfriend." Gwen said.
"Gwen, I'm sorry that things didn't work out the way you wanted." Sally said.
"Don't worry, I'll get over it." Gwen said.
"Hey... listen to me, one day whether it's Peter or some other guy, you'll find someone who will make you the happiest girl in the world." Sally said.
Gwen smiled. "Thank you Sally, you're a great friend."
Gwen and Sally hugged each other. Their friendship for one another is a great gift.
Later after the funeral, Peter and May returned home. May noticed that Peter has been all quiet lately.
"Peter... are you alright?" May said.
"Yeah... why?" Peter wondered.
"Being at the funeral brings back memories, like the day we buried Ben." May said.
"Yeah... May... there's something I need to talk to you about." Peter said.
"About what?" May said.
"Ben." Peter said.
"Peter, you don't have to do this." May said.
"But I want to and... you deserve to know the truth." Peter said.
May and Peter went into the living room and each sat down.
"Today when I saw Gwen, I saw that look in her face." Peter said.
"Losing someone you love can be hard on you, but you find a way through it." May said.
"It's more than that." Peter took a deep breath. "When I saw her in that dark place, I knew exactly what she's was feeling."
May could see that this matter means something to Peter.
"I only other person I ever talked to about this was Gwen and MJ. I never told you this because I was ashamed." Peter said.
"Ashamed? Why?" May wondered.
"Years ago after I got my powers, I decided to use them to make money. I joined a wrestle match and won the competition... After I won and collected my prize... a man ran out and I had a chance to stop him... but I chose to let him go, because I felt that it wasn't my responsibility." Peter said.
May could see that Peter is crying softly.
"When I got home and see Uncle Ben's body being dragged out. I wanted revenge on the man who took his life... I chased to a warehouse and got him corner... When I saw his face... it was the same man that I let go that night..." Peter cried out softly again. "I realized that what happened to Ben was my fault..." Peter cried out. "It's all my fault that he ended up dead... if I only acted early and stopped that man... he would be here with us.'
May could see tears dropping down his eyes as the pain of that day was too painful. May could see that Peter has carried that guilt since that day.
"Peter... you were only a boy that day... you couldn't have know that was going to happen." May said.
"Still didn't make things any easier, I still blame myself for his death... just like Gwen blames herself for Sally's." Peter said with sadness.
Peter... I don't blame you for what happened to Ben, and I don't think that Ben did either. He made a choice that day to stop that man, Ben chose responsibility." May said.
"I know... with great power comes great responsibility." Peter said.
"That's right." May smiled.
May came in closer and hugged Peter. Peter felt relieved that he managed to tell May the truth about Ben.
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