CANTERLOT'S CASTLE, EQUESTRIA...

" But Princess Celestia, if you know who is behind the theft would be more easy to tell me what you know about her? That way we can-".

"That is enough Starlight Glimmer, I am not in the mood to continue, please leave!.". Celestia's words were final, Starlight bowed and left as she was instructed, aware of this been the first time she had seen her so upset, the attack on Twilight and the loss of forbidden spells was enough reason to comprehend this but Starlight felt that the identity of the one responsible trouble her far more, her expression was one she knew all too well, guilt.

As Starlight did her trek back to her temporary room, her mind was been wrecked with questions, why was Celestia so adamant to tell her the whole thing, didn't she trusted her. In her immersion she failed to notice the new unicorn near her. "A bit for your thoughts Miss Glimmer".

"Oh uh, Star Swirl sir, sorry, I was deep in my head".

"I noticed, I presume it had to do with what transpired to the princess of friendship and the Royal library".

"Yes, but not just that, Twilight getting hurt is already bad enough, but I thought that Princess Celestia would be more active in this situation but...". Starlight looked to the ground in shame.

"You think she's not paying enough attention".

"N-no, yes, I mean-!".

"Calm down young mare, relax, in a way you are right but it wrong too, perhaps it would be better if we talk in private". Star Swirl moved in direction if his own room in the castle, Starlight followed wondering just what the old wizard wanted to tell her.

After a few more minutes they did it to the room. When Starlight entered she was amazed by the amount of books, trinkets and scrolls laying around, so many spells and knowledge let here. " You probably don't know but until you and your friends managed to return us back to this world my room was under a powerful spell from Celestia, one that could only be opened by her, or so we thought, she kept my room just as it was from when we fought the Pony of Shadows, promising to herself that no one would enter this room, what I'm trying to convey is just how much Celestia treasure her friends".

Starlight nodded but there was a moment of doubt on her eyes. " Even now I'm happy to see that she hasn't change and what I have seen in her eyes when she talk with you is that same trust and happiness she had offer me and the others".

"You, you think so?".

"Yes my dear, I KNOM so, she trust you and your judgement, I can see it".

"But then, why won't she tell me more about the attacks, its pretty obvious she knows more that she let on, why would she tell me the name of some pony if she won't reveal more about it, she knows just how dangerous the Rebels are, the hurt Twilight! They hurt my friend!, Why?". Starlight almost cried. Star Swirl shook his head and approached the trembling filly putting a comforting hoof over her shoulder.

" Miss Glimmer, speaking of the past is always a troublesome process, specially when it opens old wounds". Starlight turned to look at the old stallion. "Tell me my dear filly, have you read about the seven trials of Clover the Clever?".

"O-of course, it's one of Equestrian culture's oldest tales, it is retold in school and there's many authors that had explored it".

"Indeed, the tale itself is a masterpiece, when I was but a little colt my own mother would tell me the tale every night, it was one of the reasons why I wanted to become a wizard, one thing though always bothered me, the seven trial".

"The final part, the one where Clover managed to defeat the Evil Sorceress?".

"That's the one, pretty much all the details were included in the tale, in grand part because it was Clover himself who wrote it, yet, not once did he called the Sorceress by her name, ever thought of that?".

"I... I haven't, but... My friend from the human world, Sunset Shimmer, she came into contact with the Memory stone, the one used by the Sorceress, if the stone affects the memory it make sense that no one, even Clover himself don't remember her name".

"Very true my dear, but no, if this was any other pony I would say that you are correct, but this is Clover the clever we are speaking of, few ponies can match his intellect, no my dear, the reason why he never mentioned her name was because... he was order not to".

"What? But why? Who could order him such a thing?".

"Think my dear, who could order Clover, one of the greatest of his time and ours, to keep a secret like that". Starlight thought about it, the logical answer was to say Chancellor Puddinhead, but then again Clover had acted against his orders before when the occasion was necessary, so it had to be somepony with even greater authority, somepony who even Clover wouldn't defy, not only because of his own morals but because he believed than that pony had the best interests of Ponykind, a single name came to her.

"Princess Celestia!". Starlight exclaimed loudly.

"Hmm, bravo! As expected of the apprentice of Princess Twilight".

"Uh thanks, but... you now what to know why would she do something like that, don't you?". Starlight nodded with a bit of embarrassment.

"As much as I want to reveal the rest, there's somepony else who can help you better than me". Star Swirl told Starlight to wait until the night to speak with her, the information that he had provided was very interesting but she was no closer to know of the pony responsible for the atrocious attacks on her friend and mentor.

As the night came closer Starlight tried to remember everything she knew about the Seventh trial of Clover the Clever. The tale wasn't as intricate as the previous six, matter of fact this one was the culmination to the whole saga of the skin character, the tale stared with Princess Celestia calling Clover to the palace to entrust him with a mission, a few towns reported the disappearance of ponies, all of them unicorn, the town's were close to each other and apparently the reports came several weeks after the ponies went missing, other curious factor was that all the unicorns were know to be the most prominent in magic in each town. The story narrated of Clover visiting each town and finding more weird info, the habitants looked disoriented, many didn't remember what day was or what they have done in the past few days, also, just a few days after they were reported missing, the unicorns would reappear in the near the next town with more heavy symptoms than the residents, and more importantly, with no magic, according with the tale, the magic didn't return no matter how many days passed.

The situation grew more desperate when the affected grew sick as the days went on, without magic their lives seemed shortened somehow. Having enough of this Clover adjusted his plans for capturing the one responsible. Clover took clue after clue in each town he visited, clues that may have looked like nothing important at simple sight but this was Clover the Clever, for him everything was important, first, he knew it was a single pony responsible because in each town a single room showed signs of use and nopony could remember who used it before, there was also food missing, enough to know that a single pony had taken it. The second thing Clover discovered was that it was a mare, in a few towns small things were missing, nothing important again but it was always things a mare would use, clothes, a few make up products and horseshoes designed for small hooves, this also indicated that the mare was an earth pony or a unicorn since those disappeared pretty often.

With all that and watching the amount of time it took for a town to report the missing pony Clover deducted where his knee target was to attack, contacting Celestia for support she send in the Wonderbolts of the that time where Clover predicted the new arrival and told them to look for either a each or unicorn mare to arrive in the town by herself.

The plan was a complete failure. The Wonderbolts were send away, they were tricked into believe that Celestia recalled them, Clover too was affected by the mysterious mare as he found himself living in a wooden box for several days before the memory of his mission kicked him in the head. Everything that happened was erased form their memories. The next few tries end up just the same but for one detail, Clover wrote down what he could before his memory was tempered, little by little, word for word Clover came to know who he was dealing with, the info was send to Celestia and nearby towns, Wonderbolts and anypony that joined in the search, despite her best efforts and the use of her memory stone, the Sorceress saw her plan come to a tragic end, in the climax of the story she was chased into a river with the a full army of angry ponies behind her it was here where in desperation the mare saw to loose her enemies by jumping on the treacherous river only to be dragged and sallow by the fast currents, her body wasn't found but everypony knew she was done for because the magic stolen from the unicorns returned to their owners.

And so was written the story of the final trial of Clover the Clever, a tale passed down for generations, and that may be a total lie, but the why was still lose to Starlight. Finally the peek of the night came and Starlight left her room in search for the pony that could provide another piece to this puzzle, Princess Luna.

Starlight arrived to the place where she was planning to ambush her, the reason been that she didn't want to interrupt her duty by arriving to early but she still wanted enough time to talk to her before she retired to rest.

Once she made it to the hallway in front of her room it was just now waiting, a bit of tiredness creep at her and she felt sleep near the door, she immediately found herself in a nightmare, in it she was in front of her friend Twilight as she conversed with her back turned to Starlight, she was arranging her books as she used to do before her library was blown away by Tirek. Starlight approached the lavender mare from behind but when she saw her reflection in a small metal plate she didn't saw herself but the smiling form of Sunset Shimmer, her grin was anything but friendly, Twilight continued talking, completely oblivious to the danger coming, Starlight tried to scream and warn her friend of the attack but it was useless, the amber mare charged her horn and reared back to deliver a powerful magic attack, a blinding flash forced Starlight to look away, she waited expecting to heard the cry of pain from her friend at any second but it never came.

Slowly, Starlight opened her eyes, time have stopped, in front of her was the image of two mares locked in combat, Twilight, with a big burn mark were the magic bolt hit her, in front of her Sunset Shimmer, her mane and face showing signs of weariness.

"You don't need to worry Starlight, this is just a nightmare". Came the ethereal voice of Princess Luna.

"What? Am i? Am I dreaming?". Starlight looked all around for the source of the voice. From one of the bookshelves a book felt open from where Luna appeared in smoke form.

"I-I... It was so real!".

"It is, for ponies with strong emotions running in their hearts the dreams are as vivid as the real thing, this dream is plaguing your mind to such degree that you felt it as real as been there".

"It is, wait! Does this mean that you aren't back yet from your round?".

"Not yet, was about to but I felt your stress and didn't wanted to let you by yourself".

"Is that so? Thank you then princess, I was waiting for you if you need we can finish this dream and speak in the waking world".

"Are you sure? Iwe talk here we can have more privacy, I feel too much turmoil within you". Starlight thought for a moment and liked the idea.

"If you don't mind me then yes, I'll like to speak here, but, could you change the view? I don't want to see this anymore". Starlight expressed as she saw the two imaginary ponies battling each other.

"As thou command". As Luna said the words the surrounding scene flickered away replaced with a serene beach at midnight.

"Wow, it's beautiful!".

"It is isn't, my sister and I vacationed here during our little time off". The memory triggered something on her and a second later the same happened in Starlight's. It was on that time that the princesses created the instrument that was used to get inside the secret section of the Royal library.

"Tell me, what is that you wanted to talk about".

Starlight took a moment to collect her words, taking a deep breath she started. " I need to know the true about what happened here and in Ponyville, not only for what happened with Twilight but for what could happen if we don't find a way to stop the Rebels".

"I agree, both my sister and I can tell how dangerous they have grown, this is perhaps the greatest thread Equestria had ever faced, to learn that they even had attacked Innocents in another world is beyond terrible".

"For this reason I need to know the true, even what Princess Celestia Is not sharing". Luna seemed surprised at first, maybe even offended by the accusation against her dear sister, but soon her sight fell, a clear sign of sadness in her.

"My sister, Celestia is like no other pony, her powers and personality make her look like a divine being, but she's not, WE aren't. Our powers came with a huge burden, one that we carry every single day of our lives, one that... as I know for experience, is sometimes to heavy to continue our duty".

"I know my sister and I know that if she is keeping silence is because there's something more behind it all, she knows what would happen and so she keep it to herself".

" Twilight told me one time that Knowledge was curse, if you kept it to yourself there would be a day that you would regret not sharing it, but if you did passed on and somepony used it for evil the responsibility would still felt upon you, so to somehow reduce the burden ponies invented the scrolls and books so that the future generations would decide what to do with it, it some way it helps reducing that burden, sharing it".

Luna thought long about it and she accepted the meaning of her words. " Very well, I should help you, for Equestria... and for Tia".

"Thank you Princess Luna".

"No Starlight, Thank you".

"So then what do you need from me?". Luna asked kindly.

"During our last interview, Princess Celestia spoke a name, Sophy Stone, does that name ring any bells to you, Princess?".

"It does, the name came a few times when my sister would have a nightmare, her name, Twilight's , Sunset's and mine would come along with it, at first it did little sense but since the appearance of the Rebels the name has taken a more heavy form on my sister's dreams".

"So you know who she is?".

"Unfortunately, no, my sister's dreams aren't like any ordinary pony, hers are full of many complex layers, the deepest ones are the ones she feels stronger emotions for, guilt is heavy In that one so it remains hidden in the bottom of her mind".

"There maybe a way to be able to get to it, Star Swirl mentioned the Seven trials of Clover the Clever, specially the final trial where he fought the evil Sorceress, does that help?".

" Maybe, the best way to reach to a deep layer in the Dreamscape of a pony is through a key, if the tale is somehow connected then it can be used to jump down into her lower subconscious. We need to hurry and be careful, if my sister detect us or wakes up we will be, as you ponies say this days, Bucked".

"Ok, I'm ready".

"Good, now, stay close to me". Starlight did so and soon they were surrounded by a black mantle, the black sphere banished a moment later and Starlight found herself in the Royal library. Starlight looked all around, if was a perfect replica of the real place, only then did she noticed the absence of the bigger blue mare. "Princess Luna? Where are you?".

A voice booked from every direction. " I'm keeping an eye for my sister, she detected our entry but I'm making her things that this is a regular visit on my part, your presence is hidden but you must a t with haste, use what you know about the tale, find the cracks in her defence and proceed deeper".

"Very well". Starlight said but she didn't know where to start. "The tale, there most be a copy of the tale here. Been the library just like the real one Starlight found the book with no problem and quickly found something.

So far all the books about the tale had been printed in a olive green color with the tittle written in Golden letters, this one looked like an old notebook, a boring brown color adorned with black letters, Starlight opened the book and started reading it, as she did so she noticed the writing more a kin to a diary rather than a book, it was full of grammar errors and the writer's thoughts where everywhere.

Then she knew what she had in her hooves. " Clover's diary! It's Clover's diary!". As she screamed the name of the object, the book flew from her hoof and opened revealing a small door, Starlight saw the little door and waited for a few seconds before passing through before finally doing it . When she came out at the other side she found herself in the middle of a confrontation. In the middle of a abandoned road stood two ponies, a brown stallion wearing a light brown cape, Clover. Opposite to him was a red mare, her fur shone under the sun, Starlight paid closer attention and now could distinguish her as a crystal pony unicorn, she also noticed lines similar to cracks running all around her body, a single white oval shaped stone hang from her neck, the memory stone.

"How many times would you try to get in my way Clover, just let me be! I just want to be left alone!". An angry mare yelled and pranced at the ground, her hoof leaving a deep mark in the dirt.

"Interesting definition of alone that one, you have stolen from other ponies! Taken their magic for your own use and twisted experiments!".

" And who's fault is that Clover? You pushed me away, you wanted to throw me in some dungeon like some rat, you and those hypocrites from Canterlot! You poisoned Celestia against me!".

"No! You did that yourself with your actions, creating malevolent artifacts like that stone you and used in so many Innocents! And that thing, that abomination, that amulet, how could you dare copying the holy power of the sun, a power that was only meant for our Princess Celestia".

"It was for her that I did it!". The mare's emotions shifted, her anger gone, replaced with sadness. "You don't know her Clover, nopony knows her like I do, she told me, about her sister, about the sin she committed to get her back, but I wanted to help her, with the amu-".

"Enough! Don't you dare insult the princess with your lies, to even think in such a thing, I warned her, that you would be nothing but trouble, she should have left you where she found you".

The mare stepped forward, a small smirk showing in her face. "This is what no pony has seen, your true colors, even Celestia think you are a noble and kindred soul but I know you for who you are Clover, see? No pony is perfect, not even the Princess! But unlike you lot I really want to help her".

"And just how? By commiting more atrocities, betrayals and lies? I don't know why I'm surprised, you are after all just the evil creation of a mad pony!". The mare backed away as if the words were a hoof right to the face, tears poured down from her eyes as slowly her pain turned into anger once more.

"You! You don't know me! I'm not a thing, not a monster like him! Celestia loves me! She even gave me my name! I'm a real pony! I AM SOPHY STONE!". The mare's voice booked through the entire open field and a flash of light appeared from the stone".

When Starlight cleared her eyes the mare was gone and Clover was left confused and disoriented. "What? What was I doing here?". Soon the scene started to change, like sand blown by the wind everything disappeared and returned to form a new scenario. Starlight was in the Royal throne room, just like she was hours ago. There she witnessed the following meeting between Celestia and Clover, the later now bowing to his princess.

"I'm sorry my princess, I failed you, I couldn't stop her".

"Unfortunately, even so her magic seems to had finally worn off, the unicorns that had their magic stolen had recovered and her trace had vanished completely".

"If your majesty were to allow me, I could take the Air total guard and look for her one more time, to let her escape is to risk this happening again".

"A valid warning Clover, but... I don't think than that will be necessary, I can feel her anymore, she most had reached her limit". The sad tone in Celestia was unmistakable, Starlight could feel her pain wash over her too.

Suddenly, the room started to distort for a few seconds before returning back.

"Are you sure my Princess?"

"I am, Clover, now please, tell me, are you content now that she's gone? ".

The stallion seemed to tremble at the question, there was no doubt that he was thinking very carefully what to say next. "If my question is too hard for you then please, don't panic, I want your sincere answer".

The stallion seemed to relax after hearing that but he still took his time to formulate an answer. "My princess, since the first time you told me what you found in the Chrystal Palace after you defeated Sombra I was afraid for your safety, nothing created by that pony was safe at all, his dark magic was even more dangerous that the Wendigos that almost froze our land, and to heard that you wanted to take that... filly with you was beyond my comprehension".

"That filly didn't have any said in how she was brought to this world Clover".

"I know my princess, you taking her was just another show of your infinite grace and benevolence but there's not denying the danger she was and her actions proved me right! The philosopher's stone is-".

"Her name is Sophy Stone, Clover, that's the name I give her!".

"I-I know my princess, please forgive me, is just... I hate when anypony speak ill of you, I can't stand it! She even dare to say that you committed a terrible sin, YOU! The most perfect pony that could exist in this world!". Clover said full of adoration for his princess while she looked away, in that moment Starlight saw that guilt that she saw early that day.

"Philosopher's stone? What's that?". Asked Starlight to nopony in particular. Suddenly, the place was shaken to the core, the two dream ponies dissipated like smoke and Starlight found herself in a different room this time.

The new room was a dark chamber with several lamps hanging from the walls offering just enough illumination to read and use the artifacts laying all around, there was a huge amount of books all around the place, Starlight inspected one but it was written in old equestrian while she could decipher it it could only be in hoof.

"By the stars!". The sudden voice caused her to jump in surprise, when she recovered she looked for the source of the voice, she found it in a hidden passage in the floor, a set of stairs took Starlight bellow the chamber and when reached the bottom she found Celestia. She was in front of capsule made of glass, inside the tube there was a colorless liquid that Starlight doubt it to be water, something else was in there, submerged in the liquid, walking around Celestia Starlight saw it, or her. A small filly made of pure red crystal. " This is...".

" Starlight Glimmer! My sister is becoming aware of you, we must retreat at once!".

"Wait! There's some here that we thought, I need to see more!".

"There's no time!". Luna appeared like a net made of black thread from above and covered Starlight under it. Starlight felt like she was been dragged under water and had terrible feeling of drowning, before long her body felt the the hard tile of the floor.

" Are you... are you ok Starlight?". Asked Luna sounding tired and about to pass out.

"I... I am, I was, the things I saw... my head hurts".

" I'm sorry, I had to pull us out fast or my sister would have know that we were inside her dreams".

Starlight used her front hooves to calm the pain in her head. "That's ok, I think I got an answer, well sort of an answer, something for where to start".

"Good, ufff, I haven't felt this tired since when I participated in the games of the Summer festival".

"Thanks Princess Luna, for everything, we need to talk about what I saw but in private". Luna nodded and marched to her room followed close by Starlight.

SWEET APPLE ACRESS, PRESENT TIME...

Everyone present listened as Starlight came to the end of her tale. The room was dead quiet, even the two bickering girls were in full thinking more, Sunset was shocked to learn that so many things and the important of each one. Celestia's first appreciate wasn't a normal pony, she was created by King Sombre, and the name, Philosopher's stone, the legendary final goal of Alchemy.

"Wow! You guys have some crazy stuff going on, sounds cool, can I tag in?".

"This is no joking matter, we are talking about dangerous things and lives are at risk here". Starlight chastised Lemon.

"That's right you tweeb, this is for people that can hold their own and can contribute with something more that lazy music bands". Aria said smirking.

Big Mac cleared his throat to catch the attention of the girls. "Lemon Zest here has some skill that can benefit the group, specially those of ya who lack in hand to hand department". Lemon looked smug after Mac came to her defence. " Not only that but more importantly is her other resources".

"Oh Teach! You're gonna make me blush".

"Mac, I thinks it will be best to explain why you brought her here". Sunset recommended.

"Right Hon, Lemon here is a black belt in karate".

"Shotokan to be more precise".

"Right, its a fitting style for girls of yer physic, more than that, she's the daughter of Chief Lime Grass of the CPD, she has access to info regarding how the cops are dealing with the aftermath of last Thursday, she can find out where are the two fellas that work for Adagio as well as her stuff, ah was told by may friend that her things have some weird writing in them".

Lemon's face turned from pride to confusion. "Wow wow there, Teach, you want me to get into my old man's computer and get you classified info that could lead to me getting arrested and grounded by the rest of my life? What the actual heck?".

Big Mac kept his expression neutral. " Have done it before, besides, ah doubt yer gonna pass the chance for some crazy mischief, either yer in or out".

"Darn it Teach! You know me so well, ok I'm still in".

"Wait! As much as I think that we do need your help, aren't you afraid of what could happen, I mean some of us end up pretty bad last time, what you saw in school is nothing compared to what may come". Sunset asked worried for both the sanity of the Chrystal prep girl and her willingness to cooperate.

"Sure I'm sure, call it an adrenaline addiction or just plain foolishness on my part but after watching you and egghead there duke it out with magic I wanted to get some of that action and Teach here just got it to me hard". Lemon said with a grin.

"Ok this girl is officially a dirty nutcase in my book". Said Aria.

"With honor you punk bitch". Responded Lemon, Aria got up ready to continue with their scuffle but Applejack got their attention first.

"Enough ya two! If yer here to help that grant and all but ah'll not have mah house turned into a ring, ya wanna get it on? Do it outside!".

"Lemon please ". Mac again asked the girl to calm down and again she obeyed with no talk backs, just crossing her arms under her chest and looking away.

"Applejack is right, we should take this outside". The girls got up and walked out following Applejack. "Mac? Can we talk for a minute?". Sunset asked.

"Sure thing Sunny, wanna go to mah room?". Sunset thought for a few seconds but resisted the temptation.

" Hmm maybe later, here's good." Sunset shifted in place collecting her words. "Anyway I... I had another dream, you know... of us, doing it". Sunset blushed as she told Mac how she woke up.

"And ya found our pink friend over ya?". Mac asked smiling.

" Exactly! How do you know?".

"Same thing happen to me, there ah was dreaming with the most precious girl in the world, doin some lovin between us, funny thing, the girl looked kinda like ya". Mac hook his arm behind Sunset pulling her into a thing hug only meant for lovers.

"Mac I'm been serious, I don't want my powers to affect my friends or you negatively". Sunset said seriously but didn't broke out of the hug.

"And ah'm been serious here too, ah don think is really a big deal to dream the same thing, isn't that prove of our bond as lovers and yer power of love?". Mac placed his chin over her head rubbing it softly.

"I guess, you're probably right but we should get as much information as possible just to make sure is safe, I don't want to see you hurt". Her tone became sad at the last words which caused Mac to hug her closer.

"Don be afraid Sunny, if the time comes when we have to face danger again we'll do it together, the same goes for our lives, ah like havin ya around always". Mac kissed the top of her head. "As long as ya want ta have me around then ah'll be there for ya".

"Thanks Hon, I love you, I'll be there for you too". Mac looked directly at the eyes of his lover and slowly was pulled in for a kiss, that got interrupted.

"Aunt Luna!". Sunset yelled and jumped away when the woman appeared behind Mac with an evil grin.

"Sorry you two but my sister won't let me rest if I don't cover my quote of responsible Aunt so I need to get in your way at least once per day".

"Hm, say the woman that woke up all drunk In a friend's house today".

"Uff, don't you start with that too, Granny almost tore my ear off".

"Aunt Luna, what happened to you, Mom's worried".

"Ya have been actin up since we rescued Sunset, are ya still feelin bad for the Tanta-thingy?".

"Its name was Tony-Argh! ". Luna yelled with emotion before the pain of her headache forced her to shut up.

"So ah was right, ya do feel bad do ya?". Luna felt trapped and decided to leave but when she turned around she found Granny Smith blocking the doorway.

"What's the matter with ya Sugarcube? Ya ain't this fragile wimpy girl that ya are now, if ya don want talk to me or yer sister then at least talk with them". Smith pointed to the couple and left the kitchen.

Luna took a seat but didn't seemed in the mood to talk. Mac took a glass and fill it with water, he then moved to seat in front of the blue haired woman Sunset followed and sat next to Mac. Mac placed the glass in front of Luna and crossed his arms. "Don't feel like talking, you know right?".

"Ya don have much of a choice, if Granny see ya mopin again she's gonna squeeze the answer out of ya".

"I won't come then".

"Then Mom's gonna wait for you back in home and she won't live you alone either".

"Grrrh!".

"Aunt Luna isn't better to talk about what's going on?".

"I told you already! Is silly ok, just silly, stupid even, why? Because I shouldn't be feeling like this, I just met the stupid thing for a few hours and now is dead! Why would I feel bad for that! I... I don't know, it felt like... like a piece of me was tore from em and I don't know why I feel like that!". Luna cried. Sunset was next to her immediately while Mac just took her hand.

"Remember what I told you about the Tantabus, what it meant for Princess Luna? I think that you feel bad because in a way you also felt that it was a part of you and you felt its pain. If I were to meet my double and have a similar experience maybe I would feel like you do now". After hearing what Sunset said about her human double Big Mac rose from his chair in an instant, his eyes showed fear and surprise.

"Mac?".

"What's up with you Big guy?".

" Ah... Is somethin important but ah think it can wait, Luna comes first". Mac sat down again but there was no missing his sudden outburst. Both females saw him with caution.

" Ok, as I was saying, we know that this is magic related so we can sympathize with was going on In your case, so don't worry we won't let you deal with this alone". Sunset reassured Luna. The woman seemed to calm down as a few tears started to come out.

"I... I get it, I get, thank you, Sunset, Big Mac, thank you, it still bothering me but I feel at ease now, thank you".

"Don worry non, we're friends, we help each other".

"We are family too Aunt Luna, you're not alone".

"Thanks kids, seriously, you make me look bad, anyway, I'm better now, go to your little club, Applejack must be having a hard time keeping then on check". Luna smiled reassuring the couple that she was indeed better.

"Ok then, I'll take you back home when we are done, let's go Mac". Sunset hugged Luna one more time before leaving the house with Mac in tow. As they walked toward the noise coming from within the orchard Sunset took Mac's hand. " What happen back there, is something wrong?".

Mac took awhile to answer but he did. " When ya said about yer other you, the human Sunset, ah wanted to talk about her and... the past, ah thought that it was just a coincidence but now ah'm sure, the other Sunset had been here before and ah don think she's a friend. She's dangerous Sunny".

Sunset continued walking but Mac could feel her stress sizing up. " I...".

"Don worry Hon, what we said to Miss Luna goes for ya too, right now let's get this thing goin, after that we can talk about it, ah'm here for ya". Sunset clinged to him closer.

"Thanks, you're right, let's deal with this first, hmm I hope Applejack is not ha-". A loud crash broke her next words as a small explosion followed by angry yells came from further ahead. "Hurry!". The couple broke into a race to reach the area where the explosion happened. When they finally made it they saw what was going on.

"An that! Is how you shut up a loud bitch, not bad eh?". Aria said to the rest of the group who was a few meters away from her, further from Aria stood the still body of Lemon Zest sprawled on the ground and close to a small hole that Aria did with her magic blast.

"Aria! What do you think you're doing!". Sunset yelled but Mac hold her back and simply shook his head.

"Don't worry Shimmer, I make sure not to hurt her, but she's gonna be heck dizzy".

"Ya crazy chick! Go and check on her, the last thing this farm needs is the daughter of the police chief getting blasted in here!".

"Alright alright! No trust at all, I told you she's fine". Aria walked near the girl who was still on the ground. "Get up you rock head, I'm sure I didn't hit you so don't pretend to be dead". As Aria got closer and there was still no movement from Lemon she started to worry that something may had happened, maybe the girl had a weak heart, maybe a rock got her in the head, maybe the dust make her choke, she didn't know and seen no answer she started to panic. "Come on you nutcase, you can't be injured, I don't think they let me with just an apology if you're dead".

"Mac! What if she's really hurt, should we-?".

"Nope, ah know her little tricks, this one is one of her best". Mac continued to observe with no show of worry and Sunset wondered how much did he knew her, she decided to observe as well.

Finally Aria made next to the girl and her dear just increased when Lemon still wouldn't move or talk back, Aria decided to check for vitals bending down and there is where Lemon came back to life. A swift kick dropped Aria on one knee, recognizing the palm of the hand as the source of the magic blast Lemon took Aria's wrists and twisted them out of the way, finally she hooked her legs around the neck of the siren and brought her trading places, now Lemon was on top while Aria was pinned down with her hands out of commission and her face just inches from the other's girl crotch.

"And this is how you shut up a punk bitch, with a bit of humiliation at the side, what do you think, Aria?". Lemon said her name with all the intension of insulting.

"Just get off me and we'll see who is the bitch, you bastard!". Lemon laughed at the insult and backflipped away from Aria, her maneuver made more impressive by the fact that she was using heavy looking boots, as soon as Aria was able to move again she tried to go for another blast but been ready for it Lemon slipped under her shot and brought her boot up in a kick that almost connected with her chin, Aria jumped back and then lunged forward over Lemon, the green haired girl dodged but Aria wasn't done yet, a handful of dirt splashed across Lemon's face blinding her enough for Aria to punch her in the guts, her punch however met a well toned abdomen that stopped the fist almost entirely, Lemon retaliated with a fist of her own that missed the face of her opponent for by a mere inch, Aria took the chance and went for an good old hair pulling grapple that Lemon returned as well.

At the sidelines the other girls watching with wide eyes the crude display of wits and fists marveling and cringing at the barbarism.

"Mac? Isn't this enough? They are almost at each other throats, I think Aria is bleeding, no wait is the other gir- no wait now both are bleeding".

"Ah think they can go a bit further, Lemon is almost as tough as Applejack and Aria is usin her tricks to keep her away, if one of ya girls is ever in a position where ya have to fight for yer life this is the way ya have ta do it". All the girls listened with understanding, last time they came close to lose because they didn't know how to fight with something more that their standard powers. But here they were witnessing how to fight for real, not only with magic but with everything in their bodies.

"Ah think that's enough, Twilight can ya hold them for a bit".

"Oh su-sure! I'll try". Twilight used her telekinesis and the two girls first stopped abruptly then found themselves a few inches of the ground.

"Hey! What the fuck?" Twilight! Put me down so I can blast this loser".

" Only in your dreams wimp! ".

"That's enough and Ah mean it this time, we are all in this together, Lemon is too now, right?".

"Heck yeah Teach! Just don't drop me hard there egghe-I mean Twilight".

" Aria? ".

"Tsk, fine fine but if she start again I'm blasting her ass to the next town!".

After the two girls agreed to stop their bickering Twilight let them go, with no surprise when Lemon felt from high on her rear. Mac turned to Starlight. "Mis Glimmer, you think we can use what ya saw?".

"Definitely! Aria's cheat and shoot tactics can make you unpredictable in a fight and Lemon's karate its precisely what we need to confront enemies with magic capabilities, if we combine them along your own unique powers I'm sure you will have a better chance when facing equestrians".

Mac finally turned to his girlfriend. " Sunny? Think ya can cure them like last time?".

Sunset was surprised by the question. She hasn't wondered if the process of turning again into a princess could be as easy as pony up now. "I can try".

" Please please! I have to see it!".

" Me too me too!". First Starlight followed by Pinkie, the girls wanted to witness the transformation first hand. Even Aria seemed interested to see it again.

" Ok, here goes nothing". Sunset took air and focused in her magic letting it out as she did when transforming. Her body started glowing, but it was her amber and crimson magic that appeared not the pink one from when her form changed. Her normal red and orange attire come out instead. "Uh? It didn't work? ".

"Why? Why? Where did you lose it Sunset? Where? You have to remember!".

"Calm down Pinkie, I don't understand, maybe I did something wrong". Sunset wondered.

"Hm maybe it was the wrong way, remember how I told you that magic is linked to emotions, this is your when you transform with the magic of friendship, but your new power is the power of love right?".

"So what? Do we get Big Mac naked then?".

"Don't even think about it Pinkie!".

" What was the difference when the last time happened? ". Asked Starlight.

"We-well I was... Ah me and Mac were...".

" You forgot Shimmer? Well Lee told me that you and Macho man there were smooching their faces". Sunset went red faced remembering how Mac took her in the middle of her transformation and the warm of his embrace, the wetness of his lips as he pressed them against hers. Something sleep stirred within her and in a few seconds it was fully awake. Her body begin to shine with glimmering pink magic, those close to Sunset stepped back and covered their faces as Sunset transformation took an extra turn.

Mac just smiled letting the warm of his girlfriend' magic wash over him, covering him, just like with her, something inside the farmer moved, like an angry bear that could detect when his mate was calling. Pink magic also appeared from him and he felt incredible, like if his energy was infinite.

When the flash of magic vanished Sunset was clad in her new dress, pink and orange corset, light blue gloves and boots, white skirt and a matching velvet chocker and sash. More prominent was the amber wings in her back and the horn of light in her forehead. " Never get tired is seen ya like that". Mac took a chance to touch one of the wings, the feathers felt soft and warm, almost as soft as her skin.

"Ho-hold on, it feels kind of sensitive". Sunset said she retracted her wings and took a step back.

"That's what I'm talking about! More magic craziness!". Lemon said oogling over the magical girl.

"Hey where's the rest?". Starlight asked as she saw that Applejack, Rainbow, Aria, Fluttershy and Twilight moved away from Sunset. They all had worried expressions on their faces and pink in their cheeks.

"What's up with y'all?". Mac asked when he suddenly remembered how he found Applejack in the morning. "Are ya... afraid of Sunset's power?".

"N-no is just... well?...?" Applejack tried to think how to explain herself without reveal her problem.

"Ughh! It's your power! Last time you used that power in me it got me horny! That's the problem!".

"What? My po-". She too remembered her wet dream with Big Mac and everyone seemed to finally realize. " wer... Is this happening to everyone?".

" It did and it was hoooot! Like super hot!". Pinkie said with glee.

"Yeah, me too, it wasn't bad but not exactly what I expected". Rainbow admitted too.

" I... I... It felt... Eep!". Fluttershy also confessed but when she saw Big Mac she hided behind her pink hair.

"Ah think ah better cover mah ears". Mac said as he turned around to let the girls have their talk.

" Here! Use this!". Pinkie give him Lemon's headphones to cover his ears. Soon his mind was been bombarded with heavy metal.

" That explains my dream too". Twilight admitted.

" I... I don't know what to say girls, I'm sorry, I didn't meant to chase you troubles I'm really sorry".

" Now now, come y'all, we know that it wasn't done in purpose". Applejack supported Sunset.

"Since your power is love it's highly possible that what happened is a secondary effect of it. Pretty interesting".

" So what then, are we gonna be getting the hots everytime she use her magic on us?". Asked Aria still keeping her distance.

"Not necessarily, that's the whole reason why I'm here, so that you girls can learn to better control your powers". Starlight explained putting at ease at the rest of the girls. Still, Sunset wasn't completely lifted of the guilt she felt, she need it to control her powers better.

"Ok, now that we are in a better mood let's practice some magic. Aria can you help me with some basics?".

"Whatever".

As the girls approached Starlight and Aria to see what she could do Lemon took the chance to go over Big Mac and remove her headphones from him. " This is too much for you Teach, probably louder that anything you have heard in your life".

"It's obvious ya don have little sisters, anyway, what are they doin now?".

"Magic stuff, looks cool but nothing I can learn from that since I can't use it".

"Ah guess, ya still practicing?".

"Nah, too busy with school and my friends, but I'm still in top form, I can go for a round with you if you want".

"Enope, haven't brawled in a while, ya probably are gonna kick mah rear and more, can't afford to look bad in front of mah girl".

" Ah! As if you ever looked good Teach". Lemon punch him in the arm while joking.

Looking from the corner of her eyes Sunset kept half attention at the interaction of her boyfriend and the Prep girl, Sunset didn't consider herself the jelly type who jumped at the first sign of her man getting suave with other girls but somehow in her current state she could feel how Mac felt at ease with Lemon, it was similar to how he felt around Pinkie apparently.

" Mac! Come and see this!". She called him with a confident smile but inside she was feeling a bit insecure.

" Ah'm comin Sunny".

FARSIDE HOTEL...

With a push Emerald placed Trixie outside of her suit, the girl was disoriented and her mind was wiped clean of what happened since she got invited to the room, to make things more or less awkward the siren shoved another hundred in the hand of the magician. Like a robot she went back to the reception where she noticed that more that an hour has passed since she met with the weird attractive woman.

Fortunately for Trixie whatever happened did so within her break, preventing her from losing her job. When she was back in her post Trixie tried to remember what happened only to get headaches every time she would come close to a memory. She decided to let it go for now, but if there's something Trixie learned from be friends with crazy magical friends is that if something seemed fishy, magic was to be involved.

Up stairs in her suite Emerald though about all the information she managed to extract from Trixie. She expected to get the address to where the dog and the bug were kept as well as to where Adagio's stuff could be located but she found much more, as luck will have it Trixie was also close friends with the Rainbooms and had address for most of them. This would make things more easy for Emerald, although it wasn't completely necessary to engage against them Emerald couldn't deny her curiosity in confronting them, specially Abie's double. It was many moons without a good challenge and Emerald couldn't find a better target that the newest princess herself.

Still, she wanted to take it easy today, another piece of info she got from her victim would provide the entertainment she craved. A nightclub know as The Hub was just outside of town, it had drinks, food, karaoke and more Specially, humans ready to feed her hunger. With her plans done she went downstairs to get a new dress and get transport ready for the night. The Rainbooms could use another day of peace.

UNKNOWN TERRITORY, EQUESTRIA...

Sunset Abigail Shimmer stood in front of her table were she just finished reading the lastest scroll with information about the human world. The news were worrying, Princess Twilight had send her right hoof, Starlight Glimmer to aid the humans in dealing with the Rebels, this could produce problems, not so much for them getting reinforcements but from who was send.

From all the members of Celestia's little goody squad Starlight was the more active and the most prominent in magic, she was also very smart, Abigail would go as far as to say that she was one of the biggest obstacles to achieve their goals. She remained Abigail a bit of her own teacher, she was analytical and could be ruthless if needed, to be in Canterlot assisting her pony self was a dangerous combination. Even so, there was some good coming from her been on the other side, that meant that Starlight would be absent when The changelings moved against their cousins. Ebony Spear would have a better chance into getting rid of Thorax, losing The New Empress and her bugs could undermine Abigail's plans. The question was now how Emerald Breeze would deal with Starlight Glimmer and other Princess. " Should I warn her? ". Abigail pounded at the question, Emerald was powerful but she had no doubt that is she got bore she could become a hindrance rather than an asset. " Let's see where the chips fall".

Deciding against it Abigail left her private room, not without destroying the scroll that contained the information, the more secret she kept how she was spying on the enemy the better.

SWEET APPLE ACRESS...

As the hours passed the girls got their first experience at what the training would be. From Starlight they would learn to cast magic better and faster, in this Aria and Sunset got the hang pretty fast, but not like Fluttershy, her change was almost immediately, she focused with everything the girl had and got the basics pretty fast.

From Aria the lecture was about distracting your opponent, cheating your way to win and to use every trick to cause damage and to receive non. Not surprising was that Rainbow, Applejack and Pinkie got the ropes pretty fast, here both Fluttershy and Twilight found struggle.

Finally Lemon Zest would put them in peak physical condition. Running laps climbing trees, doing push ups and some other minor exercises. From there she would show then a bit of self-defence. Here again Fluttershy and Twilight did bad in stamina, speed, strength and resistance, pretty much everything.

After some other details Starlight had the girls practice shooting magic blasts and magic balls, much to everyone surprise there was a difference between both, blasts were easier to aim, chargeable, faster but sucked more energy, magic balls were more difficult to produce although required less energy consumption and delt more damage that the amount of energy used to produce it so there was a good point into learn them too.

Aria recommend not to transform in the middle of a fight for they were vulnerable during this time, she also chastised the girls for been too soft when thinking about attacking. "This guys don't want to suck your magic, they want to end us! So we finish them first!".

In her end Lemon just recommend for everyone to diet in more vegetables and less sweets and meat as this would increase stamina, this was a huge blow for poor Pinkie and in some level for Applejack.

"Hey how come Big Mac is not getting into it!". Rainbow claimed pointing to the only male present who so far only watched the girls exercise.

" You know? Rainbow head is right, you look kinda softy now, haven't been training anymore right?". Lemon said as she pinched Mac's biceps only for him to flex it a bit, just enough to almost rip the sleeve of his shirt. "Ok never mind". Lemon smiled and patted the arm, again Sunset saw this with uneasiness.

"Ah could use some good ol runnin, haven't done that in a while ". Mac said while approaching Sunset and the rest with Lemon tagging behind. " Does any of ya have any other thing they can think off, to improve our chances against the bad pony guys ah mean".

Starlight hummed. "Hmmm, I can teach you some healing spells since Sunset still need to control the side effects of her magic, but apart from Sunset, Twilight and Rarity I don't know if the rest can use them".

"Why is that?". Asked Twilight.

"Well, in a sense magic is more viable to unicorns, when you transform you seem to take the same form as your equestrian counterparts. Fluttershy and Rainbow are pegasus, Applejack and Pinkie are earth ponies and the rest are unicorns, are you with me so far?" The group nodded. "Good, ok then, although all three races posses magic they all use it differently, pegasi can fly at great speeds and control the weather. Earth ponies can increase their physical attributes as well as having a better resistance against some spells , unicorns can channel their magic through their horns and use telekinesis. Aria? What do you know about your own kind?".

"What? Uh, I...I mean we use our magic in some different ways like our song magic, It's pretty similar to casting a spell but with rhythm, you probably remember some of them when we first met back in CHS. There isn't many songs that I remember but the ones I do can't be used normally without a birth gem".

"Birth gem? Ya mean those jewels that got destroyed after we beat ya?". Asked Applejack making the rest of the Rainbooms less Twilight remember about it.

"I was wondering about that, Adagio did have one when we fought her did she? But when I tried to take it from her I felt Sonata inside, what does that mean?" . Sunset asked as well.

"Yeah, I saw it too, Adagio must have caught up Sonata when we left her, but I never thought that she would turn her into that, I have no idea how she did it".

"Isn't that common magic in your world? ". Asked Twilight to Starlight.

"No, I haven't seen it but I have no doubt than that was black magic, magic like...".

"Like the one used by King Sombra? Like that mare you mentioned? Sophy Stone?".

"Correct, with this I have no doubt, we are dealing with a pony who can use black magic, the most dangerous of all". Starlight said with a somber tone.

The entire group went silent, each individual with their own preoccupations for themselves and their friends. Before the mood could become almost like funeral Rainbow broke the tension with her usual complains. " So much speaking of gems and stones remained me of Rarity, why isn't she here suffering of impeding doom with us?".

" Ah about that, she said that she would be very busy with and order and couldn't come today but that she would make to us with something good". Informed Twilight.

" Anyway, ah think ya can use a good rest for now, let's go back to the house ". Mac told the group and everyone started walking in the same direction.

"Race you there Pinkie! No magic, just normal speed".

"You're on Dashie!".

"Count me in". Lemon jumped at the challenge too. Soon the three girls were ahead of the rest.

"I can believe they have so much energy left!".

"Actually is more like you and Fluttershy have little to begin with, you do seem pretty similar to my pony friends ". Starlight said.

" About that, is the pony Apples? Are their parent? Ya know? Alive?".

Before Starlight could answer it was Big Mac who responded. " Sorry sis, but nope, ah talked with the other AJ and asked the same thing, almost everythin there is the same as here".

"Almost, the Big Mac from Equestria is married already to a friend of mine, Sugar Belle". Sunset tensed a little hearing that.

" Funny, makes you wonder, don't you think?". Aria commented.

"About what ? ". Asked Twilight curious.

"Well, since Shimmer here came from Equestria and got involved with all of you, makes you curious about what change caused that, maybe you would haven't friends like right now and Apple here would end up with the Sugar Belle from this world, don't you think?". The question was just out of curiosity but the effects were not expected. Immediately Sunset stopped walking and her body tensed completely. Her eyes became teary and her head dropped, her shoulders too became heavy with guilt and one hand took the other in a pathetic intent of comfort. Everyone saw it.

"Oh shit! Hey hey, it was... It was a dumb question ok? Just that? A stupid question from my stupid mouth, don't worry, ok?". Aria tried to defuse the situation but to no avail.

"It... It's ok I (sniff) I'm... Ok (sniff) I just need a moment, alone". Sunset started walking by herself before Big Mac caught her and picked her up like a bride, he then walked in a different direction.

"We'll come back later sis". Mac said as Sunset tried to make herself fit in his arms and disappear.

The remaining group saw them walk away before continuing their own route. " Hey it was an accident ok! It wasn't in purpose!". Aria continued to apologise.

"That's ok Aria, ah know ya mean no harm with yer question, let just go". Applejack patted the siren's back softly and kept walking forward. "Those two needed some excuse to be alone anyway, ya just facilitated that chance".

Sunset continued crying, her eyes closed and feeling guilty for her actions long taken. Mac didn't said a thing during his short walk,only holding her comfortable in his arms and chest. Taking a raspy breath Sunset's nose received a faint but familiar smell. Her weeping stopped momentarily. Her suspicious was proven right when she heard the sound of boots over wood. " Sunny, ah'm gonna put ya down now". Sunset let Mac lower her to stand but she didn't remove her face from his chest, not wanting to risk look him in the eyes.

Mac hold her like that, he didn't wanted to pressure her and make her feel worse. Meanwhile looking around where he had walked, nice memories flooded him. " Ya know? Ah think we haven't been here since that day when I walked on ya". Mac could feel Sunset shifting in his embrace. " Ah still come from time to time, mostly when ah'm workin the orchard and want to take a break. Ah come too when ah need some peace and ya ain't nearby". Mac rested his chin on the top of her head, something that always soothed his girlfriend. " Ah never liked the word, ya know, destiny or fate or whatever ya want to call it, it mean that ya don have a sayin in yer life. It puts shackles in yer soul and mind, for me it means that even if ah didn mess up with the truck my folks were goin to die anyway, it would make the pain we suffered for the loss different too.

"And what does that say about our love, ya think that we love each other because we were meant to be together or because we do want to love each other?". Mac let the question linger for her. Sunset thought about her actions until this point, was she in this world because destiny or did she broke it when she crossed the mirror. Mac was right in a way, accepting that a predetermined route existed for you took away joy and thrill of the life, knowing that route was the key of course, otherwise if you didn't have that knowledge then freedom was just a sad illusion.

The beating of Big Mac's heart caused her to remember how they started their relationship, it was here that she did the shameful act that Mac would witness driving them to get together, but the hidden memories that somehow were been revealed that there was more than that. Her own heart beat slower, trying to match his own. Combined with the faint smell of the stable and the apples surrounding everything relaxed her anxiety. She didn't know the answer and probably she never wouldn't. So she went with what her heart told her it was true. She breath deep and spoke.

"I love you, now, in this very moment, in this life, through this choices I got to meet all of you, specially you, my friend, my mate, my love. If I were to be placed in the same circumstances that drove me here I would take them again, to be together once more".

Mac smiled when her cyan eyes finally met his green eyes. Just for a few seconds they stood like that, before closing them and lock their lips in a passionate kiss that the couple enjoyed to no end, as before, a pink glowing mantle surrounded them mixing their own personal fears and doubts and turning them in vapor that vanished with the soft breeze that passed through the doors and windows of the old wooden structure.

UNKNOWN TERRITORY, EQUESTRIA...

A pop of displacement echoed through the old cave as Abigail teleported herself inside the natural hole. She used her magic to illuminated her way forward, each hoof making its own sound as Sunset moved to meet her Teacher, the old pony would be mad to see her again but Abigail need information that only she could provide, so a visit was inevitable. Finally her eyes saw light ahead, light other that the one her horn produced.

Stopping close to the small natural chamber Abigail took a few calming breaths, she knew she needed them. She finally stepped in.

"Greetings Master, it's been a long time, hasn't? ".

The red crystal pony watched her and despite her broken face the hatred was still perfectly visible in it. " Do you enjoy so much to rub in my face my two biggest mistakes Abigail?". Said the elder broken pony. When she pointed at the Alicorn amulet hanging from Abigail's neck the movement caused her leg to brake s bit more and small shards felt to the ground where she rested.

"My first mistake, that... cursed amulet, carried by my second mistake, just remembering the moment I saved you from that river, how I wish I could had let you drown!".

END OF CHAPTER 29.

Author's Notes:

Thanks for reading and so sorry for any mistake you found, anyway Foxgear finally finished 'This is what we do'. Awesome story, totally recommended. Also new story coming Rainbow's Rodeo will have to wait a bit further. Once again thanks for reading, untill next one.

NEXT CHAPTERS:

1) My little pony Isekai: the knight.
2) PokePon chapter 5.
3) Fruits of love chapter 30.
4) Fruits of love chapter 31.