The Venom Inside

In The Doctor’s laboratory, The Doctor and what looked like an Earth Pony wearing robotic red-and-silver beetle-like armor sat discussing their plan of action to take down Venom, who was quickly becoming far more trouble than The Doctor liked.

“So, you want me to hunt down and capture this ‘Venom’ creature?” asked Beetle.

“No. Not quite yet. I’ve already tried the guns blazing, and that didn’t work. So, instead, we shall hang back and observe,” said The Doctor.

“Right… got it,” said Beetle. As he started to leave Beetle soon turned to face The Doctor. “Why do you want this being exactly?”

“That… is none of your concern.” The Doctor stated simply while Beetle opened his wings and flew off.

~

Four days later, it was the eve of the Grand Galloping Gala. To say that Lightning Dust was excited was an understatement. She was nervous beyond belief that she was finally going on a date with her crush.

Unfortunately, she didn’t exactly have a Gala suitable wardrobe.

Don’t worry, we’ve got this, the symbiote told Lightning.

“How do we ‘got this’?” asked Lightning.

Just close your eyes and imagine your dream dress, said the symbiote.

Lightning did as she was told. When she opened them again, she found that she was wearing an elegant blue dress with a cloud-like trim and yellow lightning bolts running down it. Around her neck was a sapphire pendant, and on her front hooves were silver slippers.

“This… this is awesome! Thank you!” squealed Lightning.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

“Well, my Prince Charming awaits me,” said Lightning.

~

The next day, Crystal Empire was all abuzz about the Grand Galloping Gala. As Lightning Dust and North Star walked into the ballroom to lively music, they heard bits of things that sounded like, “So, this is what a party looks like,” and “This is some shindig.”

As Lightning and North Star made their way to the dancefloor, they bumped into another pony.

“Hey, watch-” said Rainbow Dash, before realizing who she was talking to. “Lightning Dust? Is that you?” Lightning merely smirked at her former wing pony.

“Oh hello Dash… North can you go get us some drinks. I’ll be here if you need me.” Lightning said casually but with an edge to her voice. North nodded and headed towards the concession stands to get the two of them some drinks. Meanwhile Lightning and Rainbow just stared at each other before the latter broke the silence.

“So… how’s life been?”

“Really? I’ve been gone for the past year or so and that’s the first bucking question you ask?” said Lightning, who was clearly irritated.

“Yeesh, sorry… but, seriously, how have you been holding up?” asked Rainbow.

Oh, I’ve been doing great, in fact I’ve recently bonded with a puddle of sentient sludge that gives me superpony spider powers, enhanced strength and speed, and apparently the ability to disguise myself as whatever I can imagine, all so I can kill you as viciously and painfully as possible, thought Lightning.

“Well, if you really need to know, I’ve been living in Los Pegasus as a lowly waitress, ever since I got the boot from the Academy. Happy?” she said.

Rainbow was a bit surprised at how cold Lightning was being, but decided to keep the conversation friendly. “Talk about how low the mighty have fallen… so, L.P, huh? I assume you’ve at least heard about that big black monster, what was it called… Toxin, I think, right?” said Rainbow.

“First off, its name is Venom, and secondly, I haven’t just heard about it… I’ve seen it,” said Lightning. Or, rather, I amit, she finished in her head.

Rainbow Dash’s jaw dropped. “You’ve actually seen Venom? Well, what’s it like? I mean, what can it do?” she asked.

Lightning Dust’s cold  expression and mood changed almost instantly to something like a mother talking about her first newborn foal. “Well, it’s probably strong enough to knock Canterlot right off the mountain… faster than you, me, and all the Wonderbolts put together… otherwise there’s something spider-like and predatory about it… to be honest, I think Venom is a new breed of pony. Better, stronger, far superior to the rest,” she said.

Rainbow couldn’t help but feel worried about the way Lightning Dust was talking about Venom. “W-well, the girls are waiting for me, so I’ll see you later,” said Rainbow.

“Indeed you will, Dash…” said Lightning, her voice turning slightly deeper and darker as Rainbow walked away. “Indeed you will…”

~

The following day, as Lightning Dust and North Star were on their way to Lightning’s place, they talked about what a great time they’d had at the Gala. When they were on Lightning’s doorstep, they lingered a bit as they looked into each other’s eyes.

As Lightning Dust closed her eyes and leaned in, the symbiote, recognizing this as true love, spoke to Lightning, You know, you’re gonna have to tell him about us sooner or later.

Oh, shut up, I want to enjoy this moment, Lightning told the symbiote as she and North Star locked lips…