Celestia materialized in her throne room in a very bad mood. She stamped the floor angrily, shattering the marble finish. She was so consumed with her frustration that she didn't notice Discord lounging on her throne thumbing his way through a book entitled Two Treatises of Government. He looked up from his book, "Hi honey, how was your day?"

Celestia scowled, "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me things like that? And get off my throne will you?"

Discord chuckled, "oof, that bad eh? Well I guess no one can blame you. Every dictator seems to fall of the deus ex machina. Your lucky yours didn't involve those mcguffins you used against me. Seriously, being a statue is the most boring thing I can possibly imagine. Oh, before I forget," The Draconicus tossed his book aside and stood up, "as president of the Equestrian League of Former Tyrants, may I be the first to welcome you to our ranks. Granted most of our members are dead, but the rest of us are a very lively bunch I assure you."

"What? How dare you? I am not and never have been a tyrant Discord and even so, I am still the ruler of this land."

Discord tugged his beard, "Really, because the ponies who escaped the mines a while ago seemed to think differently."

"Don't tell me it was you who sent those screw-eyed traitors to Ponyville."

"No of course not. All I did last night was help a little purple pony find the right door. By the way," Discord brought out a rolled up scroll, " Twilight left a message for you. I think you need to read it."

Celestia's eyes widened. When she saw the rebels storming out her Twilight's castle she assumed the worst had happened to her. Could it be she survived? The sun princess took the letter and opened it.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Last time we spoke you asked me how we can return harmony to Equestria. I had always thought it would be through our intervention and guidance, but what I realized tonight that I couldn't be more wrong. All our attempts to restore love and kindness between ponies has made them fear and hate us above all. Looking back on my actions the past few years, they are right to feel that way.

It seems you cannot force ponies to love one another. I think Luna knew this. After all, she tried the same thing when she turned into Nightmare Moon. I even recall her having that issue when I first met her all those years ago. I guess she realized what I have realized mere hours ago. Force can only bring hatred, but freedom can allow love to flourish. Don't you see Celestia? It was our hubris that brought disharmony down upon Equestria. Not Luna or Rainbow Dash or the Republicans. It is us, you, me and Cadence.

Which is why I can't let us win the battle for Ponyville. I am releasing the prisoners from the mines and taking them through the magic door Discord left. With luck, maybe they'll trust me. The odds are unfavorable. I wouldn't blame them, but I must set things right before something happens that we'll both regret. I do not know if I will see you before you read this. I do not know if you will want to see me afterwards, but let me tell you that I love you like a daughter. And I know that the rest of Equestria feels the same, even the Republicans. However, they are not your little ponies anymore. They have grown up and need to be set free. They can no longer benefit under the wing of a princess. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and the others know this. So I ask you, step down from the throne. Surrender your power and let the ponies choose their own fate. They may fail, but they may succeed beyond even your reign. Just choose quickly, if my plan succeeds it will not be long before Republicans are marching on your gates.

Your loving former student,
Twilight Sparkle

Celestia put down the letter. Discord had vanished again, leaving her alone in the throne room. A thumping noise filled the room. Celestia realized that the windows were vibrating to the steady beat. Beyond the palace walls thousands of ponies stomped their feet to a universal tune. This song echoed not just through Canterlot, but though all Equestria. From Manehattan to Rainbow Falls ponies of all kinds and creeds joined in with no doubt in their hearts.

[All]
Do you hear the ponies sing
As they march onwards to the fight
It is the music of those who will
Stand up for what is right

We can live in harmony
If you just make a simple choice
Cast off the chains of order and
Rise up with your voice

We will live again in freedom
As we stand on equal ground
Because within all our hearts
There is love that can be found
We've learned to live as one
We are no longer royal bound

Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Somewhere beyond the barricade
There is a world you long to see
Do you hear the ponies sing?
Say, do you hear the distant drums?
It is the future that they bring
When tomorrow comes

Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Somewhere beyond the barricade
There is a world you long to see
Do you hear the ponies sing?
Say, do you hear the distant drums?
It is the future that they will bring
When tomorrow comes...
When tomorrow comes

Author's Note

Thus ends my first ever fanfic. Thank you so much for reading. Please, tell me what you liked about the story. What didn't you like? What was your favorite song adaptation? Until next time I bid you farewell. Vive le Republique!