He comes back in circular room. The walls are painted midnight blue and the floor is carpeted in in thick, light blue carpet. The ceiling was more of a dome that reached around two stories up. At its peak, a starry sky went all the way across the ceiling. Ribbons of auroras tied both ends of the room and changed color every few minutes. Near the door, a vanity mirror stood next to a walk in closet. A window that reached half way up the wall overlooked Canterlot on the opposite side of the wall and two bookshelves carved into the walls were on either side of the window.

In the center, a large circular bed sat with Goldenchord unconscious. Luna paced around the room glancing back at Goldenchord nervously. Celestia burst through the door with an annoyed look on her face.

"Tia, before you-"

"Luna, what were you thinking!?"

"He asked for our help. I was not going to leave him behind."

"Luna, he is connected to the Crystal Empire. He won't last the night with the kingdom gone."

"He is still breathing, Tia."

"What about Mother? Have you given any thoughts about what she might say to you?"

"You told her!?"

"No. I did not tell her. She knew. Lulu, she wants to speak with you about him."

"He needed help, that's what I'm doing."

"Just because he sang for your help doesn't mean you are obliged to give it. I know he is the first to pray to you, but the fate of one does not justify the the extinction of an entire race!"

"I had to do something. He did not deserve what he was about to receive.

"We could have fixed the issue in the Crystal Empire without invasion. Now an entire city and its occupants are gone."

"Tia, you would have saved as many as you could before the Empire fell."

"I did, I had a few troops evacuate as many ponies as I could. It was only around fifteen however. They are being kept under observation. We are unsure that they'll live without the Empire's magic."

"Then I have done nothing wrong."

"You brought him here, to your room! This is not what we do Luna. We don't pick favorites. When somepony calls for our help, we do everything we can to help them. But if it creates conflict we cannot act on it."

"He needed help!"

"So did the thousands living the in the Crystal Empire!"

"Celestia, Luna, stop this bickering at once!" a mare shouted.

The two turned around and saw a tall white alicorn with a long red mane and bright blue eyes. The quill and ink cutie mark was odd due to her regal status. Nexus was left breathless. She was beautiful, just as Luna had said. Queen Rosetta Faust, The Great Mother of Creation.

"I thought I told you two just yesterday to keep the arguing to a minimum." She said calming down.

"She started it!" The two said pointing a hoof at the other.

"Both of you be silent! Luna, why did you bring him back here?"

"He asked for my help. I could not just leave him there to perish. Mother, you must understand that I was trying to help."

"I understand this Luna. It is why I gave you and Celestia permission to attack. But that does not excuse you bringing him back here."

"That's what I told her Mother."

"Celestia, I will be with you in a moment. Luna, I commend you for your initiative to help the people, but doing such things is not what a ruler is to do for her people."

"But, what is to happen to him."

"If he survives the night… He will return with you to Everfree."

"What!?"

"Celestia."

"No, Mother, what are you thinking!?"

"If your sister wishes to help him, let her. Let it be known that whatever happens to him, it is your responsibility."

"Stop talking to her like he's a lost puppy! He's-"

"A guest. If he wishes to remain after he heals, then he may. End of discussion. Celestia, come with me."

"But-"

"Tia!" Faust commanded.

Celestia's head hung a little low as she followed her mother to the door.

"Thank you Mother." Luna called after her.

"I expect to hear of his condition every day." Faust replied.

"Of course Mother! You shall not regret this."

"You may Luna, if he doesn't make it through the night."

Luna looked over to the window and saw the sun starting to slowly set. She shut the door behind her moved over to Goldenchord on the bed.

"Do not be afraid young one. You shall live a long life. No pony will harm you again."

"P-Purala…" Goldenchord groaned.

Luna laid down next to him and put a wing over him. Her horn glowed as she shut her eyes. When she opened her eyes, she looked down to him sympathetically.

"Oh my. You are a troubled one." Goldenchord shifted slightly closer to Luna's body. "Sleep well now. You it may be your last."

The scene faded again and returned having little changed. Luna still lay there with Goldenchord under her right wing. The only difference was that she had her mane tied back in a ponytail and a book hovering in front of her face. Outside the window, the crescent moon started to dip under the rim of Canterlot. A knock came at the door and Luna didn't seem surprised.

"Enter." She said simply looking down at Goldenchord still asleep under her wing.

He seemed to be less uncomfortable and more in line with being content. The door opened and a much younger but still familiar white feathered faced appeared in the torchlight.

"Bonjour, Princesse." Arctic Wind said entering cautiously.

"Thank Mother, you have arrived." Luna said looking away from her book.

"Yes Princess. Since my exile from the Griffon Kingdom, I am most grateful that your mother has let me stay here as a medic."

"Are you sure you are qualified?"

"I spent fifteen years fighting for my country Princesse, I think I can help treat some basic wounds."

Luna looked down to see Goldenchord starting to stir.

"He's awakening!" Luna said happily.

She sat up and pulled her wing to her side. Goldenchord groaned and his silver eyes slowly opened. He looked up from his position and the first thing he saw was Princess Luna looking down at him hopefully. He quickly rolled off the bed and looked at the two other living things in the room with him.

"Wha- *hack*"

"Please, don’t speak just yet. Your vocal chords are severely damaged."

"H-H-Ho-"

"I looked through your eyes. I saw the punishment you suffered. The doctor here will be more than happy to help you."

"D-D."

"I am a doctor. My name is Arctic Wind in your language." He said as he started to approach. "Now hold still while I look at your throat."

Goldenchord hesitantly sat down and lifted his head up as Arctic Wind's right hand glowed light blue. Goldenchord flinched and Arctic reassured him that it wasn't anything to worry about.

"Don't worry about him. He is a wise family friend."

"H-"

"He is a griffon sorcerer. What is your name?" Luna confirmed.

"Y-Y-"

"I can hear your thoughts."

"You can?"

"Yes I can. What is your name?"

"Goldenchord, Lunarus Goldenchord." He thought to her.

"A lovely name. What is his condition Sir Wind?"

"It is harsh, but nothing an herbal mixture and a few healing potions over the course of two months should help. Just don't speak very much. I shall return with the tea mixture. Drink the tea in the when you wake up and the potions when you go to bed."

"Wh-"

"Because the tea might cause insomnia if you drink it at night."

Goldenchord nodded as Arctic started out of the room. "Oh and-"

"Lunarus." Luna filled in.

"Lunarus, keep to talking through your mind for now. I heard you sing when you were younger. I would hate to see a talent such as yours wasted. Have a good day Princesse."

"Where are we?" Goldenchord asked.

"We are in Canterlot. You will be coming with my sister and I back to Everfree after breakfast."

"Ca-No." Goldenchord choked on his way to the window.

The moon was gone and the shadow of Canterlot castle extended over the city as the sun started to rise. Goldenchord's head hung low as a wave a guilt washed over him. Nexus could feel it.

"Purala. Did anypony but me make it out of the Empire?"

"Yes. But I checked the records and I never found anypony by the name of Purala."

"No-" Goldenchord croaked.

"Who is Purala?"

"I met her in the salve camp. She was a little filly that lost her mother while she was there. I promised her I'd go back for her. I have to go find her!"

"Wait!" Luna said stepping in front of Goldenchord. "The empire is gone. No pony could find if they wanted to. You are safe here."

"I don't want to be safe. I promised her I'd be back for her!"

"Lunarus, you can't go back for her. The Empire isn't there anymore. She's gone."

"G-gone?" Goldenchord whimpered as tears welled up in his eyes.

"Please don’t speak. I wish there was some way to help her Lunarus. I am sorry."

Goldenchord fell to his knees still holding Luna as he started to quietly sob.

"It will be okay. You are alive, that is what matters here."

"Why? Why did you save me?"

"You asked. That was all I needed to come for you." She let go of Goldenchord and got eye to eye with him. "Now I must know why."

"Why what?"

"Why you asked for my help."

"Your mother and sister didn't help when I asked. You were my last hope."

"Why ask me though? No pony has ever asked for my help."

"The night is mysterious, dark and unreadable. But that doesn't mean it can't be trusted. In darkness, a guide is needed. You are that guide. In the darkness, I called for the guardian of the shadows and you answered. I… I thank you Princess Luna."

"You are welcome Lunarus. Or do you prefer Goldenchord?"

"Lunarus us fine. I don't mind the name."

For what seemed like hours, Goldenchord and Luna chatted about him. Luna praised him for the name, along with his parents for giving it to him. Goldenchord spoke of home, before Sombra imprisoned him. Then she did something that Goldenchord never expected. She pulled out his log.

"Where did you get this?" he asked.

"One of the refuges had it with them. Said they stayed in the walls of the slave camp during the attack and held on to it to preserve your memory. As a piece of your life."

"I don't understand."

"He believed that you were the start of a new age in the Crystal Empire. So when he found it in your cell, he pocketed it in hopes of having something from their glorious leader."

"Glorious leader?"

"You gave them hope. And you gave them the strength to fight back against a tyrant."

"I have returned." Arctic Wind said as he entered Luna's room with a large wooden box. "Tea bags on the right, potions on the left."

"Thank you Sir Wind. It is appreciated. I shall brew up a pot for you now Lunarus."

"I don't want to burden you Princess."

"I insist Lunarus."

"I already have a pot waiting for him in the dining hall. Queen Rosetta is quite anxious to meet Goldenchord."

"She is? Goldenchord said nervously.

"She is. And yes, I can read minds as well. Now make yourself presentable. Fix your mane, wash your face, and deer Faust, and brush your teeth. I can smell your breath from here."

"Hey!"

"Sir Wind is correct Lunarus. We understand that you had no hygiene standards but you are free now. So please go wash up."

Goldenchord looked like he was about to protest but he seemed to come to the conclusion that he most likely smelled. "Where's the bathroom?"

"Down the hall and to the left. Take as long as you like."

"Merci."

Goldenchord walked out and Arctic Wind gagged as he passed. The scene faded again.

Author's Notes:

Nexus: Why...............
Me: What are you talking about?
Nexus: Why is she-
Me: She feels sorry for him.
Nexus: Doesn't excuse her treating him like-
Me: No spoilers. Even though i did.
Nexus: So it's you spoiled this time? Can i have dust slap you?
Me: Not unless you want me to kick your metallic nards.
Nexus: You know my nuts aren't metal. YOU FUCKING MADE THEM!