Spiders and Magic (Alternate Rise and Fall of Spider-Mane)

A Lesson in Heroics Part II

“I said a hero off, Parker. I want to challenge you to see who's the better hero!”

Peter was still confused by the cyan mare's rather sudden demand. What had he done that brought this on? He hadn't even spoken to Rainbow all day and the only time he had seen her was when he was practising in the field. Perhaps he had interrupted something she was involved in.

“Look, Skittles, I have no idea what made you want to challenge me all of a sudden, but I don't see how any competition is going to solve it. Heroes don't compete against each other - that just creates more problems”.

Most of what Peter said flew over Rainbow’s head. One thing that didn't was the nickname he had decided to give her. “What the hay are Skittles? And never mind why I want to, I just want to show I'm the better hero”.

“Well, they're a brand of candy back on Earth - they have all the colors of the rainbow. And because you do too, I've decided it should be your new nickname. But back to the matter at hand, I need a more valid reason than ‘because you want to’. I'm not here to compete with you, Rainbow. I'm here to help”.

Even though Peter was being sincere, it didn't register with Rainbow. “If that's the case, then why is the whole town suddenly rooting for you? There's practically a bandwagon already, and you've only just shown your face”.

“A bandwagon? For me? I had no idea. Guess I just blanked on the concept of ever having a fanbase”. It was genuinely surprising for to Peter to find out that the residents of Ponyville had taken a shine to him, as back home he was mostly seen as a menace and a criminal.

But again, the sincerity of that Peter said was lost on Rainbow, as her jealousy was getting the best of her. “Yeah, everypony loves you, and your rubbing your face in it! So I'm gonna prove that I deserve the attention more than you do!”

Jeez, massive ego anyone? What is with this girl?

“Nopony messes with my pride! I’ll show you and everypony that I'm number one around here!”

Peter began to grow concerned. He had seen this kind of behaviour many times - heck, he himself was once like Rainbow. Then again, he had grown up quite a lot in the four years he had been Spider Man. It seemed that Rainbow didn’t have the same level of experience he had.

“Listen, Rainbow, I think you're getting the whole hero concept wrong. It should never be about -”

Completely deaf to Peter's speech, Rainbow cut him off by butting her forehead against his. Even though it stopped his train of thought, it didn't hurt Peter in the slightest. And Rainbow seemed too mad to care.

“Look, Parker! I don't particularly care what you have to say. I'm just here to settle the score. So… are you in?”

Peter just groaned in defeat. From what Rainbow was saying, a hero off would entail something along the lines of tests of finesse and strength. And Peter was in a sensitive situation. His powers were on the fritz and prone to failure, or potentially being out of control.

For him to agree to this challenge could be disastrous. But until a situation presented itself where Peter could deduce if he was a potential danger, he may aswell go through with it. Well, at least until he saw what the challenges were.

“OK, Skittles, give me a time and place. And I'll be there”.

Rainbow’s face changed to an incredibly smug smile, finally getting what she wanted. “Sweet Apple Acres. Tomorrow at noon. I'll speak to Applejack to get a few things set up”.

After Rainbow gave Peter the details, she took off, assumedly for Sweet Apple Acres to get the hero off ready. As she disappeared beyond the horizon, Peter forced himself not to slam the door out of sheer frustration. This was the last thing he wanted right now.

“Why are girls the same in every universe? Tough to talk to and making my life a pain. Screw it for now! Shower, food, bed… “

Peter quickly examined the remains of his suit before going to the bathroom.

“... and a good tailor”.

***

Another early morning start; and not one that Peter had planned for.

The whole ‘hero off’ proposal seemed lost on him, as he had no intention of competing with anyone. But due to somehow wounding Rainbow Dash’s ego (the cause of which he had not yet been made privy to), Peter now found himself at Sweet Apple Acres, the local apple farm and Applejack’s place of residence.

The farm had that feel to it - the quaint, simple, and humble presence that Peter had heard of. Living in the big city for most of his life had given Peter a sense of refreshment when he saw the farm. It was unfortunate that he had only ever been to a place like this only once. Anytime Peter left New York was to either go underwater, to space, or another dimension.

Since only a select group of ponies knew about Peter's heroic identity, he had no choice but to wear the scraps of his suit that remained. Even though all that was mostly intact enough to function were his mask and shirt (barely). As he closed in on the barn, a familiar southern tone could be heard calling Peter's name.

“Howdy do there, Pete. Nice to see you up and early… unlike some ponies. The only reason I'm awake this time with ya was because Rainbow practically forced me to set up gear for this ‘hero off’”.

Peter chuckled sheepishly, feeling somewhat guilty of Applejack’s inconvenience. Although from the looks of it, she had made the effort despite the fact that she was in a way pressured to do so. As Peter came up on the back of the barn alongside the farm pony, he noticed a few contraptions here and there that looked to be for athletic events. But there was a problem - none of these would suit him.

True, it all looked professional and well put together, but the reality was that none of it would be able to challenge Peter. If the idea was for Rainbow to show she could outclass him in physical feats, this wasn't going to cut it. However, Peter quickly remembered that Equestria didn't have Earth's technological advances, and therefore was limited in what was available.

“Thanks for doing all this, Applejack. I know it was out of the blue for you. But believe me… I know what that's like”.

Applejack giggled, knowing that Peter was still processing his first encounter with a pride - damaged Rainbow Dash. “Don't worry ‘bout it, Pete. Dash can be quite hot tempered, but she's nice once you get under her fur”.

As if on cue, a rainbow coloured blur closed in on the farm and flashed past Peter and Applejack, trailing a cloud of dust with it. As the dust settled, there stood Rainbow Dash bearing a smug grin. “Well, well. Look who actually showed up. Alrighty, Parker. Let's get this over with”.

Inside, Peter was groaning. There were a dozen different things he would rather be doing right now (mostly more training as his instincts weren't in tune with his new body yet), and this rather pointless competition was simply a waste of time. Why the stallion was putting up with this nonsense was anyone's guess.

“Look Rainbow, in all honesty I would rather not be here. I don't what's possessing me to do this but -”

“Shut it, Parker! You ain't backing out of this now!” Rainbows face was a sea of fury, and her attitude was unrelenting. Unfortunately for Peter, just to hear the end of it, he would have to go through with it. Applejack however was getting slightly fed up with Rainbows aggravations… and the cyan pegasus had just arrived.

“A’right, a’right, enough you two. It's gonna be a long day so let's get to it. First will be the strength test. It's pretty simple enough. All ya gotta do is give the bag your best kick. That's it”.

Applejack led Peter and Rainbow to a punching bag tied up to a wooden frame. This was where Peter started to see the problems with this competition. When it came to him anyway. And there was no chance he was going through with it now.

“Listen, Applejack. I can't do this”.

Applejack gave a concerned look, while Rainbow gave an angry glare.

“If I'm getting this correctly, Rainbow and I have to kick this bag, while you hold on to it and judge how well we do?”

Applejack nodded firmly, confirming Peter's guess was true.

“Then we're gonna have a problem. I'm sure when it comes to Rainbow, you're more than capable of handling anything she can dish out. Not saying she's weak, she's probably a tough pony compared to most. But me? I've traded blows with creatures that were made to destroy entire worlds. If I throw a kick your way, I'd send you past the horizon. And I'd rather not do that”.

Applejack blushed slightly, taken aback by Peters concern. Rainbow didn't share that feeling. “What did I just say, Parker? You are not getting out of this! How ‘bout you grow a backbone and deal with it?”

Rainbow’s statement made Peter's blood boil. He had just flat out pointed out why he can't do the challenge, and it flew over her head. “Well listen here, Skittles, how about you pull the wool out of your ears and listen?”

Both ponies were enraged to the point of butting heads again, although Peter was still holding back, still not wishing any harm to befall the cyan pegasus. But before the situation could escalate any further, Applejack stepped between the two and forced them apart… well more forced Rainbow back as she couldn't move Peter.

“That's enough! Both of you! Now come on, y’all are both full grown ponies! Act like it and let's just get on with it”. Rainbow turned away in frustration while Peter just stared into space. Applejack grabbed his attention by putting a hoof on his shoulder. “Look Pete, ah understand that you're scared you might hurt me, so we'll find another way to test ya, ok?”

Peter sighed, venting his anger before he did something by accident. Seeing that she calmed down one hot head, Applejack turned to deal with the other. “Listen Rainbow, you gotta give Pete a break. It's bad enough that he's new here, but now he's got you making him uncomfortable”.

“He's clearly not uncomfortable if he's going around stealing my spotlight. I’m the hero of Ponyville, not him”. Rainbows words were like venom, aimed straight at Peter. This made the stallion realise that there was no way to convince her, at least with words. If she wanted to prove herself against him, then by all means she can try.

“OK then! Skittles. You wanna show that you're the better hero… then let's do it!”

Rainbow grinned slyly. She was getting her way. Realising there was no way to stop the madness, Applejack walked up the punching bag and stood behind it. She then used the bag to balance on her two back legs, whilst steadying herself so that she would stop the bag from moving if force was applied. “OK,  Dash. Your up”.

Rainbow trotted over to the bag and turned around, getting herself in the right position. Once she was sure she was ready, she reeled back with her hind legs and bucked with all her might. The force moved Applejack slightly, but she remained in place all the same. “Well done Dash. Some pony's been working out. That beats your previous record”.

“Ha! I knew I was getting better - better than this stick thin colt anyways”.

Beneath Peter's mask was an expression of rage. The only reason he looked thin was because he was massively suppressing his strength. So in order to prove Rainbow wrong (and get her to leave him be), he had to do a feat of greater significance. Looking around he saw a boulder just a few feet away.

“OK. Well seeing as you punched a bag, I'll do something a little bit bigger… and tougher”. Peter began to walk over to the boulder, followed by Applejack and Rainbow. As they neared it, Rainbow began to snicker. Applejack looked confused.

“Pete, you can't be serious. It's a really big rock. You'd be hurtin’ yourself”.

“Yeah Parker. You'll break your tiny little legs and make yourself look like an idiot. C’mon, just do the bag like a normal pony”.

Standing before the boulder, Peter began to channel his strength, which caused his body to bulk up. The ground beneath him began to crack and crumble. The two mares began to feel the energy exhuming from Peter, with Rainbow beginning to feel slightly worried.

“I'm no normal pony!”

Peter thrust his hoof forward with all his might, instantly shattering the boulder as it made contact. Dozens of pieces of broken rock scattered across Sweet Apple Acres, creating small holes where they landed. Once the rubble settled, all that was left of the boulder was the hole where it once resided.

Applejack and Rainbow were stunned at the display of strength, the former gathering her senses quickly. The outcome was clear. “Sorry Dash, but Pete is the winner. Quite clearly”. This would have registered with Rainbow, had she not still been in awe over Peter's feat.

“Dash, shall we continue?”

Rainbow finally snapped out of her phased state. Trying to keep herself preserved, she instantly switched back to being angry. “Yeah… yeah let's go! So what, Parker broke a rock - big whoop!”

Applejack looked over to Peter, who had now calmed himself. The force of the punch had removed whatever was left of Peter's costume on his right hoof. Yet surprisingly enough, the hoof itself was undamaged.

“Hey Pete? C’mon, we've still got the next challenge to do”.

Peter's mind returned back to him as his focus came back to reality. Looking over he saw Applejack’s face was a mix of confusion and fear. Then again if he was in her position and someone just obliterated a big piece of rock in one punch, then he'd be pretty scared too.

“Yeah ok. I'll be right with you”.

Applejack smiled, some sincere friendliness coming through the fear. But she still wondered if Peter was capable of any self restraint. He didn't even seem to take into consideration the damage that was caused. Gazing over the field she saw that much of the debris had destroyed several trees. It may not have been detrimental to her business, but all the same, somepony could have been hurt.

“What have you started, Rainbow?”

***

It was now around midday. Peter, Rainbow Dash and Applejack were heading to a more out of the way location for the second challenge. Even though Rainbow insisted they could do the challenge around Ponyville, Applejack had insisted even more that it be out of the way of anypony, just incase if there would be any accidents. It was obvious that Rainbow wanted the challenge in town just so she could show off.

On the outside it looked as though Applejack had ensured no one else was around so that Rainbows ego wouldn't be inflamed. The truth was that the farm pony was afraid that something could happen akin to earlier. It was clear that Peter's abilities surpassed most ponies in Equestria. If he was going to go all out again, having zero ponies in the area was the safest idea.

“Sorry Dash, but as much as I'm sure you'd love to show off in front of everypony, you tend to get far too competitive for your own good”. This made the cyan pegasus grumble. She wanted an audience to view her when she beat Peter at the one thing she was good at - flying fast.

“Fine. I guess I'll just have to deal with it. At least I'll have you to tell everypony how badly I kicked Peter's flank in this race”. Both mares looked back at Peter, who was for some reason keeping his distance. Applejack had thought earlier that he was still mad, but from the way he was holding himself it seemed to be more… guilty.

Applejack slowed her walk to come parallel with Peter. “Hey, Pete? You ok under there?” The farm mare’s voice brought Peter out from his inner thoughts. Looking up, he came face to face with Applejack, a look of concern strewn across her features. And so she should. What he had done was out of order. He had allowed his annoyance towards Rainbow Dash to boil up and explode in a rather immature way. He removed his mask, showing Applejack the guilt she knew he was bearing.

“I’m so sorry, Applejack. What I did back at the farm was completely below me. I was just frustrated. After this is over I'll clean up the mess I made, I swear”.

Applejack was slightly surprised. She was aware that Peter was a bit of a hothead, quite akin to Rainbow, but from what she heard he was quite reserved most of the time despite his incredible strength. It was also true that Rainbow had quite the tendency to get under ponies fur. Peter seemed to have fallen victim just easily as the rest.

“Thank you kindly Pete. Ah do realise that Dash ain't the easiest mare to get along with, but sometimes you gotta ignore her ego. True enough, you won. But you caused a lot of damage. All of which you'll have to work off. Running that orchard ain't cheap”.

Peter hung his head in shame. His fit of rage had cost someone part of their business. It would seem that the stress of living in a new world (not to mention Rainbows incessant boldness to one up him) had pushed Peter to his edge. Perhaps some relaxation was needed after today.

“You have my word, Applejack. I'll work off everything I owe”.

With the drama out of the way, Applejack gave Peter a firm hug, which he returned. However, the mood was interrupted by a certain pegasus.

“Hey! Move it you two! We're burning daylight!”

The two broke the hug and sighed. Applejack gave a firm chuckle. “Just power through it. Try to have some, but keep yourself in check ok?”

Peter nodded and the two set off again at their own pace, not bothered about Rainbows impatience.

***

After a several mile trek, Peter, Rainbow and Applejack finally reached their destination. They came upon what appeared to be a massive gorge. Mist and fog covered most of the area, giving it a supernatural feel. Rainbow walked up beside Peter and elbowed his side.

“Welcome to Ghastly Gorge, Parker. This is where we will have our race challenge”.

“Doesn't look particularly safe - then again in my line of work, I've never known the meaning of safe. So, what are the rules?” Peter asked as he looked over at Applejack. The blonde mare nodded in response.

“The rules are pretty simple. Both of you will do a full lap of the gorge. I'll obverse from that central pillar to make sure none of y’all cheat”. She snarked with a quick glance at Rainbow Dash.

“The do nots of the race are as follows - No flying above the gorge to get an advantage, no destruction of obstacles to hinder your opponent. No grabbin’ or shovin’, just no physical contact. And Pete, just to keep it a little bit fair, no usin’ that power up thingy ya got, ok?”

Peter nodded. “Seems only right. If Skittles here gets no boosts, then neither should I”.

Rainbow could be heard chuckling. “Ha! C'mon Applejack, don't handicap the poor guy. He'll need all the help he can get against me”. Peter rolled his eyes, trying his best to keep his annoyance under control.

“Oh please, Skittles, if I can keep up with the Flash on a good day then you should be no problem. Let's just keep it a clean race shall we?” Peter raised his hoof towards Rainbow. She looked at it confused. Grinning she bumped it with her own. Looks like Peter was thinking her way.

“Bring it, Parker!”

Rainbow led Peter to a ledge in the gorge, which the stallion surmised would be the starting position. While he got his bearings together, Rainbow went back up to take Applejack over to a large pillar that would serve as her lookout, giving her a full view of the gorge to make sure both participants were playing fair.

Once Rainbow returned, the two racers began to stretch. Out of the corner of her eye, Rainbow noticed that parts of Peter's suit were clinging to him tightly, showing off muscles that she hadn't seen, or even bothered to see before. Looks like he wasn't as skinny or puny as she thought.

Just make it a good race, Parker.

Content with their warm up, Peter and Rainbow took their places at the end of the ledge, the pegasus flaring her wings and the unicorn channeling his energy to allow him flight. Seeing that they were both ready, Applejack raised her hoof ready to signal the start.

“Alright, ponies. Are ya ready?” Peter and Rainbow nodded sharply, both looking like they were about to pounce.

“Ready, Set…” Applejack dropped her hoof.

“GO!”

The two ponies took off, their combined power sending a gust of wind up the side of the canyon. Already Applejack was struggling to keep her eyes on them with the speed they were going at. She could see that they were both neck and neck.

Down in the gorge, Peter and Rainbow were dodging several pillars placed throughout their race pattern, with Rainbow weaving through them and Peter doing sharp turns around them without loss of speed. After clearing the pillars, they came up to a cave system filled with small holes and craveses, which was again easy enough for both ponies to dodge.

Peter and Rainbow finally exited the cave, and came up to a narrow path through the gorge. Rainbow had almost forgot to tell Peter what was up ahead - mostly because she wanted to see how he would act under pressure. “Hey Parker! I forgot to tell you - watch out for the quarrey eels! They nest within the walls of the gorge”.

Peter couldn't believe this - Rainbow had kept something about the course secret until they got there. He wasn't particularly worried though. Chances were they wouldn’ be able to touch him. “Cheers for that Skittles! Way to have that ‘fair race’ we agreed on!”

Rainbow just laughed. “Oh come on, Parker. What's life without a little risk?”

Just as they came up on the eels nesting spot, Peter sensed something coming from within the wall… and then he saw it. Something Rainbow also forgot to mention - they were gigantic. As soon as one was out, more started to appear. Between his senses and quick reflexes, Peter was able to dodge practically ever eel. The same couldn't be said for Rainbow.

She was struggling to get out of the way of the eels as they frantically moved around, trying to get the two ponies and eat them. Suddenly, one of the eels aimed straight for Rainbow, and she didn't see it coming… until it was on top of her. But before it could get her, Peter appeared at blinding speed and pushed Rainbow out of the way of the eel… but had put himself in the firing line.

The eel’s snout bashed right into Peter, sending him into the cave wall and causing most of it to crumble and break. Most of the eels that were out from their nests were struck by the debris. However, the one that had caught Peter was looking for its prey… only to have said prey strike it in the snout, forcing it backwards and slamming into the opposite wall.

With the whole gorge collapsing, Peter moved as fast as possible to avoid being buried alive.

Rainbow had already cleared the rest of the course and landed at the finish line. Looking over she saw a rather disappointed Applejack. Confused she flew over. “Why the long face Applejack? I won! I totally proved I'm the better flyer!”

Applejack wasn't amused. She had seen what happened at the eels nest. “Ah think you should be ashamed of yourself, Dash. Pete saved you from becoming eel chow, and you didn't even stop to make sure he was ok”.

As if on cue, Peter landed behind Applejack, the remains of his suit falling to pieces. All that was left was his mask and one leg. Deciding it was pointless to keep the rest, he discarded the mask and the leg piece. As soon as his mask was off, the two mares saw nothing but anger.

“Thanks Rainbow… thanks a bunch. I risk my neck for you, and you fly off without even checking if I was a corpse or not. I wouldn't like to think you treat everybody you compete against like this”.

Rainbow grinned. “Oh please, Parker. Don't be such a grumpy filly. We both know you would've been ok. You took that dragon easily enough. It's just a couple of giant eels”.

This did little to quell Peter's anger. True, he was tough enough to take a fair amount of punishment, but it didn't change the fact that Rainbow just forgot about him for the sake of the race.

“You can't just do that, Rainbow. If you get so competitive that you disrespect your opponent, no one will respect you back. It's a two way street”.

It was then that Rainbow realized her folly. She was getting too competitive. She had almost left a pony for dead, despite his strength. Even so, she still wanted to prove herself.

Then something came back to her. Something she should have taken into account before the race. Back a few months ago.

The race to decide who would get to be my pet. I was just as rash then. I was unaware of what was around me. It took Tank coming back to get me out of that boulder I was trapped under. He saved my life. And now Peter's done the same. But this time he's the one who got left behind.

For Rainbow, history had repeated itself. Only this time she wasn't the victim of her own hubris. Someone else paid for her mistakes.

“Ah don't know what was going through that head of yours Dash, but regardless of what Pete is capable of, ya don't leave a pony behind. You should know that better than most.”

Rainbow hung her head, the shame and guilt finally sinking in. Her ego threatening to destroy a potential friendship with someone who only a few days ago almost died defending her friends.

“Fine. I'm sorry. I got caught up in the moment. You're right Applejack. I should know better. I just… I just… “

The words just couldn't seem to form. Rainbow tried to make an excuse, but nothing came out. It was as if something was compelling her to tell the truth. With a sigh she was beaten.

“The truth is I'm scared. Scared that somepony with your powers just came out of the blue. You're a tough guy, Peter. So much stronger than anypony else in Equestria. I just wanted to see if I could stack up against you. But from the looks of it, even I don't stand a chance.”

Peter was shocked. So all this… was to see if anyone could keep him in check? It sort of made sense. On Earth there were easily a few dozen heroes stronger than him. If he was mind controlled or if he went to the other side, there were many that could detain him.

But here in Equestria it was a different story. There were no super powered beings. Odds were that there was only one individual capable of competing with Peter in every aspect - Princess Celestia. From what he had heard, Peter concluded that Celestia must be powerful. After all she was capable of raising the sun!

But Rainbows words still rang some points. The populace would be split on his sudden appearance.

“I never knew anyone would feel that way. All I'm here to do is help. Then again, those who can't protect themselves often get scared when those stronger than them show up. I am sorry that I've made you feel this way, Rainbow. And I'm sorry again to you Applejack. I guess you feel the same way.”

The farm pony gave a heavy sigh.

“Kinda. I mean I've never seen anypony like you before. And I've seen a fair bit since becoming friends with Twilight. I don't doubt you mean well, but I'm only being cautious Pete. My family, my friends - they all live in Ponyville. I just have to be sure that nothing will happen to them just because you can't control yourself.”

Well the day's proceedings hadn't given anyone faith that Peter could keep himself in check. Especially himself now that he looked back on it. It honestly hadn't been easy over the past couple of weeks.

“I guess I've just been losing my mojo. It's just that recent events are piling on the stress. And guess even someone like me has a breaking point. I promise you both, after some TLC I'll be in better shape - Scouts honour!”

Peter raised a hoof to signify his vow. Applejack and Rainbow smiled in recognition.

“I guess I was wrong about you Parker. Your a cool guy after all. But don't take that as you getting off the hook. Something tells me you were holding back in there. One day, I wanna see how fast we can really go.”

“You ain't giving up that easily are you Skittles?”

“Not a chance!”

Both Applejack and Peter had what seemed like the hundredth sigh in unison. They both seemed to notice that fact and let out a chuckle. Peter extended his hoof towards Applejack.

“Hold tight and I'll take you back over”.

Applejack took hold and they both began to lift from the ground and back over to the other side of the gorge. As they landed, Applejack let go of Peter and fixed her stetson as it was falling off. She gave Peter a hearty smile. The stallion had actually began to notice more of the farm pony now that he was properly looking.

Yknow, for a pony, she's really cute. Wow, I just called a pony cute. Either I'm going mad… or just going native. Then again, can't be all bad. She's been nothing but nice since I got her. I can't even stay mad at Rainbow either. She's just as adorable. And like Applejack said - it's in her nature to be competitive.

Unfortunately the smile disappeared. “Sorry I can't go on any further. I gotta get back to the farm. Those apples ain't exactly gonna grow themselves ya know”.

She looked over at Rainbow and a stern look blanketed her features.

“Look Dash, for as competitive as you get, and as big as your ego gets, don't be too hard on Pete anymore. I'd like to think the three of us understand each other a little bit better now.”

“Not to worry. The challenges are done anyway. I'm calling it off for now. Besides, I've realised I'm not helping Parker here by being all in his face. Time for me to realise that Ponyville can have more than one hero.”

Peter nodded in approval. It looks as though he had finally got through to Rainbow. However, it didn't change the fact that she had went too far initially.

“Good to hear it. All I want to do is help here anyway. But you have to remember to keep your ego in check. It's ok to brag sometimes. But not at the expense of others. But I'm sorry if you felt like I was trying to upstage you.”

Rainbow looked back at Peter, a look of guilt in her eyes.

“I know. I just thought that you were after my fans. Then again it's not your fault ponies like you - I mean you swooped in out of nowhere and saved Derpy. I was too caught up in the attention that somepony almost got hurt… or worse”. Peter walked up to Rainbow, and placed a hoof on her shoulder.

“Look Rainbow, I don't do this hero stuff for fame and glory. I tried that. It didn't end well. I use my powers to protect those who are innocent because it's the right thing to do. Back on Earth I went from one place to the next, never waiting around for praise or thanks. It's not what a hero does.

“Not a true hero anyway. Just look at it this way. If you have the ability to help someone, and if you feel as if you should help that someone, then do it. As a wise man once told me- With great power, Comes great responsibility”.

From the looks of it, Peter's words had actually gotten through to Rainbow, as she was staring intently into his eyes. As he removed his hoof, the pegasus came back to reality, slowly processing everything she had been told.

“So that's why I'm a bad hero - I look for the reward, not seeing the action itself of saving somepony as the reward. Wow, I honestly never looked at it that way, even after all my friends kept telling me”.

“Maybe what you needed was another hero to tell you how it's done. You can be great, Skittles. And it's ok from time to time to show off. But if it's at the detriment of those around you, then you need to take a step back. Be a hero for the people you swore to save, not for yourself”.

It all began to make sense to Rainbow - her ego held her back. She needed to rethink her stance on being a hero if she was doing it all wrong. But it would seem she would have a good teacher. With a new smile she extended her hoof towards the stallion.

“Well, why don't we keep Ponyville safe together. No competition. No rivalry. We do our job as friends”. Peter returned the smile and bumped his own against Rainbow’s. “Then I look forward to working with you, partner”.

Just as the two were finally making up, a roar could be heard from the gorge below. But before anyone could look over the side, the source of the roar presented itself - a massive dragon. Not the one that had attacked Ponyville several days ago, but was still intimidating to look at. It landed a few feet from the three ponies with an aggressive look on its face. Peter stood his ground against the beast, while the two mares slowly backed away. Even Rainbow knew she was no match for it. She had tried fighting a dragon before and it didn't go well.

“WELL, WELL. LOOK AT THESE LITTLE MORSELS THAT HAVE PRESENTED THEMSELVES”.

Rainbow and Applejack gulped. The dragon had every intention of eating them. Peter on the other hand wasn't phased.

“Sorry buddy but these ‘little morsels’ aren't for munchies. So how's about you fly on off before I break something?”

The dragon burst out laughing. “IS THAT SO?! DO TELL HOW A TINY CREATURE LIKE YOU CAN HURT ME!”

Peter grinned. “Why tell you… when I can show you!”

Just as he finished, Peter was gone in the blink of an eye. As the dragon looked around for him, he reappeared just above the beast and brought his hoof down on its head, creating a shockwave as it connected. The force caused the dragon's head to recoil and whip back. A snap could be heard as something broke from within the beasts upper body.

With no sense of balance and something fractured or broken, the dragon began to stagger backwards towards the gorge. As it neared the edge, it only just stopped itself from falling, only to have Peter launch himself into the dragon's torso and push it over.

Unable to save itself, the dragon fell to its potential doom, roaring all the way. Peter touched back down and walked over to the edge. He looked over just in time to see a plume of dust from where the dragon landed.

Certain that it was out of commission, Peter turned to the girls - who were in a state of awe from what they saw. But they quickly snapped out of it, and the reaction of one mare changed.

“Woah! That. Was. So awesome!” Rainbow’s face was practically glowing. Peter's feat seemingly being the final piece to sway her over to his side. “I think we can call that the final challenge - the test of bravery. So, that makes you the winner for today”.

This got a sheepish chuckle from the stallion, and a small blush to go with it.

“Well like I said earlier, it's not about looking good, but thanks all the same”. Suddenly Peter's stomach began to growl, and Rainbow’s did the same as if in total tandem. Applejack laughed. “Well looks like you two heroes need a bite to eat. How about we all head back to the farm for dinner. And Pete, afterwards you can make a start on cleaning up your mess, ok?”

Peter made a mock salute with his hoof. “Yes ma'am”.

They began to head off home. Suddenly Peter felt something poke his side. He turned around and saw Rainbow with his mask in her other wing. She handed it over to him, but before he could take it, she took it her own hooves and slipped it over his head.

“You're gonna need that to keep ponies safe… Spider-Mane”.

Peter chuckled. “Spider-Mane eh? Who came up with that one?”

Rainbow blushed. “I did”.

This got another chuckle from the stallion. “Heh. Well thanks Skittles. I needed a new John Hancock while I'm here anyway”.

He bought his hoof up and Rainbow immediately bumped it. Applejack looked on back and saw the two, happy for not only them becoming friends, but grateful that someone had finally gotten through to Rainbow Dash.

“Cmon you two… we're burning daylight!”

Peter and Rainbow heard Applejack’s shout. The mare giving the stallion a sly grin. “Hey, race you back to the farm. You win, I'll help you clean the fields. I win, you gotta show me some of your moves. Deal?”

Peter said nothing, but instead took up a stance that indicated he was ready to race.

“Deal”.

Rainbow took up the same stance, and both ponies waited for a signal. Fortunately, Applejack had spotted what they were about to do and decided to humor them.

“On your marks. Get set. GO!”

Peter and Rainbow rocketed off, leaving a trail of dust and flying toward the sky, just as the sun was setting. However, Applejack had just realised she was in the middle of nowhere.

“Hey! Wait for me!”