*Crystal Empire 17 Years later*

“ So tell me hun why are we talking about Celestia?” Twilight asked taking a drag of her cigar before it was taken by Cadence.

“ Twilight I told you not to smoke those here. Besides this is really important.” Cadence said putting the cigar out as her wife groaned tapping her hoof on the ground while both mares looked at Winters.

“ The situation in Equestria is deteriorating quickly. Battle lines are being drawn once more in Equestria.” He said as Twilight looked at him uninterested.

“ I don’t see what this has to do with us. As long as it doesn’t spill over into our nations then I don’t see what the problem is.” Twilight sighed.

“Twilight, you need to understand that if fight-” Winter was cut of with a laugh from Twilight.

“What they would try to invade here? Please. We would have at least a three day advanced warning with our border guards. If you’ve forgotten Cadence shut down the borders to Equestria as soon as the fighting broke out. The way I see it, Equestria is not our problem.” Twilight smiled.

“Weather or not it is a problem now, it can and will become a problem in the future, each one of the generals who broke away and formed their own nations has the potential to become extremely powerful and far more of a danger to all of our nations, if they successfully conquer equestra. If we don't do something about this now, the next generation may have to deal with our mistake.” Winter said looking at the mare.

“ If we didn’t put the fear of the gods in them in the last war we’ll be more than prepared to deal with them this time as well. I say let the Equestrians deal with their own problem. You’re not the prince of the world, not every problem is yours. Besides with yours, Cadences, Spikes, and Chrysalis’ armies one single army can not beat us all. Let Equestria deal with its own problems.” Twilight said reaching for another cigar only for it to be taken by her wife.

“What did I say?” Cadence asked as Twilight pouted.

Winter only shook his head, “Let me ask you some questions Twilight, what if we weren't allies when one of these generals invade? What if we each suffer from some calamity or another and our armies aren't prepared for them? None of us know the future Twilight, simply because we won one war without much difficulty doesn't mean we will another. Do not forget, part of the reason we had the advantage in the beginning was because all of their forces were inexperienced and ill prepared for the horrors of war, that wouldn't be the case next time.”

“Maybe so but like you said what makes you think that they would invade at all? None of us know the future at all. I just don’t see why we should get into another war when we have been at peace for so long. Besides that it’s also up to the people if they want to commit to this course of action. If you want to Winter then I have no say in your kingdom, just like I have none in my wifes. But I will give my opinion and I’m sure Chrysalis and Spike see no gain in this if we step in.” Twilight said leaning on the table looking at both the leaders.

Winter let out a sigh, “You are correct Twilight, I will not dispute that, but we also need to think about the innocents caught in the middle of all this, are you saying that we should ignore their suffering? Simply look the other way and say, ‘Its not my problem?’ Is that in anyway just or even plausible?”

“ Yes. Like I said Winter it’s not our problem. If Luna can’t handle the position of ruler even with your sisters help then I don’t see anything else we can do. It’s not our problem Winter. But if you want to commit troops to Equestria’s problem go ahead.” Twilight shrugged.

Winter raised an eyebrow at that before saying, “ And what about you? By your own words, why should I or Cadence have helped you in your war with Celestia? On your own you stood little chance of even holding out, while you did have the advantage of experience and hardened troops. They would have been severely outnumbered and virtually surrounded. Celestia may have killed a citizen of the crystal empire, but when you look at it from your perspective, couldn’t I and Cadence have simply said. ‘Its not my problem’ and looked the other way and ignored the conflict altogether? So tell me, what is different this time around? That it isn’t you?”

“Yes you could have, but you didn’t and even if you did I had other plans as well. There is only so much they could have done. Besides that your armies were mere distractions during the war. My forces completely overwhelmed Celestia’s armies full of inexperienced children. While the war would have been a bit more longer, in a war of attrition she would have lost out. But as I say again I have no say in your countries matters Winter. I’m just giving my perspective.” Twilight said smiling.

Winter couldn't help but laugh at that, “Its nothing short of incredible how much sense you make at times Twilight, a part of me even completely agrees with you, But I only wish that you would consider helping us in this mission, part of the reason this happened is because of our war, we placed Luna on the throne alone and her actions caused this conflict. But turning a blind eye to this may cause serious political consequences for all of us, history is written by the victors.

Winter took a breath before continuing, “But this time we are the victors and history may remember us as the causes of this conflict. I won't try to change your mind if you refuse this last time, but I wish to ask you this. If my nation was torn apart in civil war, would you come to my aid? If Cadence’s was would you come to her aid? What of Chrysalis? But above all, what if your nation was caught in the grips of a civil war that you couldn't win on your own? Cadence and I wouldn't hesitate to come to your aid, but would you come to ours with your way of thinking?”

“Of course I would. One Cadence is my wife so that would be a no brainer, as for you and Chrysalis you are my allies so I would rush to your aid. But the big word there Winter is allies. I owe nothing to Equestria, weather it burns or not is not my problem. As for helping you I already told you that if you’re looking for my blessing you have it, both of you. I’m retired now. I don’t command anything, anymore.” Twilight looked over at her wife before hopping off her chair and headed for the door before turning around.

“ If you do this I’ll see if I can talk to the others but my hooves are off the table if they don’t want to help then I can’t do anything else. Cadence I’m going to take the children out for a while. I’ll see you at dinner.” With that she left leaving the two leaders to discuss the matter more.

Winter had a look of both admiration and irritation on his muzzle.” She has a very strong will and her heart is definitely unquestionably strong as well, but sometimes I wonder if the only one she'll listen to is herself. I can respect her without question, but still, sometimes I wonder.”

Winter looked over to Cadence and said, “ It is a shame that she won't truly support us in the traditional sense, And I don't think either of us are willing to try convincing Spike. So there is still the obvious question, have you told her about Celestia’s place in our plans yet?”

“Um… No.” Cadence said sheepishly.

Winter let out a sigh, “If you dont tell her and she finds out on her own she will be even more upset Cadence, you need to tell her. Not to mention she won't know that Celestia has changed from the mare who hurt her back then, What do you think her reaction will be to us supporting Celestia out of the blue? Shell think that Celestia is controlling or influencing us if were lucky.

Cadence looked down as her ally sighed, “At worst shell try and kill Celestia, and that could have horrific consequences for the whole world, its honestly a miracle that she didnt 17 years ago. To this day, I don't think she realises how important those two to the balance of our world, Raising and lowering the sun and moon without the proper experience and skill could destroy or flood cities, and thats the best case scenario. Talk to her Cadence, it won't be easy, but only you can do this.”

“Ok I’ll talk to her when she gets home. Are you sure this is the best course after everything that has happened?” Cadence asked looking with worry at where her wife left.

Winter looked away from Cadence and closed his eyes and took a deep breath before saying, “I've met her Cadence, I've looked into her heart with my own eyes, the mare we united against died a long time ago. All thats left now is a guilt ridden and regretful pony. I think that shes ready for a second chance. If she begins to show her old self again, we will deal with her permanently if necessary.”

” I hope that you’re right Winter. I’m sure that no matter what we say Twilight will not help us when it comes to Celestia. The mare looked at her like her own mother. A part of me can understand that but another wants to believe that my aunt is back to her old caring self like when I was a filly. I just hope that this is the right choice.” Cadence said looking down.

Winter looked down as well before saying, “So do I Cadence, So do I.”

*Later that night*

“Cadence what do you mean that you’re helping CELESTIA of all ponies after everything that happened all those years ago!?” Twilight was seething as she glared at her wife.

“Twilight, we have to help them! You have to put the past behind you!” Cadence tried to reason with her wife as the purple mare glared at her.

“ Let it go? That is the one thing I will never be able to leave in my past. What on this green earth made you decide to HELP Celestia? You know the mare that kind of exiled me, killed someone special to me, planned to kill my son, along with every citizen of Forgotten. Just to have me back under her hoof.” Twilight growled as her wife glared back.

“Yes I remember Twilight. But if we’re going to move on we have to forgive the past.” Cadence tried as the other mare looked like she was about blow at any minute before a calm look came over her face.

“I will NEVER forgive Celestia for what she put me and my son through Cadence and if you think that I will support this decision you are DEAD wrong. So if you want to help your plotting aunt and send troops on her behalf after we ALL decided that she be removed from power and only be around to HELP Luna which it seem since this has happened didn’t happen may just show that your aunt didn’t take it to kindly.” Twilight said as Cadence recognized that look. She was talking to the Boss now and would have to tread very lightly.

“ Twilight. Things have changed in the last 17 years. My aunt isn’t the same as she once was.”

“Oh how so? From the way I see it she’s up to her old tricks again. Tell you what Cadence, support your aunt but support the right one. While you figure that out I’m going to be taking the kids to see Chrysalis. Give you some time to THINK on what you’re going to do.” Twilight said as she watched the alicorn shift in her seat.

“I’ve already made my decision Twilight. I’m going to help Celestia.”

“ Alright…. Then I think this would be a wonderful time for us to take a break. I think you need to do some soul searching and when you find who is more important. Me or your traitorous aunt come find me.” With that the mare teleported away leaving the alicorn to think.

*Two weeks later, Solstice Kingdom*

Celestia paced nervously. She had come to Solstice for help, though she believed completely that she would receive none, so she was surprised when Prince Winter agreed to see her. That had been a week ago, when she'd arrived. Now was the time when she was supposed to meet with the Prince, so she had come early, and as a consequence was now a nervous wreck.

"Celestia, for the last time, Prince Winter is not going to harm you. He gave his word, did he not?"

Field Marshal Stormcry, the leader of Solstice's entire military, had been with her for the past few hours, and had been trying to calm the former Sun Princess, but to no avail.

"It's not that I don't believe, you, Marshall, it's just that Prince Winter and I weren't on the best of terms when we last met."

"Celestia, Prince Winter is known for his mercy. While I agree he has given you too many chances already, I also believe that you have it within you to change for the better, as does Prince Winter. Ah, here he is now."

As if on cue, the white coated, grey maned stallion known as Prince John Winter entered the Throne Room,

"May I present Prince John Winter." Stormcry announced.

"Thank you, Stormcry," stated Winter, "You may leave us."

With that, Marshall Stormcry gave a curt bow before exiting the hall through a side door. Once he left, Winter turned his attention to Celestia.

"Celestia, it's been far too long. Ten years, right?"

Celestia simply nodded, not saying a word."Well, fear not, my good Celestia, for I have forgiven you, and have decided to give you one final chance," Winter said, "I will aid you in your efforts to reclaim Equestria, as will Cadence, who has already agreed, though she has not forgiven you your folly against her ponies. I think General Arcturus and the 3nd Royal Guard will make a fine addition to your forces."

"I....thank you, Prince Winter," Celestia said, taken slightly aback.

"Celestia, we both know that you can be a better ruler than you were," encouraged Winter, "However, it is only in you, and you alone, to do better.".

Celestia was in utter shock. She had never expected Winter, one of her oldest friends, to grant her forces.

"I am....very grateful," Celestia managed, "Almost beyond words."

"Think nothing of it," Winter said

"Princess Luna needed your advice, and consciously ignored it, as well as the advisories given by General Flynn of the 2nd Royal Guard. Still, I've sent the 4th Royal Guard to her aid. I hope that I can bring you and her back together to rule Equestria again because, let's face it, even with my help. Equestria never stood a chance of holding together with only one ruler. Even with the mistakes you've made, you had held Equestria together and ushered in an age of prosperity, ending only with your own mistake. You always accepted my council, which is why I am granting you my forces."

Celestia was shocked at this, before saying, “And…..Twilight? There is so much i have to say to her…” Celestia hung her head in shame, full of regret.

Winter Shook his head, “I am sorry Celestia, she will not be joining us.” Celestia took a deep breath before saying, “I understand, I will do everything in my power to live up to the faith you have placed in me...Even though I dont even know if I'm worthy of it. But this isn't about me, its about Equestria.” Winter nodded before saying, “Let us hope that what we do will create a future, far better than the one we have now.”

Celestia gave a small sad smile before saying, “Yes let us hope.”

Author's Note

I do not own MLP, Wish i did.