A week later, night, in Sombra's former workshop

Volthoom was currently reading the books Sombra left in his workshop, he absorbed the memories of the umbrum when he devoured the dark king and there were significant differences from the backstory he knew. Despite Princess Amore's existence, there was no Radiant Hope and as a result of that Sombra never had that one true friend, which turned him into more of a monster than his canon –the comics version anyway– counterpart.

However, like his canon counterpart, Sombra turned Princess Amore into a statue and shattered her before scattering her pieces to the four winds. Fortunately, the dark king kept a single piece as a memento of his conquest and it was possible for the lightsmiths to track the pieces by founding matches to the energy that the crystal was radiating faintly.

Another fortunate event was that the spy on Equestria’s military managed to keep the news of the Crystal Empire’s return from reaching Celestia so far and that bought Volthoom at least another week or two. He was standing near the complete statue of Princess Amore and ironically the only pieces missing were her horn and a heart-shaped piece on her chest.

Volthoom sighed before moving upstairs into the throne room, thankfully he didn't need as much sleep as a normal changeling but that didn't stop him from feeling tired after an entire week of not sleeping soon after a life-threatening battle. He sat on the throne that was temporarily his and was about to start the court when he heard a voice.

“Lord Volthoom, you look terrible. When was the last time you slept?” asked the crystal unicorn mare with a red coat and green mane that he saved from Sombra when he broke into the throne room a week ago. Currently, she was wearing a simple white victorian button-up shirt and dark brown pants.

“A week, but there is still much to be done Ruby Scroll. I can rest after the damage done by Sombra is fixed,” said Volthoom to his advisor and Royal Scribe.

“Stop being stubborn, your body needs rest,” said Ruby with a worried tone. Then she added, “Besides you already did everything you could. The shields are up, the military has been restored, all of Sombra's allies have been either incarcerated or executed, the fields are once again producing food while the technology and trade have advanced tremendously to compensate for our millennia of absence, especially with our new allies, the Changeling Empire.”

“I still think it's not enough,” said Volthoom as he got up after much insistence from Ruby.

“You came back for us and saved us when we needed the most. It wasn't your fault that we were banished if anything it was the Royal Sisters for interfering recklessly like they did,” said Ruby as she guided Volthoom to the master bedroom and without much resistance he laid on the soft bed.

“But I–” started Volthoom.

“No ‘buts’ my lord, we can handle a day or two without your guidance,” said Ruby as she pushed Volthoom back down and he offered little resistance before closing his eyes.

After making sure Volthoom was asleep Ruby was about to leave, but he managed to grab her arm and pull her to the bed, where he hugged her from behind. Ruby tried to remove herself from his arms but he wouldn't let her go and eventually she just sighed.

“At least he sleeping,” thought Ruby as she laid in the arms of her emperor dozing off, however, the sound of the door opening caught her attention.

“Volthoom we nee–” started Dana as she walked into the master bedroom, but she stopped when she saw that he was already sleeping and Ruby “shhh” the queen despite being embarrassed, in Ruby’s opinion a little embarrassment was a price she was willing to pay for her liege. Dana giggled at the crystal mare’s predicament as she approached the bed before kneeling down beside the bed and removed a strand of Volthoom's silver mane from his face, then she said, “At least he is resting now, mother was getting worried and she could feel his refusal to rest all the way to her palace.”

“Um, can you help me, Lady Dana?” asked Ruby quietly.

“Why? You two look cute together,” said Dana in an equally quiet tone.

“What’s up with you changelings and open relationships? If I found my stallion holding another mare I would throw a fit. Seriously, you guys are worst than the flutter ponies,” said Ruby with an angry face, which was cute in Dana’s opinion.

“Well, we are the flutter ponies after millennia as shapeshifters and were are very flexible,” said Dana wiggling her eyebrows at Ruby, who groaned.

“Will you help me or not?” asked Ruby.

“Ok, but I get to ask a favor from you on a later date,” said Dana and Ruby sighed.

“So long it's reasonable,” said Ruby and Dana's horn started to glow as she used her shapeshifting to create elytra to cover her wings before teleporting, or more accurately swap places with Ruby. The mare shook her head a bit before looking at the queen snuggling against Volthoom and nodded to her before leaving.

Many hours later, afternoon

Volthoom woke up from his dreamless sleep and yawned before noticing a familiar warm sensation of another body close to his own. He opened his eyes and saw Dana sleeping peacefully, which caused him to smile before kissing her cheek and hug her closer. It was at times like this he just felt like staying on the bed and after resting he realized that he was being foolish, the Crystal Empire would be fine.

Carefully Volthoom used one of his hands to trace Dana's horn and she shivered in her sleep. Good thing that the Cushion spell was something they were used to apply on their horns before sleeping, that particular spell could be used on a pointy and/or sharp object to make it feel like a pillow. It became popular among changelings and unicorns after many accidents where they stabbed their pillows in their sleep and it was especially useful to the ones that had a pointier or sharper horn than normal like the queens and Volthoom. It was also quite efficient in keeping younglings safe anywhere in the house, some overprotective parents apply it to all the walls, floor, and ceiling, every edge and corner really.

Volthoom came out of his introspection when he heard knocking coming from the door, so he used his telekinesis to open it and on the other side was a mare with a blue coat and pinkish-orange mane, she was wearing a green shirt and a long maroon skirt. Volthoom placed a finger to his lips and the mare nodded before approaching.

“The last two lightsmiths have returned my lord,” said the mare and Volthoom nodded before silently and carefully getting up without waking Dana, then he covered her before accompanying the mare out of the room.

“Thank you, Azure, you didn't have to come here personally,” said Volthoom to the mare, Azure Book the Royal Treasurer.

“Nonsense my lord, besides I need to see you anyway,” said Azure as she walked beside Volthoom toward his study room. Then she said after giving Volthoom a list, “It’s about all the constructions that have been requested to finished the recovery of the Crystal Empire’s infrastructure.”

“Yes you can proceed with all of them,” said Volthoom as he entered his study room where the two lightsmiths were waiting.

“Grandmaster!” said the lightsmiths the moment Volthoom entered the study room and they saluted him by placing a fist over their hearts.

“At ease,” said Volthoom before sitting on his chair and open the drawer from his desk, then he took out a stamp and used it on the documents. Then he gave it back to Azure and said, “Here, with this, the infrastructure is completely recovered from Sombra’s reign.”

Azure thanked Volthoom, took the documents and left.

“So, what you two have to report?” asked Volthoom as he looked at the two lightsmiths, one was a minotaur while the other was the same gryphoness that informed him of the Crystal Empire's return. There was nothing remarkable about the minotaur, he was 7ft 6in tall with bovine horns and brown fur coat.

“We found it, sir, the last two pieces,” reported the gryphoness before carefully placing a long shard of black crystal on the table and soon after the minotaur did the same with another shard, this one heart-shaped.

“I see,” said Volthoom before scanning the shards just to be sure.

“Anything else, sir?” asked the minotaur.

“How are the crystal pony recruits doing?” asked Volthoom.

“The recruits are doing well, the most advanced ones should craft their foci either tomorrow or the day after,” said the gryphoness.

“And with the new additions to our legions we will be able to cover the territory of the Crystal Empire as well,” said the minotaur.

“Good,” said Volthoom, however, he noticed that they still wanted to say something else, so he said, “speak freely.”

“Are you sure it's wise to extend our resources to the Crystal Empire? I mean, I know that this nation had an important connection to Flutter Valley, but it was millennia ago,” said the minotaur.

“You are right, however, I won't let the Crystal Empire and the Changeling Empire become enemies for as long as I can,” said Volthoom.

*Sigh* “I know it's not our place to question your decisions Grandmaster, but it might not be that easy especially since you intend to relinquish the throne,” said the gryphoness.

“On the contrary, that is actually a good sign, questioning me shows that you can think for yourselves,” said Volthoom.

“I assume you have chosen your successor,” said the minotaur.

“Yes I have,” said Volthoom as he looked at the shards of black crystal.

“Then we shall take our leave,” said the gryphoness.

“Yes, you are dismissed,” said Volthoom and the two saluted before leaving.

Volthoom looked through some documents and signed those the needed. Just after he finished looking through the paperwork the door opened and Dana walked in followed by Phyllia, the most noticeable difference about Phyllia was that she was no longer pregnant.

“I was under the impression that you would keep the eggs for a while longer,” said Volthoom to Phyllia, who just approached the lightsmith before kissing him.

“Well, I did intend to keep them but they were already developed enough to be laid, while I like the feeling of a clutch growing in my belly they were also kinda distracting and pregnancy is no excuse to miss my duties as a ruler,” said Phyllia as she sat on Volthoom's lap and got comfortable.

“Apis and Vesp are still carrying their clutches though,” said Dana as she sat on one of the sofas. Then she added, "They are expecting a very big brood and are no longer able to move."

"Indeed, while they complained about being stuck on Apis' mansion –Vesp decided to spend the end of their pregnancies together– they are enjoying their conditions a bit too much," said Phyllia.

“Really? I have to pay a visit to them later and also go see my nymphs as well as visiting Chrysalis most recent brood,” said Volthoom.

“We can always make more,” whispered Phyllia in Volthoom's ear before gently nibbling it. Then she added, “I think now it's your turn to carry a clutch.”

“Maybe later, besides were you not worried about overpopulation before?” asked Volthoom.

“Now that we have enough food available, not so much,” said Phyllia before nuzzling Volthoom.

“How many?” asked Volthoom as he hugged Phyllia closer.

“I thought you knew,” said Phyllia.

“I didn't bother to count,” said Volthoom then he felt a sense of mischievousness from Phyllia.

“Well, I laid around three hundred eggs,” said Phyllia coyly, then she saw lack of surprise on Volthoom's face.

“How come you're not surprised?” asked Dana when she sensed what her mother was doing and she too was expecting some reaction from Volthoom.

“Three hundred offsprings in about a month is not that impressive compared to some sentient species I know,” said Volthoom in a matter of fact tone. Then he asked, “All that matters is that they are healthy.”

Phyllia nodded in agreement and she was glad that all of them were healthy and strong, but considering who their sire was it wasn't that surprising.

“So, how was the trip through the new Warp Gates?” asked Volthoom.

“Quite smooth actually, almost no side effects,” said Phyllia.

“And with this network of interconnected portals all cities of the Changeling Empire are now connected,” said Dana.

“As well as all cities in the Crystal Empire,” added Phyllia.

While Phyllia was curious about those species that Volthoom mentioned she opted for asking later, then she noticed the shards and asked, “Are you truly bringing her back?”

“Yes, she didn't deserve what Sombra did to her,” said Volthoom before he motioned for Phyllia to get up.

“Indeed she didn't, she saw Dana only once before that tragedy happened,” said Phyllia with a distant expression on her face.

Volthoom got up and took the shards before heading out. Phyllia and Dana followed him until he reached the infirmary, once there he spoke with an available physician and once that was done the four of them went to Volthoom's workshop. The physician was informed that Volthoom would attempt to undo the curse that Sombra placed on Queen Amore and he wanted Healing Light with them to monitor the queen.

Eventually, they reached the workshop and they met Shield Warden on the way. Warden was a unicorn stallion with some scars on his exposed skin wearing a more decorated silver armor, he was 6ft 6in and quite muscular for his age and he had been the Captain of the Royal Guard and General of the Crystal Army since before Queen Amore's reign. He was an unfortunate and unwilling ally of Sombra thanks to a curse placed upon him that left the old soldier unable to disobey the dark king.

Interestingly that curse was the precursor or prototype of the spell that would eventually be placed on most soldiers under Sombra's command and they were only freed when Sombra died. Most of them retired from the military after what they were forced to do in the name of King Sombra, however, Warden was among those that remained in the military for the sake of the citizens.

Now that peace was restored many might either retire or assume less demanding positions in the new regime and Volthoom was willing to let them have their rest after what they suffered. Good thing he already had a successor, his second in command Aquamarine or Aqua for short, she had a blue coat and green mane and she wore the same silver armor of the Royal Guard.

Anyway, once the group entered the workshop, the three breathless and speechless crystal ponies, as well as the two hopeful queens, saw the almost complete statue of Queen Amore.

“We are truly undeserving of your compassion, Lord Volthoom? You had no obligation of restoring our former queen,” said Dr. Light as she bowed and she was followed by the old unicorn.

Volthoom could feel the hope radiating from them when they saw the statue, so he placed the shards in their rightful places and a wave of magic came from the statue. Then the cracks started to glow and soon the black crystal starts to flake off revealing a pink coat and raspberry colored mane as well as her light blue dress underneath the black crystal.

Once Queen Amore's legs were freed she fell but Volthoom caught her before she could hit the ground. At first, she tried to escape thinking the insect-like creature was a servant of Sombra but stopped when she saw Healing Light.

“Please, calm down Lady Amore, you are safe,” said Light trying to reassure the panicking mare.

“Light, is that you?” asked Amore.

“Yes, it’s me, Lady Amore,” said Light. Then she turned to Volthoom, “Thank you Lord Volthoom.”

“Volthoom?” asked Amore and Volthoom just shifted into his light form before nodding. She saw the familiar glowing veins under that see-through gray skin and despite having a different shape she recognized them, so she expressed her relief by saying, “Volthoom!”

Volthoom hugged the crying mare and told what happened to the Crystal Empire and to Flutter Valley after she was imprisoned. Amore turned to look at Phyllia and saw how the changeling empress looked at her with relief as well, like someone that just saw her longtime friend returning safe and sound to her home after a long time.

“Drifter?” asked Amore as she extended her hand toward the Empress.

“Yes Amore, it's me,” said Phyllia as she placed Amore's hand over hers. Then she looked at Dana before saying to Amore, “I'm sure you remember little Wind Rider.”

Amore looked at the beautiful queen beside the empress, she was mesmerized by the crystal-like wings that reminded her of a Monarch Butterfly. Then it dawned on her that this beauty was the same flutter pony foal she met when Volthoom brought Wind Drifter to visit the Crystal Empire long ago.

“You have grown…” said Amore before trailing off as her eyes closed, probably exhausted from the whole ordeal.

“Aqua help me take her to the infirmary,” said Light when she noticed that Amore passed out. However, before they did anything Volthoom created a stretcher and carefully placed Amore on it. Then they all headed to the infirmary and hopefully where they would not receive any bad news regarding the recently freed monarch.

Next morning, infirmary

“So, it has been thousands of years,” said Amore to herself after she heard what happened to the Crystal Empire and the world at large from Volthoom and Phyllia. Then she looked at Dana, “However I'm happy to see that you have grown healthy, strong and not to mention beautiful.”

“Thank you, Queen Amore,” said Dana politely to her fellow ruler.

“No no no my dear, auntie Amore or just Amore is fine,” said Amore amicably and Dana nodded. They might be strangers now but Dana was eager to spend time with her godmother, that was the closest word to describe their relationship.

“So, about my resignation…” started Volthoom only to be interrupted by Amore.

“No Lord Volthoom, I couldn't accept it,” said Amore before Volthoom could continue, then she proceeded, “You were the one that defeated Sombra and you have done so much for the Empire already, the people wouldn't have a problem with you as their King or Emperor.”

“It's not about them having a problem, I know I'm not cut out to be a ruler, leader and advisor yes but not a ruler,” said Volthoom soberly. Then seeing Amore and the others were listening he continued, “I started as a researcher and I still am to some extent but in the end, I'm a guardian, protector and teacher, not a ruler.”

“Ok,” said Amore breaking the awkward silence that remained after Volthoom's speech. Then she continued, “But on one condition.”

“Anything to make up for my weakness that led to all this and for my failure as a guardian,” said Volthoom solemnly.

“Oh Volthoom, you more than made up for what happened and besides it wasn't your fault, at least not entirely,” said Amore as she looked at Volthoom as he sat beside her bed. Then she continued, “I want you to stay by my side as an advisor and to remain a guardian of our nation.”

“As you wish,” said Volthoom before getting up and bowing.

“Good,” said Amore as she sat up before getting out of the bed, she stumbled but Dana caught her before she could fall, then she said before closing her eyes and concentrate, “Thank you little Rider.”

“You should be resting, aunty,” said Dana and then light blue light covered Amore for a moment before fading, which revealed the newly (re)crowned queen in the familiar blue dress with yellow hearts she was known for.

“I wish to see how much the Empire has changed,” said Amore.

“But…” started Dana as the nurses heard the commotion and felt a pulse of magic came to help Dana, however they stopped when all of them heard the door of the infirmary being opened rather noisily. Standing beside the door were Volthoom and Phyllia, both of them knowing how stubborn Amore could be if she decided to.

“Give up, it's better for her to see it now than her trying to go by herself later when no one is looking,” said Phyllia.

“Besides, that way we can be present if something goes wrong,” said Volthoom and Healing Light begrudgingly accepted as she too remembered how stubborn Amore could be. So Dana conceded and let Amore stand on her own two hooves as she walked out of the room and despite the fact that she was still feeling the after-effects of Sombra's curse she walked with a confidence and regal demeanor that betrayed her actual condition.

Volthoom, Dana and Phyllia accompanied Amore as she walked through the hallways and stairs until she reached the entrance of the palace. From there she exited the palace and found herself on the town square of Diamond City, she saw the same structures made of crystal, but she also saw some new ones made of metal or some unknown materials, all in all, it looked like a prosperous city that grew in her absence.

“Queen Amore?” asked a Warden as he was returning to the palace to give Volthoom the report of this morning.

“Warden?” asked Amore as she smiled and soon more citizens started to notice her presence.

Canterlot Castle, late afternoon

Today was uncharacteristically slow and without many petitioners, so Celestia used her time to catch up on some of the books she intended to read, in fact, she even had time to reread some of Twilight's old reports. Everything was perfect, a day to just relax and appreciate her tea, she even spent some time with Cadence after she and Shining Armor returned from their honeymoon, her sister even woke up “earlier” than usual.

Celestia learned from her mistakes in the past, so she paid more attention to the ponies that were closer to her and that led to her noticing that Luna was frustrated. Luckily she set aside some time every week to spend with her sister and after some coaxing, she managed to discover what was the source of her sister's frustration, the differences in the modern world was one but that was manageable the second, however, was from lack of appreciation.

Celestia and Luna talked, which led them to discover the little things that both did to make not only each other's lives more enjoyable but also those that lived and/or worked in the castle as well. They argued for a bit until they realized that it was starting to happen all over again, so they calmed down before telling what was bothering them to each other and afterward they felt a lot better, so they promised to always tell each other what was bothering them.

With guilty Celestia made that promise, there was one thing she neglected to tell Luna, what truly happened to Flutter Valley and Volthoom's death. At first, she told herself that she wanted Luna to recover from her banishment before telling her the bad news, then Celestia told herself it was better to wait until after Luna (re)assumed her duties. In the end, Celestia kept delaying the inevitable and she knew it would only get worse the longer it took.

Currently, Celestia was on the balcony of her room lowering the sun beyond the horizon and as she looked at the darkening sky she smiled appreciating the stars and the rising moon. However her eyes drifted to the north, despite her day being unusually slow –something she was thankful for– she somehow felt an uneasiness she couldn't place it.

“Is something wrong sister?” asked Luna as she landed on the balcony, she was ready for her duties wearing an elegant blue dress while Celestia was wearing a light blue PJ with smiling little suns ready to retire for the night. It was early but it was rare for Celestia to have an opportunity to be lazy and she intended to just enjoy some reading before going to sleep.

“Nothing, just lost in thought,” said Celestia and Luna nodded before looking at the north as well, she assumed it was the death of their parents that was bothering her sister. She felt Celestia had something to say but Luna decided to be patient and wait for her sister to summon the courage to tell her, she knew it was bad but considering that Celestia had to keep to herself whatever she wanted to tell Luna for millennia, it couldn't have been easy for Celestia to just tell her.

“I see,” said Luna before spreading her wings. Then she said, “Goodnight sister, whenever you need someone to talk to I will be waiting.”

Celestia didn't even comment as Luna took off, then she sighed as she entered her room. While she was glad that her little sister was being thoughtful and patient with her it didn't make things any easier, so as she laid on her bed she summoned a book for her to read. About an hour and a half later Celestia closed the book after marking the page she was on, then she placed a simple Cushion spell on her horn, one of the most brilliant innovations of the last millennium in her opinion, especially after her many accidental "murder" of many pillows.

As Celestia closed her eyes her mind drifted to her foalhood, more specifically the times she spent with her teacher, Volthoom. She will always be grateful to Starswirl for everything he thought her and Luna, but he would never replace the inspiration that was Volthoom. Even now the image of herself looking up at him as he floated and illuminated those around him with his light was a memory she dreaded and cherished. She cherished it because it reminded her of a happier time and she dreaded it because it reminded her of the blood on her hands, the innocents she burned and the teacher she murdered.

“Volthoom…” whispered Celestia in her sleep as she felt both happy and sad for seeing those memories.

Author's Notes:

Just to make something clear: the crystal ponies live much like the flutter ponies and changelings, which means that their age is inconsistent and it depends on the quality and quantity of the energy they are taking in plus their affinity for said energy. That’s how Amore could be centuries old even before Sombra’s banishment. By energy, I mean the Emotional Spectrum and the Elemental Forces, even if just in minor quantities.