The Adventures of Spider-Man Season 2

Episode 3 - Oh Brother

“Alright Dash! You asked for this war, so you better be ready for it!” Peter cried out, snowball in hand. With the weather having subsided a little, the entirety of Ponyville was now coated in layers of snow, something the group was now taking advantage of. Everyone had gathered outside the castle, playing in the snow. It didn't take long for things to get competitive however. The real trouble for Peter was how he would be able to contend with Dash and not give up his secret. With the girls' families still around for the holiday season, there was little talk of anything Spider-Man related, and purposefully so. With her folks staying at her boutique, Rarity had to move anything she was working on out of her home and into a room in the castle that was deemed inaccessible. The need for secrecy wasn’t the most pleasant, but everyone agreed that it was still necessary. It just meant that Peter was likely going to have to take a snowball or twenty just to play the part.

“Oh I'm more than ready, Peter. Just don't come crying to me with surrender when you can't land a hit!” The upside, at least for Dash, was that she was able to pretty much be herself and get this one moment. The two were joined by others to make up teams. Fluttershy had of course joined Peter's team, as did Applejack and Applebloom, the former of which wanted any opportunity to get one over on Dash. The Pegasus on the other hand was joined by Scootaloo, the sister duo of Rarity and Sweetie and perhaps the most dangerous of all, Pinkie Pie. Those not participating stood off to the side to avoid the line of fire, Twilight standing in the middle to act as referee. “Ok everyone! Now remember, the only hits that will count are below the neck and above the waist. And I mean it, Rainbow Dash!”

Several dozen pairs of eyes fell on the tomboy Pegasus, a harsh blush on her tanned face. “That was ONE time, Twilight! And he deserved it. Besides, I’m sure Parker over there will put up a better show.” A clear nod to Peter's own abilities, but ones he was unable to show off without raising suspicion. If the other team got a lock on him, he had to take it. At the blow of a whistle, snowballs started flying, Dash showing off her superior speed. The Apple sisters had to hunker down and pick their openings carefully, given they wouldn't be able to react in time. Fluttershy, being light on her feet, was to the surprise of many doing very well. Even the highly skilled Rainbow Dash was unable to get a hit on her longtime friend. Peter fell somewhere in the middle by choice, having to go by what he saw rather than what he could sense, which was no small feat given how heavily he relied on his Spider-Sense for anything.

One or two dodges would look cool. Anymore than that and eyebrows would raise, forcing Peter to often take cover when he knew he was being targeted. Which was often the case. It appeared as if Dash was taking advantage of the obvious handicap. She had seen how fast he could move, but also knew he couldn't show off. If Peter was knocked out, the rest would be easy. Or so she thought. Out of the four members of the opposing team, Fluttershy was trying her best to take out Dash the most. Apparently, it seemed that the most reserved member of the group had found some new streak of confidence, from what Dash could see. “I’ve never seen Flutters this competitive. She's gotten awfully confident with Peter around. I might actually have to work for the win this time. Good. I was hoping for some excitement today!” While the two Pegasi contended with each other, Peter turned his focus to the others. Rarity and Sweetie already had snow ammo in hand, glaring at him in case he made a move.

“I would strongly advise that you surrender, Peter. It would be quite ungentlemanly of you to strike a lady. Even if it is just with snow.” The older of the sisters shouted across, doing her best impression of a damsel in distress, perhaps hoping to catch Peter's more heroic sensibilities. The two projectiles that caught her on each arm put those thoughts to rest;Rarity was out. A distracted Sweetie Belle followed suit as a well timed throw from Applebloom caught her in the chest. The youngest Apple sibling and Peter shared a quick thumbs up to celebrate their victory, only to have that feeling melted away as Applejack was sniped coming from behind her cover, half a dozen snowballs all hitting her in the chest and abdomen in quick succession. Peering over, Peter spied the culprit: a well armed Pinkie Pie. “Sorry Applejack! I had to get revenge for Rarity and Sweetie!” A disheartened Applebloom shuffled closer to Peter. “That Pinkie’s gonna be trouble if we don't deal with her! Plus, we still got Scoots to deal with too.”

Peter nodded in agreement, knowing that if Pinkie were left unchecked, she would do more damage to their team than Dash ever could. Trouble was, how to remove her from the game? Peter had an idea, but it would be very risky. It would however check a lot of boxes at once. ”I'll get her attention. Once she's distracted, take your shot and make it count!” The young girl nodded, her hands locked and loaded with icy ammo. Peter did the same, standing and firing wildly in Pinkie's general direction. The pink haired baker dodged every shot immaculately, returning fire as soon as all shots had passed her by. The world seemed to slow down for Peter as the snowballs approached him. He knew that it would be so simple to move out of the way. But with the way he had left himself open on purpose, it would look far too good. Every single shot Pinkie fired hit dead centre of her target, shouts of glee echoing out from her. Until she felt herself be pelted by two shots.

“Sorry Pinkie, ya took yer eye off the game!” Applebloom had followed through on the plan. Now it was down to just her and Fluttershy against Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo, but it seemed that the contest was no longer something the two kids could keep up with. The two older Pegasi were going all out against each other, and had even taken to abandoning their protective walls. Projectiles flew past even the bystanders, with Zephyr taking a few hits that looked suspiciously on the mark. Given their speed, it was hard to keep up with just what was going on, leaving the audience wondering what was happening. Only Twilight and Peter could keep track of who was where at any one time, the latter of who had become very impressed with how well Fluttershy was doing. “I've seen Dash move. That race we had is still stuck in my brain. I never took Flutters for being competitive. But I gotta admit… It's awesome to see.”

Unexpectedly, the two stopped moving. The reason for which was across their clothing - both girls had tagged each other at the same time from the looks of things. The two were out, leaving just Applebloom and Scootaloo to decide the game. Peter figured that the younger Pegasus might have this in hand, but over the months he had lived in Ponyville he had noticed Scootaloo was slower than the others her age, and her wings appeared smaller. Was she just a late bloomer, or was it something else? Despite her disability, Scootaloo still moved faster than her Earth Clan opponent, dodging every throw aimed at her. Applebloom, despite being slower, appeared to be more methodical. Rather than throwing and hoping for the best, she meticulously chose her shots well, trying to hit Scootaloo not at where she might be, but where she was going to be, trying to use her speed against her. Scootaloo however was just throwing and praying, though this meant Applebloom spent most time behind cover, only getting a chance when her opponent ran out of ammo.

In a stunning display of tactics, Applebloom stood over the ice wall and fired two snowballs at once in opposite directions just as Scootaloo began to move, catching her by surprise as one of the shots caught her on the arm. She was out, and the game was over. The victorious Applebloom jumped into the arms of her older sister, the siblings taking in their victory. Fluttershy, attention still focused on the game until its end, seemed to have snapped out of her competitive trance, her cheeks ablaze with red. “I'm so sorry, Dash. I don't know what came over me. I’ll understand if you're mad at me. I know you like to win.” Much to Fluttershy's surprise, her friend pulled her in for a bone crushing hug. “Are you kidding? I’ve never been more happy to lose. I got to see you give it your all, Flutters! I've never seen you go that fast for anything!” Fluttershy and Dash's parents had come over to congratulate the two, Peter even managing to steal a gaze from the pinked haired Pegasus and share a smile with her.

“Well, I must say that I’ve never seen Fluttershy compete to such a degree. Might we have you to thank for her boost in confidence, Peter?” Rarity inquired, catching him off guard while his attention was elsewhere. “It must have come from somewhere I guess. I can't take any credit.” Even if he said otherwise, Peter himself had started to wonder if he was telling the truth. His thoughts were caught off by the happy jumps of Applebloom, looking for his attention. “We won, Peter!” The young girl held up her hand looking for a high five, which Peter returned crisply. “We did, thanks to you. Good job Applebloom.” Before he could get another word in, the girl had already zoomed off towards the others, possibly to find her friends. Peter had forgotten just how hyperactive and easily distracted kids could be, even though he was one not too long ago. Though at nineteen years old, his childhood felt so long ago. Especially when he factored in a few years of being Spider-Man. He began to wonder if he gave up a normal life too soon to pursue being a hero, but the sight of his friends safe and sound with their loved ones reminded him that it would always be worth it.

He did notice that one person seemed to not be around to give Fluttershy her kudos - Zephyr. A quick look around brought Peter’s attention to the road leading into town, where Zephyr was spotted heading towards, seemingly unbeknownst to anyone else. While everyone else was busy playing in the snow now that the games were over, Peter decided it was time to have a word with Fluttershy's little brother. He thought back on the past few days. “Ever since he got here with his folks, all he's done is find some way to mock Fluttershy underhandedly. The fact she puts up with it is practically saintly. Unfortunately for him, I’m anything but saintly.” Once out of sight, Peter made use of his speed to all but disappear from view. The ones able to perceive him were already aware of his secret, and his senses would keep him alert just in case. The only one who noticed was Twilight, having already spotted Zephyr's absence and had now seen Peter in pursuit.

Peter had expected Zephyr to walk through Ponyville, but he instead began to wander off the main path into town, instead heading out past the town limit. Ironically rough, he was walking the same direction Peter had first ventured into town many months ago, half dead and beaten up. While tailing Zephyr across the bridge, Peter lamented silently on the time he had spent here. How not long ago the river that ran past the town was pretty much a barrier to his prison. Had it really been three months already? Eventually Zephyr stopped in the middle of an open field, just staring at the sky. Peter observed from afar, wondering if Zephyr just came out all this way to watch the world go by. It was only when he opened his mouth that any peaceful ideas went out the window. “Oh wow Fluttershy. So incredible, so brave. So much the favourite child. Could she be anymore of a perfect pain in my ass? Just for ONCE could she mess up?!”

“Guess your attitude really does stink, huh?” Peter, upon hearing Zephyrs' less than loving tone about his own sister, decided to make himself known, catching the pegasus off guard. “You following me? Look buddy, I know I’m amazing, but you're not my type. Perhaps you ask my darling sister. She's obsessed with you enough as it is.” Peter wasn't particularly amused with Zephyr's attitude since he met him. He wasn't sure what it was, but something about it just boiled his blood. Not enough to go Berserker, but just enough to make him annoyed. “Cut the crap. Ever since you got here you’ve been nothing but dismissive of everything Fluttershy has done. Hell, she was amazing when we had our snowball fight, and you couldn't even say as such. What is with you?!”

“Oh sure, I’ll do just that. Heap on more approval than what she already gets. Perfect Fluttershy, can do no wrong! Perfect Fluttershy, looks after all the animals! Perfect Fluttershy, gets to be a hero of Equestria! Just Perfect Fluttershy! All. The. Time! I'm sick of it! Sick of having to live up to a standard I’ll never live up to! Do you have ANY idea what that's like?!” An emotional dam had finally burst within Zephyr, his legs giving out from underneath him, tears flowing from his eyes. Peter, who was ready to dish out the same putrid attitude he had received from Zephyr, began to rethink his strategy. Any anger that he was feeling faded away, replaced with pity and understanding. “Actually yeah, I do. I had this friend back home. He was the most helpful guy around, and the best at everything. Everyone loved him for it. And I got jealous. So jealous, and I didnt even see that I was. I started lashing out, hurting people I claimed I loved. I tried to hurt him too. Then we lost him. And I never even got to say I was truly sorry.” Zephyr had been hanging onto Peters every word, staring bewildered through teary eyes.

“I do love my family. Truly, I do. It's just… I can tell Mom and Dad are disappointed. And by Celestia I have tried to find a job I’m good at. Something I’m passionate about. But nothing sticks! What am I doing wrong?!” Reaching out, Peter pulled Zephyr to his feet, chuckling at the irony of the situation. “Want my advice? Do something you don't want to do. When I left school I got a job as a photographer. I hated it. The pay was barely enough for bills, my boss was a loud mouthed nutcase. But it kept me going. And I got to learn a few lessons about what having a job is like. Now I do farm work. I don't hate it, but it's not what I wanna do. And sometimes that's just how it is. We all have dream jobs, but sometimes we have to earn them. Trust me, you’ll have plenty of time to figure things out.” One thing Peter had failed to really take notice of this whole time was just how young Zephyr appeared. His attitude the past few days gave an air of arrogance beyonds his years. Something else that he was familiar with. Zephyr himself had slowly but surely wiped away the tears from his eyes, his visage a lot different now that he had been allowed to vent. “So what was taking pictures like? It must have at least been a little fun?” The question had Peter scraping around for an answer. It had been a long time ago.

NEW YORK. FOUR YEARS AGO.

“Crap. Crap. Crap. Mega crap.” It was a common fact that J Jonah Jameson had a habit for being blunt. And quite intimidating. A mixture that didn't sit well with Peter, whose only goal was to make some money from the Daily Bugle's call for Spider-Man pictures, which had promised a decent payment for any good shots. It had been almost too easy for Peter to set up a scenario to take advantage of the offer. If only he had foreseen just how difficult it was about to become. “I’ll give you 300 bucks for the lot! But I gotta be honest kid, these are pretty amateurish. Not sure how you got these, but next time bring a better camera! Luckily for you, you're the only one to bring in half decent shots NOT on a smartphone!” There weren't exactly many options in that department. The only REAL camera Peter could get his hands on at such short notice was one his Uncle Ben had used years ago. He was lucky there was even some film in it to begin with.

“I’ll keep that in mind. But wasn't there a bigger reward for the pictures? It took a lot of effort to get them.” The Bugles editor-in-chief stared in disbelief at the young man sitting in front of him. “300 is about standard pay for a freelance photographer, to which you currently are. IF you play your cards right, perhaps I’ll offer you a job. IF. Now, take this to the girl at the desk at the front, she’ll make sure you get paid. Away with you, now!” Without another word, Peter left Jonah's office, holding the cheque for his work. All that effort for just 300 dollars. “What a ripoff. I knew I should have gone to the Daily Planet website instead. Then again, they have a good photographer on staff already. They'd probably send him out to get pictures.” The main floor of the Daily Bugle was buzzing with action. The big story on everyone's minds was who was the mysterious Spider-Man now swinging through the Manhattan streets, hence the call for pictures of the webhead.

At the desk outside of Jameson’s office was a woman that appeared just a little older than Peter, her short, brown hair curling at the ends. She was actually pretty cute. Not that he had any time for stuff like that. He had Aunt May to look after. “Hi there. Mr Jameson said to give this to you.” He awkwardly handed over the cheque, which she silently took to verify it. “I see someone actually managed to get those Spider-Man pictures Mr. Jameson was after. Very impressive.” Peter couldn't help but blush at the compliment. “Thank you. I'm Peter Parker. Photographer.” He outstretched his hand rather awkwardly, but the receptionist took it in hers, perhaps just to humour him. “Betty Brant. Mr. Jameson's assistant.” In the midst of their conversation, raised voices could be heard. Peter and Betty turned their attention towards the small commotion going on, with Betty looking a little concerned. “Wonder who Robbie’s speaking to?”

Peter, curious as to what was going on, wandered over to the sight of the commotion. At his desk, senior editor Robbie Robertson was in mid conversation with a mystery woman, clad in a purple jacket. “Look, I just have to speak with Mr.Jameson about hiring a photographer. I would’ve brought ours with me, but he's helping a fellow reporter on another story. No one special, just someone who can use a camera.” Robbie sighed heavily, having gone around in circles on the topic for a good few minutes. “I know you need a photographer, but all our staff are out on assignments. And do you think that Jonah of all people would give one of our direct competitors the resources to snag a story in New York? I'm sorry, but no can do.” Peter, seeing an opportunity arise, stepped into the middle of the conversation. “I can help. I'm pretty good with a camera, and not on assignment. Well, I don't actually work here, but I can still take some good shots if you need them, ma’am.”

“I admire the optimism. Plus the ability to see an open door and walk on through. But I gotta see some proof you're actually a competent photographer.” Without hesitation, Peter dove into his bag and pulled out copies of the pictures he had handed to Jameson moments ago. The mystery women seemed to be trying to dissect them as much as possible, until she gave a reply. “Quality is a little off, but by the looks of your camera I can see why. But there is potential. Alright kid, I’ll give ya a shot. If you can keep up.” An elated Peter struggled to keep in his excitement. Another opportunity to get some work, and money to help with things at home. “I swear, I won't let you down! My name’s Peter by the way. Though, now that I think about it, I didn't catch your name.”

“It's Lane. Lois Lane of the Daily Planet.”

PRESENT DAY

Though they were on their way back to the castle, Peter and Zephyr had chosen to take a longer route so that the two could talk a little more. A conversation that could easily have been nothing but a shouting match had become much more productive than expected. Peter had seen much of himself in Zephyr: a young man with no clue what to do in the world, surrounded by people who were more assured of themselves. At the very least he could make sure that history wouldn’t repeat itself. But Zephyr still had his doubts. “What if I get it wrong again? I’ll just go back to being the same disappointing son all over again.” Come to think of it, Peter never had that issue to face. Aunt May and Uncle Ben very rarely were disappointed in him. Both making up the bedrock of his confidence as a kid and teenager. It was once he stepped into the larger world that things changed. But Zephyr hadn’t made that step yet. “Failure happens. It's how we learn. People think that failure gives us nothing. But it gives us the means to plan success. We learn from our mistakes. We just have to choose to accept that we failed.”

“But Fluttershy’s never failed at anything. She's always gotten a handle on things. She really just is perfect.” Zephyr’s words were filled with dejection This was the one part Peter knew he had no advice for. He grew up an only child, never being around siblings. He had no one to compare himself to in terms of a brother or sister. He did however know Fluttershy. “Are you sure about that? I’ve only been here a few months and I can tell you for a fact that she's not flawless and perfect.” Zephyr, who had been able to observe how his older sister and Peter interacted with each other, found that hard to believe coming from him. “With the way you and Fluttershy eyeball each other all the time, something tells me you think differently.” Peter hadn't expected such a retort, struggling to find a way to handwave away any accusations. Though judging by Zephyr's face, that wasn't going to be an easy task.

“Ok, aside from the fact that Fluttershy and myself are just good friends, she's not exactly the most confident person I've ever met. Why do you think everyone was so excited to see her do well in that snowball fight? From what the other girls have told me, Fluttershy used to have zero confidence. Not sure which version of her you remember, but it's not the same as now.” Zephyr began to think back. How much time did he actually spend around his sister when they were younger? It all suddenly dawned on him: he didn’t spend much time with her at all. “I… guess I don't know her that well at all. She went off to flight school when I was still young. Then when she came home, she was gone again.” It was all beginning to make sense. Peter had figured that there was something not right about Fluttershy and Zephyr's relationship. And now he had found it. “Well, she’s here now. You just have to talk to her. Find out who she really is.”

“Yeah. I think I’ll do that. Thank you, Peter. I'm starting to see why she's so into you.” Once again, Peter was caught off guard, his mind trying to work out what to say in order to dissuade such notions. Unfortunately, Zephyr could see the cogs turning and decided to shut it down. “I'm not exactly the smartest guy around, I can admit that now. But even I can see that she likes you. Alot. And I know you feel the same about her. So maybe I’m not the only one who should be having a chat with her.” When Zephyr began to walk away, Peter was still trying to find something to say, but all that fell out of his mouth were stammers. Eventually he gave up. Sighing as he started to catch up with Zephyr. His thoughts began to turn to Fluttershy. “She is great, I’ll admit that much. But… Do I really wanna settle down here? Bring someone else into this crazy life of mine, after everything that's happened?”