//------------------------------// // Vacation Time Part V // Story: Spiders and Magic: New Families // by Masterob //------------------------------// Most of the ponies gathered at the café, The Parker-Sparkle family were enjoying their meal, already making plans to go swimming again. Apple Bloom came by a bit later, wanting to sit next to Rumble while they themselves made plans to go for their own private swim. Johnny and Rainbow Dash were attempting to feed Firefly, though each time she knocked the spoon away and laughed a little at her parents. They were just relieved she wasn't crying and throwing a tantrum. Ben offered to assist but Johnny insisted he had it under control. Rainbow Dash had declined assistance from her parents, feeling like she's close to getting her daughter to eat. Zephyr Breeze also wanted to assist, but when he got a little too close to Rainbow Dash for Johnny's liking, he was tossed away and landed on the table that Fluttershy and Logan were using. "Zephyr Breeze..." Fluttershy said, a little disappointed in her brother. Zephry Breeze shrugged and laughed, "Some ponies just don't like the help of others I guess." Applejack had little trouble feeding Oliver, other than a few moments of him being distracted, feeding him wasn't too hard. "That's mah little colt, keep eating and soon you'll be big and strong like yer uncle Big Mac," Applejack said. "Don't forget his daddy," Remy said, somewhat joking. "Of course my strength is nothing compared to this little guy's mama." Applejack blushed a bit, "Aw Remy, yer plenty strong yerself at least." Remy ruffled Oliver's mane, "Still, this little guy will make a great farmer." "Hopefully he'll wanna be a farmer, ah remember ah didn't at one point, until I came to my senses," Applejack said. "Hey he likes seeing you buck trees, if he could walk he'd try to buck them himself," Remy said. Applejack nodded as she continued to feed him, "Still, what if he grows out of it? As an Apple he should be a farmer, but at the same time ah don't want him to feel like he has to be, suppose he finds something else he likes?" Remy sat next to her, "What do you want for him?" Applejack thought a moment, "Ah just want him to find what makes him happy, like ah said, ah hope he wants to be a farmer, but ah wouldn't feel right forcing him into becoming one." "He grows up and sees how much fun you're having with the job, he'll wanna do it. Like I said, he likes seeing you buck the trees, so don't worry too much," Remy said. Applejack nodded and continued to feed him, "Yeah, yer right." Rarity is at her own table, taking in a lot of food. Being pregnant gives her a rather large appetite and she means business when it comes to eating what she ordered. "Take it easy Rarity, you might get sick," Bobby said. "I can't help it, I just feel so hungry!" Rarity said, munching on all the food that came her way. Bobby sighed, this wasn't unusual, he even heard that Applejack and Rainbow Dash went through the same thing. He just wishes she would slow down a tiny bit and stop making such a mess. "After this you wanna go lay down? I'll give you some more massages," Bobby said. Rarity shook her head, "I'd kinda like to get in the water a bit, it might soothe me a little. You can still massage me there if you'd like" "Whatever you want," Bobby said, blushing at the idea of bathing with Rarity. Janet had passed by, noticing the amount of food Rarity had. "Wow, only two months pregnant too. They thought I ate a lot, I actually had an excuse, my child is part dragon." Also at the café was a very unusual sight, Lightning Dust and Princess Luna were on their date. It wasn't too exciting though, neither had really said much to each other. "So..." Luna said, attempting to end the silence. "What do you do with your time?" "I help Fluttershy with her animals," Lightning responded. "Oh...that's nice, Fluttershy is a nice pony," Luna said. "Yeah, she is," Lightning Dust said. The two stayed in silence a little longer. This time Lightning spoke first, "So...is it hard being a princess of the night or what?" "Not too hard, though no simple task either, having to watch over an entire world," Luna said. "Wow, sounds like a lot, you must be one tough pony to handle that," Lightning said. Luna blushed slightly at the compliment, "Oh, thank you." The two just sat there, barely eating their food. "So...do you fly for sport like Rainbow Dash? Or are you more for the ground like Fluttershy?" "I fly for exercise, had to stop for a while because I hurt my wing. It's gotten better lately, so I hope to be my old self again soon," Lightning Dust said. "That's nice, will you become a Wonderbolt?" Luna asked. Lightning sighed, "I'm not sure if I'll be able too, I made some really bad mistakes in the past, it might be too late for me." Luna looked genuinely concerned, "Don't say such things, everypony deserves another chance after all." "Everypony keeps saying that, I figured my second chance was the fact that I was lucky enough to live with such a kind family. I don't want to push that luck honestly," Lightning said. "Do you no longer wish to be a Wonderbolt then?" Luna asked. Lightning shook her head, "I do, but I haven't always been the nicest pony, I was a real jerk and I made too many bad choices." "That's no reason, you obviously aren't that way anymore, you seem like such a nice pony. If you want to be a Wonderbolt you deserve that chance," Luna said. Lightning shook her head. "I'm not sure Luna, I mean-" "I've made mistakes too, I've had my own troubles, but if Twilight and Peter have taught me anything is that everypony should get another chance. I got mine, you should get yours too Lightning. Even Trixie got her second chance, from what I've heard even Logan and Gambit have made their mistakes but they too got another chance, I want you to have that chance," Luna said. Lightning looked surprised, she never expected Luna to feel so bad for her. "I don't know what I should do though Princess." "I can help you, I'll get you a chance to try out for the Wonderbolts again, if you do well enough I'm sure Spitfire will take you back. I'll even vouch for you, and since you're so close with Logan maybe I can get him to speak with The Avengers since they're gonna be working closely with The Wonderbolts," Luna said. Lightning felt excited, she's gonna get her second chance. Suddenly she felt a little unsure, "You don't have to go through that trouble for me." "Don't be silly, it's no trouble at all. Besides I know Peter himself would love to see this happen, he has spoken fondly of you," Luna said. Lightning looked surprised, "Wait, he talks about me?" "Sometimes, not that much, but when asked about you he always says how nice you are and how he hopes you can achieve greatness. In fact, just the other week when The Avengers were thinking of good ponies to join their group, Peter brought you up, so he obviously believes in you," Luna said. Lightning felt a blush come to her face, she feels so honored that Peter thinks of her enough to want what's best for her. "Thank you Luna...but like I said, I feel weird having you do this for me." "It isn't any trouble, I want to see you get another chance," Luna said. "I appreciate that, but it's just that...just that...I mean about this date..." Lightning bit her lip. "This date?" Luna asked, then wondered. "Oh, you don't wanna feel like you're using this date to get what you want. Don't worry I don't feel that way, besides it's just my duties as a Princess to help my subjects." "It's not that, well not totally," Lightning said. "Look I can't lie to you Princess Luna, I owe you the truth. If it upsets you then I'll understand if you don't want to help me." Luna looked curious, "What's wrong?" "Thing is...I don't have a crush on you, I only said that because I didn't want anypony to know who I really have a crush on, I'm sorry," Lightning said. Luna tapped her chin, "Oh, well that makes some sense, you did seem unsure, I thought it was because of my title. But how did this happen if I may ask?" Lightning looked to the side, blushing a lot. "Laura blurted out the name of a pony I liked, so to cover I said the first thing that rhymed with the pony's name, Luna...Moon." "Luna Moon?" Luna thought for a moment, trying to figure out who has a similar name. "Luna Moon...Luna...Lula...Lulamoon. Oh, Trixie Lulamoon, that would explain it." Lightning nodded, still blushing, "Sorry for the misunderstanding, I just panicked. Don't get me wrong, I do think you're very beautiful, but you weren't the pony I liked that way." Luna blushed a little at the compliment, then nodded her head, "I understand, thank you for telling me." Lightning looked surprised, "You're not mad?" Luna shook her head, "No, mistakes happen I guess. I do appreciate you being honest, and the fact that you took my feelings into account. Rest assure I still wish to help you." Lightning felt relieved and offered a smile of hope, "Thank you so much Princess Luna." "Like I said, you may call me Luna, don't be so formal," Luna said. Lightning nodded, "Thanks." She looked to the side and noticed Laura sulking alone at a table. "I guess I should go talk to my friend, she probably thinks I hate her." Luna noticed Laura, "I suppose so." Lightning got up and hugged Luna before leaving, "Thanks Luna, I did like the date, at least the part where we actually talked. You would make a caring marefriend." Luna returned the hug, "I'm glad to hear. Too bad you have somepony else you like, I wouldn't mind doing this again." Lightning Dust blushed, "Thanks, that means a lot." As Lightning Dust trotted off, leaving Luna to herself. She was happy she got a date, Lightning Dust was really nice. But she still can't get Peter off her mind. She hoped finding a date would help bring her mind off Peter, but she believes even if Lightning did genuinely like her it would make no difference, she still loved Peter. She wants him, yet can't bring herself to ever want to take him away from Twilight, from Mayday, from Trixie, the ones who love Peter so much. They're a family, one that does what they can to make her feel a part of it. Why does she still feel this way? Why can't she be happy with what she has? "Is it me or do you always look troubled?" she heard a voice say. She looked next to her and saw Scott. "Oh it's you again...do you follow me around?" Luna asked a bit suspiciously. He can shrink to the size of an ant, so that would make it easy for him. "No, I just notice you a little bit more, you always look like you're so sad, you need to smile more," Scott said. "I am fine Scott, just leave me be for now," Luna said, somewhat irritated at him. He's been quite irritating lately with him always watching over her. Wait was he asked to do so? She knows he mainly came to make sure Peter enjoyed his vacation, she only hopes that's his only reason, she doesn't want to think that he was sent to keep an eye on her, knowing he's the best pony to do so. Scott however just shrugged it off and kept walking, "Suit yourself princess, but try to relax a bit more." Luna just watched as Scott walked off, still a little unsure about him. She then saw Peter along with his family enjoying themselves. Seeing that she's alone right now, why not just go see how Peter's doing. She trotted over to the family, to which Peter noticed. "Hey Luna, here to join us?" Luna nodded, "My date ended early, and I did not wish to sit alone." "Sure, take a seat," Peter said, patting a seat next to him. Luna gladly took a seat next to Peter, she saw herself sitting across from Trixie, Mayday, Apple Bloom and Rumble. "How was your date though Luna?" Twilight asked. "Nice, though it turned out to be a misunderstanding, one Lightning Dust cleared up. But nothing to worry about, she turned out to be a nice pony, she also makes for a good friend," Luna said. "Well that's the most important part right? Sorry it didn't work out, but it can't hurt to try," Peter said. Luna nodded, "I will say, she's very caring though, I think she could make a great marefriend to any pony." Luna looked over to Trixie, wondering if she looked interested. She wouldn't tell her or anypony else, knowing that Lightning wanted it to be a secret, but she does want to try and help Lightning find what could be her true love. Trixie just sat back sipping a drink, "Romance is overrated, it will be a long while before I myself even consider getting into something that like." Luna looked concerned, not the answer she was hoping for. "Only the best for Trixie," Rumble said. Trixie ruffled his mane, "As you know my favorite little colt. Too bad you aren't older, you would make a great stallion for Trixie." Rumble blushed, "Thanks Trixie, if I were older I would definitely-OW!" Rumble rubbed his side and remembered that Apple Bloom was sitting next to him. She did not look happy, "Um, what I mean is, you're a nice mare Trixie, I hope you can be as lucky as I am when it comes to love." Rumble gave Apple Bloom a nervous smile, which she accepted. "Good colt." Peter chuckled a bit, "Ha, told you this could happen Rumble, keep an eye out and don't upset your filly." That got Peter a glare from all the ponies around the table. "What?" At Laura's table, she is still sitting alone, barely touching her food. She looked for Limestone, though it looks like she hadn't come to eat yet, probably still with her sisters. She heard somepony approach so she looked to see Lightning Dust with a smile on her face. "You could use come company," Lightning said. Laura looked a little surprised, but gave a nice genuine smile, a rare smile saved only for those she loved and cared about, which were very few. "Thanks...and I'm sorry for letting that secret slip." Lightning Dust waved it off, "It's fine, it was an awkward moment, don't worry about it. Besides I can't stay mad at you over something like that." Laura got up from the table and pulled Lightning Dust into a hug, "Love you Dust." Lightning returned the hug, "You too Laura." The two stayed in their hug, though noticed some unwanted company in the form of Deadpool. "What do you want moron?" Laura asked. "So...are you two gonna make out now or-" Suddenly Deadpool was punched across the café and out the door. "Ow..." The rest of the day was more relaxing and some fun for the families. Fortunately for Johnny and Rainbow Dash, Firefly had tired herself out from her 'fun' and actually slept when they wanted her too. But they knew it wouldn't last long, so they themselves got as much sleep as possible. Rarity took a nice bath, joined by Bobby, who spend the bath both bathing and massaging her, in return she made him very happy. Luna herself made her way to her room, though she was joined by Peter moments later. "Hey Luna." Luna turned to him with a smile, "Hello Peter, good to see you." "Same, anyway it was nice of you to take Lightning Dust on that date, but why was it such a misunderstanding?" Peter asked. "Oh, I can't say too much, she entrusted me with a personal secret, but needless to say I wasn't the one she was into," Luna said. "Yeah, I figured she would be into Trixie," Peter said. Luna nodded, "Yes, she...wait, did you say Trixie?" "Sure did," Peter said. "I knew it was Trixie, as much as she tried to hide it, I heard Laura say 'Lulamoon', Lightning made a weird save with that 'Luna Moon' thing, though a bit funny. Anyway I figured she probably liked Trixie, I've seen how she eyes her, when she's not eyeing me." "Right, all we can do now is hope for Lightning, but that's probably as much as we can do," Luna said. "Hey I can throw some subtle hints here and there, maybe you can too, but yeah, in the end they have to figure it out themselves," Peter said. Luna remembered something else, "By the way, I told Lightning Dust I could probably get her into The Wonderbolts, do you think her chances are good?" Peter shrugged, "I would have to ask Johnny and Rainbow Dash since they know Spitfire better than I do at this point." "Good point, I'll be going to my room, though I thought it would be nice if I gave Lightning Dust a quick goodnight. Like I said, she was a good date, even if it was short and a bit awkward," Luna said. "Sounds good, I'll come by as well, maybe I can let her know," Peter said. The two made their way to where Lightning Dust was staying, Peter gently knocking on the door. "Yo, Lightning Dust, you in there?" "She's asleep, what is it?" they heard Laura say. "Oh it's Peter and Luna, we thought she was awake, should we come back later?" Peter asked. "Come back tomorrow, now buzz off," Laura said. Luna didn't take too kindly to that, she began opening the door while lecturing, "Now see here, I don't care if you are part of Logan and Fluttershy's family," she got the door opened, "I will not tolerate you..." Luna stopped mid-speech when she saw a strange sight. "Why is she sleeping on your backside?" Peter looked inside to see that Laura was lying stomach first on her bed, with Lightning Dust using her rump as a pillow as she slept soundly. "What? We only had one pillow," Laura said in a matter-of-fact way. "But...she's resting her head on your butt...that doesn't look normal," Peter said. "She's my best friend, if she wants to use my butt as a pillow I could care less, now buzz off," Laura said. "But...what would Limestone say?" Peter asked. Laura groaned, "It doesn't matter, not even the first time Lightning Dust did something like this." Peter blushed a bit, "Um, have you two ever...you know, tried certain activities with-" The moment Laura extended her claws Peter ran off. "Finally..." Laura said, then looked to Luna. "Like I said, she's asleep, come see her tomorrow." Luna slowly backed away, this was so unusual for her to see. Laura sighed and noticed Lightning Dust stirring a bit. "Uh...what happened?" Lightning asked. "Nothing, go back to sleep, we got plans tomorrow," Laura said. Lightning nodded and went back to sleep, nuzzling peacefully against Laura's rump. Laura rubbed her mane a bit before going to sleep herself. Outside Peter still looked a bit weirded out, "What type of relationship do those two have?" Luna shrugged, "Not sure, they're closer than sisters it seems. It feels like Lightning Dust gets really close and intimate with ponies she cares about. Unless it's Laura who encouraged the idea of...using her rump as a pillow..." "If Laura lets Lightning Dust that close, I can only imagine how close she lets Limestone get," Peter said. Luna blushed at the idea, "Let's not dwell on it, for now let's go to bed." "Yeah," Peter said and walked with Luna. He suddenly had a thought of his own. "So when can I sleep on your butt?" Luna clonked Peter on the head, mainly because she was desperate to hide her blush. Being that close with Peter is ideal but probably not the best thing for them to be discussing. "Don't say such silly things." Peter rubbed his head, "Fine, I'll let you sleep on my butt." "Peter!" Another clonk was heard follow by the immature laughter of a spider hero.