Big Mac walked by the empty hallways of CHS checking every little detail about the preparations for the festival of the Fall Formal, he was excited since his little sister Applejack and their friend Sunset Shimmer were to participate in this event, Applejack was tricked to enlist by non other that Rainbow Dash which did the whole thing funny, Mac couldn't stop himself from picking on her by that, Sunset's entry was another thing, originally Sunset opted for assisting Celestia with organization and arrangements but later she submitted an entry on the contest for queen.

Mac knew that the redhead girl didn't enter because she wanted to win the contest and be named queen, she did it out of support for Applejack and Mac could only appreciate a friend like her doing that, so as a special thanks he tried to assist her with anything she asked and honestly it was a lot of things, Mac wasn't complaining though, must things she asked were mundane and easy, yet every time he complied she would smile so sweetly that Mac only chuckled and smiled as well, the girl was gold in his book, a book that almost got torn apart when his crush rejected him not too long ago.

Mac was still hurt by Luna's rejection but above what he felt he respected her wishes to carry on with their relationship as friends, Big Mac wanted to avoid Luna while his feeling cooled down but with Granny working in the school and her sister now a student it was very difficult task, made more so by Sunset constant requests but again somehow her smile and personality did him good.

After finishing some other details Mac moved to look for Sunset near the main storage room of the school where the main stuff for big events was stored, as he got closer to the door his ears picked up a heated conversation going on.

Apart from him and Sunset there were just a few students and a couple of teachers arranging for the Formal so Mac wondered who could be there, as he drew closer he recognized Sunset's voice but couldn't do the same for the second, in fact it was only Sunset's that he could heard when he reached the door but somehow it was off, like if she was talking to herself but under two different emotions, like if she was arguing with herself. 'Maybe she's talkin on the phone'. Mac thought, if that was the case he didn't wanted to interrupt her, still he waited outside in case she needed him after.

"I... I didn't know". Sunset's voice sounded through the door.

"Well, you know now, in any case you have to go back to your place, this is mine and you have overstayed your welcome".

"But I... I'm investigating this world, i-in the name of my teacher Celesti-".

"I don't care! This isn't your place! If it is information what you want then take a book or a computer with you or wherever but you can't stay".

"B-but I... I... my friends and Big Ma-".

"No buts! Or do you want me to tell everyone the true about where you came from?".

Mac listened and first he thought that Sunset was performing some kind of trick with her voice, maybe something to use at the Formal but when the voices overlapped he knew that there was someone else with her someone with a very similar voice, someone who was treating her.

"No please!".

"Then let go and go back where you belong, if you continue here it will be difficult for me to take back my life as a human, or is it that you don't want to go back to Equestria?".

"I...". Sunset was almost crying by now and Mac couldn't wait anymore, clenching his fists Mac decided to interrupt the argument and confront whoever it was inside with Sunset, he pushed the door hard catching both girls inside completely by surprise but soon that turned on him as he saw not one but two Sunset Shimmers inside.

"Bi-Big Mac!". Sunset, the Sunset that was crying almost fainted after seen him while the other Sunset, the aggressive one only scowled.

"Damn it!". She suddenly pulled a small stone from a pocket on her skirt and approached him.

"What are you going to-". Crying Sunset didn't finished her question nor did Big Mac had any chance of asking what in Pete's sake was going on when a huge pain assaulted him, his sight turned to the Sunset who was now pressing the stone against him, the pain didn't come from his chest but his head, like been hit with a brick or something, the pain became unbearable and Mac fell to his knees his hand reached out to the girl and managing to pull her hand away but the pain continued anyway.

"What did you do to him!". The crying Sunset, the one he knew because she was wearing his jacket kneel besides him holding him tight, Mac fell the pain start to diminish but now his mind was getting fuzzy and his vision blurry, his last sight was that of the two Sunsets arguing about magic, ponies and memories.

"...".

" g Ma...".

"...".

"Big M...tosh!".

"Uh?".

"Big Mac! Please wake up!". As Sunset called his name Mac got a bit of his senses back, he opened his eyes and found himself on the floor in the entrance of the Storage room, he put himself in a seating position and looked around unable to remember what just happened and how he end up on the floor like one of his uncles after Apple Family Reunion.

"Sunset? Are ya ok, what happened?".

"You, you were hit by a box from the upper shelves that came down, it got you in the head".

"Ah see, well that explains the pain on mah think can". Mac expected Sunset to smile with the joke since she looked tense but if anything she started trembling.

"Sunset?". She leaned over him, hugging him and trembling, he couldn't remember how bad the sight of the falling box may have looked but by her reaction it must have been hell scary. "Ah m ok Sunset don't worry non".

"NO! You... You are not ok, she could have... , You could have lost your memories".

"Mah memories?". 'Was the hit in mah head that bad? Ah did loose consciousness so maybe it was'.

Mac returned the hug albeit less thigh since even with all their clothes on he could feel her breasts pressing him. After some minutes there she finally let go and stood up, red faced and red eyes. "Sorry I, I need to use the lady's restroom, I'm glad you're ok Big Mac". With that she left, Big Mac stood there for a bit more just thinking how it felt to have her so close, she smelled nice and even if her face was a bit messed by her red eyes she was still pretty, sudden guilt punch him hard on the guts just remembering how Luna turned him down and now here he was, having this kind of thoughts for a girl almost 3 years younger, well? For that logic he could see why Luna turned him down since he was 7 years younger.

Deciding that it was enough self-pity for one day Mac stood up and walked back into the hallway, he walked with no destination in mind only to find himself back in front of the Storage Room once again, he stopped just to make sure he wasn't imagining things, but it wasn't that the case, he walked toward the door and the conversation from before repeated again, Sunset's voice was again showing two different emotions, the dialogue was the same, one voice pushing the other to do as she ordered, the other one refusing with distress mixed in her voice.

Mac waited to see if the mysterious argument would end up differently but it didn't, so he couldn't do anything now but to ask what was going on, again he interrupted the conversation only to be blinded by an intense light and paralyzed by the world's worst headache.

When the pain left he was again on the floor, again Sunset worried for him and again his mind was a mess with the biggest case of deja Vu floating inside his head.

"Sunset? Where ya? Who was here with you?".

"No-no one, but that's not important, how do you feel? Do you remember everything in your life? Do you remember anything before entering the room? Do you... you know who I am right?". The last question was made almost begging, Mac tried to regain some sense of order in his mind but every time he was close to grasping it it slipped away like water between fingers.

The last few minutes passed very similar as before, Sunset hugging him, he hugging back, she letting go saying she needed the restroom and him walking out, once again finding his way back to the storage room where the whole conversation was at it again.

Only after this happening again did Big Mac understood that he was in a dream, but no ordinary dream, it was one of those he and Sunset had been having lately, dreams of the past that for some reason they have forgotten, he already experienced a couple of those but never before did they loop like this one, nor was he aware of the dream until he would woke up.

So that meant that this was special, or magic was involved and knowing how the life of his magic pony princess girlfriend worked it was most likely both.

Understanding that Mac tried to break the loop by doing different things but when he broke the sequel of the original loop he would find himself back in the hallway still walking in search of Sunset, every single try end up the same and Mac was getting nowhere, the same thing would happen if he stood immobile and didn't looked for Sunset.

'Somethin about this dream must have the reason why ah can't move on, but what? Ah tried everythin ah can think of and all failed. Hmmm, the first time, the first time was somehow a bit different, painful, ah remember seen somethin important but can't remember what was it, think Macintosh Apple! Think! Ya walk near the door and heard Sunset, she's arguin with someone, her voice is identical but... different, angrier, demandin, it's not mah Sunny, is someone else but who? Dammitt! If only ah wouldn't have fallen for Luna's trick! That book of Twilight is more dangerous that... Twilight? This Twilight, not Princess Twilight, another Sunset, it was another Sunset! This world Sunset!'.

Just as he came to that conclusion the whole world around him shifted, the entire scenario started to crumble like a sand made castle, walls, floor, everything around him fell until only Mac remained, scratch that, even him was vanishing, his body becoming intangible as the rest of the school, fear took him and for a moment he thought he would disappear too, but no pain or discomfort was felt, even so Mac closed his eyes expecting total doom.

When his entire body was gone his eyes opened on their own due to his lack of eyelids, in fact the only thing remaining of Big Mac was a red floating sphere, he panicked again but not for long, he tried to move and found out he could float now, after making sure he was ok he inspected the new sight.

The new landscape was like an empty plain field. The ground was almost a smooth blue surface with nothing around, overheard the was clear night sky, Mac inspected it more carefully and found the stars different from the real world, his father thought him how to find his way at night using the stars as a guiding point, for that reason he knew that this sky wasn't real.

Searching around seemed as the best way to find help or at least something else important, maybe this was another dream mean to reveal another clue from the past, for now Mac had a lot to think about, he needed to find a way to wake Sunset, after that they could talk about what happen then and more importantly, about the other Sunset.

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RICH'S WAREHOUSE COMPOUND...
With a flash of light the newly arrived Rainbooms turned into their pony forms and took place next to their friends. 'How is going over here?". Asked Applejack to Aria, not taking her eyes off Adagio and Rawhorn.

"Two down for them, two more to go but I think the last two are the toughest, as for us?" Aria's sight shifted for a second to the reptile laying on the floor. "I think Shy there lost her friend helping us, a shame". Applejack tried to find sarcasm in Aria's comment but surprisingly the siren meant it, it seemed that she was changing for the better.

"So Adagio killed it with her magic?". Asked Twilight from the back with understandable fear.

"NO! It was HIM!". Fluttershy almost spat the words out, the pink haired girl was angry, her eyes set in only one person, the only male still standing.

"He took on that big thing? How?". Asked Rarity also shocked.

"He's an equestrian like us, he must be a strong specie back in Equestria, an earth pony or a bull, wherever he is he's dangerous, do not do something stu-". A loud blast cut Aria short as a beam of yellow flew across directed to Rawhorn, the bull/man simply stepped aside and let the beam strike nothing but air.

All Rainbooms turned to Fluttershy, her hands up and yellow smoke coming from her palms. At the other side Adagio smiled again and her magic started to come out. "I think that's the signal to start the dance". Her hands begin to shine as well. "Rawhorn, would you mind distracting a few of them?".

"Think you can't take them?".

"Oh no, I know I can mop the floor with their sparkly asses but I don't want to spend too much energy from the gem in them". Rawhorn nodded, it was the whole purpose of the mission in the human world, to gather energy without equestrian interference.

"Very well, I will take some of them aside, our mission here it's almost done, better not dwell here more than necessary".

"Don't worry, they won't be a problem". Not soon did finish those words that a bunch of pink confetti was thrown at the evil doers exploding as soon as it did contact, again all the Rainbooms turned to see Pinkie Pie with a bored expression.

"What? They were taking too long, blah blah blah, let's fight!".

"What the crazy one said, hit them hard!". Aria roared and shoot her own blast.

"Ok but you have to teach us how to do that!". Rainbow demanded as she ran around trying to find an opening she could exploit, she got it when she was behind Adagio, Rainbow smirked and tried to go for a sucker punch but instead her fist met the palm of Rawhorn, the man closed his hand and twisted the fist causing the wrist to dislocate, Rainbow screamed and tried to brake free from Rawhorn but her movements only worsen her condition, Rawhorn lifted his other hand to deliver a fist of his own but a punch across the jaw end up sending him flying.

"Are ya ok Dash?".

"You think I'm okay? The bastard almost broke my arm, it fucking hurts!". Rainbow took her useless hand close to her chest in fear that would fall off even if she knew it was impossible from such injury.

"Lemme see, maybe... Yer lucky it's only dislocated, it can be put together easily".

"Then do it damn it!".

"Ok gave it". Applejack took the arm and hand and focused in using the right amount of force or she could cripple Dash further.

"Let me know when yoaaaaaaahhhggg! The fuck Applejack?!". Rainbow retracted the limb and nursed it away from the farmer.

"This way was faster and yer welcome, now let's go back to...". Rawhorn didn't wait, as soon as he was standing again he ran against the two Rainbooms that got dislodged from the rest.

He tried to attack Applejack but the girl noticed him in time and ducked a lariat that was coming for her head, as she stood back up she launch her own attack landing a quick blow on the back of the man, he grunted clearily hurt but still managed to elbow the Apple girl in the face spilling blood from her brow.

"Applejack!". Rainbow didn't know how but next thing she knew her hands send beams of cyan magic toward the man hitting him in the back as well. Rawhorn tumbled putting distance between him and the two teens, he was injured by the blonde one and the second one put salt on the wound.

"Are you ok? Did you saw that awesome ray I just... Oh shit you're bleeding!".

"Now who's the one with the stupid questions? Of course ah am not ok argggh!". The blood started cascading down her face almost getting inside her right eye and it hurt like crazy, while her magic did make her godly strong her body was still that of a teenager and could be broken as easily as the rest.

"Ok, time for strategy... So?".

"Why are y looking at me? What am ah? Twilight!?". Asked Applejack as she covered her cut with her hand feeling the warm crimson liquid and thinking in how Granny Smith was going to punish her if she were to see the injury in her forehead. "Hope the rest is doing better". Calming her breathing Applejack assumed her brawling position. "Ok Dash, on my signal we bash him left n' right".

"Got it!". Rainbow too got ready.

"GO!". Both girls ran to meet the man.

At the other side the other girls were having difficulty pinning Adagio down but she herself was unable to deal with so many targets at once, the animal lover was sending beam after beam of her magic her way assisted by the other pink haired but they were doing nothing thanks to Adagio's magic shielding her, Aria was the problem though, whenever Adagio let her guard down or got distracted she would use the time to use one of her sonic attacks, magic couldn't quiet block those since the sound was wide and multidirectional while magic beams had a easy to read trajectory.

Fluttershy who was shooting magic non stop started to tire out and her position was proverbial for a counter attack, Adagio been the opportunist shot right at her a beam strong enough to blast a hole to the ground but before victory could be claimed a white dome of diamonds appeared blocking her attack, the blast bounced off of the magic barrier only cracking it.

"Tha-thanks Rarity, I... I'm sorry".

"No need to apologise dear but you are worn out, if you keep it up you wouldn't be able to move".

"I'm so- never mind, I'll keep my energy for when I get better chance of scoring a hit". Rarity nodded impressed, it was the first time she heard so much determination in her shy friend and wondered if the visit from Sunset in her dream or the dead of her animal friend had changed her, or both events.

Aria kept looking for an opening to shoot at Adagio, but after Fluttershy stopped adding her attacks Adagio had more chances to go for her and she did, for a moment there it looked like only she and Adagio existed, Adagio used her magic with complete disregard making holes anywhere her fire would miss the mark, Aria could feel the heat coming from wherever Adagio's attacks landed and she now was sure that she was using the magic from the blue gem in her neck, those beams of magic were way to powerful to be normal and it somehow felt familiar but right now the important thing for Aria was to avoid be turn into a crispy body.

Another blast send chunks of debris all around, Aria was hit by a few pieces, one in particular forced her to close her eyes and Adagio barely landed a solid one but Aria still managed to duck at the last second.

"What's the matter Aria? Afraid of getting burned?".

"Screw you puffy bitch! I always hated that fluffy hair of your".

"The sentiment is mutual, but at least I'm not about to die here, you know? If you beg me and kiss my boots I may let you go, what do you say uh?".

Aria growled in frustration but something behind Adagio called her attention and she started talking again. "Hey Adagio! You know what looks stupid and is about to be crushed?".

"What?". Adagio turned around expecting to be about to be ambushed by the Rainbooms and in fact the pink crazy one was about to throw more explosive sprinkles at her but been found red handed she awkwardly moved to hide behind the diamond shield of Rarity. "Was that your little traaghh!". From above, a couple of heavy looking boxes were dropped over the confident Adagio crushing her completely.

"I... I'm so sorry I didn't knew they were so heavy! You, you think she's dead". Asked Twilight scared for what she just did.

"If she is then I'll buy you a new fucking wardrobe to look as awesome as me". Aria told Twilight while putting an arm over the scared girl, smiling to see that someone finally shot that grin off of Adagio's face.

Her own smile was sweep away however when from under the broken remains of the boxes a red light broke free and Adagio erupted from the wooden pieces. "Rrrrgraah! I have enough of you losers". Adagio was now covered in red magic that cracked with blue light as well, her pony ears have now replaced the human ones and from her back a pair of translucent fin like wings appeared, her eyes shined with red light as well, her entire appearance only stained by the bit of blood running out of her mouth, to make things more dramatic she started floating while her evil aura continued to grow.

The four Rainbooms and Aria regrouped away from the raging siren." So it looks like we may have piss her off an itsy tiny bit". Pinkie said cheerfully.

"We can't keep this up, Twilight darling, what do we do now?". Rarity asked and all eyes turned to the mentioned girl.

"I... Why are you asking me? I mean its normally Sunset who takes lead and I just point things of importance but that's about it". All girls looked among each other.

"Incoming! Everyone scatter!". As Aria yelled all the girls ducked for cover or hide behind Rarity's shield avoiding one of Adagio's new and improved magic beams.

"Snap out of it! This isn't a whimsical battle like before, Adagio and that other guy want us dead or worst, you Rarity! You're our best defence against big bad bitch over there so stay on the center where you can protect everyone, you! pink one and pink two move to the sides and shot when you have a chance! You four eyes! Use your Jedi powers and bust her ass with those boxes again!".

"That's, that's impossible, there's too many pieces now to manipulate, I can't do it!".

"Maybe, but the mass should be the same right? Focus on that rather that individual pieces and use your imagination". Twilight brighten at that, logic was her forte and when a method was present to her she dived easily.

"And what's your roll in this formation Aria?". Asked Rarity curious.

"I'm... the fucking bait, darling". Saying that Aria stepped forward where Adagio was now coming for them. " So, if I die because you pussies couldn't take the fight seriously, I'm gonna come back as a ghost and molest you while you sleep".

"That's quiet disgusting darling, so we won't let you die today". Rarity said taking her spot in the middle of the group as Aria planned.

"Uuuuh I'm not gonna be difficult for you, I sleep all in the nude". Pinkie declared taking left of Aria.

"Too much information Pinkie". Twilight said using her magic in the broken pieces of boxes and realising that what Aria told her was correct.

Fluttershy silently took the to the right of Aria, her eyes were shifting with fear but a sudden slap in the butt shook her out of it. "Eeeeep!".

"Atta girl! Remember, because of those assholes Mr Spots is gone! Are you gonna let them get away with it?". Aria asked Fluttershy and her uncertain look changed for one of pure venom. "Good, now don't go crazy and throw your life away, someone has to bury him". Fluttershy simply nodded, her rage now focused.

Aria didn't counted the odds of winning, but if she have to, she'll say they were not completely fuck.

Meanwhile The two remaining Rainbooms where having the fight of their lives, mostly because they were betting it. Applejack had a more purple spots in her face and her chest where Rawhorn landed some punches that hurt as hell, Rainbow wasn't any better, she had a broken lip and she was sure something was wrong inside of her as her stomach felt cold, her hand instinctively went where the cold spot was, as soon as her hand pressed a little pain shot at her. "Ngggh".

"You ok there Dash?". Asked Applejack not taking her eyes off Rawhorn who was breathing hard and his face had a swallowing eye.

"Ye-yeah... maybe, I... I'm fucking scared". Her voice almost breaking at the end.

"Yeah, me too, more now that time when Juniper Montage got us inside that mirror".

"Yeah, but that time with the Dazzlings was more scary, they wanted to eat us!".

"Not us you dummy, our negativity".

"That's like almost the same, and don't get me started with your new sister when she turned into a demon, now that was freaking scary, I almost piss my pants!".

"We were wearing skirts Rainbow, and who told ya she's marrying mah brot-!". Rawhorn tried to get a jump on the girls seeing them distracted but both dodged the attack and started talking again.

"Oh come on! It's so obvious, they have probably done it a bunch of times in secret and as soon as Sunset wakes up I'm sure Big Mac is going to ask her to move over with you guys".

"Rainbow! This isn't the damn place to- howah there! Almost got me". Rawhorn tried once again going for Applejack but she again avoided it.

"Damn bastard! Don't know is rude to interfere in a ladies conversation?".

"You ask of politeness when you are in the middle of a fight? You are more childish that your pony self's, at least those have some sense of duty as heroes of Equestria". Rawhorn had never met the heroes of harmony but from all the tales he heard from them he could get a basic idea of their personalities.

"Well too bad for you, we aren't them, we are barely adults so we are expected to be immature, why Applejack here is still a virgin".

"What the heck Rainbow?! Why the hell would you tell him that!".

"It's true though".

"Enough! Do not mock me with your silly quarrels, I have a mission to accomplish and I won't fail to a pair of promiscuous human fillies!". Rawhorn forgot about everything, his only objective now was to show those girls the big mistake they committed by making fun of him.

"Rainbow? Can ya still going?".

"Sure why not, what's another broken bone or two". Soon enough Rawhorn was over them the two girls took opposing sides forcing Rawhorn to divide his attention , whenever he went for Rainbow the fast girl would evade or faint a counter giving Applejack plenty of time to land one punch in his already injured torso racking his body with pain, if he tried to go for the blonde girl the other one would rain down swift punches and kicks with unmatched speed, between here and there Rawhorn would trade one of his own and he knew he was doing damage but not enough, the fight with the reptile zapped a lot of his strength and the injuries we're adding up, still he could see his two opponents tiring out, too much focus in a battle of power while endurance was the real key, it was just a bet of who could out last whom and Rawhorn knew he would.

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SUNSET'S NIGHTMARE...
' Please, stop '. Big Mac smiled at her again, with the same smile that make her heart throb, but now it have the opposite effect on her, his voice that charmed her with his gentleness and depth now make her wanted to cover her ears, his eyes that make her melt now caused her to close her owns. The repetition did it again, the fake Mac, the fake Luna, only Sunset was real in this small world that refused to let her go.

What started as another dream of her past in the human world, before she turned into a power hungry delinquent, have been turn into a repeating torture, with every new rewind of the memory Sunset felt worse, sick, weak as if the dream not only worked as a prison but as a slow torture device as well.

Then the screw was twisted even further when in the next repetition the doubles of Big Mac and Luna started to act differently, the acted surprised of been stuck there too and see Sunset stuck in there as well, Sunset was glad to finally have someone real with her, more so because one of them was the man she loved, she immediately jumped to his arms and started making out then and there uncaring that Luna was watching, she was just glad, so glad.

Then the facade revealed itself, the smiles on the fakes became cold and started mocking her for believing that she would be rescued, for falling for the treachery, their voices then became like that of Adagio, laughing and pointing at her first making fun of her would be villain role in her first year in highschool and then for his falure as a hero later on.

"Your friends will suffer a quick fate at the hands of my master but you... You Sunset Shimmer, you'll suffer every little second of pain, not only that but thanks to you my master's mission is almost complete!".

Sunset moved as close to the corner of her old room as much as she could, eyes close, hands covering her ears, mind refusing to pay attention but her voice still reached inside her head. It show her images of her dear friends, the closest people she had to sisters all broken and mangled at the clutches of Adagio. All Canterlot city in ruins, CHS, the mall where she worked, Sugarcube Corner, Sweet Apple Acres, her Apartment home, everything abandoned and or destroyed.

"Gwaah ha ha ha! This is so entertaining, but I think I can do better, you know? Here your entire mind is at my mercy, I know every dirty little secret, oh! Here s good one, so your hillbilly boyfriend had a thing for the blue hag? Hmm ever wondered how would those two look together? Making out in front of you? You don't need to imagining it, I'll show you!". Said the thing that looked like Adagio.

Adagio's like voice disappeared and the fakes turned to each other, Sunset heard everything and tried to disappear in that corner, her treacherous mind starting to imagining what would have been if she and Big Mac never felt in love, if he would end up with Luna eventually. Then came the noises, light at first but growing in volume and intensity, Sunset squirmed under the noises of hungry kisses, gasps and what sounded like clothes been torn from their bodies, finally her damn curiosity won over any form of control and her eyes stole a glance of the fake lover embracing each other like two octopuses in heat.

Her heart ached, she knew perfectly well that those two weren't real, nothing here was real, not her friends been killed nor the city been reduced to rubble, and specially not the one on one sex match going on in front of her and yet the image burned her bad, got her to feel miserable and teary.

Her hands went to her flaming hair and grabbed chunks not it home her mind repeated over and over a plea to end the nightmare.

The malevolent siren watched with awe and joy to the suffering of it captive, however her entertainment was called off when it detected Intruders in her domain, watching the girl recoil with mental pain once more it left her to attend to the uninvited, maybe they would entertain it even more.

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DREAMSCAPE...
Sphere Big Mac continued to float around trying to find anything useful or any indication of where he was but so far nothing, nothing at all, so far he had moved at random directions trying to locate something but it was proven useless so far, he kept turning up from time to time but also the starts above didn't provide any answer and Mac was getting tired of the same view, a plain blue ground landscape with no difference whatsoever, not only that but from some time ago he started feeling nervous and cold, the same coldness biting him inside that he felt when Luna told him of Sunset's condition, something else was happening to her, his non existent heart almost shout out to him, to hurry up, to find her, to help her, Mac grinded his invisible teeth out of desperation.

And so he kept floating, moving around for any sign and finding non, but Apples were as stubborn as mules and Mac was of the worst. " Ah ll find ya! Just ya wait Sunny". Mac kept on floating praying for her to hold on.

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' RICH'S WAREHOUSE COMPOUND...
"ARRRGGH!". Aria growled as one of Adagio's beams send small pieces of molten concrete on to her face, she was sporting burns in both of her arms and she was sure by the smell that her hair had caught fire at least one time, the other girls weren't that better.

Rarity was so far the less harmed of the group, a few cuts here and there received when her shield failed to stop Adagio, Pinkie has received more of the damage been the second one more exposed, one of her legs had a nasty looking purple spot where Adagio scored her, she also had a bad number of cuts in her arms from anytime she had to duck for cover, Fluttershy was barely standing, the girl got one blast in the guts but her purple shinny dress had taken much of the damage, even so the frail girl was still no fighter and her magic was running low. Finally the princess look alike had taken a blow to the head and Aria could distinguish blood among her hair, it was her actually who had caused the more trouble for Adagio, her attacks with the pieces of wood from the boxes she dropped on her previously had more that once caught her off guard.

Unfortunately despite all the damage Adagio was taking Aria could see that her allies were running on fumes now, Adagio was still unharmed seriously and Aria herself was having trouble finding another opening.

With more of the same Adagio kept the pressure on the girls, focusing on Aria wherever she would expose herself but little by little she was pushing them, just ready to take down for good anyone weak enough but then it happened, a drop in the magic surged, it was quick to come and unexpected but lasted a good couple of second, in those seconds Adagio felt like air leaving her lungs aggressively, to her luck the Rainbooms and the traitor were paying more attention into where to hide than to her which prevented them from seen her grin shattered.

Adagio got her composure back and soon she was blasting magic and burning Rainbooms left and right again when it happen again, her legs grew cold and the sensation of been punched in the belly repeated, unlike before Aria was watching close this time as seconds before she send a scream her way and with her magic drained the shockwave hit her head on.

Adagio dropped from the air like a rock , her magic coming back at the last second saving her from kissing the floor once more, with another roar she took flight once again but didn't attack immediately, instead she was more worried about the blue gem in her neck, obviously whatever was happening was linked to it and giving her unexpected problems, problems that Aria was more that happy to exploit.

Her eyes turned to the bespectacled girl who was also watching Adagio with wonder. "Did you noticed"?. Asked Aria just to confirm.

"Yes... It's random but... her powers pummeled for a moment there". Her mind took a slight vacation thinking there and a full blast almost did the vacation permanent but Rarity's Shield took the blow once more saving their asses.

"Darlings! I would prefer if you don't make yourselves such an easy target, I don't think I can keep this up much longer". There was a drop on her tone at the end and Aria was sure she wasn't faking it.

"Shit! Ok girls! Change of plans hit her one at a time and keep moving, duck when you need or hide and rest if you need but keep the pressure on! Her powers are failing!". Aris yelled for everyone to heard including their target.

"Okey dokey luckey!". Not waiting for an explanation Pinkie started bombarding Adagio while randomly moving from spot to spot like teleporting, Fluttershy played safe and stood close to Rarity.

"Why did you yelled that! Adagio must have heard you!". Asked Twilight as she looked for anything she could use against the evil siren.

"Exactly, let her know that we know and now she will be at the defensive giving us some respite, your friends are getting tired and wounded but this way she will keep focus on herself more than us".

Twilight watches as indeed Adagio was now more defensive that before, worry printed on her face and rage that she couldn't attack without exposing herself to a random lost of power.

"Brilliant! How did you thought about that?". Psychological warfare was just as effective as weapons in weakening an opponent.

"Hm, I learned from the best". Aria said while shooting magic at Adagio, her eyes dead set on her. Twilight knew right away who she was talking about.

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DREAMSCAPE...
Mac saw the mysterious portal that out of nowhere appeared in front of his round self with confusion. After what felt like years Mac finally came to find something new in this uncharted territory but rushing in without thinking could be dangerous.

He moved around the black hole inspecting what little he could without hands, the weird thing just appeared with no warning or origen in front of Big Mac and worst for him, it looked like more magic stuff, give him a math problem with 7 number or higher and he would gladly look for an answer, put him in the middle of a broken down house and he could fix it back to pristine condition, throw him in a barren wasteland and he would turn the land fertile once more, but magic was more her girlfriend's field.

Thinking back now the entire family and the city itself were now involved so much that probably it was going to be one magic problem after another. 'But that was to come with her and ya knew so no chickin out now, ya promised a lot of people that ya would care for her didn ya? Includin mah own parents and Sunny herself'. With the uncertainty gone Big Mac proceeded and crossed the black portal.

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ADAGIO'S DREAMSCAPE DOMAIN...
When Big Mac finally crossed he was expecting weirdness to strike at him with Pinkie Pie levels of madness, what he found was equal weirdness but Luna's level of madness instead. Before him was a horse made with the blackest ink Big Mac had ever seen, next to it it was Luna wearing something that you would found in a comic book convention or a naughty Halloween party.

Mac floated next to Luna and took a look at what she was wearing making sure to tease her later, it was always good idea to have balckmail material against her in case she had some against you and somehow she always had.

As he did so he felt something familiar within Luna, his heart almost stopped as he recognized the warm presence of his lover nearby, focusing, Mac followed the trail like a shark who just detected blood and without a second thought or rational thinking dived his round body inside Luna's exposed chest, as expected Luna acted with a right slap zapping the small red sphere away from her.

At the touch Luna seemed to recognize him. "Bi-Big Mac? Is that... It that you? Is that him?... but why? Luna turned to his odd companion for an answer which apparently the dark ink pony provided. Ignoring the pain Big Mac was about to dive again when another round pale sphere floated out of Luna's cleavage, Sunset's soul.

Mac recognized her immediately and soon their spheres were touching, suddenly a black mantle appeared over them but it didn't felt evil or dangerous, contrary to that it felt like it wanted them to stay together.

As Mac's form did contact with Sunset's he felt something wrong within, Sunset was in distress, more than that, through their bond he could feel her, weak, faint, isolated and in huge pain, not physical but emotional, her mind was a mess, her heart was wounded, somehow forcing his presence closer to her he imagined his own hand reaching for her and in a moment a bright light surround him, when the light banished he was corporeal again.

Looking around he found himself inside a long white corridor with candles mounted on its walls, the hallway looked to run long but he could see a double door at the very end, following the trace of his lover Mac walked toward the double doors, as he approached he could heard a booming voice from within the next room.

The voice laughed in a sinister tone, as Mac finally reached the door the voice now became clear, it wasn't a single voice, it was many, all with their own tone and timbre but because all of them spoke the same words at the same time it sounded like a single one.

He heard them and recognized many of them, the raspy and energetic voice of Rainbow Dash, the soft and polite voice of Fluttershy, Luna's wisecrack voice, his own deep and southern voice, Trixie's over the top voice and many more, all doing the same, all insulting, blaming, cursing and assaulting the same person, Sunset.

Mac having enough knocked on the door, then he tried to pushed it open to no veil, after a deep breath Mac charged at the door with his shoulder, the door shook but it did not opened, Mac repeated the move again putting more force behind his shove, the door trembled but stood still. Stepping back Mac recalled all the happy moments he and Sunset had shared together and knowing she was just behind that door suffering he put his all in the next push, before making contact with the stubborn door his body was covered in a pink glow and when his shoulder finally did contact with the door this one explored in pieces, Mac was taking by surprise by the amount of damage that he lost his footing and fell face down on the floor.

"That... hurt". Mac said while checking if he broke his nose, as he stood up he looked around finding nothing but a single figure slumped on the floor a few meters ahead of him, he also noticed that the voices went quiet now, the lonely figure stirred for a moment but only that, it didn't rose or moved beyond that.

"Sunset? Sunny? Is that you?". Mac asked while stepping closer, unlike the corridor here there wasn't a single candlestick or any source of light or warm, Mac got closer and what looked like a large and deformed arm moved from the figure.

"Su-Sunny? It me, Hon? I came to-".

"SHUT UP! I have enough of your tricks! First pretending to be Mac then showing me... that between him and Luna! Then torturing me with lies of my friends been hurt, then the voices... they wouldn't shut up! Then you turned me back to this... and now... now you try to pretend to be him again? Did you run out of ideas? Well fuck it, you want me to look evil? May as well take the role serious then". Sunset stood up completely now and Mac realized that the deformed arm was in fact a wing.

Suddenly the room that lacked light became illuminated by the magic coming from Sunset's body, an dim red light that make her look her skin was made out of ambers, with that light Mac could see her completely now and he couldn't stop himself from taking two steps back, her skin was bright red from head to toe, her hair was standing up and moved like living flames, her fingers end up in claws and her eyes, her eyes were black with red Iris, those eyes he loved so much and had so much love were now full of pain and thirst for payback, when she spoke her voice was ice cold and her mouth was adorned with sharp teeth.

"Sunset, ah don know what happened or who did this to ya but ya hafta believe me, ah came for ya! To take ya back with me!".

Demon Sunset simple turned her head to the side like a child listening an adult. "Did you? For real? You're not an illusion?".

"No Hon, it's me! Ah would never lie to ya, it would be like lyin to mahself".

"I... Can I? Can you prove it?". Sunset extended a hand toward him and hope of resolving this quickly erupted in Mac, so much so that he approached her without any regard of his well being.

"Sunny ah am glad to havghhhku!". Before Mac could take her hand her other claw took hold of his neck, Mac was soon chocking as Sunset strengthen her hold.

"It worked! All this time and you felt for it! Finally I can escape!". Her claw tightened and Mac was sure if she put more pressure his neck would snap, in desperation he tried to fight her hand off of him but his strength was almost gone, suddenly the grip loosened just a bit. " Any last word and please spare me the crap about been the real Macintosh, I won't fall for that again".

Mac's brain could only come up with one possible solution for his dilemma, one born from both love, lust and his immense male stupidity. "Ah ll tell ya somethin only ah would say, even looking like that... ya turn me on!". The comment was so unexpected, so out of place and to Sunset so... so Macintosh that her grip loosened for a few seconds.

It was enough for Big Mac to break free of the vice grip Sunset had on him with his own strength, as soon as he was able Mac put his arms over Sunset's shoulders and wings compressing his body against hers without crushing her but tight enough to prevent her from escaping. "You bastard! It was a trihmmm!". Mac didn't let her finish, from his advantage point he pressed his lips against hers letting passion and love do their thing.

Unfortunately one kiss wasn't enough to get the expected reaction and Sunset sunk her long nails in his side, deep sharp pain exploded inside him and for a fraction of a second Mac wondered if one could bleed in a dream or die of asphyxiation but he couldn't find out, not yet anyway, Mac let go but only for a second before diving in lips forward again and meeting Sunset's cheek instead of her lips.

"You won't trihmmm!". 'Good think she talks a bit to much'. Big Mac found his mark one more time and this time there was a tingle of reaction, her lips curved into the smallest of smiles somehow recognizing the lips that smooch them in regular basis.

Mac pressed deeper but Sunset did the same with her claws and Mac had to let go to release a painful yell. "Argggh!". Finding his strength gone Sunset headbutt him hard and Mac backed away in more pain than ever, Sunset used the opportunity and jumped at him going for his throat once more but Mac found a second wind of strength and took her down with him, twisting his body to fall in top of her.

Before she could reach Mac went for another kiss, Sunset's eyes widened at the fact that this thing, this fake had kissed her three time now but more importantly that her mouth somehow was accepting it even more, a little spark of hope was born again but she was afraid that it would end up in disaster like the many times before.

As a last resort Sunset tried to bite the warm lips that were pressing her own, instead she found an invading tongue pushing inside and she was surprised to find a familiar taste of apples and a bit of hay, her defenses were almost gone, the fear that this was another elaborated trap by that thing was the only thought keeping her from surrender herself to the sensation growing within her.

A teardrop escaped her remembering the first time she and Mac shared their first kiss, just minutes before giving their virginity to each other, little by little fear started dissipate as the Mac in top of her continued assaulting her with kisses and snuggling her with his entire body.

A warm sensation flooded her being and a familiar pink glow was born first from her mouth and moving around her whole body, as it did so her she-demon form was returned to her human self, she gasped as Mac, the real Macintosh started glowing as well, all doubt and pain she felt was washed away with the lovely embrace of her partner. "Still think ah am a fake?". Asked Big Mac from his point of advantage in top of Sunset.

"No, not anymore, you are... you are here, you found me, you found me". Her voice broke at the end and Sunset started sobbing, Big Mac hug her closer an let her tears fell into his shirt while he pat her head.

Mac let her there, her face buried in his chest, in the meantime their pink magic surround them and any discomfort Mac had by Sunset's attacks disappeared. "Ah was so worried, ah didn't know what to do and... ah fell sleep and somehow end up here thanks to Luna and the friend Pony Luna lend us, am sorry Hon, ah sorry for not get here sooner".

"Don't blame yourself Mac please, you... you are here... with me, the real you, that's all I care, even I don't know how this dream magic works much less a regular human, I... That thing...". Sunset started to shake violently and Mac had to hold her tight so she wouldn't hurt herself or him again. "The things it force me to see, to hear and... when you showed up I thought you were it and... By Celestia! I hurt you! I... I... I almost ki-". Mac didn't let her finish as he again pressed his lips against hers.

He didn't let go until she calmed down but she was still crying. "Sunny, wherever that thing did to ya it wasn't real, it was all an illusion, nobody blame you for all the magic things that happened so far, yer friends love ya, the school is full of friends that care and ah will always be by yer side as long as mah heart beats, we love ya Sunny, I love ya, that's what ya must remember".

After hearing those words been said Sunset's inner turmoil vanished, when she opened her eyes she found the gentle green eyes of her boyfriend looking back with his trademark smile, Sunset took the initiative this time and she kissed him, soft and gentle but full of love and appreciation for his kind words. As the kiss continued the pink glow surrounding them grew again, strong and wide braking the small prison where Sunset had been kept, when the glow simmered down Sunset was transformed in her magic outfit and Big Mac was back as a small sphere, they found themselves inside a small ruined building with pillars and broken statues, far away the sound of Luna and the Tantabus fighting the nightmare siren could be heard, the creature than tortured Sunset under Adagio's order.

'It sound like Luna needs needs our help'. Sunset heard Mac's voice inside her head.

"Yes, first that thing, then the main boss, come on Honey, our friends are waiting". Mac hide inside Sunset's hair and soon she was flying toward the battlefield.

END OF CHAPTER 22.

Author's Notes:

Blood and phycological trauma, getting a bit dark in there, retelling of the previous chapter but from another characters perspective, anyway Thanks for reading, constructive comments are welcome as well as recommendations to other stories. Thanks again and good luck.

Next Chapters:

1) Fruits of love: Chapter 23.
2) Empress of the night Childhood Years chapter 4
3) Bad Girl Fun Times: Rainbow rodeo.
4) PokePon chapter 3.