Metal Gear Rising: Equestria Part 2

Part 2 Princess in Peril

Raiden and Twilight reappeared in a long, regal, hallway, next to a large set of double-doors. The walls were made of marble, and various statues decorated the hall. On the floor was a long red carpet that ran the length of the hall.

“Warn me next time before you do that.” Raiden said, feeling a bit dizzy.

“Sorry.” Twilight said “Teleportation Spells can give you some whiplash if you’re not prepared for it.”

“Whatever.” Raiden said. “Who are we here to see again?”

“Princess Luna.”

“Wait, you have TWO Princesses?” Raiden said confused.

“Yes, the two Princess Sisters have ruled together for many years. Celestia controls and watches over the day. And Luna does the same for the night.”

“I see.”

“Well, let’s go in.” Twilight said, before using her magic to open the doors.

Raiden and Twilight walked side by side, as they entered the Grand Throne Room. Like the hallway, the walls were marble, the floor had a red carpet that lead from the door to the throne. On the walls, were various stained glass windows, each depicting a past adventure.

Sitting on the golden throne, was a deep, dark blue, Alicorn, somewhat smaller then a full grown horse. Her mane and tail looked like it was made of the night sky itself. On her flank was a black blotch with a white crescent moon. She had a lunar necklace, and matching tiara. She had her eyes closed, and appeared to be asleep.

As Twilight and Raiden walked up, Twilight cleared her throat, which woke the Princess.

“OH! Princess Twilight Sparkle. Sorry about that.” She said. “I haven’t had much sleep lately……who is this with you?”

Twilight walked up, and bowed her head, “Princess Luna. This is Raiden. He’s a warrior from another world. He has offered his assistance.”

Raiden walked up, and in a very formal fashion, kneeled down on one knee. “Your Highness.”

Luna interrupted him. “Please stand. And speak casual.”

Raiden and Twilight obeyed.

“I must say Raiden,” Luna said. “You’re certainly not what I expected.”

“Twilight called for the best, and she got me. And I offer my strength to you.”

“I’m impressed. You have impeccable manners for someone in your profession.”

“Thank you, Princess.” 

“I assume that Twilight filled you in on the situation.”

“She gave a briefing, but I was hoping to get more details from you.”

“Very well. Ask me anything. I wish to help in anyway I can.”

“Well, first off, who did this, and what do they want.”

Luna closed her eyes and said. “They are known as the Changlings.”

“Changlings?”

“Yes. A race of Ponies…bugs…we’re not sure. But a few months ago, they appeared in Equestria, and terrorized this city of Canterlot, and imprisoned my sister. But it was thanks to Twilight’s brother and his wife Princess Cadence, that, they were able to push the Changling’s and their Queen back to the Kingdom they came from.

“But now they’ve struck again” Luna Continued. “It happened a few nights ago. They snuck in while she slept, and I was distracted.”

“What were you doing?” Raiden asked.

“Dream walking. It’s an ability I have to enter the dreams of Ponies and guide them through their nightmares.”

“How did they do it? What about castle security?”

“You see, Raiden. The Changlings have the ability to look just like any Pony they want. At the same time I was dream walking, one of the guards clamed they saw me enter my sister’s bedchamber. One of the Changlings disguised themselves as me, and took my sister in the night. The next morning, she was gone. Since then, I’ve had to raise both the sun and moon each day. It’s tiring, but if my sister could do it for a thousand years, I can at least do it for a few days.”

Raiden sighed and said. “Why would they do this? It almost sounds like they are trying to start a war.”

“A note was left on Celestia’s bed. It said. ‘Surrender Equestria, or Celestia will have no more love to give.’”

“What do they mean by that?”

“The Changlings…They consume love. Like nourishment. They feed off of it, and grow stronger each time. Last time they were here, they absorbed so much of it, it temporarily made them stronger then my sister. Equestria has more love then any other place on the planet. That is why they want it so badly. And they‘ve only given me two more days to decide.”

“I see” Raiden said. “From the sounds of it, if you don’t give into their demands, they will absorb Celestia’s power instead, and possibly kill her.”

When Twilight heard that, her heart skipped a beat, as her eyes went wide. She hadn’t even thought of that. Her beloved Princess in such danger. Twilight shook off the thought, and asked a question.

“Princess Luna, if I may.”

“Yes?” Luna responded.

“Princess Celestia is one of the most powerful unicorns I have ever known. There have only been a small number of Ponies throughout history that could rival her. How is it she was taken so easily?”

Luna closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. “So you figured it out, Twilight Sparkle.”

Luna’s horn glowed blue, as a gold necklace, and matching tiara, floated out from behind the throne. Both were encrusted with a single, violet, Amethyst Gem.

“Those are Celestia’s” Twilight exclaimed.

“Yes. For many decades now. Since before you were even born. My sister has been growing weaker. She has started to show her age. We have ruled Equestria for almost 3000 years now, and have lived for around 5000. She told me, that after she defeated Nightmare Moon, and sent her, or rather me, to the moon. She felt her Magic weakening. Simple Levitation spells became difficult for her. So she had these made. These two Amethysts actually amplify her powers incredibly. If a normal Unicorn were to wear them, they wouldn’t be able to handle all that power. She takes them off when she sleeps, but this is when she is at her most vulnerable.”

“So if I bring those to her,” Raiden said. “She’ll regain her strength?”

“Yes. Please do.” Luna said, as she moved the necklace and tiara over to Raiden, who folded them up, and place them in a holding pouch behind his back.

“Now, you must go south, to their kingdom in the Badlands. There is somepony there who can answer a few more questions then I can. Shining Armor and his team are there performing reconnaissance. Now please hurry.”

The two of them turned to leave, but Raiden stopped.

“Your Highness. I know it must be difficult for you. But I think I have something for you that should help.” Raiden reached over to his left forearm, and opened a metal panel. He then pulled out a small device, that kind of looked like an ear piece.

“This is a portable Codec, it’s a communication device that will allow us to keep in contact. Simply put it on your right ear.”

Luna used her magic to, cautiously, pick it up. It flew through the air, and landed on Luna’s ear.

“Like this?”

“Perfect.” Raiden said. He reached his hand up, touched his mechanical ear. A small bar came out of the Codec on Luna’s ear. It turned and a holographic screen appeared in front of Luna’s face. She could see Raiden’s face clearly.

“See, your highness, this way we can keep in touch during the mission.” Raiden said. “I understand that you must be worried about your sister. I hope this way, I can put you at ease.”

Luna teared up a little, but quickly regained her composure. “Thank you Raiden.”

Twilight and Raiden walked out of the throne room.

“So,” Raiden said. “Do you have any idea where this place is?

“I do.” Twilight said. “But not for curtain. I received a letter from my brother yesterday, with instructions on how to get to his camp. It takes about an hour by train.”

“A public train? I thought my presence here was suppose to be a secret.”

“In Ponyville. But here in Canterlot, news of the Princess’s Kidnapping has spread. Just…don’t be surprised if you find everypony staring at you.”

“Great.” Raiden said sarcastically.