//------------------------------//
// Epilogue 
// Story: Doomwar 
// by Boltstrike58 
//------------------------------//

Earth, Washington D.C.

"...and I think I speak for all Americans--no, for all citizens of planet Earth, when I extend my thanks to the Avengers, as well as their extraterrestrial pony allies," continued President Ellis, speaking to the massive crowd gathered on the White House south lawn. "That is why the U.N. has agreed to extend amnesty to Captain Steve Rogers, as well as all other Avengers who violated the Sokovia Accords."

Behind the speaking president stood the Avengers themselves, along with every creature from Equis who'd participated in the battle against Doom. Thor's Soul Stone message had gone over better than anyone would've anticipated, as the vast majority of Earth's population had spoken out in support of the Avengers. Not only that, having heard of their willingness to fight alongside Earth's Mightiest Heroes, the reaction to the ponies had been overwhelmingly positive. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had already had their meetings with the leaders of the United Nations, and plans were being made for the first interplanetary alliance between Earth and Equis.

Despite the loss of the Doctor himself, all of Doom's minions were accounted for. Those originating from Equis were imprisoned in Tartarus (even Cozy Glow), and the humans were placed in the Raft, with some upgraded security technology courtesy of Stark Industries. Cinch and Neighsay had willingly accepted their fates, regretting their role in advancing Doom's plan.

"I honestly can't believe that little speech of yours won them all over, Thor," Tony commented, having traded his Mark L armor for one of his many well-tailored suits. "Seriously, how does that even work?"

"I guess when you have a maniac who informs you that he can control your souls (and can back that claim up), and someone saves you from that, you want to trust them," replied Natasha.  

Twilight spoke up next. "I'm just glad we don't have to keep sneaking around with the mirrors anymore. Plus, now we can build relations with all the countries of Earth, and maybe get some rest from the whole saving the world thing."

"I wouldn't bet on it, Princess Twilight," said Spider-Man, the only one who'd showed up to the ceremony in full costume, wanting to preserve his identity. "Judging by our track record, trouble seems to find us by default."

"I agree," chimed in Bruce, looking rather unique, being an eight-foot green giant among normal humans and ponies. "Our problems aren't completely over."  

He pointed across the lawn. Besides the security detail, there stood a very particular guest: Secretary of Defense Thaddeus Ross, looking very sour in spite of—or perhaps, because of—the cheery nature of this gathering. He glared up at the Avengers, arms folded angrily, clearly not enjoying himself. His gaze wandered, but he most frequently drifted back to Bruce, surprising no one. It didn't bother them, but they noticed it all the same.

"Eh, forget about him," said Steve. "He's just upset he can't order us around anymore." Without the Sokovia Accords, the Avengers were once again free to operate as independent agents of justice, though there were some talks of creating another form of oversight for them. Steve didn't mind, however, as this time, they wouldn't be restricted nearly as much.

President Ellis was reaching the end of his speech. "And now, I ask you all to join me in saying 'Thank you, Avengers!'"

His words were repeated back by the massive crowd, followed by a great deal of applause. Steve, Tony, and the others all smiled and waved, though Fluttershy did so apprehensively. As for Twilight, she smiled to herself, as she stood alongside the best friends she'd ever know. Like she'd said before, the Avengers were heroes, and they'd earned the respect they were getting in both worlds.

"So can we leave now?" complained Dr. Strange. "I've really got a lot of reading to catch up on."

"Jeez, you're starting to sound like old Twilight," Spike noted, only to receive a glare from the alicorn in question.





Equis, Canterlot

With the celebrations over, Twilight, Star Swirl, Celestia, Luna, Sunset, the Dazzlings, Tony, Steve, Carol, Loki, and Thor gathered together in Canterlot once again, preparing to tie up the loose ends of their adventure. Celestia used her magical grip to levitate the Soul Stone, carefully placing it into a metallic box inscribed with many different magical runes.

"We will keep it safe," she promised. "It's dark power shall never be used for evil purposes again."

"I still can't believe you used an Infinity Stone to create the Tree of Harmony!" remarked Twilight, glaring at Star Swirl. "That would've been useful to know!"

"Hey, it's not like I had any idea what it truly was!" the old unicorn defended himself. "I thought it was just some ancient, powerful artifact!"

"At least the Tree no longer needs it," said Luna. "I'd hate to have the Everfree Forest encroaching on all of Equestria again after all these years."

Thor smiled, before stepping forward and hugging Celestia. "Thank you for all your help, once again. Unfortunately, I should really go. New Asgard needs their king, after all."

After a long discussion as to what to do with the Asgardian people, the governments of Earth had agreed to supply them with some land in Norway, where they could begin to rebuild. Twilight had created another mirror transporter, so that Thor could warp to Equestria whenever he needed to. In the end, the Friendship Conference hadn't been needed to help the homeless people.

"What about your other friends?" asked Sunset Shimmer. "Are they staying there, too?"

"Valkyrie decided to stay with her people after all these years," replied Thor. "Korg didn't really want to go to his home planet, so he's staying with us for now. Both are formal Avengers, as well."

"When I asked Strange about joining, he just laughed at me," Tony recalled, rolling his eyes at the memory. "Though Wong did say to call if we ever needed them again."

"It's good to know Earth has people looking out for it," said Carol. "I wish I could stay. Unfortunately, there's a lot of unfinished work I have out there, so I can't stick around. At least you still have that pager."

"I really need to upgrade this thing," Tony remarked, poking the outdated piece of technology with one finger.

"Ghost said she was interested in joining," said Steve,."And hey, we could always use someone  who can walk through walls."

"I'm not gonna have as much time now that I'm a king," said Thor. "But if you need me, call me."

"I presume that applies to you as well?" Luna asked, looking at Loki.

The god of mischief nodded. "Thor has asked for my council, but I'll visit when I can. I promise."

Luna and Loki smiled at each other. True, their friendship still needed some work before things were back to the way they were before Nightmare Moon. Perhaps they'd never get there. But each cared about the other, and they would always stand by each other.

Thor pressed his thumb to his particular warp mirror, activating the portal. Hooking Jarnbjorn onto his belt, he walked through the portal, raising one hand to wave good-bye to his friends. Loki followed, and the portal sealed up behind them.

"So," Steve spoke, turning to Sunset Shimmer and the Dazzlings, "you didn't do too bad out there, all things considered."

"I guess that's a compliment," grumbled Aria.

Sonata, on the other had, bounced up and down on her hooves, yelling "Thank you!" until Adagio bonked her on the head.

"Yeah, we could use you guys on our side," said Tony. "Of course, you don't plan on staying in Equestria, do you?"

"No," answered Sunset. "I love Equestria, and I love that I was born here, but I belong on the other side of the mirror. That said, you can always write in the journal if you need my help."

"Same here," said Adagio. "Feels like we just got used to two legs, now these?" She raised her hoof to demonstrate. "By the way, next time you see Dr. Strange, tell him thanks for giving us back our voices."

"Alright," agreed Tony. He turned back to Twilight, before getting on his knees and embracing the smaller alicorn. "Thanks for everything, Twilight. I've never been more proud of you."  

Twilight wrapped her forehooves around his shoulders. "Thank you, Tony. I promise I won't reverse-engineer the Iron Sparkle suit and mass-produce it, putting you out of business."

Tony shared a laugh with her as that. After Steve gave her a hug as well, the two Avengers activated the portal to the Avengers Compound, and went home. Carol opted to simply fly out of one of the windows, zooming into the skies until she was out of sight.

Left alone, Princess Celestia looked down at Princess Twilight. "You've done such a wonderful job," she told her former student. "Equestria owes you a debt it never can repay."

"Hey, any pony in my position would've done the same," remarked Twilight. "Now, I'd better get back to Ponyville. With Earth building an embassy over there, there's a lot to get done."