A mile north and a few miles up, Nexus walked down the main hall with Princess Luna and Captain Storm Cloud. They talked casually, swapping stories and jokes they had picked up from the past few days. In between telling about the recruits jumped out of their skin when he introduced them to The Art of the Shadow trick, he informed her on the progress of the rest of the recruits.

“So, you have adjusted well, Lunarus?” Luna asked him.

“Yeah.”

“And what of the prisoner? Ephialtes wasn’t it?”

“He’s adjusting, albeit very slowly, but he’s adjusting. I’m still not 100% sure that he isn’t what they think he is.”

“And why’s that?” Storm asked.

“I didn’t detect a magical field that could have been from a shape shifting spell. But I feel a dark field around him I haven’t seen before.”

“Do you think it could be-”

“No, it’s too weak to be that.” Nexus said cutting Luna off.

“What?”

“Above your pay grade Storm. Sorry buddy.”

“How high is it exactly?”

“It can only be between Lunarus and I. It’s something that could send him back to the gallows, no matter what I say in his favor.”

“Okay. So what about this Ephialtes character?”

“He told me he’s from the Haystead Swamps. Says his village was raided by dragons during the last Great Dragon Migration and then was promptly burned to the ground. And he’s apparently the last survivor of his village.”

“Still not as bad as your story.” Storm said.

“Regardless, I have to be sure to break him to be sure he is what he says he is.”

“Commander, if you wish to make it back in time, I suggest you take off now.” A.L.I.S. said in his ear.

“Look, I have to go. I’ll be back tomorrow to fill you in further.” Nexus said spreading his wings.

“I understand. Thank you for dropping in Lunarus. Oh, before I forget, how is Miss Dust Storm assimilating to her new life?”

“Sh-She’s doing fine. Thank you for asking.” Nexus said telekinetically opening the closest window. “I’ll be sure to tell her you said hi, Princess.” ‘She just loves pushing my buttons doesn’t she?’ he thought to himself.

“Thank you.” she said with a giggle. “I hope she’s having a nice time away from the castle.”

“I-I’ll be sure to let her know you said that, Luna. Gotta jet!” Nexus said launching himself out of the window and into the still midday air hanging over Canterlot. The flight back was quick at supersonic speeds. He was pleasantly surprised to see that all of his trainees were still practicing. Once he landed, they all stopped what they were doing and stood at attention.

“As you were!” Nexus shouted as he walked over to Midnight Wave. “How’ve they been?”

“They’ve been working their flanks off Commander.” she replied. “Non stop. Private Ephialtes is showing great promise. He preformed the counter on the first try.”

“Did he now? You let me know where he goes during the Winter Solstice. I want to see how well he’s conforming to society here.”

“Yes Commander. Should we split them up?”

“I got it. Okay, listen up! We’re splitting off into your groups. All unicorns, follow me!”