"Hello? Is anyone out there? Please answer me!"

Was I hearing this correctly? How in the world was Princess Celestia contacting me? How did she even get my frequency? This smelled like a trap, so before answering her I contacted Luna on a separate channel to get her input.

"Princess, I just received a call from frequency 141.80," I explained, "Does that sound familiar to you?"

"Wait, my sister?!" Luna asked, confirming that it was in fact Princess Celestia on the other line, "You did not answer yet?! Why not?!"

"Well, considering that we're fighting enemies that can take on any likeness, I figured I'd call you first before answering," I explained. Luna caught herself immediately and regained composure.

"Ahem, yes. Well, you're right to be cautious. Patch me through as well," Luna said. I complied and pulled up the Princess, who was apparently on an open channel. When her image appeared in my eye she looked really worried, but otherwise okay.

"Hello?" I asked, "This is Octavia Melody, a soldier fighting to liberate Canterlot. I'm here with your sister, Princess Luna."

"Sister, is it really you?" Luna asked. Celestia was wide eyed when she heard our voices.

"Luna? You're really Luna?" Celestia asked.

"What is the secret to magic?" Luna asked, I assumed it was a code they shared.

"The secret to magic is in the unity of all life on Earth," Celestia replied, "As our dear teacher taught us?"

"Dearest Starswirl, may his soul rest in peace," Luna stated, suddenly looking elated, "Tia, it is you!"

"Oh Luna, I have been so worried!" Celestia said, almost breaking into tears of joy, "Thank the heavens you are safe!"

"So, it really is her?" I asked, now breathing a bit easier.

"Yes, Octavia, it is indeed my sister," Luna stated, and I released a breath I didn't know was being held.

"Octavia Melody? You played at the Gala last year, didn't you?" Celestia asked me, "I'm surprised to see you engaged in combat."

"Well, it helps that I have history as a soldier under my belt," I explained, "I was a soldier in the War of 1972."

Her face became grave when I said that, and she looked away in sadness, "I'm sorry, Miss Melody. The state of your mind must be torturous at best."

"Well, drowning out my sorrows with alchohol and playing really depressing music helps with the healing process," I said, getting a slight chuckle from the Sun Princess.

"Well, at least you have a positive outlook about things," Celestia said, "But to go against the changelings by yourself..."

"Octavia has a history in covert operations," Luna explained, "Her code name during the war was Great Shadow."

"You were able to get the Great Shadow to fight for us?" Celestia smiled as if she had an idea, "This works out perfectly then. Perhaps she can help us stop Chrysalis."

"That's the idea, but I need to know what they're planning. While we're on the subject, how did you even escape?"

"Sadly, I did not," Celestia said, "At least, not fully. I managed to trick the drones guarding me, and then I got free from my cell, but sadly I'm in hiding at the moment."

"Hiding? Where are you?" Luna asked, "I can have Octavia find you and-"

"No, sister, there isn't any time," Celestia said, "We have more pressing matters to attend to, such as stopping another great war from breaking out."

"How do they plan on doing that?" I asked, not sure how the changelings could start a war by themselves. They had numbers, but they weren't very advanced. Unless of course...

"In order to do that, they'll require Metal Gear TALOS," Celestia said, confirming my suspicions.

"Sister?!" Luna called out, "That's top secret! We can't just-"

"Can't just what?" I challenged, "Can't just tell the pony who volunteered to help out of the kindness of her heart what the hell she's even fighting for?" I'll admit, I was getting really irritated with the Princess. I knew that as a soldier I needed to just follow orders, but this wasn't just a regular mission. As of now, I HAD to know what was going on.

"Luna, she's right," Celestia said, "We can't keep this a secret from her, especially if she's helping us. Miss Melody, what do you know about the Metal Gear Project?"

I wasn't accustomed to being called "Miss Melody" but it had a nice ring to it.

"I've heard a few things about it during the war," I said, "I had heard it was going to be a magically powered bipedal tank, but it was deemed unethical."

"That's because it was a machine designed solely for destruction," Celestia explained further, "Equestria's desire was to stop war, not add to it. It was decided that Metal Gear would promote combat, rather than putting an end to it."

"Which makes it perfect for the changelings to use," I reasoned looking away slightly, "How do I stop it?"

"I imagine that the only one who would know that would be its creator, correct?" Luna asked.

"Yes, you need to find Vinyl Scratch. She's Metal Gear TALOS' creator," Celestia answered.

"I planned on finding her anyway," I said venomously, "For reawakening the Metal Gear Project, when I get my hooves on her I'll-"

"Please go easy on her when you find her," Celestia urged, "It isn't her fault that machine is alive now."

"And you know this how?"

"I fear you will know after you meet her, and when you do you may hate both Luna and myself," Celestia said sadly. Truth was, I was already beginning to have certain thoughts about the royal family, but at least Celestia was upfront with me, unlike her sister Luna.

"Tia, we need to stay in touch," Luna said.

"I agree. Miss Melody, remember this frequency. I will keep you updated on anything I learn about what the Queen is planning. Also, I have knowledge on how the changeling's function, so if you need help, call me."

"I appreciate it, but shouldn't you be trying to escape?" I asked, "Maybe you should try and find Luna."

"I'm sorry, but I can't leave. What has happened today is my fault for multiple reasons, and I will not leave until I make things right. I would be failing my ponies if I simply ran away."

I sighed, seeing something in common between Celestia and her apparent student Twilight Sparkle. Speaking of which, I still needed to tell Luna that she was safe. I assumed Celestia knew that Twilight was okay, since she didn't ask about her.

"Alright, but stay hidden," I commanded, "Princess Luna, I'm going to continue onward."

"Very well," Luna said, "Both of you, be safe."

"You as well, sister," Celestia said. I could feel their love for each other over the Codex. It was a shame they couldn't be near each other. That was a reunion I was anxious to make happen. Both of them hung up at that moment, but before I proceeded I called Luna back.

"I forgot to mention, I have good news," I said smiling, "Twilight is safe."

"Thank the heavens," Luna said breathing out in relief herself, "Not only is my sister safe, but so is my dear friend."

"What is your relationship with Twilight anyway? Except for being your sister's student and the Element of Magic, she seems like a pretty normal pony."

"Twilight Sparkle was the very first friend I made in this millennium," Luna answered, "I care deeply for her, partially in ways deeper than mere friendship."

"You mean, you're in love with her?" I asked.

"I know it is strange, to be in love with a mortal, but she saved my life in so many ways," Luna continued, closing her eyes blissfully, "I am in a great dept to her."

"Does she know how you feel?" I asked.

"Nay, I have not the courage to tell her," Luna admitted, "However, after this mission is over, I am telling her how I feel. Whether she rejects me or not, she must know."

I wished her luck and we hung up. I didn't care to talk about love for too long, as it always depressed me about Fang. Thanks to Braveheart, my happy ending would never come. That didn't mean I didn't believe in them, because I did. I just didn't like hearing about other ponies getting theirs.

It didn't take long for me to arrive at the catacombs. It was a small tunnel that lead underground, and I assumed that there was a path leading into the castle from there. One lone canterlot soldier was standing watch. I could tell it wasn't Twilight simply because it was a Pegasus. Before I could proceed further, I got another call from my Codex. When I picked it up, it was Twilight.

"Twilight, where are you?" I asked her.

"I'm about to make my way toward the catacombs entrance now," Twilight said, "Are you close?"

"Looking right at the entrance now. There's a pegasus standing guard right now," I said.

"That's Flash Sentry," Twilight stated, "He's under Chrysalis' spell too. Don't worry, I'll get rid of him."

She hung up after that. A few seconds later I saw a knight up to the pegasus. It was obviously Twilight, because once again her walk was the dantiest and most feminine walk I had ever seen. I literally couldn't take my eyes off her flank as she walked. A uniform was enough to fool a guard who was under a spell, but in any other situation she'd stick out like a ruffled feather.

She gave the soldier a salute that he returned, and then he trotted away. When he was out of sight, I saw her motion for me to come over to her. I slowly walked out of my hiding spot and approached her, tapping her shoulder. She jumped and gave a slight yelp, which was cute despite proving once again why she shouldn't have been on this mission.

"Oh, it's you," Twilight said breathing out in relief.

"Don't be too trusting," I commanded, "That's how ponies get killed."

"R-right, sorry," she said looking down. She almost gets killed and apologizes to me. Faust, this filly was worse than Fluttershy in this situation, and that said a lot.

"Nevermind," I groaned, "Anyway, you're sure these lead into the castle?" I asked her, looking into the dark tunnel.

"This will at least get you into the castle walls," Twilight said, "Once you're that far, give me a call. I should be able to get you inside the castle."

"Where do you think Vinyl Scratch is being held?" I asked Twilight.

"No idea, but if you give me some time I should know by the time you get out of the catacombs," Twilight said, oddly making my heart leap a bit. That meant she would have to inquire with the soldiers, which would put her in a lot of danger.

"Twilight..."

"It'll be fine," she said, "As long as I'm wearing this armor no one will notice anything."

"All any sane pony has to do is look at your walk and they'll see right though your disguise," I stated deadpanned.

"Do you have any other ideas?" she challenged, "We need to learn about Metal Gear TALOS as fast as possible. If we waste any time the changelings could get that thing mobile, and what then?"

What this pony lacked in war sense, she clearly made up for in common sense. Once again I found myself silenced by her logic. If she looked into Vinyl Scratch's location while I went inside the catacombs we'd save a lot of time. My only qualm was that she wasn't a soldier, and it was bad enough that I had Fluttershy and a number of Twilight's other civilian friends involved. This mare was knee deep in the situation, and seemed intent on getting deeper.

She must have really loved her country. She would have been the perfect soldier with that devotion, but she wasn't one. I was.

"Damn it filly, you're going to get both of us killed," I groaned, "But, I see your point. Fine, you get information on Vinyl Scratch's location while I explore the catacombs. Once I'm out, I'll call you."

Twilight nodded, "I'll see you at the castle," Twilight said, galloping away before I could stop her. I had hoped I could keep her from getting too involved, but she was slowly becoming something akin to a partner in this.

I was torn. On one hoof, it was nice to not have to fight completely alone, but on the other end she was a civilian. If she got hurt it would be on my conscious.

Oh well. I'll just have to keep her as safe as I can, I thought to myself. Looking back into the dark tunnel, I steeled my nerves and galloped inside. When I got in the tunnel I was greeted with the wonderful sight of my radar getting knocked out. I took maybe two steps in before my earring rang. This time it was Rainbow Dash.

"Octi, I guess you already know, but-"

"My radar went dead," I groaned, "That's going to make things harder for me."

"The catecombs should be pretty straight forward. Also, it isn't too dark in there, right?"

"Not right now," I said, looking at the torches lighting the walls. These must have not been abandoned, which made sense since there was supposed to be a guard standing watch, "I'm expecting further in things might be different though."

"Maybe further in you'll find something that can help you see," Rainbow Dash said. I wasn't holding my breath for that, but you never knew, right? Maybe I'd find a torch or something I could take with me.

"I'll keep my eyes opened," I said, hanging up. I hadn't made enough progress to ask for her to record anything, but I'd definitely call her for that once I got out of this place.

Like Rainbow Dash said, it was pretty straight forward going through the catacombs. I didn't see any enemies as I explored nor did I see any diverging paths. It looked like I was going completely under the city.

It was starting to get darker. This was bad. Sure, I had been in dark environments before, but I at least had the moon to light my way. No light could get into the cave, and it was getting darker and darker.

As I stumbled around, my hoof kicked what felt like a small box. I looked down and saw what looked like a present. I was about to pick it up but my Codex earring began ringing. The frequency was 140.48. I didn't recognize it, and they were on an open channel. This meant that they were close by. Was it another Heartbreaker? I carefully answered the call.

“I left that for you,” the person on the other end said. The only image I saw was static, and they were using a voice modulator.

“Who are you?” I asked, “Are you Braveheart?”

The person on the other side laughed, but a genuine laugh, “I bet you'd like that, wouldn't you,” they said, “Sadly no, I'm not Braveheart. I know her, though. She was asking about you, actually.”

Hearing that made me sick to my stomach. This person was Braveheart's ally, and they were talking about her generally. Also, she was asking about me?!

“Why don't you open it?” the voice said, “You'll like it. I got it just for you.”

“How do I know this isn't a trap?” I asked, “Braveheart and I aren't exactly close, you know. This could be a ploy to kill me.”

“Braveheart wants to meet you,” the voice said, “Why would I stop my friend from meeting you by killing you? If she wants that, that's up to her, but I'm here for a different reason.”

“Oh? And what's that?”

“To keep you alive,” they almost sounded genuine. This pony said that they were friends with Braveheart, but they wanted to keep me alive? Probably so Braveheart could kill me. Even still, that told me that they were probably telling the truth. I carefully opened the box, surprised by what I saw.

It was a pair of goggles. They had a magic generator and a light. These were night-vision goggles!

“These are...”

“SURPRISE!!!” the pony on the other end shouted, scaring the hell out of me, “I said you'd like it!”

“Okay, now I have to know. Who the hell are you?” I asked, not so much annoyed but confused.

“Just call me, Sprinkles,” they said.

Wait. Sprinkles?! I heard of this pony! He was an informant during a major scandal concerning the royal family a few decades ago. I was still a teenager when it happened. Was this the same pony? Were they just using the same code name?

“Sprinkles? Are you seriously...”

“One of the Heart Breakers is further in waiting for you,” Sprinkles continued, “She's a specialist in crystal magic. I left a few items there you can use to fight. You'll need them.”

“Why are you doing this?” I asked, “To help me save Canterlot, or to keep me alive until Braveheart kills me?”

“I'll leave that to your imagination,” with that, they hung up. I immediately called Luna to ask her of her opinion.

“Princess, I got a call from someone using the code name Sprinkles,” I said to her.

“Sprinkles?” Luna asked, “Celestia told me about that. The incident was before my return from banishment though.”

“So you don't have any idea if it's the same pony?” I asked her.

“I'm afraid not. Tia might know though.”

I thanked Luna and hung up, calling Celestia. This time I used the closed network, which wouldn't be affected by the jamming being underground.

“Sprinkles?” Celestia asked after I told her who I just got finished talking to, “That's a name I haven't heard in a long time.”

“Do you think it's the same pony?”

“It's possible,” Celestia said, “If it is the same one, then I assure you that he's trustworthy.”

“Even though he's friends with Braveheart?” I asked skeptically.

“Sprinkles may keep some odd company, but he's pro life in war. Whenever he contacts you it's in your best interest to listen.”

I didn't like it, but he did give me the night-vision goggles. He even warned me that a Heart Breaker was inside waiting for me. That could have been a problem.

“So I should expect the worse when I head deeper in?”

“Sprinkles warned you that a Heart Breaker is waiting for you?” Celestia asked, “They may have lost the ability to shape shift or shed their given forms, but they're still Changelings. They're a part of the hive. If one knows, they all know. Miss Melody, they're hunting for you. You must exercise caution.”

That was ominous. Made worse with them taking the identities of ponies living in Equestria. They could be anyone. The only ones I could be sure of were the ponies I spoke to via Codex and the ones I met face to face. Rarity and Applejack were accounted for, as was Twilight Sparkle. Everyone else was fair game until I saw them on my radar.

I thanked Celestia, hung up, and walked deeper into the catacombs, now wearing the night-vision goggles. I didn't want to admit it, but I was happy to have those goggles. It made traveling a lot easier. If I had gone the way I originally planned, I would have walked right into a wall.

After traversing the underground caverns for a little longer, I found myself in a more open environment. On the walls I saw two large statues, one shaped like a large ram and the other one shaped like a large goat. Both statues were at least two stories tall. With how bright my vision got with the goggles I could tell that this room was lit up enough where I didn't need them, so I put them away and looked around the room.

“Finally! The Great Shadow has arrived!” I heard ahead. I looked and saw a purple unicorn with a dark purple and white mane walking up to me. On her flank I saw three crystals, similar to Rarity but a different shape.

“And who are you supposed to be?” I asked her.

“Living in Equestria, I earned the name Sparkler,” she said, “You may call me Gemstone.”

“Alright Gemstone,” I said, “So, you waited here just for little old me? Why, I'm flattered.”

“Once White Plague ran into you and Braveheart, I just had to meet you in person,” she said enthusiastically, “Let's see just how skilled a classical musician truly is.”

Her horn lit up, and next to me I heard a tremor. I looked just in time to see the black stoned ram statue come to life and tackle me into the wall. I jumped back and saw that the goat statue come to life as well. This one charged up magic in its horns and launched an orb of magic at me. The blast knocked me back, but I caught myself and slid to my feet, looking up at the monsters in front of me. On their chests were red crystals that were glowing. Clearly they were the power source.

Gemstone laughed out loud, “Yes! That's what I wanted to see! You're truly magnificent, Great Shadow. Aries, Capricorn, have fun with our guest!”

She ran off, and I looked up at the monsters, apparently named Aries and Capricorn. I had a pretty good idea which one was which, but that didn't matter to me. I was prepared to fight changelings, but golems?! I didn't even know they existed! What were they even doing under the city anyway?

Questions I'd have to ask after this fight, assuming I actually survived.

Author's Notes:

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