On the way back to the hideout, Dash spent most of the trip asking questions about where they were, what had happened, and why it was happening. Twilight explained everything that was going on, as well as how they planned to address it. The blue Pegasus was very peeved after hearing about what Neighsay had done, especially to the wonderbolts. She claimed that when she gets to the former head of the EEA, she would beat him senseless for taking away everything she held dear. Both Twilight and Shining had to reassure her that was not a good idea, especially considering he has an entire army at his disposal. Dash was also nervous about what would happen next, even though she tried to hide her fear. This didn't fool Twilight, as she was able to see right through her. Once they arrived at the hideout, Luna was the first to greet the three ponies.

"Thank goodness you're alright! You were gone for so long I was sure you had perished!" Luna gave Rainbow dash a hug.

"Looks like you made it as well, this is good. We will need you plus the rest of the elements if we want to restore equestria and defeat Neighsay."

Rainbow glared at that name.

"Neighsay will pay for what he has done! He and the entire EEA can burn in Tartarus!" Luna just frowned.

"While I appreciate your enthusiasm, it will not be as easy as simply banishing him. He has many ponies on his side, most of which are very influential."

Dash didn't seam to care, anypony who took her friends and family away deserved the cruelest of punishment.

"Speaking of which." Luna said "We've gained some important information regarding Neighsays allies, and we wish to share them with you."

Luna then walked towards the meeting room, with the other three following suit.

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Luna sat at the head of the briefing table. Shining Armor, Twilight, and Rainbow dash were all seated on the outside. Pharynx joined them as well once he heard of thier return.

"Now, as you all know, Neighsay was not alone when he executed his plan to overthrow me and my sister. He had other ponies at his side, most of which were former members of the EEA. However, there are more significant ponies that are on his side, some of which you may recognize."

Luna levitated up a folder, placed it on the table in front of the others, and opened it. Inside was several documents, as well as a picture of a white earth pony with a curly orange mane.

"This is Sevngallop, he used to be an event organizer for Countess Coloratura, until he was fired from that position. Now he serves Neighsay as the head messenger pony."

Twilight then spoke up. "I remember this stallion. He's nothing more than a cruel bully. Tried to manipulate Rara for his own benefit."

"That explains why he became the head messenger." Pharynx said.

"He can easily spread lies and other misinformation around Equestria and get everypony on Neighsays side."

If Sevngallop was able to become such an influential and powerful pony, Twilight can only guess what he did to Rara after his rise alongside Neighsay.

"Lets continue." Luna stated, putting the files away while bringing up another folder. The picture inside this one was of a unicorn mare with a light grey coat, and a mane with pink and white stripes. "Zesty Gourmand, High inquisitor." Luna explained. "She was the one running the operations involving non pony creatures. Including those at the changeling hive." Twilight and Dash had only heard of her from Pinkie pie and Rarity. At the time, she was simply a mere food critic from Canterlot.

"Pinkie told me about her. She tried to tell everypony in Canterlot what food they could and couldn't eat! Can you believe it!?" Dash exclaimed.

"Guess that probably explains why she is disgusted by us Changelings. The kind of food we eat would never satisfy someone like her." Pharynx stated.

"I still remember the interrogations... She apparently still thinks we feed off of other ponies love!"

Even though Twilight had a slight curiosity about those interrogations, she did not want to get off track. There were still more ponies that they needed to discuss.

Luna put Zestys files away, and bought out the next folder. Upon opening it, Rainbow Dashes eyes widened, and her face gave an angry look.

"Wind Rider!! That Pegasus tried to get me kicked out of the wonderbolts!!"

Dashes hoof then slammed the table. If the picture of wind rider was close enough to her, then she no doubt would've hit the photo.

"Then you should already know who we are dealing with. As he is now the commander of the Saberbolts. Neighsays replacement for the wonderbolts."

Twilight still remembered her first encounter with them. Rather than attack her, they decided to attack the escaping Changelings. No doubt that Windrider was just as cruel as the Saberbolts, if not more so.

"Me and spitfire were offered a place in Neighsays army. Both of us refused." Shining Armor stated.

"There is no way that either of us would support such a terrible cause. I'm sure that Wind Rider has Spitfire imprisoned somewhere, as well as other prominent Wonderbolts."

Dash began to grow even more peeved.

"Then he better be afraid now that I know what's going on. I can't believe I once looked up to that... That bucking CUNT!!!"

Nearby everypony was stunned by Rainbows choice of words, even Pharynx never made such a hateful statement in his life. Luna put a hoof on dashes shoulder to try and calm her down.

"I understand your frustration, but please don't do something you will regret."

Dash sighed.

"Sorry... It's just this information really struck hit me hard. Not only does Neighsay get rid of the wonderbolts, but he also puts a backstabber like wind rider in charge of thier replacement."

Shining was wondering if he never should've stated what happened to Spitfire.

"Let's..... move on." Twilight suggested. Luna put away Wind riders files, (Before the picture of him smiling got too far under Rainbows coat.) and got out the next folder. The pony inside this one was another earth pony, only he was purple with a lavish mane.

"Gladmane." Luna said. "Neighsays treasurer and tax inspector."

Although neither Twilight nor Rainbow had actually met the pony, they still remembered what Applejack and Fluttershy had said about him.

"Applejack told us about how he tried to monopolize the resorts in Las Pegasus." Twilight stated

"If he got his way, the whole city would've been WAY... To expensive, and totally uncool!" Dash said.

"Indeed, prices all over New Equestria have spiked, and taxes are higher than ever. Most of the money is likely going towards the war effort."

Money that could be used to benefit equestria was instead being used to harm other kingdoms. It seamed like everything that Twilight had worked for was all gone. The very thought made her sick.

Luna put away Gladmanes folder and bought out another. A pink mare was inside this one.

"That's Suri Polomare. She's just a fashion mare from Manehattan. What does she do? Make NEM outfits?" Twilight asked.

"Close. She is responsible for factory production. Weapons, armor, and even vehicles are all handled through her." Luna stated.

"She also manages the slave labor that goes on in New Equestria."

Twilight and Rainbows eyes widened. This mare who simply tried to cheat Rarity out of a fashion show, was now promoting slavery? All five ponies that Luna had shown had crossed Twilight and her friends at one point. But were they so evil as to join a heartless pony like Neighsay in overthrowing the two royal sisters and turn Equestria into a dystopian dictatorship?

Maybe once they learned that Twilights friends were teachers at the school of friendship, they felt supportive of Neighsay, but aiding him in overthrowing the equestrian government? Not even they would stoop that low. Or would they?

"There's one more pony who you should know about. And he might be the reason why Neighsay rose to power."

Luna bought out the last folder and opened it. The pony inside this one confused Twilight.

"Prince Blueblood? Seriously?" Commented Rainbow Dash.

"I know its odd, but he is of royal blood. Perhaps he was able to get Neighsay and the others insider information about us, and plot thier moves accordingly."

It was true that Blueblood was the least popular pony of royalty, and maybe he did get jealous of the two sisters influence. But if blueblood did want to overthrow them, then why wasn't he ruling New Equestria?

"He is Neighsays second in command, and he does do a lot of advising for him. But that's all we know about him so far."

Luna put the last folder away. "So... You're telling us that these six ponies are helping Neighsay in taking over equestria AND its neighbors?" Dash asked.

Luna nodded.

"Well they aren't going to stop us! We are going to find our friends, and send everypony on his side straight to Tartarus! Or somewhere that's even worse!"

Although Twilight was glad that Dash was still her enthusiastic self, she was worried that it would it land her in more danger than she could handle.

"I know you're eager to take on Neighsay and his allies, but things are much different now, and more dangerous."

The only glimpse that dash had at the dangers of this new world was at the offshore platform that she was held at. But dash knew that everyone in the room saw much more horrifying things than she had. Although she didn't want to admit it, Dash was nervous about what awaited her.

"So... What do we do now? We can't just sit around and do nothing while Neighsay destroys equestria!" Dash exclaimed.

"As of now, we are currently trying to locate where the remaining elements are being held. Shining Armor is also trying to establish contact with Dragon lord Ember to tell her of the Changelings survival." Luna stated.

"I still find it difficult to believe that a strong creature like Ember would connect with my brother. But I guess that's for the better, as it will gain us more allies. After all, the Dragon lands are one of the last surviving kingdoms that Neighsay has been unable to conquer."

Twilight then remembered Thoraxes current condition.

"How is Thorax doing by the way? Has he been getting better?" Pharynx looked back at Twilight.

"I'm honestly not too sure. The nightmares have seamed to stop, but he's been rather emotionless recently. Almost as if he's stopped caring about things."

That certainly didn't sound like Thorax.

"I'll continue to talk to him, support from any of you is welcome if you have it."

At that point, the meeting was over, and everycreature began to leave the room. With the information Twilight learned about Neighsays allies, she began to wonder if they knew where the rest of her friends were.

Dash was more focused on Wind Rider. Did he single handedly Kidnap Rarity and torture her as revenge for getting him expelled from the wonderbolts? Rainbow dash had a lot of plans for him should she ever get her hooves on him.

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Kicks and punches were being thrown with full force at the training dummy. Shortly after the meeting, dash went down to what was an old training room. She found this dummy in one of the rooms corners, and Dash figured that a session with it was a good way to vent out her anger.

The sound of her hooves hitting cloth and straw could be heard throughout the room, and the adjacent hallway.

"This is what you get Wind Rider! Trying to get me expelled from the Wonderbolts is one thing, but kidnapping my friends and helping a scumbag like Neighsay is way over the line!!"

Dash then pinned the dummy on the ground by the neck.

"You're nothing Wind Rider! Nothing but a back stabbing CUNT!!"

Dash gave two hard punches to the face, which caused the head of the dummy to pop, spilling out air and a bit of straw. She then calmed down. The dummy might need to have it's head fixed, but the damage wasn't too severe. A small creek then came from the door to the room, and Dashes attention was caught.

"Who's there?" Dash asked.

She walked over the door and opened it.

"Thorax? Did you... Hear me?"

Thorax nodded.

"Your yelling was a bit loud, and I do come down here from time to time... Helps keep my mind relaxed."

Dash immediately felt a shot of guilt.

"Oh.. I'm so sorry.. I heard about what you have been going through... And I..."

Thorax put his hoof on dashes mouth, stopping her from talking.

"Don't apologize. It isn't your fault. Too many ponies and Changelings have already tried to feel sorry for me."

Dash didn't expect that kind of response. Thorax was the kind of changeling that would be horrified and broken by what Neighsay and his allies were doing, especially to non ponies. For him to just shrug off Dashes apology surprised her.

"Thorax... I once thought that all changelings were evil, but you proved me wrong... And after hearing about what Neighsay is doing to them..."

Thorax cut Dash off again.

"Shining Armor told me the same thing! I'm tired of being treated like the weak and cowardly one around here!"

Dash backed off a bit.

"My brother was right, I do need tougher skin. And ponies like you always feeling sorry for me isn't helping! In fact, maybe you should be blaming my bitch mother for ruining our image!!!"

The sudden outrage had Dash at a loss for words. Normally she would fight back after an outrage like that. But this was Thorax of all creatures who was yelling these things. Never had he spouted such things, calling his own mother such a horrible name was very unlike him. Though shortly after his outburst, Thorax began to calm down.

"I... I should go now..."

He turned around and walked back down the hallway. Dash frowned and looked back at the training dummy. Now with much sorrow rather than anger.

"Are these the same ponies I remember...?" Dash asked herself.

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Twilight had just gotten word from his brother that he had just finished with something very important. Upon reaching him, she was greeted by a large monitor, similar to the one that Capper had back at his safe house.

"Glad you came Twilight. I was finally able to get the transmitter working. Capper was able to send over some working replacements for parts that were busted."

It was good to know that Capper was actually being truthful about helping this time.

"I also managed to get in touch with Ember, however she was a bit reluctant to accept contact at first."

That was certainly good news.

"Should I get Thorax?" Twilight asked.

"I don't think that's a good idea right now. He isn't exactly in the best mental shape right now."

The Alicorn was hoping that he would be getting better, though that seamed like it would take longer than usual.

"Well we can still tell her that the Changelings have survived."

Shining Armor nodded, and powered up the device. Lights on the console flickered on and off, and the screen lit up, displaying a blue line that raced horizontally across the screen. After a few moments, a display of a large cavern with several gems appeared, and in the middle of it all stood ember.

"Well.. Look who decided to reach out! Do you have any idea how difficult it was to get this damn pony tech to work?!"

Shinning armor understood her struggle the most.

"Believe me Dragon Lord, I had to get replacement parts from Kludgetown."

Ember didn't get less agitated.

"You better have a good reason for contacting me! Thanks to your little ENA, ponies are now hated worldwide! And it isn't just Dragons either! Yaks, Hippogriffs, and all other non ponies hate you now!"

Shining didn't reply.

"Ember, we don't support Neighsay or his actions. He is actually hunting us down, especially after we rescued the Changelings."

"I don't believe that! As far as I'm concerned, all the Changelings were murdered by the NEM!!"

"That's not true..."

A voice came from the door. In stepped Pharynx, who just heard what Ember just said.

"Several of us has survived, including me and my brother, though we are not in the best state."

Ember was surprised.

"Thorax is... Alive...?"

She shook her head, trying to remain focused on her current predicament.

"Focus Ember... You're at war."

Pharynx wasn't fooled however, as he clearly heard what Ember said before. Twilight and Shining Armor heard her was well.

"Listen Ember," Twilight said.

"You are one of the last beacons of hope against Neighsay. We can help sabotage the war efforts here against the dragon lands. We just need..."

"Stop right there." Ember interrupted Twilight.

"We are in no position to send aid. The NEM attacks us on a regular basis. My own father had to come out of retirement just to keep them at bay!"

"We understand your struggle." Pharynx claimed. "My brother is still feeling horrible about possibly losing Ocellus. Chances are her friend Smolder is likely safe with you."

"Smolder's not here." Ember stated.

"We are pretty sure that she was killed along with the rest of her friends."

Twilight felt a jolt of sadness hit her. The young six were some of her best students, and the fact that no one knew what happened to them yet made her even more depressed.

Suddenly, another dragon came into view on the screen, who had burn marks and other injuries.

"My lord! The NEM have sent more ships to bomb our shores!"

The room Ember was in shook with great force.

"Rally up those who are combat ready! I'll be there shortly!"

"Yes dragon Lord!" The dragon saluted and flew out.

"See? This is what I have to put up with! We cannot talk right now! Have to defend the coastline!"

The screen then went blank, and the room was silent.

"You think Ember will be able to get back to us?" Twilight asked.

"I don't know." Said Shining. "But as long as they are still standing, Neighsay will keep attacking. The Dragon lands must not fall."

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Twilight was in her bed when she heard the door open, in came Rainbow dash and to her surprise, Braeburn.

"Braeburn? I thought you were out scouting."

"I was, however I ran into two ponies who might be able to help out here."

"Yeah! They knew Pinkie Pie and Rarity back before all this happened. Braeburn bought them in, lets go meet them!"

The three ponies ran out into the hallway and down the corridor. When they arrived in the entrance to the hideout, there were two ponies waiting for them.

"Princess Twilight! It's truly an honor!" The mare shook hooves with the princess.

"Thanks. Now who are you two?"

"I'm Saffron Masala, and this is my father, Coriander Cumin."