Back at the castle, Nexus stored the Elements of Freedom, including Goldenchord's, into a square box that he ordered Ephialtes to load onto the airship that was in the best condition before rounding up supplies for fifty troops and the troops themselves. If he was remembering correctly, he had about two hundred in Canterlot, so he wasn’t leaving it defenseless. All that was left for him to do was pack warm cloths and be ready to go within the next couple of hours. He made his way back down to his room going over the check list with Lieutenant Ephialtes.

“Calm down Nex, I got it.” Ephialtes assured Nexus.

“I’ll be calm when we’re on our way back. Just get that ship ready ASAP. I want to be out of here before dusk.”

“Yes Sir.”

“Get moving!” Nexus shouted as he opened the door to his room.

“Good afternoon Commander. How is reconstruction of the city going?” His Artificial Logistics and Intelligence System (A.L.I.S.) asked him as he entered.

“It’s going. Dust in?”

“Upstairs worried sick.”

“Thanks A.L.I.S. Pack a spare set of legs, and warm clothes for harsh winter climates.” He said making his way to the stairs.

“As you wish Commander. Would you like your armor as well?”

“Make it so. I’ll grab some carry on myself.”

“As you wish sir.”

Nexus made his way up the stairs to his bedroom where Dust Storm was pacing back and forth. She looked up to meet his gaze and she ran to him within an instant. She wrapped her forelegs around his neck happily and then promptly slapped him across the face.

“That’s for not coming to see me the second you were done.” She said suddenly partially hostile.

“Nice to see you too.”

Dust heard the white of metal motors and she looked to their walk in closet where A.L.I.S.’ arms were hard at work grabbing Nexus’ armor and winter cloths. Including his jacket.

“What’s going on?”

“I have to go for a while Dust. A lot longer than usual.”

“Where?”

“I can’t tell you. Just trust me that it’s important that you don’t.”

“Where. Are. You. Going.” She asked again much more serious.

“Griffon Kingdom first then Saddle Arabia if I’m right.”

“Saddle Arabia! Why on Faust’s green earth are you going there?”

“Sombra might be there. I have to get to him and end this before it ends us.”

“Why can’t Firebrand do it?”

“He is. But that’s what Sombra wants.”

“What’s wrong with him getting it?”

“What’s wrong with it is that he kills us in the process!”

“I’m not letting you go!”

“You don’t have a say!”

“Yes I do! I’m going to be your wife! We may not have taken vows yet, but the ring you gave me means you’ll be here for me!”

“Dust I’m-!”

“Doing it for Equestria. I get it!”

“What do you want me to do Dust?! Just let him destroy everything I care about?!”

“I want you to say you’ll be back!” Nexus could see the tears starting to form in her eyes. “Every time you leave, that’s all I hear. I have to go honey. I have things I need to take care of out of town and I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. I’m sick of hearing it Lunar. I want you to tell me you’ll be back for once. I’m not just you fiancé, I’m carrying your baby. Our baby. I don’t’ want to hear our little child asking me why Daddy’s a stone in the cemetery. I just want to hear that you’ll be back.” She said finally breaking down.

Nexus was lost for words for a moment. He everything she just said sink in as she finished up.

“Lunar; if you leave, so do I.”

That was what hit Nexus the hardest. “I-I can’t say I’ll be back.”

Dust didn’t let him say another word before she started to storm out. But Nexus stopper her.

“Dust, just promise me that you’ll trust me. If you trust me, then I’ll be back.”

“I don’t know what to trust you with anymore. Goodbye Lunar Nexus.”

Nexus didn’t stop her this time. He let her turn her back on him and walk out. He couldn't move. Everything around him seemed to be moving through molasses. It seemed like an eternity before he heard the front door slam shut behind Dust Strom. Nexus didn't know what to think anymore, how to feel about this. She'd just left him, with his unborn child. He could feel that familiar dark feeling starting to envelope him once more. He knew the feeling well. It was the remnant of Sombra trying to take control of him again.

He held the urge to break the closest object and just walked to the balcony. I'm stronger than this. I will not break like this. I'm a soldier of Luna and we don't… cry.' Nexus thought to himself.

He stood out on the balcony letting the warm light of the early afternoon sun wash over him. it was a pleasant feeling but it brought little comfort. He craved the chill of night to wrap it's cold, protective fingers around him. To shield him from the harsh reality that has befallen him. He wasn't ready to lose this much in one day. Nexus sighed and stiffed back a sob as Raven Wing landed gently on his back.

The Nightmare Phoenix cooed and nuzzled the back of Nexus' neck in some attempt to comfort his guardian and protector. "Thanks buddy. But it's going to take a lot more to make me feel better." he said trying to sound upbeat for his pet.

Raven Wing wasn't buying it though. The majestic bird jumped to the railing in front of Nexus and nuzzled his cheek.

Nexus sighed and forced him to stop with a concerned looked. He knew he felt his pain. "Don't look at me like that. It's her choice not mine. You remember her sent thought right?" Raven Wing nodded. "Just keep it in mind. But for now…"