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

Skeletons in His Closet Part I

The sun rose on Ponyville; its beams peering through the Ponyville library. They fell upon two still slumbering ponies, surrounded by books. Peter and Twilight had read themselves to sleep and clearly had no intention of getting up. A few creeks of wood marked the appearance of Spike, who had decided to check on the two.

“Well, looks like those two aren't doing anything today. Might as well leave them to it and prepare breakfast.”

With that, he headed to the kitchen. However, Spike’s lack of inner monologue had roused Twilight from her slumber. The lavender pony's mane was all messy and tangled. But aside from that she was well rested. Slowly, she began to recollect yesterday's events and remembered the cloak Peter had brought as a gift - still on her back.

She looked over to the stallion, still deep in rest and clutching a couch cushion. A part of her wanted to wake him, but she remembered that they had both agreed to take into account each other’s limitations mentally. Peter had been up early for three days straight. Might as well allow him one day of rest.

With her magic she removed her cloak and set it on Peter, causing him to shift to accommodate the new layer of warmth, but he stayed asleep.

“You got one day off, then it's back to business Mr Parker. And don't think you get all day off. Even you need to do some things. Plus you'll need breakfast.”

As she said this, a waft of something cooking came from the kitchen. She quickly deduced that Spike had gotten up a little early to prepare food. Sure that Peter was still at rest, Twilight headed to the kitchen to help Spike prepare.

***

A beam of light hit Peter's face, pushing through his eyelids and stirring him awake. He began to tussle and roll on the couch, trying to regain some level of comfort to fall back asleep, with no avail. Deciding it was pointless, he opened his eyes and stretched; letting out a mighty yawn in the process.

Jumping down from the couch, Peter began to limber up, stretching his front and back legs and doing several quick exercises to wake his body up. Memories of last night began to flood in, with most of it consisting of heated arguments and potential violence. But a smile came to his face when he remembered the reaction he got from Twilight when she accepted his apology gift.

Fortunately for them both, the night had ended in understanding and agreements to help them both be around each other; a potential mistake averted.

A warm, rich scent came from the kitchen; meaning only one thing.

Breakfast! And from the smell of things it's pancakes! Ah Twilight sure knows how to wake me up.

Walking into the kitchen, Peter saw Twilight and Spike at work making breakfast. And as fortune would have it, his nose had been correct about the menu. Taking note of the new presence in the room, Twilight faced Peter with a morning smile as she continued to cook with her magic.

“Morning Peter. Hope you slept well. I would've woken you earlier, but you need the rest so I left you be.”

“Thanks Twi. Much appreciated. So, how long until pancakes are ready? Imma hungry pony!”

Twilight gave the stallion a slight smack on the back of the head and nudged him away from the stove. Peter could only huff in disappointment as his stomach began to growl. He locked eyes with Twilight as she glared at him.

“Patience. They'll be ready soon. Honestly, I don't think I've met another pony that has an appetite as big as yours.”

Peter chuckled slightly. “It's a biological trait I have. Believe me.”

Just then an alarm rang, making Twilight turn her attention back to the pancakes. Peter's hopes flared up as she removed the pan containing the pancake mix. She slipped them out onto some plates and confirmed the hungry stallion’s suspicion - breakfast was ready.

“Well, that's yours ready Peter. Enjoy.”

Peter used his newfound telekinetic abilities and grabbed the plate in his magical grip. As soon as he was sure he had the plate, he ventured over to the table and with the same magic grabbed a nearby bottle of syrup. Dollops of hazel liquid drenched the pancakes and soaked in. With a satisfactory amount now on his plate, Peter turned his attention to the nearby knife and fork and prepared to tuck in.

“These look absolutely delicious Twi. Let's see if they taste as good.”

With a half cocked look, Peter cut off a slice of pancake and put it in his mouth. Immediately he literally had to swallow his own words. Somehow, Twilight's cooking was on par with even his aunt. Twilight and Spike joined Peter as he was taking in the taste. The lavender mare took notice of his stunned expression and a smirk of her own was visible.

“So… how are they?”

Not wanting to show weakness, Peter quickly swallowed his current mouthful and put on his own sly grin in return.

“They're pretty decent… edible even.”

Unfortunately the stallion’s hunger won out and he began to devour the whole helping of pancakes. As quickly as they were out there, they were gone. Twilight and Spike were stunned, still not used to the speed in which Peter was capable of eating without choking. Twilight quickly resumed her smirk, content that she had won yet again when it came to the battle of wits she had going with Peter.

“Pretty decent eh? I'd say from the looks of things they're more than just ‘decent’, Mr Parker.”

Suddenly, a knock on the door drew everyone away from Peter's machine mouth. The three individuals in the room looked at each other to see who would answer, which ended with both Twilight and Spike looking at Peter. All things considered he was already done with his meal.

“OK I'll get it. Someone else deal with my plate though.”

Peter headed back out the kitchen and to the door, with the knocking getting louder and louder. Then without warning, one set of knocks turned into multiple ones, confusing the stallion. He finally reached the door and opened it, only to be met with three fillies, one of which he recognised. Before he could get a word out however, she spoke… well, more like screamed.

“That's him! That's the stallion without a cutie mark!”

This made the other two's eyes light up in excitement, while making Peter feel incredibly awkward. He remembered the whole deal from yesterday while at Rarity's. Her younger sister, Sweetie Belle, who was one of the three, had lamented that she was incredibly curious about why Peter had no cutie mark. Something even he didn't know the reason for.

The other two fillies, one with orange fur and a purple mane and tail, and the other, with yellow fur and a red mane and tail, began to encircle Peter. Most of their focus fell on his behind, where said cutie mark should be, with the uncomfortable levels rising.

OK, so one little girl looking at my butt wasn't bad enough… but three?! I'm half expecting the FBI, MI5 and every other government agency to break in here and bust my ass! Is this crap not considered weird here?!

The yellow filly came back around and faced Peter, with the blatant look of curiosity in her eyes. The orange one just kept looking, forcing Peter to sit so the view of his behind was limited. The orange filly walked up and nudge him in an attempt to get him to stand again. He wouldn't budge. The filly gave up and joined the others in front of Peter. Sweetie Belle then spoke up.

“Mr Parker. These are my friends - Applebloom and Scootaloo. And together we are -

“THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!!!”

As if on cue, all three shouted at the top of their lungs, surprising Peter something fierce. It would appear that these were the friends that Rarity mentioned yesterday that Sweetie Belle had been doing her ‘grand crusade’ with, involving finding their cutie marks. And from what Peter understood, he was the only pony his age without one. No wonder the fillies interest in him had peaked.

“Sorry to barge in so early, mister. But we just wanted to know why you don't have your cutie mark?”

That one question left Peter in a tough spot - what was he supposed to say? That he didn't have a cutie mark because he was from another dimension? That wouldn't exactly go over well. Fortunately, Twilight had appeared from the kitchen and noticed the three fillies pressuring Peter, so she decided to step in.

“Well girls, Mr Parker here doesn't have his cutie mark because he's just not found his special talent yet! That's why he's here with me, so I could hopefully help him find it.”

This made the faces of the fillies light up, with the orange one (Scootaloo if Peter remembered correctly) jumping up and down and flaring her tiny wings, trying to get some altitude. When that didn't work, she just hopped over to Twilight.

“Then why don't we help him too?! The three of us are looking for our special talent, why not include Mr Parker as well?”

Sweetie Belle and Applebloom joined her next to Twilight, the new idea now sitting with them. Applebloom nodded her head in agreement.

“That's a great idea, Scoots! Even better, why don't we make him our new leader?!”

This snapped Peter out of his daydreaming and back to reality.

“Woah, woah, woah! Now all y’all hold it just one second! I never…”

Before Peter could continue with his declining of the position, he caught eyes with Twilight. Something about the way she was looking at him seemed to indicate that perhaps he should reconsider. Just to avoid a scolding but to also avoid hurting anyone's feelings, he came up with a compromise.

… I never said I would take the offer on the spot. I need time to think it over. Can you girls give me awhile to decide?”

The three fillies nodded in agreement and headed for the door, but then ran back instantly and hugged Peter while he was unaware… well, Sweetie and Applebloom did. Scootaloo just stood at the door with a disgusted look on her face. Peter quickly surmised she wasn't someone who liked physical contact, or at the very least with a guy. He looked down to Sweetie and Applebloom and locked eyes with them. Applebloom spoke first.

“Thank ya so much. We promise we won't be no nuisance to ya, Mr Parker. And with our help, you'll find yer special talent in no time!”

She relinquished her hold on the stallion and turned to leave with Scootaloo. The two made it to the door and realised they were one short. Looking back they saw Sweetie Belle, with a vice grip on Peter's leg, making the stallion blush but also making him uneasy. Scootaloo piped up to get her friends attention.

“Sweetie Belle! Let's go!”

This broke Sweetie Belle from her trance, and once the situation dawned on her, she looked up to see Peter, his cheeks red. Her own face turned the same colour as she let go of his leg and backed away to join the others. Through her embarrassment however, she got out one last sentence.

“Goodbye Mr Parker.”

The door shut, leaving Peter feeling quite confused. Sweetie Belle practically had a lock on him, and had only let go after she realised he was uncomfortable. What was up with her? That question would have to wait. There were other priorities - starting with Twilight setting him up to be in charge of the girls.

“Care to explain what THAT was all about? And why did you coax me into keeping an eye on them?! I'm not leader… or babysitter material.”

Twilight's expression went from stern to worried. Clearly there was more to what she had done than meets the eye.

“Because those girls need someone watching over them. For as sweet as they seem, they can be a source of trouble sometimes. Not only for others but for themselves. It would be great if somepony watched over them. Somepony with maturity and experience.”

Peter narrowed his eyes at the last comment. Peter was many things, but a mature individual wasn't one of them,

“Clearly you need to get to know me better, Twi. I can't think of a single person, especially myself, that would refer to me as ‘mature’. I joke, I banter, I annoy. I don't exactly do maturity in any form.”

“That's a lie”.

Twilight's sudden outburst caught Peter off guard, a look of disappointment across her features. It was obvious that something the stallion had said hadn't sat with her well.

“You're wrong about yourself Peter. I saw you when you were fighting the dragon last week. Once you knew it was just you two, you got serious. You didn't play around. True you joked with it, but you knew what you were doing. You're wrong about being mature - you just act immature for the sake of it. So please, for me, look after the girls.”

Peter hung his head defeated, Twilight had seen through his facade like he was transparent. No amount of lying could cover that up. With his argument dead in the water, he agreed to Twilight's request.

“Alright, I'll do it. Just don't expect me to have the patience of a saint. Good with kids I ain't. And girls are always a zillion times worse.”

Twilight didn't take the sly insult too well, picking up a nearby jug of ice cold water and dousing the young hero. His grin turning to a growl, a little confused on why a certain power didn't forewarn him.

“Hey Spider Sense, where were you in that one?!”

Twilight giggled in triumph, only to be doused in water herself. Turning around she saw Spike with a now empty jug in his grasp and a smile on his face.

“Us guys gotta stick together, Twi. Mess with one of us and you mess with all of us!”

The battle cry had been sounded, and the kitchen descended into a 3 way water fight.

***

“Well, what do you think?”

“I think I have a new favourite seamstress.”

Peter slowly admired the new suit Rarity had made for him. The design was very similar to the original he once had, just with a few new variations. Thick black lines were placed across the legs, and the back section was also black, but still incorporated the red spider emblem on the back. The eyes were narrower. However, no belt to hold web cartridges was present, but for obvious reasons.

http://66.media.tumblr.com/f9248bb9c4aa29ca45610cb96db2a9ee/tumblr_o50w30KSOR1tfb2kro1_500.png

“I'm glad you love it, darling. Like I said, consider it my thank you for saving my life. Is there anything at all you'd like to ask about it?”

“Just one question - what's it made of?”

“Oh the fabric? A little something from the Crystal Empire. The fabric is actually pieces of crystal, stretched out and interlaced with each other. Not only is it comfortable and easy to work with, but the tensile strength is incredible. Not only that, but small amounts of magic have been naturally embedded in the material, giving it more resistance to wear and tear.”

Peter was amazed. All he asked for was a new suit, and Rarity had practically made him a piece of armour instead. Then again, with the situations he got into sometimes, perhaps some additional protection wasn't such a bad thing. Another thing concerned Peter about the suit though - the cost.

“One last question. How much was the fabric?”

Rarity's expression went puzzled. She wasn't charging Peter for her services, so why would he ask about the price. Then it hit her. He wasn't asking how much it would cost him, he wanted to know how much it had cost her.

“Oh not to worry dear. I had a few favours to call in so the fabric cost me nothing. Well, a few additional orders here and there, but I've lost no money in the transaction. You shouldn't be worried about that anyway. This is a gift, Mr Parker. What it cost me doesn't matter.”

For as much as Rarity tried to persuade Peter, it didn't seem to register that he owed her nothing. However, Rarity had one last trick, one that could make both of them happy.

“Alright then, dear. If you feel that you somehow owe me back, I'll make you a deal. Along with having to be my date for the Gala, when you can, why don't you take me out on just a regular date. I would more than take that as compensation. What do you say?”

Peter silently contemplated the offer. Any way he looked at it, he was in some form of debt. But unlike back home, this debt collector wouldn't be hounding him to the ends of the earth (or Equestria) for him. And even though some small part of him didn't want to do the whole dating a pony thing, a bigger part just went with it.

“OK, Rarity. It's a deal. Once I have the cash, I'll take you on the best date you've ever had!”

This earned a giggle of appreciation from the alabaster unicorn, as she was inwardly triumphant. She was now getting two dates with the (in her mind at least) handsome stallion. Then she realised something.

“Oh, I almost forgot! I have to take your measurements for your Gala suit!”

Peter cocked an eyebrow. He remembered Rarity mentioning this Gala but had never thought to ask about it.. well until now.

“What's the whole deal with this Gala?”

Rarity turned from her workbench faster than Peter could blink, a look of true horror on her features. She looked as though someone had just committed the most heinous crime right in front of her.

“Mr Parker! Has Twilight not informed you about the Grand Galloping Gala?!”

The confused stallion just shook his head slightly, hoping he wasn't about to be chewed out for something he had no idea about. Fortunately, Rarity's expression turned back to normal as she sighed.

“That's so typical of Twilight - capable of remembering spells, lists and every single book in her library, but remember one single event that is important to her friends. Sometimes I wonder. Well, to be brief, the Grand Galloping Gala is a social event held in Canterlot every year. Anypony who is anypony attends. Myself and the girls have been there once before… with some ‘complications’.

Peter was about to ask what had happened, but the feeling he got from Rarity made him redact that thought. He did however ask another obvious question.

“So, why am I going?”

“Because you are somepony, darling. Even if not everypony knows it. The others and I know, Spike and Princess Celestia know you are a hero. You'll just be blending in, rubbing shoulders with the high rollers so to speak. But you require a suit… and a haircut.”

Peter instantly clamped his hooves over his head, trying to hide his hair, with a look of pure shock on his face.

“No haircuts! Please, no haircuts.”

The stallions overreaction puzzled Rarity. Never before had she seen anyone so defensive about their mane.

“Can I ask why, dear?”

“Let's just say it won't grow back. I can't explain why, but it won't. If you want me prim and proper that badly, just style it. But please don't cut it.”

Rarity worked up a smile, even though she was still incredibly confused by Peter's reaction. Even though she would rather prefer to cut his mane. It was incredibly shaggy and unkempt,  and looked like it had never been cut… ever!

“That's fine, Peter dear. I can easily work with it another way. But for now your Gala suit is priority. Luckily, I can use the same measurements I already have from you to work off of. It should be ready before the event next week.”

“That's cutting it a little close. But seeing as you got this done within a day, I wouldn't be surprised. Speaking of which, how did you get this done so fast?”

“Oh, I stayed up all night.”

Peter was shocked. Even for overnight work she had made a masterpiece. But it worried him at the same time.

“Rarity, you shouldn't have done that, even for me. I'm not that worth it.”

Rarity turned from her workbench again, this time with a more sullen look. She had tears in her eyes.

“Actually, you are. You fail to understand Peter, I'd be dead right now if you hadn't been here. Sweetie Belle would've been alone, or worse. My friends could've been killed… if you hadn't been here. So don't you dare say you aren't worth it… cause you are worth it a thousand over!”

Hearing Rarity's words made Peter remember Twilight's from this morning. True, he could be rather immature on occasion - but when he stepped up, he did his best. Rarity was right. He stopped the dragon from killing anyone. He saved the town. It was a new experience that he got to digest that he had saved anyone. He never had that back home.

“It's what I do, Rarity. I do it without any want for praise or reward. And to be honest, nobody ever offered me anything either. It's just weird that for once, someone said ‘thank you’ to me, and in such a big way, when you didn't have to.”

Rarity giggled as she wiped her eyes.

“You don't really have an ego, do you Peter?”

“Oh I have an ego! But only when it's to annoy the bad guys. I don't have a sense of being high and mighty, despite how strong I am. I was raised to be better than that. And I never wanted a thank you for doing the right thing. But I guess, every once in awhile, I should accept one. So in return, you're very welcome. And, a quick thank you of my own.”

Quicker than Rarity could see, Peter had pressed his lips against her cheek, making the unicorn’s heart speed up and her face flush red. As Peter pulled back he got a good look at a now flustered Rarity. Before doing something silly, she took Peter's Spider-Mane suit and placed it in his knapsack with her magic.

“Well, ehm, I'll have your suit ready soon. Come back in a day or two to… check.”

Peter chuckled in approval of his handiwork, but he supposed he should leave before things got a little out of hand. Strapping on his bag he headed for the door, a slight spring in his step.

“Later Rarity.”

The still flustered Rarity tried to reply, but her brain was still fried from the surprise kiss on her cheek. She only got the words out once Peter had left.

“Later… Peter… Oh my…”

***

It was a sunny day in Ponyville. Too sunny to stay inside and waste away. Even if he didn't want to train or do anything else, Peter could still enjoy the weather. He decided to take a walk through the town, wanting to sightsee and meet some other residents. Unsurprisingly, the town centre was incredibly busy. Ponies were outside cafes or just relaxing on patches of grass, and nearby businesses were chalk full of customers.

It was a different experience for the young superhero. Spending most of his life in the big city did become mundane to a degree, so the change of scenery didn't go unappreciated. Scanning around, Peter noticed Applejack at an apple stall nearby (what else would she be selling?) and went over to say hello, the apple farmer catching sight of him before he got close.

“Howdy Pete. How are ya this fine day?”

“Not too bad Applejack. Just enjoying the scenery. And what's even better? Thanks to Rarity I now have a new suit.”

It took Applejack a second to catch on to what Peter was talking about, but when she did, a smile appeared on her face.

“Well that was mighty kind of her. Lemme guess, she didn't charge ya a thing?”

Peter nodded his head in acknowledgement.

“That's our Rare for ya. Most generous pony I've met. But I gotta see the new duds. Tell ya what, I'm about to shut up shop, finish early for today. If you help me back with one of the apple carts, I'll bake us an apple pie while you show off the new suit.”

Peters brain immediately lit up at the idea of food, and apple pie was too good to pass up.

“Apple pie you say? I can't say no to such a tempting offer. Alrighty then, hitch me up!”

Applejack giggled at the stallion’s eagerness.

“Now, now, partner. I gotta actually fill up the carts first. How bout ya help me with that to?”

Peter nodded and grabbed the nearest basket filled with apples. With his strength it would be easy to move them, but he very quickly realised that the entire town centre was busy. If it looked too easy it would raise suspicion. So to keep some level of self preservation, while picking up the basket, Peter pretended that it was giving him difficulty in doing the act by pulling faces and shaking his knees.

Applejack saw the stallions little bit of theatricality, happy of the fact that he has at least some common sense about himself. It didn't take long for them both to fill the carts and be on their way to Sweet Apple Acres. On the way past the fields, Peter noticed that the trees he had destroyed two days ago had been replaced. Fortunately it was made possible as he and Rainbow had cleaned his mess. Before he could feel guilty, he remembered it was pointless. The damage had been done.

“Hey Pete, you ok?”

Peter turned his head to respond to Applejack, but something else caught his attention. With the sun's rays on her, some of Applejack’s features came more into focus - her emerald eyes, her blonde hair, her freckles. Almost made her look like…

“Gwen…”

It took Peter a second to realise his mistake, and his slip of the tongue had left Applejack confused.

“Who's Gwen?”

This was the last question that Peter wanted to answer. Even if it was selfish of him, he silently prayed for something to happen so he didn't have to carry on with this conversation. As if by sheer divine intervention, a scream could be heard from the nearby forest… and a heavy thumping sound. Peter was the first to react, slipping off his knapsack and pulling out his new suit. He glanced to Applejack to tell her what he was doing, but she was already one step ahead of him.

“Now worries Pete. Get out there and do yer thing! I'll call Twilight and get help from her. Go!”

Peter gave a firm nod as he pulled down his new mask and raced forward to the forest, so fast that Applejack couldn't see anything but a red and blue blur. Yet even for her initial confidence in him, she was still worried.

“Just be careful Pete…”

The forest was incredibly thick, with trees nestled closely to each other giving the now Spider-Mane very little maneuvering space. If it came to it, he may have to go straight for upfront tactics rather than his usual cut and run when it come to unknowns.

Just have to hope that it's beatable for me, cause’ if Twilight was right about one thing, it’s that my powers could fail again at any time. Just have to pray I won't be fighting that long.

A clearing came into view with what seemed to be an open area. The tide may have turned. Jumping through, the first thing that Spider-Mane saw was a zebra, which should have been a surprise but he quickly remembered where he was. With a graceful landing, Spider-Mane was right in front of this mystery individual.

“I'm guessing you were the one screaming? Spider-Mane, hero for fun. What can I do for

you?”

Just before she could respond, the same thumping sound as before returned, except much louder. Turning around, Spider-Mane was greeted with a set of green feet. Looking up however, to his shock, he saw a creature with multiple heads. A creature in some regards which was very familiar to him.

“A Hydra… you gotta be kidding me!”

“A mighty beast of great feat, will be quite a challenge for you to defeat.”

Peter scoffed under his mask. His good day had now gone into shambles.

“No kidding.”

Spider-Mane crouched down, ready to fight. Seeing it was now under threat, the Hydra's 4 heads unleashed a mighty roar and charged forward for the kill. With no other option but to fight, Spider-Mane leaped into battle.

To Be Continued...