It's been a little over a week since the heroes had asked their loved ones to marry them. There were many who were happy for the Heroes and The Elements all over Equestria. To see the rest of the Elements find love with friends of Spider-Mane was truly incredible. One pony, however, had some uncertainties about this.
Princess Celestia was standing at the Balcony of her castle, over looking the lands of Equestria as far as she could see. Deep down she is very worried about the future of her world, not knowing what could happen.
Due to Twilight destroying the portals, the heroes are stuck with no way home for the time being. While it's something they didn't mind, in fact they seemed to be much happier about staying than leaving, there are still several consequences to her actions.
Due to them staying, there is the chance of an imbalance between the multiverse, especially Equestria and the Marvel world. Peter being in Equestria didn't cause many problems since the spell that brought him over was a very specific spell that allowed him to be bound to this world with no consequences. Of course that meant he could never go home, but due to the happiness he found in Equestria, that was no trouble for him.
Later on both Peter's Aunt May and Black Cat were also brought to Equestria, though the two of them didn't cause too much trouble, especially with the magic used in the portal they took. Now they're just as a part of Equestria as Peter and the Elements.
Now with these other heroes, there can be much more of an imbalance. They came over due to a weakness between the dimensions, so portals created through both science and magic were possible so they could access Equestria, though even that was a temporary thing.
Celestia did her best to make sure other worlds couldn't affect Equestria, trying her hardest to shield the worlds away. She even hoped the accelerated time could help out as well, though somehow it's been negated recently, through means she has yet to figure out.
She doesn't mind the heroes, she actually likes them, they seem nice. But she also knows that them being here could cause more harm than good, but she can only hope Twilight can figure out a way to make this work.
As she stood there, she heard another pony call out to her, "Sister?"
Celestia turned around to see Princess Luna making her way over. "Oh, Luna. What brings you here? I thought you'd be resting."
"I've gotten my rest, though am a bit concerned for you. It seems lately you've been unsure of things, you lack your usual confidence and faith that I and many others have grown used to," Luna said.
Celestia turned back to look across the balcony, "I feel some concern regarding the other heroes that have come to live in our world."
"Is this about the Balance you mentioned?" Luna asked. "How can them living in this world affect it's balance though? You never fully explained that."
"They were never really meant to exist here. Peter exists due to a spell that was specific to him. May Parker and Felicia Hardy's existence was made due to a special magic from the portals they've taken, making them less of a problem. These heroes came through portals made from their own resources, the balance of this world's Harmony can be greatly affected, especially if they themselves are incapable of such Harmony," Celestia said.
"I doubt such few heroes coming to live here will cause that much of an imbalance, besides Twilight Sparkle has this under control does she not?" Luna asked.
Celestia shook her head, "I still feel like she made a mistake. When they first started coming to this world, something already felt off. The portals were never meant to exist and some things were starting to go out of line. Had they returned through their own portals then everything would have gone back to normal, but because they stayed, the harmony can very well be negatively affected."
"I think you're just worrying too much, I think this could be something great. Peter finally has other heroes to help him. These are heroes that have known him for years, I think they can work well together," Luna said.
Celestia turned to face Luna, "What's your opinion of them? Do you believe they can preserve the magical harmony of this world?"
"My opinion of them?" Luna asked. "Quite honestly, other than Logan, I don't know them well enough. Though I will admit I'm not too fond of Johnny Storm's brash attitude, I do see that he and the others seem to care for Peter and they also care much for Twilight, especially considering what she's done for them. But they have that potential to follow the Harmony of this world, I'm sure they will if it means they can live peacefully here."
"I hope you're right, and I really hope I am worrying over nothing," Celestia said, turning aside. "If they can't follow Harmony, and if their existence does cause an imbalance in the worlds, I may have no choice but to somehow send them away, difficult as that may be."
Luna's eyes widened, "Sister, would you really separate Twilight's friends from their loved ones? Over the sake of 'balance'? How much of an imbalance can such few ponies cause?"
"We don't know that, but I can't take a chance Luna, I do have a duty to protect Equestria," Celestia said.
Luna looked curiously at Celestia, "I've been meaning to tell you sister, but I get the feeling something's changed about you during the thousand years I was away."
"Huh?" Celestia said. "Nothing's changed, I've always been concerned for Equestia. You've seen the dangers we've had to face, have you not?"
"Yes, but you were always much calmer, has me not being here really affected you that much?" Luna asked.
Celestia turned away, "I don't have any more to say right now. I will give Peter's allies a chance, they do deserve that much."
Luna sighed quite loudly, "If you say so."
As Luna walked away, Celestia again began to wonder to herself. "Am I worrying over nothing? I just can't shake this feeling of unease though. These heroes are not meant to be here, but I still would hate to send them away, I just can't do that to the Elements, especially not now." Celestia sighed a bit angrily. "Twilight Sparkle, why did you allow your emotions to cloud your judgement? In doing so you could have raised false hope."
Luna trotted through the halls of the castle, thinking over the things that her sister had said. She's worried that Celestia might be worrying over nothing about the imbalance. Equestrian magic is very delicate, but she sees no reason such heroes can't be trusted with them. At the very least Peter should have it under control.
Luna has questioned Celestia a bit lately, one thing that's been of annoyance is Celestia's insistence that Luna stay at the castle more often. While there is worry about the Nightmare inside of Luna, she doesn't care to be stuck in the castle all that much just because some ponies might not like the Nightmare.
As she walked, she passed by Sunset Shimmer, who was looking over a list, quite intently.
"Hello there Sunset Shimmer," Luna said, getting the mare's attention.
"Oh, Princess Luna, mind if I ask you a quick question?" Sunset asked.
Luna looked curious, "Who me? Um sure I guess, what's on your mind?"
"Me and Twilight were talking a while ago, she's still trying to figure out how to keep the heroes in Equestria without disrupting the balance and all that, but she suggested another idea that I found pretty interesting," Sunset said.
"What idea might that be?" Luna asked.
"She wants to make a portal that will connect both this world and the Marvel world, she figured this would be easier so now the heroes from the other world can travel here as well, and the other heroes don't have to be separated forever," Sunset said.
Luna looked surprised upon hearing this, "If she makes a portal back to that world, when what was the point of destroying the portal in the first place?"
"This portal would be permanent, unlike the last one. She only destroyed that one to make sure the heroes stayed. If she can make another one, this time one that will stay open, then things might work out better," Sunset said.
Luna still looked a bit confused, "I don't really get that reasoning."
"I'm not too sure what she's getting at myself, you would have to go ask her, but this is just an idea she talked about with me," Sunset said.
"Do you agree with this idea?" Luna asked.
Sunset looked aside a bit, "Um, in a way. Twilight is mostly interested in reconnecting with the Marvel world, my interests are reconnecting with the Capcom world."
"The Capcom world?" Luna asked. "Getting my sister to agree to the Marvel world would be one thing, but don't get your hopes up for the Capcom world, even I don't think that would be a good idea."
"It can't be that bad, besides I kinda wanna see my friends from there again," Sunset said.
"I can't promise that would happen, either portal to either world. We'll all speak with Twilight about this, but I do advise that both of you forget about this idea of creating these portals. Celestia barely likes what Twilight did before, I don't think she'll like this idea any better," Luna said.
Sunset sighed, "Figured as much, I'll go talk to her soon myself."
As Sunset left, Luna herself started to wonder. "Reconnecting with Peter's world? Twilight Sparkle, you continue to amaze me."
Back in Ponyville, Twilight is looking over some notes she's made lately regarding ways to connect Equestria with the Marvel world. It's proving to be a little more difficult than finding the right spell to bound the other heroes to Equestria, she doesn't even know if one exists.
"I gotta figure something out, I took a huge chance destroying that original portal, if I can't find a reasonable solution, who knows how mad Celestia might be," Twilight said.
Twilight continued looking over her notes, examining each detail carefully. This magic had to be done well, otherwise it could cause some damage to both worlds.
"I gotta get together later with Sunset Shimmer, I can't do this alone," Twilight said.
"Can't do what alone?" she heard, surprising her a bit. She turned around and saw her roommate and close friend, Trixie Lulamoon.
"Trixie, please don't startle me like that," Twilight said, a little annoyed.
"Sorry about that, I came here because Peter wanted me to check on you, he said you've been really busy lately," Trixie said.
"That's really sweet of him, but I'm fine. I'm just trying to figure some things out," Twilight said.
"Does it have to do with keeping the other heroes here?" Trixie asked.
"Of course, my goal is to eventually create a permanent portal between our worlds," Twilight said.
"A permanent portal huh?" Trixie said, not too amazed. "So you destroy one portal just to make another?"
"That portal was gonna close anyway, I just destroyed it so the heroes didn't leave," Twilight said.
"Now you wanna open another though? How will that help?" Trixie asked.
"This one is permanent, hence why it's a Permanent Portal," Twilight emphasized. "It won't close so the heroes can come and go as they please."
"If you thought you could make a portal, then why destroy that other one?" Trixie asked.
"When I destroyed that portal, my only goal at the time was just to prevent the heroes from leaving, that's all," Twilight explained. "It's just that overtime as I tried thinking of a way to keep them here, then I wondered why should they only be in this world? Why can't they be with their friends in the Marvel world? Why did the portal have to temporary? Eventually I realized that it didn't need to be temporary, I could make another portal that won't ever close!"
"Alright, and how confident are you that this is even gonna work?" Trixie asked.
Twilight suddenly looked unsure, "Um, I'll admit, not too confident, but it's worth a try at least. Even if I can't find anything, at least I made sure that Logan and the others are going to remain in this world."
"Twilight, you usually plan things out better than this. Right now it just seems like you're making plans as you go, that's something I expect from Peter, not you," Trixie said.
"Hey I didn't realize they actually HAD to go back, I thought it was optional for them," Twilight said. "I did what I needed to do for my friends, and I'll figure something out. Besides this idea of opening portals is something Sunset Shimmer wants as well."
"Sunset Shimmer? Wait she came up with the idea?" Trixie asked.
"Not exactly, I thought about it for a bit, I asked Sunset Shimmer about it since she's interested in other words and she encouraged me to continue that idea. Otherwise I probably would have just stuck with keeping our hero friends here, but she managed to convince me," Twilight said.
"Isn't this whole portal thing one of the reasons she and Princess Celestia didn't get along so well?" Trixie asked.
Twilight was about to argue that statement, though she had a hard time coming up with a good response. "Um, well it worked out in the end didn't it?"
Trixie shook her head a bit, then remembered something. "Does Peter know about this? Did he encourage this idea as well?"
Twilight looked aside a bit, "Um, well he knows but..."
"He said it was a bad idea right?" Trixie asked.
"No, not exactly, he just doesn't think it's a good idea," Twilight said.
Trixie gave a blank stare at Twilight, "That's pretty much the same thing."
Twilight tried to think of a response quickly, "No, he just doesn't encourage the idea, but he didn't say not to do it."
"Twilight," Trixie said, looking straight into her eyes. "Please don't play around with this. What you did for Peter's friends from his world, it was really nice. They're so happy, and so are your friends. You were lucky that Celestia was ok with this, but if you keep pushing your luck, it's gonna lead to more problems. I'll leave this up to you, but I suggest that you just make sure Peter's friends could stay without it causing an imbalance, there's no real reason for our world to connect with Peter's."
Twilight looked down in sadness, she doesn't want to admit it, but Trixie has a point, as did Peter when she mentioned it to him. Still, she feels like she has to do something. "I just feel bad, I know they were prepared to leave their families and friends, but I still don't feel right closing them off for good."
"It's hard I'm sure, but like you said, they were ready to stay here permanently, and they have a chance to have families of their own. All of them are engaged to be married, that's their first step to their new life in this world," Trixie insisted.
"I guess, but what do I tell Sunset Shimmer? She was looking forward to opening the portal to Peter's world and the Capcom world," Twilight said.
"Capcom!?" Trixie asked. "Didn't that world cause trouble for our world and Peter's? Why bring any of them back? All they care about is showing off their skills and strength! It's like a Rainbow Dash type world! Do you want more of Rainbow Dash!?"
"They're not so bad, a few of them are nice, besides I think they can be our friends too," Twilight said.
Trixie shook her head in disagreement, "Please don't bring them back Twilight, it's not worth it."
With that, Trixie trotted off leaving Twilight to her own thoughts. She went back to the notes she was making, looking through everything she made regarding both keeping the heroes here and opening the portals.
"Even if this imbalance thing might be minimal, I still need to find a way. Unfortunately I don't think there's a spell to make just anypony bound to this world, there's nothing specific for them," Twilight said, still trying to figure this out. "This is terrible, if I can't find something, Celestia would be angry. And since the heroes being here weakened the dimensional rifts, even by a little bit, it would still be enough for Celestia to make a temporary portal and send the heroes out of this world. I really hope she doesn't consider the idea, but I have to keep trying for their sake."
Twilight continued to work hard on finding a way to keep the heroes here. Unfortunately she might have to go against the advice of both Peter and Trixie, and that would be to create a portal that will stay open between the two worlds.
The following day, Twilight and Peter traveled to Celestia's castle, both having been requested an appearance by Celestia herself.
On the train ride there, Twilight was busy wondering what Celestia could have wanted with her, while Peter looked to be nodding off.
"Why do we always have to leave early? I can never get used to that," Peter complained. After yawning a bit and trying his best to stay awake, he realized that Twilight had barely said anything. Usually she would scold him for saying something like that, but she didn't seem to do so. "Um, Twilight? Are you ok? Normally you'd get a little bit annoyed."
Twilight snapped out of it, "Huh? Oh sorry Peter, I was thinking about something else, um...what were you saying?"
Peter looked concerned, "Is something wrong?"
"No not really, I was just wondering what Celestia wanted, I hope she's not mad still about me destroying that portal," Twilight said.
"Celestia wouldn't be mad this long, you didn't do anything that bad. You had the best interests in mind, I'm sure she would understand," Peter said.
"I know, but still, she seemed really unhappy lately, and I feel like it's getting worse," Twilight said.
"You're worrying too much. Wow it's like Celestia's the only one these days that can still get you all worried. You've done way more good for this world for Celestia to be this mad over a little mistake she probably thinks you made. But Logan and the others are really happy, and that happiness will lead to Harmony and thus making this world's magic stronger...at least I think it does."
Twilight smiled a bit at her husband's kindness and leaned in to kiss his cheek. "You're the best Peter, I love you."
Peter blushed a little, "I'd do anything to see your cute smile, the only thing cuter than your angry face."
Twilight glared a little, "Peter..."
"There it is!" Peter said, then kissed her muzzle. "You're so adorable right now Twilight."
Twilight turned away with an angry blush, "Peter...come on now."
Peter nuzzled his face against hers, "You know you love me Twilight."
"And that's the only thing keeping me from blasting you into the sky," Twilight warned.
Peter didn't respond to that, he just pulled her in for a hug, giving Twilight some much needed relief and happiness. She hopes the feeling can last all the way to the castle.
A bit later the two finally arrived in Canterlot where Sunset Shimmer was waiting at the train station.
"Good, you're both here, a bit earlier than expected," Sunset said.
"See, we're too early," Peter complained.
"Be quiet," Twilight said to her husband, then focused her attention on Sunset. "I guess we are, that's no problem right?"
"I think I've known you long enough to expect you to be early, anyway let's get going, the Princesses are waiting," Sunset said.
The two followed Sunset through the castle, leading towards the room that both Celestia and Luna were waiting.
"Peter, Twilight, you both made it," Celestia said.
"Yes, we came as quickly as we could," Twilight said while bowing a bit.
Peter also bowed to the Princesses, though noticed that Luna looked off. "Hey Luna, you look kinda tired."
"I am just about ready for bed, but Celestia wanted to discuss something, and I myself was curious," Luna said.
"I take it this is about the heroes living in Equestria?" Twilight asked.
"Yes," Celestia confirmed. "It's been a little over a week, I need to know how far you've come in your progress."
Twilight felt a bit nervous, truthfully she hasn't been too successful in finding a proper spell, nothing even that close. "Um, I'm getting there Celestia, I'm just trying to figure certain things out."
"Twilight, need I remind you how big of a risk you took when you destroyed those portals and kept these heroes sealed in this world?" Celestia said.
"I know it was, but I'm doing everything I can to make this right," Twilight insisted.
"She really is trying Princess," Peter reassured. "She hasn't really gotten much sleep because of it, that and her trying to help our friends figure out the weddings."
"I'm sure Princess Cadance can assist you with that," Luna said. "Though when will they be married? Will they happen all at once or separately?"
"I'm not sure, that's up to them," Peter said.
"I've also been helping Twilight a bit with this problem," Sunset said.
"Yes, I'm confident me and Sunset Shimmer will come up with something, it might take a few months though, but even if it takes longer, it shouldn't be that bad, right?" Twilight asked.
Celestia looked even more displeased however, "I am not liking this Twilight Sparkle, making a rash decision that could endanger this world."
"With all due respect Celestia, what's the worst that can happen!?" Twilight nearly shouted.
"Twilight, lower your tone," Luna warned.
Twilight cringed a little and muttered out a soft, "I'm sorry."
Celestia furrowed her brow, "I'm trying to be lenient Twilight, I'm trying to let your figure this out, but if you can't, I might have to take action of my own."
Twilight's eyes widened in worry, "Please Celestia, I'm doing what I can!"
"Go easy on her Princess," Peter pleaded. "She's doing this for Friendship after all."
Celestia sighed. "I respect that, but that isn't enough. I'm sorry Twilight, but if you can't give me more solid reasoning-"
"I have an idea though!" Twilight interrupted, getting Celestia's attention.
"What idea?"
Twilight gulped, she knows Peter was against this idea, and Trixie also let her concerns be known. She also knew that this could work against her but she had no more choice. She just had to be confident that everything would work out.
"I can open a new portal, a more permanent one that will link our world with Peter's!" Twilight said.
Peter sighed heavily, as did Luna. Sunset also looked concerned, having herself been told by Luna that this could be a bad idea.
"So instead of a temporary portal that would eventually close but at least maintain some balance between the worlds, you want to make a new portal to link the worlds but risk more imbalance, is that what you're saying?" Celestia asked.
"There's a chance the portal could work without the imbalance!" Twilight said. "It would take a lot of magic but I think all of us could pull it off, especially if we had help from the Marvel world, be it Dr. Strange's magic or even Mr. Fantastic's science!"
Celestia's expression was still on the negative side, in fact she looks even more displeased. "That won't work Twilight, there's a reason our worlds are separated."
"It can work! I can still open another portal, it's gonna take a while but I'm sure I can make a portal that will stay open forever, as opposed to a portal that will only be temporary and available once every while!" Twilight insisted.
Celestia looked towards Sunset Shimmer, "Was this your idea?"
Sunset shook her head, "No, but I did encourage it. I hoped to also open a portal to the Capcom world as well."
"Capcom?" Peter asked. "What for?"
"To see my friends again," Sunset explained.
Celestia stomped her hoof, "This is getting a little extreme. But I will at least allow Twilight to make an attempt at connecting with Peter's world."
This surprised everypony in the room.
"Wait, really!? You'll allow it!?" Twilight asked.
"Yes, if you can show that this portal can stay open forever, without the imbalance, then I will allow it," Celestia said.
Twilight looked relieved, "Oh thank you Princess Celestia, I won't let you down!"
"However," Celestia continued, making Twilight feel worried. "If you can't keep it open permanently, or it starts to cause trouble...Then the heroes must go back, and this time I don't want you destroying the portal before they leave. Is that understood Twilight Sparkle?"
Twilight's happy expression turned into one of fear and worry. She knew this could happen, she merely hoped that the idea wouldn't come to Celestia. Now she only has one chance to make this work, otherwise the heroes are gonna be sent back. "But...they're all engaged to be married."
"I'm sorry, I don't want to do this if I don't have to, but I have a world to think about. I will give you the time you need, but that's all I will give you," Celestia warned.
Twilight nodded in sadness, "Yes, Princess Celestia."
"You and Peter may leave, I have other things to attend to," Celestia said, turning away. "Do not disappoint me Twilight Sparkle."
Twilight nodded, "I won't, I promise."
With that, Twilight started to leave. Peter also turned to leave, looking back to Celestia with some concern.
"I hope you bear no harsh feelings toward me Peter, I don't want to keep you from your allies, but I have a responsibility to this world, I'm sure you would understand," Celestia said.
Peter nodded, "Yeah, I guess I do."
Soon Peter left as well, with Celestia turning away, trying to hide her sadness. "I hope I wasn't too hard on Twilight, I don't want tp put her in this position, but I have little choice."
"Sister, even if the portal doesn't work, I do hope you at least reconsider sending the heroes back, this could have more impact than you expect," Luna said.
"Those heroes can't cause that much of an imbalance after all," Sunset insisted.
"Sunset, you should know more than anypony what something like this can cause, the last thing we need is another situation similar to what happened five years ago, considering it recently almost happened again," Celestia said.
"This time we could have easier access to The Avengers though, they'll be able to help," Sunset insisted.
Luna looked unsure, "The Avengers? I don't think we necessarily need them, we have Peter and his allies, plus The Elements of Harmony."
"Still, can't hurt can it?" Sunset asked.
Celestia looked ahead in the distance, "I hope Twilight does know what she's doing."
Not too far away, Discord was floating over the castle, with a grin on his face. "So Twilight Sparkle does indeed want the other heroes to come, and it looks like Sunset Shimmer wants to make another portal. Marvel and Capcom, more worlds to have fun with. This should be very interesting."
With that, he snapped his fingers, teleporting away for the time being.