I was relieved to see that I was back in the castle, and I noticed Phalanx was looking, seeming entirely surprised. “Didn’t think it would be that short of a time.” He said, and I looked at him. “You were gone for less than a minute.”

“Whatever, Ah’m done.” I said, “Ah’ve had enough of this Rabil business.”

Phalanx smiled, “Haven’t we all?” He said, but Sweetie Belle seemed a little worried.

“Wait, what about the sun and moon? How -” She asked, and Shining Armor surprisingly responded.

“Cadence has it covered, though we’ve been going talking about some... differences that could be implemented for Equestria.” Shining Armor said, and I was about ready to throw a hoof at his face. “But we’ll explain that tomorrow, I think you three really could use some sleep.” That stopped my urge, and I sighed in relief. I really needed the rest.

Thinking of no better spot, I laid down where I was, and Phalanx chuckled. “I’ll go,” He said, “See you in the morning.”

And for the first time in a while, my dreams were not filled with the tragedies that had occurred.

“Get up, Apple Bloom.” I heard Scootaloo say, and I yawned. The sun was rising, but there didn’t seem to be anypony except for me and her. “Everypony else is waiting for you.” She said, and I got up.

“Why?” I asked, and she shrugged.

“Beats me, though it sounds like what Shining Armor mentioned last night.” She replied, and I followed her through the castle. I noticed the bodies had been removed, and it was a bit odd looking at the torn apart castle.

We walked up to a doorway, and we went through, where we were greeted by a large round table, which not just Shining Armor and Cadance were sitting at, but Cocoon, Chrysalis, and something that looked like a miniature version of the Wise One. Sweetie Belle and Phalanx were also sitting down, and Shining Armor greeted me, “Please sit down, Apple Bloom.” I sat down, along with Scootaloo, and Shining seemed to read my mind, “You’re probably all wondering why we are having this... meeting.” I nodded.

“From the current estimates, there are at least 50,000 dead.” Cadane said, and I wasn’t surprised. Yet it still struck a blow to me, and I sighed.

“This whole thing could have been prevented if we had a stronger amount of allies, and a stronger military.” Shining Armor said, “Though either way, you, Apple Bloom, along with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, still would have had to stop Rabil.”

“What are you getting at?” Phalanx asked.

Shining Armor looked to the miniature Wise One and Chrysalis, and then looked back. “What we’re suggesting is two things: we ally with each other, and we share our militaries in case we need it, like if we have another situation similar to Rabil.”

“Ya know, Ah’m all for this, but Ah don’ understand why Ah’m here.” I said, wondering why I was needed.

“Because we owe you, Apple Bloom, and right now, we would like your advice.” Cocoon said, and I silently huffed.

“Well then by all means, do it.” I said, and I stopped talking. Shining Armor looked at them, and they seemed to silently agree to continue later. The miniature dragon disappeared, and Cocoon and Chrysalis walked out.

“We also would like to say to you Apple Bloom, thank you, you saved us all. But what I was also wanting to say was that we’ve also been considering changing the system of rule.” He told me, and I looked up.

“How so?” Phalanx asked, and Shining looked at him.

“We’re going to make it a constitutional monarchy, somewhat like the old earth pony tribe.” Shining explained, “Cadence and I will be still in charge, because of the alicorn tradition and all, but we also will have a democracy that limits it.”

“Now what inspired ya tuh do that?” I asked, wondering if he and Cadence had ulterior motives.

“Celestia and Luna knew about Rabil, but the access to them was limited, and they had total control. If you don’t recall, several parts of Manehattan were impoverished, and while they tried to ask the Princesses for help, they were blocked by advisors, who never told them. With this, we can establish a parliament, which can help take care of these things, along with specialized government departments.” Shining Armor informed us.

“Ya know Ah don’ wanna be involved in this.” I told him, and Shining Armor looked at me directly.

“Of course I do, what I was wanting to say is that one of those departments is going to be running for probably a few years, what we’re going to call the Equestrian Department of Recovery.” Shining informed me.

“And what’s that gonna do?” I asked, wondering what was so great.

“The Equestrian Department of Recovery’s main task is to help Equestria recover from Rabil, and their number one task is currently reconstructing Ponyville.” He told me, and I stopped. While I appreciated the thought, it still was a bit... selfish.

“What about Manehattan? Or any of the other cities?” I demanded.

“Ponyville was the only town to be completely obliterated, and not even Manehattan had the number of casualties Ponyville did.” Shining Armor told me, both convincing me and letting me know that my hometown had been at the brunt of Rabil’s madness.

“You’re kidding me...” Scootaloo breathed, and it seemed to be the same sentiment as Sweetie Belle.

“How many died?” I asked, dreading the answer.

Shining Armor took a deep breath, and looked at the Crusaders and I, “Before Rabil returned, the population was at 14,637. Now, it’s 496.” My jaw literally hit the table, and it hurt, but I didn’t care. I was glad I had killed Rabil, but now, it almost felt like I hadn’t done it fast enough.

“496!” Sweetie Belle demanded in disbelief, “That’s... That’s...” She stammered.

“Buck it, Ah’m leavin’.” I stated, and got up. “Good luck tuh yer Parliament, all Ah know is Ah’m gonna be takin’ the next train tuh whatever’s closest tuh Ponyville.” With that, I left the room, and walked out of the castle. When I walked through the city, there were just as many destroyed buildings as there were in Manehattan, and at times, an entire block would be leveled. However, the ponies who were there were working, whether it be constructing a new building in a leveled one’s place, or giving food to those who need it. But they all stopped when they saw me, and to my confusion, bowed. This wasn’t like what had happened when I had just found my father, this was a bow of true respect, of gratitude. It both frightened me, and yet, made me know somehow that everypony appreciated what I had done, even if it hadn’t been fast.

I made the way to the train station, where a seemingly lone conductor waited for his passengers. He saw me and smiled, but asked a question I was somewhat thankful for, “Hello there, and who might you be?”

“Ah’m Apple Bloom.” I said, not even bothering to conceal it.

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He replied, “Where are you headed?”

“Anywhere that’s the closest stop tuh Ponyville.” I said, and he smiled.

“You know what, I think I can do that.” He told me, “Anypony else coming with you?” Almost as if to respond, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Phalanx arrived.

“I think I’m coming with her.” Phalanx said, and I just smiled and shook my head.

“What about ya two, Scootaloo and Sweetie?” I asked, somehow hoping maybe I could just have some time with Phalanx.

“Well, I hear they’re actually starting up the Wonderbolts again, and I may have gotten an invitation along with Rainbow Dash.” Scootaloo said, and I smiled, another happy thing in contrast to what had just occurred.

“And apparently the Royal Canterlot Symphony is interested in having me join!” Sweetie Belle informed me.

“Well, make sure to write me.” I said, “Ah’d still like to hear from ya.”

“Don’t worry, I will.” Sweetie Belle answered, and Scootaloo just nodded. I noticed Scootaloo seemed eager to go, and I just waved my hoof.

“See ya around.” I said, and they bade farewell as well. I turned and entered the train, and Phalanx followed suit. I sat down and looked out the window, which was on the side not facing Canterlot, and down below was the great valley which I could see sparse frames of buildings now, where Ponyville was not too long ago. It struck me even more now than it did when I was initially informed there were only 496 surviving residents of my hometown.

“Apple Bloom,” Phalanx interrupted my thoughts, and I realized the train was starting and we were the only ones on it. “Shining Armor also told me to let you know that the Parliament’s going to give you ten thousand bits a month, as a gesture of thanks.” He told me with a weak smile, but I stopped. Ten thousand bits?

“Yer just pullin’ my tail, right?” I asked, thinking it was some form of a joke. He looked at me seriously and shook his head. “Well that’s just great.” I muttered, I just felt more guilty, now I was getting paid, and wasn’t expected to do anything. I looked back out the window, and realized I could make myself work for it. To me, it felt like the right thing to do. “Ah’m gonna help reconstruct Ponyville, and for free as well.” I informed Phalanx.

He looked at me for a moment, and then smiled. “If that’s what you think is the best thing to do is.” He said, “I know that you feel guilty, I do as well.”

“About what?” I asked, and I noticed the worry in my voice.

“I nearly killed you Apple Bloom.” Phalanx said, and he started looking away from me. “I mean, part of that as I said earlier, was me. I... wanted to.” He put his hooves on his head. “How can you even trust me?” He quavered.

I reached a hoof over to him, and touched his hoof. “Phalanx, Ah also said earlier, we all have thoughts like that, he just made ya only think those thoughts.” I told him. “We all could have done that, Phalanx.”

“You don’t have to care about me, Apple Bloom, I mean...” He said, but he stopped as he tried to find words.

“Phalanx Ah do care about ya, and that’s because Ah love ya, and if Rabil did whatever, he did. But yer you now, not anypony else.” I said, and he looked at me. I hugged him, and told him quite simply, “And Ah forgive ya.”