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// (10-1) The Beginning Of The End 
// Story: The Ruler of Ponies and Men 
// by Boopy Doopy 
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It had been more than a few months since our conversation with Amore, and just like she said she would, she left us alone. I only saw her a few times around the castle since then but didn’t speak to her. From what I heard she got the update from Twilight on the state of Equestria today before hearing about how the Crystal Empire disappeared for a thousand years. I didn’t think she told her that it was Sombra’s fault for its disappearance seeing as I wasn’t confronted again by her, and a few weeks later, I was told she went back to the Crystal Empire to greet her subjects. The way I understood it, she would be going back there to live in the castle and talk to the ponies she knew, but wouldn’t serve in any governing capacity. That would still be held by Shining Armor, which I appreciated. I didn’t know much about her, other than what I heard from her mouth, Luna’s story, and Sombra’s emotions, but I couldn’t say I trusted her. I wished though that I could keep an eye on her here in the castle, although I could tell Sombra wanted her gone, and so wasn’t too upset about it. I figured it would be for the best anyway, seeing how thick the air got whenever those two simply passed by each other.
A few days after she left, I had Starlight put the two of us back together. I have to say, I was instantly relieved once we were, although I could tell that the Sombra part of me was frustrated. Still, I liked it, and was happy about the deal we made. We decided it would be month to month. I would get a month to be combined with him and he would get a month to be alone in the world and do what he wished, minus a few days. I knew he didn’t like it, I could feel so when we were back together, but being back together, even if it was on again and off again, made me feel better. I would’ve let him have the whole month that we weren’t together to himself, but I did need to see a therapist about this situation, and used my time for just that.
One day, while we were combined together, Starlight and Twilight came up to me with smiling, happy faces, clearly unable to wait to tell me something. I noticed Cadance was trailing behind them cautiously, her head hung low, and I prepared myself for what I knew was about to happen.
“Alex!” Starlight started happily. “I know it hasn’t been that long since we’ve started working with Cadance on her rehabilitation, but Twilight and I wanted to tell you that lately it’s been going exceptionally well! We’ve been working with her every day, both Twilight and I even giving up time at the School of Friendship to see her, and, well, I think you should take over for us, Cadance!”
The pink alicorn walked up to me gingerly, keeping her eyes fixed on the ground as she did so. I noticed she was wearing her royal regalia as she did so, which I found interesting, but didn’t comment on it, keeping my expression flat as she finally glanced up at me with what looked like shame and embarrassment. 
“I… I came here to…” she trailed off, looking back down at the floor and sighing. “I came to apologize to you,” she told me. “I- I know I did so before, but you already know I was being… well, basically, what I wanted to do was give you a proper apology. I’m sorry for what happened. I’m sorry that I hurt you the way I did, and I’m sorry for trying to hurt you again once we were here in the castle however long ago it was. I… I was wrong, and… I don’t know what else to say but I’m sorry for it. I know I can’t make it up to you, but...”
“Wow, it seems that Sombra and I are getting apologized to a lot lately,” I commented, avoiding the urge to roll my eyes given the situation. “Was this their idea or something you decided to do on your own?” I asked.
“I- I will admit they brought it to my attention how disingenuous I sounded- I was- during my apology at court, but it was my idea to come back and apologize to you properly this time.” I raised an eyebrow in Twilight’s direction, and she nodded to confirm that it was indeed the truth.
“Well, I greatly appreciate it,” I responded, looking to see if there was any semblance of hatred or malice in her eyes and finding none. “Was that it? Is there anything else?”
“I, um… I don’t want this to seem like it was the only reason I was apologizing to you, but… umm…”
“Yes?”
“I- I wanted to know, if it’s acceptable, if I could get this ring taken off my horn, and if I could get my position in the Crystal Empire back in any capacity.”
I sighed at that. Of course, she wanted something from me. Not that I was surprised, but I was disappointed. I would have felt much better about taking her ring off had she not asked about it. Still, I decided that I would go with the opinions of those I put in charge of her.
“We can discuss ruling positions in a limited capacity for you later on, but certainly not in the Crystal Empire. I know for a fact Shining Armor doesn’t want to see you. But about your ring… what do you two think?” I asked, looking at the two mares with her. “Do you think she’s rehabilitated enough to warrant having her ring taken off?”
“Absolutely!” Starlight answered immediately. “Without a doubt! It’s been a lot of work, but I think we can trust her to have her ring off. Of course, we’ll still be having lessons with her, but a little trust in her should be good for her, right Twilight?”
I could see Twilight debating in her head what to say, staying silent for a long moment and Cadance giving her pleading puppy dog eyes before finally answering, “Yes, I trust her. I think we should take her ring off. She deserves a little freedom for coming so far. I'll take responsibility if she acts up. And if she doesn't behave herself, I'll put it right back on her. But I do trust her.”
“Okay then. I trust you two. Go ahead and take it off of her.” Then I turned to Cadance and told her, “I’m trusting you to not try and pull a fast one on us and hurt me again.”
“Don’t worry,” she assured me, giving a wide smile and cheery voice, clearly happy about the situation. “I wouldn’t do anything like that. I promise.”