Author's Note

As I did with my previous installment, I'm going to make a disclaimer saying I don't own the rights to any of the characters or references made in this story. All rights belong to Marvel, Sony and Hasbro Studios in their respective properties and licenses.

Chapter One

She attempted to lean against the wall beside her, sensing an even greater unease while doing so, due to her newly attained legs. Opting to sit upon her hind quarters, and cross her forelegs instead, the fiery red-mane, peach Earth Pony heaved a sigh of discomfort and impatience. Her pine green irises trailed aimlessly, following the movements of the other equine creatures passing her by, some in white coats and gowns, either on their own, or escorting others in wheelchairs or crutches. The only consolation that she could find was the familiar lighting, and the smell of disinfectants, traveling across the white, cooled hallway that she would have experienced in any sort of hospital back home.

Continuing to wait near the closed door to her left, she felt her ears perk up, as a click from the knob was made, and turned her head instantly, to see a bright red stallion Pegasus with squared glasses, violet eyes, and black mane, mustache and tail, step through it. From her angle, she could not fail to notice the image of a stethoscope around a heart with wings, placed oddly on his flank. Having recalled her passive observance of the other ponies, she surmised that it was only another of several oddities that were considered the norm by the locals.

"How is she?"

"Not to worry," he replied with genuine care, both in his verbal, and facial expressions, which seemed, again, unusual to her, "The fine lady is in excellent health. So much so, in fact, it's almost as if she were only sleeping during an extended trip. She's awake now, if you'd like to see her, Miss…Watson, was it?"

"Yeah," MJ nodded, "And thanks, Doctor…um, Flightheart."

"You are most welcome." Before he could depart from her, however, she raised her front left hoof to his shoulder, asking, "Oh, and how's Doctor Bromwell?"

"Ah, yes. The Zebra," he raised his head in recognition, then spoke with intrigue, "Very seldom do we see them come here to Equestria. Yes, much like Mrs. Parker and yourself, he has been only dormant and slightly weakened, like after a long journey. He's actually exploring the grounds now. Seems he is striving to grow more acquainted with his new environment. Even asking questions about pony anatomy, medicine, and the like. In fact, I should have somepony paged to fetch him, let him know he may visit his friend also."

"Thanks, Doc. That's really thoughtful of you."

"Anytime." She watched him make his brisk, though casual departure, then turned to face the door, now left slightly ajar. Though first, with a slight degree of curiosity, she twisted her neck to the point of turning her head almost completely back. Then, lifting her skirt, she observed a pair of masks, one smiling in red, the other frowning in green, prompting a smirk from the redhead. After lowering her skirt, heaving another sigh, only with much less discomfort of a different kind, Mary Jane pushed the door inwardly with her right front hoof, and entered. Seeing the brown Pegasus with spectacles over her bright blue orbs, and under her long, silver mane in a bun, she was able to clear any doubts, whatsoever, of whom she was facing. "Mrs. Parker? I know this'll seem a little weird, and you probably don't recognize me…"

"Mary Jane," she heard May gasp, then chuckled lightheartedly at the sight she beheld, "Oh, my. Look at us!"

"Glad to see you're taking this in stride, May" she answered in kind, "Or, in trot."

Both share a brief moment of mirth that released a slight degree of tension from the young mare, but then returned to her solemn state when she heard the elderly Pegasus before her ask, "Are we the only ones here?"

"No. Nick's here, too."

"That is good news."

"I don't know if you'll be surprised to see him or not, but, I guess you just wait and see. Anyway, Spider-Man also came with us."

"Oh, the poor dear," May clicked her tongue in bereavement, "After having to confront those two monsters like that, he's now facing another problem. Two actually. Getting himself, as well as ourselves back home, and worrying about what those attackers might do while he's away."

"Last I checked," added MJ, "He's got a third problem. From what I saw before I blacked out, he stayed behind, making sure we got help. And from what I heard, he had to deal with another freak show."

"My goodness!"

"But that's not what I'm here to talk about. And I think you know what it might be."

"Yes, I do," nodded the Pegasus, now tearfully inhaling with a deep pause, "To think this would happen, before he came to meet us. Oh, how he must be worried sick about us, especially after…everything."

"I know." The Earth Pony mare gently approached her friend's aunt, and offered a deep, consoling embrace, before Nicolas entered to see May Parker breaking into deep sobs.

In Your Hooves
Part II

The substance surrounding his entire being could hardly be considered an atmosphere, let alone a dense fog. It was also far, too black, with slight hints of red flowing within it. The smoky, ashy, murky material seemed to be entering into his lungs through his nostrils. He could practically taste the abhorrent abomination by his palate and tongue. He did not have time to choke on the substance, nor fully register his environment, when he heard the snide hiss and moan of a voice dangerously close, and saying, "So hot. Such boiling, ravenous fury, just waiting to be unleashed through those veins. Let us make him into the image we desire. Allow him to taste it, feed from it, and hunger for it, as we do."

"And why shouldn't we," a second replied in kind, "After all, he was our first love. How fitting wouldn't it be, for you to be united with your long, lost parent?"

No. No, don't! His mental shouts of dread could not be heard, as the murk and ilk soon found itself entering into his very being, consuming his body, mind, heart and soul, and inebriating him. "No!"

"Cease!"

A blinding light suddenly engulfed the entire vicinity, causing the voices, and the substance, to shriek with immense agony. It was a sound that did not deafen his ears, but certainly left a cold chill of recognition down his spine. The light then reduced to a soft glow that faded into a deep blue further outward. Also, what he felt now, instead of venomous spite and assaulting savagery, was a cleanliness that calmly, and gently consoled him. Now free to turn his head, he looked in wonderment, at the sight of a dark blue, equine creature with wings, as well as a horn.

"Wait, I-I…I've seen you before."

"Indeed," the figure answered in a firm, female voice, "Only for a brief moment, however. I am Luna, Princess of the Night, and Keeper of the Moon. It is truly a privilege to meet you, Peter Parker."

"You," he stammered with great shock, failing to respond to the revelation now spoken by the winged Unicorn of the Night, "Y-you know who I am?"

"Alongside my duty as Princess," she answered plainly, "I am also the Guardian of Dreams, through which memories past also intertwine. Your valiant deeds, your many-taken troubles and woes, and yes, even your name, are well known here. And for a stallion at such a youth, I fear you have seen and endured far too much on your own."

He heaved a greatly anxious sigh, contemplating how he should react to this uncomfortable situation. "Fear not," she countered his thoughts, "No secret can escape from this state against your will, though not in the other. My sister and I vow to withhold such things, with respect to your hidden desires. However, you do have the willpower to make something of it."

"W-what do you mean?"

"The secrets one chooses to keep. The truths that have been long, since concealed, reveal themselves in one form or another. Choose your manner wisely. Decide your own moment of truth, before you can no longer decide for yourself."

Before he could make another enquiry, or even refute the mare's statement, he sensed the lightheadedness, which he finally noticed to be present, begin to depart from him, as did she. The calming light that so softly rejuvenated him also faded, as his field of vision returned to the pitch black he had seen earlier, before succumbing to his dormant state.

"Thank you for coming and helping me, Zecora. I'm sorry this is on such short notice. And it's been very time consuming, I know, but I'm really glad for the help."

"Believe me, it is no trouble at all, especially for a pony who has taken many falls." The yellow, timid Pegasus worriedly eyed the bandaged stallion lying on the sofa in front of her, as she hovered near her Zebra friend, within her own, animal-abiding home. The cast on his hind leg was resting on a raised incline, on top of the hoof rest, while his left front hoof was wrapped in white material, covering his burns. She was astonished to see how quickly his injuries seemed to have healed, given that it has only been one night since he attained them. However, what struck her most alarmingly was seeing how scars from other cuts and burns, as well as small patches of missing fur, were scattered atop older ones, throughout his frame, and more specifically his center mass.

"I just hope that he'll be okay." But once she saw the sweet gaze of comfort from her rabbit companion, Angel, Fluttershy took a deep inhalation to release her dismal tension. She looked at the beige Unicorn again, seeing that he was, indeed, breathing at a normal rate, and no longer grunting and panting in a cold sweat, as he did hours earlier. The furrowed brows were also relaxed, showing her a pony who is now merely fast sleep. She could hardly recall the last time she spent an entire night tending to somepony's care. In fact, the dawn was nearly about to break, and the warm sunlight began to peak under the sheet of glittering stars.

"Maybe we should have taken him to the hospital."

"Please, do not fret, Fluttershy, my dear," a soothing voice spoke beside her, "For it is good you have brought him here. The herb required for a sound recovery can only be gained from the best company."

"Yes, I suppose you're right." She shuddered to think of how uncomfortable he would feel, lying in a hospital bed, in public, with his entire costume removed, which he had clearly intended as a means of concealment. Her caring nature has always been placed at the forefront of her thoughts and actions.

"I take it she means a metaphorical herb," Zecora and Fluttershy heard his voice groan, much to their great surprise. "Now I really know I'm not dreaming."

Seeing him warily rise with a grunt and moan prompted both ponies to place a hoof onto his chest, keeping the Spider from leaving his lying position.

"Steady, young colt," calmly spoke Zecora, "You are still unwell. So is your head, from what I can tell."

"Ah. Oh. Easy for you to say. I've just had a totally disturbing day. And what's with the rhyming thing? Is it hereditary, or something? Or maybe contagious, because I'm pretty sure I just did it a second ago. Twice."

"You still need to rest," Fluttershy insisted, "When was the last time you've eaten something?"

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe – wait, how long was I out?"

"You've been asleep all the way from sunset to sunup."

"An all-nighter, huh? So, I guess eating breakfast yesterday morning would coun-wait, no. No, I have been skipping breakfast the past ten days. I was just on my way to have breakfast. Before that, I was making sure I wasn't overdue with my research paper…again. Also, my senior thesis is due next week, so I decided to use that time to finally start an outline. So…I'm guessing dinner, the night before, would be it. Yeah, I had…uh, what did I have? Was it bratwurst, or lasagna? No, lasagna was the night before last. Sorry, still trying to reprocess beyond the past twenty-four hours. So confusing."

"The power of the mind is greatly vast," the Zebra offered, "But without sustenance, it tends to break really fast."

"Ah-ha," he chuckled weakly in response, "Good one. Now that you mention it, though, I think I really am starting to lose it."

"Is there something I can get you in particular," gently asked the Pegasus. He lifted himself up onto the elbows of his forelegs, and answered, "Right now, I think I might be craving carrots, celery and almond butter. Changing into a horse certainly enhanced my senses, especially smell. Probably altered my appetite to that of a vegan also. But for now, that'll have to wait. I need to get-"

"No, um, Spider," she muttered her declaration, unsure of how to best express the pony's known alias, as he made another attempt to ascend, unwrapping his bandage, "I'm afraid that can't wait."

"Listen, I appreciate everything you've done for me. Really, I do," he spoke, as he then began to remove the cast from his pastern, "But right now, I need to be-"

"No! You listen here, Mister," stated Fluttershy with invigorated, and stern determination, though she maintained her soft demeanor, "You've been badly hurt, and you still need help getting better. And I know you try to put on this tough, talkative act because you think you're all alone, but really, you're not. So, maybe for once in your life, you could let somepony help you, for a change. Stay put, don't move, and don't even think about trying anything funny to make me change my mind!"

She noticed the stallion's brown irises narrow and quiver upon viewing her hardened countenance, and shiver uncontrollably at the sight. Watching him refrain from moving any more, having her directly in front of him, Fluttershy could not resist the urge to gasp at the sight of his eyes crystalizing, aware that she may have snapped the final straw of his willpower. "Oh! Oh, my goodness! I am so sorry! I-I didn't mean to…I mean, I don't know what came over me! I-It's j-j-just that I've never had anypony react that way to my…'S-stare,' before."

"No, no! It's okay, really," he responded sharply, after shaking his head and raising his left hoof, now healed completely, "It's just…nothing. It's-it's nothing. Sure, okay. Carrots and celery dipped in almond butter would be fine, I guess. Plus, a quick drink wouldn't hurt either."

"Okay." Silence was sharply held between the two ponies, with Zecora viewing the exchange. Before she began to hover out of the living room, and into the kitchen, Fluttershy heard him say from behind, "Thanks, and…sorry."

"It's the least we can do. And there's nothing to be sorry for." As soon as she left the room, the Zebra heard a bereaved sigh emanating from the Unicorn stallion, now returning to his prone position. He blankly faced the wooden ceiling of the tree's trunk that they inhabited, shutting his eyes, though with reluctance, saying, "Guess a little R&R wouldn't hurt also."

"It would be prudent, as well, to explain why you react," she calmly stated, "With a haunted gaze you so clearly contract." Zecora observed his behavior even further, noting how he simply rested his head atop his front, right hoof, saying, "I'll think about it. And…thanks to you, too."

"As sweet, kind Fluttershy said," she replied with a smile, "We, at least, should give you a resting bed."

"Not really a bed, but I get the idea." Hearing the gentle flapping of wings from behind, Zecora viewed the returning Pegasus with a tray of food, and placed it softly onto the table alongside the sofa. "There, you are. And as soon as you're finished, we'll be heading over to Twilight's castle to discuss certain matters. Then maybe we'll take you to your friends. Is that alright, with you?"

"Sure," replied the Spider, turning back to face what was given to him, "That'd be fine, thanks." Slowly, with contemplation, he seemed to take precarious measures in raising a simple celery stock with his hoof. However, as if he were releasing whatever tension that arose from his mind, he simply raised it on contact. Noting the fruit of his small efforts, he smirked, and continued, "So, why bring me here anyway, and why not the hospital, with the others?"

"We all saw how badly you felt when everypony around you saw your face without the mask. And even though you're not from here, Twilight thought we should let you keep that kind of privacy to yourself, so you'll be as comfortable as possible. Zecora is an expert in healing tonics, so we allowed a teensy-weensy exception. Though, I guess that means those ponies who came with you aren't really your friends, are they?"

Fluttershy and Zecora both witnessed the hesitance in his response, then, after swallowing his bite, he answered, "I know them. They're very close to…you have photographers here, don't you?"

"Yes?"

"Well, I have this guy who goes around taking pictures of me in action, and gives them to the local paper. His way of offering financial support to his aunt, so I call him up, and tell him where to shoot photos. There was an attack at some café, Silver Spoon, or something. I called him, and that's when he told me that's where he was meeting his aunt and friends. So I swung over there as quick as I could."

"Well, it's a good thing you made it just in time."

"Yeah, I guess so."

"How do you…call him? You weren't even a Unicorn before to be able to send a quick message like that. And you can't use magic right now."

"Wait, really," he remarked with intrigue, "You don't have phones?"

"I…don't think so."

"How about channeled electricity?"

"Well, Pinkie knows a DJ, and she uses some kind of electric current through her magic, I think."

"No electricity, except what Unicorns make for themselves? Then I guess Electro would definitely hate this place."

"Who's…?"

"Don't worry, it's nothing important. Anyway, my world has those things, and I used a phone to reach the photographer. That's how I called him."

"Well," Fluttershy continued, knowing fully well his attention was now away from his meal, "I'll let you finish eating. Then we can be on our way."

"Right, yeah, sure," he shifted his focus back to his current state, "Uh, just one question?"

"What?"

"Got anything to put on? I mean, yeah, I've noticed you ponies don't wear clothes around here, at least not often. But I'm sure you've compensated for my total lack of threads, right?"

"Oh, yes, of course," muttered Fluttershy, in hasty realization, "I'll be right back."

As the Pegasus departed once again, Zecora noted, "I am not sure how far this will go, but your mark will make your secret easy to show."

"My…mark? As in, leaving my mark, mark?" He then turned to face the direction that the mare gestured towards with her hoof, and noticed, on his bare, beige flank, the icon of a spider in scarlet, with a blue outline. The Spider narrowed his pupils in great shock, once again, fumbling as he rose onto his casted, but healed hoof, then exclaimed, "What the heck! How did that get there?! I don't even remember getting a tattoo! Aw man, I am so dead when I get back home."