Chapter Thirty-Eight "Calling to the Night, Part II"
Peter slid a blue denim jacket over his shoulders. "I can really use this break," he chuckled, rubbing the soreness from his shoulder. He shared a glance with Twilight as she wrote walls of text into a page of the book in her hands. The young man tightened the buttons on his sleeves and grinned nervously. "Are you sure you're okay with this? I won't go if you're not comfortable."
Twilight shook her head, never averting her gaze from her writing. "Yes, I'm sure. In fact, I'mgladthat you're taking Princess Luna out." She closed her book, placing it over the nightstand before approaching her husband. "Princess Luna has been cooped up in this house ever since we got here, and I think a little fresh air will do her some good. You're the only one that she'll open up to, so it's hardly surprising for me."
Peter nodded lightly. "She's just worried about Celestia and Equestria. I think a small tour of the city will help put Luna at ease a little." The young man smiled, brushing the wrinkles from his pants. "Besides, Luna's my best friend. It's been weeks since we've spent any time together. I owe her."
Twilight chuckled under her breath, placing both hands over her hips. "Everyone needs personal time. I guess this is as good of an excuse as any to get you out of the house, too. It's very difficult to have girl talk with a guy around."
"Is that why Trixie and the others have been trying to rush me out of the door?" Peter questioned, arching a brow and holding a coy grin.
Standing on the tip of her toes, Twilight kissed her husband's cheek and patted his chest reassuringly. "Go have fun. I'll see you soon. Don't keep Princess Luna waiting."
With a simple nod, Peter smiled before venturing out of the bedroom. He made his way downstairs, paying no mind to the outside world. It was faint, as a dark aura flashed across his hazel irises to accompany the young man's coy smirk before his light smile resurfaced. As the young man walked past the living room and neared the front door, Mayday arched a brow at the buzzing sensation coursing through her cranium.
She placed her iPod down momentarily before shifting her gaze in her father's direction. He had not noticed the girl sitting on the sofa due to the pillows hiding her diminutive stature, obliviously walking outside before closing the door behind him. Suddenly, the buzzing ceased, and the pain brought by her headache had ceased, dissipating into nothingness. Mayday furrowed her brow at the unusual phenomenon, pursing her lips as she readied to follow her father.
However, Mayday eased back into her seat and shook her head. "I'm just overreacting. Daddydidsay that my Spider Sense is going to be sensitive, since it just activated last night." The young girl forced a laugh, retrieving her iPod before pecking away at its menus with a bemused expression. "The stupid thing is probably faulty. Why would it react to Daddy in the first place? That's just silly."
Meanwhile, Peter circled around the house's exterior, keeping his gaze fixed on the roof. The young man shifted his gaze to the side, spotting a slender sight of blue standing at the edge of the forest. Luna stared vividly at the flowers sprouting from the ground, admiring the milky-white petals. The princess inhaled sharply upon noticing Peter approaching. Her heart raced, and her face flushed as she instinctively straightened her dress.
Peter slowed to a halt once they were a few feet apart, pausing to admire the woman's form and shift in demeanor as she glanced away shamefully. Luna was known for her strong front, steely nerve, and no-nonsense attitude. Ironically, she hardly resembled what most had come to know, replacing the norm with a soft gaze, pink blush, and frail defense. However, Peter knew what the world didn't: that the princess had a much softer side, with strong emotions and a heart as pure as any maiden's.
Her dress had been pressed to perfection and freed of all wrinkles. It perfectly matched her long, blue hair, its curled ends reaching her shoulders. The black and white necklace of the moon that she wore coincided with her thigh-high stockings. Even the traces of gold laced in her dress, crown, bracelets, and anklets held a distinct shine to them, adding to the woman's luminous beauty. Peter was enamored, losing himself momentarily. He shouldn't have felt like this, but he drifted off into an abyss and yielded to latent desires, evident by his deepened gaze.
"Please stop staring," Luna whispered, the temperature in her face rising further. She quickly shifted her gaze to the side. "It's embarrassing."
Peter shook his head, chuckling sheepishly. "Sorry about that, Luna. It's just that…" He trailed off and reached out, gently taking a hold of the woman's hand. Luna's face turned beet red as the young man's warmth threatened to consume her. She inhaled sharply once he kissed the top of her hand, that spot practically burning. Peter slowly shifted his gaze until it found Luna's before the corner of his lips curled into a warm smile. "You look beautiful."
Luna was practically beside herself, inwardly screaming for Peter to cease his actions while also begging for him not to stop. She was losing herself to what she had long been suppressing: desire. Peter's eyes matched her own, showing her that he felt the same way. It was uncharacteristic, but Luna couldn't stop herself from embracing it. She would burn for what might happen, yet the princess willingly traversed down that treacherous and enticing road. She bit down on her lip. It was wrong… but it feltso right.
Eventually, the princess recollected her nerve and hesitantly slid her hand away from his warm grasp. "T-thank you." Luna chastised herself for not knowing how to proceed. Her mind was in shambles, like a jigsaw puzzle, and her heart rate had yet to slow to a normal pace. Luna cleared her throat, desperate to avert some attention away from her own nervous figure. "What did you have planned?"
"Lunch! And I have the perfect spot in mind. Come on!" Peter obliviously cheered, wrapping an arm around Luna's shoulder before leading her away.
Luna whimpered under her breath, keeping her flushed gaze fixed on the ground. Peter's warmth was about to melt her away. At this rate, she was aimed to fly directly into the sun. However, a small smile graced her features, and the princess leaned her head against Peter's shoulder. For now, she just wanted to enjoy this feeling for as long as possible.
-u-
In the comforts of her bedroom, Mayday sat with a journal in her lap. Her mother and the others conversed downstairs, giving her a chance to document more notes in safety without the fear of getting caught. The young girl's mind was in a frenzy, juggling all of the information she absorbed from the crystal ball over the past month and a half. Eons worth of history, showing every great inventor and their work.
However, with every great device or spell that was created or found, Celestia had found ways to suppress them from ever reaching the world. She would always lament on the possible dangers those inventions and spells could have on society if used negatively, persuading their creators to see her concerns. Mayday gripped her pen and growled, slamming the journal shut. What made the situation infuriating for the girl was the ponies' complete acceptance of Celestia's words. With any invention or advancement, there were negative repercussions, should they be misused, but usually the positive traits outweighed the opposite.
It seemed nopony had considered that: playing far too heavily on the side of caution instead of seeing the positive potential any new spell or invention had. In a sense, Celestia was abusing her power, keeping those silent in order to maintainhersense of order. Equestria had the potential to be a fairly advanced society, but the sheep were all too willing to follow their shepherd's simplistic terms. Mayday furrowed her brow as she stood upright and paced across the room. They had no reason to question Celestia. She wasn't malevolent or wrong, exactly. However, instead of managing or moderating potential advancements, Celestia was content with keeping the world at a standstill because it was the safer route.
Mayday exhaled, shaking her head. "Princess Celestia just doesn't get it." Letting out a low sigh, the girl glanced to the side. "Discord really was right about her."
"That's a first. It's not often that somepony actually agrees with me. Then again, you're capable enough to see the bigger picture, unlike most," a voice called out, echoing slightly. Suddenly, a bright light illuminated from underneath the bed, prompting Mayday to locate the source. She retrieved the crystal ball, inhaling sharply once an image of Discord morphed at the center. The draconequus smiled as he pulled at the hair of his goatee. "Young Mayday. You certainly don't disappoint."
Mayday's eyes widened. "Discord!" The young girl paused, eyeing her locked door sternly before returning her gaze to the crystal ball. She furrowed her brow. "I've had a hunch that you would show up again soon. How did you find us?"
Discord chuckled, tapping against the crystal ball's surface. "I haveyouto thank for that. I simply implanted a tracking spell into the crystal ball before giving it to you. Once you activated it, the rest was easy." The draconequus eased back, raising a paw. "However, I'd like to point out that the tracking spell was merely a safety precaution, should something have happened to you." Rubbing the hair of his goatee, Discord observed the surroundings around him from the crystal ball. "The fact that the crystal ball had allowed me to locate you now was simply a convenient coincidence. Speaking of which, I can tell that you've certainly been busy with your little gift. What do you think of its readings?"
Mayday folded her arms with a frown. "I think Princess Celestia's been doing the wrong thing. I understand that she's just trying to keep everypony safe, but keeping society at a complete standstill isn't the way to do it." The girl sighed, rubbing her forehead. "To be perfectly honest… given what I've seen, I don't think Equestria can find true balance so long as Princess Celestia's in charge. She has good intentions, but society has to make its own advancements in order for it to truly thrive. There are repercussions at times, yes, but with moderation, it can be controlled to a manageable state."
The corner of Discord's mouth curled into a smile. "You are very correct, young lady. Chaoscannotexist without order, and vice versa. So long as one side of the scale dominates, the world will never find a true, natural balance." Discord shrugged. "Friendship is fine and dandy, but I cannot allow others to interfere with that purpose. The natural 'order', if you will. However, Eris has forgotten that in her rushed attempt to stop me." The draconequus scoffed, glancing off to the side. "With your father's sudden disappearance, Equestria has fallen into a far more chaotic state than I intended. At present time, balance is lost without all the right pieces in play."
Mayday tilted her head to the side. "What do you mean?"
Discord grimaced. "I dare not say; but to be honest, the sooner your father makes it back, the better."
Mayday frowned. "Hold on a minute. My father was beaten to a pulp because of those guysyougathered. That Tirek guy would've destroyed all of us if Eris didn't jump in."
Discord waved a talon dismissively. "You needn't worry about that. You all would've been saved regardless of Eris's interference or not. My plan had no intention of letting you all die in those coming moments. After all, I need your father—and by extension, all of you—alive at all costs." Discord's eyes softened as his voice began to go faint. "In fact, had Eris not intervened, some… casualties might've been avoided,"
Mayday's eyes widened. "Casualties? Like who? What happened?"
Discord shook his head somberly. "Again. It's really not my place to say, but a number of you won't be pleased with some of the recent events upon your return; and I fear that even worse may be yet to come at this rate."
Mayday blinked. "Isthatwhy you're sending bad guys after us? To weaken Eris and force her to send us back to Equestria?"
Discord sighed before eventually nodding. "I tried to be civil and explain the situation to her. However, she would have none of it and has forced me to take drastic measures to ensure everyone's timely return."
Mayday paused, bringing a cuffed hand to her lips in thought. "Eris is trying to help Daddy get prepared. Is it really so bad to just wait for now?"
The draconequus simply shook his head in response and sighed before returning his attention to the girl. "I'm afraid I'm out of time to answer any more questions for now. I'd rather Eris not find out about our little link just yet. Though I assure you, we will speak again very soon, Mayday."
"Thanks. This was as… enlightening as ever," Mayday murmured hesitantly, glancing off to the side. "It's given me a lot to think about."
Just as he readied to depart, Discord held a stern gaze. "Before I go, I'd also like to point out that Eris has every intention of replacing me in this world. However, she's lost sight of what'strulyimportant and why we're here in the first place. For true balance of the natural order to be maintained, will shereallybe up to the task of doing what's needed to be done to make things right?"
Suddenly, the orb's light faded, with Discord's image disappearing. Mayday pursed her lips and arched a brow. "What's truly important… what needs to be done…" The girl slid the crystal ball back underneath the bed with a slight groan. "Now, I'm evenmoreuncertain about all of this than before."
High above the reaches of the streets, Luna sat on the edge of the city's tallest skyscraper. Peter had referred to it as the Empire State Building. She kept her royal blue gaze fixed on the horizon. Everything seemed small from her perspective, like ants to the sun.
However, the view was breathtaking, filling the princess with a sense of astonishment. Luna glanced to the side as Peter climbed next to her position with a makeshift web-sack wrapped around his shoulder. Still in his casual attire, the young man slowly removed the web-shooters and cartridges from his wrists and hands before shifting his attention to the sack. Upon ripping the web open, a pair of delicately-wrapped treats were revealed, as well as two bottles of soda.
"Hotdogs, Peter?" Luna questioned, arching a brow at the meat in buns.
Peter simply nodded. "You bet. You haven't had arealhot dog until you've had a fresh one from the city."
Luna folded her arms, glancing about at her venue. "Why did you choosethisvenue? It's a bit unorthodox to sit this high above a city."
Peter chuckled. "I used to do this a lot before I came to Equestria. The city can be loud and obnoxious sometimes, and I know you hate noise. If I ever needed a quiet spot to think, a tall building usually did the trick. I didn't have many friends back then. I used to talk to a gargoyle statue occasionally. His name was Bruce. He was a great listener, but not much of a talker. You remind me of him. You're just way cuter and not quite as rocky."
Luna stared at the young man with a bemused expression. "Sadly, I can tell that you're being serious. I could assume that you're crazy, but I can't, considering I spent a thousand years alone on the moon with only my own thoughts and the surrounding rocks to talk to." She trailed off, frowning. "It's quite embarrassing to admit that out loud."
Peter shrugged. "We all have our embarrassing moments." He placed a hand over the woman's shoulder, earning a small smile for his action. Peter shifted his gaze back to the horizon. "Plus, you can't beat the view."
Grinning, Luna shared a nod. "I'm inclined to agree with you." She watched as Peter unwrapped his hot dog and bit into the treat. Slowly but surely, Luna retrieved her own hot dog and gently removed the foil concealing it. Steam exuded from the treat as she held it in her hand. She stared at the treat for what felt like eons with a furrowed brow. "What is a hot dog made of again? Please tell me that they're not made of actual canines."
Peter snorted involuntarily, nearly choking back some of his soda. He cleared his throat and shook his head. "No way. They're made up of a combination of processed meats." The princess shot him a blank stare, her expression unreadable. Peter waved a hand dismissively. "Sounds wacky to me, too, but it's way tastier than it sounds. Just trust me on that."
Luna frowned, pursing her lips as she stared intently at her hot dog. "I still have reservations." The princess eyed the crushed green substance over the hotdog, arching a brow. "What isthisexactly, and why is there so much of it?"
"That's relish. It helps gives the hotdog more flavor," Peter whispered, taking another bite of his own treat. He smirked after swallowing. "Luna. You're stalling. Just eat the hot dog already."
The princess scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You have no grace." Inhaling deeply before sighing, Luna closed her eyes and took a bite of the treat. She worked the substance around in her mouth, chewing slowly. However, her taste buds welcomed what was brought, evident by the woman's widened gaze and surprised smile. She nodded eagerly and swallowed. "Delicious!"
Peter chuckled as the princess ate away at the hot dog. "I told you it was good." The pair enjoyed the scenery, exchanging pleasantries once the princess finished her meal. Peter smiled at a thought. "Remember the first time we went out for ice cream?"
Luna downed her soda, allowing a warm smile to grace her features. "Yes. How could I forget?"
-u-
"Slow night," Spider-Mane murmured as he swung across the skies of Manehattan on a strand of webbing.
The city was quiet under the moon's milky gaze, most of its inhabitants asleep or indoors. Even during the hours of the day, Manehattan was a peaceful city. It was a welcome change from New York, where crimes occurred every hour, but Peter sighed, admitting that such serene settings were boring at times. A part of him missed the never ending excitement, but the rest of him revelled in the peace, for it never lasted as long as he hoped back home. Releasing his webbing, Spider-Mane soared through the air gracefully before landing on the edge of a building's rooftop.
The stallion stood on his hind legs and lowered into a squatting position. "Manehattan's in the clear. Let's call it a night."
Materializing in a flash of light, Luna appeared next to the stallion, floating. "I suggest another sweep of the city." The wind ruffled her sky-blue mane. "One must remain vigilant, even during times of peace. Evil can strike at any—"
Peter's hoof fell over the mare's shoulder. "Take it easy, Batmare. We've been on patrol for five hours. Can't we lighten up a tiny bit?" Luna glared at the stallion, particularly at the name that escaped from his mouth. Despite the mare's shortened stature, she was still as intimidating as ever, her bemused glare causing Peter to chuckle nervously. "Fine. We'll do another sweep of the city, but we have to get something to eat first." Removing his hoof, Spider-Mane leaned over the edge of the building and pointed at a neon-lit shop down near the street. "I scream for ice cream!"
Luna blankly stared at the stallion. "You are undisciplined. We mustn't pause while we work."
"We can't focus if we're malnourished," Spider-Mane quickly replied, stretching his hooves high over his head before waving dismissively. "Think of this as a lunch break, or a friendly late night date."
Luna sighed, shaking her head in defeat. "Unbelievable."
Peter chuckled victoriously. "Sweet!"
"Why did I fall for one so childish?" she murmured under her breath, staring blankly at the oblivious stallion while he patted his pockets.
The question was clearly rhetorical, mirroring her inner voice, but Luna smiled as Spider-Mane eagerly dove over the edge of the building. It was strange, seeing one so powerful act so youthful and immature. Spider-Mane spun at the last moment, landing perfectly on his hooves, and Luna vanished, materializing a few hoof-lengths from the shop. Peter walked up to the door and held it open for the princess, earning a small smile from the mare.
She accepted the gesture. "I thank you for having a chivalrous heart."
Spider-Mane followed the mare inside, grinning as he removed his mask. Equestria had its perks over Earth.
The shop was empty with the exception of the cashier. "Welcome to the Parlor, can I take your order?" the mare behind the register greeted ambivalently, never looking up at her customers.
Peter pulled out a stool by the main counter, sharing a glance with Luna. "Do you want anything? I'm buying." The princess merely closed her eyes and scoffed, accepting the seat despite initial protests. Peter shrugged, hopping into the next available seat with a smile. "I'd like a large helping of cookies n' cream. Two spoons, please."
Nodding, the mare grabbed a container and dropped three scoops inside, never lifting her gaze. "One large cup of cookies n' cream. That'll be…" She trailed off, finally looking up. "Six… bits. Oh. Wow."
Peter took the container and nonchalantly dropped over a dozen bits on the mare's hoof. "Keep the change!"
The cashier's eyes never stopped widening, and her mouth hung so low that it nearly hit the counter. Peter, with his spoon in hoof, shoved some of the cold treat into his mouth, sighing contently. He edged the container closer to Luna, pausing until the mare reluctantly lifted her spoon with her magic and joined in the ice cream's consumption. Both ponies continued to eat in comfortable silence in spite of the cashier's gawking stare.
Peter chuckled. "We should get something to go."
"This is going to be a very long night," Luna exhaled, shaking her head.
Peter grinned. "Only if you want it to be." The stallion smirked. "Stop me if you've heard this one before. Spider-Mane and Princess Luna walk into a bar…"
"Stop," Luna deadpanned, glaring at nothing in particular.
-u-
Peter's hand slid over Luna's, freeing the woman from her self-induced trance. "It's easy to forget, but I can sense your thoughts again." Luna's eyes widened at the statement, but they narrowed, holding a deepened gaze. Peter's smile widened. "It's okay. I feel the same way. There's something I've been wanting to tell you for a while."
Luna edged towards Peter, her face burning. "What is it?"
Instead of replying with words right away, Peter pushed Luna back until she was pinned against the wall. It had happened so fast, catching the princess by surprise. The heat from his body was spreading over her, and Luna was losing herself, mentally and physically as his lips neared hers. She wanted to taste him, to have him take her.
However, Peter's eyes narrowed into a glare. "I can hear your thoughts, too, Venom." Faster than the princess could react, he tightened his grip on Luna's shoulder. "Show yourself!"
Luna's eyes widened at the statement. "What?!"
Suddenly, the symbiote sprouted from the woman's leg stockings and heels, fusing to form a pair of jet black high boots. Peter hopped back as a large, white spider insignia formed at the center of her dress, and Luna's blue irises darkened, morphing to a cold shade of black. She bore a fanged smile, the tendrils from the symbiote lashing out, even as it formed into gloves over her arms and fused with the crown on her head. The living substance hissed as it enveloped the woman's angelic wings, giving them a jagged, wicked form. The entirety of Luna's eyes, including her pupils and cornea, turned jet black, and the symbiote settled into place, the bonding process having been completed.
"How did you find me? You're just full of surprises, aren't you, Parker?" Venom grinned, his voice distorting as it fused with Luna's.
Peter blinked, staring intently at the symbiote. "I could smell you from a mile away." He frowned, lowering into a defensive stance. "How'd you make it here? I thought Eris made sure none of Discord's goons could come here."
She stood upright, folding her arms. "Discord found a loophole. You may not have noticed, but Deadpool left a little present before he left. All I had to do was latch onto Patricia and bide my time."
Peter scoffed. "I should've known that was too easy. Well, what do you want?"
Venom huffed. "Simple. We have to admit that we were surprised when Discord told us that you and your lot survived, but we were happy. Now, we will destroy you as we were always meant to."
"Let Luna go. She has nothing to do with this. If you want me, latch back onto Blueblood, and we'll settle the score that way," Peter growled, his voice dark.
Venom held a fanged smile, clenching her hand into a fist as electricity sparked from it. "Or, we could just use this one to kill you again." She reared her fist back, and the electricity intensified, whipping about wildly. "This time… youwon'tcome back!"
To be continued...