"Can you handle things here while I'm gone, captain?" Queen Seraphine asked her captain while she prepared her saddlebag.

The changeling captain nodded his head and saluted. "Yes, my queen. I can."

The changeling queen gave her captain a smile. "Good. We might be away for a few days to a week, so if you need any help, you can ask my friends' captains."

The changeling captain nodded his head before Queen Seraphine turned to meet the five changeling guards, armed with spears, swords and crossbows.

"Alright, now I know I already pinged you five over the hive about the journey, but I will repeat it anyway. Princess Amore and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza are preparing to head back to the Crystal Empire, along Princess Twilight Sparkle, Prince Shining Armor and Spike, Lieutenant Flash Sentry and the rest of the leaders. King Crestwing, King Fire Blaze, Stormfeather, Au Hasard and Thunderhoof will each have five of their guards. Your objective is ensuring Princess Amore and her daughter safety while we travelled toward the Crystal Empire. Understood?"

"Yes, my queen!" the guards responded in unison, their voices filled with resolve.

Satisfied with their response, the changeling queen gave a small nod. "Excellent. Remember, this mission is of utmost importance."

As she finished her briefing while the five guards saluted before leaving, the queen's thoughts drifted to the upcoming journey. The Crystal Empire, with its shimmering towers and the legendary Crystal Heart, was a place where Amore truly belongs. She will ensure Princess Amore and her daughter's safety to return the favour for letting her stay in Outpost Artic.

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The group assembled at the entrance of Outpost Artic. The cold winds were howling relentlessly, implying that a blizzard is about coming.

Cadance stared out at the open landscape of the Frozen North. She then turned her head back to observe the group.

Twilight, Shining and Spike were busy talking to her mother, Amore, to get to know about her more. Lieutenant Flash Sentry was conversing with Nimbus Dash and Grimhoof. The leaders were individually talking to their own five guards about the mission. Meanwhile, Clover, Commander Hurricane and Dew Nourish were helping Amore's five Crystal Imperial guards by telling what to expect out in the Frozen North.

Princess of Friendship noticed her sister-in-law gaze and walked over. "How are you feeling, Cadance?"

Cadance sighed, her breath visible in the frigid air. "A little nervous but hopeful. It's been so long since my mother has been home. I just want everything to go smoothly."

Feeling a hoof on her shoulder, the Princess of Love turned to see her husband smiling as he offered comforting words to his wife, Cadance, reassuring her with gentle tones and a supportive smile. "Everything will be alright, Cady. We've faced so much together, and we’ll get through this too." His words carried the weight of countless shared experiences and challenges overcome together.

Amore stepped forward, her regal presence softened by the tender emotions in her eyes. She placed a hoof on Cadance's shoulder, her voice steady yet filled with a touch of vulnerability. "I'm nervous too, my dear, but I'm willing to give this a shot. Returning to the Crystal Empire feels daunting, but remember, I will always be by your side, no matter what happens." Hearing these heartfelt words, Cadance felt a swell of emotions and embraced her mother tightly. The group watched this touching reunion with a mix of admiration and respect.

Suddenly, the dragon suddenly belched out a letter and a roar of green flames erupted from his mouth, causing a letter to appear in front of Twilight.

The Princess of Friendship picked up the letter and read it out loud for the group to listen.

Dear Twilight,

I'm glad you and your group are safe. Luna and I will be coming to the Crystal Empire to meet you there.

Your friends will also be coming with us to see you as they missed you dearly. This will also allow Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity to apologise for their hostility toward Amore at the beach that day.

We will meet there soon.

Your Friend,
Princess Celestia

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Soon, the group was trudging through the relentless blizzard, the howling winds and biting cold threatening to impede their progress. The Prince of the Crystal Empire and Clover the Clever, their horns glowing with a powerful aura, conjured a large, robust shield around the group. This magical barrier was conjured to not only protected them from the blizzards but also from any lurking frost creatures.

Within the shield, the five guards from each leader's faction remained vigilant, either walking or flying, ever watchful for signs of danger. King Crestwing, along with King Fire Blaze, Thunderhoof and Stormfeather, engaged in a deep conversation. They spoke of their excitement and anticipation about reuniting with their families and species after years spent aiding the Crystal Imperial guards in their quest to locate Amore's scattered fragments.

Au Hasard, the bat pony, was engrossed in a lively discussion with Spike. The young dragon, his eyes wide with curiosity, peppered the bat pony with questions about his time serving Princess Luna. Hasard recounted tales of his past duties as a captain under the lunar princess before he was lost and eventually found by the Crystal Imperial.

Nearby, Commander Hurricane, Nimbus Dash and Grimhoof shared their stories with Flash Sentry, reminiscing about their adventures as they scoured the globe in search of Amore's fragments together. Dew Nourish meticulously checked her supplies, ensuring she was prepared for any injuries that might occur.

Amore and the Princess of Love walked together, deep in conversation. Cadance took this opportunity to catch up with her mother, sharing the events that transpired during her imprisonment and listening intently to Amore's experiences.

Twilight observed the mother-daughter duo, a warm smile spreading across her face. She then turned to her brother to share her thoughts. "You know, I’ve never seen Cadance so happy before." The Princess of Friendship remarked, her voice tinged with joy.

Shining nodded in agreement, his expression thoughtful. "I know. She’s always had us—me, our daughter, you, and our parents. But I never imagined that Amore, the former ruler of the Crystal Empire before King Sombra, would turn out to be Cadance's mother. It’s like a piece of her past has finally fallen into place."

"Amore has been watching her from the start." a voice said, causing both siblings to turn and see Queen Seraphine approaching from behind.

"What do you mean?" The Prince asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

The changeling queen cleared her throat before explaining. "When enough of Amore's scattered fragments were rebuilt, she managed to create an astral form. Through this, she communicated with the Crystal Imperial guards and used her magic to locate some of her remaining pieces. Apparently, when King Sombra shattered Amore's petrified statue, her soul fused with the fragments scattered across the world."

Both siblings stared at her, wide-eyed.

Queen Seraphine continued, "When Amore discovered her ability to manifest through the fragments, she used it to watch over Cadance. From her time as a foalsitter, to her wedding, and to her role as the ruler of the Crystal Empire, Amore has always been there, silently proud of her daughter."

"Wow..." The siblings said, staring the changeling queen while walking in awe.

As the group continued their journey through the blizzard, one of King Crestwing’s guards suddenly called out, alerting everyone. The group turned, readying themselves for a potential threat, and saw a couple of Frost Wolves staring at them from a distance.

Weapons were drawn, and they stood in a fighting stance, prepared to confront the wolves. To their surprise, the wolves backed away from the magical shield protecting the group and then disappeared into the howling wind and snow.

Confused, the combat medic lowered her guard and asked, “What was that about?”

The group exchanged puzzled glances, shrugging as they stared at the spot where the Frost Wolves had been.

Dropping her fighting stance, Amore suggested, “Let’s get moving before more frost animals arrive.”

The group nodded in agreement and resumed their journey, their minds lingering on the peculiar behaviour of the Frost Wolves.

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Crystal Empire, two days later

Within the Crystal Empire, the crystal ponies bustled with excitement, their voices filled with eager anticipation for Princess Amore's arrival.

"HELP! SOMEPONY HELP!" A scream echoed through the air, causing everyone to turn their attention toward the Crystal Palace.

Sunburst, the Royal Crystaller, was being dragged through the air by a giggling Flurry Heart, the baby alicorn. Two crystal guards chased after them, struggling to keep up.

The Royal Crystaller screamed as the baby alicorn refused to let him go. The guards were panting heavily, clearly outmatched by the energetic baby.

Starlight Glimmer, visiting her friend, sat nearby, trying hard not to laugh at the commotion. "Do you need any help, Sunburst?" she asked, lounging on a chair and munching on popcorn.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK, STARLIGHT?!" Sunburst yelled, flailing as Flurry Heart swung him around in circles with her magic.

Unable to contain herself, the unicorn mare burst into laughter, falling off her chair and rolling left and right on the floor.

"STARLIGHT!!!" The Royal Crystaller screamed again as the two crystal guards finally caught up, only to collapsed face-down in exhaustion.

Wiping away her tears of laughter, Starlight got to her feet and said. "Alright, alright, I’ll help you."

Her horn glowed, and the baby alicorn was enveloped in the unicorn mare's magic, causing the baby to lose her grip on Sunburst, who promptly fell face-first onto the floor.

Starlight chuckled again while Flurry Heart gave her an indignant "hmph" and looked away, crossing her tiny hooves.

Sunburst weakly stood up, his eyes spinning in dizzy circles as he adjusted his glasses. "Sweet Celestia, this baby has a lot of energy," he said, dragging himself toward the unicorn mare and the now pouting baby alicorn.

The unicorn mare ruffled the baby alicorn’s mane affectionately. "She sure does. You okay, Sunburst?" She asked.

"Define 'okay'," The Royal Crystaller replied, still trying to catch his breath. "Next time, maybe you could step in a bit sooner?"

"Where’s the fun in that?" Starlight teased, giving him a playful nudge. "Besides, you handled it pretty well."

The Royal Crystaller gave her a weary look. "I think 'well' is a bit generous."

Laughing, the unicorn mare lifted Flurry Heart into the air with her magic, the baby alicorn giggling once more, her earlier indignation forgotten. The crystal guards, finally catching their breath, managed to sit up, leaning against each other with relieved smiles.

"Good work, all of you," Starlight said, smiling at the guards. "You really gave it your all."

One of the guards, still panting, replied, "Thank you, Lady Starlight. We try our best."

Sunburst adjusted his glasses one last time and sighed. "I think I need a vacation."

Before the unicorn mare could laughed, the door to the hallway opened, causing the group to see a crystal mare guard panting as she catches her breaths.

"She's here!" She exclaimed, prompting the group to arch an eyebrow.

"Princess Amore's here! She's here right now in the empire!" The crystal mare guard exclaimed as she started to bounce in excitement.

The two crystal guards immediately got up, their adrenalines kicking in, and ran toward the empire's entrance along with the crystal mare guard.

Both unicorns exchanged confused glances as the crystal guard's excitement echoed through the hall.

"Who's Princess Amore?" Starlight asked, her curiosity piqued.

"I'm actually not sure. Princess Celestia didn't replied my letters." The Royal Crystaller adjusted his glasses, still catching his breath from the earlier ordeal with Flurry Heart, before speaking. "Let's just go and see what's happening."

With the baby alicorn giggling in her magical grip, the unicorn mare led the way, Sunburst trailing behind as they followed the guards out of the palace.

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At the bustling entrance of the Crystal Empire, where a crowd of crystal ponies had gathered, their faces alight with excitement and joy. They cheered and waved, welcoming Princess Amore, Cadance and Shining Armor. Nearby, Twilight, Spike, and the other leaders stood aside, smiling at the heartwarming scene.

They were in the midst of gratefully thanking the crystal ponies when Starlight and Sunburst emerged from the crowd, holding Flurry Heart.

The Princess of Love, her husband and her sister-in-law turned, their faces lighting up with joy. "Flurry!" Cadance exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace her daughter, Shining and Twilight following her and gave the baby alicorn a hug too. The crystal ponies respectfully stepped aside, allowing the family their moment.

As the family reunion unfolded, Amore’s expression changed from joy to shock. She stared at Flurry Heart, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Mom, what’s wrong?" The Princess of Love asked, noticing the look on Amore's face.

"Your daughter... she's an alicorn?" Amore asked, her voice tinged with astonishment.

Cadance nodded, smiling proudly as she confirmed. "Yes, she is."

Amore’s face slowly broke into a smirk and said. "And here I thought my husband and I were the only ones who could manage that."

The gears in both the Princess of Love and her husband’s minds started turning as they processed her words. Realization dawned on them, and their faces turned a deep shade of red.

"M-MOM!"

Author's Note

This one took a bit longer to write, so sorry.