Nexus blinked again and the scene sifted to outside. Goldenchord moved quickly through the gardens, periodically looking back.

"The zebra tribes knew what they were doing when they formalized stealth." Arctic Wind said from somewhere. Nexus could tell instantly where he was, but Goldenchord didn't seem to have a clue as he came to a stop underneath an archway. "They knew that knowing your environment was key and always being on the move was inconsequential."

Goldenchord kept looking around for the snow white griffon in the dark brush around him. "Never expect your enemy to be easy to find. Assume they know as much as you and are ready to attack from anywhere."

Goldenchord turned again to face the voice. "But keep aware of the tricks, they may be your downfall."

Something in Goldenchord clicked as he started a fast climb up the archway. He moved much faster and more fluidly then Nexus had seen before. He leapt to the top of the flat topped arch and was met by Arctic Wind holding two cavalry swords. One was basic, solid iron with leather grip. The other was much more intricate. The hilt was a crescent moon attached to a black iron handle. The blade was unterly unique. The metal looked like it was made of waves in water, dark and light spirals going from hilt to tip in a very organic but controlled fashion. The last foot of the four foot long blade was covered in golden inlays that curled and twisted up to the symbol of the Element of Honor.

"Well done. I was expecting to surprise you." Arctic said.

"Sorry to disappoint. Didn't you teach me sword combat last month? That's when I learned to invade dreams."

"I recall. Consider this a final exam. Throw me off this platform and your training will be complete."

"And if I fail?"

"We start all over again until you get it right."

"How do I know you won't just decapitate me?"

"That is up to Lunarus. Now…" Arctic threw the decorated cavalry sword to Goldenchord and he caught it in his right hoof. "Shall we begin?"

"We shall."

Arctic was the first to attack. He lunged forward, swinging the sword from left to right. Goldenchord was half ready, he parried the blow but couldn't go anywhere. He swung his blade at Arctic from his right and the griffon blocked the strike. Goldenchord spun around and attempted a roundhouse kick to the griffon's shoulder but Arctic was ready. He leaned away from the kick and made a stab at Goldenchord. The unicorn used the spin to make himself a smaller target off to the side of the stab. He then moved under the blade before Arctic could pull it away, ducking from side to side as he approached. Goldenchord then pushed up with all his weight against the flat of his blade and pick up the griffon.

Arctic wasn't ready for that. The snow griffon dropped his sword off to the side as Goldenchord lifted him up. The zebra style bum rush was effective, but Nexus never heard of it being used to disarm after a stab attempt. Goldenchord must have been a fast learner, it took Nexus a lifetime to learn just the basics and Goldenchord had mastered the Art of the Shadows in what seemed like less time. Constant training could account for it but it was still incredible.

Goldenchord surged forward with the griffon in the air and was about to slam him down when Arctic Wind spread his wings and gave a single push. He flew out of reach and landed back on the other side of the ten foot long stone top. Goldenchord stopped and ensured he wouldn't fall off himself before preparing to reengage. Arctic was absolutely unarmed, but Nexus knew that meant nothing. Illusion spells wouldn’t do anything seeing as Goldenchord was aware of his presence, and if he had trained him correctly, the spells wouldn’t have an effect on him at all.

Not even Nexus was completely impervious to illusions. He was very resistant to them thanks to his experience and Luna's guidance, but he was still vulnerable to them to a small degree. Arctic suddenly surged forward. Goldenchord took a step forward and put his sword out to run the griffon through. Arctic was waiting for that and moved slightly out of the way, he grabbed the hilt and elbowed Goldenchord in the muzzle. Arctic threw the sword off the arch. Goldenchord tumbled backwards and nearly fell off the arch. He vaulted himself back up and his horn flashed.

A loud crack of thunder deafened Arctic as a white bolt of lightning shot from Goldenchord’s horn. The spark of honor! Nexus never knew how cool it looked outside of his perspective! The force of the show blew back Goldenchord’s mane and small arcs of electricity danced across his black coat like a storm cloud. It was a truly awesome sight. Arctic Wind was not expecting the move and had no time to counter, the bolt hammered into his body and caused him to stumble.

Goldenchord was eager to finish this. He jumped up and started a front flip. At the end of it as he was directly in front of Arctic, he planted his right rear hoof into his chest and used him as a backwards spring board. The kick threw Arctic a good six feet back off the end of the arch and down to the ground. Goldenchord jumped down after him and caught a glimpse of the moon sword to his left. He levitated it into his hoof and put the tip to Sir Wind’s neck.

“Coup d'etat. (Final blow)” Goldenchord said to Arctic.

“Qu'il est. Très bon (That it is. Very good.)” Arctic replied pushing the blade away from his throat. “I forget sometimes you’re fluent in griffon.”

“If I tried hard enough, I could be one.”

“Keep telling yourself that. That concludes the lessons, you are ready for war.”

“Merci.”

“Accueil.” Goldenchord tried to hand him the sword back but Arctic denied to take it. “It is yours. Princess Luna had it specially made for you. A favor from the King of Saddle Arabia.”

“She did?” Goldenchord looked down at the beautiful blade and sighed. “She had this made for me?”

“She did. The scabbard is in her chambers. She wanted to be sure you went to thank her.”

“I will. Thank you for all you and Luna have done for me.” Goldenchord bowed to Arctic.

Arctic bowed back as the wind picked up again, turning Nexus into smoke again.

He reformed back in Luna's chambers. Goldenchord sat on the balcony with his sword in its iron scabbard. The scabbard was engraved to him in gold with black leather around the outside of the scabbard held on by golden rivets. He sat still and read an unfamiliar book that Nexus couldn't see the cover of. He seemed content being alone at the moment and was even smiling lightly. This was the first time Nexus had seen him smile since he first started seeing having these dreams.

Goldenchord sighed and looked back at the sword. The sun was setting behind the balcony and the moon was just starting to peak over the trees. He looked over the tree tops and to the court yard as a chariot started to take off from the square. Celestia sat in the back with a white unicorn that had a long white beard. The chariot flew off to the north as the door opened.

"Lunarus?" a soft voice called.

Goldenchord looked back to see Luna and smiled. "Yes Princess?"

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"That brings me great joy to hear Lunarus. It has been three years since your arrival here and I must say I'm glad you sang for me."

"As am I." Goldenchord replied happily closing the book. "I do wish to properly thank you for what you've done for me over the years. Taking me under your wing and such. I have learned much from you."

"And I from you."

"How so?"

"You taught me friendship. You are one of the few in all of Equestria that respect me and understand the beauty of the night."

"The sky is always a calming sight to me. I love the art you create in the skies of the world."

"Yes, you showed me the art."

"What do you mean?"

"The songs I hear you sing are my inspiration for the beauty of the sky."

"I'm flattered Princess."

"I've told you to call me Luna."

"Sorry, Luna, it's a habit."

"I have said what is on my mind, what is on yours? Your inspiration."

"My inspiration…"

"Don't you fucking say it." Nexus said a loud.

"My inspiration is you, Luna."

"Damn it…"

Luna seemed very taken aback by what Goldenchord had said. "I see. So, I inspire you?"

"And I you."

"So then… We inspire one another to do greater things."

Goldenchord seemed just as nervous as her. "Luna, I've…I've been wondering."

"What about?"

"If…you would consider having dinner with me."

"We… we have dinner every night."

"I mean alone. You and I alone, together."

Luna might have been dark colored, but he could see her cheeks burning pink, the same went for Goldenchord.

"Perhaps we could discuss ways to improve the condition of our little town here."

"Perhaps we could, or other things."

"Other things; yes other things may be said. Perhaps you may teach how to create the stars."

"Perhaps."

Author's Notes:

Nexus: I am going to kill you
Me: Already happened. Remember?
Nexus: I mean you you.
Me: It's necessary for a story. So hush, I don't like it anymore than you.
Nexus: Your Sombra fight was 100% worse then SillyFilly's.
Me: I know. I didn't see that until today so hush. The next Sombra fight will be EPIC on many many levels.