Return of Amore

Chapters

01: The Return
02: The Young
03: The Royal
04: The Shadow

01: The Return

Sombra’s sigh echoed through the dark catacombs of a tunnel. He had ventured yards beneath the surface, finding only silt and the pervading blackness. The darkness has made the stallion weary, but he knew this is where he is needed. It is where her last piece lied.

“How on Equestria did you fall so deep into this hollow place?” Sombra’s voice resounded into the depths of the underground tunnel. The path narrowed the more he pressed, with many holes he climbed into. If not for his night vision, a pony could find themself lost here.

The silence did nothing to mend the stallion’s mind. Sombra had descended these caverns for hours with no knowledge of its end. With no creature around to talk to, he could rely only on his thoughts and memories to accompany him. And the more his thoughts would drift, the more she would appear.

Princess Amore, once a ruler of the Crystal Empire who showered her undying love for her ponies. To Sombra, Amore was the closest he could call a mother. Though her grandeur beauty was overwhelming, her calming voice and gentle smile soothed him. He felt he could rely on her for anything.

And yet he cursed her to a horrible fate.

Sombra stopped himself before diving into another hole. His breath went ragged. He placed a hoof on his pectoral and slowed his breathing to calm the swift cadence in his heart.

He will never forget the shock on her face. Even before being saved from the darkness, that reaction of his betrayal continued to haunt him. She had so much faith in him, and he shattered it to pieces.

“I’m sorry,” Sombra said within the black space. His apology echoed through the catacombs.

A light then pierced through the hole before him. Though it burned his eyes, Sombra rushed inside the hole to find its source. It had to have been her. She must have heard his grief.

And there it was.

A pink shard shone with the pitch blackness. Sombra descended before the shard and rushed it into his hooves.

He wondered if she truly heard his voice. He’s known Princess Amore to be clairvoyant for the pain of others. To think, even as broken shards, she would still think of others over her own well-being.

“I’m not worthy of your pity,” Sombra whispered to the shard, rubbing it softly. He stared deep into the pink aurora within the shard, hoping he could find an image of Amore somewhere. She never appeared, but not for long. “But I promise you, I will do everything in my power to make right for you.”

Sombra cloaked himself in red robes when he returned to a small town. The place was mundane and uneventful, a perfect place for him and Radiant Hope to take shelter in. Their forage across Equestria for Amore’s missing pieces required a base where they could safely store their collection.

Sombra favored building a cabin out in the wilderness, but Radiant urged him to stick close to society. He has one without the kindness of creatures for a long time, and Radiant wanted for him to connect to the creatures. Though Sombra cherished her enthusiasm, he did not hold confidence for others to share her perspective.

Sombra grew wary of passing residents. He did nothing to startle them, however; he was anxious for the worst if just one of them recognized him. After all, it wasn’t so long ago when he reigned over the lands as the infamous Umbra king. His threat to ravage the lands in darkness had no doubt frightened the hearts of many. He couldn’t imagine most ponies to look past it for the foreseeable future. It was his stigma that will forever follow him through the rest of his life.

Sombra finally entered his cabin on a street. He let out a relieved sigh when his presence was no longer in the open. However, his breathing came to an abrupt end when a violet mare pounced on him with a tight hug.

“What took you so long?” Radiant Hope asked, her face pouty. “You said it wouldn’t take long.”

Sombra reciprocated Radiant’s warmth with his own. Having her within his grasp numbed all the pain inside him. She was his remedy who gave him peace and direction.

“I know,” Sombra said with a gentle smile. “You gave me the correct location of the shard, however, you refrained to detail how deep it fell below the surface.”

“You have it?” Radiant pulled her head back and gaped at him. She breathed in awe when Sombra presented the pink shard from his saddlebag.

“That’s right,” he confirmed. “The last one.”

“Then what are we waiting for!” Radiant harnessed her magic and snatched the shard from Sombra. Before Sombra could respond, Radiant had already scurried inside a latch from the living.

He chuckled. Her eagerness never has a dull moment in his life.

Sombra followed Radiant down the latch, entering their basement. There, he came upon a stone figure. From their venture across the jungles, the canyons, the sea, the desert, and the snow lands, the pair had pieced all their discovered pink shards together in this room.

The assembled pieces displayed a glimmering aurora inside. As for the outlines, they carved into Princess Amore’s figure. A pink silhouette of her majesty.

Radiant whisked the final shard into a small crevice on the figure’s forehead. She beamed a smile at the figure, placing a hoof on its pectoral. “Come back to us, Princess,” Radiant said before casting magic to conjoin the shard with its relatives.

Sombra walked to Radiant’s side and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “She will,” he promised. “I will make it so.” Sombra summoned his magic and infused its purple aura into the statue. Knowing that Amore’s imprisonment resulted from his magic, it only makes sense that he can dispel it.

A glittering light expounded from the statue, piercing through its solid confines and encroached on the room. The pair guarded their eyes, overwhelmed by its intensity.

But soon, that powerful light had finally dissipated. Sombra and Radiant uncovered their eyes and awed at who stood before them.

There she was.

In all her beauty and prestige, Princess Amore walked amongst the land of Equestria once again.

“Princess,” Radiant breathed. She was at a loss for words. For a long time, she wondered what she would say to her when she met Princess Amore again. But when the moment came, she could only bear witness to her grandeur. She missed it so much.

Radiant, however, snapped out of her daze when Princess Amore suddenly collapsed to the floor. Radiant and Sombra rushed to her side, hoisting her head towards them.

“Princess Amore!” Sombra said. Her body felt icy in his hooves, but he could feel her body rise and fall with her breath. “I’ll take her to the living room. Add some wood to the fireplace.” Radiant nodded and ran out of the basement.

Sombra dropped Amore along his back. Feeling her breath behind his ears, it finally registered to him she was finally back. A mute elation sparked through his body along with rivaling anxieties for when finally woke.

Regardless, Sombra carried Amore out of the hollow basement and laid her on a carpet near the living room fireplace. Radiant joined the two with blocks of wood to dispense into the dwindling flames of the fireplace, providing it nourishment to blaze again.

Radiant disappeared into a room and returned with a red blanket to sprawl over Amore’s body. She then laid next to the Princess, using her natural warmth to vanquish the cold within Amore. Sombra joined Radiant in her endeavor.

Moments passed with the pair listening to Amore’s breathing. Her lungs breathed slowly, but within time it gained its natural pace.

And then her eyes fluttered open.

Her amber eyes enamored Sombra. They had always looked at him with wisdom and love that he would imagine from a mother. “Princess Amore,” Sombra said, his face ecstatic.

Amore’s tired eyes swiveled between Sombra and Radiant Hope. Radiant tried to jerk in her tears when met by the Princess’s gaze. But she couldn’t contain herself anymore and dived at the Princess for a hug. “Princess,” Radiant bawled. “I’ve missed you so much. It’s been hard since you left us.”

“What?” Amore narrowed her eyes at the mare, confused. “I don’t understand.”

“You’ve been gone for a millennium, Princess,” Sombra informed her. His heart quivered at Amore’s confused expression, but he bottled down his anxiety. All for her sake. “We have a lot to talk about.”

Amore rubbed her cheek. “A millennium? Wait, before that. Who are you two? And, where am I?”

“You don’t remember our faces?” Radiant asked. “It’s me, Radiant Hope. And this is Sombra. You remember us, don’t you, Princess?”

“Why do you call me Princess?” Amore questioned. “Is that my name?”

“No,” Sombra said, his voice cracked. “That can’t be.” He raised from the floor and cradled the Amore’s face in his hooves. “Please tell me this isn’t so. Please, you have to remember us. I have to apologize for all the wrongs I’ve done to you. You can’t—"

“Sombra,” Radiant said after surprising Sombra with a hug from behind. “It’s okay. We can fix this. We’ve just moved a step closer to getting her back.”

Amore observed the two. The grimace on Sombra’s face sparked a disturbance in her heart. “I’m sorry,” Amore apologized. “Did I say something to have upset you?”

Sombra assured the Princess with a smile, though it was weak. “You have nothing to apologize for. You have shown nothing but love and kindness to me. It’s time that I’ve finally returned the favor.”

Amore stepped out of a train, remarking back at the machinery with wondrous eyes. The instrument impressed the tall unicorn with its ability to transport them miles through the snowy lands while keeping its passenger well heated.

And her stupor continued further when she stood before the crystalline constructs before her. The endless bounds of gems shimmered under the sunlight. “This place is extraordinary.”

“Does any of it remind you of anything?” Sombra asked, stepping to her side with a red cloak concealing his face.

“Nothing, unfortunately,” Amore confessed. “Are you certain that I come from this place?”

“You were its Princess,” Radiant said, stepping to Amore’s other side. “Among all the gems of the Crystal Empire, you were the one that ponies treasured most.”

“Before I took her away,” Sombra mumbled.

“No,” Radiant stated, stomped before Sombra to grab his cheeks. “I won’t have any of that.”

“But none of this would happen had I simply talked with her like she suggested,” Sombra argued. “I let my anger cloud my decision, and because of that, I—“

Radiant silenced Sombra with a kiss. His eyes widened at Radiant’s endearing smile. “No more burying yourself in what-ifs. From now on, we look at our present and future.”

“Oh, my,” Amore said, flashing a cheeky smile at the two. “I did not think you two could be so daring within the public.”

“What?” Sombra stammered. The impish expression on Amore was new to him.

“It figures your fascination in romance would never leave you,” Radiant snickered. “You were always invested in the love life of all of your ponies.”

“Since when?” Sombra questioned.

“Since forever,” Radiant said. “It’s filly talk, Sombra. You wouldn’t understand.”

“Speaking of which,” Amore said. “What shall we do about the attention we are attracting?” The trio noted eyes of ponies gawking at them, specifically at the tall unicorn in a crystalline garment. “I’m not sure how to deal with this.”

Sombra tugged his hood forward. He pressed onward, grabbing Amore’s forehoof to follow him. “Let’s get you out of here.”

As Sombra and Radiant guided Amore through the streets of the Crystal Empire, she met with the eyes of the residents. They appeared stunned and slack-jawed at her presence.

“Maybe I should have brought a cloak as well,” Amore said.

“You have nothing to be afraid of,” Radiant assured. “That goes for you too, Sombra.”

“I don’t think ponies will take solace in their tyrant waltzing back in their home,” he retorted.

“Tyrant?” Amore said.

“It’s not important,” he snapped. “Let’s just hurry.”

The crystal guards defending the entrance of a grand castle welcomed Amore and her group with welcoming hooves. To think her status would garner such a reaction still baffled Amore. It was just too hard to believe that she reigned as this Kingdom’s Princess. And yet the natives continue to prove otherwise.

Amore could draw nothing from her memory. No beginning or end that could provide any context of her predicament. If not for Sombra and Radiant Hope at her side, she feared where her mind would be right now.

They walked the halls of the castle, guided by a crystal guard who promised them to the throne room. However, the pony they hoped to meet revealed herself at the end of a hall.

A pink Alicorn stood slack-jawed from afar. She then dashed through the hall at an unceremonious speed and pounced on Amore with a vigorous hug, nearly knocking Amore off her balance.

“Mother,” Cadance whimpered. “It’s you. It’s really you.”

“Mother?” Amore questioned, perplexed by this sudden revelation. “Ah, then you must be Princess Cadance. Sombra and Radiant did not mention that my daughter happened to be an alicorn.”

Cadance pulled her head back from Amore, gazing at her with befuddled eyes. “What?”

“Cadance!” A white stallion emerged from the hall with a small alicorn foal in his hoof. “You shouldn’t run off like that. You spooked Flurry…” He paused when he noted Princess Amore before Cadance. “It is her.”

“Um,” Radiant started. “You two did get the letter I sent, right? I think it walks you through everything we know.”

“Well, yes,” Shining said. “But from your history, it just sounded too good to be true.”

Cadance looked towards Sombra. The stallion tugged his cloak to hide his face. “This happened because of what you did to her long ago, isn’t it? When you crystallized and…” Cadance pulled back from Amore and took a deep breath.

Just as Cadance collected herself, a pink blur dashed past her and stuck itself upon the shoulder of Amore. Amore picked the blur that revealed to be Flurry Heart, who waved its hooves wildly to grab her.

“Now who is this cute and adorable creature?” Amore cooed, poking a hoof on the filly’s belly. Flurry giggled and nibbled upon Amore’s hoof, which made Amore coo again.

“That is my daughter,” Cadance answered. “Her name is Flurry Heart.”

“Oh, my.” Amore gaped at the filly. “Then that would make her my granddaughter. Goodness, to think I would learn to be both a mother and grandmother in one day.”

“Are you alright?” Shining asked, joining with the group. “I’m sure this is a lot to take in.”

“It is,” Amore confessed. “But I will never process this without a calm mind. I shall follow the flow set before me until I can grasp my bearings.”

“You were always one to be calm under any circumstance,” Cadance said. “No matter how bad things seemed, you held yourself and every pony together. You always gave them hope everything will be alright in the end. It’s what I aspired to become when I became Princess.”

“And it would seem you have done well for yourself. I know this may sound hollow given my loss of memory, but I want to say that I am proud of who you became. I can see from how well the city is that ponies entrusted their faith in you.”

Cadance placed a hoof on her pectoral to catch her breath. A tearful smile came upon Princess Cadance as she responded, “You don’t know how much it means to hear that from you. I promise mother, we will get your memories back.”

Cadance hugged Amore again as Flurry rubbed her face against the coat of her mother and grandmother. “Welcome home, mother.”

02: The Young

Save me… Please, save me from this place…

A ghastly voice beckoned through complete darkness. Amore had trekked through the void in haste, desperate to find its origin.

But no matter how far she galloped or how keenly she honed on the sound, it rang farther from her. It was like it echoed from a faraway place where it seemed hopeless for her to reach.

Amore’s heart went ablaze at her pessimism. The outcome of abandoning the distressed voice was something Amore would never relent to. So, she heaved her body forth again, hoping to draw closer. Even when she felt something strange tugging her down, she powered through its grasp and heaved forward.

Black tendrils had encroached from the empty void and wounded across Amore’s body. But even then, she continued to push forward. She wouldn’t abandon the voice. Though she knew nothing of its source, whether or not dangerous, she would persist for its sake.

Save me… Please, save me from this place…

“It’s okay,” Amore spoke, her voice ragged from her struggle from the crushing tendrils. “I’m coming. Just please, tell me where to find you.”

Save me… Please…

Mother… Mother… Mother!

“Wha…” Amore’s eyes peeled open before a bright light. The flash of light burned Amore’s eyes for only a moment before being saved by the shadow of her daughter. Princess Cadance stared down upon her with troubled violet eyes.

“Mother,” Cadance said, pulling down a blanket draped beneath Amore’s neck.

Amore finally remembered that she was in bed. After her long trip to the Crystal Castle, she became fatigued and resigned for the day at a guest room.

“It’s okay,” Cadance said, rubbing off beads of sweat from her mother’s forehead. “You just had a nightmare.”

Amore raised on her haunch and darted her eyes through the luxurious crystalline room with grand furnishings. Though she felt relieved to be out of that darkness, a part of her wanted to delve back to find that voice. She took a breath to collect herself.

“Thank you, Cadance,” Amore said with a frail smile. “I don’t know why my mind would disturb me like that.”

Cadance pulled her mother’s head beneath her chin, grooming Amore’s frazzled mane with a hoof. “All that matters is that it’s over. You’ll never have to deal with them alone as long as you’re around your friends and family.”

“And I plan to never leave them again,” Amore said. “Well, once I remember who those friends and family are, that is.”

Cadance kissed her mother’s forehead. “We’ll take it one day at a time. For now, how about we have breakfast?”

The crystalline halls enchanted Amore. Its shimmering luster across the constructs of the castle filled her with the imagination walking through a bejeweled palace that should exist only in fabled stories. Did she truly hail from a magnificent place like this?

“You’re going to love what I have prepared for you,” Cadance said with an ounce of giddiness escaping her voice. “I cooked all the dishes that you used to make for me when I was a little foal.”

“Ah, so I know how to cook,” Amore said. “That is assuring. It would be a shame if I couldn’t provide for my daughter.”

“Your casserole was to die for. I still can remember the time when I snuck in the frigid pantry to gobble the leftovers.” Cadance brushed the back of her head and giggled. “I’m sure I was difficult to manage. My old nanny went crazy over all the shenanigans I pulled.”

“Nonsense, I expect a little misadventure of the young. Parenting is a journey of its own kind.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

They eventually entered the dining hall of the castle. A long table sat in the middle was mostly vacant of creatures except for Shining Armor and Flurry Heart seated at an end.

“Oh, you’re finally back,” Shining Armor said after spoon-feeding Flurry Heart. “That took longer than expected.”

“Was I gone for too long?” Cadance said as she and her mother took a seat near them. “I’m sorry. Time seems to fly by when I’m with mother.”

“She was only two halls down,” Shining pointed out. “Let me guess, you took the scenic route, didn’t you?”

“There’s a scenic route?” Amore asked. “Are you certain? I found nothing grand during our walk. Well, grander than the crystals around.”

“Anyway,” Cadance changed the subject. “Mother, try the casserole I’ve prepared. It tastes just like how you used to make it.”

“My, that is quite the bold claim to make,” Amore observed a slice of Cadance’s cooked casserole on a plate before her. Its amalgamated layers of cheese, scrambled eggs, and vegetables released charming steam into her snout, enticing Amore’s belly.

“It’s not often you cook,” Shining said, feeding Flurry another spoonful of her casserole. “I think it’s been some months since I’ve ever seen you in the kitchen.”

“Oh, don’t be pouty,” Cadance said. “This is a special occasion.”

Shining sighed and moved the spoon from Flurry’s constant lunges. “Of course, Honey. Though it was a rare sight to you in that polka dot apron I bought you long ago. Reminds me of our time at my mother’s kitchen.”

“You two have cooked together?” Amore asked. “That’s so adorable.”

“Yeah,” Cadance said, averting her gaze from her mother. “You could say that.”

Flurry suddenly became restless, shuffling about in her highchair to reach the table. Amore noted the young princess staring at her with curious eyes. Shining settled the filly back on the highchair and rubbed her cheek.

“Don’t move around like that, Flurry,” Shining warned. “You can play with Granny Amore after breakfast.”

“She’s a tenacious little one, isn’t she?” Amore said.

“Flurry is very expressive,” Cadance said. “It’s a good thing her Crystaller taught her control of her magic. The first few months were utter chaos.”

“I’m aware foals can be erratic with their magic. Surely it wasn’t that bad?”

“It sure was,” Shining confirmed with a nod. “Our Flurry jeopardized the security of the castle numerous times with her magic.”

“That day when she made all of our guards fall for each other is still vivid in my memories,” Cadance said. “It happened the day after I read her a romantic story about the prince frog and mare.”

“I didn’t enjoy that one.” Shining deadpanned.

“At least there was a silver lining to all of it. Sunburst taught her to undo all accidents she has caused. It’s because of that her control of her magic has improved.”

“Our home just so happened to be a victim of her misadventures for it to happen,” Shining added. “But enough about that. Princess Amore or uh… Mother? What should I call you?”

“Mother is fine,” Amore said after taking a bite of her casserole. “You are my son-in-law. I expect nothing less.”

“Wow, I’m honestly surprised how easily you are taking things.”

“Barely anything can faze mother,” Cadance proudly said. “It’s why she’s such an outstanding leader. She has this aura around her that makes ponies feel safe and comfortable to share anything with her.”

“Am I now?” Amore asked. “That is quite the talent to live up to. I would be lying if I said I was not anxious to disappoint you.”

“Don’t worry, mother,” Shining said. “All you need to worry about is recuperating yourself one day at a time. Speaking of which, what do you have planned for today?”

“Well, none of my memory has yet to come back to me. I was hoping to take a stroll around the Empire. Perhaps there is a place that could procure a trigger. However, I’m not sure how I will feel about being stared at by every pony.”

“I could come with you,” Cadance offered. “It can a mother-daughter date. It’ll be just like we used to do at nights before you blanketed me to bed.”

“As nice as that sounds,” Shining said. “I’m afraid that won’t be possible today. You recall that you have a meeting with the dragons and changelings for the afternoon, don’t you?”

The excitement that suddenly kindled Cadance’s face had dulled. “Ugh, you mean the trade agreements. Can’t you take care of it for me?”

Shining shook his head. “Not possible. I promised Flurry to take her to the indoor playground today. To break a promise to my daughter would be the greatest dishonor to a stallion.”

“How about we trade spots then?” Cadance suggested. “I’m sure Thorax would be thrilled to speak with-”

“Cadance,” Amore’s voice halted her daughter. “It’ll be okay. There will be other times for us to spend together. I don’t plan on leaving you again. So please honor your duties as Princess.”

Cadance raised her hoof before she would attempt a counter. However, her voice fell silent and then sighed. She frowned at her mother’s gentle smile. “Okay, mother.”

“Thank you, Cadance. And while you are attending to your duties, I shall assist Shining at this indoor playground.”

“You hear that, Flurry,” Shining spoke to Flurry. Her sky blues eyes trained on Amore. “Your grandmother is coming with us to the playground.”

Flurry made rowdy shuffles in her seat. If not for the safety belt strapped on the highchair, the filly would have pounced upon grandmother by now. Flurry groaned in frustration in her endeavor to escape her seat.

“Flurry, calm down,” Shining told her. “You’re going to push the chair over.”

“Why not let her out?” Amore suggested.

“You sure about that? I think it’s obvious what Flurry plans to do if she goes free.”

“I know,” Amore chuckled. “And I’m quite fine with it.”

Shining paused briefly on Amore’s words and then shrugged. He undid the belts on Flurry, prompting the little princess to soar and descend upon Amore. Flurry’s grandmother welcomed the filly with open arms, giggling at her constant squirming in her hooves.

“My, this place is wondrous,” Amore commented about the inside of a building she, Flurry, and Shining entered. She awed at the colorful tubes, ball pits, and nets elegantly strewed across most of the large room. “I feel as though I have stumbled into the dream of a foal.”

Flurry dived into the ball pits as a legion of foals gathered around her. While Flurry became acquainted with her friends, Amore followed Shining to a lounge space where many mares observed the foal from afar.

“Last year, there was a surplus of tax leftover from reconstructions,” Shining explained. “Cadance noticed all the usual playgrounds around the empire had crumbled from an incident during the Crystalling. We could have simply rebuilt them to their former glory, but Cadance wanted to make something grand for Flurry and the foals to revel in.”

“That was very kind of her,” Amore said. “But do you suppose the residents are fine with this choice of distribution?”

“To a minimum, yes,” he admitted. “However, Cadance won the hearts of the mass with a passionate speech. She knows the right words to tug at their heartstrings.”

Amore watched Flurry play with the foals, climbing in pipes and venturing over the nets hanging over the ball pit. The foals followed behind Flurry like a vassal, joining her quest across the course.

“I’ve noticed that Flurry has a knack for adventure,” Shining said. “She always appears to be the first to head into things before her peers. Something tells me she would make a bold leader in the future.”

“Is that what Flurry desires?” Amore questioned.

“No clue.” Shining shrugged. “She still has a lot of time to figure that out. But whatever she decides, I’ll give her my undying support.”

“You make a wonderful father,” Amore commented. “And I believe the other mares have taken notice of that as well.” Amore nodded towards onlookers of mares, making brief glances and giggles at them from their tables.

Shining averted his gaze from the mares, using his bangs to hide his face. “I really wish they would stop doing that.”

“Don’t be like that,” Amore chuckled. “They just find you admirable. Hey, how we go over to greet them. They seem like nice mares.”

Shining shook his head. “No way. I’ve done it once and I’ve regretted it since.”

Before Amore could dig into Shining’s experience, Flurry Heart had strolled by her grandmother’s side. The filly tugged on Amore’s hoof as if to beckon her to follow. “Would you like for me to join you?” Amore asked.

“Don’t be so demanding, Flurry,” Shining told his daughter. “She’ll play with you when she’s ready.”

“It’s quite alright.” Amore flapped a hoof before Shining. “To be honest, I’ve been itching to give these old bones an exercise.”

Amore followed her granddaughter to the playground where Flurry’s vassal of foals gathered around her. The curious young ones beheld Amore’s towering height as some attempted to climb up her hooves. She stood enamored by their wondrous spirit, delighted, and applauded them for their ascension atop her back.

Shining sat baffled at Amore’s eagerness for the swarming foals. With barely a minute passing, Amore had molded amongst the foals.

His ears perked to the voices of mares bearing witness of the Princess’s playful display of carrying the foals about the course.

“She’s just as carefree as I remembered her.”

“You think Princess Amore will let me get a picture of her with my son?”

Shining Armor watched her mother-in-law frolic with Flurry and the many foals. Amore staggered at the many contraptions of the playground, allowing the foals to explain its use in their excited voices. She then engaged in many games thought up by the foals, complying with whatever role they picked for her.

Amore and the foals played games of hide-n-seek and cat-and-mouse. Shining quirked a brow at how passionate Amore got into them. For a mare that is rumored to be grand and elegant, she had no qualms to play the feral cat to thrill the hearts of the foals.

“Wow,” Shining chuckled. “She’s a real natural at this.”

During their game of cat-and-mouse, Amore cornered Flurry Heart at the exterior of the colorful tubes. Amore purred and gave a cat smile to her helpless granddaughter. Whether Flurry made a break for it on her hooves or soar to the air, they both knew Amore had chipped enough distance to catch her with a single lunge.

Amore made dramatic steps towards Flurry, pandering to the suspense between them. Her granddaughter made high-pitch giggles, charming Amore more to catch and coddle the filly in her grasp. She would drown the cute filly with many kisses.

However, Flurry provoked Amore with a bold grin. The filly harnessed a canary aura around her horn, prompting caution in Amore. After hearing mentions of her granddaughter’s hazardous feats with her magic, Amore felt compelled to steel herself.

Flurry triggered a flash before Amore. It blinded Amore, forcing her to protect her stung eyes. The light was swift to dissipate. And when Amore opened her eyes, her granddaughter was nowhere in sight.

“Flurry,” Amore called. She looked about her surroundings, hoping to find another flash to reveal her granddaughter’s whereabouts. But Flurry emitted no light.

“Flurry,” Amore called again. “Where’d you go, dear?”

The lustrous light of the sun and crystals rinsed over the blush garden within an opening of the Crystal Castle. Amore remembered her sitting between fields of roses, some crystalline and some natural.

She remembered walking to the garden to sate the fervor of her daughter. Little Cadance riled a hectic cry in Amore’s chamber. Amore wanted to review the bills drafted by her senates in quiet, but her poor daughter grew weary of her many toys in her crib. Resigning to her daughter’s cry, Amore knew a place in the castle that would always calm her filly.

Amore permitted Little Cadance to walk a few feet from her to play in the flush foliage of the Crystal Garden. Her daughter made a habit of collecting the plants and adorn them in her mane.

Amore would rise and reign her daughter in when drifted too far. Little Cadance groaned and rebelled against her mother’s grasp. She dared to even make a gallop away to a faraway field of roses, but Amore whisked her daughter back to her side with magic. Peeved, little Cadance attempted to punish her mother with gnaws from her small teeth.

“Please don’t be difficult, Caddy,” Amore sighed, her face forlorn and tired. She whisked a collection of flowers above little Cadance’s mane and wounded them into a beautiful circlet of crystal and life. “Here, why not enjoy this?”

The trinket in Amore’s magic captivated little Cadance and happily welcomed it atop her head. The filly then skipped around her mother, stopping a few times to readjust her flower circlet.

Relieved to have stopped her daughter’s tantrum, Amore settled around the garden and propped her chin atop her forehooves. A yawn escaped her, but she kept her eyes fixed on her daughter.

Amore found it astonishing how her daughter could smile so easily. She envied the filly’s innocence, wishing she could let her mind wander aimlessly. But she was stuck. Like a whirlpool, it would always pull her back to that event. To where the bliss in her life started cracking and splintering.

“Is there a reason you’re out here?” A voice pulled Amore from her heavy thoughts. She recognized a cyan mare had strode beside her.

“Lady Turquoise,” Amore acknowledged. “As you can see, I am offering my daughter a chance to unwind.”

Lady Turquoise glanced at the playful filly, her eyes neutral and uncaring. “I see. Then I presume you have reviewed the proposed bills?”

“I will finish them in time, Lady Turquoise. For now, let me be a mother.”

“You are both mother and princess,” Turquoise countered. “You could make the former so much easier if you’d simply hired a nanny.”

“I’m sure any mare would jump at the chance to nurture my precious Cadance. But what she needs most is the love of her mother.”

“She’s not even a year old, Princess. Cadance does not share the same pain as you.”

Amore furrowed her brow but continued to keep her sights on Little Cadance frolicking in the garden. “What do you want?”

“What I and every pony want is for you to move on from your depression. We have respected you with a month to mourn, but you must carry on with your duties, efficiently.”

“I have attended all the senate meetings, I have listened to the requests of my ponies, and the crystal heart continues to shine its barrier over the empire. Where have I not been efficient?”

“For one, your negotiations with the Yaks. It would serve best for Equestria to improve its relationship with our neighboring countries. And as I recall, you have smitten the young prince of the Yaks with your presence.”

“I will not remarry,” Amore declared, emphasizing her defiance with a glare.

Lady Turquoise, however, was unfazed. “I know this doesn’t sound appealing to you, but you must think for what is best for Equestria.”

“What you’re asking is for me to taint my love with a creature I don’t share the same with. That love was meant for one stallion, and now I must honor it.”

“You can learn to love him the same way. It is possible to have more than one.”

“I wish to share it with only one.”

“And you think that is best for the Empire? Do you believe that will ensure the security of your ponies?”

“I did not come out here to be lectured about my leadership. If you have nothing pleasant to share, then I urge you to continue your day elsewhere. I wish to be alone with my… where’s Cadance?”

Amore looked about her surroundings, but her daughter was nowhere in sight. She raised from the garden and galloped about the field.

“Cadance!?” Amore called. “Cadance!? Where are you!?”

“Mother!” Amore woke to the sound of Shining Armor in her ear. He shook Amore’s body and continued his call, “Hey, mother! Snap out of it!”

“What?” Amore shook her head, immediately craning it with a hoof after a sharp pang emerged from her head. “What happened?”

“Flurry teleported off somewhere,” Shining informed her. “Help me find her.”

Amore noted the mares from the lounge tables have scoured across the building with their foals. Each called the name of Amore’s granddaughter, anxiety drenched in their faces. She felt her body grow heavy, weighed down by overwhelming dread.

“Yes,” Amore stuttered. “I shall.”

Shining Armor hurried to the entrance of the building. “I’m going to gather guards to form a search party. You keep looking around here just in case she comes back.”

When Shining exited the building, Amore joined the search with the residents. They looked through the tubes and beams beneath the ceiling, but the young princess was nowhere to be seen.

The surrounding ponies grew more frantic the longer their young princess remained hidden. Amore recalled how Cadance described her to be unyielding through any predicament, but Amore could not find the strength to feign confidence. She was no different from the mares and foals who became consumed by angst.

After checking around the tubes again, Amore paused at a strange feeling. An amalgam of darkness and sorrow that was quick to vex her.

Like a moth drawn to a lantern, Amore followed the aura of this feeling as if hypnotized. She found herself outside the building, rounding it into a small alleyway of crystal and litter. She continued through the narrow path until she reached a dead end.

She discovered a figure, hooded in red, lurking at the side of an ore dumpster. The figure moved with caution, slow and steady. In moments, Amore could make out a small pink foal cowering away from the hooded figure.

“It’s okay, Flurry,” the figure said. “I won’t hurt you. I only wish to guide you back to your family.”

Amore stepped closer without making a sound. Upon closer look, she discovered the pink foal to be her granddaughter, Flurry Heart.

“Flurry,” Amore called, earning the attention of her granddaughter and the hooded figure.

“Princess Amore,” the figure said.

Amore gaped at the figure, finally recognizing the voice of the figure. “Sombra, is that you?”

Flurry Heart rushed over to Amore and hid behind her forelegs. Amore calmed the filly with a rub of her hoof. “You found Flurry for us,” Amore said. “Thank you. But how did you know she was missing?”

Sombra’s emerald eyes seeped under his hood. Amore could sense the sadness in his eyes as it looked upon the frightened little princess.

“Ever since you left the castle, I’ve been following you,” Sombra confessed. “I wasn’t in my intention to do so, but…”

“I suppose this has to do with you formerly being a tyrant,” she concluded. “But if they allowed you to run free, then they must have trust in you.”

“I don’t know about that. Even with good intentions, I have frightened Flurry as well.”

“Why not take off the hood?” Amore suggested as she hoisted Flurry in her hoof. “Don’t you know how foals are wary of strangers? … Wait, did you say as well?”

“That’s right.” Sombra lowered his hood and revealed his face to the two princesses. “This moment was not our first.”

“It was during a day I let Cadance play at the gardens, was it? I remember getting distracted in a discussion with somepony. Cadance had run off chasing after a butterfly and somehow ended up in the alleys of the city.”

“You remember that,” Sombra said, surprised. “Can you tell me anything else?”

“I remember sending my guards to look for her and joined in the effort as well. Just when I feared the worst, I found you standing in a dark alley just like this. I saw you trying to persuade Cadance to come out of a toppled barrel, but she wouldn’t budge until she saw me.”

“The events are uncanny, aren’t they?” Sombra chuckled, yet Amore recognized the somber in his voice. “I guess some things never change.”

“Pessimistic as always.” Amore shook her head. “Then I guess it falls to me to prove you wrong.”

Sombra quirked a brow. “What do you mean?”

Amore whisked Flurry Heart onto her back and began her exit from the alley. “Come with me,” she said. “We’re going to spend some time at the castle.”

Author's Note

This has certainly been a long time coming. Had a little blunder at home, but I'll be keeping the updates for this story more frequent henceforth.

03: The Royal

The shine of the Crystal Empire washed Celestia in nostalgia. Dozens of memories expounded the crystalline constructs she had passed through a millennium ago. From watching the prospects of predecessor rulers and the compassionate crystal ponies that wore their hopes and emotions on their sleeve.

Celestia felt relieved to shed her eyes upon this kingdom. A blessing was not a strong enough word to describe her feelings.

It’s just a shame that she did not return with it.

“My, this place never changes,” Celestia chortled, trying to cleanse her glum thoughts. She pointed at the Crystal Castle that stood tallest within the clear barrier surrounding the kingdom. “Wouldn’t you agree, Luna?”

Luna emerged from the train station with a begrudging sigh. Two luggage floated aside her within her cerulean magic. She beamed a flat gaze at Celestia, displaying her annoyance for all creatures to see.

“What never changes, sister,” Luna emphasized her last word with a snort. “Is your incessant compulsion to leave us behind to carry all the weight for you. Can’t you at least remember your own luggage?”

Celestia rounded Luna and grabbed hold of her luggage with her magic. “My apologies, sister,” Celestia chuckled. “I’m just ecstatic to be back in this wonderful kingdom of gems. I wonder how much Flurry Heart has grown in our absence.”

“Not much we would think,” Luna said, still eyeing flatly at her sister. “It has only been three months since we had resigned at Silver Shoal.”

The royal sister had cast aside their title for only a quarter of a year. To no longer tend the need of their ponies was still a miraculous change to their everyday life that worked to adjust to.

Celestia desired for the two to fully experience a normal life as regular ponies. Much to Luna’s annoyance, that involved sole dependence upon each other. Never would Luna think that she would be cleaning around her home instead of her servants. But for Celestia’s happiness, Luna relented to her whims.

“You look sleepy,” Celestia said, noting the bags under Luna’s eyes. “Did you binge on your idea games last night?”

“I’m retired,” Luna countered. “We have the freedom to do whatever we please whenever I like.”

Celestia sighed, brushing her cheek against Luna’s. “And here I hoped we could stroll through the marketplace to find a gift for Flurry. Fine then, we shall take a taxi to the castle.”

Luna rewarded her sister with a small smile. “Good. The last thing we would like is to carry my luggage through the streets.”

Celestia found carriages parked near the entrance of the train station. She picked out one that belonged to a sturdy yellow stallion with chestnut mane. When Celestia hailed her presence before him, the stallion was taken aback.

Not surprising, given she was Princess of Equestria for over a millennium.

The stallion was elated to take Celestia’s request. “It would be my honor to serve you, Princess Celestia,” the stallion said and bowed.

Celestia waved her hooves at the stallion. “Oh no,” Celestia said. “I am no longer a Princess. Please, you can just call me Celestia.”

Luna and Celestia took their seats in the stallion’s carriage. Celestia showed courtesy to place her luggage in the back of the carriage. Her sister on the other hoof, delegated her task to the stallion.

“Do you not have the energy to place your own luggage?” Celestia asked.

Luna responded with a lean on her cushion and placed a sleeping mask over her face. And before Celestia could utter another response, Luna fell fast asleep.

Celestia sat stunned at her sister’s swift slumber. She wondered if Luna binged through the whole night with her video games.

Recognizing her defeat, Celestia nestled close to her sister. As the stallion guided the pair to the caste, Celestia watched the passing residents and made small talks with him.

Every now and then Celestia stared at her sleeping sister. She was truly grateful to share moments like this with her sister again.

Sombra felt anxious about the looming eyes from passing ponies. They knew him for his darkest faults. They’ve experienced first hoof the cruelty he was capable of.

Sombra pulled down his red hood to mask his face—though he knew it was a fruitless effort. He couldn’t bear the courage to look them in the eyes. Not after the pain and suffering, he exacted upon them.

But even with his fears encroaching upon him, he felt an odd sense of tranquility with Princess Amore. A peace of mind that gave him small room to escape his guilt.

He was drawn to Amore’s playful pecking upon Flurry Heart. The young princess let out a loud giggle that would make the coldest pony swoon.

The residents were also engrossed in the beautiful anomaly before them. Nobody could’ve imagined a day where they would see Princess Amore frolicking with her granddaughter. It was a dream that had long lost hope.

Sombra held respect for Amore’s courage. Despite noting the attention she attracted, nothing would stop her from doing what she desired. Sombra wished he had that kind of bravery in him.

Sombra and Princess Amore strode through the streets of Crystal Empire in this fashion. To be within the source of the public eye was something Sombra thought would be long past him. He hoped it would be his last.

However, he garnered new attention when he noticed Flurry Heart staring at him from across Amore’s shoulder. Sombra raised an eyebrow, confused by the young princess’s curiosity.

“Looks like some adorable princess has finally taken interest in you,” Amore said. “Would you like to hold her?”

“What?” Sombra blurted, appalled by Amore’s offer. “I could do no such thing.”

Amore wore an impish smile as she rubbed her hoof below Flurry’s lips. “Come now Sombra, you wouldn’t want to put a frown on this adorable face, would you?”

Flurry’s eyes teetered between the two. Sombra felt oddly exposed by the filly’s gaze—it was as if the filly was observing him, trying to unravel the depths of his character he feared to explore himself.

“I highly doubt that,” Sombra responded with a composed voice, trying to hide his anxiety. “My face has always invoked fear into the young. I can’t expect much of a difference from—” his words came to an immediate halt when Flurry Heart suddenly poked his snout.

Sombra was stunned, unable to compute the filly’s action. Flurry knew nothing about his past. She knew none of the terrible things he did, the horrors that preserve through the minds of crystal ponies today. Moments ago, he felt confident this young filly would never come to like him. Perhaps she should learn his history.

But what if she didn’t? What if Sombra was underestimating this filly’s compassion?

As Flurry continued to curiously rub his snout, he smiled. “Perhaps I should place higher expectations from my dear princess,” Sombra said.

Flurry Heart smiled at Sombra. Her joy sent an unknown urge in Sombra’s hoof to compel it to brush the mane of the filly. However, before his hoof could reach her, a voice scurried it away.

“Flurry Heart!” The voice came from Shining Armor, rushing through the streets to meet with Princess Amore.

Followed behind him were a pair of crystal guards. Sombra stepped back from Amore and Flurry and pulled his hoof down to mask his face.

Amore placed Flurry in Shining’s grasp. Shining drew his daughter close, rubbing his face across Flurry’s. “Oh, thank goodness,” Shining sighed, relieved. “You’re safe.” He then glared at her. “What do you think you were doing disappearing like that? You scared me half to death.”

Flurry frowned and drew tears from her eyes. Shining quickly calmed her with a kiss upon her forehead.

“Please don’t do that to me again,” Shining urged.

Flurry hugged him, stuffing her face into his chest. Sombra found it touching yet also hurtful. He never had a father figure to confide in his life.

“This is such a beautiful reunion,” Amore commented.

“Thank you so much for finding her,” Shining said. “I was close to summing my whole platoon to find her.”

Amore shook her head. “It wasn’t I who found her. That honor goes to Sombra. Isn’t that right?”

Sombra shook at the mention of his name. He wondered why Amore would shove him to the forefront like this. He noted the crystal guards giving a cautious glance at him. He shouldn’t expect anything else.

“Thank you,” Shining said. “What you’ve done is deeply appreciated.”

“Oh…I’m honored,” Sombra said with a bow. He was honestly shocked by how easily those words came out of Shining. There was no sign in Shining’s body language that led Sombra to believe it to be forced.

“I’m going to head back to the castle,” Shining said. “I think it’s Cadance’s turn to have a heart attack for a change today.”

“I would love to see my daughter as well,” Amore said. “I also plan to bring Sombra along as my guest.”

“Princess Amore,” Sombra whispered into Amore’s ear. “That really isn’t necessary. You should be spending time with your family.”

“You are a part of my family,” Amore countered. “And don’t you dare think otherwise.”

Just how many times was Sombra to be taken aback today? The determination in her voice held a familiar strength and security he imagined a parent would have. Sombra wouldn’t think she would feel that strongly even if she did have her memories.

“If that is what you wish, then he is invited to join us at the castle,” Shining said.

The crystal guards gaped at Shining Armor. One of them rushed to his ears and asked, “Are you sure about this? You remember who this stallion is, don’t you?”

“I trust Amore,” Shining said. “And I trust the judgment of the princess when they exonerated him of his crimes.”

“You don’t have to do this,” Sombra said. “I only wished for Princess Amore’s safe return to the cas—”

Amore surprised Sombra when she yanked Sombra in for a hug. “This will be so exciting!” Amore cheered. “I have to show you all the delicacies they have in the castle. I haven’t quite seen all of it myself, but that makes it twice as fun.”

“I don’t think you have much of a choice here, Sombra,” Shining chuckled. “Speaking of which, there’s also a pony that wishes to speak with you back at the castle, Amore.”

Amore spared Sombra to gasp for air as she blinked at Shining’s words. “There is?” she asked.

Amore’s group entered the crystal castle. The castle guards welcomed them with grand bows and the maids rushed over to Amore to offer their service. She declined their offer.

Amore felt she would also need to apologize to them later. Her attention had been fixed on her granddaughter, who dared to challenge Amore in a game of silly faces. Perhaps their acts were unbecoming of royalty, but neither cared for etiquette in their games.

However, their game came to an end when a maid informed Amore of a guest waiting in her guest room—her personal room was in the midst of development. Shining was bothered that her guest did not wait at the dining room, but Amore assured her all was fine.

Sombra offered to join Amore, but she issued him to wait with Shining Armor. Amore urged him to make some stallion friends in his life.

Amore trotted the crystal halls alone, retracing her steps back to her guest room. She found it odd how easily she memorized her path—requiring numerous turns and ascensions. Though memories of the castle escaped her mind, perhaps some remained in her body.

Amore entered the guest room without a knock. Inside, she found Radiant Hope looking out a window. Her sullen gaze spelled out numerous emotions to Amore.

Radiant perked to the sound of the door opening and turned to meet Amore’s glance. “Princess Amore,” Radiant said.

“Good afternoon, Radiant,” Amore said. “I wish you would have come sooner. Shining and I went to a fine playground with Flurry Heart. You should've seen the energy the little joy had in her.”

Radiant rushed upon Amore and hugged her, stuffing her face into Amore’s coat. The scent of raspberry streamed into Amore’s snout.

“Goodness,” Amore sighed. “I didn’t think I would be missed that much.”

“I’m sorry I didn't arrive sooner,” Radiant apologized as she pulled herself from Amore. “But I wanted to finish putting this back together.”

“Put what together?”

Radiant nodded towards Amore’s bed where the briefcase laid atop. Looking to Radiant for confirmation, Amore approached the briefcase and slid her hoof upon its smooth exterior.

“I’ve never seen a contraption like this,” Amore confessed. “Is there something inside of it?”

“I think it’s better that you look for yourself,” Radiant advised and joined her side.

Judging by Raidian’s response, Amore could only assume that whatever inside had something to do with her lost memories. Even more the reason to check its content.

Amore explored through the briefcase until she clicked a button that opened it. Within it, Amore discovered crystalline accessories meant for a princess.

Amore took out one, estimating it to fit her hoof. She recognized the material to be pure crystal, clear blue as glass.

“Do you remember it?” Radiant asked.

“I assume these are my garments from when I was a princess, yes?” Amore asked.

Radiant frowned. “Yes, it is. Though I was hoping that it would at least trigger a memory.”

“Don’t feel bad,” Amore said and reigned in Radiant for a hug. The raspberry scent of Radiant quickly became a favorite of Amore. “I appreciate this gift. Now how about I try it on?”

Radiant aided Amore in putting on her accessories. When they were placed on her, Amore viewed herself through a mirror. There was a certain Saddle Arabian flair in her garment that Amore noticed. She wondered if the country had influenced the design in her uniform.

“You’re just as majestic as I remembered,” Radiant commented.

“It’s rather unique, isn’t it,” Amore said. “Though now I would think it’s about outdated.”

“Are you thinking of an update to your look? I’m sure there are plenty of designers that love to help.”

“No,” Amore declined. “I’d much prefer your gift.”

Amore strode to the council chamber of the castle after learning from a guard that Shining and Sombra went there. Slowly opening the door inside, Amore found Cadance sitting before a round table alongside a blue dragoness and bug-like creature coated in hues of emerald.

Cadance caught glimpse of her mother and stood upright from her seat with a joyous smile. Never had Amore seen a grown mare zoom so fast hug someone. “Mother,” Cadance cheered as she pounced Amore within her grasp.

“Oh, Cadance,” Amore said, stroking the mane of her daughter. “I’m happy to see you as well.”

“What’s going on?” The blue dragoness asked. “How many stragglers are going to barge in here?”

Amore swept her sight across the room and found Sombra and Shining standing at a corner with Flurry. “What are they doing over there?’ Amore asked.

“Shining should know by not to interrupt me during an important meeting,” Cadance answered. “So, they’re being punished where I can see them.”

Amore noted a surprise in Sombra’s expression, basking at the sight of Amore like she was an anomaly. “Your outfit,” Sombra said. “It’s the one you’ve always worn.”

“Like it,” Amore said. “Radiant put it together for me.”

At that moment, Radiant had entered the room. Finding Sombra in her sight, Radiant rushed over to him and gave a confused glance. “Why are you standing in a corner? Did you misbehave?”

“There were crumble crystals where Amore came back to being,” Sombra said. “You put all of that back together?”

“Of course I did,” she confirmed. “Though things didn’t work out like I entirely hoped. I guess we’ll have to take things one day at a time.”

The emerald bug emerged from his seat and cautiously approached Cadance and Amore. His hoof shivered a wave toward them.

“H-hi,” the emerald bug greeted. “My name is Thorax. It’s an honor to meet the mother of Princess Cadance. She’s been a real help to my kind.”

Amore gaped at Thorax’s eyes—they gleamed violet like amethyst. “You have such beautiful eyes,” Amore commented.

Thorax blushed. “Oh, thank you.”

The blue dragoness sighed and then joined Thorax’s side. She skimmed over Amore’s form and commented, “she looks a lot more flowery compared to her daughter. Why haven’t I heard of you before?”

“Looks can be deceiving, you know,” Amore responded.

Ember shrugged. “You know, there’s truth in that. After the last mess I dealt with, I can believe it.”

“The last?” Amore wondered aloud. Before she could press for more information, she was intervened by Flurry, who nested atop her head.

“Flurry, come back,” Shining said, approaching the two—Amore and Flurry. However, his trot came to a halt when Cadance raised a hoof before him.

“No,” Cadance said. “You two stay over there.”

Shining stopped, staring confusingly at his wife. Seeing the determination in her eyes, Shining yielded with a sigh and returned to Sombra and Radiant at the corner.

“Why am I being punished,” Sombra grumbled. “I didn’t even know about the meeting.”

“No more complaints,” Cadance stated. “Let Flurry have her fun. She is due for time to be doted by her grandmother.”

Amore cradled Flurry Heart in her hooves and bumped her snout onto Flurry’s. “My goodness, I can’t believe a filly can be this adorable. You young ones are just too much.”

“That’s good and all,” Ember said. “But we still have a meeting to attend to.”

Cadance sighed. “You’re right. Mother, I apologize, can you and the rest excuse yourselves? I need to wrap up this meeting.”

Amore acknowledged her daughter’s request, however, before the group could make their exit, a pair of mares entered the room. “Surprise!” Celestia cheered. “Guess who’s here to visit?”

“Amore!” Luna shouted.

Celestia dropped her jaw at the sight of Amore. And Amore stood dazed by the sight of the sisters. Amore felt a mysterious emotion erupting from her being. A deep yearning that was drowning her lungs.

“Celestia?” Amore whispered.

A young Amore laid bedridden in her bedroom. Her eyes searched throughout her ceiling, her vision teetering between blur and definition like a never-ending ripple.

A mare came to her bedside with a cart. Atop it was a bowl of steamed soup. The mare picked its content with a spoon with magic and cradled Amore’s head.

“Come now Princess,” the mare said. “You need to drink this if you wish to get better.”

Amore cringed at the pungent smell of the soup. She knew it was for the benefit of her own health, but why did the world have to design it to reek a horrid scent of herbs?

Regardless, Amore powered through her disgust and ingested all its content. If it meant she could get out of her bed quicker, then she would eat meat if she had to.

A stallion then entered the room. His coat shimmered red like rubies as he joined Amore’s bedside. The mare backed away from the stallion and bowed.

“My king,” the mare said.

The stallion waved a hoof at the mare and leaned onto Amore’s bed to brush Amore’s forehead. “You should get some rest,” the king advised.

“Bud dad,” Amore weakly spoke. “The princesses are coming today. I want to see them.”

Amore was ecstatic when she learned about the coming of the royal sisters. The sole protectors of Equestria for decades had preserved peace and harmony for all ponies. The only time Amore had met the pair was on the day of her birth.

She wanted to meet them, however, fate set a cruel thing on Amore with an illness. On the very day, royal sisters would arrive.

“They’re only here for a private meeting with your mother,” her father said. “I promise you will have another chance to see them.”

“But they’re here now.” Amore grasped her father’s hoof. “I don’t want to wait for another chance.”

Amore tried to heave her body out of bed, but her body waned strength, and a strong pang within her head shackled her back to her pillow.

“You shouldn’t move around right now. The nurse said you need to stay in bed. You should heed her advice.”

Amore began to tear up, grasping both her hooves onto her father’s hoof.

“Oh Amore,” her father said as he leaned over to hug his daughter. “I’m sorry today did not work out the way you hoped. But I assure you, you will have your time with them. But for now, I want to make sure you are okay.”

Knock Knock Knock.

The king and mare perked to the knock upon Amore’s door. Her father laid Amore’s head back onto the pillow then approached the door to answer it. His eyes widened at the ponies standing before him.

“Princess Celestia?” The king said. “Princess Luna?”

“Greetings, King Flare,” Celestia said. “Might we have permission to enter?”

“Oh, yes, please come in.” The king stepped aside and welcomed the royal sisters inside.

Amore dazed at the presence of the royal sisters. She has many stories about them. Their power to control the movement of the sun and moon. Bearing the most extravagant mane in all of Equestria.

Celestia smiled at the surprised Amore. “My, you’ve grown a lot since the last time I saw you. You were such a tiny cute gem I could fit on my bare hoof.”

“And it would seem thou hast garnered an unyielding mind as well,” Luna added. “Thou is indeed like her mother.”

The royal sisters sat before Amore’s bed. She felt overwhelmed, struggling to uphold her poise. Just a single push could break her into fangirling right now.

“I appreciate you two coming here to see my daughter,” King Flare said. “But don’t you have a meeting to attend with my wife?”

“Do not worry,” Celestia assured. “We have discussed this over with her in our letters. We wish to devote a part of our time here with Amore. Aunts should be given the opportunities to dote on their nieces.”

“Now then,” Luna said, fixing her gaze upon Amore. “How about we begin with introductions?”

“Goodness Luna.” Celestia rolled her eyes. “Even with foals, you resign to formalities.”

04: The Shadow

Amore could not see through the mist around her. Not only was it too dense to make out her own form, but the air was thick to breathe in.

Amore had traversed through the unknown whiteness that felt like a catacomb, for hours. She struggled to keep herself awake; afraid she might forget the paths she has taken. However, her body gradually failed her, often picking herself up from the stone floor.

If Amore doesn’t find a way out soon, she may find herself a permanent resident of this place.

The thought of death disturbed Amore. It was too soon when she had so much to live for. Amore wanted to enjoy a long life with her family. To watch her adventurous granddaughter, grow into a fine mare. To unravel the love story between her daughter, Cadance, and Shining Armor. To be acknowledged as Radiant’s best mare when she finally ties the knot with Sombra.

Amore knew it in her heart Sombra was never going to make the first move.

Amore used her hope as timber to kindle her heart aflame. She refused to drown in despair when she loved ones who waited years for her return. She refused to deprive herself further of their life.

Amore used the stone on the walls to guide her. She would often find a large gap in between that led to a new path to venture in. Hopefully, she may happen upon the exit.

Amore held concerned she was leading herself deeper within the catacomb. This place felt like an endless maze. She had nothing on her person to keep track of her steps, especially with this thick mist clouding her vision.

“None of that,” Amore told herself. “I’m going to get out of this place."

Though she desired to be optimistic, Amore could not think of a fair resolution to save herself. Randomly walking through the catacomb was not particularly ideal, but she held no alternative. Her magic was strangely absent, and no pony has yet to respond to her calls. The latter made sense. A bleary passage like this would deter any traveler from entering. Which begged the question:

How did she end up here in the first place?

Amore found no incentive that would draw her to this place. Who in their right mind would risk themselves getting lost in this dreadful place? Well, Amore guessed she would have to add herself to that list.

However, Amore had to admit there was a sort of familiarity with this place. Not the mist, but the stoned walls she used as guidance. Its smooth surface was stained with a strange powder that trembled through her coat. Amore imagined she would find it abhorrent, but for some unknown reason, it felt reassuring. As if she knew the powder would protect her.

But from what?

“Amore,” a voice echoed through the path. Amore halted at the sound, unsure whether to be anxious or relieved. “Where have you gone? Please, come back to me.”

Amore took a step back. The voice ricocheted through the catacomb, echoing all around her. She had no way to tell where it originated from.

If the two continued to traverse the catacomb, however, eventually they may come face to face. She would have to leave it to the whims of lady luck whether that would be a good thing.

Not a very uplifting thing to hold onto.

“Amore,” the voice beckoned for her again. Though this time it felt warm to Amore’s ear. It was strange to describe, but Amore found it similar to the icky powder stained on the walls. “Please, come back to me. I need you.”

Amore took a step forward. The voice miraculously became clearer to her. She could trace its direction despite its random bounce through the catacomb. Amore wanted to question how it was possible, but a new resolve took the forefront of her mind.

Amore believed she may know this voice. The soft bass in its call elated Amore’s, confused heart. However, she couldn’t understand why. She couldn’t explain anything about this predicament. But Amore knew she needed to find this pony behind this voice.

As the voice continued to call for her, Amore persisted through the catacomb to close the distance. At first, she was slow and cautious in her steps; but gradually, her pace doubled and then tripled. And then she abandoned the stone walls and galloped forth. How she eluded her face from the stone walls she could not explain, but she didn’t care as long as she could find the bearer of that voice.

She discovered it resounding from a dark hazy door her eyes could barely make out. She pressed her hoof upon the door. It was heavy and resounded an eerie creak that allowed Amore to question her action one last time.

What if this is a trap? Amore thought. Her mind weighed between her anxiety and anticipation. She took a breath and pressed forward. Then I will face it head-on.

Amore discovered a place she could only presume to be a chamber. A thick cyan hue shimmered through the mist. The shimmers rounded the walls, revealing the circular frame of the chamber.

She approached the light and rubbed her hoof across it. The texture was all Amore needed to know to unravel the material. It’s crystal. One that instills her with harmony she would find only at the Crystal Palace.

What part of the palace was this place? Amore wouldn’t think the others would permit a hazardous place like this to exist among them. She presumed this section was a restriction. And based on the setting, Amore deduced this place existed underneath the palace.

When she finished her deduction, a red light suddenly beamed at the edge of her sight. It was a small singular light she did not recall seeing the first time she entered.

Her curiosity got the better of her.

Amore approached the red light that lay on the opposite end from the door. The light revealed the edges of a gem it resided in. This was the only thing she could see so clearly, a ruby.

Amore peered within its interior. She did not know what she hoped to find, but she was fascinated regardless. For what reason would there be a single ruby here in this foggy catacomb surrounded by crystals?

From its crystalline facets, Amore could find a reflection of herself. That surprised her. Not only could it reveal itself within the mist, but it could also reveal everything around her.

Amore could piece out the chamber clearly through this reflection. There appeared to be tapestries on the ceiling that showed encroaching darkness riddled with ghostly white eyes. A crystal-shaped heart beamed from the center, appearing to strike fear into the dark creatures.

“What is that?” Amore wondered, placing a hoof on her chest. “Why do I feel malice in my heart?” Amore’s skin quivered and her head grew light. She couldn’t tell if it was either from the mist she’s been breathing in or this newfound rage welling up within her.

She took a deep breath, desperate to calm herself. The last thing she wanted was to stress herself even more. There was so little she remembered about her world and the role she played in it. She doesn’t need to figure this out when she has her family and friends to fill in the gaps for her.

After she escaped this place that is.

Amore concluded her best course was to take the ruby with her. Seeing that it can reveal her surroundings, may increase her odds of escape.

Amore dug her hoof into a crevice surrounding the ruby and applied pressure. With a bit of force, Amore popped out the ruby and held it on her hoof.

It’s a bit smaller than she imagined. It barely covered a quarter of her hoof.

She looked through the reflection again and was relieved the ruby could still show her through the mist. Fresh new timber of hope fueled her confidence.

But shouldn’t there also be something else in this place? She could have sworn she heard a voice within this chamber.

And just as the thought crossed her, Amore found a silhouette standing before her.

Amore jumped back, but it was a fruitless effort. The silhouette came upon her and filled her vision with darkness. It happened so fast that she had no time to ponder.

“Amore,” the voice said. “You’ve found me.”

Amore stirred her eyes open upon the light. Its beam was warm and potent upon her face, prompting Amore to defend her distressed eyes.

A groan escaped her as her body continued to stir in the bed. The crackling within her bones resounded loudly in her ears. An unknown part of her despised the lethargy in her body. Something within her commanded her to get up.

What are you doing lazing about on a bright day!? It questioned Amore. Get up right this moment! You have ponies who are in need of loving!

Amore could only groan in response. She questioned where this mysterious voice came from with its optimistic authority. Amore wondered if it was a remnant of her old self spurring into her conscience. If possible, she hoped it would give her at least five more minutes before she had to combat the greatest foe all creatures had to face, getting out of bed.

“Thou have finally awakened,” Amore heard a voice. She adjusted her eyes a noted a blue mare standing at her bedside. The mare’s mane swam in the air, an endless wave dazzling with sparkles like flickering stars.

“Oh my!” Amore shrieked, jumping out of her bed. Her movement was sudden despite her bones lacking enthusiasm. She failed to coordinate her hoof on the bed and inevitably fell unceremoniously to the ground. Amore could not fathom anything more embarrassing than to have her flank hung in the air before the Princess of the Night.

Amore pulled the rest of her body to the floor and tried to catch her wits. She coughed into her hoof and tried to greet Luna. “M-my apologies,” Amore stuttered. “I didn’t know you were here.” Amore bowed before Luna, trying her best to exude of prestigious aura. “Welcome to my humble abode, Princess Luna. It is an honor to stand in your presence.”

If her memory served her correctly, Luna happened to be a strict Princess, devoted to law and customs while her contrary was open to adjustments. Amore prepared herself for a lecture from Luna, who she figured to be offended by Amore’s scandalous presentation.

However, Princess Luna pressed her hoof under Amore’s chin and lift the embarrassed princess to her gaze. Amore was immediately spellbound by the cyan eyes of the Night Princess. Her sparkling bang dressed Luna’s face in a magical light that gave Amore the impression she was looking upon a goddess. Even when her eyes were strangely melancholic.

“Amore,” Luna spoke in a softer tone, something Amore rarely recalls about her. “Please do not address us in such a way. Our connection extends beyond our politics.”

“It does?” Amore excitedly questioned before correcting herself in a regular tone. “It does? My memories are spotted with a lot of blanks. The others have shared that I am suffering under—"

“Amnesia,” Luna finished and took a step back from a rising Amore. “Yes, We have been informed about your condition. And we would be much obliged to fill in those gaps for you. In fact, my sister and we hoped to start your recovery over a cup of tea.”

“Teatime with the Royal Sister!” Amore gasped; her eyes widened. “I would be blasphemous to deny myself such a gift.”

Luna blinked at Amore and then smiled. “We must say, we have not seen this expressive from you in years. We wonder if your amnesia has led, thou to be more honest with your feelings.”

“Am I now?” Amore asked, confused. “I can’t imagine a Princess representing love would hide her feelings.”

“The effect of the years of ruling perhaps,” Luna guessed. “Your time of rule was riddled with enormous difficulties your predecessors had never experienced. But you held strong and carved a fruitful future for your ponies as the Princess, we know you would be.”

“Oh,” Amore said, rubbing the back of her head. “Thank you. I wish I could remember these moments you were talking about. It would do me wonders to instill my daughter with wisdom as the former Princess…I am a former Princess, correct?”

“Ponies will always remember you as their Princess,” Luna chuckled and surprised Amore with a hug. The wispy mane brushed softly upon Amore, prompting a strange urge for her to nibble on the mane. “And we are all joyous to have you back.”

“This is like a dream come true,” Amore confessed, reciprocating Luna’s hug. “I think I’ve always yearned for both of your acknowledgment.”

“That dream has long been fulfilled. Now, it is time you fulfill our dream with you.”

“Amore, you simply must try this,” Celestia cheered, prodding a cup of tea onto Amore. The cup gingerly passed to Amore’s magic; however, she would be lying if said she didn’t have difficulty circumventing through Celestia’s magic. There was so much vigor in its light that Amore’s nearly dissipated. “I had it brewed in your melon flavor. You used to gush so much over it.”

“Melon flavor?” Amore repeated. Despite having the tea in her magic, she wouldn't bat an eye from the exhilarated Sun Princess. The regal alicorn swooned over Amore as if she was her idolized celebrity. In Amore’s mind, the scenario should have been the reverse.

The earthy aroma of the warm tea drew Amore’s lips. She calmly took a sip and was initially perplexed by the bitter taste that ran smoothly in her. It held a grassy flavor she surprisingly found pleasant. “Oh my,” Amore gasped. “This is wonderful.”

“I knew you would love it,” Celestia proudly stated. “You’ve always had a deep fascination for the tropical life. Sometimes you would lose yourself over the thought of the beach and warm winds.”

“Did I now? Well then, I should most definitely arrange a time to experience this tropical life.”

“We doubt it would trigger an old memory, however,” Luna interjected, placing a plate with a whole cake atop a table they shared. “Amore never had the opportunity to experience the tropical life.”

“Then that is even more reason to go, yes?” Amore asked.

“All in good time,” Luna assured. “Now try this.” Luna whisked a knife to cut a slice of the cake to place on a smaller plate. She then floated the plate before Amore to grab with a hoof. “We had baked a banana nut cake. It is a recipe we crafted for dear sister’s birthday.”

“You really want to share this with me?” Amore asked, astonished. In fact, her astonishment has been constant since she has woke this morning. To be catered to by her idols is the greatest wish for a pony.

“Do not be shy,” Luna chuckled. “We assure you that it is wonderful.”

Amore adhered to Luna’s wish and took a bite of the banana nut cake. Its soft texture moved the cadence of her taste buds. “You were right, this is wonderful,” Amore commented. “I didn’t know you were an exceptional baker.”

“We were not,” Luna revealed. “This happens to be one of many hobbies we have adopted since our retirement. My dear sister used to depend on our servants to brew tea but has now learned to do so herself.”

“And it has deepened my appreciation for their hard work,” Celestia added. “I always knew it required patience and precision, but nothing proved that more than to master it myself.”

“It’s still hard to believe that you two have retired,” Amore said. “To be honest, I didn’t think that was ever a possibility. This Twilight Sparkle you spoke of must have proven a great feat for the bestowal of the crown.”

“She certainly has,” Celestia proudly confirmed. “But it’s you I’d like to talk more about. Tell me, how much do you remember about us?”

“Well,” Amore started, placing her tea and plate of banana nut cake on the table. “I remember viewing the two of you as an idol to aspire to. There was a time when I was ecstatic about your arrival but was struck with an illness that left me bedridden. My father tried to sway me from leaving the bed, but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to meet you two. But in your generosity, you visited my bedroom to entertain my sullen self.”

“We still remember the first time I saw you,” Luna shared. “Thine father was practically skipping with joy, showing you off to the world like you were the most precious gem in the world. And a brilliant one you turned out to be.”

“I don’t know about that,” Amore modestly responded. “I couldn’t have been that different from my predecessors. My daughter and granddaughter are alicorns, after all. Now those two are true brilliance.”

“Don’t discredit yourself,” Celestia urged. “You were among the best Crystal Princess I had met. Countless times you provided support to Equestria when chaos struck our lands. You were essential to our centuries of peace with Yakyakistan. And you managed all of this while remaining a mother for not just Cadance, but to all your subjects of the Crystal Empire.”

“Everyone here views me as their mother?” Amore questioned, alarmed. “This is terrible. There must be countless birthdays I have missed since my return.”

“Your subjects are aware of your condition,” Luna said. “What they want now is to relax as your memories come back to you. Besides, the greatest present you could have given was your return.”

“That’s nice of you to say,” Amore said. “I just wished I had the memories to prove it.”

“They will come back in due time,” Celestia assured. “I am certain the love of your friends and family will restore all that was lost.’

“Speaking of which,” Luna interjected. “When we found you in bed this morning, you appeared to be having a nightmare. A loss of memory is tied to your psyche; therefore, your dreams could hint at a clue for us. We tried to assist you from your nightmare, but something strange deterred my presence. Perhaps if you allow us to look into your conscience, we may unravel a swift remedy to your predica—”

“That won’t be necessary,” Amore snapped. Her response surprised her, noting the urgency in her tone. The reflex didn’t feel like her own, almost as if an unknown force impelled the response out of her.

“Are thou certain?” Luna asked. “Thou may garner thine memories soon if thou allow us.”

“Let’s not press her on this matter,” Celestia advised. “We should take solace in the fact that she is here with us. The world has shown us a fortune by finally bringing back everyone dear to us.”

“Fair enough,” Luna complied, taking a sip of her cup of tea. “Then what shall we do now? We happened to bring a set of board games we hoped to play with Flurry.”

“Oh yes,” Celestia agreed, clapping her hooves. “Let’s play a game of Life.”

“What is your fascination with this game?” Luna sighed. “It’s always the first game you wish to play.”

After rowdy rounds of board games with the Royal Sisters, Amore excused herself when she learned her granddaughter was alone in her bedroom. Apparently, her sweet little Flurry had tuckered herself out last night when greeted by Celestia and Luna.

Her granddaughter attempted to hog their attention and to even went so far as to lock them for herself. Shining had shared that Flurry did this a lot when he and Cadance would pick Amore up from Twilight’s castle.

Amore recalls stories of princesses being the captive damsel of a dragon but never had she heard a princess playing as the dragon. If Amore hoped to experience the tropical life, the safer course of action would be to bring Flurry with her.

Amore observed Flurry sound asleep in her bed. Her body sprawled about and legs twitching like a pup stuck in a dream. It was utterly adorable.

“Such a cute little gem,” Amore quietly cooed. Never had she felt a desire to grab hold of something so much in her life. However, Amore wondered about the truth in that. After all, there were still memories of Cadance absent from her. She wondered if she held the exact feeling, she does now Flurry.

Amore…

Amore’s ears twitched at the sound. However, she refused to turn her gaze from Flurry.

This voice has beckoned to her countless times, and she grew tired of its call. It was like a constant echo that chased her throughout the castle.

Amore, come this way.

Amore sighed and brushed Flurry’s cheek. She couldn’t understand why this voice continued to vex her. Was it real or was it all in her head?

Regardless, Amore decided to end it here and now.

Amore left her granddaughter’s bedroom and followed the sound of the voice. She came across numerous Crystal guards who honored her with a bow and relieving expressions. Amore rewarded each of them with a hug, noting their shiver.

How long could I have possibly been gone for? Amore wondered.

Amore eventually came across a crystal wall at a dead-end of a hallway. She noted the lack of shimmer in the crystal, almost as if the light beaming toward it went passed it.

Amore pressed her hoof onto the wall. To her shock, her hoof phased through it as if she was a ghost. “It’s an illusion?” Amore discovered.

Amore, you’re nearly there.

“…what am I doing here?” Amore said. She knew wanted to go through the wall, but was that truly the best thing for her? She should probably inform others about her discovery. What if she ended up getting lost or worse, trapped beyond these walls? But what if this was her answer to her memories? Normal ponies don’t just have voices talking to them. Amore figured there had to be a reason for it to exist, and her answer may lie behind this illusive wall.

“…”

Without another thought, Amore proceeded through the wall.