Hannibal smiled as Acropolis showed up at his cell door. The bright light from the Lunar Orb lit the dark hallway well. Acropolis had never been this deep into the Asyl. He didn't like coming down here, since his visits here usually ended with somepony going mad. But in this case he was here to speak with somepony who was already mad.

"Hannibal." Acropolis greeted.

"Acropolis." Hannibal returned the greeting. They stared at each other for a moment.

"What do you want?" Acro finally asked.

"To congratulate you," Hannibal held out both hooves in front of him and slowly clapped.

"Don't patronize me. Hannibal."

"Hmm, well then. Hows Luna?"

"You answer my question ill answer yours, deal?" Acropolis made his demands firmly.

"Sure, shoot."

"Why Burlap?" Acropolis' question took him by surprise.

"Truthfully?" Hannibal shook his head, "Bad luck, he broke into Gah-" Hannibal choked on the name, "And the gah-" Again he choked on nothing, "It would seem even cursory information on Master is restricted. Well then , to put it simple. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"Can he be separated from you?"

"Before your marefriends little spell? Maybe. Now? No. My soul is now bound to this flesh. I am mortal." Hannibal gestured to his body as if having a physical form was odd. "Now, that's two I get to ask. First, Luna?"

"Shes busy getting ready for the summer sun celebration." Acropolis shifted in his armor. The celebration held a strange place in his heart. It was a night of terror for most, but to him it was the day Luna returned to Equestria.

"Ahh, yes. And Spinneret?" Hannibals question struck Acropolis silent for a moment.

"Spini?"

"Yes, how is she Acropolis?" His tone was sincere.

"S-shes fine. Minor bruising." Acro shook his head.

"Good, Now I suppose you want to know about the chalice?" Acro simply nodded, "Good, all I know is it collects souls destined for Tartarus. And the Master intends to use it to pull something out of Tartarus."

"Pull what out?" He was realizing just how dangerous the Master was.

"That was something I was not privy to."

"So whats his next step?"

"Acropolis, The Master has been planning this for a very long time. Capturing me will only delay him."

"Was there anything else you wanted to tell me?" Haste was in Acro's voice. He wanted to get the search for Master underway. Gumshoe's theory of the Order Cult seemed to be more and more realistic the more Acropolis found out.  

"Only, that you have changed drastically in a very short time." Acropolis cast him a puzzled look. "Merely a month ago you would have shattered this orb, stormed in here, and slit my throat. But there you stand, calm, collected, nary a drop of blood on you."

"For ponies like you, death is a kindness." His stare became cold, "Good day Hannibal." And with that Acropolis left Hannibal alone in his cell.

"None shall stand before the Lunar Guard." Hannibal muttered to himself.

Brigade stood outside a seedy bar on the west side on Canterlot. He wasn't in uniform but still had his shield and spear with him which deterred most from questioning him about it. It wasn't illegal or anything from citizens to carry weapons, it just wasn't normal. As he kept watch a small mare of a soft pink color and a tall dark blue mare stumbled out of the bar and into the street. The smaller mare was holding the taller mare up ah she stummbled. The taller turned back and threw the bottle she had back into the bar.

"YEAH WELL *hic* BUCK YOU TOO BUDDY!" The taller mare hollered.

"I thought that was the point Chrys." Brigade said with a coy smile.

"Brigade~" The smaller mare whined slightly as she struggled against her mothers weight. He gave a sigh and helped the disguised Glint carry the disguised Chrysalis to a nearby bench.  

"I take it this isnt going as planned?" He moved away from the drunken queen.

"No," Glint propped her mother up, "Apparently getting somepony to breed with is harder than she anticipated. No pony is taking to her advances. It would be funny if it wasn't so sad."

"I guess you could say that." Brigade kept watch as he spoke.

"Brigade!" Chrysalis stirred, "Brigade~ how about *hic* you and me *hic* breeeeeeeeed?" With on more hic she passed back out.

"Not going to happen, Queenie." He didnt even look over at her as he spoke.

"Never?" Glint asked the question under breath but it was loud enough for Brigade to hear. He turned slowly to her.

"Glint, I, eh, well, you see, changelings like you two, and guys like me,-" He was cut off by the sound of a bottle breaking. He turned his head slowly to see three colts standing there. Buck, did they hear me?

"Did you say these mares were changelings fella?" One asked harshly.

"No, it was, a joke?" Brigades forte certainly was not Lying. The three stallions moved closer. "Stay back." Brigade pulled his spear forward. "Im with the Celestial guard!"

"Brigade?" Glint stood up and stood behind him. The stallions still approached.

"I said stand back or i will-" The world faded as something struck him on the back on the head. He could hear Glint struggling and calling his name as he lost consciousness.

"Luna?" Trixie called out as she entered the Princess of the night's chambers. She had some research she wanted to run past Luna that used some dangerous machinery that Luna knew about. But the royal chambers were empty. "I guess she not here. I've looked everywhere. Where could she be?" As she asked Rune Shift came up behind her.

"Ah, Trixie! Have you seen Luna?" Rune asked.

"Rune, I was just going to ask you that! Cant out feel her or something through your link?"

"Usually but shes closed off at the moment. I cant sense her anywhere." Rune explained as a Celestial guard came up to them.

"Excuse me, have either of you seen the Princesses?"

"No." They said in unison. As another guard came running up.

"Lieutenant!" He came to sliding stop, "There's a riot! Apparently Queen Chrysalis and Princess Glint have been found out!"

"WHAT?" Rune shouted so loud the drapes in the hallway billowed.

"Citizens are rallying, they intend to hang them in the old town center!" Rune was silent for a moment. There hasn't been a hanging in Canterlot for a century but if there was one being that the citizens of Canterlot hated it was Queen Chrysalis.

"You two-" Rune began.

"LIEUTENANT!" Another guard came running up.

"What now?"

"Its the Everfree forest! Its attacking Ponyville!" He exclaimed. Rune fell silent in disbelief at the sudden turn of events.

"Okay, you two go find Princess Twilight. Get her on the missing Princesses and the Everfree, she i smore qualified on that sort of stuff. We will handle the riot, you go find Flash Sentry and mobilize at the old town center."

"Ma'am" The guards saluted and ran off to their tasks.

"This isnt going to end well is it?" Trixie asked hesitantly.

"I fear so." Rune quickly ran off to find Acropolis.

Brigade regained consciousness in the alley where he was attacked. He quickly collected his weapons and ran off towards the castle. He made record time to the Celestial barracks where Flash was talking with another guard pony.

"SIR!" Brigade hollered.

"Brigade," Flash was strangely calm, "Gald to see you are unharmed."

"What of Glint and the Queen?" He wasted no time getting to the point.

"They are being held at the old town center," Flash replied calmly, "The towns people intend to hang them both in a little under an hour."

"Whats our plan?"

"Let them."

"Sir?" Brigade couldn't believe his ears.

"I said, let them hang." Flash dismissed the guard he was talking with, "Princess Celestia AND Princess Luna have gone missing, and the Everfree forest as apparently begun an assault on Ponyville." Flash turned to face Brigade, "Two changelings hardly matter at this point. We need to focus on the Princesses." Without thinking Brigade grabbed Flash up by his collar. "Brigade! Whats gotten into you!"

"You're just going to let them die!?" He shouted. Brigade had never laid hooves on a superior before. But today his blood boiled, the thought of Glint and Chrysalis swinging dead, and the thought made him angry. More angry than he thought he could get.

"That's what I said." Flash didnt resist Brigades grip. "If two enemies need to die to buy us time to locate the Princesses, then so be it. Now put me down Brigade." Brigade held him firm, "BRIGADE I COMMAND YOU TO PUT ME DOWN!" Brigade dropped him like a sack of potatoes. "I will over look this Brigade because of your distinguished service, but I suggest you return to your home and stay there until this is over. You are dismissed!"

"Sir, I-"

"I SAID DISMISSED!" Flash hollered. Brigade picked up his spear and shield and left the barracks. He wandered the castle, he didn't think of where he was going he just walked.

"Sir?" A Lunar guard called out. Brigade realized he stood before the Lunar wing, its massive imposing doors felt like they would explode at a whisper. He could hear a feint laughing in the back of his mind. He looked down at his shield, the black steel seemed to vibrate and shimmer in the torchlight as if asking to be used.

"Let me pass." Brigade spoke with conviction.

"Sir!" Without resistance the guards opened the massive doors and let Brigade pass. He ran up the staircase, past the library, Acro and Runes room, meeting halls, the commissary, Luna's chamber, and finally he came to a stop in front of Luna's private armory. Its door seemed to be waiting for him, as it opened as he approached.

"Thats strange." He said aloud. He could hear deep laughter as if it was coming from the room. He entered slowly and lit the room with his horn. Before him stood the Panzer armor. Its black metal and sharp edges made a truly imposing silhouette. "What am I doing?"

"You came for me." A deep and gnarled voice called out from the darkness.

"What? Who?"

"You came for me." The eyes of the Panzer armor glowed a soft red.

"Panzer." Brigade looked at his shield. " I guess I did."

"You may wear me, on one condition." The armors voice echoed in the small room.

"What?"

"Answer my question truthfully and I will be yours, tell me a untruth. And you will be denied forever." Brigade did not hesitate.

"Ask your question."

"Hehehehe, good." Brigade swore he could make out a grin on the armor, "Why do you wish to wear me?"

"To protect the innocent." He answered quickly.

"Why do you lie to yourself? I will ask again, WHY DO YOU WISH TO WEAR ME!?"

"But, that's," Brigade paused, he knew that wasn't why. Yes he wanted to save Chrysalis and Glint because their safety was his charge. But that wasn't why he was here. "Your right."

"Then out with it."

"I wish to wear you," Brigade swallowed some air, "To protect the one I love."

"YES!" With a loud shout steam shot out from under the armor, "Put me on quickly, and save your princess." The voice faded away and left Brigade alone in the chamber with his new armor. It took him seconds to get the armor on. The full set hung on him loose. It did nothing until he looked in a mirror that was hanging nearby. He saw himself normal for a moment before his eyes flared red and the armor began to merge with him. Massive screws appeared all over his armor as in the same moment screwed into his body. He screamed in pain but did not lose his footing as the armor plunged the magic screws into his body. His teeth grew long and sharp, his eyes flared red and left a after shadow as he moved his head, black smoke seemed to surround his feet, and his horn grew jagged. The armor's changes done his breathed out a heavy black smoke. He gave a mighty roar which shook the room the quickly collected his shield and spear and ran out of the chamber.

Acropolis fell to one knee as he walked across the bridge leaving the Asyl. The sudden burst of noise over the link drove him to a knee.  

"What is that?" He grasped at his helmet, ripping it from his head and dispelling the enchantment. "Whoa, what on terr was that? Feedback?" He put his helmet back on and felt around the link until he found the disturbance. "Brigade!? BUCK!" He ran off in an attempt get to Brigade before he went on a massacre.

Brigade left little pock marks as he ran. His massive hooves slammed like drums on the laid stone floors. He had taken a short cut through part of the castle and ran along the castle walls. The crowd did not see him above them as they prepared the makeshift gallows. The sight sickened him and fueled his anger. Glint and Chrysalis were bound by the castle wall, these rioters were smart at least and had used magic bracers to prevent their escape. He positioned himself above them on the wall and jumped off.  

The elevator clanged to a halt in the garden as Acropolis burst from the Asyl lift and right into Rune.

"Rune!" Acro hollered, "Brigade! Hes-"

"Glint and Chrysalis are going to be hung in the old town center!" Rune blurted out.

"WHAT!" Acropolis and Rune ran off towards the old town center.

Brigade landed with such force he shattered the stone steps where he landed. He swung his spear with such might he blew the smoke cloud he created away revealing himself to the crowd. The crowd could do nothing, they just stared at the demonic appearing guard before them. Brigade shot smoke out of his nostrils, and swung his spear gouging a line between him, Glint, and Chrysalis and the crowd. The crowd stood silent as his spear passed through the solid stone like it was butter. He leveled his spear at the crowd, and quickly brought it back while pulling his shield forward into a defensive position. Again the crowd was silent.

"Who are you?" Some pony from the crowd called out.

"I am Brigade of the Lunar Panzer," His voice made the pebbles he kicked up rattle, "And these two are under my charge."

"Brigade?" Glint asked, she couldn't believe her eyes. There was no way this was her Brigade. Her strong and silent Brigade, by the books Brigade, Celestial guard Brigade. Chrysalis simply stared at the demon before her and quietly was glad she hadn't invaded while the Panzer were still a thing.

"You know who these two are!?" Another voice from the crowd hollered.

"Irrelevant." He answered from behind his shield. There was the Brigade Glint knew.

"They're monsters!" Another hollered.

"Irrelevant."

"She killed hundreds!"

"IRRELEVANT!" He hollered back.

"They are enemies of Equestria!"

"IRRELEVANT! I am charged with their protection! And I will protect them from any threat, be it monster, or citizen." Brigades threat hushed the crowd. They murmured among themselves for several moments. Brigade could hear faint calls in the back of his mind. He knew they were Acropolis and Rune Shift but he ignored them. The matter at hoof required his full attention. A large colt stepped forward from the crowd.

"You would defend those who have caused us so much grief and loss?" He asked.

"I would." Brigade did not change his stance.

"Then you leave me no choice." The colt stepped towards the line as he crossed it Brigade let his spear fly.

"WHOA THERE!" Acropolis hollered. Runes Magic grabbed Brigades spear and forced it to strike just above the citizens head. Acropolis and Rune landed beside Brigade. "Whats all this then?" His tone was calm and playful.

"They were-" Brigade began but Acropolis cut him off.

"Wasn't asking you." Acro turned to the crowd, "Now, you." He pointed at the colt that had stepped forward. "What's all this then?"

"We were going to, well ummm," the colt stammered.

"Going to ummm?" Acropolis seemed more like a scolding parent than a guard at this point. Rune quickly set about untying Glint and Chrys.

"Umm, Well you see." The colt continued.

"I see a mob, a gang, a disgrace to this great city!" Acro climbed up onto the makeshift gallows, "Look at yourselves! We are in Canterlot! The crown jewel of Equestria! WE set the example! WE are the ones everypony looks to! WE are the pinnacle of Equestrian society! And what message does it send if we start lynching ponies in the streets!?" The mob began mumbling to itself. "Yes, at one point these two were enemies, but what harm were they doing? Who were they enslaving? Any pony?" The mob was silent, "Who were they terrorizing?" The mob was silent still. Acropolis stared out over the crowd where he noticed no pony was making eye contact with him. "We are Canterlot citizens! AND WE ARE ABOVE THIS!" He let his echo die out before he continued. "Dont you all think there has been enough senseless violence already? To many homes broken? To many lives destroyed? I suggest, instead of murdering these two in cold blood. And destroying two more lives. We ask what our Princesses would expect of us." That struck a chord with the crowd. "I know Luna wouldn't want this. this, this isn't justice. this isn't right." Acropolis motioned for Brigade to lower his spear. "If any still wish to murder these two," Acro swung his wing and Brigade cast his spear onto the steps, "You will have to do so the honorable way!" The crowd began its murmuring again. The colt who had stepped forward before stepped forward again.

"Acro!" Brigade called out only to be hushed with a gesture from Acropolis.      

"You are right Acropolis," The colt twirled the spear and sunk it into the stairs. " We are Canterlot citizens. And are above this violence." Their former leader turned to the crowd. "Any who still wish to do these two harm must first challenge me!" The crowd burst into murmuring once again. And one by one they slowly disbanded until the old town center only held the Lunar guard, the changelings, and the one citizen. Acropolis climbed down off of the rubble and immediately shook the colts hoof.

"Thanks for the support there." Acro smiled.

"Your welcome?" He seemed surprised. "I wish to apologize." He turned to Chrys and Glint, "I lost my wife in the invasion. And my baser instincts got the better of me. My name is Anvil, im a local craftspony. If you are in need of anything, pleas let me know. And I will do my best to make for this embarrassment."

"Thank you, Anvil." Chrysalis stood up as she spoke, "I may call on you, and your honorable actions, however late,  will not be forgotten." Anvil quickly bowed and left the plaza.

"Well buck," Acro gave a deep sigh.

"That could have gotten way out of hand!" Rune exclaimed as she used some magic to teleport in front of Brigade, "What were you thinking!?"  

"I-i needed to protect my charge, and Flash was going to let them lynch them to buy time to search for the Princesses!" Brigade explained.

"Hmm, sounds 'bout right. Flash has no love for our changelings here." Acropolis circled Brigade, "By the way, you look awesome."

"Thank you," He looked over at Glint, "We need to get them back to the castle."

"Agreed," Rune teleported back over to the changelings and helped them up.

"I wonder how Twilight did with the Everfree?" Acropolis wondered aloud.

"Im sure she's fine. She is the Princess of Magic." Rune commented. They were undisturbed as they moved escorted the changelings back to the castle.