The train finally pulled in to the station.Twilight hated it when things were late. Especially now when timing was crucial. Shining trotted out of the first car and gave his sister a hug. They may have been on duty, but there was always time for a hug in this family. Twilight really needed it anyway.

Over 2,000 soldiers followed their commander out the train and formed up in front of the train station. Twilight looked over her army. Each guard was fully armed with a bayoneted musket in hoof. The artillery ponies were already unloading their cannons and AP guns. The magic wielding unicorn companies stood at the ready with saddlebags full of potions both beneficial and harmful. The officers faced their princess one by one reporting all present and accounted for. But there was one company visibly absent. She turned to her brother, "Shiny, where are the Wonderbolts?"

Armor knit his eyebrows, "You mean they haven't arrived already?"

"No." Twilight groaned, "They are necessary for the battle, Shiny. They're the only ones who can keep up with Rainbow Dash. Without them she can easily take out our bomber pegasi."

"I honestly don't know why they haven't come."

Right on queue a single pegasus in Wonderbolt gear dropped in nearly giving Twilight a heart attack. "Message for Princess Twilight," the winged mare said as she offered a scroll with the Wonderbolt seal.

Twilight took the scroll and read it aloud, "Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, We regret to inform you that our company will not be joining your campaign on the grounds of morality. A significant portion of our members, including myself, find it against their conscience to aid in attacking civilians. I know we did not complain during the last conflict but the circumstances have changed. It is with a heavy heart that I, as well as my comrades, must respectfully resign from our post. Signed, former- Commander Spitfire."
Twilight rolled up the scroll, "whats the meaning of this?" She looked up to find the Wonderbolt had disappeared. Twilight growled.

Shining Armor spoke quickly, "So whats the new plan Twiley. We don't have much time."

Twilight took a deep breath and expelled her anger. She thought for a moment,"The Wonderbolts may not be coming, but the rebels don't know that. Shiny, your familiar with Crazy Horse's victory over Colonel Custard aren't you?"

Shining Armor nodded, "divide and conquer?"

"Precisely, set the AP guns and a company of pegasi guards up along the most direct route to Cloudsdale. I will get Rainbow Dash to take her own pegasi out there to meet the Wonderbolts. Order them to blast her out of the sky. With Rainbow gone it will only be a matter of time before the other Republicans give up."

"How do you plan to do that?"

Twilight chuckled and whispered, "She actually thinks I'm on her side. All I have to do is not raise the sun and she'll believe every word I say."

Shining Armor frowned, "your playing the double agent? Are you sure that's safe?"

"I can't risk this operation in somepony else's hoofs. This is the best option I have. The only other one is a direct assault and I think we both agree we don't want another Macintosh stand."

Armor had to agree there. Taking the Macintosh Marauders down was a extremely costly. If Luna had not surrendered so soon after that. Their victory may have been a Pyrrhic one. Rainbow Dash is an even bigger threat. She may be a rash glory hound, but she has a quick eye and knows how to inspire her followers. As long as she stands the rebels will never surrender.

Satisfied Twilight began to direct the army into their position. They had less than an hour till the Celebration.

The Summer Sun Celebration had begun. Ponies from all over Ponyville were called in front of the castle by a thunderous rolling of drums. Despite the event everypony was silent and grim. They all noticed the disappearance of the Mare in the Moon and suspected what that meant. Now they just had to wait.

The Republicans scattered themselves throughout the crowd. Most wore cloaks over their heads to avoid attention. Quietly they got into position and awaited the signal. When she was sure everypony was ready Rainbow took off her hood and began to sing.

[Rainbow Dash]
Do you hear the ponies sing?
Singing the songs of angry mares
It is the music of those who've had
So much more than they can bear
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes

The Republicans all took of their cloaks and started waving the the blue banners of the Lunar Republic.

[Republicans]
Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Then join in the fight
That will give you the right to be free

[All]
Do you hear the ponies sing?
Singing the songs of angry mares
It is the music of those who've had
So much more than they can bear.
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes

Will you give all you can give
So that liberty can proceed
Harmony can be restored
We just need to plant the seed
Through our blood and our sweat
We'll end this oppression and greed

Do you hear the ponies sing?
Singing the songs of angry mares
It is the music of those who've had
So much more than they can bear
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes.

In the span of a minute, the nervous mass of ponies found their courage. Together they marched on the doors of the castle. The ranks of guards lowered their guns toward the incoming horde, but they did not fire. Instead both sides sides stood off against each other. The crowds song of liberty grew louder and louder. The incessant stomping of hoofs actually shook the windows of nearby store fronts.

Suddenly a shot rang out. Nopony knew who fired it, but that was enough for the officers. The thunder of song was replaced by the thunder of gunpowder as the guard fired into the crowd. Mr. Cake caught his wife as she fell screaming from a gaping chest wound, "Honey Bun! No don't leave me! Why you..." In a fit of rage, Carrot Cake yanked a musket from the nearest guard and smashed the butt into his face. Others quickly joined him and the the whole square broke into melee.

The Republicans drew their own weapons and joined in. AJ blew a hole in the line with her blunderbuss and started using her hooves and lasso to great effect. Rainbow took to the air wielding a rapier in her mouth and two pistols in her fore hooves. Gilda brandished a giant longsword screaming like an eagle. Pinkie Pie started running on ponies' heads singing "go go Pinkie Pie!"

For a moment it looked like the guards would be over run. Then Colonel Armor waved his hoof and reinforcements poured out the castle and sharpshooters poked their guns out windows of the surrounding buildings. If they stayed there, the Revolutionaries would be cut down like wheat. Seeing this Rainbow grabbed a flag and yelled, "Everypony, fall back to town hall. Pegasi carry the wounded. Pinkie Pie, we're going to need a distraction. Now freedom fighters, follow me!" With that she darted off towards the old town hall.

The pegasi took to the air carrying the wounded. A couple unicorns cast some quick defensive spells as the crowd began to run out of the square. Applejack did everything she could to get them out, "grab what ammo ya can and git outta here! Come on Mr Cake you gotta go." AJ pried him off the body of Mrs. cake just in time to avoid a bullet to the head. By the time she got him going two more shots narrowly missed her, "Hey Pinkie, hurry up with that diversion already. We can't stay here much longer."

"Just a second!" Pinkie called she was digging through her mane looking for something. After dodging another bullet with her little tail twitch, she finally produced her 'distraction,' an energy drink.

Applejack's eyes widened, " oh horse apples! Every pony get outta here now." She beat a hasty retreat as the pink mare guzzled down the caffeinated drink.

It started with a little shaking. Then as the caffeine got to her brain Pinkie exploded into a great pink pinball. She bounced around the courtyard near the speed of light. Anypony caught in her path was sent flying by a force akin to a freight train. Seeing the danger Shining Armor ordered his troops to back off. They had done their job. Now time was on their side.

The town hall was not in good condition. After Twilight's transformation, the mayor's office became less and less relevant and after the Revolution the position was eliminated entirely. Now the building was abandoned, another ghost of the past. It was the perfect place to make a stand. It and the surrounding building were sturdy enough to withstand conventional attacks and the hall itself was enchanted to reduce the damage of magic attacks.

Rainbow burst through the doors an quickly checked the building for hostiles. The other pegasi followed her. Once the building was clear Rainbow approached Fluttershy and asked if she's ok.

"Um, I'm fine just a little scared."

"Fluttershy, I won't ask you to fight, but do you think you can set up a little clinic in here? There's going to be quite a few wounded."

"I-I can try." The yellow pegasus looked faint.

"You can always leave ok," Rainbow said quietly.

"No, no I want to do this. I'll do what I can."

"Great! Now for the rest of you. I need everything not bolted down in here and the surrounding buildings in the courtyard We need to build this barricade as strong as possible."

The ponies got to work dumping everything they could out the window and stacking them in a ring around the hall. They were soon joined by the earth and unicorn ponies. Applejack was the last to arrive.

"Did everypony get out?"

Applejack panted, "Most of em. Snipers got a few."

"Where is Pinkie Pie?"

She was answered by a giggling pink streak zooming in and crashing into the wall. "That was so MUCH FUN!!" screamed Pinkie before she collapsed into a deep slumber.

The two mares laughed. "Ya gave Pinkie a sports drink?" AJ inquired with a smile.

Rainbow shrugged, "guilty as charged. Alright lets get back to work. I want our defenses ready in a hour at least"

"Can do."

Anything that could be moved was added to the barricade. Carts were tipped over. Cobblestones were pried up and stacked. Chairs, tables, clocks, even a giant stereo were added to the pile. Holes were cut for muskets to aim through. The unicorns joined their magics to create a protective dome over them. Not as strong as Shining Armor's but it should keep out most projectiles.

At last the second Republican Revolution had begun. All the pieces were set and the first move was made. Now all they had to do was wait. After all time was on their side.

Author's Note

So it begins. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Once again please like, comment, and critique to your hearts content.