//------------------------------// // Vacation Time Part III // Story: Spiders and Magic: New Families // by Masterob //------------------------------// The days passed and soon everypony was set for their vacation. Each family had their choice of who was coming. For the Parker-Sparkle family, everyone in the home was going; Peter, Twilight, Mayday, Trixie, Spike, Janet, Hope and Aunt May. Peter has also invited Princess Luna, saying she counts as family too and wants her there. Luna was happy to know he cared that much and agreed to go. The Avengers offered to watch over the night for her so she could feel more secure. Rumble was also invited as Twilight wanted, with Flitter and Cloudchaser also going as well, the two loving the idea of a vacation. They had tried inviting Shining Armor and his family over but they couldn't leave The Crystal Empire, though they were fine with Flurry Heart going. For Fluttershy's family; Fluttershy, Logan, Laura and Lightning Dust all went. As per Fluttershy's request, Zephyr Breeze was also invited, much to the dismay of the other family members, though they wouldn't dare say anything. For the Storm-Dash family; Johnny, Rainbow Dash and Firefly went, Scootaloo also tagging along per Rainbow Dash's request. They tried contacting the Fantastic Four to come, but they were too busy, except for Ben, who agreed to come, plus Johnny's nephew Franklin was also able to go. Johnny was happy, he wanted Franklin to make some friends in Equestria. Bow and Windy were also invited, they agreed to go so they can spend more time with Firefly and help Johnny and Rainbow Dash. For the Pie family; Pinkie and Deadpool were going, they even invited the Cake family to come, Pinkie insisting they are her family. They couldn't leave for the week but they were fine with their twins going with Pinkie. She also invited her sisters, Marble, Limestone and Maud. Luckily all of them were able to go, especially after Pinkie's parents convinced Limestone the farm would be fine without her for a week, and they think she could use some time off. For Rarity's family; Rarity, Bobby and Sweetie Belle were all going, though Rarity wouldn't be as active with her friends due to her pregnancy. Finally for the Apple family; Applejack, Remy, their son, Apple Bloom and Big Macintosh were all invited. They even got Babs to come along per the request of Apple Bloom. Scott had also decided to join them on vacation, mainly tasked by The Avengers to watch over them and make sure they're just fine. Also because Cap wanted to be sure Peter actually enjoyed himself. They arrived at the beach house eventually, everyone awing at the sight. It was a big home, enough for all the families, plus the beach was rather large. Also, luckily for them, they were gonna be the only ones using that beach, more for them. "Wow look at that beach," Bobby said in awe. Lightning took a nice look as well, "That's awesome, come on the sooner we unpack the sooner we can go in that water!" Twilight escorted everyone inside, "Don't rush it though, you might make a mess." "I wanna build sand castles!" Mayday said. "I wanna do some ice surfing," Bobby said. "I just wanna lay back and relax," Janet said. Before they can say more, Firefly started throwing a tantrum. Johnny sighed and picked her up, "Firefly not now, can't you just relax until we get to the beach?" Firefly stuck her tongue out at Johnny in response, further annoying Johnny. "She doesn't seem to listen," Bobby said. "Be quiet dude, it's not easy being a father, you'll figure that out once Rarity gives birth," Johnny said. "Let me try," Peter said and grabbed Firefly. "Come on, cute little fillies like you shouldn't be acting like this, and I know you're a cute and sweet little filly." Firefly continued to cry a bit, though it lessened once Peter started talking. "That's a good girl, dry up those tears, this is a place to have fun and smile, can you smile for me?" Peter cooed while giving his own smile. Within moments Firefly started to smile and giggle a bit, amazing everypony around. "Such a good little filly, your uncle Peter's so proud of you," Peter cooed and booped his nose against hers, getting more of a giggle. This amazed everypony around, especially Johnny and Rainbow Dash. "Dude, how!?" Johnny asked. Peter shrugged, "Not sure, I just went with what felt right." Firefly leaned in more, wanting to hug Peter, which he obligated. In a rare moment, Firefly was happily giggling, something Johnny was both thankful for and envious of. Peter sure is something when it comes to others. "Wow, he's a great hero and so good with kids," Windy said. "He's one impressive young stallion," Bow said. Peter approached Johnny, "I guess you can take her back now." As Peter tried to pull her away, she hugged tighter, vocally objecting the best she could. "I guess she doesn't want to let go yet." "That's fine, if it's ok with you maybe you can hold on to her a bit, hopefully later she'll be more calm," Johnny said. "That's fine, I kinda miss holding Mayday like this, it's nice to have another baby around," Peter admitted. "Trust me, Peter can be like that, there are days he just loves spending time with Hope," Spike said. "Hey he makes for a good foalsitter," Janet said. Rainbow Dash grabbed her things, "Come on, let's unpack, later we can go to the beach and relax for a bit." "Sure thing babe, oh and thanks Peter," Johnny said. "No problem," Peter said, still holding Firefly. Rumble dragged his stuff, "Come on girls, I wanna go to the beach with you too." Apple Bloom nodded, "Sure thing, let's get going!" Soon all the ponies started going to their rooms and unloading. The married couples shared a room, while some like Zephyr Breeze, Luna and Scott had individual rooms. The foals all had one room aside from the babies who stayed with their parents. Once they were all unpacked, everypony went to the beach. Peter jumped into the water along with Johnny, Rainbow Dash, Bobby, Spike, Rumble and The Crusaders along with a few others while some like Twilight, Rarity and Luna stayed on the sands. The foals all stayed together, trying to make a sand castle, though Firefly kept knocking it over. "Stop doing that!" Mayday shouted, though Firefly again stuck her tongue out, enraging the young Pegasus. "Little brat..." "Just do what your dad did," Pumpkin said. "I'm not picking her up, you do that if you want," Mayday said. "Well somepony's gotta calm her down," Pumpkin said. Mayday turned to Oliver, "You have any ideas?" Oliver just stared at Mayday, though almost as if he understood, tried offering another pacifier to Firefly. This time however, Firefly whacked it out of his hooves. Oliver turned to the others with a shrug. "Guess that doesn't always work," Pumpkin lamented. Flurry Heart turned to Franklin, "You're her cousin, you do something." Franklin shrugged, "Not much I can do honestly." Pound Cake grabbed some cookie crumbs, "Maybe this will work, it's easier for her to eat." "It won't work Pound, besides those cookies never taste good anyway," Pumpkin said. "Like yours are any better, besides mine taste great, Mayday thinks so," Pound Cake turned to her. "Right Mayday? You like my cookies." Mayday glanced between the twins, seeing Pound Cake's hopeful face and Pumpkin's awaiting glare. Before Mayday could answer, Firefly tossed a bucket at her head. "Ow! Seriously!?" Mayday rubbed her head, glaring at the sight of the giggling Firefly. Pound Cake rubbed Mayday's head a moment before glaring at Firefly, "That wasn't nice, say sorry to her!" Firefly tossed another bucket at Pound Cake's head. "You know she can't talk anyway right? She's only two months, dummy," Pumpkin said. "I'm not a dummy, you're a dummy!" Pound Cake shouted. Mayday groaned, "This is not relaxing." The day went on, soon most of the ponies left the ocean to lay on the beach, Peter laying beside Twilight while Bobby rubbed the hooves of Rarity. "Oh Bobby, you're so good at this," Rarity said, laying back as Bobby rubbed the hooves of her hind legs. "My only goal right now is to please you, especially considering the fact that you're carrying our little foal," Bobby said. Rarity rubbed her stomach, somewhat concerned at the fact that it's gotten much bigger, but she knew that's what it meant to be pregnant. "I wonder how our child will turn out?" Rarity said, thinking over the possibilities. "Hopefully not as wild as Johnny's kid," Bobby said a bit playfully. Rarity gave a glance of disapproval, "Bobby that isn't polite, Johnny and Rainbow Dash are doing everything they can for their daughter." "Their daughter seriously needs to chill though," Bobby said. "In time, for now we need to be supportive, besides their daughter can 'chill', it's just harder for her to do so," Rarity said. "I guess Johnny doesn't have Peter's luck with kids, or Remy's luck," Bobby thought about that a moment. "Actually I think Oliver's good behavior is mostly from Applejack, the Apple Family seem very humble, I haven't seen one member that was arrogant." "You just haven't known them long enough, believe me some have had their own struggles, take Babs Seed for example, she used to pick on Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and even Sweetie Belle, but she got things under-" Bobby interrupted Rarity, "Whoa, hold up, Babs picked on Sweetie Belle!? When!?" "A few years ago, but they've made up at least and Babs has learned her lesson, even Peter had a talk with her," Rarity said. Bobby glared at Babs from afar as she sat with The Crusaders and Rumble. "She better have learned." Rarity looked on with concern, she didn't like Bobby's sour attitude. "Bobby, I know you care about Sweetie Belle a lot, and I am very grateful for that, but please don't make a big deal out of this. The situation's been handled and Babs hasn't picked on the girls since then, they themselves have forgiven her and are just happy to be friends with her. Apple Bloom calls Babs her favorite cousin, besides haven't you had times where you didn't get along with the other X-Men?" "Hey I still barely get along with them at times, even Logan. Granted I haven't had much trouble with Remy, but that's because we understand each other better," Bobby said. "Still Bobby, put your feelings aside. Remember Sweetie Belle is my little sister, I know what's best for her and I wouldn't let Babs near Sweetie Belle if I didn't trust her, and Sweetie Belle trusts her too, so please Bobby," Rarity said, giving pleading eyes to her husband. One thing Bobby can't turn away from is the lovely and hopeful eyes of his wife. "I guess you're right, Babs is really nice the times I talk to her, I just find it hard to believe she could be like that." "We've all had moments," Rarity said. "What's important is to learn from them." Bobby nodded in agreement as he continued to rub Rarity's hooves. Elsewhere Johnny and Rainbow Dash are laying together on the sand, having actually fallen asleep from what looks like exhaustion. Bow and Windy were nearby, somewhat giggling at the sight. "Those two, they're so tired aren't they?" Bow said. "Yeah, Rainbow Dash sure has a lot to do now as a mother," Windy said. "She probably thinks she's doing a lousy job though, her baby's just energetic, it only means she'll likely be a great flyer someday and have such a great personality too," Bow said. Windy nodded, "Little Firefly, she really is like Rainbow Dash when she was a baby." Windy sat by Rainbow Dash, rubbing her mane, "I can't believe how much Rainbow Dash has grown, between getting married, achieving her Wonderbolts goal, even being a mother herself. I'm so proud of my little girl." "Me too dear," Bow said, sitting next to his wife. "She's got a great husband at least, I can tell he cares a lot for her." "And you were worried she wouldn't find anypony good enough," Windy said a bit playfully. "Well I kinda wished that she was the one Spider-Mane married, she did have a crush on him, it's a shame that didn't go anywhere," Bow said. "But I think Johnny's just as good, maybe even better. He's a good guy for her, someone who encourages her as much as we do." "He also understands the value of family," Windy said. "Sure does," they heard. The two turned to see Ben Grimm, "Hey Mr. and Mrs. Rainbow." "Hello Ben, good to see you," Bow said. Ben noticed Johnny and Rainbow Dash sleeping, "Wow, never thought I'd see Matchstick so tired, he's usually full of energy." "That's what it means to be a parent," Windy said. "I was the same way, but I loved every minute of being Rainbow Dash's mother." "Well it looks like she might still need ya," Ben said. "Yeah, seems like it," Windy said. "I don't mind, I love being there for my daughter, and I'm glad I can still be part of her life even after being a mother herself. I'm more than happy to help them raise their daughter." "At least I can tell Suzie that. It upsets her that she can't be around more but she's really busy, plus she's a mother herself so she has her own son to watch over," Ben said. Windy turned to Johnny, "We'll be there for him too, anything for the stallion who takes such good care of our daughter." Ben chuckled, "I'll tell you one thing, your daughter might just very well be the best thing that could have happened for him. He's actually a bit more grown-up than normal, and he's much happier having someone he can love. That's all he needed I guess." Windy nodded, then noticed Johnny moving a bit. He seemed to be pulling Rainbow Dash closer, Windy noticing a blush on her daughter's face. "Even in their sleep they love each other." She wiped a tear and stood up, "Let's leave them be for now." "Yeah, besides we should check on Firefly, I think she's causing a bit of trouble again," Ben said, looking ahead to seeing a unhappy Firefly giving a headache to the foals. "Right, let's hurry," Windy said, the three rushing over to Firefly. The end of the day came, Luna still did her duty to raise the moon, but after that went to her room. On the way she passed by the Storm room and heard all the crying from Firefly. "Firefly, please, aren't you tired?" Johnny asked in desperation. "If you go to bed now, I'll let you have ice cream for breakfast, maybe lunch and dinner too, I don't care, just please stop crying," Rainbow Dash pleaded. Luna shook her head and continued on, "Those two have a lot to learn as parents." Luna continued and walked past the Apple Room and heard Applejack tucking her son in. "Yer such a good colt Oliver, now get some rest, tomorrow you, me and yer daddy can take a nice walk in the park," Applejack said. Luna heard the happy giggles of Oliver, feeling joy in hearing such a happy child. She also likes Applejack's motherly tone, it just sounds so natural, yet she felt some envy, how she wishes she could be a mother. Luna groaned, every time she felt this way, the desire to be a mother, to be married, it went to that same pony, Peter. She still loved him, despite her attempts to let go. She has grown to accept that Peter is married to Twilight, but she still can't stop loving him, and it frustrates her. Perhaps she just needs to try and look for new love, with so many heroes in Equestria thanks to the opened portal maybe she can choose from them. Obviously she can't pick between the ones that are married, though she never seemed interested in any of them. Logan was the only one interesting for a while, but she doubted her ability to be in a relationship with somepony like him, not that he wasn't an ideal partner, but she feels Fluttershy is the only perfect match, plus she never felt that strong of an attachment, he would have probably at the very least made for a nice date. She thought about the other heroes that came through the portals. Captain America? Perhaps, though she found his strict personality to be uninteresting, besides she believes that Celestia has eyes for him and she wasn't about to go against her sister just for the chance at love. Perhaps Iron Man, he has his charm, but she doesn't like his snobby attitude. Hawkeye seems nice but he's not exactly what she's looking for. Black Panther to her knowledge is already married, shame since he seemed pretty nice, though she didn't feel like she was missing much. Thor seems noble, she can put him as a 'maybe'. Ant Man also interests her, but his playful attitude will have her comparing him to Peter, she doesn't think it's fair to him. There's also Ms. Marvel, she hadn't thought about dating another mare, but she won't object to it either. That's another 'maybe' for her. Bruce Banner is a definite 'no'. Dr. Strange also falls into the 'maybe' side. Unfortunately none of them have Peter's charm, once again it frustrates her but she doesn't know what to do. She almost wishes she could just turn back time and confess her love to Peter sooner, but she just can't do that to Twilight. Her morals, her love, her loneliness, all of them clashing over and over, she just can't handle it, what can she do to feel at peace. Her inner conflict was interrupted when she heard a familiar voice, "You ok there?" She looked and saw Ant Man standing to her side. "Oh, I didn't see you there Mr. Lang, yes I'm alright." "I told you, call me 'Scott', don' be so formal," Scott said. "Anyway from what I just noticed, you looked pretty bothered by something, I just wanted to make sure you were doing alright." Luna blushed a bit, "Oh, was it that obvious? I was just lost in thought, I'm fine though." Scott shrugged, "If you say so, anyway I'm heading to bed, this place is nice, next time I'm bringing my daughter...that is once her mother lets her come, why doesn't she like a world of ponies?" Luna rose her eyebrow, "If you'd like I can vouch for you the next time you try to get your daughter to come by." Scott shook his head, "No it's ok, I almost have it under control. Anyway I'll get to bed, see you in the morning." As Scott walked off, Luna once again made her way to her room. On the way she heard another familiar voice, "Hey Luna!" She turned to see a Pony she can never get tired of seeing, "Hello Peter." Peter quickly trotted to her, "Hey did you have fun today? I know I did, beach is great and my friends really know how to party." "Yes, though it seems like your friend Johnny Storm hasn't had the best time," Luna said. "Johnny's just dealing with being a father, unfortunately his kid has too much energy," Peter said. "Perhaps," Luna said. Peter shrugged it off, "Anyway I'm sure you were most likely going to your room but I was hoping you can come by my room, me and the family are playing a game and we need even teams. I mean you don't have to if you don't want but-" "Oh no, I don't mind, I would love to join your game," Luna said enthusiastically. Peter grinned, "Great, let's go, but first and foremost, you're on my team, don't let anypony else sway you." Luna chuckled, "Of course Peter." Peter trotted off to his room while Luna followed. Amazing for her that even though she isn't Peter's wife, at least she's always on his mind in some form or another. That's the second best thing for her.