//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2 [Revising] 
// Story: Puppet Strings 
// by Sweet Berry 
//------------------------------//

	Deep in the Everfree Forest, the ruins of the old castle were serving as the Lunar Revolution's headquarters. Luna was holding a meeting in the humid library to discuss the future of the revolution. Applejack and Pinkie Pie stood on either side of her desk, as the members of the rebellion shouted and argued around them. The air of the room was tense, the heated discussions only added to oppressive atmosphere. Luna waited as the last of the representatives from different towns and cities pushed in to the already crowded library. Ponies from across Equestria had joined the movement. Already the rebellion had around three hundred followers and was only growing.

Luna stood, and walked around her desk, quieting the room with a stern look. "Comrades of the Lunar Revolution! For how long did we live under the sun lies? 

"A thousand years!" The crowd responded, shouting at the top of their lungs.

"For how long did the sun lull us into ignorant contentment?"

"A thousand years!" The revolutionaries were getting fired up, gradually growing louder and more rambunctious.

"For how long has the sun stolen away our faust-given rights?"

"A thousand years!"

"For how long has the sun looked down upon us and stolen our riches?"

"A thousand years!"

"For how long has the sun sat and watched while we worked ourselves to death for her comfort?"

"A thousand years!" roared the crowd.

"For how long did we suffer under the sun's iron hoof?"

"A thousand years!"

"For how long will we stand for this? No longer! No longer will we stand for such betrayal!" With each question and response, the crowd cheered, getting more and more passionate with each passing moment. The outrage and discontentment spread like a wildfire across the room.

Luna paused, before returning her attention to the crowd, "Remember, comrades, I am one of you! I, too, have been oppressed by the sun. Just like you, I have spent a thousand years locked up with no rights of my own. We have done nothing to deserve this treatment and we will fight against it. No longer we will sit back and take this poor treatment. Your support and faith in this revolution is what will make this a success. Without your sacrifices and hard work, we will never be able to give ourselves and future generations a better life. They may take away our lives, but they may never take away our freedom!" She emphasized the word freedom as the crowd nodded, hanging on to her every word.

Luna took a deep breath and continued, "Today and, Faust willing, many days after this, we will stand tall as the illusion of peace is stripped away. For today, we have the Element of Laughter, and the Element of Honesty in our midst!" She gestured to Applejack, "You can be assured that I will never lie to you as the sun has. For Applejack Apple, Bearer of the Element of Honesty, will not stand for such lies!" The crowd cheered, stomping their hooves in appreciation for Applejack, who blushed, taking off her hat, and giving a humble nod. Luna then gestured to Pinkie Pie as the crowd quieted, "With the element of laughter, we will never give up hope! Pinkamena Pie will help us to look at things in a new way and find ways to achieve our goals no matter what! The bearer of the element of laughter's support will keep us smiling through the toughest of times!" Pinkie giggled, sticking her tongue out at the crowd who laughed and cheered.

"For a thousand years, we were lied to by the sun! By the one we looked up to as a god! Now, with Laughter and Honesty by our side, we fight the sun! Snuff out its light! Today, we finally bring ten thousand years of peace to this land!" As Luna finished her speech, the crowd erupted into ecstatic roaring and hoof stomping.

Luna instructed them to find their battalions and begin training. She would be drawing up plans for gaining more support for the time being, so there would be more time to learn how to fight. They would be at a disadvantage with the civilian fighters, but Luna was working on getting in contact with the night guard. She hoped they still remained and were still loyal to her.

The ponies filed out of the library to meet with their platoon leaders and Luna sat down at her desk, opening a book of war.  She had been trying to catch up on history since her return and was almost to present day. "Applejack Apple, bearer of the element of honesty, how have the ponies stood for such injustice for so long?"

Applejack simply shook her head, "I don't know, any ponies who questioned Celestia disappeared. It was better to just keep quiet about your doubts. There ain't no need to be so formal with us, though. Just Applejack is fine."

Luna sighed, "And two of the other elements are in her custody?"

Pinkie Pie nodded, looking unusually sad. "Yes, Twilight and Rarity. They took her side." Pinkie sat down across from Luna and gave her a sad smile.

Luna gave Pinkie a sympathetic look, "Worry not, I am sure we can regain their loyalty. I worry, though. Faust knows what Celestia will do to maintain her power. We must try to get in touch with them."

"Canterlot is under strict guard, no mail in, no mail out. Only important nobles and dignitaries are allowed to enter the city," Applejack explained, "If we could figure out where Spike is, we might be able to get some mail to Twilight, though."

"I suggest we search the library," Luna stood, donning her armor and walking towards the exit of the library. "We leave at nightfall. Head down to the old armory and get some armor and weapons. I expect there to be guards in Ponyville as well. You are important to our cause and I cannot lose you." She turned towards the window and looking across the forest. "Tomorrow, I'd like you both to join the military training. This is war."