//------------------------------//
// Leaders 
// Story: A Superior Hero 
// by MetalJrock 
//------------------------------//

"Like I said, Sparkle. I do not need constant guidance. I can handle myself in this situation." Otto assured, leaning on a wall, his costume hiding his indifferent emotions.

Twilight rolled her eyes, using her magic to open the door, "I'm just giving you a warning. Celestia and Luna are the rulers of Equestria. It'd be best if you remained on their good side."

Spider-Man crossed his hooves, "I can do such a thing, mare."

The scientist's mind dawned back on his constant run-ins with the Avengers and the mistrust that came about with his recent attitude shifts, which they were truly unaware of. He had gotten on their bad side and drawed upon a few conflicts a couple times, but he hoped to learn his lesson and do things correctly this time.

Stepping through a door were two ponies with wings and a horn. One was tall, fur as white as snow and a flowing rainbow mane. Next to her was a pony with fur dark blue and a mane that looked like the night sky. Both of them gave off a royal vibe for Otto, assuming these were the ponies Twilight was referring to.

Twilight lowered herself, prompting Celestia to giggle and smirk, "Now, my faithful student. I have told you before, you need not bow to us." she assured, her eyes gazing upon the red and black clad pony standing before them.

"I see you have a guest." Celestia realized.

Otto nodded, "What of it?"

Luna blinked, "And he seems to have an attitude."

Octavius got back on all four hooves, "I'm only doing this because Sparkle requested so. And I trust her with doing this." he revealed.

Celestia nodded, "I see. It is a pleasure to meet you, Spider-Man. You have made an impression on Ponyville from what we've heard." she discussed.

Luna agreed, "Indeed. Twilight has told us very little about you, I am surprised that she convinced you to even meet us at such a time."

Otto folded his hooves and replied, "It took some convincing, but I decided if I am going to be active here as a protector of this land, it would be wise to learn about the ponies who rule the land. Where I'm from, vigilante activities can be quite distrusted."

The Sun Princess responded, "I can understand your concerns, Spider-Man. But it seems that my student and her friends can trust you, and truthfully that's all the assurance we need right now. We wish to learn more of the webslinging hero that suddenly appeared though, if that is okay?"

Shaking his head, Doctor Octavius said, "I'm not too sure about you two learning such information. From my past experiences, somepony such as myself could be seen as a target and a perfect scapegoat for any problems." he admitted, 'Then again, like the past, some of said hate could be justified.'

Luna nodded, "You can trust us, Spider-Man. As the co-rulers of Equestria, we only wish to look for the best in our subjects. We do not target those who do not deserve it."

A certain purple dragon spoke up, "Yeah, Spidey. What could be the harm in it?"

"The harm, dragon, would be that I would be exposed and that should anything come as a result of my appearance, I would be deemed hostile and put to blame no matter my involvement by the public." Otto elaborated. "It would be unwise to just reveal myself here and now just because the princesses asked."

"Why do you seem so unsure to reveal your identity?" Celestia asked.

Otto sat down, "Because where I'm from, my secret identity was what kept those close to me safe. Should information like this spread, it could make anypony a target. And the last thing I need is for myself and an aquantance to be targeted by something who seeks a vendetta against me."

"Hm..." Luna hummed to herself, "But nopony else besides us would know. We are not forcing you to disclose every life secret you have, we just wish to know the pony, not the one in the spandex costume." she said to the scientist.

"The costume, yes, I know." Otto narrowed his eyes underneath the mask, seeing Twilight give him a hopeful stare. A sigh escaped his mouth, "Very well, you two. I will unmask myself, but what I am about to tell you shall not leave this room at all. I do not wish for this to be public knowledge quite yet."

Celestia smiled, "We understand, Spider-Man."

At once, Octavius raised his hooves and reach for his mask, raising it over his head and removing it, revealing his face, "My name is Otto Octavius..." a silent pause was passed among the group, "Okay, I'm done. Are you happy now?" he asked sarcastically.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Otto Octavius." Celestia greeted, she and Luna extending a hoof, which he returned and shook. "May we ask how you got such abilities? Nopony in Equestria was ever documented to have the abilities of... well, a spider like you have seemingly showcased according to Twilight."

"Unique spider bite." Otto replied bluntly. 'It is a half-lie, but it will be enough for now.' he mused.

"A spider bite?" Luna repeated with half a chuckle, "Perhaps our guards should use such an upgrade, sister?"

"Maybe, Luna." the Sun Princess looked back at Otto, "Is that all you wish to disclose with us, Mister Octavius? How have you fared against threats before?"

Otto put a hoof to his chest, "I have vanquished many threats before arriving." he bragged, "So far, they pale in comparison to what I've faced before." he could just tell Twilight was giving him a deadpan stare for his showman arrogance.

Luna raised a brow, "That is quite the boast."

"Well, I'm not really sure how much he's faced." Twilight admitted, "So, even I can't comment on that."

Celestia smiled, "He has pride. I can respect it. But it seems you have convinced us, Otto. If only we can see how you fare in combat. Unless you are up to a certain challenge?"

"No challenge will be too difficult for me. What is it?" Otto wondered.

"You shall face against my sister and I. We wish to get a test of your unique abilities in combat." Celestia revealed. The Moon Princess gave her a wide-eyed stare but she brushed it off. "It won't be today, but whenever you are ready."

"I accept your challenge, then. You will see how Spider-Man can fight." decided Spider-Man, not one to back down from a challenge as simple as this.





A blue unicorn trudged along a dirt road, pushing along a wagon as hard as she could. Growing tired, she sat down, wiping the sweat from her forehead. "Cursed weather..." she muttered to herself, removing her hat. "Trixie will have her way one day..." she added, looking at the ground.

'Perhaps that day is today?'

At the sound of the dark voice, Trixie turned her head rapidly, "Huh? Who goes there? Trixie can challenge you!" she boasted.

A dark orb hovered in her face, 'Relax, Lulamoon. I wish to help.'

"Help? What do you mean? A magician like Trixie does not need help!" the unicorn wondered.

'Even a magician could use a partner. Tell me, who is the one pony you despise in all of Equestria?' the orb asked.

"Twilight Sparkle..." Trixie growled.

'Ah, yes. The prodigy student of Princess Celestia herself. Her and her friends have gotten in my way before. I wish to aid you in having revenge for humiliating you when you arrived in Ponyville.' the dark figure recollected.

"And how do you intend to help?" Trixie asked.

'The Alicorn Amulet. I take it you have not heard of it?' at the unicorn shaking her head, he continued, 'It is an artifact that grants the wearer the magic power of an alicorn, and with your skill and prowess in the art, you will be deemed a god. But should you use the amulet, I have one simple request.'

Trixie trailed off, "...And that is?"

'To destroy the hero, Spider-Man. Do you accept the potential I am giving you?'

"And how can I be sure you're not my imagination or lying to me?"

The orb chuckled, 'Clever unicorn. But it is in my best interests to give you the amulet as well. Do you accept my offer or are you going to back down?'

"Trixie shall not back down from this! I accept!" the unicorn snarled.

'Very well, Trixie. I shall lead the way.'