After learning about the only survivors of Neighsays reign. Twilight had to excuse herself from the briefing room. Three ponies were all that survived, at least that's what she was told. Were the rest of her friends still out there? Suffering in this cruel world? She then thought about Neighsay. What drove this pony to overthrow equestrias rulers? Was this all because Twilight operated a school without EEA approval? A school that Celestia permitted? It was one thing to shut down her school for not following EEA guidelines. It was another to forcefully take away everything that she loved with a passion and claim absolute power over equestria. Neighsay was now one of the biggest threats to equestria, especially if he has an entire army at his disposal.

Twilight returned to Shinning Armor and Luna after several minutes of being shriveled up on the couch in a nearby room. She almost had a meltdown, similar to the one she had when she was tardy for delivering a friendship report. Thankfully it didn't come to that.

"Sorry about leaving like that." Twilight explained.

"I just can't image that we are all that's left.."

"I don't think that's the case." Shining Armor claimed.

"We're sure your friends are still out there. We just don't know where."

Twilight spoke up again. "Well surely you must know something if you were able to find me."

"Unfortunately, we can't pinpoint the exact location of all your friends, but we can tell you how much equestria has changed." Luna explained.

As much as Twilight didn't want to hear anything that would crush what little hope she had left, it was still important, especially if she wanted to know what she should expect going forward.

"Alright. How has Neighsays rule impacted Equestria?"

Shining Armor gave Twilight all the details. "Well, as soon as Neighsay took power, one of the first things he did was build up Equestrias military. He believed that the Royal Guard and the Wonderbolts were too weak to properly defend against outside threats, so he disbanded them."

This already starting to sound grim.

"In their place, he founded the New Equestrian Military, or NEM for short."

"But what about the EEA?" Twilight asked. "They can't hold that much power!"

Shining continued. "They're no longer called that. When Neighsay took over, they changed themselves to the ENA, Equestrian National Association. They just don't run the schools anymore, they run all of New Equestria, as Neighsay likes to call it."

New Equestria... It certainly was new, and not in a good way.

"Now as I was saying, once the NEM was founded, both me and Spitfire were apprehended. I managed to get away, but I can't say the same for Spitfire."

The soldiers that Twilight saw in the lab definitely looked like they could put on a fight. Even if they were up against the head of the Wonderbolts.

"The soldiers of the NEM are some of the most brutal fighters that ponykind has ever seen. When they were put up against manticores, bugbears, and even chimeras, they not only were able to put up a fight against these beasts, they downright killed them!"

That was most certainly not what Twilight wanted to hear. While she and her friends have fought these beasts several times before, they have never killed any of them. Especially when Fluttershy was around.

Shining continued. "Neighsay was very pleased with the results of the NEM. He believed that they could be used not only to protect Equestria from outside threats, but to eliminate those threats entirely."

Twilight knew where Shining was going with this.

"Does that mean...." Shining Armor nodded. "Neighsay believed that non ponys were a dangerous threat to Equestria. He used Discord, Tirek, and the Storm King as examples. As a result, Neighsay ordered the NEM to invade neighboring countries."

It was as bad as Twilight had thought. Neighsay used his racist mentality to wage war with non pony nations. It was as if everything that she had built up with the school of friendship, was knocked down by this one heartless dictator.

"That's a terrible decision! Does he have any idea how much progress has been lost due to his actions?!" Twilight ranted.

Luna and Shining looked at each other in concern. Although both of them have had negative run ins with non ponies, it never drove them to declare war.

"Neighsay thinks that taking control of the nations outside equestria will lead to new heights for ponykind." Luna explained.

"When the NEM begun thier campaign, almost every nation fell before them. The only places still standing are Yakyakistan, and the Dragon lands."

It would make sense that the yaks and the dragons would survive the longest, considering that they were the most battle ready. The same couldn't be said about the other, kingdoms though. Twilight didn't want to imagine what was going on in them now that they were conquered. She then remembered what she saw at Appleoosa.

"I saw some buffalo on the way here. They were all being led out of a building in shackles..."

"That's because Neighsay enslaved them all once he took over thier lands." Shining explained.

"And it's not just them, nearly all non pony races have been made slaves under Neighsays rule."

While Twilight had known that Neighsay was extremely racist against non ponies, she never in a hundred years image him getting powerful enough to enslave them.

"That's....." Twilight was at a loss for words. "That's terrible..." She didn't even express any sadness, just disappointment. The world that Twilight had known was gone, and getting it back would be a pipe dream. Regardless, something had to be done.

"Well.. We can't just wait and do nothing! Do you have any plans?" Twilight asked. "We do, actually." Luna said. "Please follow me and I'll show you."

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Luna and Twilight walked into a small dark room. When Luna flipped a switch, a spotlight turned on, illuminating a set of clothing on a mannequin. It was a pair of grey robes, with streaks of silver and white. The cutie mark was that of a full moon with a red diagonal slash right over it. Something else caught Twilights attention however, a mask that rested upon the mannequins head. It slightly resembled a ponies skull, only it was a light grey color, and had blue optical lenses that Twilight guessed were for enhancing vision.

"What is this.. Outfit?" Asked Twilight.

"This.. Is the appearance of the Shadow Striker."

Shadow Striker. Sounded like one of those super hero names from those comics that Spike always read.

"Long before your time Twilight, there was a specialized agent of mine who once dawned this gear. His mission was to protect the innocent from those who would seek to harm them. Both shining and myself believed that you would be a fitting candidate to continue his legacy."

Twilight looked at the outfit for a bit, then back at Luna.

"Me? You want me to become some kind of superhero? I don't mean to sound rude, but there are more important things at stake than mere cosplaying!"

Luna responded. "It's not just dress up. You are being hunted by both Neighsay and the NEM. This will make sure you aren't recognized. Plus, this gear has powerful enchantments engraved in it. They will massively enhance your own magical abilities, which more than likely have been drained from being trapped in that lab."

Luna did have two very good points, plus Twilight did need additional magical energy if she was going to survive.

"Ok Luna. I'll put this thing on."

Twilight removed the robe from the mannequin, and was going to put it on, until Luna handed her what looked like a skintight black rubber suit similar to the one she used to sneak into the Canterlot archives.

"Seriously?" Twilight asked.

"It's part of the set. Plus it will make galloping much less straining on the hooves."

Twilight shrugged, and put the suit on. Surprisingly, it was extremely comfortable. It felt like a second skin, one that encased her with its silky smooth touch.

"Oh.. Celestia.. This feels great!"

Twilight lost a bit of focus as she stretched out her body, feeling the rubber against her warm coat. Then she regained that lost focus.

"Oh right.." Twilight said with an embarrassed smile on her face.

She grabbed the nearby robes, slid her legs through the sleeve, and buttoned them. The robes slid right across the rubber of the suit, and didn't take away from her comfort. Now all that was left was the mask. Twilight picked it up and placed it on her face. Making sure that her horn fit inside the small hole in the forehead, and that her eyes lined up with the optical lenses. As soon as she fit the Velcro straps over the back of her head, a surge of magical energy flowed through her body. Twilight no longer felt drained of most of her magic as she first did when she exited the simulation. She felt like her old magically inclined self, it was wonderful.

"Whoa..!" Twilight attempted to levitate a chair in the corner of the room. It rose up into the air without any struggle, and bounced left and right. She felt alive. After tossing the chair to the side of the room, Twilight ran over to Luna.

"This is just what I needed! My magic is now better than before!"

Luna returned the hug that Twilight had given her.

"Yes.. You're quite welcome. But could you not throw a piece of furniture next time you get a burst of energy?"

Twilight looked over to the tossed chair. "Oops... Sorry.."

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Once Twilight was able to fix as much of the chair as she could. Both her and Luna returned to the briefing room, where Shining Armor awaited them both.

"Ah Twily! The new look suits you well! Almost as if you are Luna's minion!"

Luna chuckled a bit at the comment, while Twilight just gave an annoyed look, even if Shining couldn't see it.

"Lets just get down to business.." Twilight stated.

"Yes.. Of course." Shining complied.

"If we want to be able to build up resistance against Neighsay, we are going to need more allies. I was able to get more Intel on Appleosa, and I think that someone we know is being held hostage there. Braeburn."

Twilights interest was perked.

"Do you think he knows where they are holding Applejack?" Twilight asked.

"Doubtful, but regardless, he should be able to help us."

"Well I'm ready." Twilight claimed. "We will hit Neighsay where it hurts!"

Luna stepped in. "I admire your sudden burst of enthusiasm, but we are not going on a full on assault."

Luna then handed Twilight an oddly shaped sword.

"This is the Shadow Strikers blade. It was used to take down unsuspecting foes. Both this and the gear you are wearing will enhance your stealth like abilities, use them well."

Twilight noticed that the blade was around the size of a short sword, the kind used for getting up close and personal.

"Shining will drive you to Appleosa. I'll stay here and guard the bunker. Remember Twilight, a stealthy approach is best, you don't want all of the NEM after you."

Twilight nodded, and put the sword in its holster.

"Thanks again Luna, I promise I won't fail you."

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As the vehicle came to a stop right on the outskirts of town, where nopony could see it, Twilight opened the door, and stepped out.

"I'll be here waiting with the auto-carriage when you're done. That's what this thing is called by the way."

Twilight acknowledged Shinning, and went into a dark passage between two buildings. To her left, she noticed a grey metal object mounted on the wall. She wasn't sure what it was, but it was climbable. Twilight jumped up and grabbed the ledge and pulled herself up. She repeated this process two more times before she was on the roof.

Up ahead, she saw a familiar site, the Appleosa Orchard. It was very much the same, only here, she could make out two bipedal things that were made out of metal and as tall as the trees themselves. They were picking the apples. So much for traditional apple bucking. Twilight also noticed that the stampeding trail in the orchard was gone, and in its place, more trees. Guess compromising wasn't a thing in new Equestria.

Looking to her right, Twilight noticed another familiar site, the Salt Block. She teleported to a roof awning from her location, and slided up next to the window. She peaked inside, and noticed that there were several earth ponies around a table looking like they were playing a card game.

"I still can't believe that Braeburn had the nerve to stand up for the buffalo. Does he have any idea what they almost done to this here settlement?"

"Tell me about it. Good thing that Neighsay finally put the hammer down on the matter."

Another stallion spoke up. "Ah herd that he was actually into one of dem buffalo girls."

The crowd laughed.

"Are you serious? Does he have any idea how disgusting that sounds? Ah mean, it's like if a dragon took one of our fine pony folk, only for the filly to claim that she loves the giant monster."

Another round of laughter came from the crowd.

"Well no matter now. He's out in the pillory where he belongs. Taken it from ponies, as he should. Funny thing is, he's kind a cute."

"I'll admit to that as well Rusty Wagon. It's like he can make any Stallion gay!"

While Twilight was peeved by how the townsfolk were treating Braeburn, she at least knew what to look for. She climbed up to the roof of the Saloon, and scouted the area, making sure that nopony saw her. Up in the distance, behind several general stores, she could make out a small platform with what looked like a yellow earth pony standing on it. That had to be him. As she made her way to the platform, a broadcast noise played throughout the town, followed by an announcer.

"Attention residents of New Equestria, the traitor formally known as Twilight Sparkle, has recently escaped custody. If anypony manages to find her, do not confront her as she is very dangerous. Report to a NEM guard immediately. Sheltering any escaped criminals is a serious crime punishable by an extended prison sentence."

A disconnection sound played. Twilight was now thankful that Luna was able to find this disguise/ stealth suit. Once she got close enough to the wooden platform, her objective was in clear sight. Braeburn was locked in the town pillory with a sign around his neck that read, "Buffalo Sympathizer". His head hung low and his hat and vest were gone, completely exposing his body. Multiple whip marks were on his flank, and a bucket was between his legs. It was clear that the town had his way with him, and he was clearly humiliated by his punishment.

Twilight made sure the coast was clear, and stepped onto the platform. Braeburn slowly lifted his head, looking at Twilight with a worried look.

"Who.. Who are you?"

Twilight removed her mask.

"Twilight... Is that you..?" Braeburn started to sound hopeful.

"Oh thank Celestia..! I thought I would never see another friendly face again..!"

Twilight pulled out what appeared to a skeleton key that was part of her equipment, and used it to unlock the pillory. Braeburn used whatever strength he still had in him to lift himself out, before stumbling to the floor.

"Sorry. It feel like forever since I've been able to stand properly."

Twilight gave Braeburn the help he needed.

"Come on. Shining Armor has an auto carriage that can take you someplace safe."

"Shining is alive? I figured he was killed by the NEM! Does that mean that Applejack and the rest of the Apple family are alive as well?"

Twilight looked at Braeburn.

"Actually.. I was hoping you could tell me where Applejack is."

Braeburn gave a disappointed look. "Sorry Twi, but I haven't been anywhere outside of Appleoosa to know where everypony else is."

It was a bit discouraging that Braeburn couldn't offer any suggestions, but at least Twilight had another ally to help her.

"Come on, lets get you to Shinning Armor."

"Wait Twi.. Ah can't go just yet.."

Twilight gave a confused look.

"What do you mean you can't go? You're barely holding up!"

"Ah know Twi... But have you seen how they've been treating the Buffalo? It's downright criminal!"

Braeburn wasn't wrong about that, but Twilight was in no condition to rescue a whole group of buffalo, let alone Braeburn.

"Listen. I know you're concerned about the buffalo, but we can't risk our lives to save them all, especially given our current state."

Braeburn gave a sigh. "You're right Twi... It's best to just get out of here. I'm in dire need of some place to rest proper."

With that said, Twilight put her mask on, and walked Braeburn to the edge of town.

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While making thier way back to Shinning Armor, Twilight and Braeburn heard some grunts followed by a mare yelling.

"Get your dirty hooves off me you metal monsters!"

Braeburn recognized that voice.

"Little Strong heart?"

Twilight rushed over to see what was going on. There was little Strongheart struggling with two NEM soldiers. She had bucked one down, while pulling at what appeared to be a chain around her neck, teathered to the other soldiers hoof. Twilight drew her blade, rushed in, and pinned down the guard holding the chain before stabbing him in the throat. She then cast an offensive spell at the other soldier who was down, ensuring that he couldn't get back up.

Strong heart addressed Twilight.

"I don't who.. Or what you are, but you just took a big risk in helping me. Now the whole town is sure to be after you."

Twilight removed her mask, and Braeburn caught up with them.

"Twilight..?" Strong heart then turned to Braeburn. "Braeburn!" She engaged him in a hug.

"What are you two doing here? How are you both not dead?"

"We just recently escaped, and I was sent to free Braeburn." Twilight explained.

"But.. I thought that this monster Neighsay had you both executed..."

"That's a discussion that can wait, for now we have to get both of you back to our base."

"Our base?" Strong heart asked. "You mean there's more of you?"

Twilight nodded. She then examined the two dead NEM guards, surely enough, they had that weird crystal weapon that Twilight saw back at the lab she was held in, as well as several crystals that were meant to go into the receiver. She took the weapon and the crystals, as she was sure that they would need them.

"I'm so glad we ran into you Strongheart. Ah was worried. Especially with how much interspecies dating is shunned."

Strong heart looked back at Braeburn.

"Well we are fine now. Lets just get back to wherever Twilight has been hiding at so we can put all this behind us."

Twilight knew that simply wasn't possible, as this was only the beginning. She knew that there would be many more challenges in the days to come.