Chapter Fifty-Four "Epilogue"
Fifteen Years Later…
While the land could not forget what happened to Celestia, its inhabitants reveled in an era of peace under the coexisting rule of Princesses Twilight Sparkle and Luna. While both alicorns followed their respective roles regarding the sun and moon respectively, they decided to split their watches to their homelands: Canterlot and Ponyville. Princess Luna remained in Canterlot as its active ruler under the protection of its guards and the thestrals that returned from the war. All charges against them had been pardoned on the grounds that they spent countless eons under mind control, and with Peter, along with Dream's assistance, they were able to regain their lost consciousness.
Meanwhile, Princess Twilight had grown into her new role with grace and quickness, both figuratively and literally. With her organization skills, she managed to balance the many responsibilities that came with being co-ruler of the land: raising the sun daily, politics, interacting with her peers humbly yet diligently, and her own personal life. To say Twilight was well-protected and informed would be an understatement. Her husband, Peter Parker, and a select number of individuals resided in the castle, under astute circumstances. Even a fair number of changelings and thestrals helped maintain the castle's image and acted as a line of defense for those living within.
Seeing as Canterlot was the central hub of the world, Luna decided to stay there under the circumstances that she had the experience necessary to run all business matters accordingly. Plus, Canterlot was still her home, even if simply staying in the castle constantly reminded the alicorn of her deceased sister. However, she often visited Ponyville as a means to combat any loneliness, and even stayed within the castle's walls occasionally. Twilight often did the same, visiting Canterlot solely for official business, but she made exceptions to spend time with Luna, to help fill in the void Celestia left behind. Aunt May did the same, visiting the mare in her hometown weekly.
Within the main throne room, Twilight read through a row of assorted documents sternly before letting out a low sigh. She glanced off to the side, spotting a welcoming sight. Donning a white lab coat and a thick pair of black eyeglasses, a young mare walked into the room mumbling to herself. That in itself was perfectly normal, seeing as this pony was constantly thinking and graduated with valedictorian honors from Manehattan University. Plus, Twilight had watched the mare grow up before her eyes, helping raise her with love and kindness.
With her violet and pink mane wrapped in a messy bun, the mare slowed to a halt and arched a brow. "If my hypothesis is correct…"
"Mayday?" Twilight gently called out, freeing the mare from her self-induced trance. Placing the scroll in her magical hold down, the alicorn smiled at her daughter. "You're thinking and walking again. What's on your mind?"
Mayday chuckled sheepishly. "Oh, really? Sorry, Mom. It's just that the computer's radar system has detected some unusual activity in the stratosphere. I was just trying to hypothesize on what could be the cause of the disturbance. Or would this classified more as interference?" Exhaling, the mare shook her head. "Either way, I have my theories of what itcouldbe, but they're only making my head spin without further data. Until the computer finishes its diagnostics, I can only guess as to what the source is."
"You're so much like your mother that it's silly," Peter declared from behind, earning the attention of both mares. The stallion walked into the room donning a similar lab coat with a clipboard in hoof, pausing once he was inches from Mayday before tapping the object lightly over her head. "Let the computer run the diagnostics first before you overthink anything. Without something to lean on, you'll just give yourself a migraine."
Mayday poked her lips out before frowning. "It's notmyfault that the computer's slow,Dad," she objected, punctuating her message with a subtle glare before smiling. "But I guess you're right. I probably shouldn't overthink it just yet."
As the mare took the clipboard into her mouth before hovering above the stallion, Peter simply stared at Mayday before grinning. "Technically, itisyour fault, you know. You overclocked the RAM too high again and bottlenecked the CPU."
Twilight blinked at the stallion's words. "Wait. She fried the cores again because she refused to give it abreak?Again? Mayday.Sweetie. That's the fourth time in the past three months. You have to slow down a little. Go too fast, andyou'llburn out… or wear your resources thin at the very least."
Mayday let out a deep sigh. "I know, but I guess I still think I'm in college at times. The professors never really gave me any time to spare. It's only been a few months since I graduated. I guess old habits die hard."
"I know that feeling," Peter groaned, nodding. "Luckily, you're done with school. That means no more rushing, and enough time to handle therealworld. I already made some upgrades to the processor and replaced it for you. Hopefully, it can withstand your assaults… for a while anyway. Just slow it down a peg, Brainiac," The mare's wings flapped eagerly while the corner of her lips curled into an appreciative smile. She hummed a light response, earning a nod from the stallion. "You're welcome. Head back to the lab. I'll join back with you after I talk with your mother."
Mayday simply did as she was requested, hovering out of the room, and once she had closed the door behind her, Twilight pulled herself back to a standing position before edging closer to the stallion. The couple shared a glance and smiled in the moment. The alicorn's mane grew in length, morphing into a living aura over the years, and tiny sparkles gleamed in its wake. A devilish grin graced Twilight's features as she placed her hooves over his shoulders before pinning him to the ground onto his back playfully. Her tall and slender height dwarfed his considerably, a heavy contrast to their previous establishment. Yet they were content with the change, evident by their smiles.
"What? You like mare-handling me now?" Peter dryly whispered in a mock hurt tone, never averting his hazel gaze from her violet irises.
Resting her weight near his chest, Twilight arched a brow and grinned before leaning forward. "Just consider this payback for all of those short jokes over the years."
"That was twenty-five years ago, and you'restillholding that over my head? You're lucky I like tall mares," Peter deadpanned, sighing contently once the mare booped her nose against his own affectionately. With a hapless shrug, the stallion accepted his prone position. "Then again, we wouldn't be married if you didn't remember every little detail." Reaching into his coat pocket, the stallion retrieved a small crimson box before offering it to the alicorn. "Speaking of which…"
Twilight's eyes widened at the sight while her heart skipped a beat. "Peter!" she nearly screamed, stifling her voice to that of a whisper. Using her magic, she opened the box to reveal a ruby gem. It was sharply crafted, refined with precision, and the mare nearly lost herself in the gem's smooth surface. Twilight closed the box before levitating it to the nearest table, choking back a building sob. "You remembered!"
Oblivious, Peter raised a hoof objectively. "Of course I did. It's our twenty-fifth anniversary. No idiot would forget that. Not even me." He glanced off to the side. "Even if the dates are a bit technical. I mean, we've only been married for twenty-four years, but we've been together for twenty-five. It's almost confusing, but you tend to go more on our time together instead of marriage. So, I hope that I didn't make a mistake by going off the hunch instead of the legal date. Maybe-"
Before he could continue, Twilight pressed her lips against Peter's, ceasing his rambling. The stallion quickly relaxed, easing into the act of affection. Even after a decade and a half together, the couple's feelings for each other had only grown, blossoming into the epitome of love that was truly ageless and eternal. They soon parted, yielding to their need for oxygen, but they remained embracing each other, with Twilight snuggling the side of her head against Peter's chest. She would never tire of the giddy sensations her husband bestowed upon her.
"Well, then. Will you just say 'Happy Anniversary' for me?" Twilight playfully suggested, smiling.
Peter chuckled under his breath, nodding. "Of course. Happy Anniversary."
"Does this mean you'll actually take a vacation?" a female's voice questioned from overhead, causing the couple to glance in her direction. Trixie sat along the railing on the terrace, brushing a hoof through her silver-blue mane. While her features showed some traces of age, time had been kind to the haughty mare. "Since Peter actually remembered, you should go ahead and make your reservations for the week. I hear Saddle Arabia is beautiful this time of year."
A blank stare formed on the stallion's face. "Um. Excuse me? Don't youeverknock?"
Trixie approached the couple, paying the stallion's tone no mind as Twilight stood and greeted the mare with a hug. They quietly parted, allowing Trixie to finally huff at Peter. "Not so funny when the shoe is on the other hoof, is it?"
The stallion scoffed, stretching out before resting his chin against a hoof. "Sheesh, the girls in my life are so spiteful."
Eris materialized into existence high above their position in a burst of light, donning a maid's outfit. She brushed the dust from the higher railings. "Notallof us are so cruel to you, handsome."
Peter nodded gratefully, slowly turning his gaze toward the draconequus as she cleaned the room. "See, Trixie? Why can't you be as friendly as Eris? She never badmouths me or- Eris!"
The stallion blurted out a response, the temperature in his face skyrocketing to high degrees as he caught sight of the draconequus bending over while she brushed the dust from the curtains. She caught sight of the stallion from the corner of her eye, blushing as her tail instinctively rose and revealed more of her bum.
Trixie scoffed, folding her hooves. "Why am I not as friendly as Eris? That question answers itself as well as her butt."
Twilight rolled her eyes. "Chaos will always tempt Order, but Order will always resist."
Eris smiled seductively at the stallion, winking as she wiggled her hips. "That's what makes it so fun, darling."
Throwing a hoof over his eyes, the stallion groaned while unable to rid the crimson stain from his cheeks. "Why must you always do that?!"
"Because you're the Order to my Chaos. I simply can't help myself," Eris grinned, winking at the stallion before straightening her posture. "Plus, you give the cutest reactions."
"Charming," Peter muttered, rolling his eyes in an exasperated manner. "Just behave around the kids."
Trixie readied herself to respond, but she paused upon shifting her gaze, spotting a particular sight. "Speaking of which, I give fair warning. Here comes your daughter." The mare slowly smirked. "Theotherone."
Just as Peter spun around, a tiny hint of violet hopped onto his chest and released a high-pitched squeak. Twilight smiled sweetly at the sight of the filly alicorn bearing a violet fur coat matching her own. Like her mother and sister, several pink strands could be seen within her chocolate brown mane. As Mayday pursued her master's degree in college and Ben entered a private school for gifted unicorns, both Peter and Twilight felt it was time to expand upon their family.
Four years ago, Equestria's co-ruler gave birth to a beautiful filly, only the second naturally born alicorn in existence behind Shining Armor and Princess Cadance's daughter, Flurry Heart, which happened a few months prior. Seeing as Twilight named their second child, it was up to Peter to do so again. Fortunately, he had something in mind, thinking of one that held a special place in his heart to this day and another he had only heard of from Julia. Thus, the Parker/Sparkle family welcomed Gwen Reilly to the world.
"Hi, Daddy!" Gwen squeaked, nudging into her father's chest. "There's something I have to tell you!"
Peter weakly chuckled, kissing the center of his daughter's forehead. "Hi, Gwen. What is it, sweetie?"
The filly stood back onto her hind legs, neighing happily as she bucked her hooves about. Gwen's smile only widened afterward. "That means 'I love you' in pony!"
Peter's eyes widened at the comment while a giddy sensation churned at the center of his chest. However, before the stallion could utter a response, Dream's voice chuckled in the back of his cranium. "Did your heart just skip a beat? That is precious."
"Shut up, Dream,"Peter shot back at the entity's playful tone, failing to hide his own smile. Back within the real world, the stallion pulled himself to a standing position, pausing to brush a hoof through the filly's curly mane. "Daddy loves you, too, sweetie. Keep that up, and you'll give me diabetes before I hit fifty." His eyes widened at a belated realization. "Hey. Where's your brother?"
Gwen hummed under her breath. "Um… I think Big Brother said he was going to see his tutor again."
Twilight's brow lowered in thought. "Again? He's been doing that quite a bit for the past few weeks. Are the preliminary exams really bothering himthatmuch?"
Trixie leaned to the side, placing a hoof over Peter's shoulder for support. "Ihighlydoubt that. That young stallion is already at the top of his class, and he's earned some of the best recommendations." The mare pursed her lips, glazing to the side in thought. "I don't seewhyhe would think that he requires more tutelage. Ben's a bright colt, and he knows it."
Eris spun into a sitting position in midair, sharing a glance with Peter before pointing a claw at the princess. "Then again, he's something of a perfectionist, and weallknow where he gotthatfrom. He's almost as compulsive as his mother if things aren't exactly right." The draconequus smirked. "Why do you think that I keep my fun reserved only foryou, Peter? If I so much as move a book out of place for Twilight, she might try to smite me with the sun."
Twilight frowned at the trio, furrowing her brow. "I'm notthatcompulsive." All three individuals blankly stared at the alicorn for what seemed like an eternity. Clearing her throat, Twilight glanced to the side as a pink tint filled her cheeks. "Okay. I have my moments, but if you were as busy as I am, you'd be on edge, too."
"Isn't that what the coffee is for?" Trixie smugly interjected, waving a hoof dismissively.
Eris cleared her throat. "Says the mare who's burned every cup of coffee she's ever made."
Trixie huffed haughtily. "I'll have you know that my coffee isneverburnt. I simply prefer a darker flavor."
"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and our kids fell from a very beautiful tree. I wouldn't change a thing about Twilight," Peter softly declared, causing the alicorn's demeanor to lighten. Gwen climbed on top of the back of the stallion's head and neck, resting in a piggyback position while Peter waved a hoof dismissively. "Anyway. Ben's a teenager now. He's probably just sneaking out to talk with a girl… or guy. Whatever his preference is. At any rate, it's no big deal. Plus, charcoal doesn't count as a darker flavor for most."
Eris smiled, winking. "I'm certainly glad Peter is the Spirit of Order. If Order hadyourtaste buds, everything would be discombobulated."
"Whatever," Trixie scoffed under her breath, waving a hoof dismissively before clearing her throat. "Anyway, I almosthopethat's the case with Benjamin. Heaven forbid if he's as reclusive as Mayday. The only stallion that mare seems to like is her own father, and her interests only seem reserved for her techno babble. Even though she's only twenty-four, it's pretty evident that you won't be expecting children from her at all. She's shown no physical or emotional attraction whatsoever to anything with a pulse. If it doesn't beep, buzz, or hum, it's clearly not her type."
Peter huffed. "There's nothing wrong with being a touch picky. I mean, you're still single at your age, and we're all in our forties with the exception of Eris."
"I enjoy my independence for what it's worth. With my schedule, settling down would only halt my progress," Trixie stated in a matter of fact tone, narrowing her gaze on the filly perched on the stallion's shoulders before gesturing a smile. "Besides, you and Twilight have enough children for all of us. I'm perfectly content with spoiling them as a great and powerful aunt."
Eris materialized behind Trixie, tugging at the corner of her lips with a talon. "Are you sure that you're not single because of your… unique charm? Peter seems to be the only stallion that can tolerate your sarcasm, dryness, and prudeness."
Trixie grumbled under her breath. "You're much better, Miss Mini-Skirt?"
Peter exhaled, shaking his head. "I have the best friends. One's snide and practical, and the other is free-spirited and mildly insane. Then, there's Sonata, who is blissfully unaware of everything and has the appetite of a garbage disposal. Not to mention Luna, who is overly professional and blunt. Plus, there's Mayday, who might just be a robot in mare's clothing, and the other two..."
Eris grinned. "That's certainly a colorful lot at your beck and call. Chaos just flocks towards you, handsome."
Twilight grinned as she watched the trio banter, a regular yet harmless occurrence. The alicorn glanced off to the side. "Still. I can't help but wonderwhoBen might be seeing andwhy."
Within the reaches of a secluded locale, a young stallion with a brown coat sat in a room with his violet gaze fixed on a sheet of paper over his desk. Each question written had been answered accordingly, to the best of his knowledge, and he went over the answers twice, not wanting to risk a mistake. The only other individual in the room was a lone mare, who had yet to free her own gaze from an open book and a stone tablet positioned over her desk. Meetings between these two had grown from a weekly occurrence to a daily routine, with the mare volunteering to personally tutor the promising stallion, but this remained confidential at her request, seeing as she wasn't ready to reveal herself just yet.
Letting out a desolate sigh, the stallion eased away from his desk and offered the slip of paper to the violet-maned mare, her fur a lighter shade than that of his mother. "Here you go, Ms. Glimmer."
Starlight's eyes peered away from her objects of interests before she glanced at the lone violet streak in the stallion's chocolate brown mane. "Ah. Thank you, Ben." She paused, quickly scrolling through the walls of text on the paper. After a brief silence, the mare nodded contently before retrieving a pen via magic, writing out an 'A' over the upper corner of the paper. "As usual, your vast intelligence shows immense promise, my pupil."
Ben inhaled deeply before letting out a relieved sigh. "Thanks. That's good to hear." He stole a glance at the objects on the desk, arching a brow. "You're always reading the same book and studying that tablet. Why is that, Ms. Glimmer?"
Starlight chuckled under her breath, tracing a hoof over one of the book's pages before folding it shut. "The wonders of the multiverse have always fascinated me. Starswirl the Bearded only managed to scratch the tip of the iceberg with his time travel spell. I have astutely studied both for a majority of my adult life." The mare stole a glance at the tablet, lifting it via telekinesis. "This artifact is the Tablet of Order and Chaos. With it in my possession, I believe I can come to perfect what even Starswirl could not: total control of the space-time continuum. I could change history to meet my means."
Taken aback, Ben furrowed his brow. "Seriously?!"
Suddenly, an innocent smile formed on the mare's face as she waved a hoof dismissively. "Heh. In theory, child. Sadly, I'll spend my entire life studying this artifact and likely only unlock afractionof it's secrets. However, even knowing this, it's my duty as a scholar to continue to do so."
Just as Ben readied himself to respond, his stomach growled in a protesting fashion, and the stallion scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I'd love to help you study it, Ms. Glimmer, but I'm starving. I'd better hurry home before my parents start asking questions again."
Nodding, the mare smiled. "Very well, Ben. We'll go over the fundamentals of quasi-physics tomorrow." Starlight shot the stallion a reassuring wink. "Before long, you reallywillbe working at my side as an equal, not just a student."
"I look forward to it," Ben lightly replied, sliding the straps of his saddlebag over his shoulders. Just as he reached the door, the stallion paused. "By the way. When are you going to meet my parents? It's only a matter of time before they find out that you're my tutor."
"In due time, Ben. I just want to make sure that I'm properly prepared. As you know, your parents and I didn'texactlystart off on the right hoof, after all," Starlight declared with a friendly wave, prompting Ben to exit the building. Once the young stallion was out of hearing range, a dark glint flashed across the mare's eyes to accompany the devilish smirk on her features. "And that time isnow."
Meanwhile, as Mayday pecked away at her computer's keyboard, an image popped up at the center of the screen once an alarm blared. The mare's eyes widened at the sight before she opened its window, narrowing her hazel gaze on the displayed readings. Wasting no time, Mayday called everypony into the throne room, and they gathered in fair time. Sonata was the last to enter, having had to dry herself off from her time in the castle's aquarium.
Peter eased Gwen into his lap while sharing a glance with his oldest child. "What's up, May? You were pretty anxious gathering everypony here."
"That's because this is averybig deal," Mayday declared, pressing a switch underneath the round table. Suddenly, a holographic projection of the world materialized into existence at the center of the table. Particles of blue energy formed over a section near a yellow dot before Mayday pointed a hoof in its direction. "There's a huge energy disturbance at the center of Our Town. JARVIS also detected tears in the space-time continuum. I don't know what's going on, exactly, but if something isn't done to stop it, then this dimensional plane will be torn to asunder."
Sonata hummed, rocking in her chair obviously. "Huh. Sounds dangerous."
Trixie stared blankly at the blissfully unaware siren. "Try to act alittleconcerned."
Eris closed the gap between herself and the holographic projection, arching a brow. "This is most chaotic. More so than I'd like it to be. I have a sneaking suspicion of what the cause could be, but I'd rather verify the truth before commenting."
"That's in the direction of Our Town," Twilight whispered under her breath, frowning. "It's been years since we've heard anything from that community."
Sonata's eyes widened. "Wait. I know that town! That's where I first met Peter, and, uh, Starlight Glimmer."
Trixie folded her hooves and huffed. "You mean the mare that tried to remove Mayday's cutie mark back then?"
Sonata nodded, pointing to the other mare before arching a brow. "Yeah! Her. Do you think that she might be behind this?"
Peter scratched his head. "Shewasa fill-in member for the Sinister Six. However, once the fighting was done, she just… disappeared. We've sent out searches for her, but nothing's ever come up."
Suddenly, the stallion's eyes flashed to a deep shade of blue before his irises morphed to a slitted form. "I remember sensing Starlight Glimmer's magical presence during the time of Mayday's kidnapping. It greatly surpassed that of each of the sirens," Dream declared, humming under her breath. "Plus, we encountered her during Peter's raid of Canterlot Castle. While he had webbed her up in a cocoon, I noticed that she cut herself free during the fighting. However, it seemed that she took the opportunity to sneak off."
"You… made a note of it," Trixie slowly interjected, arching a brow. "Itmusthave been significant if you acknowledged it, Dream."
Dream nodded. "Of course. Somepony as powerful as her could have threatened my plans at the time... should she have taken the right actions. My original idea was to hunt her down after I took over Peter's body and dealt with all of you. While she may not appear as much, I guarantee that Starlight could even match or surpass the might of an alicorn. Potentially."
Peter blinked, his eyes returning to a normal hazel color. "Huh. I guess we're actually lucky that she didn't get more involved back then. She clearly had her own agenda."
"Ah. Starlight Glimmer. It's coming back to me. I specifically remember Discord telling me quite a bit aboutthatone," Eris interjected, shaking her head. "Her potential as a magical user is phenomenal, but she's very discreet. She's the type that avoids drawing attention. Meaning, if we're seeing her now, then shewantsto be found.Ifit's her, granted."
Sonata's eyes widened at a realization. "I think I remember something about Discord giving her a special boost. Maybe that's why she's like this?"
Trixie scoffed harshly. "You all sound so certain that it's Starlight. We don't know anything yet."
"Trixie's right. We don't even know if it's her. Right now, we're just grasping at straws and juggling theories right now," Peter sternly stated, standing from his seat before gently lowering Gwen to the ground. "If time and space are at risk, we have to take some serious action, whether or not Starlight Glimmer is involved." The stallion carefully approached Twilight, lowering to a kneeling stance out of respect once they were hoof-lengths apart. "Princess Twilight. With your permission, I'd like to finally commence Project Zero."
Twilight was slow to respond before nodding. "As serious as the situation is looking, I give you full authorization to do what is needed to ensure Equestria's safety," she declared, pausing as her demeanor lightened and eyes softened. The mare shook her head, glancing to the side as an embarrassed flush filled her cheeks. "What did I tell you about that? Nothing's changed between us. You don't have to kneel to make a request. You're still my husband above all else."
"And you're my wife and princess," he chuckled, taking her hoof before kissing it daintily. "Those sort of goes hoof in hoof."
Trixie chuckled under her breath. "So, we're finally doing this, huh?"
Sonata bounced in place, grinning triumphantly. "Oooh! This is so cool! I can't wait!"
Eris crossed her legs and folded her arms. "I must admit that I'm curious as well. I'm certain the wait was well worth it."
Peter shared a nod with the princess before turning his gaze to the trio. "Girls. Suit up! I'll meet you in the main lobby in ten minutes." Once everypony trotted out of the room and Eris faded from sight in a flash, the stallion turned to face his oldest daughter. "Mayday. Alert the others and beam them in. I think it's time that they finally moved in."
"Sure thing, Daddy," Mayday whispered, pulling a sleeve back until a watch on her hoof was revealed. After tapping the center switch, the mare raised the device near her mouth. "This is a priority alert to all metas. We requestimmediateassistance. This isnota drill."
Once situated, Peter took a step back and closed his eyes. Particles of white and black energy from the atmosphere channeled into his horn, causing the stallion's body to levitate from the ground. Soon, the energies spread out over Peter's being with the exception of his head before they erupted in a burst of light once the energies dissipated. Peter's attire came into view, and they resembled the pair of black and white tights he wore the day that he ascended to become the Spirit of Order and Harmony. However, a spider emblem remained positioned over his chest, as if it was a homage to his former heroic counterpart.
Peter nodded, sharing a glance and smile with Twilight and Mayday. "Alright. I'm off."
Twilight smiled. "All right. I'll take Gwen and head over to Canterlot. Luna should know what's going on."
However, before the stallion could venture off, Gwen rushed to his side and brushed her head against his chest affectionately. "Be careful, Daddy! Mommy and I will be cheering for you!"
Both mares smiled their approval as they watched the filly embrace her father. Peter grinned warmly, nodding. "Thanks, sweetie! Just hearing you say that helps Daddy a ton! Look after Mommy for me."
Gwen giggled. "Leave it to me!"
Mayday smirked. "We should head to the main lobby. The team's probably waiting for us."
-u-
The trip downstairs was brief, taking only a couple of minutes. Mayday and Peter slid to a halt upon meeting with Sonata and Trixie, the latter of whom had donned her Mysterio wardrobe. Eris glanced to the open window as an individual soared through its opening, gliding until she landed before the group. Standing about the same height as the ponies in a bipedal stance, a blue, female dragon narrowed her dark orange irises on the group. She donned a golden armor with brown underlayers, all while holding a scepter with a ruby gem at the tip.
"Greetings, everypony. I came as soon as I could," the female dragon politely declared, smiling. "Although, I must admit that I'm surprised we're being gathered so soon."
Peter approached the dragon, extending a hoof. "Thank you for coming, Princess Ember. The current situation is indeed serious."
Ember accepted the gesture, firmly shaking the stallion's hoof with a talon. "Think nothing of it, Peter. I owe you a debt for your help some time ago, and your idea intrigued me." The female dragon paused, nodding. "Oh, and Spike gives his regards. He's truly become a strong knight over the years, but that doesn't stop him from mentioning you and Princess Twilight Sparkle every chance that he gets."
"That's good to hear. I'll make sure to send Little Bro a letter soon. Twilight really misses him, but she couldn't be more proud. Spike's like a brother to me, but he's like a son to Twi," Peter stated, pausing before chuckling nervously at a realization. "I just thought about it. Do you think your father's gonna be okay with you moving into the castle now? Better yet, is everyone back at your home okay with their Dragon Lord being away?"
The female dragon rolled her eyes. "Hardly, but this isn't his or their decision to make. It's mine, and you have my full support." Ember's expression softened, evident by the smile she held. "I appreciate your concern, but I am here because I want to be. As Dragon Lord, I swear on my honor to serve at your side."
Trixie stepped between the pair, glancing about. "Okay. Any idea where the last one is?"
The sound of hoofsteps approaching from behind echoed throughout the vicinity. Everypony turned at the sound, spotting a dark individual walking towards them. Her mane was as black as the darkest void, and her grey fur contrasted it beautifully, matching the armor placed on her body. The crimson robe around her back matched the mare's irises and horn while traces of green filled her eyes. She bore a fanged smile, winking seductively at the group. The mare bore a striking resemblance to a fallen king, but she truly was a queen, exiled from her original home.
Most of the group stared at the mare with hesitant expressions, but Peter walked toward her, wrapping a friendly hoof around her shoulder. "Well look at who finally woke up, Umbra!" He paused, furrowing a brow as she stared at him with an unreadable expression. "Hey. You know that this castle's your home, right? That means you have full access. You don't have to stay cooped up in your room like a hobbit. Mayday does that enough already."
Mayday blankly stared at the stallion. "Thanks, Dad."
Umbra huffed, frowning. "Keep your sentiments to yourself. I offered to fight by your side and swore my honor only to you, Peter Parker. That doesn't mean I have to befriend the lot of you. As far as I'm concerned, I'mbabysitting."
Placing both forehooves behind her head, Sonata hummed. "She's almost as crabby asTrixie."
Eris raised a claw and twirled her talon about. "Trixie's only like that because of her middle age. Luckily, I hear forty-seven is the new thirty for equines."
Trixie pulled down at her metal mask with a hoof, grumbling under her breath. She could only thank the design that hid her facial features. If not for that, the entire group around her would have seen her flushed face with relative ease.
Peter inhaled deeply before sighing, taking a step forward until he stood before the gathered lot. "Okay. Ease up. We're gonna be working together from now on, so I hope that we can learn to get along over time."
"You mentioned a team? I take it that's us?" Ember questioned, scratching a claw against the light freckles under her eyes.
Peter nodded, sobering at the comment. "Yeah. After the Great War, we lost Princess Celestia and we had to accommodate for our losses. Even though we won that day, it really made me reconsider things." The stallion held a hoof out inches away from his face. "For years, I thought that I could protect Equestria on my own as a knight, but after what happened with Tirek, I learned just how powerless I was on my own. My friends and family paid a price because I wasn't prepared. However, I learned that we succeeded not because of me, but for all of us standing together as one."
Mayday held her hooves out to the side. "If Equestria's going to change, we have to do it in a way that's best for everypony. That starts with us protecting my mom and Auntie Luna."
Peter shared a nod with his daughter. "Exactly. That's why I gathered all of you here. We're going to be the frontline of defense for all of Equestria, especially the princesses. Everypony here wants a safer world, while some want to make amends for past mistakes. We may not have been able to save Celestia or those lost in the past, but I can damn well promise that we'll avenge them and all of the wrongdoings done to the world!" He extended a hoof, smiling. "I asked you all once before, but I have to again. Are we in this together?"
Mayday was the first to step forward, placing a hoof over her father's. "You're my dad. Of course I'm in. I'm no fighter, but I'll have your back with tech support and incom."
Peter nodded before the world around him distorted into a white void. Suddenly, he stood mere inches from Dream and folded his arms in response. "What about you, partner?"
Dream simply peered down at her host. "We're a gathered lot of outcasts attempting to make a difference in the world. It's unorthodox, really, but I've learned to accept that your methods are not like anyone's I've encountered."The entity allowed a warm smile to grace her features. "I want to see where this goes. I'll help you in any way that I can."
Back in the real world, Trixie grinned, shaking her head before joining the gesture. "As if I'm going to retire knowing you're out risking your neck. You wouldn't last without me. I'm in as well."
Tilting her head to the side, Eris brushed a paw through her snow-white hair. "This Equestria is my home now, and I finally have the ultimate prize as a friend and ally. I suppose if I'm to ensure the Spirit of Order maintains harmony in the world, I'll have to help him in any fashion that I can by spreading chaos in the direction of our enemies." She placed a paw on top of everypony's hooves. "Count me in."
Sonata simply smiled, adding her hoof to the conjoined gesture without hesitation. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. Plus, I'm going to fight for Aria, Adagio, and all of the new friends that I've made. I'm helping, too."
"This wasn't quite what I was expecting, but I'm pleasantly surprised," Ember declared, gently placing a claw over Sonata's hoof. "I'll aid you on behalf of the dragons, not as an observer but a representative of what multiple races can accomplish… in unity."
The entire group glanced in the direction of Umbra, who held her ground mere hoof-lengths away with a stern expression. "I'm not social by any means. However, whenever you need assistance- and youwill- I'll be there to help. I swear on my honor as a knight and once proud queen."
At the mare's words, the entire group parted with equal content. Mayday raised a hoof happily. "Awesome! We're official! We should-!" the mare paused as static filled the microphone in her ear. She placed a hoof over the earpiece, narrowing her gaze as if focusing on something. Soon, she shared a stern gaze with her cohorts. "Those rifts in time that I mentioned? They're already spreading, even as we speak. You all need to get out there!" Mayday managed a smile as she shared a glance with the stallion. "Daddy? Give them the battle cry!"
Everypony stood behind the stallion, each holding a supportive expression. The neverending battle for peace would ensue, but there were heroes of an unlikely variety standing ready to face the odds. Equestria would strive toward a new age, and they would give everything to ensure that those were lost were not sacrificed in vain. The legend of Spider-Mane was dead, having ascended to become the Spirit of Order and Harmony, but Peter would not ditch his alter-ego, not so long as his friends and family needed a safe world to live in.
Peter simply faced the world, smiling brightly before uttering a cry that evil would fear. "Avengers! Assemble!"
-Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible - the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family.
-Virginia Satir
The End