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

Poof! Bling! A scarlet light sharply appeared during the quake, before the three observing ponies, immediately followed by the hooded stallion with shades, huddled into a fetal position, as if to prepare himself for the inevitable. He raised the hoof from over his head, then blankly examined his surroundings with gasps and huffs of total shock.

"Cutting it close for comfort, huh, Shining," blankly asked Starlight.

"That wasn't my magic. I hardly had time to concentrate," the white stallion uttered, then noted his sister landing beside him. "You did that?"

"No, Shining," she shakily wavered, in response, from both exhaustion and awe, "My aura's crimson like yours, remember?"

"Then that means…" Captain Sentry's incomplete conclusion prompted everypony, having gathered again, to watch the beige Unicorn shakily rise on all fours, taking deep inhalations to maintain a certain level of composure.

"Whoa-kay…" he exhaled, "That's definitely going to take some getting used to."

"B-but…but that's fourth level spell casting, at least," stammered the lavender mare, "You-you've only managed level two magic, so far!"

"How'd you even…?" The light purple Unicorn only faded from her stunned trail of thought. They heard Spider Bite heavily breathe his reply, "Want my educated guess?"

"Twilight! Cadence! Shining!" The desperate shouts for their names reached the ears of all ponies present. They faced the source of the outcry, and saw the madly galloping Sunburst, with a levitated Flurry in tow, shouting out, "You must come quickly! Something's happened in the castle!"

"Calm down, Sunburst," Cadence offered, knowing she spoke for everypony else to do so as well, "Tell us what's wrong."

"We saw…the remainder…of Spider Bite's projected…memory," he panted heavily, giving Flurry Heart to her mother, as he answered, "Chrysalis was saying…more things, things that Pinkie…didn't catch. Then we saw how…she escaped, and the blast that…occurred inside the ruins. Next, was the stallion's exit from there, and hearing fragments that…were spoken from a stunned…Changeling, who said she'd come back for…'it,' as she told him."

"What do you mean? What is it?"

"I'm not sure, Shining," the Royal Crystaller answered, "But Spike seemed to have an idea. He told me to take Flurry away from the castle as quickly as I can, saying that he and Thorax will keep an eye on things. I don't know why, but he said there was no time, and that I needed to hurry out of there, fast!"

"Oh, no." Twilight's bewildered expression from a moment previous was replaced by shear dread. She vanished, with a flash of her own crimson energy, causing all but the beige and orange stallions to stare, at first in confusion, then realization.

"That's what Spider Bite and I came to warn you about," Sentry stated.

"Spike! Thorax! Where are you?!" After teleporting into the main hall of the Tree Palace, Twilight madly scurried past the disheveled devastation that was now the castle's interior. In frantic worry, she transported herself into several different chambers, all of which were in the same, vandalized state as the hallway. She came upon the Cutie Map room, its walls, chairs, and table were indented with cracks, and smeared by scorch marks. After looking up to see that the only place untouched was the Library Chandelier, she heaved a sigh of great relief, upon noting the little Dragon's dangling form, up above. Atop of him, was his Changeling friend, hovering as he placed his deformed hooves onto Spike's sliding grip.

"Twilight," both exclaimed with jovial respite.

"Are you two okay? Did she hurt you!?" Seeing Thorax lower himself, with the Dragon hanging on to him, she noticed how neither showed signs of any injuries. They safely landed onto the floor before Twilight, with Spike dusting himself off and the punctured pony lowering his head, with shock still in his solid, cyan gaze.

"Nah," the Dragon huffed in kind, "Just gave us a pretty big scare. When we heard Chrysalis coming in on a rampage, we picked the chandelier for a good hiding spot. Turns out she blasted and punched at everything in here except where we were. Then kept moving."

"She was in a very wild state," Thorax added, "I don't think she was even thinking clearly. We're just lucky she didn't randomly hit us in the process."

"I'm very glad to hear that," the lavender Alicorn offered a wavering sigh, eyes watering, then embraced her faithful assistant, and their friend. "I'm really glad to find that you're okay. More than you know."

Wow. Don't know how this day could've turned out differently. Could've been the end of the world, as we know it. Buried alive with Flash Thomson's benevolent doppelganger. Not really. Chrysalis would've found what the Princess was hiding. Probably another apocalypse to go with that. That bug-Queen could've been caught too, if I hadn't wasted too much time…again. This day ended exactly as it started: with no clue of where she's hiding. But that's not entirely the case. Got a new ability in this dimension that's already come in handy, along with very helpful, kind, and understanding ponies here, almost treating me like one of their own. Almost.

The notion touched him dearly, but it also deepened his resolve to maintain his silence concerning his identity and past. Got to make sure another bad scenario doesn't happen by my reckless behavior, like yesterday with the rock. I wonder what's going to happen now, too? What if I can't get myself, Aunt May, Nick and MJ back home? What if we stay here? Or if we did find a way, what then? Will I ever get the chance to be known as Peter Parker around here? Or anywhere?

Perching laterally on the wall of the castle as he pondered on such things, Spidey felt even more determined that he should find a way back, while also helping the ponies here, as best as he can. He looked up to see all who have fought beside him, facing the crowds of Ponyville, as well as the evacuated ponies from Canterlot, who heard Celestia speak to them about the situation that had transpired during these past twenty-four hours. She spoke of the Changelings' imprisonment in the palace ruins of the Everfree, Chrysalis' escape and dark intentions, and the fact that Twilight reported the artifact, meant to always be hidden and unidentified, was indeed secure. This prompted a great release of tension from the masses.

Pete scanned the crowded ponies, hoping to at least find the faces of his friends and Aunt. He did not have the time to achieve this, however, for he heard the solar Princess warmly announce, "And all of this could not have been so, well accomplished, if not for the valiant efforts of a pony who came to our aid without hesitation, or any desire for reward, except the wellbeing of all. A pony who has never been to Equestria before. In fact, he is not even of this world. I present to you, then, and ask that you warmly welcome, the gallant hero for us all, from the smallest foal, to the greater whole of this world, the stallion, who calls himself Spider Bite."

His head snapped to full attention with great discomfort, and finding all equine figures facing him with silent awareness of his unusual presence. Feeling even more in an odd position, he raised his right hoof to ensure his shades and hood were still in place. He opted to remove the pants, knowing that he had no need to conceal his identification mark anymore. Instead, he found a blue cloth of sorts, and wrapped it firmly onto his tail, knowing that even his tail's color might prove to be an indicator for those familiar with him, though his hide was not as much so. MJ and the rest look a lot different from their human forms, anyway. Can't really make a connection to me with my lack of change, in that sense.

He faced his newfound companions, who offered him a look of cheerful consolation, particularly a bandaged Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Shining Armor and Cadence. Heaving a great exhale through his equine nostrils, he lowered himself from his perched position, then slowly approached the center of the oration, and stood beside the towering, white Regent, and her deep blue sister of the Moon. Seeing their own comforting smiles, and knowing fully well their gestures' meaning, he returned his focus back onto the populace, still remaining motionless and soundless. He made the sudden realization of why he was even summoned forward. Oh, this is awkward.

"Uh…Oh, right. I'm supposed to say something right now, huh?" This seemed to alleviate a slight degree of unease between the spectators and the speaker, for a few chuckles were heard in front of Peter, as well as from behind. "Yeah, I, uh…never really been good at public speaking, so I guess just bear with me for a little bit. Which is funny, because those who know me well enough know how much of a smartmouth I can be. But, uh, this isn't exactly a time for jokes or quips to make the bad guys give me a few inside laughs, get them confused with their insulted looks, and throw off their focus. I guess, what really needs to be said is…how much everything here has been, well, wonderful. I mean, sure there was the whole invasion, the giant rock monster, and end-of-the-world scenario. But, when it came down to what really mattered, why I did what I did, and why I chose to be who I am, this place has been a really, wonderful surprise. And the ponies that I've met here, they've certainly made all the effort I've expended well worth it. So, let me just say that…Your Friendly Neighborhood, Spider Bite thanks you all for giving him more than a good reason to fight. In fact, the best reason…the kind that he, or anypony, could ever ask for. And it doesn't need saying, because I've talked too much, already. And there's none who can tell me that there's anything better. Or even try. Thank you."

Not sure of what to do next, he simply strolled back to the side where he once perched, but only stood beside the wall. Exhaling deeply, he looked back up from his grounded gaze, and turned to see the moved expressions from some of pony companions, particularly Rarity, Fluttershy, and more so from Cadence and Starlight, who were present to witness his self-discovery. Peter offered a smile in return, then heard the wild cheers that sounded uproariously after the great pause. He could never recall a single instant to match the scale of this positive response, whatsoever. And no help from the goat-faced dragons, either. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't touched. So weird, though. They're all willing to do this, for someone they hardly know. For someone they hardly know.

What followed immediately was greatly unexpected to the wall-crawler, though only to some degree. He heard a slight whisper from the creeping muzzle of the pink Earth Pony next to his ear, saying, "Here's your fair warning." Whuh-oh.

POW! Wheeze! Streamers and confetti were strewn from several decorated canons in each, and every direction, spontaneously. The massive noises, along with gasps of surprised shock then laughter from the ponies that ensued, was what truly began to brighten the final hours of Pete's day. He then felt the great tug from Pinkie Pie, who also pulled Princess Twilight into a massive embrace, both huffing in physical exasperation, as she exclaimed, "Isn't this super exciting! We now get to celebrate the biggest, most amazing, best, ultimately spectacular party, ever, in the history of Ponyville! Maybe even the whole world!"

"No arguments from me," croaked the web-head, as the lavender mare on the other side choked in kind, "Pinkie. Air."

"I mean, think about it!" Pinkie Pie released her grip of the two ponies, causing them to gasp on the floor. She then, zipped into the crowds, bouncing joyfully and whizzing playfully within the masses, saying, "We get to have a party for Twilight's birthday, that we've missed yesterday, and we also get to welcome four brand new ponies into Equestria and Ponyville! It's now time to really, really, really, really, really celebrate!"

Just then, as a grand ensemble of instruments began to play from the far corner of the assembly, and a vast multitude of balloons, streamers and confetti seemed to be falling down from nowhere, she pushed, into the center of the gathering, Mary Jane, Nick Bromwell, and his sweet Aunt May. Their startled reactions equaled that of Peter's, all of whom were uncertain of where this was leading. Turning to face the winged Unicorn Princess with bemusement, he asked, "Is this normal?"

"Trust me," chuckled Twilight, "With Pinkie, there's no such thing as normal."

"Don't have to tell me," spoke MJ with a grin, "Got a wide variety of colorful characters around here, I'll give you that."

"Taking that as a compliment," the Alicorn spoke kindly, "I thank you. I'm guessing you're Mary Jane Watson, whom Rarity told me all about."

"And you must be the famous, Princess Twilight Sparkle I've heard about," responded the peach Earth Pony, shaking her hoof in the process. Prompting a slight blush of modesty, she tilted her head in a nod, and said, "Thanks, but it's just Twilight with my friends."

"Glad to hear it, Twilight." Noticing her focus returned to his position, Peter observed the redhead's scanning of his form. With a smirk from both, he saw her raise her right front hoof towards his flank, saying, "That seems to suit you nicely. Also, good to see you're opening up about you're tattoos."

"Thanks," he nodded, and gestured toward the green and red masks on MJ in turn, "Looks as though they've accepted you into their culture, too."

"Careful, Woody. Don't let it get to you."

The brief exchange shared between the two ponies prompted a brief laugh from them. Even though she could not understand segments of the dialogue, the young Alicorn could tell they had a well, established bond of sorts. Although, she failed to resist the urge of pondering from where she heard that young mare's voice.

"Don't know why," she heard the arachnid stallion continue, "But I think that mark seems to fit you to a T."

"Maybe because I've got a thing for guys with masks?"

"I should say so," he quipped back, "We've got a strange knack for meeting each other under dangerous and disturbing circumstances, after all." Before her trail of thought could continue, however, another sudden bang from the party cannons commenced, followed by the approach of Twilight's friends, who began to offer a melodious, uplifting carol led by Pinkie, who was the center of their troupe.

Pin: When trouble seems to find you
Flu: At almost every corner,
Rar: And sometimes, there is nothing you can do,
RD: You rise, and face it all,
AJ: Despite bein' a for'ner
Pin: Knowing that for a friend you stand real tall.
Flu: It may not be your own friend,
RD: Or anyone you knew,
AJ: So long's yah do yur best for 'em,
Rar: Their smile will see you through!

Pin: That's what we're here to celebrate,
AJ: Not just fur fun and laughs,
Flu: But for the times when we all stood
RD: As one for all, as we all should.
Rar: For the good of all, we made our crafts,
Pin: Making what's good now great!
All: To make what's good now great!

Flu: We celebrate the warming heart,
That gives us all a smile.
The May sunlight plays a great part
For those cold winters that come a while.

AJ: Then there's the good ol', caring touch,
Of one who's got a knack and Nick
Fur keepin' those hearts warmin' much,
As easy as a hoof's Click!

RD: That's why we're here to celebrate,
Pin: To dance, and share some laughs,
Flu: Because we live for what we stand
AJ: And never stop tah mend the land
Rar: From hurtful quarrels, and angry wafts,
Pin: To make what grows bloom Great!
All: Making what's good now blooming Great!

Rar: Which leads us to the graceful soul
Of a Mare Jane kind and true.
That smile of hers stays bright and full,
As she guides, and brings joy to you.

RD: But when the skies are darkest,
And storm clouds hide the moonlight,
Inspiring hope becomes the largest
From the spectacular Spider Bite!

Pin. But don't forget to whom we call,
Her special day, we now make bright,
To the very pony, who began it all,
Whose heart sparkles in sun and moonlight,
All: We all call out to Twilight!

Pin: That's what we're here to celebrate!
AJ: That's why we're here tah celebrate!
Flu: To make all lives now bloom, be great!
Rar: To quench the fires of venomous fate,
RD: With kindness, care, and bravery great,
Pin: Make sure all know it's never late
To live a life that's Great!
All: To live the life of fullest Great!

The vigorous applause and jubilant cheers from all who were present, deafened the ears of the lavender Alicorn, who had chuckled at the bewildered, startled, and flattered responses from the newcomers, especially the web-head's. Her modestly flushed complexion during her own verse prompted a smile from Miss Watson and Spider Bite both towards her direction. As soon as the noises settled, and the wind softly blew past their manes, sending the final remnants of sailing, festive debris, Twilight viewed the guests before her, asking, "So, what do you make of this place?"

"Very nice. Pretty sweet," nodded the peach, green-eyed mare, "Parties here are definitely livelier."

"Song was a bit tacky," the beige, concealed stallion added, with a slight head tilt, "But, hey! Sounds a whole lot better than most stuff I usually hear. So, no disrespect."

Grinning at the soft compliment of Mary Jane, and chuckling at the lighthearted comments from Spidey, she beamed with great enthusiasm, as Twilight said, "Welcome to Equestria."

Unbeknownst to all who have gathered and raised jubilant festivities in front of the Tree Palace, another form of vegetation began to grow. Underneath the Palace of the Two Sisters, within the cavern of the gorge, which has now been cleared of rubble, and replaced by an arcane barricade around its whole interior as well, the Tree of Harmony gleamed radiantly at its base. The pure, white glow seemed to shine from beneath the stem and its surface roots, prompting the Elements, having been returned and restored, to brighten also. As did the box of six keys before, what rose from the ground was a simple, white, lily bud, not yet in bloom.

The small, unnoticed spectacle was not left completely unseen, however. For a looming shadow of a dark figure seemed to observe the activity of the Tree, from outside its protective shield. After further study of the newest plant, the creature slipped away in a blur, followed by a small batch of sand that slithered calmly on the stone floor, by the soft breeze through the ravine.