The steam was clearing from Canterlot station as the train opened its doors. The station was as regal as the city, as to be expected, this was usually the first point of contact for visitors and dignitaries. Acropolis exited the train, the sun was mid way in the sky, way past his bedtime. He was tired, he had slept a bit on the train but not enough. He was to meet another guard here who was to guide him to the barracks while the Lunar barracks in Canterlot were being set up. There on the platform stood a unicorn he recognized. Brigade, he had tried out for the guards with Acropolis, but Brigade had actually made it in.  

“Brigade!” Acropolis called out. Brigade looked over and moved to greet him.

“Acropolis?” his tone was stern. “You are Princess Luna’s guest?” Luna’s guest? I guess the Lunar Guard was still a secret. I figured he would let the royalty break that news to the guards.

“Yes, I am. Nice to see you after all this time.” Acropolis saluted with a smile.

“Like wise.” he saluted back. “What did you do to get called here by the princess?” Brigade asked as he motioned towards the road. “I hope it isn’t anything I could have helped you out of.”

“Nothing of that sort, I assure you.” Acropolis explained. “I was on the Ponyville night watch and came across some, artifacts, and the princess wants to talk to me about them.”

“I see,” Brigade bought the line. “Come on, they set up a room in the barracks for you. Along the way we can catch up.”

The walk wasn’t very far but it was far enough for the two old friends to get re-acquainted. Brigade had quite a list of accomplishments in the guards. He had saved a family from a fire, stopped a robbery, and rescued a baby from a flood. Acropolis was amazed at how none of the stories included monsters, no manticores, hydras, timber wolves, parasprites, no monsters at all. He came to a realization that these were the risks and dangers in the daylight streets of Canterlot. Other ponies were the threats out here in the “civilized” world not the monsters in the trees, the monsters here were in the hearts of ponies. They arrived at the barracks, Acropolis knew these halls well. He had spent several weeks here during training. Brigade stopped in front of a door that read “Storage”.

“Storage?” Acropolis read aloud.

“Yeah, you're not actually a guard and the captain thought a civilian would be distracting, so he had me, and only me, empty this room out and move a bed in here for you.” Brigade opened the door to reveal a small room with a bed and desk with chair. “Enjoy bud, I got to run, my shift starts at sundown, so I need to get to sleep.”

“Thanks, Brigade.” Acropolis waved as Brigade walked off into the barracks. Acropolis headed into his new room and put down his bag. Looking around it reminded of his home in Ponyville, actually this place had more charm. He chuckled at the sad idea. Then he noticed a book on the table, attached was a note.

“To Acropolis

We hope the trip into Canterlot was pleasant. Please relax and enjoy some down time, we will call for you when we are ready. Please make use of thine time to recover from the armor and do some reading. Also we have included some notes on thy armor and their effects and abilities. However we will leave most of their functions for thee to figure out. Remember Acropolis, be strong.

Your Princess, Luna.”

The book was rather large and the title read.

“Being a Military Leader: a Comprehensive guide for any pony.”

He wasn’t sure if he should be flattered that she had thought of him or irate that she thought he needed this. Regardless he settled in and began to read.

The bustling of ponies awoke Rune Shift from her slumber. The old throne room bustled with ponies moving about, collecting books, loading up wagons, cataloging everything. A legion of scholars, some she recognized, had descended on the castle overnight.

“Your awake.” Twilight sparkle sat nearby having some tea, she had moved her living space over all to one side to fit in all the extra ponies.

“wh-whats going on?” Rune asked. Last she remembered she was in the armory.

“Luna has ordered the library cleared and all debris removed from the Lunar wing of the castle.” Twilight took a sip, “a mixed blessing I guess, my project has become an official order.” she shrugged and handed the recovering Rune a cup of tea.

“How long was I out?” Rune sipped her tea.

“Not long, several hours. It’s the next morning.” Twilight explained.

“Wh-wh- really?” Rune figured she'd been out a few hours. “What happened to Luna?”

“She went back to Canterlot and gave me this to give to you.” Twilight gave her a pass, it allowed her to ride in on one of the shipment of books from the old castle. “and to tell you that when you arrive in Canterlot to go straight to the barracks and ask for Acropolis. Apparently he is there waiting for you.” Rune took the pass. The carts were being loaded, she should go, shouldn’t keep the princess waiting. She grabbed her bag and climbed into the cart. Waving goodbye to Twilight as she rode off into the forest.

“Miss?” The stallions voice broke her dream, yawning she looked up. Canterlot castle stood before her, the sun had come up and hung right behind the massive towers of the castle. “Barracks entrance over there.” he pointed to a massive door. He had taken her farther than he need to. She thanked him and he continued off into the castle heading for the rear entrance of the archive. Walking up to the massive door, she noticed that there was a smaller door within the larger door. She knocked on the smaller door. A view slider slid open.

“State your business.” the guard barked.

“Uh, hi, uh, I’m Rune Shift, uh, I’m here to see, Acropolis.” she stammered.

“Acropolis? Oh him.” there seemed to be some disdain in his tone. “This way.” the smaller door opened and he led her inside. He led her to a small door at the end of the hall, pointed at it and walked away. “Return to me when you're done.”

“Thank you.” she called, she got a harrumph in return. She knocked on the door. It swung open. The stallion that stood there was bigger than her, but not massive like the stallion that pulled her cart. His brown coat made him look dirty, and red mane was very messy. “Acropolis?” she asked.

“Yes, you are?” then it hit him. “The mare from the train?” it dawned on her as well he was the stallion who woke her when she had arrived in Ponyville.

“Oh yes, well I'm Rune Shift. Princess Luna told me to find you when I got to Canterlot.” he motioned her inside.

“Oh? I wonder why. Luna does seem to like to keep me in the dark on how these things work.” Inviting her in he let her take the chair he sat up on the bed.

“I kinda was hoping that you would be able to shed some light on this-” a knock came from the door. It was some work ponies. With another bed.

“Uh fellas?” Acropolis began.

“Princess Luna commanded a second bed be brought here for a,” he pulled out a manifest, “Rune Shift. Is he here?” Rune shyly raised her hoof. “Oh, well.” he nodded as they finished setting up her cot. “Good day. Miss.” him and his crew left as quickly as they came.

“Well then, roommate.” Acropolis extended his hoof. She reached for it and gripped it firmly. Their eyes met, it was tense, neither knew what to do. It felt as if they were looking at each other though each others eyes. They could feel each others emotions, but Rune then let go. Their minds quieted and they fell silent. “Well that was, different.” The pause was palpable. “Did you by chance go to the Lunar Armory?” Rune nodded while looking at her hoof. “Ah, I see so that was us establishing a link.” Acropolis said seeming relieved.

“Link?” Rune asked.

“Yeah, the armors are all linked.” he held up a bunch of papers that bore the royal seal, Luna’s stationary. “Luna sent down these notes for me, it says here that soldiers are connected to each other so that they can keep better tabs on each other and their conditions in combat.” he looked at her. “So I guess were co-workers?”

“Oh, well then tell me about his link.” Rune asked.