Twilight, Spidey & Friends: Series 1, Ep. 2: In Your Hooves Part II

There was no need to mention how dearly the yellow Pegasus and lavender Alicorn both required a good rest, for both mares expended a great deal of their efforts the night before. As Fluttershy opted to lie down on a sofa in the nearest closed room, Twilight Sparkle decided to take a sound nap in her own quarters, which was located directly above the castle library. However, before turning in for a reprieve, the young Princess insisted that Spider Bite should learn to activate and harness his own magic, so as to project the memory spell himself, hoping that they could find some crucial information from his experience in the ruins. Only when Starlight Glimmer volunteered to instruct the stallion, and Princess Cadence offering her assistance in the matter also, did she finally submit to the comfort of her bed for a short nap.

"Do you really think he might need two ponies to instruct him," inquired the light violet mare to the Crystal Princess, who answered with a smirk, "I might know a thing or two about learning how to use a new talent."

As the rosy Alicorn and Unicorn mares took the wall-crawler out to the hallway, Prince Shining Armor remained with the other ponies, Changeling and young Dragon, to discuss current matters. They all wished for everypony to be brought up to speed, while also, of course, spend more time with the infant foal.

"Look, I get that you need me to see if I can get you more info, and I understand you all willing to trust me in using my new powers to help you out. But what I don't follow, is how you expect me to cast a spell, when I don't even know the basics?"

"Which is exactly where we'll start," responded Cadence evenly, "At the very beginning."

"Okay, if you two are going to break into song with Do-Re-Mi, then you can count me out."

"Let's start-" Starlight huffed and rolled her eyes at Spider Bite's incomprehensible remark, to which he cut her off while raising a hoof, "I'm out."

"We're going to start," she persisted begrudgingly, "with what you told me earlier. You recall how you figured out using your hooves, right?"

"Focus is key, followed closely by simplicity and then patience."

"There you go," Cadence beamed, "You've grasped the fundamentals of magic."

"You might not think you can use the magic that is naturally inside of you right now," continued Starlight, "But in actuality, you've already started."

"Uh, come again?"

"According to Twilight's…highly extensive records from her experience in a human realm, you were accustomed to having limbs with five appendages on each. So for you, restricting your capacity of picking things up with only a hoof would seem physically impossible."

"But by focusing on simply lifting an object with patience," followed Cadence, "you were able to attain the magic inside of you that's inside all ponies. You see, each pony has magic inside of them, granting them natural abilities respective to their particular classes."

"And by classes, you mean species, genus then class, class, right?" Nodding in the affirmative, the pink Alicorn Princess continued, "While Unicorns can harness the raw magic inside through their horns, most Earth Ponies possess it to have great strength to work the land, and Pegasi are capable of landing onto clouds, and control weather patterns."

"Okay, great," Spidey shook his head in full comprehension, "That's all well, and good. But that's just common, pony knowledge that I got down." Pointing at the appendage protruding from his head, he then asked, "Now how do I find the on switch for this thing?"

"Like you said," the light purple mare replied, "First you focus on finding the raw magic that is already inside of you, then simply reach for it, and patiently bring it forth."

"How do I even look for it? Or better yet, what exactly am I looking for?"

"You need to first acknowledge that it is something that is naturally a part of you now," Cadence spoke to the beige Unicorn gently, "And then reach deeply into the darkest depths of yourself, and bring it out into the light."

"I just hope it doesn't cause a split personality disorder," he sighed, "Or that it doesn't make me schizophrenic. But I guess there's nothing to treat me for whatever I'm diagnosed for constantly talking to myself."

"Don't think of it as a separate entity that is now bonded to you," the Alicorn continued, "But a greater extension of yourself."

"In order for you to grasp that magic inside," the Unicorn mare added, "you need to grasp more firmly a better understanding of who you are."

"What, you mean like metaphysically or philosophically?"

"Nothing too complex, or generic," Starlight answered, "You just need to focus, and simply figure out deeply what it means to be you."

Upon taking a deep breath, then exhaling through a narrow passage between his lips, they saw the web-head close his eyes, as he contemplated aloud, "Well, what makes me who I am, I guess, when it comes down to it, it's not really the spider prowess that I've got. I mean, sure it's become a very special part of my Me recipe, and not just genetically speaking, but ultimately that's not what really matters. To me, what's most important, is that I don't have to be a quipping, wall-crawling, loudmouthed crime fighter, or even incredibly smart, or whatever talents I've got, just so long as I use whatever I got for the good of all. And not just because it's my responsibility, and it's the right thing to do, but because I really want to help peop-ponies who need it, and do the best that I can for them. Because they all matter to somebo-somepony, including me."

"Spider Bite."

Starlight saw him open his eyes after hearing the light gasps from the two ponies, to see a glimmering light from the top of his peripheral. The web-head shifted his focus onto the additional ligament atop his cranium, to find it engulfed in a soft, swirling glow, with specks of glitter floating and descending unto the ground. The light itself shifted into different pigments, from red, to blue, to beige, to brown.

"Whoa," Spidey sharply exhaled with a swallow, "I-I wasn't even looking for it. Was I?"

"You were focusing deeply on who you are," stated Cadence, "You then patiently reached for it, after simply finding what you were looking for."

"I guess that means we've got nothing to worry about from you," Starlight remarked, "Nothing dubiously treacherous, anyway."

"Okay." She noted his attempt to stifle a chuckle of coltlike excitement to his most recent accomplishment, prompting a smirk from her. He then asked, "Now what about the light show?"

"Same as before," the Alicorn Princess replied, "Focus on the energy inside of you, then simply decide whether you want it in use or not, along with the color of your preference."

Closing his eyes once more, the beige Unicorn devoted his thought and energy unto his current goal, not deterring towards anything that might distract his focus and patience. He pursed his lips slightly, as the horn first lost its glow, then resurged into an aura of deep scarlet. As he reopened his vision, and viewed the fruits of his labor, he shakily heaved a gasp of utter excitement. Spider Bite then watched the horn flicker back off by his volition, exclaiming under his breath, "Wow! Now that's just pretty cool! What's next?"

"The spell involves applying memory into casting it," the light violet mare responded, after reviewing the scroll Twilight had given her, "And it's actually simple enough for us to go through it after a few levitation lessons."

"Great," he beamed, then reduced to a more somber tone, "Sounds good. But, while we're at it, there's someplace that I need to be."

There was a fair trotting distance to cover for the three ponies to reach their intended destination. As the wall-crawler had suggested, Cadence and Starlight took the time to teach him how best to harness his newly attained arcane energy to cast a spell, beginning with elementary levitations. Given that it was nearly an hour for the ponies, such time was managed perfectly to instruct the beige stallion.

This whole thing's definitely going to take some getting used to. A lot of my energy spent focusing on casting the right spell with this thing means quite a bit of adjusting. Guess I'll have to limit my quipping quota, until I get a better grasp at this. Also not talking to myself as often.

"So," Pete heard Starlight complete her concluding discourse, "Try not to spend too much time making wisecracks or jokes. Until further notice, at least."

"Yeah, my thoughts exactly," he replied with a smirk, but then returned to a stoic expression on his face when he noted the appearance of the building before them. With great uncertainty, he simply stared directly towards it, as he continued his trodden path in that direction, as she spoke further, "Now as for the memory projection spell, it would probably be a good idea to give it a few practiced attempts before actually using it back at the palace."

"Okay. Yeah, sure." Noting the stallion's shift in demeanor after his previous expression of enthusiasm, she added, "Don't worry. At the rate that you've been going, this shouldn't be a real challenge for you."

"No, it's not that, Starlight," he shook his head in response, "I've just got other things on my mind lately." Upon viewing the hospital directly ahead of them, and seeing the simple nod of full comprehension from the pink, winged Unicorn, the light purple mare was reminded of this trip's purpose. She sharply stammered, "Oh, I'm sorry. Of course, I should've known you had a great deal to worry about still, especially your friends."

"It's okay. Don't sweat over it. I just think I should go check on them, while I get the hang of this and before we get back to work."

"May we ask who they are to you, exactly?" Spidey simply shrugged to Cadence's enquiry, then said, "I don't see why not. I kind of already mentioned them to Fluttershy. They're friends and family of this photographer I know back home. There were a couple baddies attacking the café they frequent, so I got there as fast as I could. One minute I was fighting them off, and the next found myself and the others in this world."

"Did any of them get hurt?"

"I don't think so," he answered Starlight's concerned question, "I think they just passed out from traveling here, kind of like how I did after that whole thing with the Changelings yesterday. I only got a few cuts and bruises from the fight before, so I'm basically the sole casualty in that regard."

"That is very good news," Cadence nodded with relief in her voice, "For them, at least."

"You went through a great amount of trouble yesterday," added Starlight, "only to be pulled out of it, and dropped directly into an even greater amount to deal with. And in another world you never even knew was possible."

"Yeah, that's just my luck for you," chuckled the web-head, "One cake layer of troubles on top of another."

"Considering you just used a cake analogy to describe your problems," said the winged Unicorn with a tilted brow, "it's no wonder you responded to Pinkie's surprise blast so terrified."

"Just my big mouth running a marathon again, I guess. I'm just glad they came here with me, and not still over there, where I couldn't help. But those bad guys are still on the loose."

"Any idea what motivated them to attack in the first place?"

"Basically," Peter spoke to the Unicorn mare, "they wanted me out in the open, endangering others just to get my attention. Everyone else was just collateral damage to them."

"Then it really was fortunate you reached your friends in time," said Cadence, "But now you're concerned about what may be happening back where you're from as well. You might also feel, in some way, responsible for that."

"Like I said. One thing on top of another."

"Well," swallowed Starlight, looking back at the scroll her magic was still levitating, "Before we go in there, how about a quick trial run? Give you a good start, at least." Nodding silently in response, Peter looked at the mare, whose expression was solely that of empathy. He then took the scroll from Starlight Glimmer's arcane grip, using a levitating spell of his own. He examined the text on the parched material closely, then casually gave it back to her when he finished. Spider-Man closed his eyes once again, striving to focus completely on what he needed to accomplish, gritting his teeth, and grunting in the process. What aided him in his endeavor was his need to focus on a certain memory to project, after harnessing the energy required to do so. He opened his eyes, to see a translucent, scarlet disc hovering before the three ponies. "Whoo! That took more out of me than I thought."

"It normally takes Unicorns up to this stage in life to be fully conditioned in the mind to cast various spells," offered Cadence, "Since this is only your first day, I'd say a job well done."

"Just what exactly are we looking at?" Starlight's enquiry was met with a howling blast of green smoke, followed by a rapid, spinning motion of numerous objects. The dizzying rotation halted suddenly, as a horrid face of green engulfed the vision, with sickly yellow eyeballs, and sneered with a grin, "Why don't you just give up?!"

The viewed projection spun once again, until a loud smack and grunt indicated someone was thrown against a wall. Landing on a narrow bridge of steel, they witnessed the blurring motion of a being leaping and dodging away from two more blasts. Then strands of white material ejected towards the green creature that swerved and maneuvered on a hovering craft of metal and smoke.

"Because I know your secret," they heard Spidey's voice emanate, "I know whose face is behind that mask!"

"We all wear masks, Spider-Man," the being growled, then croaked as it sent a series of spinning blades wailing towards him, then another screaming explosive, "But which one is real? The one that hides your face, or the one that is your face?"

The projection then faded into thin air, the glow of the disk vanishing completely, allowing for the hospital ahead of them to return to their immediate points of view. After all these years, guess I never really knew what Osborne meant by that. Now here I am, unmasked with ponies I hardly even know. The irony.

"Just a test sample," Pete answered the light purple mare with a shrug, as he readjusted his blue sunglasses and red hood.

"If that's only a brief sample of what you've encountered," the pink mare evenly remarked, "Then what you dealt with yesterday was only a light skirmish in comparison."

"Not really," he shook his head in reply, "I was sucked into another world, transformed, fought an invading horde of bug-ponies, half-roasted, and got attacked by their queen bee. Not exactly mixed signals for another movie, or you know, like you said, a skirmish. And even you were all there to fight them too. So yeah, definitely a nine-point-two on my personal, Horrifyingly Dangerous Scale."

"Remember what we talked about," said Starlight with a smug grin.

"I know. I know," he grunted, "I'm just running down whatever I've got left before putting my mouth on hold."

Once they reached the reception inside, he could see the numerous ponies in the wide room, many of which were from the evacuation party who sustained injuries from the boulder giant's rampage doing a follow-up. Good thing this is the worst scenario for these ponies. Very lucky that few, if any at all got badly hurt from Rocky's bad temper. Now I'd like to see how my Aunt and friends are doing.

"Hey, excuse us," he greeted the receptionist mare behind the counter, "I'm here to see three ponies that most likely checked in here yesterday. A Pegasus, Earth Pony and Zebra. You mind telling us which rooms they're in, please?"

"Are you next of kin to any of these ponies you mentioned," the lime Earth Pony asked plainly, her blue and green mane wrapped in a bun, and her blue eyes focused on the wall-crawler.

"Well, kind of," he answered, "See, the Pegasus has a nephew that I know, but he can't make it right now, so I thought I'd check on her for him. The name's pretty unusual for around here. May Parker? You see, we're not exactly from-"

"I'm sorry," she continued to speak, "But with everypony still on the lookout for Queen Chrysalis, the hospital only admits next of kin to patients with substantial proof of their identities." Ugh, great. Just like security back home. And they've got eyes constantly watching for suspicious characters. Guess I never really complained about them before. Now that it's a big inconvenience for me.

"Alright," he muttered with a sigh, lowering his head before departing, "Sorry for the trouble."

"Excuse me, Miss…Riverglen," he heard the winged Unicorn step forward. He turned his head completely around to see her remove a heart-shaped crystal icon, matching that of her I.D. mark. It was glimmering a light blue to match the aura of her horn, and even more greatly so it seemed.

"I am Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire," she gently announced, "Here is my credential. I'm sorry to inconvenience you in this manner, but I'm afraid it's urgent that we checked on these ponies right away."

Wow, he inwardly remarked, as he observed the baffled response from Riverglen, whose name was on her tag, Haven't had anyone use their poll to help me out since the good Captain was around.

Before the bewildered mare could offer anything near an understandable response, they heard somepony else speak up. "Hello, Princess. Everypony."

They turned to see a bright red Pegasus in a white coat and a stethoscope around his neck, as he deeply spoke, "I'm Doctor Flightheart. I tended to these ponies you're looking for. I'm sorry, but I'm afraid they're no longer here."

"What," said Peter sharply, swiftly approaching the Pegasus doctor, "What happened? Were they taken!?" Did Chrysalis figure out who they are!?

"Calm down, son," he softly answered, "They were perfectly fine when they checked out. Princesses Celestia and Luna came by to take the tab and escort them someplace safe for the moment."

"When did they leave," Starlight inquired.

"Earlier this morning, around ten," said Flightheart, "Luna was in the air surveying the place, while Celestia waited for them at the front. I think I heard them going into town first." Whoo! I probably should've known they would do something like that for me, since Luna said she'd keep my secret with her sister. And pretty smart too. They came together to watch each other's backs, so that bug-Queen doesn't try anything. Guess Gw-Fluttershy was right. I'm still not alone in this. Not really.

"Thank you, Doctor," Cadence cordially nodded, "You've been most helpful."

"Anytime, Your Highness," he bowed his head in kind, then parted, bringing his attention back to whatever patients he needed to see. Okay, I don't know why, but that guy makes me think of Dick van Dyke for some reason. Maybe it's the soap opera vibe that I'm getting from this place. I mean, who pays attention to patients after they're checked out like that? Well, sure Nick's the exception, but still. Kind of weird.

"So," he heard Starlight speak, "I guess we should head back now, huh?"

"Celestia and Luna will come by to discuss matters with us at Twilight's castle," joined Cadence, "Afterwards, we can find out where your friends are and visit them then." He took a momentary pause, exhaling through his nostrils before saying with a nod, "Sure. Sounds good enough for me."

As usual, Peter Parker misses out on what matters most.

"Oh, and," he stopped in midstride as he turned back to two mares, "thanks a lot. And I mean for everything."

"It was the least we could do," Cadence warmly said with a smile, as Starlight kindly grinned also. Then the three ponies began their journey back.

A swift splash of water to the face, along with a thorough brushing of her mane was sufficient, she felt, before making her way back downstairs. She found her nap more than satisfactory after her Dragon assistant awoke her, telling her of Starlight, Cadence and Spider Bite's return. She made a brisk trot down the hallway after straightening herself up, knowing Spike was directly behind her. Will being the key word. "Where did they go?"

"To the hospital," he answered Twilight, "Spider Bite wanted to check on his pals while learning how to use his horn. So they decided to take a quick trip over there." Knowing how long it takes to make a stroll to the hospital from the castle, she wondered what might be going through the strange stallion's mind concerning those who traveled with him. She also pondered on what Cadence and Starlight might inform her and her friends about him. "Has he made any progress during these past couple hours?"

"Cadence and Starlight think so," panted Spike from behind, striving to keep up with the Alicorn Princess, "They said he caught on pretty quick for a beginner. He even practiced the memory spell a couple times too."

"Given his apparently astounding intellect, I can't say that I'm surprised," Twilight commented as she sharply turned left around a corner, "But I just hope-"

Catching the glimpse of an orange figure suddenly flashing into her peripheral, she locked her hooves into a grinding halt, cringing her eyes shut. She opened them with a squint, seeing the pony before her enacting the same thing, and recognized immediately the pony she once warmly met, yet hardly knew.

"Princess Twilight," he greeted with a bow of the head.

"Captain Sentry," said she, tilting her own as well.

"Glad to see we've prevented another bump-in as the others beforehoof."

"Sentiment's mut-" before Twilight could complete her reply, the purple and green Dragon ran directly behind her while making the sudden turn himself. He collided onto her hind leg, causing a direct impact between the two ponies ahead of him. Bop. "Oof!"

She turned back, after the three simultaneously backed up with a grunt, facing her assistant briefly, to which he offered only a sheepish shrug and grin in response. Then she turned back to say, "At least, it would've been mutual. Sorry."

"Just one of those days I suppose," the Pegasus Captain said, "Nothing to worry about. I take it you had a good rest in, Princess."

"Oh, yes. Definitely. Thanks, Captain."

"So, you were just about to go into the Map Room as well?"

"Yes," she regained her concentration, realizing the doors to the chamber directly beside them, "Yes, of course. Mustn't keep everypony waiting."

"Agreed." There was a momentary pause at first, as the ponies shifted their attention between the door and themselves. Then Captain Sentry sharply turned his head, lifting his right hoof and reached for the doorknob. It was at that same instant a crimson gleam engulfed it also, to which a baffled Twilight responded with the release of her arcane grip. Except, at the same time, Sentry became aware of the situation himself, lowering his hoof in response. Spike huffed with slight impatience at this complete lack of progress, and walked up to jump and turn the knob himself with a grunt.

"Thanks, Spike," Princess Twilight offered with embarrassment, swiftly turning her head to face the Cutie Map, and conceal her reddened complexion. Captain Sentry followed inside shortly after, with Spike stepping in himself, and standing amidst the two. All three became aware of the complete openness of the chamber, seeing even the seven thrones around the Map Table totally vacant.

"Whoa," her Dragon assistant remarked, "Are we the first ones here?"

"It definitely looks that way," answered the lavender Alicorn, "I wonder what could be keeping them?"

"They're probably waking up Fluttershy."

"All of them? At the same time?" Spike looked up towards the orange Pegasus, who simply replied with a shrug of his own. As though he were anticipating the next course of events, the young Dragon first looked at Twilight, then back at Sentry, sighed, and offered with a groan, "I'll go check to find out."

"Don't worry, Spike. I highly doubt that would be-" Her assistant darted out into the hall, and made a quick turn to the left, towards the foyer. "…necessary."

Exhaling with slight irritation and bereavement, the young Princess decided it would be best to minimize the uneasy tension by taking her seat. As she rose onto the throne with its icon matching her Cutie Mark, Twilight observed the Pegasus stallion finding a place opposite of her across the Map. She had no desire to endure any further awkward moments with him, much less those of total silence, afraid of what he would make of her behavior around him. She took a deep breath through the nostrils, cleared her throat, and politely said, "So, Captain. This is your first visit to Ponyville, isn't it?"

"My first time staying here," cordially nodded the Pegasus, "yes."

"Right. Of course, you came with Cadence on the train that one time. I suppose I should warn you about Pinkie Pie. She doesn't ignore that kind of detail, and always wants to throw a welcoming party to newcomers."

"You speak from experience?"

"Most definitely," the Alicorn mare chuckled. "So, what do you think of the place?"

"It's very pleasant, I think," Sentry warmly smiled, "Unlike the major cities that I've been to with the Prince and Princess, like Manehatten or Fillydelphia, this town has its own sense of simple serenity and openness to it."

"The valley does emit that sort of distinct tranquility most certainly. And if that's how you feel about Ponyville, I think you'd be surprised at how exotic Appleloosa is."

"Maybe," he nodded, "If I ever have the chance to go there also." Twilight then noticed movement in her peripheral vision, turning to see the reason for everypony's delay, and trotted over.

"Celestia. Luna," she happily greeted them, "I'm glad you could make it also."

"We decided it'd be best to join everypony here, given the circumstances," her former mentor evenly spoke, but then warmly offered, "But it is definitely good to come by and see our friend and my former student."

"We also had a certain task of our own to complete," her sister added, "Something we felt called for the utmost attention."

"And what about Spider Bite," Twilight inquired, noting all who were present at the door, "Has anypony seen him?"

"I believe, Twilight," Luna smirked as she looked on, "He is much closer than you would surmise."

"What do you mean?" She then turned to see what both Luna and her sister were looking at, and found the hooded stallion suspended on a web line, his head just above the Map. "Hey, Princess. Hope you don't mind me dropping in like this. Places to go, so much to see. But I sort of figured you wouldn't, since I'll be the main attraction of the hour."

"Hello, Spider Bite," the lavender Princess spoke, "I fail to see how it would be a problem, so long as you don't let all the attention get to your head as quickly as your circulation." The upside down Unicorn shrugged, saying, "Meh. Five years of doing this nonsense, you'd think I'd know any better. Nice zinger, by the way. Guess you took a few notes from Balderdash, didn't you?"

"Hey! Who are you calling Balderdash, Web-mouthed," hoarsely snapped Rainbow, swiftly advancing towards his face, "At least, that's what it should be!"

"Please," puffed Spidey undeterred, "You and I both know we pretty much invented that all-out, swagger attitude in our respective worlds. I bet, deep down inside, there's a little bit of that cute sweetness that's just begging to come out."

"Heh," the hovering Pegasus mare grunted, as she crossed her forelegs, "I shudder to think what's trying to come out of you."

"Touché." Twilight could not resist joining the few laughs and chuckles that occurred during this exchange, but then noted his shift to a much softer expression when he turned to ask the Princesses, "How are the others doing? Are they okay?"

"They are perfectly safe," Celestia answered in a comforting tone, "May Parker and Doctor Bromwell found residence in Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack's family was more than happy to kindly welcome them."

"Mah gran' and lil' sis have taken quite a likin' to 'em."

"And Miss Watson?"

"She is currently with them," answered the night blue Alicorn, as the lavender mare listened to the ulterior purpose of their visit, "Though I do believe she has taken a great interest in Rarity's shop, and found lodgings there as well."

"Most definitely. I find her demeanor and finesse to be most exquisite."

"Thanks. No, really. Thank you all, so much. I never would've got that much done as fast, or as efficient on my own. And please, don't say-"

"It was the very least we could do," the tall, ivory mare warmly said, as her former student viewed the wall-crawler briefly smirk, but lower his gaze slightly, seeming to take Celestia's rendition of the phrase to heart. "Still, thanks. It's something I thought wouldn't really happen."

"Everypony needs a helping hoof a lot of times," Fluttershy offered, "But all it takes is to just admit that."

By now, everypony has either found their appropriate seat appropriate to their Mark, or simply sat near the table. Shining, Cadence and Sunburst joined Sentry, with Flurry Heart jovially waving at the Root Chandelier above, while Luna, Celestia, Starlight and Thorax found a place beside Twilight and Spike.

"So," the web-head perked up, "Ready to start the show?"

"I got my popcorn!" Pinkie Pie quickly placed a massive container of the puffy substance on the hoof rest of her chair, seemingly from out of nowhere.

"Don't you think you should place yourself in a better position?" Princess Twilight observed the arachnid Unicorn simply remaining on his tethered web above the center of the Map. He shrugged and replied, "Well, Cadence said I should relax and make myself comfortable to make this less strenuous for me. I find nothing more relaxing than to be in one of my most natural positions, and be myself."

"Alright, if you insist." The lavender mare could not help but notice her sister-in-law quietly sniggering, as if that were not exactly what she meant. She also detected a slight huff of annoyance from the light purple mare nearby with a brief smirk.

"Okay," announced Spider Bite, "On with the show."

The glittering field of scarlet came into view within a few moments, allowing for everypony to see the slight blur of hazy vision gradually regaining focus. Much to Fluttershy's quivering dismay, the first thing to witness with clarity was the massive horde of black and cyan buzzing and hissing at any and every angle of sight. Seeing Chrysalis standing at the center of the banister before the web-head's recalled vision, they heard her say, "It is over pest. You know you cannot keep me from my property for long."

"Actually, I really think I can," they heard him say, "Because all I have to do to push your…Swiss-cheese holes, is be a sweet-talker to you. You know, say the right words, act all chivalrous and gentlemanlike…or gentlestudlike? You know, be my usual, charming self." His remarks left with many smiles and chuckles from Pinkie and Rainbow Dash, the final one prompting another smirk from Starlight.

"Plus, as you well have noticed, I can take whatever this hunk of rock can dish me. The question is, can you? So, you know, impasse!" Some of the spectators shared the same shock expressed in the Changeling Monarch's countenance, realizing the blast they all witnessed from outside may have actually been deliberate that time.

"Oh dear," shakily whispered the yellow mare, as Shining Armor and Sentry shared a hardened look, mixed with bewilderment, as well as slight respect for the lengths the wall-crawler was willing to endure. "And don't even think about sending your goons to do something funny, because believe me-"

All were slightly startled at first, as they heard a sudden ringing from the projection, which then unexpectedly shifted in its perspective. It then showed no longer Spidey's personal vantage point, but instead encircled the masked Unicorn, and showed a brushed curtain from a slight breeze outside a broken window. The vision motioned towards the rapidly flapping wings of the surrounding Changelings, the speed of which were greatly reduced to slow movements. The spectacle focused next on the locking of hooves, baring of fangs and cringing of brows from a few punctured ponies, all signs of immediate aggression. Just then, they viewed the snide grin from Chrysalis, who then gave a slight nod of approval.

"No. Way." Rainbow's gaping maw did not go unnoticed, as Spidey's senses were on full display for visual demonstration.

"Unbelievable," both Starlight and Twilight gasped. "Astounding."

"Land sakes. Well that sure explains how yah managed to push me and yur friend clear of that there giant so, blinkin' fast-like yesterday."

They all observed the web-head swiftly leap from his sitting position, swinging the tethered jade across to knock down three advancing foes. Next he rolled in midair, using that same swing's momentum to bring two more enemies to the ground with the stone. Just as he landed, they saw him with his grasping hoof still across from his chest, as his wrapped, injure leg began to coil back. Sending a wild buck unto a Changeling from behind, they heard him grunt with a cringe, as he swatted the emerald directly onto one that was coming up ahead. Returning to the web-slinger's personal perspective, the projected memory continued, as he raspingly growled, "…I'll know."

"Yeah! Whoo-hoo! Alright," hollered and cheered the rainbow Pegasus, who then hovered over her throne, "Prove your point! That's what I call a Spider Bite!"

"Okay, yeah," they heard him speak presently, at last, "This is where I totally tuned her out." As if on cue, Chrysalis' speech reduced in volume to the point of incomprehensible muttering. "Sorry. Kind of took a breather at the wrong time."

"Hey, don't sweat it," waved a dismissive hoof from the pink Earth Pony, "I tend to ignore bad ponies' big speeches of doom too. Boring! Oh yeah, this is where my lip reading comes pretty helpful, huh?"

Upon viewing the memory's shifting focus from the Changeling to the flickering stone Twilight caused, Pinkie interpreted, "…will be the end of you…know precisely where I stand(?)…those precious stones…from that tree you treasure so deeply…will use for your very destruction (I think?)."

"Uh," Applejack sharply spoke, "Did she just talk about what Ah hope she didn't just talk about?"

"My lip reading is a teensy-eensy-weensy, bit rusty," shrugged Pinkie, "So I could be wrong."

POW! A massive quake brought everypony seated straight, flat onto the floor, as dust from the Tree Library Root suddenly dispersed downward. They all grunted and groaned, as Bite and Dash quickly lowered themselves to aid them back onto their hooves, and Pinkie moaned, "Oh, boy. That was a doozy. And yes, I mean that kind!"

Before she could fully recover and ask what Pinkie Pie had experienced, Twilight turned to see the blurring motion of the scarlet hooded stallion swinging out of the room. She decided to follow, regaining her mental capacities for teleportation into the hallway, and found him crawling upward from a window. She repeated the technique, concluding Spider Bite's intended destination, and found herself on the rooftop of her Tree Castle. Turning her eyes toward the expanding view of the valley, they narrowed with great shock and terror to find the monstrous, stone creature advancing closer to Ponyville with each pounding step. "Oh, no."

"Took the words right out of my mouth." She shifted her focus unto the stallion arachnid now perched on the railing, and faced the same direction as he. In the distance, the Everfree Forest was caught ablaze, flames engulfing and spreading wildly, and making their way straight toward the orchards of Sweet Apple Acres.