The Mysterious Masked Marvel
Nova and Starburst were walking about town on their way to visit some friends. “Starburst, are you sure you don’t want to go hang out with your friends today?” Nova asked with a smile. “Don’t you have a crusaders meeting going on?”
“Nah, Scootaloo started up a Rainbow Dash fan club and she’s using the clubhouse for it at the moment.” Starburst said.
“A Rainbow Dash fan club?” Nova asked.
“Yeah, I think Rainbow Dash is great and all, but I still say no pony is as awesome as you are big brother.”
Nova gave a chuckle. “Heh heh, nice to know I have at least one fan.” He said with a smile.
“Don’t be silly, you’ve got plenty of fans, remember? You’re famous because of those stellar gems you make.” Starburst informed.
“Oh yeah, I kinda forgot about that.” The two were on their way to visit Applejack to hang out for a friendly visit.
Suddenly, a cry for help reached their ears. “Help! Help, help!”
“Did you hear that?” Starburst asked.
“It came from over there.” Nova looked over to a well. “Hang on! I’m…” Nova was about to rush over there and offer what help he could when suddenly Rainbow Dash dove down into the well.
“I’m Rainbow Dash, and I’m here to save you!” Her voice was heard coming from the well. A group of ponies had gathered around the well, including Twilight, Fluttershy, Applejack and Fluttershy, just in time for Dash to fly up and out with a little filly on her back looking a mess. She came to a landing and let the little filly down. The other ponies cheered for Dash and her heroics. She looked around with a bit of surprise. “Wow, what’s with this crowd? Uh, thanks everypony, it was really no big deal.”
The little filly walked up to her with a smile. “To me it was, you’re my hero Rainbow Dash.”
The crowd cheered again, making Dash blush a little from the attention. She then flew off after the cheering ended. Scootaloo, Snips, and Snails were in the crowd as well. “She sure is something.” Scootaloo commented.
“Something special.” Snips and Snails said together.
Starburst ran up to Scootaloo while Nova walked over to the girls. “Hey Scootaloo.” Starburst greeted.
“Hey there Starburst, wasn’t it great how Rainbow Dash saved that pony from the well?” Scootaloo asked.
“I guess, but my big brother was about to do something himself if Dash hadn’t dove in there when she did.” Starburst retorted.
Nova left his little brother to talk with his friend while he made his way over to the girls. “Hey you four, what’s up?”
They each gave a greeting of their own. Twilight walked up to Nova and nuzzled him. “Hello handsome.”
Nova nuzzled back. “Hello beautiful.”
“Oh my gosh! Wasn’t that amazing how Dash zoomed down the well and saved that pony?” Pinky Pie asked excitedly.
“That was a might nice o’ her to do that.” Applejack agreed.
“Nova, I saw you were about to do something to help weren’t you.” Twilight pointed out.
“Of course, I wasn’t about to let somepony be stuck in a well.” Nova answered.
“Hey Nova, Scootaloo says the Rainbow Dash fan club meeting is done for the day.” Starburst said as he galloped up to him. “We’re gonna go hang out a bit, okay?”
Nova gave a smile to Starburst. “Sure thing Starburst, you have fun now.”
“Okay, bye Nova.” Starburst then trotted off with Scootaloo.
Nova then turned to Twilight. “Well, since he has a friend to hang out with now, what do you say you and I spend some time together on our own?” He asked with a sly smile.
Twilight smiled back. “Sounds good to me.” They said their goodbyes to the others and went on their way through town. The two walked about and talked as they went along. “So Nova, are you feeling more confident about letting others in on your secret? Do you think you’ll be ready to let everypony know that you’re from another planet?” Twilight asked.
“I don’t know Twilight. Sure I’ve let a few others in on my secret, but they’ve had the chance to really know me. I just don’t think I could do that and let every pony know at once. I’m just so afraid of what that could mean. Not to mention what Celestia might do.”
Twilight looked at Nova with concern and worry. “What do you mean?”
“Remember how I used to be afraid of Celestia?” Nova asked. Twilight gave a nod. “Well…I kind of still am. Just not as much as before really.”
“Why? Why were you so afraid of the princess?” Twilight asked.
Nova looked down a bit. “I was afrais that she’d see through mine and Starburst’s disguise and see what we really are. I’m afraid that if she finds out we are from another planet, she might not approve and have us leave or something.”
Twilight Nuzzled Nova to try and comfort him. “Nova, Celestia wouldn’t do that. I promise she won’t care about that just like I don’t care, and neither do your friends.”
“Twilight….I…” Nova was cut off by some screams. He and Twilight looked up and saw a baby carriage careening down a steep hill for a cliff just above them. “What the galaxies?” Nova cried in worry. He quickly summoned his wings and was about to fly up there to catch the carriage when Rainbow Dash was spotted flying at it. She managed to grab the handle of it with her teeth and stopped it just before it went over the cliff.
Nova and Twilight both gave out a sigh of relief. Nova dismissed his wings. “That was a close one.” Nova said.
Rainbow pulled the carriage back away from the edge a bit and the crowd of ponies that gathered cheered. Applejack was a part of the crowd and was in the back with Twilight and Nova. Rainbow gave a smile and a blush, then a bow. She then looked to the carriage and gained a look of shock. “Oh no, there’s something wrong with the baby!” She declared which earned a gasp from the crowd. Rainbow reached into the carriage and picked the baby pony up. “She’s not cheering for everypony’s favorite hero, Rainbow Dash!” The crowd cheered again.
Nova rolled his eyes at this. Dash went to return the baby to her mother, she was about to give the baby back when she noticed a couple photographers taking her picture. She gave the baby a toss and turned to the ponies taking her picture. Scootaloo appeared from the crowd with Starburst and made a comment. “There just aren’t enough words to describe Rainbow Dash’s awesomeness.”
“I can think of a few new words.” Twilight said to Nova and Applejack.
“And I bet modest is not one of them.” Applejack retorted.
“Conceded might be one.” Nova said. He also noticed the other girls were standing around him watching the scene that unfolded.
Rainbow flew up into the sky and made a trail of clouds to form a lightning bolt. “True, but she is kind of awesome.” Twilight said.
“I’ll give her that too.” Nova said.
After all had settled, the crowd dispersed and Nova and Twilight continued with their impromptu date as they walked about town. “Nova, about what we were talking about. Celestia wouldn’t do anything bad to you if she found out.”
“Twilight, I do feel I can trust you, but with this….I just…I don’t want to take any chances. I do miss my home planet sometimes, but it’s not as bad as it used to be since I was reunited with my mother and father, plus, I have so many wonderful friends here….and a beautiful mare I can call my marefriend. I don’t want to take any risks that might cause me to lose all I have now. Maybe someday I can tell her about it, but I just don’t know when that might be.”
Twilight gave a smile. “I understand Nova, just take your time then. Just know that no matter what, you’ll have the full support of myself and your friends.”
Nova gave a smile back. The moment was soon interrupted as the sound of wood cracking was heard. “What the….” Nova and Twilight looked around and saw a wooden balcony with elder ponies on it. The balcony was giving way and was about to fall. “What now?” Nova asked. He was about to take action again when he was stopped by a voice.
“Never fear, your friendly neighborhood Rainbow Dash is here!” Rainbow declared as she hovered in the air. The balcony gave way and Dash flew into action. She flew over and got herself under the balcony to slow its decent. She managed to get the balcony and the elders safely on the ground.
Another crowd gathered around her and started cheering for her and her heroics. She smiled bigger at the attention. They then started chanting her name. “Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash!”
Rainbow flew up and over the crowd. “I can’t hear you!”
The crowd cheered louder. “Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash!” They chanted many times as Dash performed a few tricks. Once again the girls had gathered around as well.
“Call me silly, but I think this hero thing is going to Rainbow Dash’s head.” Twilight commented.
“You may be right…silly.” Pinkie said next to Twilight.
Twilight gave Pinkie a flat look.
Rainbow suddenly flew over to them. “Girls! Guess what? I’m holding an interview at Sugarcube Corner so the newspapers can document my awesomness. Come on by and see.” Before they could respond, she took off.
“Great, here comes the inflated ego.” Nova said under his breath.
“Might as well see what all the fuss is about.” Applejack stated.
The girls and Nova then started making their way to Sugarcube Corner. Twilight and Nova stayed at the back so they could talk. “So Nova, have you had any more nightmares lately?” Twilight asked.
“Actually….no. Not since I let you all in on the fact I’m not of this planet.” Nova said with a smile. “That’s kind of what my nightmares were about. That if you all found out what I was, you wouldn’t accept me and force me to leave or do something horrible to me and Starburst. But ever since I’ve been growing closer with you all, the nightmares were getting less and less frightening. Finally, on the day Discord escaped, I was about to tell you all the truth about me, but then he appeared and everything went nuts. And when I let him get in my head and mess with it like he did to our friends, I…I became afraid again, afraid you wouldn’t accept me and me and Starburst would be cast back out into space and isolated from others.” His look had become melancholy as he talked about his experience. His head hung a little.
Twilight lifted his head with her hoof and made him look her in the eyes. “Nova, you don’t have to worry about that anymore. You have friends now, and no matter what, we’ll always be there for you.”
Nova gave a smile. “She’s right sugar cube, it’s like I tried ta tell ya when me and Applebloom first found out. Ya got nothin ta fear.” Applejack stated.
Nova cocked an eyebrow with a smirk. “How long were you all listening in?”
“The whole time.” Pinkie said.
“It was kind of hard not too at the level you were talking at.” Rarity pointed out.
“I hope you’re not mad at us.” Fluttershy said.
Nova gave a reassuring smile. “No, it’s okay. I’m glad you all heard that, I suppose I should have told you all this after you found out my secret.”
They soon arrived at Sugarcube Corner and entered the building to see a gathering of ponies young and old while Dash was retelling her heroic rescue of the little filly that was trapped in a well. “And then, I zoomed into the well. I knew it would be dark and dangerous, but I didn’t let that stop me. Danger is my middle name, Rainbow Danger Dash.”
Spike was nearby wearing a hat and a trench coat writing down what Rainbow was saying on a notepad.
“Thinking back on it, I acted pretty awesomely heroic that day.” Dash finished her story.
“Awesomely heroic that day and awesomely arrogant ever since.” Applejack commented.
“Mmhmm.” Pinkie and Twilight said in agreement.
Rainbow suddenly appeared and grabbed Applejack with a foreleg. “Hey Applejack, how would you like to be immortalized as my friend?”
“Immorta-what now?” Applejack asked. She didn’t get a response, but instead, cameras flashing in her face as pictures of her and Dash were taken.
Twilight finally noticed Spike writing on a notepad. “Are you taking notes?” She asked him.
Spike gave a smile as he responded. “Yep, I’ve been hoof picked by Rainbow Dash to write her autobiography.”
“Um, isn’t an autobiography supposed to be written by the pony they are about?” Twilight questioned.
Rainbow finally released Applejack and she walked away with a disgusted look. Rainbow failed to notice as she heard Twilight’s comment. “Maybe for your run of the mill ordinary pony, but I’m far to busy saving lives to stop and write. That’s why I hired Spike as my ghost writer.”
Pinkie suddenly shrieked out. “AAAHHHH! Spikes a ghost!” She then ran out.
Rainbow continued regardless. “Anyway, Spike here writes down everything I say, don’t you Spike?”
“Don’t you Spike…got it.” Spike said after repeating what Dash said.
Dash made her way to the center of the room. “This way, I can stay focused on my acts of bravery that nopony else has the guts to perform.” One by one, ponies stood next to her to have their picture taken with her. “Yeah, it takes guts, but it also takes brains, and sometimes a nap and a big lunch.” The girls and Nova wore unamused looks as Dash went on. “Being a hero isn’t for everypony, but I’m up to the challenge.”
Nova couldn’t take anymore. “Rainbow Dash, don’t you think your letting yourself get carried away with this? You’re letting yourself get an even bigger ego than usual.”
Rainbow waved a dismissive hoof. “Pfft, ego shmego, I can’t help it if I’m awesome.”
Nova grunted in annoyance. “There is no getting through to you is there?”
After a while, things settled down and Sugarcube corner was clear of all the ponies except for Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Nova, and Pinkie soon came back. “Is Spike gone?” She asked.
Nova looked to Pinkie. “Pinkie Pie, Spike isn’t a ghost. Ghostwriter is just an expression, that doesn’t mean he’s an actual ghost.” He explained.
“Oh good.” Pinkie expressed with a smile.
“Can you believe Rainbow Dash, she has really let that ego of hers get out of control.” Rarity pointed out.
“Tell me about it, I just can’t stand her like this.” Applejack said.
“What if she lets this ego of hers keep her from getting to a pony that needs help in time?” Fluttershy pointed out.
“That’st a good point Fluttershy, we need to do something about this, but what?” Twilight asked. The girls thought for a moment.
“I know, what if we make a superhero of our own. One that will be there to help everypony in case Dash doesn’t.” Pinkie said.
“That’s not a bad idea Pinkie Pie.” Nova said. “It might even help Rainbow deflate that ego of hers a bit. Question is, who will be the hero?” As Nova thought, he failed to notice five pairs of eyes on him. He soon looked up and noticed the girls looking at him with a smirk on each one. “Uh, why are you all looking at me like that?” He asked feeling a little nervous.
“Nova, we all saw how ready you were to help whenever trouble showed up.” Twilight pointed out.
“Indeed, you were ready to spring into action to save those ponies when they needed help, I’ve no doubt you would have too had Rainbow Dash not come in when she did.” Rarity pointed out.
“It was nice you were ready to help out.” Fluttershy said.
“I think you’d be the perfect hero fer this.” Applejack commented.
“Totally, Nova would make a great super hero.” Pinkie said with a hop.
“Whoa whoa whoa, hold on there, girls.” Nova tried to object. “Me? A hero? I don’t know. Sure I was willing to help, but…wouldn’t this just complicate things further for me in trying to keep my secret? If I get all this attention for being a hero, something could happen that would reveal the fact I’m not exactly from around here.”
“Which is why you’ll be wearing a disguise.” Rarity said. “I could design you a wonderful superhero outfit to hide your face so no pony will know who you are.”
“I…I don’t know about this.” Nova said.
“Oh come on Nova, this is the perfect idea.” Twilight said with a smile. “I just know you can do it, please.” She begged, giving him sad eyes.
Nova was powerless before Twilight’s pleading eyes. He gave a defeated sigh. “*Sigh* All right, you win, I’ll be this superhero.” The girls cheered.
The next day, Rainbow Dash was out near the edge of town signing autographs for her adoring fans. One little filly waked up to her. “When I grow up, I want to be just like you Rainbow Dash.”
“Aim high kid, but don’t aim for the impossible.” Rainbow said to the filly.
Suddenly, a scream rang out through the town. The ponies all looked to the sky and saw a hot air balloon plummeting to the ground with a pony in it, screaming for dear life.
“Uh, don’t you think you should go and help?” Snips asked.
Rainbow was still busy signing an autograph. “Yeah yeah, I got a good ten seconds to spare.” She said through the pencil in her mouth. She then spat it out and flew lazily to the balloonist in peril.
But then, out of nowhere, a pony emerged on a rooftop. From the build, it was a stallion, but he was wearing a peculiar outfit with a mask that hid his facial featurs with just a hole for his muzzle and a pair of goggles that covered his eyes. His outfit was white with yellow zig zag lines at the center of his legs that turned grey beneath them, another yellow zig zag line around his waist and a brown belt with a star on a gold belt buckle, all accompanied by a yellow cape. He quickly jumped from roof to roof and finally leapt into the air. He jumped to the balloon and grabbed the frightened mare out of the balloon and landed safely on the ground.
Dash was left to crash into the falling air balloon as it hit a tree and crashed to the ground.
The ponies all cheered for this mysterious new hero. He didn’t stick around for long though as he galloped off and stopped at a nearby hill to look over the ponies, he gave a salute and disappeared.
“Holy turnips, that pony came out of nowhere.” One mare said.
“I’ve never seen such bravery in all my life.” Another mare said.
The mayor took center stage and began a speech. “That’s right, Ponyville has a new hero. A mysterious masked stallion that had done well for our fair town. I hereby dubbed this new hero, the Mysterious Masked Marvel.” The crowd cheered in approval.
“The Mysterious Masked Marvel huh?” Rainbow asked angrily. “Well that Masked Marvel would be smart to stay out of my way. Ponyville only has room for one hero, and that hero is me!” She tried to walk away but tripped on a rope that was wrapped around her foreleg.
The Mysterious Masked Marvel silently and secretly made his way back into Ponyville and to Rarity’s shop where the other girls were waiting. “So how’d it go?” Twilight asked.
The Masked marvel removed his goggles and mask to reveal his face. “It actually went pretty good. I managed to save a pony just in time that was falling in a hot air balloon. If I hadn’t stepped in when I did, Dash might not have gotten to her in time.”
“Wonderful darling. And no pony knows who you are?” Rarity asked.
“Nope, the mayor went and gave me a superhero name.” Nova said.
“Really? What is it, what is it?” Pinkie asked excitedly.
“She dubbed me, the Mysterious Masked Marvel.” Nova said as he took a proud pose.
“Oooh, nice.” Pinkie said.
“Heh, just wait till Starburst hears about this, he is so going to flip.” Nova said with a smile.
“Whoa whoa whoa, hold yer horses there partner.” Applejack said. “You can’t tell yer brother about this.”
“What? Why not?” Nova asked with concern.
The girls looked at him sympathetically. “You see Nova, we have to make this believable. Everypony has to think you’re a superhero and can’t know who you are or that will end up defeating the whole purpose behind this.” Twilight informed. She looked rather downcast as she said it.
Nova’s ears drooped. “Oh, right. I see what you mean. It’s just…I don’t like keeping secrets from my little brother.”
“But darling, knowing Starburst, he could end up spilling the beans about this.” Rarity said.
“Beans? Where? I like beans. Are they baked? Barbecued? Boiled?” Pinkie rambled on before Applejack put a hoof to her mouth.
Nova gave a sigh. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Okay then, I won’t tell him.”
Twilight walked up to him and nuzzled him in an attempt to comfort him. “Sorry Nova.”
Nova nuzzled back with a light smile. “It’s fine Twilight, really.”
The next day, Nova was wandering around on his own to keep an eye out for anything the Mysterious Masked Marvel may be needed for. Starburst had gone off again to spend time with his friends so Nova didn’t have to worry about needing to send him off quickly in case he needed to dawn his super hero disguise. He had his white saddlebags on with his costume inside.
As he was walking, a scream rang out. He saw a multi seated carriage with a group of tourist ponies rolling out of control. He ducked into an ally out of sight and used his magic to zap on his disguise. He galloped out and ran as fast as he could. He saw Dash trying to stop the carriage but failed. He used his magic to teleport to a spot the carriage was about to pass. No pony saw him teleport. He put himself in front of the carriage and held his back legs out. His forelegs dug into the dirt and the carriage started to slow down. Eventually, it stopped just short of the cliff. Once the Mysterious Masked Marvel made sure the ponies were safe, he heard cheers and quickly made an exit.
He found a secluded spot and used his magic to remove his disguise and put it back in his saddlebags. “Nova, there you are!” A familiar young voice called out.
Nova quickly turned around and saw Starburst there looking at him. “Starburst? Hey little bro, what’s up?” He asked nervously.
“By the stars you missed it. This pony wearing this stellar disguise just appeared out of nowhere and saved a bunch of ponies from crashing off a cliff. Great galaxies it was amazing.”
“I’ll bet it was Starburst.” Nova said after managing to calm himself as Starburst went on. “What are you doing here? I thought you were hanging out with your friends.”
“I was, we were on our way to the clubhouse and saw what just happened. After that, I just had to find you to tell you about it. You totally missed it big brother.”
“Well, it does sound stellar. Too bad I didn’t see it. Anyway, why don’t you go find your friends and stay with them a while.” Nova suggested.
“Okay, I’ll see you back at home this afternoon. Bye big brother!” Starburst waved a hoof and galloped off.
Nova gave a sigh of relief. “Nova.” Another voice called that made him jump. He quickly turned around again and saw Twilight there.
He hung his head and let out another sigh after seeing who it was. “Galaxies Twilight, you scared me.”
“Sorry.” Twilight said as she walked up to him. “I saw what you did, that was a great save back there.”
“Thanks, though I had a run in with Starburst after.”
Twilight looked a little worried. “He didn’t see you take off your disguise did he?”
“No, but he was impressed by the Mysterious Masked Marvel.” Nova said with a smirk as he raised his left foreleg.
Twilight gave a smile with half lidded eyes. “Hm hm, he’s not the only one that was impressed.” She sidled up to him and gave him a kiss on the lips.
Nova closed his eyes and kissed back. “If this is my reward for saving lives, I can definitely get used to this.”
Twilight gave a chuckle at Nova’s words.
“Guess I should continue my patrol of town to make sure everypony stays safe.” Nova said.
“Sure thing, mind if I join you?” Twilight asked.
“My dear, I would be delighted.” Nova said with a bow.
The two walked along side by side while keeping an ear out for trouble. Their walk took them near a construction site where ponies were working on building a new structure. Nova noticed one of the cranes on the site was acting funny and started swinging out of control. It banged into the metal frame of the building and everything started falling. “Uh oh, looks like it’s time for me to play the hero again.” Nova said.
Twilight gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Good luck Nova, and be careful.”
Nova gave a smile and nod. They were alone so Nova zapped his costume on, his saddle bags on the ground next to Twilight, and teleported on the top of another crane to get a quick survey of the area and see how many needed saving. He saw Dash nearby and began to try and weave through the falling debris. The Mysterious Masked Marvel wasted no time. He jumped down and began to initiate his rescue. He used his magic to enhance his sense a bit so he could better react and avoid any falling debris. He first picked up a mare on the site and got her on his back. He galloped through the site and dropped her off at the edge where it was safe. He went back and saved another, then another.
The Mysterious Masked Marvel rescued four ponies just in time as the structure finally collapsed. “Well Mr. Mysterious Masked Marvel.” Dash said as she walked up to him. “Or should I say Mysterious Masked slowpoke. You’re going to have to pick up the pace if you want to keep up with me.”
“Actually, he saved all of us.” One of the stallions said. Rainbow’s face fell. The construction workers cheered as the Mysterious Masked Marvel made his exit.
Once the Masked Marvel made it to an alley where Twilight was waiting, he lifted his goggles up to look at Twilight. “Another successful rescue.” He stated. “So, do I get another reward?” He asked slyly.
Twilight smiled with a giggle. “Of course my hero.” She walked up to him and gave him his reward.
After, Nova recollected his saddlebag and zapped his costume off and into his bag. “I can’t wait for the next disaster so I can get another reward.” He said jokingly.
This elicited another giggle from Twilight. “Why wait?” She asked.
The pair continued on with their walk through town next to each other. Twilight was practically leaning on Nova as they did, and Nova couldn’t be happier.
They had come to the park where they sat on a bench next to each other to rest a bit. “This has been quit a day so far. I wonder what other dangers I’ll have to save the day from.” Nova wondered out loud.
“I hope one doesn’t come too soon. I am liking our time together today.” Twilight said. “Although, I have to admit, you do look rather handsome in your super hero costume.”
“Oh really?” Nova asked slyly. “Would you say that if you didn’t know it was me, you’d end up falling for a mysterious super hero you know nothing about?”
“I might.” Twilight answered simply. “There’s just something about a pony you know nothing about that’s so intriguing.” She said a bit dramatically.
“Well, perhaps the Mysterious Masked Marvel should just go away then. I’m not about to lose the mare of my dreams to some mysterious pony.” Nova said jokingly. The two then shared a good laugh at the conversation. A rumble was heard off in the distance. “What the cosmos is that?” Nova asked.
The two looked off to the distance and saw the dam getting ready to break. “Oh no, the dam is about to burst!” Twilight exclaimed.
Nova did a quick look around to make sure nopony was around. There wasn’t so he was free to quickly put on his disguise. “Don’t worry Twilight, I’ll stop it.” He galloped off towards the dam.
“Good luck Nova!” Twilight called.
He made it to the scene just in time to see a large amount of water surging forth. He also spotted Dash struggling in the water trying to stay afloat. “Dash, oh no.” He panicked in his head. The Masked Marvel quickly looked around for something to save her. He spotted a dead tree lying down. The Masked Marvel managed to move the tree so Dash would float to it. She grabbed on and the Masked Marvel pulled her out.
“You!?” Rainbow asked in surprise. “I suppose you want me to thank….” Dash trailed off as the Masked Marvel lit up his horn.
He managed to levitate some rocks and other things to begin reconstructing the dam. The dam was soon restored and the water died down before it could reach Ponyville. Ponies nearby cheered and a few mare’s swooned at his presence. Once he got Dash safely on land, he galloped off and out of sight. “Hold on, why not at least give them a bit of a show.” Nova thought to himself. He zapped in his wings through his costume and flew overhead. He had zipped past Dash and left her spinning in midair. Finally, he headed back for town and to Twilight where she was waiting with a smile.
“Way to go hero.” Twilight said.
The Masked Marvel took a quick look around to see nopony was around. He zapped away his costume back into his saddle bags. “That was a bit more exciting. I ended up having to rescue Rainbow Dash.”
“Really?” Twilight asked. “Is she okay?”
“She’s fine, I pulled her out of the water. Bet that was a blow to her ego.” Nova said.
“I hope so.” Twilight responded. “Come on, were supposed to meet up with everypony at Sugarcube Corner.”
“Right behind you.” Nova stated as he took Twilight’s side.
They soon reached Sugarcube Corner where the others, minus Rainbow Dash, were waiting. “There you are. Nova, my dear, I must say you have been doing a smashing job as the hero of Ponyville.” Rarity greeted. Nova and Twilight joined Fluttershy at a table.
“I’ll say, we all saw all the heroics you been doin today.” Applejack pointed out.
“The town is all abuzz about the Mysterious Masked Marvel.” Pinkie said.
Nova gave a smile. “Thanks girls, but I’m just happy to help.”
Rainbow Dash soon entered looking upset with Spike behind her. She soon laid down on a step without a word. The girls and Nova all exchanged looks with a wink. “Gotta hand it to the stallion.” Applejack started as she grabbed a few treats for herself. “That pony can pull off some pretty heroic feats.”
“I must say, I was pretty impressed with that spell he used to fix the dam.” Twilight added. “Seems like something like that would take quite a bit of power.” Rainbow was heard groaning in frustration.
“He really cares about everypony’s safety.” Fluttershy said.
Rarity walked over to join the three with a cup of tea. “And have you seen his costume, it is to die for. I must say, he looks so handsome. If you ask me, he’s a hero in fashion.”
Nova then stepped in. “He doesn’t even bother to stick around and listen to the praises for his acts. He just does what needs to be done and moves on.”
“And he’s modest and humble. He lets his actions speak fer themselves.” Applejack said. “You got to admire that.”
Rainbow finally exploded. “I don’t have to admire that! I don’t think he’s all that great!”
“He’s great.” Spike said as he wrote it down.
Rainbow quickly went over to Spike and pressed her nose to his. “I didn’t say that.”
Twilight smirked. “Sounds like somepony’s jealous.”
“Who, me?” Dash asked.
Spike repeated and wrote down. “Rainbow Dash is jealous.”
Rainbow quickly glared at Spike. “Don’t write that , Spike.”
The others erupted into laughter.
“Correction, Rainbow Dash is very jealous.” Spike said as he wrote down the words.
“Fine! Laugh all you want, but I’ll prove once and for all that I’m just as good…no, that I’m a better hero than the Masked Marvel.” Dash said angrily as she hovered over everypony. She then flew out of the shop.
Rarity shrugged it off while Fluttershy, Applejack, and Twilight gave confused looks.
“I hope she isn’t going to do anything drastic.” Nova said.
Pinkie Pie hopped up and down as she suddenly remembered something. “Oh my gosh, I forgot to tell you all. I heard the mayor is putting together a celebration to thank the Mysterious Masked Marvel for all his heroics. It’s happening in a few hours later this afternoon.”
“Wow, really?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yep, isn’t it great?” Pinkie said.
“Heh heh, well I’ll be, guess we shouldn’t be too surprised.” Applejack said with a chuckle.
“Wow, what an honor. Congratulations Nova.” Twilight expressed.
“Yeah, great.” Nova said, less enthusiastic about it.
“Is something wrong?” Rarity asked.
Nova looked to the door Rainbow left. “I’m worried about Rainbow Dash, I don’t think this lesson we’re trying to teach her is getting through.”
“Aw don’t worry sugar cube. It’ll get to her at some point.” Applejack said.
Nova looked back to her. “Still, I think I should try to talk to her. Maybe see if I can help this along or something.”
Twilight nuzzled Nova. “You really are a caring friend.”
Nova nuzzled back. “Of course, what kind of friend would I be if I wasn’t?” The other’s watched with smiles on their faces.
“Just make sure to show up at the celebration as the Mysterious Masked Marvel on time.” Fluttershy said.
“We’ll all be in the crowd cheering for you.” Pinkie said.
Nova gave a smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll be there.” He galloped out of the sweets shop and zapped up his wings in order to try and find Dash faster. He still had his saddle bags with his super hero costume just in case. He flew through Ponyville and soon spotted his target. Nova cocked an eyebrow as he sad Rainbow trying to push Granny Smith across the road. “What in the name of the galaxies is she doing?”
“Don’t worry, you’re in extremely capable hooves.” Dash grunted out. Nova perched on the roof of a house and watched. Granny planted her flank on the ground as Dash continued to try and push her across the street. “Here we are, safe and sound. A heroic citizen deserves a little recognition, don’t you think!” Rainbow emphasized the last words.
Granny slapped Dash with her purse. “I didn’t want to cross the street in the first place!” She said angrily as she made her way back to the other side.
Nova was about to go down and talk to her when he heard the sounds of struggling. He looked around and saw a unicorn mare and a young filly on a picnic blanket. The mare was trying to use her magic to open a jar of peanut butter. Dash quickly flew over to take control of the situation. “You’d better let me handle this mam. For your own safety, I must ask you to stand back.”
Nova couldn’t help but facehoof. “Oh brother.”
Dash took hold of the jar and bit down on the lid to try and pry it open. After a couple seconds of trying and failing, she saw the mare giving her an unamused look. The mare took the jar in her magic aura and pulled it out of Dash’s mouth. She moved the jar over to the fountain and tapped the lid on it a couple times. She then moved it back over to Dash who popped it open. “Ta da!” Dash cheered.
“Uh, thanks.” The mare said as she began spreading the peanut butter on the slices of bread she and her daughter had.
At this point, Nova had flown down off the roof and dismissed his wings. He drew closer as Dash continued. “How would you describe what I just did? Would you say amazing?”
The mare gave Dash a quizzical look. “Aren’t you milking this just a bit?”
“Please just answer the question.” Dash said seriously. “Was I, or was I not amazing?”
“Oh you were amazing all right, an amazingly…”
“Oh look!” Dash declared, cutting the mare off from her words. Rainbow Dash flew over to a lawn mower and started running it across the grass of the area. Once rainbow finished mowing the grass, she took a proud pose as she hovered in the air. “Another harrowing feat, I have just saved this grass.”
A stallion approached her along with a few other ponies. “From what?” The stallion asked.
“From weeds, weeds that were trying to eat this grass.” Rainbow explained. The ponies dispersed, leaving Dash looking sad.
Nova finally approached her and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Rainbow, are you okay?” He asked with concern.
“No, I’m not okay, everypony loves that new hero that showed up and is completely ignoring me.” Rainbow said.
“Dash, don’t you think that maybe your trying to be a hero for the wrong reasons?” Nova asked.
Rainbow Dash looked at Nova curiously. “What do you mean?”
“Rainbow Dash, being a hero isn’t about the admiration or the attention. It’s about doing the right thing, it’s about helping those in need when they need it.” Nova said.
Rainbow Dash didn’t say anything as she turned her head away.
“Just think about what I said, okay?” Nova said. He turned and started walking away. It was getting close to time for that celebration for Ponyvilles newest hero. He soon reached where the celebration was and met up with the girls at the back of the crowd.
“Nova, there you are, you better get ready. The mayor is about to announce the Mysterious Masked Marvel.” Twilight said.
“Right, see you girls in a bit.” Nova said. He galloped around the crowd to a secluded spot out of the way. Before changing into his super hero persona, he looked around and saw ponies wearing yellow capes similar to his and goggles as well as shirts with his face on them and flags waving about. He couldn’t help but smile a little at it. He went to a secluded area out of sight and put on his costume.
The stage was set up with a big banner with the face of the Mysterious Masked Marvel on it. The Mayor took center stage to begin a speech. “Welcome to Ponyvilles first, but surly not last, thank you parade in honor of our city’s greatest hero, the Mysterious Masked Marvel!”
With that, the Masked Marvel burst through the banner and stood proudly on the stage. The crowd cheered up a storm. The girls in the back stomped their hooves furiously for the hero. The Masked Marvel let a smile spread across his muzzle. The celebration was soon cut short when Dash appeared and flew up in front of the hero everypony loved. “The Mysterious Masked Marvel huh?” Dash asked. This caused the crowd to gasp. “So what are you hiding?”
“Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?” Nova asked himself.
“Let’s see how mysterious you really are without that mask.” Dash went to try and snatch his mask off, but he pulled back in time and quickly ran off with Dash on his tail.
He ran away from the crowd and into town to try and lose Dash in the alleyways. Nova ran left around a corner only to find a dead end. He quickly turned around and ran back the other way. He came to an intersection and turned right. He galloped on and made a quick left down another ally. In hopes of confusing Dash, he teleported himself back to where he turned and ran straight in the opposite direction he went before. Then teleported again to the very end of the alley he was at and galloped on.
Nova teleported back again and flew past the entrance of the alley. He teleported again back to the end of the alley and saw Dash looking for him. He gave a whistle to get her attention and galloped on. “Might as well have a bit of fun while I’m at it.” Nova thought to himself. He figured this might help to confuse her more and make it easier to lose her.
Nova came to a dead end and teleported up to the top of the wall. He jumped down and went down a stone staircase. Rainbow Dash was getting close to catching him. Nova used his magic to throw his voice and gave a whistle behind Dash. It was enough for her to stop so he could find a way to turn left and disappear from sight. Nova stopped for a moment to catch his breath. He was exhausted with all the running and using his magic like he had. “Geeze,…..she just…won’t quit…..” Nova panted out. He looked around outside the alley he hid in and saw no sign of Dash. “Where’d she go?” He asked himself quietly.
Nova started walking around slowly as he kept an eye out for any sign of Rainbow Dash. Before he knew it, he was suddenly tackled to the ground and was being held down by an angry sky blue Pegasus. “I got ya now!” She declared. “All right Mr. Mysterious. Mystery…” She grabbed his mask with her teeth and pulled it off. “Solved….WHA!”
“Hey Rainbow Dash, looks like you finally caught me.” Nova said with a smile.
Rainbow stuttered. “Nova, but…but…HUH?” Rainbow Dash was left speechless.
“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight’s voice called out.
Nova looked past Dash from his position and saw the girls and Spike running up to them.
“Rainbow Dash, get off him.” Applejack said.
Rainbow slowly complied. “Were you all in on this?” She asked.
Nova stood up. “We were. We all came up with this idea and Rarity made the costume. I just did the heroics to save the ponies.”
“I don’t understand, why?” Rainbow asked. She looked to Nova. “Don’t you want me to be a hero?”
“Of course we want you to be a hero.” Twilight answered.
“But a real hero doesn’t brag.” Applejack pointed out with a wink.
Rainbow Dash gave a sheepish smile. “Uh, I guess I did start to brag a little.”
“A little!” Everypony cried out.
“Okay a lot.” Dash corrected.
Nova came up to her and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Rainbow, there’s nothing wrong with being a hero, but it’s like I tried to tell you earlier, being a hero is about doing what’s right and what needs to be done. It’s about helping those in need, not the fame or the hero worshiping.”
Twilight then walked up to her. “Celebrating your accomplishments is wonderful, but…” She trailed off.
Applejack picked up. “Rubbing them in everypony’s face is not.”
Pinkie Pie joined in. “Yeah, the only thing that should be rubbed in any pony’s face is chocolate cake.” She started to slobber at the thought.
Nova spoke to get everypony back on track. “Anyway, do you get it now Dash, what we are trying to tell you?”
“What we’re trying to say is that it’s great to be good at something, but it’s important to act with grace and humility.” Twilight informed.
Rainbow Dash thought a moment. “oooh, that makes loads more sense.” She flew up and hovered overhead. “Yeah, you’re right. And I guess I should also act with grace and humility when others outshine me….like…the masked marvel.” She motioned to Nova.
Twilight gave a wink. “Sounds like you got a letter to write to princess Celestia.”
“Already got it covered.” Spike spoke up. “As your ghost writer, I’ve already penned a letter to the princess.”
Rainbow gave a smile. “That’s nice of you Spike, but I really want to write this letter myself.”
Spike nearly whined out. “Awe come on, I wrote the whole thing already.”
Rainbow Dash landed in front of him. “All right, let’s hear it.”
Spike smiled and began to read it. “Dear princess Celestia…”
Dash suddenly interrupted. “Look out, it’s a real ghost!”
Both Spike and Pinkie Pie started to freak out and ran off. Everypony laughed at the scene. Twilight soon levitated a parchment and quill over to Dash to write her letter.
Later that evening, the sun had just set, Spike was already asleep in his bed and Twilight was at her desk in her room going over a book. She heard a knock at the door to her balcony and looked over. She could make out the silhouette of a pony standing there on her balcony. She walked over and used her magic to open it. Once she did, she got a clear look at the pony before her. “Nova? What are you doing? And why are you in that costume?”
“I’m afraid you have me mistaken with another pony mam.” The Mysterious Masked Marvel said in a deep voice. “I am the Mysterious Masked Marvel.”
Twilight smirked and started to play along. “Oh, apologies sir, what are you doing here?”
“I’m just making sure everypony remembers to lock their windows at night so no burglars can get in.” The masked hero stated.
“I see. That is very kind of you oh hero of Ponyville.” Twilight said.
“Tell me miss, is there anything else you may need help with?” The Masked Marvel asked.
“I’m just ever so lonely tonight, and I’m afraid some stranger may burst into my home. Would you mind keeping me company for a while?” Twilight asked a bit overdramatically.
“I’d be happy to.” The hero walked further into the room. From there, ‘Nova’ and Twilight simply sat together to enjoy each other’s company and had a good laugh at the little role play they did.