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

A Troubled Mind

Yet another early start. Something Peter wasn't counting on. And not something he wanted.

Even though Rainbow Dash had helped him clean Sweet Apple Acres (due in part to beating her back there in a race), he had still been up until late doing so even with the assistance. So once he returned back to the library, his plan was to sleep in late to make up for the day's activities.

Unfortunately a certain purple unicorn wasn't giving him any leeway. Twilight had insisted that Peter be up early for more magic practice, given that he seemed to be naturally adept at picking it up. However, Peter had countered that he be allowed a day of rest due to being up early two days straight. Unfortunately, it didn't work.

“C'mon Twilight, one lazy day won't be the end of me. Besides, between training and being forced into that competition, I'm beat. Just one day to get my strength back?”

Twilight gave the stallion a stern look. She had been trying to coax him out of bed (being the new couch which was compensated for by Princess Celestia) for the better part of half an hour. And he refused to budge, pushing the purple mare to the tipping point.

“And as I keep telling you Peter - you can't afford to waste a day of practice. The better you are with magic, the easier life in Equestria will be for you. And you'll be more prepared to defend yourself should another attack take place.”

Peter still grumbled and refused to get up. In his mind he was prepped for anything. The only reason he lost the other day was because his body had a slight ‘malfunction’ and his power faded. Next time he would make sure that wouldn't happen again.

“I know all the magic I need to know, Twi. If I can get better with the gravity spell, I can push my training further, get stronger, and be ready for threats that way. Learning more magic just seems like unnecessary overkill.”

In Twilight's mind, this was just sheer laziness. Not only that, but sheer incompetence on top of it. The fact that Peter was unwilling to expand his abilities just because of lack of sleep was appalling. But the motives were completely different. To Peter, it was a mockery of his abilities. Insinuating that he had to learn a backup skill set was just a smack to his pride as a warrior.

He had spent years perfecting his fighting style, techniques and abilities, and even longer becoming as physically powerful as he was. To say that all of his previous efforts were now useless didn't sit well with Peter.

“Look Twilight, I just don't feel it's entirely necessary, so if we could just drop it, that would be great.”

Twilight's face scrunched up in anger. She had officially reached the end of her tether. Her horn glowed with a lavender aura, which then formed around Peter and began to lift him from the couch. Peter did have the urge to fight back for a split second, but he quickly remembered the events of the other day and decided against it.

Sure of the fact that there would be no retaliation, Twilight made for the door with Peter in her magical grip. “Sorry Peter, but as your teacher, I insist that you study. If we get some decent practice in, then perhaps we can finish early. Deal?”

The young hero held his head in defeat. Looking at things long term, putting up with Twilight's lessons would keep her off his back in the long run. With a heavy sigh, he gave up. “Fine. It’s a deal.”

***

“Try again, Peter.”

The past couple of hours hadn't been particularly productive for the two ponies. The entirety of the day had consisted of Peter trying to do basic defensive spells and failing to do so, the reasons for which were still unknown.

You think that Twilight would've given up by now. I clearly can't do this. Besides, I have the spell I need the most anyways. I don't need anything else.

But it would seem Peter wouldn't be getting the respite he desired. Twilight's posture assured him of that; her demeanor giving off a vibe of intimidation and authority. And for as strong as Peter was, he had a bad track record when it came to dealing with magical beings. So for now, it was best to just go with it.

“You won't get any better if you don't try, Peter. Not every great magic user started out as a pro. I myself took years to master my skills and control my magic.”

Peter raised an eyebrow. This could be the perfect opportunity to get his point across. It was clear from what Twilight had said that she herself had to struggle to attain her abilities. So what would she do in his position?

“And what if someone told you your skills were useless? That everything you spent your entire life to learn, thrown aside for something that you don't properly understand and probably won't ever master?”

Twilight carefully contemplated Peter's words, taking into account everything he said. She however did begin to wonder why such a question would come up… when it suddenly dawned on her - it wasn't just a random question. Peter was asking about it because it was what he was feeling.

“Well… I personally would feel a little embarrassed. And perhaps even insulted. I've spent so much time with my magic, that to let go of it would be terrifying.”

“Now you know how I feel. Here I am, trying to learn a new skill and chances are I don't need it. And yet you push me to do so, despite my reluctance. I'm not particularly comfortable with this, Twilight. It's just not my thing.”

Twilight was taken aback. It took Peter this long into the day to tell her he didn't want to learn. To make his feelings known. It didn't matter though. In her mind this was a necessity. Peter had to learn magic in order to be better prepared.

“You might not like it, Peter, but this essential. You know what happened the other day - your power failed and you were almost killed. I'm merely trying to keep you safe from yourself. Should the dragon return and your strength fail again, you might not be so lucky.”

Of the things that Peter had been told critique wise, this was the worst to hear. This wasn't a judgement or review of his abilities - this was him being told that they were completely pointless to have.

“It was a one time thing! Next time I'll be ready. I don't need magic. Never have, never will. I've only ever needed my own strength. So don't tell me to forget about half my life that I've bled for to earn!”

Frustrated, Peter began to walk away. This waste of time was over. But before he could go any further, he found himself unable to move. With a glance he noticed his front legs were covered in a lavender glow. It was obvious then that Twilight had him in a telekinetic hold.

“Care to let go of me, Sparkle? Before I get even more angry…”

“Not a chance Peter! Not until you at least try. Leaving yourself defenseless isn't smart, it's arrogant. Pride won't get you anywhere except the grave.”

“This isn't about pride. And it's not being arrogant. I just know I'm still capable of defending myself. And besides, you said that magic didn't work around the dragon last time, so what use will it be the next time?”

Peter did have a point. But Twilight still wouldn't concede the argument without a fight. She had to at least try and get the stallion to see her reasoning.

“True. Everypony's magic may fail again. But the same thing can be said for your own abilities. At least this way you'll be prepared either way.”

Twilight's words did nothing to quell Peter's anger. Being prepared or not, she still insinuated that he forget all that he had learned. Years of training. Every victory and defeat. All of it be thrown aside for magic.

“And yet, even after that, you still expect me to learn it. Do you have any idea how hypocritical that is? To tell me that I must learn magic, despite the chance it'll be blocked again next time that dragon comes calling. I think you need your brain checked, Sparkle.”

With her own anger growing, Twilight increased the hold of her magical grip, willing it to pull Peter closer to her. Unfortunately, the stallions abnormal strength was enough to overwhelm her own power. So a stalemate began.

“This isn't up for discussion Peter. I was made your guardian while you are in Equestria, and as your guardian I have to keep you safe.”

Peter was quick to retort.

“Babysitting me and wasting my time isn't keeping me safe. I could be spending this time training. Getting stronger with the abilities I already have. Not struggling to understand something else entirely. Why can't you see this?”

“Why can't you?! I'm only trying to protect you! It's because of me you're here in the first place!”

“WELL THEN MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE BROUGHT ME HERE IF YOU WEREN'T READY FOR THAT KIND OF RESPONSIBILITY!!!”

Peters rage finally peaked. His own power broke through Twilight's grip, sending out a shockwave and knocking over the lavender mare. As Twilight opened her eyes, recovering from the shock of the sudden wave of energy, she looked up and saw Peter trembling.

“Peter… are you ok?”

No response was given. Only silence came from the stallion. The air around him pulsating with energy, making it crackle and spark. Twilight began to advance towards Peter, despite the obvious danger.

“Peter…”

Suddenly the energy dispersed, although Twilight kept her distance. Even though his power was under control, Peter was still shaking… and crying. Before Twilight could get any nearer, he collapsed in a huddle and wept into his legs.

“Peter? Are you ok?”

Peter peeked from behind his legs and up and the mare. She saw the redness in his eyes, and the look of agony across his face.

“No, I'm not. Here I am, in a world I don't know. Unable to get back. And I don't know when I'll be able to return. The only family I have left probably thinks I'm dead, and I don't know what the consequences of that will be. My everything is back on Earth. Now I'm… stuck here…”

Twilight's heart dropped. She had never even considered things from Peter's perspective. Here she was, blissfully unaware that she had ripped him from his home. And here he was suffering because of it.

“I'm sorry. I never considered -”

“Of course you didn't. Then again I went along with it. It was my need to help that blinded me. Made me forget that I had responsibilities back home. Everyone was so friendly. Well almost everyone. But the point stands - I got too caught up in how nice your world was, that I forgot about mine.”

After drying his eyes, Peter got back up. Twilight tried to advance in and comfort the stallion, only for him to pull away. It may not have showed but Twilight could see it - the flame of anger still in his eyes.

“Peter, I've only been trying to help. So until we can get you back, we have to keep you safe. This was my duty, my responsibility. So I have to teach you - “

“How to protect myself?! Something I already know how to do, something I've been learning to do for years?!”

The air around the two began to crackle again. Twilight could see the rage begin to build inside Peter again as he walked towards her.

“Don't presume to tell me what I already know, Sparkle. I've stared death in the face more times than you ever will. And every time I've gotten back up, and gotten stronger while doing it. Telling me my skills are useless when I've used them countless times to fight gods and demons and all other manner of crazy… oh ho you've crossed a line!”

Of all the things that Twilight had ever seen: Nightmare Moon, Discord, Sombra - it was the stallion in front of her now that terrified her the most. The pure rage in his eyes, the feeling of dread he exhumed. She never felt anything like it. She wanted away from it.

“Magic training is over. For good.”

With that, Peter launched himself into the sky and back towards Ponyville, leaving Twilight rooted to the spot. The fear that gripped her unable to leave. She now pondered her actions over the past week - what had she brought to her home. What had she brought upon her friends and family?

“What have I done....?”

***

A few hours after his argument with Twilight, Peter found himself standing outside a familiar building. It was the same one that he jumped into to save Rarity a week ago. But after some reconstruction it was as good as new. And from what he had been told, it sounded to Peter as if Rarity was the town fashionista.

And if I'm lucky, she'll be able to make me a new suit… considering all that's left of my old one is the mask.

He tapped the door three times, but no reply came. Instead of waiting he walked inside. Looking around the shop Peter could see pony shaped mannequins fitted with dresses and various other forms of clothing. Pieces of fabric littered the shop floor.

Jeez. And here I thought I was messy. This place looks a riot. Either Rarity just works well in a clutter, or she's having a bad day.

Just as Peter was debating Rarity's state of mind, the fashion pony herself walked into view from a back room. Her mane was a mess and there were bags under her eyes, though she quickly tried to tidy herself up upon spotting Peter.

“Oh, good afternoon Peter my dear. How silly of me to not hear the door. My apologies. I've just been in such a fluster recently. Since the boutique was rebuilt after the dragon attack, I've had almost a week's worth of orders to catch up on.”

Upon hearing this, Peter began to wonder if it was a good idea to ask Rarity about his suit. From the sound of it she would be far too busy to do anything for him. He considered it best to leave it for now.

“That's ok, Rarity. Understandable. I'll come back when you have a bit more time on your hands.”

Just as he was about to leave, Peter found a white hoof on his own. Rarity had stopped him, and had a curious look on her face all the while.

“What is it you need darling? I'd be more than happy to help with whatever it is. After all, you did save my life, so I must repay you in some manner.”

Despite not wanting to take advantage of her generosity, the priority for a new suit took precedence. Making his decision, Peter pulled the knapsack he had down from his back, laid it out on the floor and pulled out the mask.

“I was wondering if you'd be able to make me some new dreads. My old ones are kinda… in pieces. Plus they weren't exactly for a pony body.”

Rarity took the mask in her magical grip, giving it a thorough lookover. Her eyes seemingly judging it's design.

“Can't say I was ever a fan of the design, however the craftsmanship is remarkable. Whoever made this has the talent to work with clothing professionally.”

Peter made a small chuckle.

“Actually Rarity, I made it.”

The alabaster unicorns jaw dropped. It would seem she was under the impression that someone else had made Peter's suit, someone she figured would have been a little less crude.

“Well, I stand by what I said about the design. It's incredibly tacky. However, should you wish for it to be kept the same, I will make no major adjustments. Some things here and there but it will overall look the same.”

Peter beamed. After what happened this morning he could do with some good news. This morning. In retrospect, he had acted out of order. Peter's little moment of pure rage probably had Twilight half scared to death. Something had to be done.

Peter quickly checked his knapsack. Several bits  (the Equestrian currency) were still inside. All would go to giving Twilight an apology. She had only tried to help him. And in return he had been a prideful and arrogant moron.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a mannequin that had some lavender coloured fabric strewn across it, almost similar to Twilight's coat. From what Peter could surmise, the fabric was in the process of becoming some kind of cloak or hooded garment, with small stars scattered over the surface. Perhaps that would do the trick.

Just as he returned from his train of thought, Peter hadn't noticed that Rarity had several tape measures around him. No doubt taking measurements for his new suit. Just as quickly as they were there, they disappeared back to their drawers, no longer of use. Rarity had a pencil and notepad in her magical hold, jotting down numbers and other various scribbles.

“Now that I have your measurements, it should take me a few days to get a prototype done. I won't be making your suit out of any ordinary material,oh, no no no. It'll have to be something practical, yet comfortable. Strong, yet flexible. Fortunately, I know just where to look for such a fabric.”

“Thanks a ton, Rarity. It'll be good to wear something that fits me again.”

Other than saying anything, Rarity simply pecked Peter on the cheek, making the stallion blush profusely. As she pulled back, she gave Peter a rather seductive stare.

“I'm happy to help, Mr Parker. All you have to do is ask.”

Oh snap, crackle and pop! Is she coming on to me?! Then again, she is rather pretty… A pretty horse, Parker! Snap out of it, otherwise I'll be forced to kick my own ass!

Next thing Peter knew, Rarity was working her way towards him across the room, giving him that alluring stare all the while until they were practically nose to nose. Being this close to the alabaster unicorn allowed Peter to take in much more of her, especially the fragrance that seemed to be emitting from her.

Is that vanilla?! I had no idea a horse could smell so good.

All logical sense started to leave Peter's mind. The fact that a pony was trying to flirt with him was slowly being forgotten and replaced with something else. An urge. An itch that only Rarity could help him scratch. And her proximity to him wasn't helping the matter.

But she's a horse, Parker! You're not supposed to do… that!

And yet I want to!!

With all reason gone and instinct taking over, Peter moved in closer to Rarity, preparing to complete his desire to take her. But fortunately for the stallion’s sanity, a small, childish voice could be heard from behind them.

“Um, Rare, who's this?”

Both Peter and Rarity came to their senses, their inner urges being repressed for now. Peter silently thanked any god or deity that existed and looked over to his savior - a small, unicorn filly. Her coat was very similar to the unicorn’s, but her mane and tail were an extremely curly two tone light purple.

Rarity quickly composed herself, realising she had someone else in the room, and threw on a guilty smile, but silently cursed the intruder for stopping her. But she played innocent for now,

“Ah,Sweetie Belle. This is Peter. He's the stallion who just moved in with Twilight. Come and say hello.”

Hesitantly, Sweetie Belle moved towards Peter. Out of courtesy, he extended his hoof for her to shake. Again,she hesitantly made her move and shook.

“Peter, this is my little sister, Sweetie Belle.”

It all dawned on Peter just then. Of course the filly had to have been some sort of relation to Rarity - heck they were practically twins.

“Well it's very nice to meet you Sweetie Belle. Unfortunately I gotta go for now. I've got something important to take care of.”

Rarity nodded in acknowledgement, moving in to give the stallion a firm hug. Peter returned it with some hesitation - she was pretty much flirting with him several minutes ago.

As Peter turned to leave, he was blocked by Sweetie Belle, who now had a smile that reached from ear to ear.

“Can I help you, Sweetie Belle?”

No response came from the filly, who for some reason seemed to have her gaze squarely fixed on Peter's rear end.

Should I be worried that a little girl is staring at my ass? Is the FBI gonna be breaking down the door in a few seconds?

“Why don't you have a cutie mark, Mr Parker.”

Peter suddenly remembered that the whole notion of having a tattoo on one's butt was a thing here, and that he was an anomaly for not having one.

“Ummmm, well I just haven't found my special talent yet. Why, is it weird for someone of my age to not have one?”

Rarity quickly intervened, trying to throw her sister off of the suspicious stallion

“Now, Now, Sweetie. It's rude to pry into ponies personal lives like that. Leave the poor gentle colt be.”

With no response to her sister, Sweetie Belle ran out the front door of the boutique to… wherever she was headed, leaving Peter utterly confused.

“What in the sam hill was that all about?!”

“My apologies. My sister and her friends are on a grand crusade of theirs to discover their cutie marks. Seeing an adult without one must've been quite the sight for her. She gets rather excited about these sorts of things. Now… where were we?”

Just as Rarity was about to try and salvage the moment that her sister had ruined, she caught Peter looking at one of the mannequins. The one that just happened to have a cloak she was making for Twilight in advance for the next Gala.

However, she couldn't help but notice the sullen look that the stallion had while looking at the attire.

“Is there something wrong dear.”

Once again, Peter was dragged out of his train of thought. It would seem he had given away his true feelings at that moment, so now he would probably have to confess.

“Kind of. I did something terrible, and I don't think I can apologise for it that easily. I acted like such a child. So full of pride, like I didn't need anyone's help… but I do… and the only one willing to help me is scared to death of me now!”

The well of emotion broke again, and it wasn't going to be held back this time. But instead of becoming angry and lashing out with his power, Peter just stood and cried…

He just cried.

Once again he became lost in his own emotions unable to bring himself back. But fortunately someone was there to do it for him. Rarity wrapped her forelegs around Peter's neck and hugged tight, snapping him out of his repressive state. With care but with just as much feeling, Peter returned the hug.

“It's OK, my dear… it's ok. Just tell me what happened.”

With tears still streaming, Peter attempted to choke them back just to get a word out to Rarity.

“Twilight was trying to teach me magic. And I wasn't doing too well. She told me it was essential in case my powers failed again. I took it as an insult to my own abilities and I lost it with her. I lost control and let my power explode. I almost became a danger to the only being in this world willing to help me defend myself…

… Because I'm just a damn fool with too much pride!”

It was weird. When the two first met, Rarity had assumed that Peter was unbreakable. He was tough, brave, indestructible. Now here he was, crying into her shoulder.

And she couldn't help but care about him more for that.

“It seems there's been a small misunderstanding between you two. An attribute that you both seem to share. From what I can understand, Twilight was just trying to make sure you could defend yourself in the event you lost your powers again. And you misunderstood that as a negative comment towards your own abilities?”

She pulled away so to be eye to eye with Peter.

“No matter where you come from, you males are so stubborn and big headed. Twilight simply wants you to be safe, not to forget everything you've done. Sometimes I wonder why I bother with you.”

Peter tried to clean his face of the tears, his mistake out plainly for both of them to see.

“I know. And I don't know if I can make up for what I've done.”

The two parted, Peter's tears now starting to dry. Rarity now seemed to be in her own train of thought. And as quickly as she was in it, she was back.

“Well then, it was good fortune that I had this planned for Twilight.”

She walked up next to the mannequin with the cloak, and grabbed a nearby needle and thread along with some of the sliver material used for making the stars.

“I originally was going to give this to her as part of her Gala dress, but it would seem there is a greater need for it now. Tell you what, I can finish this up today and you can present it to Twilight as an apology gift, along with a good explanation of your actions.”

Peter nodded, and a smile managed to find its way to his face. But it quickly faded to a puzzled expression.

“And what would I have to do in return?”

Rarity turned to him, the seductive allure back on her face.

“Oh, nothing major… just be my date for the Gala in a few weeks. Do that and I'll call it even.”

As much as Peter wanted to back out of this, saying sorry to Twilight took precedence over his pride - now more than ever. And besides, thanks to earlier events, something was compelling the stallion to give in to new… desires. Resisting them would be bad in the long run, so might as well go along for the ride.

“OK. I'll do it. And Rarity?”

“Yes Dear?”

Before Rarity could blink, Peter was in front of her, his lips against her cheek. Her face grew warm as he lingered. After what seemed like forever for the mare, he pulled away.

“Thank you.”

Rarity turned back to the cloak, trying but failing to place her attention elsewhere. It was pointless, so giving in she walked back over to Peter and returned the gesture.

“You are very welcome Peter. Just make it a good apology OK?”

The stallion nodded again, and after being sure that Rarity was set to continue her work, moved over to a nearby couch to get some sleep.

***

Here it is… Moment of truth.

As Spider Man, Peter had faced opponents of various shapes and sizes, Mortal and Divine… but nothing scared him as much as this did.

Hesitantly, he moved towards the door of Twilight's home and opened the door. The initial look inside showed no signs of life. Something was off.

Just before he could call out for anyone, Spike appeared from the kitchen, a worried look on his features.

“I wouldn't go up there if I were you, Pete. Twilight seems pretty peeved.”

Peter shot a quick glance towards the stairs and then returned his gaze to Spike.

“No worries, kiddo. I got this. But… just in case, would you mind and head someplace else for a while? Just until we can get this all sorted out?”

The baby dragon reluctantly nodded, not wanting to abandon Twilight when she wasn't in the best frame of mind. But he decided it would be better to take himself out of the situation and headed for the door. After it shut, Peter addressed Twilight from the ground floor.

“Twilight? You here? Look, I'm here to apologise. It's just the two of us now, if that was what you wanted. I'm sorry for what I did earlier, I didn't mean to - “

Peter suddenly felt his mobility becoming stiff. He looked and saw he was covered in a familiar lavender glow. Someone was obviously being cautious. Unable to move, all Peter could do was listen and look in his available range. It didn't take long to hear wood creaking from behind him.

Someone on the stairs. Three guesses who. Dang she must be pissed if she's got me in a hold… or scared to the point of contemplation of murder…

The creaking wood got louder, along with a faint sobbing. It didn't take long for Peter to see the source. Twilight walked in front of him, her eyes red and watering. Small wet patches on her legs were noticeable.

She's been crying… way to go Parker, you're a sad sack of shit!

The two looked each other in the eyes. But Twilight got closer, still holding her gaze with Peter's. When she stopped, the two were nose to nose, the mare staring daggers into the captured stallion.

“I hope you came here with a good explanation Peter. Because if not, then I don't know where we stand.”

Peter gulped.

Which translates into ‘If you can't explain why you almost killed me, I'm gonna kill you’. Which is totally my brand of luck.

“C'mon Peter, I don't have all day.”

The lavender aura faded for a split second, and trickles of sweat came down Twilight's face. She seemed to be using a lot of focus to keep Peter in place. Or a lot of power.

She's got a vice grip on me, making sure I'm not a threat. She seems to have forgotten how that went earlier. But for now I'll have use my words. Don't want her more scared than she already is.

“Look, Twi, I have no excuse for what I did. My behaviour was inexcusable and I apologise. I should never have lost control with you. You didn't deserve it. I understand now you were only trying to help. But I was so arrogant and so sure of my own abilities, I got angry.”

Peter could feel the telekinetic hold on him loosen slightly, however it was still firmly in place. His vocal apology only worked a little. Twilight still bore a complete look of anguish and fear. She wasn't totally convinced yet.

“And the whole blaming me for you being stuck here?! Was that a part of your pride that had been hurt to?!”

A twinge of guilt made the stallion close his eyes. He could now recall the latter half of the argument. His blaming of the lavender mare for his current predicament.

“No. That was just me being frustrated in general. It's been tough getting used to this new world. And I wasn't exactly stress free before I got here. It's all just been building up. And unfortunately you got the stick end of my rage. And for that I am truly sorry, Twilight.”

Inner conflict began to erupt within Twilight. She was angry at Peter. Furious. Frightened. And yet she found herself partially to blame. She had never asked him about what had happened to him before she brought him to Equestria. Peter had been living with Twilight for almost a week… and she knew nothing about him.

Going against her better judgement, Twilight let go of Peter, the stallion stretching as his limbs became free from the magical hold. The only thing that Peter wasn't free of was Twilight's enduring stare, still filled with fury and fear.

“OK, Peter. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt… for now. But I can't forget what happened today. What you did… I won't ever forget. I haven't been more frightened of anypony in my life, and I never thought I would be. Especially from somepony I considered a friend.”

There was that twinge of guilt again in Peter's chest. It was clear there would be no quick resolution to all this. He would have to regain Twilight's trust and faith back over time. But perhaps his gift would seal the rift between them slightly.

“And again, I am truly sorry. I know I won't win your trust back in a day, but I swear I will. And to start off, I have a gift for you.”

Peter reached up for his knapsack and pulled it down carefully. Once it was on the ground he was about to reach inside when he decided a different approach. With all his concentration, he willed any magic that may have resided in his body to his horn. With enough determination Peter's horn began to glow a clear white, with the same colour covering the knapsack.

Twilight watched in amazement as a lavender coloured material began to appear from the bag, manipulated only by Peter's own magic. Once it was in full view, she took over the spell from Peter, who was slightly bereft of breath due to exertion. Her eyes teared up once again. The material was a cloak. Strewn across it were silver stars, not unlike the ones on her cutie mark.

“I spotted this in Rarity's shop earlier. She was having it made for you for a Gala that was coming up. But due to her big work load it got left unfinished. I asked her to complete it for you. A way for me to say how sorry I am. And from now on, I swear I won't make you feel threatened. You should feel safe around friends.”

Twilight sat the cloak on the couch, tears still in her eyes. However, her expression was unreadable. Peter couldn't tell if she was still mad or just indifferent. His questions were quickly answered when the mare jumped at him and wrapped her hooves around him in a bone crushing hug, which was swiftly returned by the stallion.

“We're both to blame Peter. I never took the time to get to know you after you recovered. I never got to know what your life was like back on your world. All the troubles you must have had, and I never took that into consideration. Now's my turn to make a promise. From now on I'll take your feelings into account.”

Peter nodded his head, which Twilight felt as the two were still embracing. After a few seconds they parted… and laughed. Twilight wiped her tears as Peter did the same. A few had leaked out while they were hugging. However his expression became stern.

“You were right about one thing. I do need to be prepared. So I'll promise to try and take on board what you teach me. You have a point. There's still a 50/50 chance my powers will fail again. So I should practice something on standby. But all the same, I need to keep training just in case.”

Twilight returned the stern gaze. The time to be serious about the future was now. But she wanted to write her own wrongs as best as possible.

“That's all I ask. But I realised today that I can't push you, so we'll do it bit by bit. And there's plenty of reading material here in the library for you. Not only that, but we can discuss a training regiment for you so you can keep up your strength. So you either go with one or the other… or both.”

The last words came out with a smile which quickly became contagious to Peter. A fair observation. Should nothing happen to Peter when the dragon finally returns, he would have a much stronger and open arsenal to fight it with. Equestria was Peter's responsibility now - time to live up to it.

“Well, I might as well hit the books for now. It's a little late for practice. Care to join me?”

Twilight beamed. Her confidence in the stallion returning, but she held some reservation. He had a lot to prove to her personally. But for now she could deal with being near him.

“Well, I have some studying to catch up on as well, so we could both work off of each other. Makes taking in information better.”

Peter nodded in acknowledgement. With that agreed on, Twilight gazed up to the nearest bookshelf and took several books in her lavender hold. She levitated one near Peter, and with some focus he took it in his own telekinetic grip. The title read Basics of Magic. The mare then took the cloak she was given and put it on. Fiddling with the string, she got it to a comfortable fit.

“It's lovely. Thank you so much Peter. Shall we begin?”

The two lay down opposite each other on the couch and opened their books, and settled in for a long night as the sun set.

***

Spike cautiously opened the door to the library and peeked inside. He was happy to see both Peter and Twilight on the couch asleep, a lone candle next to them and a pile of books on the floor.

“Nice one, Parker. You have officially avoided the Sparkle Bomb.”

Deciding that he might as well leave them as they were, he walked over and blew out the candle, leaving the two ponies to their slumber… and a fresh day ahead for them.