The Side They Don't See

Glass

Chapter 5- Glass

Peter was in the soul world. He was sparring with Gamora, and even though he wasn't even close to her level, he was steadily getting better at fighting.

They couldn't keep track of time in the soul world, but it had been approximately 8 months since they first appeared there. Peter figured the only reason all of them hadn't either fallen into a coma or gone insane was that they had each other. In the soul world, they had to figure out a way to pass the time. They couldn't sleep, eat, and there were no material objects other than the clothes on their backs. They didn't get thirsty or hungry, they didn't get dirty or sweat. It was like they were hardly alone.

Sparring with Gamora was one of Peter's favorite and most common pastimes. She was a master fighter, and he had already improved to the point where he could beat most of the people in their group.

Shuri was no challenge. Bucky, Sam, Old Peter, and Mantis were all easy to beat after the first month. He could beat Groot and Drax, but it took some effort. He still hadn't managed to defeat Gamora, Doctor Strange, or T'challa.

His progress had been rapid at first, Gamora teaching him how to use his spidey-sense and reflexes to take down opponents. Peter appreciated it because he could get rid of all his ent up energy, as well as his frustrations.

After being stuck with the same ten people for 8 months, petty arguments and hostility were a reasonably common occurrence.

But the eight months had also weighed on them in other ways. The power of the soul stone was continuously pressing against them, trying to get them to submit. They all tried their best to keep up their defenses, but sometimes Peter caught himself wondering why he was even fighting it.

He was stuck in an endless plane with no means of escape. If anything, wouldn't it be better to just go to sleep, end the constant boredom and suffering?

Peter got snapped out of his thoughts when Gamora knocked him to the ground. She smiled at him and held out her hand." You're getting better every day. I'm sure one day, you might even be able to beat me."

Peter cracked a grin and dusted off his legs. "Yeah, sure. Whatever you say, oh wise master."

She laughed and ruffled his hair, walking towards the rest of the group. "Let's call it a day, then. Your butt must be sore from constantly getting knocked down."

Peter grumbled in annoyance but walked with her. They sat down next to Dr. Strange and Sam Wilson, who were talking about something to do with physical therapy and whatnot. Gamora started talking too while Peter just sat back and watched.

He was looking at Sam when he noticed something was off. Sams whole face was drooping, and it seemed that his speech was getting slurred. Gamora and Strange seemed to see it too because Gamora leaned forward and shook him.

"Sam? Sam! What's going on with you?" Her voice sounded more concerned than he had ever heard before. But even though she was practically screaming in his face, Sam's face kept getting droopier. It almost looked like he was just falling asleep on the spot. Only then did Peter realize what was happening: the soul stone. It was taking Sam.

Peter felt a surge of panic take hold, not knowing what to do, He watched Gamora and Strange struggle to keep him awake, while the others gathered around frantically.

In the end, though, nothing could be done. Sam slumped forward, gone. His pulse was weak, and he was barely breathing. He was in the coma-like state, and wouldn't wake up.

And just like that, their group of ten was now nine.

---

Peter woke up. The clock read 5:00 am, but by that point, he was used to waking up cold early in the morning. He sighed and headed to the fire escape. Usually, he would just try and ignore his dreams, go back to sleep.