One week later on Earth, Peter was seen in the backyard, facing off against Sunset Shimmer. The two had been sparring regularly the past seven days in hopes of getting stronger.
Peter was of course determined to take back his home, and help his friends. Sunset strived to get stronger to prevent more tragedy for herself and her teammates.
Sunset would fire some of her magic spells at Peter as the hero swiftly dodged. As she homed in on another spell, Peter backflipped and fired some webbing at her face, which she blocked with a portal that she used to send the webbing back at Peter.
While it temporarily blinded him, his Spider-Sense kicked off just as she was closing in on a magic powered punch, which Peter blocked.
"Is that all you got?" Peter went for a kick that she backflipped away from as she cupped her hands together. "HADOUKEN!"
Sunset fired a magical blast at Peter, destroying some trees behind him just as he got the webbing off of his face.
"Wait, did you just fire a magic blast and call it a 'Hadouken'?" Peter asked. "There's a lot about Ryu's fighting style that I don't know, but I'm pretty sure the Hadouken has certain properties which lets it earn its name."
"Okay fine, it's not a real Hadouken, I'm having a hard time pulling off the actual move," Sunset said. "I've been training with Ryu for a year and there's still a lot I haven't figured out. Same with the others."
"Guess learning their style is harder than it looks," Peter said. "But give yourself some credit, you're pretty good at fighting. Ryu and the others taught you well."
"I appreciate that, but I still need to do better," Sunset said. "Otherwise, we won't be able to defeat our foes."
"Hey, we'll figure this out and save Equestria from those villains," Peter said.
"It's not just Equestria," Sunset said. "Remember, the whole multiverse is at stake here."
"Right, the multiverse," Peter lamented. "Sometimes I miss the days when all I had to do was protect New York City. Mainly Queens and Manhattan. Then later when all I had to do was protect Ponyville."
"Your life stopped being normal long before you came to Equestria," Sunset said. "You met the Capcom Warriors before I did after all."
"Yeah, and I already knew about the multiverse to an extent, thanks to Doctor Strange," Peter said. "I just never imagined it'd be anything like this. Nor did I expect villains from far and wide to come to my new home."
"Life's full of surprises," Sunset said, then saw that more were coming. "Here come more sparring partners."
Peter turned around to see Thunderlane and Lightning Dust. "Hey, you two here for practice?"
"Yeah, Thunderlane and I are going to do a bit of flying, but we wanted to see how things were going along here," Lightning Dust said.
"Going well, I'm just trying to keep up with my reflexes," Peter said as he checked his hands. "For some reason though, I'm not moving as fast as I used to."
"You'll get there," Thunderlane said. "You're probably just still exhausted because you were asleep for like two weeks."
"But I've been up for one," Peter pointed out. "I should have gotten over this by now."
"Maybe it's your biology?" Thunderlane theorized. "I don't know for sure, I'm just spit balling."
Peter threw a few quick shadow punches, "I just feel like something's holding me back. I don't feel like myself, and all this training hasn't helped."
"Maybe you need a break?" Lightning Dust said. "Since waking up, you've done nothing but train. That or work in that lab of yours."
"I have to train, how else am I going to defeat The Green Goblin and all those other guys?" Peter asked.
"Well maybe you're working too hard," Lightning Dust said.
"I'm surprised to hear you of all people say that," Peter said as he glanced at Lightning Dust. "You're the one who always looks for ways to push past your limit, even if you risk injury."
"Yeah, I do, then Fluttershy told me that it's counterproductive," Lightning Dust said. "Maybe she was right, when I dialed back and just hung out with Laura, it helped big time."
"You do seem to stress out a lot," Thunderlane said. "I get that being a big hero is time consuming and that you need to be on your toes a lot, but dude, you really gotta take better care of yourself."
"If I had a nickel for every time I heard that..." Peter lamented.
"If a lot of people are saying it, then that should tell you something," Lightning Dust said. "Look, you and Sunset have been training non-stop for the past week, and that's great, but at some point, you're going to need a break."
"I think we all could benefit from one," Thunderlane said. "We've been stuck at this house for three weeks, and for the most part, haven't really interacted much with other people."
"Upstate New York is a baron wasteland, especially to a city guy like me," Peter said. "I don't mind being away from people, but I can also understand that it's getting irritating being stuck in the same place all the time."
"Oh yeah, I hate being stuck in the same place," Sunset said. "That's why I travel the multiverse."
"Lucky you," Lightning Dust said. "We should plan a road trip or something."
"A road trip?" Peter asked. "I don't think we have time for that, remember that our home is in danger."
"Yeah, but we need a small break from all this training," Thunderlane said. "I know Dust and I came out here to practice as well but even I'm tired of the drills."
"I'm kind of surprised to hear you say that," Peter said. "Didn't you train with Spitfire?"
"Believe me when I say that I have not forgotten those days," Thunderlane said. "Still, a break would do us some good."
"Talk breaks later, Peter and I still have some training to do," Sunset said. "But we'll finish up early."
"So will we," Lightning Dust said as she turned to Thunderlane. "Let's go."
"Right behind you," Thunderlane flew off with his girlfriend.
Peter stretched his arms and focused back on Sunset, "Alright, round two."
"Fight!" Sunset went for a magical punch that Peter parried as he and his sparring partner continued to go at each other.
Inside the lodge, Mayday is seen working on a new invention of hers with Franklin by her side, the boy looking curiously at his girlfriend's work.
"So...what's this for again?" Franklin asked.
"Since daddy is going back to fight those bad guys, I figured I'd make some support items he could use in combat," Mayday pulled one out. "Like this for example. It's a sticky stun bomb, it could disorient the bad guys."
"That's an interesting idea," Franklin said.
"Thanks, I heard about it from Sunset Shimmer," Mayday said. "She said she met a hero with electric powers that was capable of doing that. My daddy got to talk to him after Ragnarök."
"That's amazing," Franklin said.
"I also have this," Mayday pulled out a suit. "I modified one of daddy's Spider-Man suits to spark out electricity. I got the idea from that Hedgehog that Rainbow Dash fought."
"From the Tournament?" Frankin asked.
"Yeah, and this," Mayday showed off another bomb looking device. "This one explodes in ice. Kind of like Bobby's."
"How did you even get the materials you needed?" Franklin asked.
"Sunset Shimmer gave it to me, I don't know from where but I'm not about to question it," Mayday showed off a weapon of sorts. "This is something else ice related, but shaped like an axe. I got the idea from the big, bulky guy who fought Uncle Shining Armor at the Tournament. His axe generates ice."
"That's two ice related things, but how about fire?" Franklin asked.
"I'm working on some based on cool moves I've seen from your Uncle Johnny, as well as Dante," Mayday said. "I also want to make a robotic arm like Nathan Spencer, and maybe even build a suit of armor like Iron Man, and a Shield like Captain America."
"Sounds like you're pulling inspiration from everywhere," Franklin said.
"Of course, even daddy gets inspired by others," Mayday said. "The Gauntlets he named after my mom were from Shocker."
"Right, Shocker didn't seem too happy about it," Franklin said.
"He's over it," Mayday glanced over in his direction. The Man was sitting in the kitchen while drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. "Gotta say, he seems so normal."
"Normal?" Franklin asked.
"Yeah, I guess even villains aren't villains all the time," Mayday said. "Plus he doesn't seem so bad."
"He did turn against the other villains," Franklin said. "I don't think he's really evil, seems like he just wanted money."
"Shame, he should be able to make money, he's really smart," Mayday said. "He knows a lot about engineering."
"Guess getting into the right business isn't as easy as it sounds," Franklin said.
"Maybe Mr. Stark can hire him after we save Equestria," Mayday said. "Which means I need to work harder to help daddy achieve that plan."
"Is there anything I can do?" Franklin asked.
"I don't need help right now," Mayday asked. "But thanks for offering."
Not too long later, Apple Bloom and Rogue had come in through the front door, the two girls wearing jogging shirts and shorts while having worked up a sweat.
"That one felt longer than yesterday," Apple Bloom said.
"Are you sure about that?" Rogue asked. "Feels like less."
"Hey girls!" Mayday happily greeted. "Were you out for another jog?"
"You bet, we wanna toughen up fer the big showdown," Apple Bloom said as she flexed her arm. "When Peter goes to take back Equestria from them varmints, ah wanna be there. I'm gonna fight for mah home too!"
"That's awesome, if you want I can make you some weapons," Mayday said.
"I'm good hon," Apple Bloom said.
"Besides, ah don't think a girl yer age should be making weapons," Rogue said.
"It's fine, I'm working on stuff for my daddy," Mayday said. "He's going to kick a lot of butt!"
"He sure is, and we'll be there to help," Rogue said.
Also coming into the living room was Sonata, the girl currently stuffing her face with some chips.
"Howdy Sonata, lovely day ain't it?" Apple Bloom said.
"Yeah, real lovely," Sonata said as she emptied the crumbs from the bag into her mouth before tossing it aside. "It's already gone, why do we keep getting small bags?"
"Sonata dear, that was a party sized bag," Rogue pointed out.
"Yeah, not to be rude, but you've been eating lots of chips," Apple Bloom said.
"Hey it's not all chips, sometimes I get popcorn, speaking of which," Sonata called into the kitchen. "Herman! Did you get my popcorn!?"
"I got you two bags yesterday, what happened to it!?" Shocker called from the kitchen.
"I ate them!" Sonata said.
Shocker stepped out of the kitchen, glaring at the girl in the living room, "You did WHAT!?"
"I ate them both," Sonata said.
"Sonata, they were huge bags! For the last couple of weeks, all you've been doing is eating junk food!" Shocker shouted. "Are you trying to gain weight!?"
Sonata's eyes widened in fury, "Did you just call me fat!?"
"I did NOT say that!" Shocker quickly pointed out. "I'm just warning you that you're getting dangerously close!"
"To her credit, she still seems really skinny," Franklin said. "I guess she has really fast metabolism."
"Yeah, what he said," Sonata replied. "Wait, what's metabolism again?"
"It's a chemical reaction within us that turns food into energy," Franklin said. "And you seem very energetic."
"Is this normal for her?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Not really, she always seemed fine, even when we lived in Tartarus," Shocker said.
"And I'm still fine, it's no big deal," Sonata said.
"Still, try to dial it back," Apple Bloom said. "Money ain't exactly easy to come by."
"Don't we get this stuff from Eris?" Mayday asked. "Where does she get the money anyway?"
"She said not to worry about it," Apple Bloom said.
"So she's probably stealing it from somewhere," Shocker said.
"She insists that it's being legally acquired," Rogue said. "Peter looked into it and didn't see anything shady, so best not to jump to conclusions."
"Whatever you say," Shocker said. "It makes no difference to me."
Twilight had come downstairs with Autumn, Starlight and Trixie, the girl taking a quick look around, "Hey, has anyone seen Peter?"
"He should be outside training with Sunset Shimmer," Sonata said.
"I'll go get him," Twilight said as she rushed outside.
"Did something happen?" Rogue asked.
"It's just Celestia, she's gotten worse over the last few days," Trixie said.
"What is she bored here too?" Shocker asked.
"She's a bit paranoid," Starlight said. "Being away from Equestria for so long has her worried about her home."
"It can't be that bad," Shocker said.
"Herman, she's been away from her home for weeks, do you know what that does to a person?" Starlight asked.
"Gee, what makes you think that I would know?" Shocker sarcastically commented.
Starlight rolled her eyes in annoyance, "Okay, you don't need to be a sarcastic jerk about it. Keep in mind that your old friends are wreaking havoc in Equestria, so try to have a little sympathy."
"Look, chances are most of them aren't even there, Equestria isn't the only world they wanted," Shocker said. "They took it over to steal things like The Crystal Heart and that weird Pearl thing."
"Doctor Doom wants to take over the multiverse," Sonata said. "So he's gathering as much strength as possible to do so. In the end he wants this Earth, meaning that if we don't hurry up with our plans, he's going to end up coming here."
"How long before that happens?" Trixie asked.
"Beats me, he'll come when he feels like it," Sonata said. "Maybe he's back now?"
"He might be back in Latveria," Shocker said. "We had plenty of meetings in his castle before the plans took hold."
"So, should we attack his castle?" Starlight asked.
"You really think it's going to be that easy?" Shocker asked. "It's Doctor Doom, he's one of the most dangerous men in my world for a reason."
"There's gotta be some way to weaken him," Starlight said.
"Destroying his castle isn't going to work, it's just going to piss him off," Shocker said. "The best thing to do is get those magical artifacts away from that group."
"Okay, and how would we go about it?" Trixie asked.
"Given that you worked for them, shouldn't you know a few secrets?" Autumn Blaze asked.
"Does the Head of the Corporation tell his employees every little thing about what the business does?" Shocker asked.
Autumn Blaze scratched her head in confusion, "Is this a riddle?"
Shocker face palmed in annoyance, but rather than him speaking up, Mayday decided to chime in.
"What he means is that just because he worked for them, it doesn't mean he knows everything," Mayday said. "They may have had some secret plans he wasn't a part of."
"Exactly," Shocker said. "I knew about most of the invasion plans, but some things, Doom and his buddies kept to themselves."
"Even Adagio kept some things from me," Sonata said. "I do know that they want to hit places like Capcom, Sega, Namco and Square."
"Right now, the best advantage is that they think we're all dead," Shocker said. "But if I'm being honest, I don't know how long that's going to fool them. We need to strike sooner than later."
"Is Peter ready though?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Peter? What about his wife?" Shocker asked. "She looks strong, let her take back her world. Hell let that sulking Princess do it."
"I'm kind of ready and willing to fight too," Sonata said. "I need to confront my friends, and Cozy Glow."
"I wouldn't mind giving an ass kicking to my old buddy Maxwell in the process," Shocker admitted.
"...You know, I kind of want to fight too," Starlight said as she began cracking her knuckles. "Why are we waiting? Let's have Eris bring us back right now! Drop us off in front of Doom and just reign destruction down on him!"
"Hey, easy now," Rogue said. "Ah wanna take it to Doom as well, but we need to be sure we're all ready. Some of us may not be."
"Are you one of them?" Sonata asked.
"No, I'm ready to go whenever, but let's take Peter's well being into mind when doing this," Rogue said.
"Ugh, again with Peter," Shocker lamented. "What is it about him that makes that web head so valuable? How did he go from some punk kid in Queens to being placed on a pedestal like if he's Thor or something?"
"I've always wondered that myself," Rogue said. "How did Peter get so big in Equestria? He must have done something amazing."
"He was the only major superhero we had for a while," Trixie said. "He really came into to his own when he defeated King Sombra. One of the most dangerous unicorns in Equestria."
"I've heard all about King Sombra," Shocker said. "Still, is that all?"
"Defeating King Sombra isn't a small feat, in fact Peter defeated him twice," Trixie said. "And that wasn't the only thing he did on his own."
"His first day in Ponyville, he saved everyone from some mean dragon," Apple Bloom said.
"Even when he had friends, he did a fine job of always leading the charge," Starlight said. "He even brought down Loki."
"He also beat up Captain Marvel," Mayday said. "That's the best thing he did."
"Captain Marvel?" Shocker asked. "You mean that lady with the short hair trying to pass herself off as a man?"
"Why would she do that?" Sonata asked.
"She had a bit of a fragile ego," Trixie said.
"Such a shame, she used to be so much nicer," Rogue commented. "But when she got the Power, she just couldn't handle the Responsibility."
"Wow, how poetic..." Shocker sarcastically replied.
"Rogue, did you know Captain Marvel?" Trixie asked.
"Yeah, that's how I'm able to fly," Rogue said. "Ah had a scuffle with her a few years back, so ah ended up absorbing all of her powers, along with her memories, and let me tell you, that was not pleasant. Imagine having two different set of memories in one brain."
"Sounds rough," Trixie said.
"I'm curious though," Franklin interjected. "When you absorb powers, I was under the impression it wasn't permanent."
"Normally, it ain't, ah can only hold borrowed powers fer a little while," Rogue said. "Captain Marvel's got some alien biology that allows me to hold her powers fer much longer."
"Can you borrow any power?" Mayday asked. "Like, can you use mom's magic?"
"It's very possible, not that ah would try taking her powers," Rogue said. "When ah touch others, it drains them, not only of their powers but their stamina too. It might risk killing them."
"That sounds terrifying," Starlight said.
"It is, but ah am working on not hurting others when ah take their powers and stuff," Rogue said. "Still, ah can do magic. Why, back in the X-Men vs Street Fighter tournaments, ah would even drain some of the Capcom Fighters and do their moves. Ah have experience using a Hadouken."
"Oh cool, did you shout it out like a moron too?" Shocker asked, much to Rogue's irritation.
"Hey now, was that necessary?" Rogue asked.
"We've all heard them shout their attack names for no reason, it feels counterproductive," Shocker said.
"It's just their culture, personally I find it really cool," Starlight said. "Especially during that Tournament."
"Kind of wish ah was there fer it," Rogue said. "Maybe next time."
Meanwhile outside, Twilight had already gone to check on Peter, talking to her husband while he was taking a quick break from his training with Sunset Shimmer.
"Peter, we need to talk for a minute," Twilight said.
"Sure, what's up?" Peter asked.
"I'm really worried about Celestia," Twilight said. "She's been couped up in that house for three weeks and I think it's getting to her. She's so worried about Equestria too."
"I have noticed that she seems so distant," Peter said. "Don't worry, I'm training hard so I can go back and save everyone. With any luck, I can be ready by tomorrow, or the next day."
"Don't count on it," Julia said, her sudden appearance startling both Peter and Twilight.
"You know, there's a better way of getting someone's attention!" Peter shouted as he clutched his hand to his chest.
"You sounded so confident a moment ago, thinking you could go back soon," Julia said.
"Yeah, I've been training for a week, that's all I need right?" Peter asked.
"Not quite," Julia said. "You're strong, but your enemy is stronger. You need to do a lot more preparation."
"Julia, it's already been three weeks," Peter said. "If I don't go back soon, everyone in Equestria could die. Besides, Twilight and I really miss our son."
"I know you miss Benjy, but like I told you, he's being taken care of by Mary Jane Watson, and she's doing a good job of it too," Julia said. "Also, going back too soon could get you killed. Do you think it's worth being the hero if the villains still win in the end? Who would you be protecting by going back sooner than you should?"
"Who am I protecting now?" Peter asked. "Better to try and fail than to not try at all."
"Do you doubt your friends in Equestria?" Julia asked. "Do you believe they can't handle the dangers that were there? You're not here because you fled, you're here because you need to improve so you can do your part. Your friends have things under control for now, get stronger and you can fight by their side."
"I am stronger, and I already have a strategy," Peter said. "These guys just used numbers against me, some of them I barely even knew. But now that I know what they can do, I can avoid it and take down the big guys in charge. Now, I want to go back tomorrow, so let Eris know-"
Julia threw a punch across Peter's face, taking Twilight by surprise. "Julia!"
"What was that for!?" Peter rubbed the spot he was hit.
"You should have been able to dodge that," Julia said. "How did you let me get such a clean hit on you?"
"You took me by surprise, I didn't expect you to throw a punch at me!" Peter said as Twilight checked where he got hit. "I'm fine Twi, don't worry."
"You don't look fine, she really hit you hard," Twilight said.
"A hit he should have avoided," Julia said. "And me taking you by surprise is not a good excuse, Peter. Your Spider-Sense should have warned you, I gave it plenty of time."
"...Okay so I'm a bit slow on the intake, but I can fight without a Spider-Sense," Peter said.
"Do you really want to handicap yourself in a time where your enemies are at their strongest?" Julia asked. "Figure this Spider-Sense thing out, otherwise you're going to walk into your own demise."
Peter furrowed his brow in frustration. However, he could not argue the situation, "Alright fine."
"Fortunately for you, I brought you a sparring partner," Julia gestured to an opening portal. Emerging from it was a familiar girl.
"Gwen!?" Peter asked.
"Peter!" Gwen ran over and hugged her friend, nearly tearing up at the sight of the boy. "You ARE alive! I mean I already heard about it from S-from Julia, but seeing you in close and being able to hold you is so much better confirmation."
Twilight looked a little bothered by Gwen's affection, but chose not to let it get to her. It was not an easy thing to do, so the woman opted to simply look away.
"I decided to bring Gwen along so she can help you further your training," Julia said.
"What about Miles? Or Miguel? Or Peni?" Peter asked.
"Miguel is helping the Capcom Warriors at their base," Julia said. "I informed them of your survival."
"Wait, so they know I'm alive then?" Peter asked, barely paying any mind to Gwen's hugging by this point.
"The only place we're keeping that quiet is Equestria," Julia said. "Word is much easier to spread there, which could tip your foes off. We didn't even want to risk telling your friends, but I wouldn't be surprised if they figured it out on their own."
"This all feels a bit convoluted," Peter said. "If my friends know, they can help me prepare. It's not like it needs to be a secret from everyone. If anyone can hold a secret, it's a superhero. Besides, Mary Jane should know I'm alive too, and that I owe her big time for looking after Benjy."
Julia rubbed her chin in thought, "I suppose I could let a few of them know. It would be cruel to let them believe you were dead."
"Yeah, obviously," Peter said.
"I agree, our friends should know, and they can help us prepare. I also agree that we do owe Mary Jane, I'm glad my son is in her safe hands, even if I want him in mine," Twilight said before focusing on the female spider. "And, Gwen, would you mind letting my husband go?"
Gwen blushed upon realizing she still had Peter in a hug and promptly let go, "Sorry about that."
"It's fine, I found it flattering," Peter said. "It's great to see you again."
"You're telling me, I thought you were dead," Gwen said. "You should have seen everyone's reactions too, your friends were mortified. Even the Capcom Warriors were worried sick about you and your family."
"Well, I'm alive, so you and the others have no more reason to worry," Peter said. "I'm going to keep training and get back on track."
"I'll help with that," Gwen said. "And hey, maybe in time, we can get the Capcom Warriors to come. They do know guys like Wesker a whole lot better."
"Wesker is definitely up there on the list of people I owe a knuckle sandwich to," Peter said. "Right alongside Doctor Doom, Tirek, and especially The Green Goblin."
"I'd like another shot at that creep myself," Gwen said.
"Gwen will stay here for the time being to continue your training," Julia said. "Peter, you have a responsibility to get stronger and to be at your best. The multiverse is counting on you."
"Right...the multiverse...totally no pressure," Peter said.
"I'll be off," Julia made her exit, leaving everyone else behind.
"So, Gwen, how long are you staying?" Twilight asked.
"Not long, hopefully," Gwen said. "Not that I don't like being around all of you, but it's really hard explaining my long absences to my dad. I already have him convinced that I'm on tour with my band, and even then I have to maintain some form of contact so he's not worried. Julia has it under control though."
"I take it your dad doesn't know you're a superhero?" Twilight asked.
"No, I couldn't tell him," Gwen said. "It's not easy telling loved ones you're a hero, especially with all the drama and pressure that comes with it."
"Tell me about it," Peter said. "Still, guess it's our turn to spar. I just finished with Sunset Shimmer."
"Where is Sunset? I haven't seen her," Twilight said.
"In the woods," Peter said, gesturing to the girl who seemed to be looking at something. "Probably practicing some type of magic."
"I'll go and get her," Gwen said as she left.
Peter looked as Gwen left before exhaling deeply in worry, "I gotta get better."
"You'll get there," Twilight said. "You've been training hard all week."
"It's not enough though," Peter said. "My Spider-Sense is on the fritz, I can't react like I used to."
"Maybe you're stressed out," Twilight said. "I get it, you have a lot of pressure placed on you, but don't let it affect your mood."
"Twilight, I have to do this," Peter said. "Those villains came after me, it's my fault that Equestria's in danger."
"Peter, we've been over this, what happened wasn't your fault," Twilight said. "Don't let what Gallus or anyone else says get to you."
"But Twilight..." Peter tried insisting.
"Those villains were going to attack regardless," Twilight said. "In fact, without you around, we would probably have lost a long time ago. You're a big source of inspiration Peter, don't ever forget that."
"Heh, leave it to you to keep me from spiraling into the abyss," Peter said. "Still, I have to keep trying."
"Peter!" Sunset called, making her way over with Gwen. "Hey, I heard Julia came by."
"Yeah, she wants Gwen to train with me," Peter said.
"So I've heard," Sunset said.
"Sunset, how would you rate Peter's training?" Twilight asked. "Do you think he's improving?"
"He's fine for the most part, just not as fast as he once was," Sunset said. "But he has been working hard, so it's not out of laziness."
"Julia told me too, right after she socked me in the jaw," Peter said, rubbing the spot where he got hit.
"Huh? What did she do that for?" Sunset asked.
"To prove a point," Peter said. "I'm just not fighting as well as I used to, and it's starting to worry me."
"Wow, maybe you do need a break," Sunset said. "You should take Lightning Dust and Thunderlane up on their offer to go traveling."
"Traveling? That sounds fun," Twilight said. "Where to?"
"Try going to New York City," Sunset said. "It's not too far away, just take a day to explore."
Tempting as that offer was, Peter looked unsure about it, "I don't think I can afford a break."
"Just try it," Sunset said. "A day or two won't do any damage. Even Ryu says rest is a part of training. If you overwork yourself, it will have the opposite effect."
"I don't think Ryu has had the fate of the multiverse on his shoulders," Peter said.
"Maybe not," Gwen commented. "But that doesn't mean he's wrong. Take a break. Why don't you at least stop by Queens?"
"Queens?" Peter asked.
"Yeah, show your family where you grew up," Gwen said.
"I'd like that," Twilight said. "Come on Peter, it can't hurt."
"...Fine, just for today," Peter said. "But only for a little while."
"Great, come on!" Twilight pulled Peter into the house. "Let's tell Mayday."
"Hey easy," Peter said as Twilight pulled him along.
Sunset was relieved to see Peter taking a break, then focused her attention on Gwen, "So...Julia sent you?"
"Yeah, she's worried about Peter's progress," Gwen said.
"Peter has the drive, but he's letting the worry get to him," Sunset said. "I know a lot of the Capcom Warriors feel bad about it. They never wanted anyone else wrapped up in their troubles."
"Well, we're all in this together," Gwen said. "And be careful when trying to contact Ryu with Peter around."
"Hey, I've been perfectly stealthy for three weeks," Sunset said. "I might as well be like Solid Snake himself."
"Who?" Gwen asked.
"A warrior from another world, a master of stealth, the living shadow..." Sunset rubbed her chin. "Wait, I might be thinking of Sam Fisher with the last one. Hey, he's great at stealth too, both guys know how to blend in to the background and be invisible to the naked eye."
"Why does it sound like you're describing video game characters?" Gwen asked.
"I don't know, why do you look like a comic book character?" Sunset pointed out.
"...Got me there," Gwen said.
"Just let me worry about how I contact Ryu," Sunset said. "Speaking of which, I should go talk to him."
"I'll cover for you," Gwen said as she went into the house.
Sunset looked around to make sure no one could see her, then ran into the woods and through a portal.
Inside the home, Twilight had gotten everyone's attention. "Who's up for a trip to Queens?"
"Queens?" Shocker asked. "If you're taking a trip to the city, go to Manhattan. There's more to do there."
"I want to see Peter's old neighborhood," Twilight said.
"Yeah, I'd like to show my daughter too," Peter said.
"Oooh, I've always wanted to see where you grew up," Mayday said. "Franklin had somewhere in Queens that he wanted to take me to as well."
"You do, where?" Peter asked.
Franklin walked over to Peter to whisper something into his ear, the hero's eyes widening in curiosity and satisfaction.
"That's an awesome idea," Peter said, earning a smile from Franklin. "Now, it's a quick trip, anyone who wants to come is welcome."
"Count me out," Shocker said as he opened his newspaper.
"Dude, come on, you've been stuck in this house reading that paper like an old man," Peter said. "Have fun."
"Maybe you forgot Spidey, but I have a criminal record, and I'm pretty sure there's still warrants out for my arrest," Shocker said.
"Didn't you already serve time in jail before coming to Equestria?" Sonata asked.
"I didn't serve time, I was bailed out by The Kingpin," Shocker said. "He needed bodyguards for his...Construction Projects...then Wesker showed up and his plans went downhill."
"Well, getting bailed out still counts, I think," Peter said.
"It wasn't a traditional bail, he bribed some crooked cops on the force," Shocker said. "Remember Spidey, The Kingpin had guys everywhere, even in the police. Those guys probably got busted by now and that arrest warrant is probably back."
"Fisk does have a knack for getting his grubby hands everywhere he can..." Peter admitted. "Still, maybe I can talk to someone at the force if need be."
"Who? You may be a hero Spidey, but some guys still hold you accountable for what happened to Captain George Stacy," Shocker said. "Not everyone in New York worshipped you after you defeated Osborn. Some even say you abandoned them."
"Herman!" Twilight scolded.
"Hey I'm just the messenger," Shocker said. "Look, why do you want me to come? Do you not trust me here alone? You think I'm going to rob you blind and run off? Or realign myself with Osborn? Eris has her eyes everywhere, if I tried anything, she might erase me from existence."
"I want you to come because I think you need a better lease on life," Peter said. "Look Herman, despite our differences, I don't think you're that bad of a guy. Yeah, we've fought, and you have tried to kill me. But, I've made peace with enemies before. Starlight used to hate me."
"Yeah, I tried trapping Peter, Twilight and their friends in my village and let Loki reign over Equestria," Starlight said.
"I was willing to give Chrysalis another chance, before some jerks ruined it," Peter said.
"That's still so mysterious," Twillight said.
"Besides, I feel kind of bad for you," Peter said, causing Shocker's eyes to twitch. "Given how lonely you seem-"
"Let me stop you right there," Shocker said. "I don't want, nor do I need your pity. I made my choices, and I'm man enough to stand by them, even though they got me nothing but grief."
"Don't you want to start over?" Trixie asked. "I've gotten another chance despite what I've done."
"What did you do? Steal from Spidey once?" Shocker asked.
"I've made mistakes, which resulted in an Ursa Minor being let loose in town," Trixie said. "Peter often tells me that wasn't my fault, but I still indirectly caused it."
"Exactly, you indirectly caused trouble, the only thing wrong was that ponies treated you like shit for it," Shocker said. "Like humans, they love a good scapegoat."
"Well how about Lightning Dust?" Peter asked. "She joined forces with you and Vega back when you worked with Wesker. But now she's here, and on our side."
"Even Gambit was a thief once," Rogue said. "And Hawkeye."
"Don't forget that Sandman joined The Avengers," Peter said.
"Not a good example considering he went back to being a thug," Shocker said.
"He still joined, and he helped out during the Accords stuff," Peter said. "Also, Rogue just mentioned Gambit and Hawkeye."
Shocker grumbled in annoyance, looking away from Peter, "Just drop it, alright? I'm on your side long enough to get my revenge against my old allies, but don't think we're friends. When this is over, I'm going back to my old life."
"Um, excuse me, Mr. Shultz?" Mayday said, getting the man's attention. "It would be great if you came too. You don't want to be lonely all the time, do you?"
"I like lonely," Shocker said.
"I used to like it too," Mayday said, before glancing at the boy next to her. "Then I met Franklin. He showed me that it's alright to have friends, because real ones accept you for who you are, and don't try to change you as a person."
"I'm a thief, kid, do you want that as a friend?" Shocker asked.
"You said that being a thief wasn't your goal," Mayday said. "You wanted to be an Engineer, or the owner of a Cafe."
"Both dreams are dead," Shocker said.
"But that shows me you're not really a bad person," Mayday said. "I think you want to have a better life, but you're afraid of failing. I know that feeling, I was afraid of having friends because I thought they would judge me. Franklin and Luster Dawn showed me that I can have real friends who don't judge me. Friends who like who I am. Don't you want friends who likes you? Friends who would never turn away from you?"
"Kid..." Shocker angrily crunched his newspaper, feeling irritable due to these words. He couldn't be mad at Mayday, because he knew deep down she only wanted to speak out of kindness, something that felt so foreign to him. "I had friends..."
"Shocker had friends, and the moment you stopped being Shocker, you lost those friends," Mayday said. "Do you want friends as Shocker? Or as Herman Shultz? Friends who will help you follow your dreams?"
"...Son of a..." Shocker couldn't believe this nine-year-old girl was getting to him. "Kid, you're something else. You talk as much as your pops, but at least you don't make me want to pull my hair out."
"Hey!" Peter said.
"So...what do you say?" Mayday asked.
"...I make no promises," Shocker said. "But if you really think I should come, for whatever reason you think is needed, then fine, I'll put up with it."
"That's great! I bet you'd love it," Mayday turned her attention to Sonata. "That also goes for you of course. You can find friends here just like Mr. Shultz."
"Don't call me 'Mr.' kid, I ain't an old man," Shocker said. "Just call me Herman."
"Okay Herman," Mayday turned to the siren. "What should I call you?"
"You can just call me 'Sonata', nothing formal," The siren said.
"Wow, Mayday has a real knack for Friendship," Peter turned his attention to Twilight. "Just like her mother."
"And like her father, she wants to save lives, in any way possible," Twilight said.
"I will admit, Mayday's a sweetheart," Sonata said, earning a blush from the girl. "But, being around her still makes me miss Cozy Glow."
"Do you think there's a way to save her?" Peter asked.
"She wants friends," Sonata said. "She grew up an orphan, and was manipulated by Discord and Tirek into joining their side. They promised her Friendship, so she followed through on their plans."
"Kid just wanted friends, that's the main reason she even liked that school," Shocker said. "Yeah it was to carry out her evil scheme, but it sounds like she always intended to go regardless. Discord just thought it'd be fun to manipulate this girl for his game. Didn't help that Martin Li encouraged her in his own way."
"She did grow close to that group of students, and honestly, if things turned out differently, she may have abandoned her plans," Sonata said. "Then again, she was terrified of what Tirek could do to her, so that's uncertain."
"She did seem to like Sandbar," Mayday said. "I liked him at first too, then he got all judgy about how many friends I had."
"She didn't just like Sandbar, she was in love with him," Sonata said. "When she got banished, she only thought about him, and her goal was to make him love her back. Then she had her heart broken at the Gala."
"Because he was dating Ocellus, right?" Peter asked.
"You guessed it," Sonata said.
"The kid had potential to be better, but she threw that away because she had a strong desire for power," Shocker said.
"Still, it sounded like her reasons were born out of fear of being alone," Peter said. "I gotta help that girl."
"Spider-Man, if you truly are serious about helping Cozy Glow, then I want to be part of that," Sonata said. "Do that for me, and I will abandon my desires to take over. I already soured on the idea when I saw how far those guys would go when it came to your daughter. I want to be better."
"I'll help you with that," Peter said. "I'll help in any way I can."
"I'm trusting you, Peter," Sonata said. "Don't let me down."
"I won't," Peter promised.
"Sounds like you're all making plans," Gwen said as she came into the living room.
"Gwen Stacy?" Trixie said. "When did you get here?"
"A little while ago, thanks to Julia," Gwen said.
"Gwen!" Mayday ran over to hug the woman. "I missed you so much!"
"Wow, Mayday is willingly hugging someone," Trixie said.
"I love it," Gwen hugged back. "I missed you kid. I'm really glad you're alive."
"I'm glad you're alive too," Mayday said. "Guess what, daddy's taking me to his old neighborhood in Queens."
"That's awesome," Gwen said. "How have you been holding up though?"
"Fine, a little stressful, but nothing I can't handle," Mayday insisted.
"That's great, you wanna know what helps me out when I'm stressed?" Gwen asked.
"What?" Mayday replied.
"Music," Gwen pulled out a media player. "I got this for you, I figured it could make for a nice distraction."
"What is it?" Mayday asked as she took the player.
"A Zune, a type of MP3 Player that holds all kinds of music," Gwen said.
"Those things still exist?" Rogue asked. "Kids these days use their phones."
"I am not going to be the one who introduces Smart Phones into Equestria," Gwen said. "Mayday, take this Zune, and use it to your heart's content."
"How does it work?" Mayday asked.
"Plug in these headphones," Gwen explained. "And put them in your ears."
"Okay..." Mayday did as told.
"Now, press play," Gwen said.
Mayday did as she was told, and suddenly music started playing in her ears, much to the girl's delight. "So...amazing!"
"I put in lots of songs based on what I think your tastes are," Gwen said. "If there's anything you don't like, or anything you may want, hit me up, and I'll help."
"That thing looks kind of familiar," Apple Bloom said. "Ah think ah saw someone in Marvel use it."
"Maybe Star-Lord, he likes listening to music on devices like these," Peter said. "He told me he still has an old cassette player of his favorite songs."
"Thank you for the Zune," Mayday said. "You didn't have to get me it, though."
"Yeah, aren't those things expensive?" Peter asked.
"It's just an old device I had. I just got another one from a friend, so I gave Mayday my old one," Gwen said. "I will admit, my new one has more memory, but I figured it's better than nothing."
"It's fine, you did something nice and I appreciate it," Mayday said. "You're really kind."
"Aw...you're so well mannered," Gwen kissed the top of Mayday's head. "I wish you were my daughter."
"Ahem!" Twilight interjected. "Thanks for being kind to my daughter, but don't get carried away."
"Twi, don't be jealous," Apple Bloom said. "Take it from me, it ain't flattering."
"I'm not jealous..." Twilight insisted, nervously looking around.
"Well, I'm going to talk with Sunset about something, you all have fun in the city," Gwen said.
"Wait, don't you want to come?" Peter asked.
"Bad idea, considering I'm dead in this timeline, I might freak out anyone who recognizes me," Gwen said. "I'll be fine, go on."
"Well, okay," Peter gestured to the door. "To Queens!"
Meanwhile in Equestria, Tirek was overlooking Canterlot as the ponies did their assigned tasks. They were in the middle of constructing an enormous statue for the evil ruler.
Among them were Fancy Pants, Fleur De Lis, Saffron Masala and Sugarcoat.
"How did it come to this?" Sugarcoat asked as she pulled on a wagon. "I thought the heroes were supposed to keep guys like Tirek away?"
"They tried, but they were overpowered," Saffron said, also pulling the wagon. "Did you see that scary villain from a few weeks ago? He overpowered Celestia like it was nothing, even with The Avengers there to help."
"Work faster!" A Servbot ordered. "And no talking!"
"Ugh, taking orders from these stupid things is really what stings the most," Sugarcoat said. "If I could I would-"
"You would what!?" Came the voice of Tron Bonne, who was accompanied by Poison.
"Nothing ma'am," Saffron insisted. "She was just venting some frustrations."
"It better be nothing," Tron said. "Hurry and finish up, my Servbots are tired of observing you weak ponies."
"Be happy it's them and not my boys," Poison warned as she held her whip out. "Or me, I'm not one to tolerate slacking."
"Of course!" Saffron said as she and Sugarcoat hurried along.
Tron huffed in annoyance, "Stupid ponies." She turned to Poison. "What are your boys up to anyway?"
"The Prowler needed help hauling some gems from the Dragon Lands, so my boys went to help," Poison said.
"Hauling gems and you didn't ask me?" Tron replied.
"Hey, you already raided Griffonstone, Mount Aris and even that Rock Farm," Poison said. "My boys deserve something. Besides it's been a few weeks, why haven't you raided the place?"
"There's a lot of lava there, I was building something to help me explore without danger," Tron said. "Are your boys even prepared for the Dragon Lands?"
"...Crap, I didn't think of that," Poison began making her leave. "Be right back!"
"How foolish," Tron said.
Unknown to her, Remy, Bobby, Rarity and Applejack were not too far away.
"Remind me why it's just us?" Bobby said.
"If we bring too many, it's going to raise attention," Applejack said. "Remember what happened the other day when The Wonderbolts tried liberating this town?"
"Yeah, they're down to like four active members," Bobby said.
"Exactly," Applejack said. "We don't need to liberate the town, just free the ponies."
"I see Fancy Pants and his wife, Fleur," Rarity said. "They're not too far away."
"I'll sneak in, the rest of you watch my back," Remy said as he leapt down. "Anything happens, run or fight."
"Ah ain't running unless yer with me," Applejack said. "Be careful Remy."
While sneaking past some Servbots, as well as some guards, Remy got close to Fancy Pants, tossing a rock near him to get his attention.
"Hey, rich pony, over here," Remy said.
"Hm?" Fancy Pants noticed Remy. "Oh, this is quite a surprise."
"I'm gonna get you out of here, follow me," Remy said. "Get your wife."
"I have some comrades who need rescuing too," Fancy Pants said.
"I got them," Remy said. "Now hurry and-"
"What's going on?" A Servbot asked. The moment he spotted Remy, he pulled out a whistle. "Intrud-"
Remy whacked the robot away with his staff, but this alerted the rest of them, much to Remy's annoyance as he went to fight, "Shit. Y'all gotta run! Now!"
"But sir!" Fancy Pants said.
"Dear, he is buying us time," Fleur gestured Fancy Pants away. "We must run!"
Bobby groaned in annoyance, "He got spotted. Let's go girls."
Applejack and Rarity rushed in to help fight off some robots and guards, the riots getting Tron's attention.
"Hey! What's going on!?" She spotted the heroes and proceeded to pull out a radio. "Tirek, you have intruders."
"That I can hear," Tirek replied. "Troops, find them!"
Remy whacked the foes away, allowing more ponies to escape. He then came across two that were surrounded, "You two! This way!'
"It's Gambit!" Saffron said to Sugarcoat. "Come, this is our chance for Freedom!"
"About time!" Sugarcoat said.
Some Servbots tried to stop them, but Bobby was quick to freeze them in place, "You guys gotta chill."
Tron leapt into her Gustaff and charged at the heroes, "You're going down, intruders!"
Applejack leapt in front of Tron and buck kicked her machine through the wall of a house, "Get going!"
Tron pulled herself out of the wall, looking furiously at the heroes, "Oh they're so gonna get it!"
As the heroes ran out of town, Tirek could spot them from the distance, and grew increasingly frustrated. "Must I do everything myself!?"
As Remy lead the escape, he spotted Tirek landing nearby, and how angry the Centaur looked, "Whoa, watch yourselves! Dis guy, he looking mad!"
"Did you really think you could escape so easily!?" Tirek shouted.
"Of course not, we ain't fools," Remy said as he pulled out his cards.
"I got this!" Bobby glided up to blast Tirek with his ice, but the Centaur managed to whack the hero away, sending him flying across the fields.
"Bobby! Rarity shouted in worry.
"Ha, do you honestly believe you can stop me with-!?" Tirek's questioning was interrupted when he took a kick to his head.
He turned and spotted Tony in his Iron Man armor, "Hey big guy, here's a humble offering from Stark Industries to your Reign of Terror!"
Tony fired a massive Ion Beam from his chest right in Tirek's face, stunning the beast momentarily while the others ran. In a fit of rage, Tirek managed to whack Tony away, though needed time to recompose himself.
Afterwards, he looked around to see that everyone was out of sight. In his anger, he charged up some magic and fired at the ground around him.
"None of you will escape with your lives!" Tirek shouted, causing a mess of destruction while the heroes hid with any captives they could rescue.
With that done, Tirek focused his attention on ponies trying to escape, forcing them back into town while the heroes looked on.
"Damn...we couldn't save everyone," Remy said. "I'm gonna go back."
"You crazy!?" Applejack asked as she bit Remy's coat, then tried speaking through her teeth. "It ain't safe!"
"He's right, Tirek's going to expect us," Bobby said. "Plus Tron Bonne's in town too."
"I ain't worried about that girl, one touch and her machine might as well be a ticking time bomb," Remy said.
"If you go back, you might end up killed," Rarity said. "Besides, we need to rendezvous with Bobby, and pray that he's not too hurt."
"Either way, ah think ah saw Tony heading into town, he'll rescue the others," Applejack said. "Fer now, let's get these ponies to Klugetown."
"Klugetown?" Sugarcoat asked. "Where's that?"
"It's a bit of a hike, but don't worry, we might be able to get a ride halfway through," Applejack said. "Come on."
"Thank you for coming," Saffron said.
"It's no trouble dear," Rarity said, then took a look around. "Oh, it looks like we couldn't find your father. I hope Tony can-"
"My father is dead," Saffron sadly confessed, startling Rarity and worrying the others. "When Tirek took over, he made an example out of some ponies, including my father."
"Oh...oh my..." Rarity said. She took the lady by her hoof, hoping to express her condolences. "I am so sorry."
"One more thing Tirek will answer for," Remy said. "Still, your father would want you to be safe, and I'm going to make sure of it."
"Thank you, Gambit," Saffron said as she wiped a tear from her eye. "I am ready to go."
Tron had spotted them from a distance with some binoculars. She could go after them, but she figured the best thing she could do was plan ahead.
This wasn't the only place where heroes were fighting to liberate others. In Manehattan, Johnny was seen clashing with Electro in midair.
"You think you can handle me, Torch!?" Electro blasted Johnny through some buildings. "I'm unstoppable! This city is mine!"
Johnny blasted out of the building and punched Electro hard in the jaw and continued to fight while Rainbow Dash escorted some ponies away.
"Hurry, this way!" Rainbow Dash urged.
"We owe you for this," Blueberry Curls said.
"Yeah, thanks," Azure Valor chimed in.
"Don't thank me until you're safe," Rainbow Dash said.
"Wise words," Came the voice of The Shredder.
"You!" Rainbow Dash shouted. "Your name is Shredder, right!? What are you doing here!?"
"I came to this city as it reminded me of another town that I rule," Shredder said as he readied his claws. "And like that town, it has nuisances like you causing trouble for my empire!"
"Run!" Rainbow Dash engaged in combat with the samurai styled villain.
Johnny blasted Electro again, then spotted Rainbow Dash's troubles. "It's that dude with the armor, the one who has a rivalry with those Ninja Turtles."
"Don't ignore me!" Electro attacked Johnny again as ponies made their escape.
Fortunately Soarin, one of the few remaining Wonderbolts, was there to help guide them away and fended off Shredder's Mouser robots, long enough for Johnny and Rainbow Dash to eventually escape.
"Okay, that's a few down...and so much more to go..." Soarin lamented. "Are we even making a dent?"
Within New Asgard, Loki sat on his Throne and overlooked various portals, hoping to find any sign of where Thor might have gone.
"Brother...I know you're still alive," Loki said as he bitterly searched. "If you do not show yourself, I will tear the multiverse apart until you do! Worse yet, I'll find your precious wife and daughter and show them no mercy!"
"You seem troubled," Wesker said as he, Vomi and Doom made their presence known. "Still unable to find Thor?"
"He is evading my detection like a coward," Loki said. "I had sent Sephiroth and his allies to look for him as well, but they are having no luck."
"It would have been easier if you made sure he was dead," Vomi scolded. "From what I hear, Thor is not a foe to take lightly."
"He isn't, but I am doing what I can to find him," Loki said. "Trust me when I say, I want him dead just as much as you do. Honestly, my desire to see him dead far exceeds yours!"
"Such aggression," Wesker said, almost impressed. "I understand the desire, and fear not, for you may not have been the only one to make such an oversight."
"Unfortunately, yes..." Vomi said. "There's a good chance that Spider-Man is alive."
"So I've heard," Loki said. "These heroes seem to evade death much to easily."
"They are like cockroaches," Doom said. "They should be easy to stomp, but nothing appears to be enough."
"Not without drastic measures at least," Wesker said.
"I will handle Thor, meanwhile the rest of you have your own troubles," Loki said. "Don't you have other worlds to purge?"
"It will take some time, we've done what we can, but the warriors in those worlds are still putting up a fight," Wesker said.
"Let them, in time we shall dispose of them," Doom said. "It will take a large effort, but it shall be done."
"...Well, I am done sitting around," Loki said as he exited his chair. "I will look for Thor myself."
"Do you think it wise to leave New Asgard unattended?" Doom asked.
"It would be even more unwise to leave my brother to his devices," Loki said as he opened a portal. "I shall return."
With Loki gone, Wesker had turned his attention to Doom, "We should take initative too. Send scouts to places that Spider-Man may be, if he is alive."
"That could be anywhere," Vomi said. "Would he truly return to his own world? That seems like an illogical choice, as it is the first place we would check."
"Yes, and Peter may have considered that too," Wesker said. "Let us be off."
Vomi and Doom followed Wesker out of New Asgard to make their plans.
Within Klugetown, more heroes were arriving with ponies, placing them in a shelter that had been built for them. Some heroes had come with food as well, whatever they could find.
"Geez, even getting materials to cook things is rough," Wade said. "Soon we're going to run out."
"We won't," Pinkie said. "Even villains need to eat, so they won't destroy this world too much."
"The other day, I saw a family having to eat dog food," Wade said. "It's getting bad. Some of them only eat once a day."
"Hey, we're still making it, plus the Apples found a field with suitable soil, so they're able to farm food," Pinkie said. "It's slow, but effective."
"Also, don't forget..." Came the voice of Cammy as she stepped through a portal with some bags of food. "You get some specially imported food from the finest parts of the multiverse."
"Hi Cammy!" Pinkie greeted. "Wow, did you bring all this food by yourself?"
"Not alone, Felicia helped too," Cammy said.
"Oh Felicia's helping?" Wade almost sarcastically asked. "Is she actually moving her ass rather than placing it over Capper's-"
"Hi!" Came the voice of the Darkstalker Felicia as she dropped off more food.
"Oh, this one, the one who's ironically not slutty despite wearing less clothes," Wade said.
"Wade, don't say things like that," Pinkie scolded. "Felicia Hardy is the one who told us about Klugedown. Plus she is helping, just the other day she helped save some kids from Fillydelphia. It wasn't easy sneaking past Mysterio either."
"She only pulled that off because Laura went with her, and they nearly got caught because Felicia got distracted by a ring that fell on the ground," Wade said.
"That ring belonged to one of the kids, she lost her mother in this war and that ring was for her and her father to remember the mother by," Pinkie said.
"...Still," Wade said.
"Sounds like Black Cat has quite the bad reputation here," Cammy said. "Is it because she's a thief?"
"It's more that she's broken a few hearts," Pinkie said. "First Peter's, then Thunderlane's."
"Which one is Thunderlane?" Cammy asked.
"The grey one with the goofy mohawk," Wade said.
"I am still unsure of who that one is," Cammy said.
"All you need to know is that she had his baby, then ditched him," Wade said. "She claimed to be gay or some dumb shit like that. Spoiler alert, she's not."
"It doesn't seem like any of my business," Cammy said. "But in times like these, it's better to get along."
"We all have to try and be friends," Felicia said.
"It's easy with you, Felicia," Wade said. "You're not a sneaky tramp, like Felicia."
"Yeah, Felicia's cute, unlike Felicia who's sneaky," Pinkie said.
"...This is getting weird," Cammy said.
"I purr-feclty understand them," Felicia joked.
"...You're lucky you're a cat, otherwise I'd hate you for that joke," Cammy said.
"You couldn't hate me regardless," Felicia teased.
"Don't push your luck," Cammy playfully warned. She focused on Wade, "Also, there's some good news and bad news. The good news is that with any luck, I can contact my old buddy Superman to help."
"You and Superman are friends?" Wade asked.
"Long story," Cammy said. "The bad news, don't be surprised if the villains try to even the score. But they may go for guys like Lex Luthor and The Joker even if Superman and Batman didn't come."
"The multiverse is both a gift, and a curse," Felicia said.
"Honestly, do we want to risk more?" Wade asked.
"We may not have a choice," Pinkie said.
"There's always a choice, let's choose not to get ourselves killed," Wade said.
"Wise words," Cammy said as she left. "I wish you luck."
"We'll keep an eye on you," Felicia said as she left too.
Pinkie glanced at the food left behind, feeling confident, "Come on, let's get this all cooked up."
"To the grill!" Wade ordered.
Meanwhile at her temporary home, Sweetie Belle was feeding Rumble's son Cumulon with a bottle formula she prepped up.
On the top of the roof, Rumble was heard trying to test out his new glider, but failing. Seconds later, she heard him coming back inside and saw the disappointment on his face.
"You'll get there soon," Sweetie Belle said.
"Soon isn't enough, I need to figure this out now!" Rumble dejectedly stated.
"Rumble, these things take time," Sweetie Belle said. "But you're getting closer, don't give up."
"I won't, because I can't!" Rumble said. "If I give up, then I can say 'good-bye' to any hope of being a hero again. I just want to be able to protect everyone close to me!"
"Rumble, don't be so hard on yourself," Sweetie Belle said. She gently placed the baby down and trotted over to the boy. "You can't always expect instant results. Now you'll get there, but it may take a bit more time. You need to be patient with yourself."
"I'm trying..." Rumble said as he glared at his straps. "The longer I take, the more people suffer."
"Rumble, you sound so much like Peter sometimes," Sweetie Belle said. "I love how much you care, but before trying to help others, you must go easy on yourself. Everyone's already doing their part so you don't need to worry. Your time will come, just believe in our friends."
"...Okay, I will," Rumble said as he smiled at the girl. "Thank you Sweetie Belle."
"I'll always be here for you," Sweetie Belle said as she gently rubbed Rumble's face.
Rumble looked flattered by Sweetie Belle's affection as the two leaned in close, as if looking to share a kiss. Rumble however caught a glance of Apple Bloom's picture, causing him to stop just before contact.
"I can't..." Rumble backed away and went back outside. "I'm going to try this out a few more times. I know it can work. It did for Wind Sock, and it will for me too."
With Rumble outside, Sweetie Belle dejectedly turned to the picture. "Apple Bloom...I know Rumble misses you. I miss you too. But, should he move on, I hope you can forgive him." She picked the picture up as a tear fell down her eye, "I won't ever try to replace you, but I want to make things work with me and Rumble. He deserves someone, and I know you'd want him to have someone. Not just him, but your son too, whom I love like my own now. I also love you too, you're my best friend after all. Scootaloo misses you too, and that's why she's training right now, because she wants to get revenge on your behalf."
True to Sweetie Belle's words, Scootaloo was practicing her kicks under the watchful eyes of Logan and Fluttershy.
"Don't overexert yerself, kid," Logan said.
"It's not just about power, it's about precision too," Fluttershy added.
"Thanks, I got this," Scootaloo said, taking down more dummies, hoping to get her own revenge. "You guys will pay for what you did to Apple Bloom, and to Peter."
In Ponyville, Cozy Glow explored the town, keeping an eye on the Pony slaves as she passed by some houses. One such was Sandbar's house, the girl staring at it for a little bit.
"Where are you?" Cozy wondered. "I really need you Sandy, I need to know you're safe."
"Cozy Glow," Martin Li got her attention.
"What is it?" Cozy asked.
"Vergil is here, he wishes to speak with you," Martin Li said. "He says you found something interesting under where the School of Friendship is."
"Don't you mean The Friendship Center?" Cozy sarcastically asked.
"I don't care what it's called, just hurry and meet with him," Martin Li said. "Also, try to focus on your patrols. Heroes have been liberating slaves."
"Don't worry, I'm an Alicorn now," Cozy gestured to her horn. "I have the power of an Equestria Princess, and nothing is greater than that."
Cozy returned to the school while Martin Li briefly glanced curiously at the house before leaving as well.
In the Capcom Portal Room, Gwen was talking to Sunset, practically lecturing her about her recent choices, "You really need to be careful when traveling. Not only do you need to keep it a secret from Peter, but from Julia too."
"What's the big deal if I travel?" Sunset asked.
"Because you really ticked off Doctor Strange, and in turn, ticked off Julia," Gwen said. "Even Miguel is worried."
"Well don't," Sunset said. "I'm going to fix this, and do so my way. Now I gotta go talk to Ryu. Are you coming?"
"Fine, just don't make things worse," Gwen said.
"I got it," Sunset said as she went into the other room.
"Pain in the butt..." Gwen said as she followed.
In the other room, Ryu had welcomed his friend, "Hello Sunset, and you too Gwen. We've been waiting for you."
Gathered around were Chris, Dante, Mega Man, Morrigan, Cloud, Sonic, Bayonetta, Kratos, Cole MacGrath, Terry Bogard, Jin Kazama, Goku and Leonardo.
"Big gathering," Sunset said as she sat between Ryu and Mega Man.
"So many strong guys," Gwen said, sitting between Sonic and Cole.
"Well this is a multiverse sized problem," Chris said. "We gathered everyone we could for this meeting."
"Naruto wanted to come, but he's dealing with a Shinobi problem," Goku said. "Nothing major, he'll be around when he can."
"What about Mark?" Sunset asked. "And All Might too?"
"All Might said he will come when needed but he can't afford to be away from his world too long," Chris said. "As for Mark, well you know about the Viltrumite Situation."
"Has anyone had contact with him?" Sunset asked.
"I did," Dante said. "I asked him if things were well. He told me not to ask. I think he's going through a lot."
"Mark's father turned out to be a General for the Viltrumite Army, and they inteded to conquer Earth," Chris said. "He's not in a good place."
"Viltrumites don't sound too different from the Saiyans," Goku chimed in. "I know what it's like to be caught up with that. The reason I went to Earth was to conquer it, but I bumped my head and lost my memory, so I ended up living peacefully there instead."
"Given how strong you are, then it seems like your version of Earth lucked out," Chris said. "You're a protector rather than a conquerer. So to speak at least."
"I know Equestria is having troubles, but if Mark's dimension is in danger, shouldn't we try to help him too?" Sonic asked. "What's to stop any of these villains from reaching out to the Viltrumites?"
"They're clearly accepting new recruits given that they teamed with Shredder," Leo said. "Plus those rumors about them going to the Justice League's world."
"How did those rumors start?" Cole asked.
"Some grunts keep talking about it," Dante explained.
"We don't want things to get worse," Leo said.
"Then end the problem before it gets to that point," Bayonetta said. "It's that simple."
"You got any plans you want to share, Bayo?" Dante asked.
"Take out whoever's in charge," Bayonetta pointed out. "Power or not, even the strongest are vulnerable when you strike them at their weakest."
"That is a lesson I learned in my battles against The Gods of Olympus," Kratos said. "And again with the Aesir Gods of my world."
"Exactly, Kratos here fought Zeus," Cole said. "Send him after their strongest guy, and we'll be backup."
"Cole, keep in mind that Kratos was there when this happened, and we still lost," Chris said.
"That is correct, even I had difficulty against their forces," Kratos said. "I had no idea that Equestria had such power."
"Our world is a big mystery," Sunset said. "Celestia has told me in the past that there's more to my dimension than meets the eye. I never understood what she meant, that could be why I like to explore."
"You think Equestria has its own branches?" Gwen asked. "Like us in Marvel?"
"Yeah, maybe," Sunset said.
"Well if it's true, and the villains haven't figured it out, that could be our advantage," Gwen said.
"Just be mindful," Cloud said.
"I will," Sunset replied. "Still, what about all our other allies? Like the guys from Ragnarök?"
"That could work too," Leo said. "You met some strong people, haven't you?"
"I did, guys like Harry Potter, Luke Skywalker, Captain Jack Sparrow, John Rambo, Legolas..." Sunset listed. "Guys who Peter described as straight out of movies."
"Speaking of which, Leon saw one guy there he thought was cool," Chris said. "That being John McClane."
"I wouldn't mind bringing Spawn back," Dante said. "That guy is strong just looking at him."
"There's others from my world that can help," Cole said. "Guys like Gabriel Logan if you want tactical espionage. Guys like Ratchet and Clank if you want more on the side of mechanical engineering mixed with awesome space power. Or girls like Kat, her Gravity Powers will work wonders."
"I suppose that can work," Sunset said.
"We can also try going for Geralt of Rivia," Dante said. "Convincing him may not be easy."
"We could use anyone we can, preferably those who can survive or adapt to Equestria," Sunset said.
"If you want someone good at adapting, let's find Lara Croft," Mega Man said. "She can adapt anywhere."
"She's not really the hero type though," Chris said. "What can we offer her to make her want to come?"
"Show an adventurer a neat playground, and you don't need any convincing," Sonic said.
"Besides, she'll like the challenge," Dante said. "Also, a dual wielding, badass chick? Sounds like my kind of lady."
"Oh, is that so?" Bayonetta teased as she pulled out her guns. "Good to know."
"Come on, Bayo," Dante said. "You know us Demons and Umbra Witches are a bad combo."
"Speaking of supernatural, we should find a member of the Belmont Family," Morrigan said. "Like Simon perhaps."
"Good choice," Dante said.
"How about Alex Mercer?" Mega Man asked.
"Oh yeah, bring him on..." Cole said as he readied electricity.
"Save the rivalry for later, bro," Dante said.
"Oh, and let's not forget guys like Mario and Link," Sonic said.
"I was just thinking that," Mega Man added. "They can bring Samus Aran too."
"Bring Kirby, let him inhale everyone," Dante suggested.
"We should reunite with Lloyd Irving as well," Jin said. "He and Yuri Lowell have expressed their interests."
"So has 2B," Cloud added.
"I can get a girl named Athena," Terry said. "She has some experience with all this."
"We could use more survival experts, like Issac Clark," Chris suggested.
"Oh, and Shantae," Dante said. "Let her fight by our side again."
While this was all going down, Sunset was busy jotting notes, keeping all these suggestions in mind.
"Guys, chill," Gwen said. "Remember what Strange said. Don't get carried away."
Despite their prior excitement, many of them did calm themselves.
"You're right, we need to handle this responsibly," Chris said.
"I fully agree," Ryu said. "The ones here should be enough, but I concur that we should assist Mark," Ryu said.
"I can go find him whenever you're all ready," Sunset said, placing her list someplace safe.
"Let's make plans," Chris said as he pulled out some sheets and charts, fully prepared for what he must do.
Back on Earth, in the town of Forest Hills in Queens, Peter was seen driving around with Twilight in the Front Seat of his car. Mayday, Franklin and Celestia were in the back.
Rogue had her own car, with Apple Bloom in the Front Seat, and the back with Trixie, Starlight and Autumn Blaze in the back,
Lastly Shocker drove in his car with Sonata in the front, and both Thunderlane and Lightning Dust in the back.
"Good thing Eris made these cars for us," Peter said. "And it's a good thing I practiced driving a bit, feels like forever since I drove a car."
"Do you have your license?" Franklin asked.
"I think Eris gave me one, I feel bad for using a fake license but this is an emergency, sort of," Peter said. He came across an old neighborhood. "There it is."
He came across a humble house within the middle of an urban neighborhood. After finding some parking, which took a few minutes, Peter led everyone toward his old house.
Shocker did his best to keep his face obstructed, while trying not to look too suspicious. He came across the Parker home as well, looking up at it.
"Wow...it's actually here," Peter turned to his daughter and pointed at the house. "This is where I used to live."
"Wow, it's so small," Mayday said.
"It's not that small, especially compared to the Library," Peter said. "Besides, it was just me, my aunt and my uncle. We had all the space we needed."
"Ah think it looks great," Apple Bloom said. "Nice humble home fer a humble family."
"Feels like just the other day we were here," Twilight said.
"Wait, you've been here before?" Trixie asked.
"Of course, I stayed here when I came to Earth ten years ago," Twilight said. "Ten years in Equestria time at least."
"Oh yeah, I'll never forget that time," Peter recalled the memories. "After all, it's where Twilight and I conceived...ugh..." Peter's face turned red as he tried to think of something. "Our love for each other! Yeah that's it."
Aside from the kids, everyone knew what Peter meant to say, all they could do was glare, some with a snarky grin, some weirded out, the rest awkwardly.
"It was a great memory," A now blushing Twilight said.
Celestia glanced at Peter, the woman still feeling apprehensive about all of this. "So, you used to live in a place like this? It feels so...compact."
"Compact?" Peter asked.
"Yes, all these houses seem close together, and this is just one neighborhood," Celestia said. "It looks different from Ponyville."
"Well yeah, Queens isn't exactly a village," Peter said. "Not like Ponyville. It's an Urban Area, one of the Five Great Boroughs of New York."
"There must be a sense of community here," Autumn Blaze said. "Given how close everyone is."
"It depends," Peter said. "Not everyone gets along with their neighbors, but those who do find treasure in that. It's a different kind of Friendship."
"Meh, most New Yorkers are punks, Queens is just tamer compared to the other Boroughs," Shocker said.
"Even Staten Island?" Peter asked.
"Screw Staten Island," Shocker said.
"Wow..." Peter replied.
Rogue found the house amazing, but had one worry, "Should we be standing here? Someone else might live at this house. I doubt he or she will take kindly to a bunch of strangers staring at this house."
"Right, good point," Peter said. "Come on, let's go explore somewhere else."
Peter took everyone on a tour of his old neighborhood, including some old stores he used to shop at, and pizzerias he used to eat at. He showed them some of the more beautiful parts of Queens, and the places he was most fond of.
Mayday stuck close to her father, partially due to him showing her around, but also due to her feeling nervous around strangers.
Celestia just walked around, awkwardly taking in the sights. Despite how happy Peter was, Celestia couldn't help but notice how crude the place looked. She could see rats on occasion, dragging litter. She could smell the foul sewers. Or even all the terrible graffiti on the walls.
What really startled her was how aggressive some of the drivers were. In the car she was in, she would occasionally hear some loud honking, especially from Shocker who was yelling at people.
Everyone else saw the wonders of Queens, even if they too didn't find it perfect. Some enjoyed the good graffiti, the more talented parts of the city.
The group drove around a bit more, enjoying the sights on the road, despite the occasional traffic and the difficulty finding parking. To Peter however, this was all part of the Queens lifestyle.
There weren't too many grand places, but for Peter, a trip through memory lane was enough to put him at ease. Sharing it with his daughter made things even better.
Soon came the one part that Franklin suggested. Once parked within the town of Flushing, he took Mayday by the hand and led her somewhere. He was so excited about surprising her that he made her wear a blindfold.
"You're not going to prank me, are you?" Mayday asked.
"You know I would never do that," Franklin said as he led Mayday though a park. "There, take off your blindfold."
Mayday did as instructed, and beheld an amazing sight. "Whoa..."
Right before Mayday was the famous Unisphere, the Globe Statue in the Middle of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
It was a huge structure surrounded by a small moat, possibly double or even triple the size of her old Equestrian Home. Water was spurting up as she gazed at the structure's beauty.
"It's so pretty," Mayday said.
"I told you I would give you the world," Franklin said.
"And how..." Mayday started clutching her skirt, to which Franklin was quick to stop.
"Careful, you're in public," Franklin said as he kept her skirt down. "But, I'm glad you like it."
"This was a great surprise, thank you Franklin," Mayday said.
"Oh that's not the whole surprise, this is just the appetizer," Franklin took the girl by her hand and led her off. "Come on."
Not too far away, Peter and the others were also approaching the globe. They allowed Franklin his private time with Mayday, given that this was his idea and something he wanted to do for her, but they themselves appreciated what they were seeing.
"The Unisphere, you never get tired of seeing it," Peter said.
"It's amazing..." Celestia admitted as she admired it.
"Got that right, man I really loved this place growing up," Peter said. "It's perfect for a science geek like me."
"This globe?" Lightning Dust asked.
"Not just that, look," Peter gestured to a building. "That's where Franklin really wanted to take Mayday. A place of science and wonders."
"Speaking of wonders, check that out!" Apple Bloom gestured to some yellow structures. "What in the world is that?"
"The New York State Pavillon," Peter proudly explained. "One of the finest structures in the city. Especially one outside of Manhattan."
"It's beautiful," Twilight said.
"Yeah Peter, your home has so many amazing things," Starlight said.
"This is just a small taste," Peter said. "Soon, we'll cross the Queensboro into an even more awesome place. Manhattan."
"Is the Queensboro really a good route to take?" Shocker asked.
"What do you suggest we take? The Midtown Tunnel?" Peter asked.
"What are you nuts? That place is terrifying," Shocker said. "I'm just saying, why not take the Williamsburg Bridge?"
"That's in Brookyln," Peter said.
"Well we could take them through Brooklyn too," Shocker said. "We could even drive by the Brooklyn Bridge, that's more of a-"
"No," Peter said.
"No?" Shocker asked.
"I can't go there..." Peter said.
Shocker looked confused, "What do you mean..." He then remembered the story, of the night that Gwen Stacy died. He fully understood why Peter did not want to go there. "Never mind, sorry I brought it up."
"It's fine, I get why you'd want to suggest it," Peter said. "I don't mind taking them through Brooklyn though, there's plenty to see there too. Like maybe Coney Island or something."
Twilight held Peter's hand, hoping to ease his pain, "Anything you want Peter, I'm there for you."
"I know, thanks," Peter shared a kiss with his wife. "Come on, let's join the kids. I gotta pay for admission anyway."
"You have to pay?" Trixie asked. "For science? How bogus."
"Well they gotta pay the rent somehow," Peter said. "Later maybe we can take them to Citi Field for a Baseball game."
"Screw that, it's Yankee Stadium or nothing," Shocker said. "Don't introduce your daughter to a bunch of losers."
"Hey! Don't talk shit about The Mets!" Peter said. "It's not like I'm taking Mayday to a Knicks game."
"What are the Knicks?" Lightning Dust asked.
"The shame of New York," Shocker said. "Come on."
Meanwhile, Franklin had stopped in front of the building he really wanted to take Mayday too, the girl already feeling excitement. "Franklin...what is this?"
"Mayday, I present to you...The New York Hall of Science!" Franklin introduced.
Hearing those words brought wonder to Mayday's ears, "Franklin...I love you!"
"Heh, I guess you really-" Franklin was then pulled into a really strong kiss by Mayday, one that she held for a solid ten seconds before breaking it off.
"You are the best boyfriend ever! I'm so going to marry you one day!" Mayday took Franklin by his hand as she dragged the boy. "Come on, let's hurry! I have to see what's inside!"
"Wait, we need to buy tick-" Franklin got pulled in by the girl, who could barely contain her excitement.
For the moment, the Parker Family and Friends were enjoying themselves. But, this was merely a calm before another storm.