Episode 2 - Parent Trap

Daylight crept through Equestria, despite the dark blanket of grey clouds that now covered the skies. As far as the eye could see, snow descended gently to the ground. While the Pegasi had done their best to keep the snow away from Ponyville as long as possible, even their efforts couldn't stand up to nature for long. Winter had finally arrived. And while much work had been completed in the weeks since Ponyville's destruction, many homes were still unfinished. While everyone was still determined to see everything completed, it would be a lie to say that the joyful spirit of the season hadn't sunk in yet for most. Even those whose homes had been finished had lost belongings, memories; things that couldn't be replaced. The military element didn't help either, though it had been reduced now that any retaliation seemed unlikely. It didn't hurt that a certain someone had a danger sense, and whose all clear had given Celestia peace of mind to begin winding down troop presence.

Speaking of which, Peter had still been hard at work alongside Applejack for weeks now. This time the two were wrapped up in more than one layer of clothing, unable to begin work unless they were, lest they suffer the quiet wrath of Fluttershy. Though even Peter had to admit he was starting to feel the winter’s cold sting. Today they had help from Spike and Applebloom, the two kids mostly carrying around smaller tools along with other various bits and pieces, all while getting lost in talks about something called Hearth’s Warming Eve, which to Peter sounded an awful lot like Christmas. “It's a shame you weren't around a few years ago, Peter.” A gleeful Spike said. “We put on this big show in Canterlot about Hearth’s Warming, all the tribes coming together. And I got to narrate it!” The half drake definitely took pride in the little things from what Peter could tell. Spike was someone who took pride in helping where he could, be his role big or small. Much like today when he volunteered to assist Peter and AJ.

Though that came with Twilight playing big sister and insisting Spike be wrapped up extra on account of his cold blooded tendencies. Likewise, Applebloom, at the insistence of her older sister, had maybe more layers on than what was needed. Any movement was hindered by the sheer amount of clothing she had on. Nearby, a bell began to ring, signalling the lunch break for the day. “Alright you two, scamper off. You’ve been more than helpful today.” Applejack called out to the two kids. They ran off, bumping into some of the other kids on the way there, while she and Peter packed away their tools. “Gotta say, it's gonna be a weird Hearth’s Warming this year. Half the town’s still gone, so we might be seein’ a smaller celebration this year.” Applejack lamented as she put her tools back in the toolbox, a quiet sadness underneath her words. Peter didn't know much about the event, but it seemed like a big deal. Before his secret was made known, Peter would have to pretend he knew all about Equestria and play along as a regular inhabitant. Now he had the luxury of just asking. “So what is Hearth's Warming anyway? Cause’ it sounds a lot similar to a holiday we have back on Earth. People get together, spend the holiday with family, exchange gifts, that sorta thing. But from what Spike said, there's more to it.”

“Hearth’s Warming Eve is one of our oldest traditions, going back to the founding’ of Equestria.” Applejack began to tell the tale. “Thousands of moons ago, before even the princesses ruled the land, the three Clans lived divided from one another. And cause’ of that division, the land was covered in constant snowfall as Windigos raced through the skies. Hearth’s Warming celebrates the day the three tribes finally unified, and the Windigos disappeared. Legends say the snowfall every winter is them tryin’ to come back, so we celebrate together to ward them off again. So, what's your winter holiday like?” Looking over, Applejack was greeted with the flabbergasted look on Peter's face, who had been enamoured with the short but sort of epic tale. “Uh, depends on who you ask. Where I lived, we celebrate Christmas. Which is… kind of a mish mash of things. It used to be a Pagan thing, then it got co-opted to celebrate the Son of God, then good old capitalism took over. Now it's mostly about the presents.”

“Sounds… confusing.” Was all Applejack could reply with. It didn't help that there was only so much Peter could say to explain this “Christmas” without a lengthy lesson on Earth’s history (which he had been tempted to do many times now). As the two went to join the others for food, a voice shouted out towards them, one Peter didn't recognise, but Applejack seemingly did. “Hello Applejack!” The farmgirl did her best to peer through the snowfall and see who was calling out to her. It took a few more steps before she recognised who it was, and was surprised at the reveal. “Windy? What in the blazes are ya doin’ here? Thought you’d be back in Cloudsdale hunkerin’ down fer the winter!” The two hugged like old friends, leaving Peter to guess who she was. Whoever she was, Windy appeared to be a bit older from what Peter could gleam. What he didn’t know was who she was in relation to the others. Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long to find out thanks to Applejack. “Oh, where are ma manners? Windy, this here is Peter, the newest addition to Ponyville. Peter, this is Windy Whistles, Rainbow Dash’s mom.”

Now that she mentioned it, Peter was examining Windy more closely, beginning to see the resemblance. “It's nice to meet you, ma’am.” Peter extended his hand, which Windy took with great fervour, catching even someone with his strength off guard. “No need for such formalities, Peter. Windy is just fine. A new addition, you say? Where do you come from originally?” It was one thing for Applejack, the other girls and the princesses to know Peter's origins. But bringing their parents into it all wasn't on the cards. His mind drew a blank. It had been so long since he had to lie to someone about his secrets. What should he say? “He can't remember.” Applejack cut in. “When Pete arrived here, he was badly hurt. So bad, that he lost his memory. We’ve been keepin’ an eye on him ever since, makin’ sure he feels right at home.” Some of it was true, but still enough of a lie for Applejack to feel immensely guilty. Not that Windy could tell. She believed every word of it. “I'm so sorry to hear that. Well aren't you lucky, Peter? Ponyville might just be the best place for you to have ended up. I should find my husband. He’ll wanna say hello too!”

Windy unfurled her wings and took off, though not as speedily as her daughter would have. Looking back at Applejack, Peter could see the guilt on her face. “Sorry you had to lie for me AJ. I just didn't know what to say.” The steadfast farmgirl waved her hand, as if to brush off her own feelings about the situation. “Don't worry about it. I’d prefer our families not know about yer secrets. It’s bad enough Granny found yer gear. But if ah can help it, Applebloom and Big Mac won’t know a thing. It’s the least we can do ta give ya some kinda normalcy here.” Now Peter was starting to feel guilty. “You shouldn't have to lie to your family for me. None of you should.” Despite his attempts to remove Applejack’s guilt, it only seemed to infuriate her. “Lemme tell ya somethin’, Pete. Ah ain't no celebrity, or royalty or anythin‘ like that. But me and the gals have saved Equestria enough times fer me ta be recognised outside Ponyville. And ah don't like it, the whole bein’ worshipped thing. You have no idea how badly ah wish ah had a mask to hide behind when I’m out there.”

And just like that, it all came flooding back. Peter was beginning to remember why he wore a mask in the first place: the struggle to have some kind of normal life. And now here he was, almost ready to throw it all away. Was he getting too complacent? Too safe? “I never had to lie to my own family. My aunt who raised me knew from the first moment I decided to be Spider-Man. It made it all just that a little bit easier.” While Applejack understood where Peter was coming from, it did little to change her mind. “Ah do hate keepin’ secrets from them. But this one’s fer a good reason. Maybe one day, but not right now. Not when people don’t even know ya that well.” The silhouettes of two figures appeared from the snowfall, revealing Windy and someone who looked much similar to Rainbow Dash than what her mother did. “You remember Bow, don't you, Applejack?” Windy inquired in her chipper tone. Bow, who Peter could only assume at this point to be Dash's dad, stared in disbelief at the farmgirl. “Applejack? Could that really be you? Why, I haven't seen you since you were knee high!”

“It’s sure has been a while, Bow. Ever since ah took over the farm, I’ve been kinda locked here in Ponyville. And when ah do get out, it’s ta fight some far off evil. And then all this happenin’.” A motion of her hand pointed out towards the slowly returned town of Ponyville. Just the mention of its destruction made the smiles on Windy and Bow’s faces turn to frowns. “We only heard about what happened a few weeks ago, so we had to visit and make sure our little Dashie was A-Ok!” Bow commented, his smile returning at the mention of his daughter, as did Windy’s. “Well, Dash should be on the other side of town right about now helpin’ out the other teams. If ya spot Scootaloo, Dash won't be too far behind.” Applejack pointed out the way, in the vague direction of where Rainbow Dash could be. Peter knew fine well the rainbow haired Pegasus could be anywhere in the blink of an eye if she desired. As Windy and Bow ventured off to find their daughter, Peter gave Applejack a smirk.

“Our little Dashie? I can't wait to use that one on her.” An elbow into his ribcage should have dissuaded Peter from any attempt to irritate the Pegasus with her parents pet name, but the idea sat ever present in his mind. “Just cause ya survived Sombra don't mean a pissed off Dash won’t end ya,” warned Applejack, giving Peter a very stern look. Out of the mist came Rainbow Dash, looking rather alarmed. “Hey you two! Better head over to the castle! We have company.” A sinister smile formed across Peter's features, his opportunity to annoy Dash now right in front of him. Before he could get a word out, Dash had already taken off towards Twilight's castle. “Gotta be quicker than that, Pete.” Scoffed Applejack, perhaps speaking from experience. Heeding Dash's words, the two made their way through the snow towards the castle, collars turned up as the blizzard picked up.

***

The walk back was longer than expected on account of the snow now blistering through the air. While Peter could easily have pushed on ahead, he wasn't the biggest fan of leaving Applejack on her own, even if the likelihood of something happening was small. Sticking together was the best idea. The farmgirl was feeling the effects of the weather much more vividly than her friend. Even the layers of clothing did little to help her. “Ever seen snow this hostile? Could almost swear the Windigos were comin back!” Applejack cried out, her voice almost drowned out by the wind. Peter by comparison was laser focused on getting to the castle, the chilling bite of the cold having seemingly no effect on him. Applejack could have sworn she saw steam drifting from his face, the only visible part of his skin she could see. Was his skin really that warm?

“We had a few winters like this back in my world. I woke up the next morning and Queens was under several inches of snow. Back when I was at school, every time it snowed I knew I was getting a day off. My Aunt and Uncle would take me outside all wrapped up so we could play and build snowmen. I might have wrecked a few of them though.” It was so surreal to Applejack to hear all these little pieces about Peter's past. It was also refreshing given how much he kept close to his chest even now. She didn't get to think about it long as a mighty gust of snow threatened to knock her off her feet. Fortunately she was more sure-footed than most, though it really did seem like something was controlling the weather and giving them what for. A firm hand had fallen on her shoulder, Peter making sure she didn't get knocked over, a gesture that while unnecessary was appreciated. Dim lights in the blizzard marked their destination. A welcome sight. One final push through the bronze doors later and the pair were in the clear, snow falling off their clothing and onto the floor.

“Land sake! Thought we were gonna be buried out there fer sure!” Shaking the snow from her, Applejack tossed her jacket aside rather ungraciously. It landed at the feet of a waiting Rarity, quite possibly the worst person to have done it in front of. “Applejack, what shame! I gave you this coat specifically for such weather! Even if it has been tested to some degree.” Tested was an understatement. Rarity could feel the sheer amount of moisture the jacket now held due to the blizzard, which was something she hadn't figured to account for when she made it. “Well, I suppose I’ll have an excuse to make a new one, should this weather be the norm. Oh Peter, how did yours fare?” Same as with Applejack, a pool of water had formed at Peter's feet. However, when Rarity began to help him remove his jacket, she was surprised to discover that it was bone dry. Which made little sense to her - both jackets were made the same. In fact, Applejack’s had been the basis for her to make one for Peter, given they had matching builds to a degree.

“Peter darling… How in Equestria is your jacket dry?” Rarity asked with some mild confusion. And once again, Peter gave the girls a little breadcrumb. “Oh yeah, I figured out that my Berserker thing actually raises my body heat. It’s the first time I’ve been able to test if it can dry me. Guess it works like a charm!” While it may have felt normal for Peter to just mention his new power-up, Rarity couldn't help but remember weeks ago when he used it to fight Sombra. For months she had known Peter as laid back and quiet, with a good heart to match. But what she saw that day scared her. Sometimes when she looked at him, she saw that faint red glow behind his eyes. “ I see. Are you sure it's wise to use such a thing as a personal heater? I don't mean to sound rude but, last time you used it you were quite… violent?”

She did have a point. Peter could still remember the sheer rage he felt while battling Sombra. In his own mind he didn't have much choice - he had almost died during that fight. Getting angry was the only option he had. “I suppose I shouldn't just use it all the time then. But honestly, I feel like I've gotten a handle on it now.” While Rarity was sure he was telling the truth, a part of her preferred to never see Peter like that ever again. She wasn't the only one however. “You sure you wanna use something like that as a party trick, Pete? Ah get its cold, but somethin’ like that shouldn't be misused.” If Applejack was feeling uneasy about it too, then it stood to reason that the other girls were also in that camp. “I get it might be wrong to misuse it, but I feel like everytime I do, I get used to it more and more. And honestly, if someone like Sombra comes along again, then I gotta get a handle on it.” Even if they found Peters Berserker form offputting, it was nothing compared to the raw fear the girl felt when Sombra put their town to the torch.

“Ah suppose. Just keep it to a minimum. Ah think ah speak for all of us when ah say that yer brown eyes are easier to look at. The red is… a tad evil.” Applejack was aware that Peter’s power was something he had to figure out his own way, but he in turn understood that it was a violent power. “I’ll do what I can. And I promise not to look eeeeeeeeviiiiiil.” He shouted in a cartoonish tone, getting a laugh out of the girls. “Very well then. Now, both of you to the map room. We have guests!” Rarity chirped before turning heel. “Oh we know. We bumped into Windy and Bow back in town.” Commented Applejack, prompting a raised eyebrow from Rarity. “Not just them, my dear. Seems everyone's parents got wind of what happened. And unfortunately, it seems that word of our new costumed friend has gotten out. It would be best to prepare for any questions we get asked.”

Peter had wondered how long it would take for word of his persona to start spreading, especially with it being accompanied by the destruction of a whole town. “No one’s said anything, have they?” He inquired, curious to if the other girls had trusted their families with news of his secret. Rarity looked quite shocked at the idea. “Heavens no. I understand we came across your secret through happenstance, but it should spread no further for your own sake, Peter dear.” As she walked away, Peter's eyes turned to Applejack, her expression suggesting that her advice from earlier was already being shared by the others. So for now, Peter would have to continue the charade he had kept up for so many years.

Though in hindsight, their point made sense. He had already made enemies here, even if most of them had been dealt with one way or another. “Ah did tell ya, Pete. And they know it too. Heck, even Dash promised she wouldn't say anything. And that gal tends to be loose-lipped about most things.” All Peter could give was a weak nod. For a moment he thought he could be done with the secrecy and just live in the open. From the looks of things, it wasn't that time yet. The two followed Rarity's trail, leading them to the familiar sight of the map room. Peter instantly spotted Rainbow Dash with her parents, as well as Scootaloo. Windy and Bow seemed to be giving the younger Pegasus a lot of attention, which she seemed to take in stride. Peter never did ask if she was related to Dash in some way, given that he had spotted them spending a lot of time together.

Rarity had joined her sister Sweetie Belle with their parents, both dressed just as fashionable as their elder daughter always was. Peter realised there and then that he actually hadn’t interacted with Sweetie or Scootaloo to any great degree. Then again, he was either with their sisters or on the farm. Pinkie had a few individuals surrounding her. Caught in her vice grip hug were two women who looked roughly the same age. Sisters perhaps? The parents were the most interesting sight in Peter's mind, seeing as they were dressed so plainly. If they were her parents. Given their appearance, they were easily the oldest couple in the room, and dressed like they were from the Amish community, which reminded Peter of an old song from back home. Twilight's parents looked just as distinguished as Rarity’s, but in a way that screamed humble middle class family as opposed to the more out there way.

Spike and Applebloom talked next to Big Mac and Granny Smith, both likely having been roped in to make this family ensemble complete. And finally, there was Fluttershy, dressed in an oversized sweater, the colour matching her light pink hair. Peter could feel himself practically staring at her, thinking about how lovely she looked. Once she looked around however he pulled his gaze away. Though she could tell, prompting her cheeks to flush. “I really hope no one saw me just stare at her.” Peter wished to himself. Unfortunately, Applejack was standing right next to him and saw the whole exchange. “Ya know, it is rude to stare.” She told him rather bluntly, catching Peter off guard. “I wasn't staring at anyone!” Easily the worst lie the farmgirl had heard in some time. “Yeah, right. Come on, start talkin’ to the folk rather than gawking all night. Maybe introduce yourself ta Fluttershys folks first. Mind her brother though. He's… an ass.”

With that glowing endorsement, Applejack walked off to join the others, leaving Peter to find the courage to speak to Fluttershy and her family. Once he looked back, he still found Fluttershy looking his way, as if she was hoping he would walk over. “Guess I’m talking to her parents. Yay.” Once it was clear he was making his way over, Fluttershy's eyes widened, excitement filling her body. But also some form of dread. “Hey Peter. I'm glad you made it through the blizzard ok!”

She stepped forward, going for a motion to reach out for a hug. But something stopped her halfway through, her arms dropping back to her side. Something Peter took notice of. “You ok there?” His attentiveness caused her cheeks to flare more, a feeling she was trying so hard to throw off. “Of course. I just wanted to make sure you were ok.” Her soft, caring voice made Peter's heart skip a beat or two, especially with how she was looking at him. The two couldn't take their eyes off each other.
“Well now. whoooooo might this be, oh sister of mine?” Thankfully, someone decided to break their attention from each other. Even if that someone irked Fluttershy something fierce. “Peter, this is my younger brother, Zephyr. Zephyr, this is my friend Peter Parker.” A raised eyebrow from her sibling indicated that Zephyr didn't believe the “friend” part of the introduction. “Friend eh? So Peter, how long have you and my big sis been dating?” Everyone's attention was fully aimed towards Peter and Fluttershy at the very mention of the word “dating”.

“What's this? Are you two together?! Oh I knew you would make a lovely couple!” Rarity screamed at the top of her lungs, further embarrassing Fluttershy, currently doing her best to mumble a response. “I… umm…” Before anyone could comprehend it, Fluttershy had sped her way out of the room, impressively fast, leaving Peter the centre of attention. “What she meant to say was that her brother was just making things up. We aren't dating.” A heavy sigh left Rarity's body. “What a shame. You two always look adorable together.” While Peter outwardly was delighted with the idea, inside he resented the very idea of being romantically involved with anyone. “I might have been here a while, but not long enough to forget that day. And what happened to her.”

“I'm so sorry, my dear fellow. Zephyr here can be just a tiny bit… blunt, I suppose.” Said the older man that Fluttershy was talking to. Given his slight resemblance to Fluttershy, Peter could only assume that this was her dad. “Don’t worry about it. I guess I should introduce myself. The name is Peter Parker.” The two men shook hands, with Peter noticing that Fluttershy's dad had a rather light grip. Or was he just so used to guys stronger than him that he was numb to anything less? Then again, Windy gave him quite the handshake earlier. “The name is Gentle Breeze. This is my dear wife, Posey. You’ve already been introduced to our son, Zephyr.”

“Quite the amazing and extraordinary son, wouldn't you say dad?” Zephyr yelled out, an air of arrogance around him. It was clear that Fluttershy's little brother was far removed from the kind, humble soul that his older sister had. Something about it rubbed Peter the wrong way. “So Zephyr, I'm guessing you must help out just as much as your sister does?” Figuring that a quick prod would get something of value, Peter began to quiz Zephyr on his background. “Oh you know, I do a little work here, a few jobs there. I can never decide where my gifts are best suited.” While Zephyr tried to view it as one way, Peter was able to see right through his bluster. “So what I'm hearing is, you can't keep a job.”

“That's not how it is at all! I merely haven't found what I'm good at yet! No job is quite suited for how overqualified I am for them! I would have tried my hand in the weather facilities, but my application always gets rejected. It's a shame. More time with my gal Rainbow Dash would be a dream come true!” A quick glance towards Dash told Peter everything he needed to know. The pegasus was red in the face, and not in the same way Fluttershy was. If there was one thing Peter understood, it was abject rage. “Riiiiight. Well, I gotta head to the kitchens. Food ain't gonna eat itself you know.” As Peter left the room, the others returned to their conversations from before, just with a new topic on everyone's lips. Once he was outside, he took a breath, thinking about Fluttershy's reaction to ideas of the two dating. “Guess she's just as scared of me as the others are, if what Rarity said is true.” As he walked away, the door to the map room opened again. But rather than following Peter, whoever stepped out walked the other direction.

TWILIGHT'S CASTLE, LIBRARY

Deep in the recesses of the castle, Fluttershy hid away as best she could, still in tears over her brother's outburst. She wasn't sure what she was more upset over - the insinuation or the fact that it was untrue. But was it right for her to have these sorts of feelings for Peter? She had only known him a few months, and it was possible he had someone waiting for him back on his world, just never talking about it. Her thoughts were broken by the door opening, a familiar voice ringing out. “Fluttershy? Are you here?” While she wanted to hide away longer, she knew she couldn't hide forever. “Over here, Twilight.” The Princess of Friendship quickly found her friend at the furthest corner of the room, taking a seat next to her. “You missed Peter chewing out Zephyr. I think you would have approved.” The thought of her little brother trying to pull his usual song and dance with Peter of all people did bring a smile to her face. It faded just as fast just at the thought of him. “Why do I feel like this? It still feels like we just met him.”

“I might have had my fears about Peter. But as it turns out, when you get right to his heart, he just wants to help people. Something you’ve always done, even when it involves putting yourself out there. You both have such a big thing in common. And admittedly, he's kinda easy on the eyes.” The two women agreed, giggling with each other. “Do you think he’d feel the same? I know he might have someone else back home… Oh, I'm so selfish!” Tears started to flow again from Fluttershy's eyes. Twilight, sensing her friend wasn't in the best frame of mind, pulled her in close to comfort her. “I’m sure he thinks you're wonderful, as we all do. Out of all of us you’ve shown him the most kindness, as you always do. You’ve made him feel the most welcome, and I know he appreciates that.” As always, the Princess of Friendship knew what to say to lift the spirits of her friends. Fluttershy, her confidence coming back just a little, dried off her eyes and got to her feet.

“You’re right. I should just focus on being a good friend for now. If something comes of it, then I’ll figure out the next step from there. Come on. We should head back and say hello to everyone!” Twilight was rather impressed with just how quickly Fluttershy bounced back. But as the pegasus exited the library, part of her did wonder how much of that was false courage. “I hope you both find your way to each other somehow.”

Author's Note

Well, that took forever.

Nice to be back everyone. Another light chapter while we get reaquianted with our cast of characters!