“Vel, I think you’re making a huge mistake. I don’t care what that quack you have her seeing says.” Luna sighed, tightening her grip on the handset of the phone. It had been about a week since Sunset Shimmer had come to live with her and the teen missed her Twilight a lot more than the girl wanted to admit. Sunset had acted as if she had been dead inside, crying herself to sleep at nights while doing her best to bury her pain during the day. Luna was worried the girl was on a self destructive course.

“I don’t care, Luna. I don’t want my baby around that piece of trash! Caddie told me all about that girl being in charge of making Middy do those things!” Velvet snapped over the phone, once again refusing to listen to anything more. A part of her couldn’t blame Velvet for being so upset as the woman believed that the girl staying with her was her baby that was switched at birth. After all the blood tests showed that despite some anomalies in the girl’s blood, she was related to Velvet and Night. Luna couldn’t help wondering though what they would find if they bothered comparing it to Velvet’s Twilight. Then again, would twins have the same DNA anyways? Or close to it?

“Vel, you don’t have the whole story. Or you’re just refusing to acknowledge it.” Luna sighed shaking her head in disgust at her friend. All the poor girl at Velvet’s did was beg to be allowed to go home or see Sunset. It was a miracle that Velvet’s Twilight was at her grandmother’s as it would probably most likely freak the poor dear out.

“All I know is my baby girl is shattered and wants to go back to one of the people responsible!” Velvet hissed out before cutting the connection. Luna was getting annoyed as she wanted to help Sunset, yet had no idea how. She knew that the girl wasn’t from their world, and she suspected the new Twilight wasn’t either. However Sunset had yet to mention anything about the other world making it a small possibility that this was the wrong Sunset Shimmer. She doubted it was the wrong one though as she had suspicions on who the girl’s mother was, and if she was right then this world’s Sunset Shimmer was resting in Canterlot Cemetery after being stillborn.

It was a shock two and a half years ago when Luna had witnessed what she thought was her sister emerging from the base of the statue at the school. If it wasn’t for her Celestia just a few steps behind her, Luna would have been sure it was some prank by the older sister. Not that Celestia would normally do that as Luna was the prankster while Celestia was the more serious one of them.

The new Celestia had told them about her world and how the mirror opened for three days every thirty moons, or two and a half years. She had broken down saying how after a misunderstanding her student ran away through the mirror the last time it was open and begged them to look for her and take care of her until the next time it opens because it would be the girls last chance to return home. Sadly the time had already passed which meant Sunset Shimmer was stuck here now, but Luna intended to take care of the girl anyways. If she was right, the girl was basically her niece from another dimension.

Problem was, she was sure that other Celestia held back certain details as Sunset Shimmer hated Luna’s sister with a passion as they only met once. Since then Luna had tried to keep the two apart until she could convince the girl that this Celestia was different until she confirmed her theories. Not that Sunset throwing several books that was nearby at Celestia while screaming at her didn’t help confirm that this was the girl the other one was looking for, but until Luna knew for sure she was afraid of bringing it up. She really didn’t need to make the girl she was responsible for thinking she was crazy.

“Luna, do I have a doctor’s appointment today?” Sunset asked, walking slowly down the steps. She wasn’t even making any noise as she moved, her expression seemed so sad. She was wearing another pair of blue jeans, something Luna was learning that the girl liked. She seemed to prefer jeans and long, baggy shirts that fell to at least mid thigh. Not that Luna blamed the girl after what she had been through.

“No, do you want to maybe go do something today? Maybe we can go see a movie?” Luna suggested, hoping that she would say yes. Sadly Sunset slowly shook her head, scuffing the ground with a foot.

“I was just hoping that I can go explore some today.” Sunset said, wincing a little as Luna moved over to her. She could see the teen trying to hide it, but she was shaking a little as Luna gently tilted her head up to look her in the eyes.

“Honey, this isn’t a prison. I want you to be safe though, and even if you may not believe it right now, I do care about what happens to you.” Luna said, sad to see the girl starting to get teary eyed.

“I know.” Sunset said, “I really do know, but my body hasn’t gotten the memo from my mind yet.”

Luna understood what the girl meant as she was sure Sunset understood that Luna cared for her after seeing the older woman ban her own sister from the small home. Not that Celestia was upset about it as she also understood that right now Sunset was at a very bad and dangerous place. She was certain that the girl wasn’t planning to hurt herself, and she was sure that the girl wasn’t going to run away as they had built a small bond. It wasn’t very strong, but it was there and let Luna trust the girl to do the right thing even if it didn’t stop the woman from worrying.

“Here, take this with you and buy you a few things. Get a game, a movie or some books.” Luna suggested, doubting the girl was too interested in clothes or makeup as she hadn’t worn any makeup since coming to live with her. Not that it mattered; Sunset was one of those girls who were naturally so beautiful she truly didn’t need makeup really.

“Thank you.” Sunset said as Luna walked to a small table and pulled some money from her purse and gave it to Sunset.

“Your welcome, just make sure to take your phone and call me if you have any problems.” Luna said, kissing the top of Sunset’s head which made the teen smile a little. “Please just make sure you stay safe and come home, please.”

“I will, thanks.” Sunset said, pocketing the money as she already had her phone wither. She thought about going to get her jacket, but it was already rather warm out being summer which meant school was out for awhile yet.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“In the wake of the recent scandal concerning a local Gentleman’s club, both the governor and chief of police have been arrested and charged on several felony accounts. The officer responsible for cracking this case has been promoted to the new chief of police while…” The radio said before the driver changed the channel which made Sunset a little annoyed as she was listening to that. She wanted to find out what else was going on as besides being assured that the girls were doing well, and Twilight was okay, she didn’t know much about it. Luna didn’t want her to worry about it despite her being one of the key witnesses in the case unless Iron Will and Mac’s was enough.

Looking out the window she wondered how far this bus went as from what she understood this was a city bus that traveled along a single route in a circle. Wanting to just get off the street for awhile after walking around a bit, she decided to hop a bus where she could just watch out the window and think of everything.

The last week had been okay, Luna being a wonderful woman despite being sisters with that bitch who had ruined Sunset’s life. A part of her couldn’t help wondering if this Celestia was better though as Cadence was different despite having many similarities. Thankfully she didn’t have to worry about it right now as all she could feel for her right now was anger and hatred which exploded when being near her.

She felt bad about kind of enjoying it though as she worried about the other girls. Sure she didn’t like them, but she never hated them. She couldn’t blame them for becoming what the drugs made them as they didn’t have a choice in the matter. She knew for a fact that Ivy was completely different when she was brought in as the girl was somebody Sunset could become good friends with. Then the drugs took hold and she became another mindless drone caring more about sex than studying anymore. And she had a feeling the others were the same.

Sitting up straighter as she saw a few apple trees, a memory of Mac telling her that he lived on an apple farm a few times. Looking around out the window she noticed a sign over a dirt path leading away from the street reading, ‘Sweet Apple Acres.’

“It can’t be.” Sunset gasped, jumping up from her seat and stumbling up to the driver. “Please, can I get off.”

“Sure thing, Missy. Next time though, just pull the cord above the windows.” The driver said as the bus slowed to a stop and Sunset hopped off quickly.

“Thank you.” Sunset said back over her shoulder before the doors closed, the driver giving her a smile before pulling away from her. She wasn’t too sure what she was doing now though as the bus was gone and she really didn’t see any other vehicles out this way. Actually, there weren’t any stores or houses that she could see either which worried her a little. What if nobody was out here and she ended up being stuck? She guessed she could call Luna if that happened, but she really didn’t want to bother her.

What did she expect to find here though? Mac? A young man that she had cared for as a friend, but what kind of friend paid the other for sex? And there was still that deep seated fear that Mac was a spy for Tirek as much as she didn’t want to listen to that. She hated having that doubt deep in her mind, but she never could trust anyone fully until she met Twilight there. Not even Iron Will.

Shrugging, she kicked a rock in the dirt and watched it skip down the pavement of the road as she started walking away from the path. This was a huge mistake as she didn’t know what to say to him even if this was the right place. Sorry for breaking your heart and begging you to do my friend to try and help her through her first night. Yeah, she seriously doubt that would help if he really was upset about it. Though she really wasn’t too sure if he was that upset over it as that’s all any guy ever wanted, wasn’t it?

She let out a squeak and jumped back off the shoulder of the road as a truck crossed over from the other lane so the driver side could pull up beside her. Inside was an older woman who looked as if she had seen some hard years yet had a kind, gentle look on her face.

“Howdy young lady, can I help you?” The woman said with an accent thicker than even Mac’s own, though it seemed to comfort her worries for some reason letting her return the smile. Sunset was a little wary of her though as the old woman’s eyes swept up and down her body several times before her eyes widened as if recognizing her. “Are you by chance, Lotus?”

“My name is Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset said, stiffening at hearing that name. She couldn’t meet the old woman’s eyes as she tried to find something, anything else to concentrate on than the memories that name dredged up.

“I’m not going to hurt you, Missy. Mac has been worried about you and after finding out what happened, so have I.” The old woman said, “Just call me Granny. Can I offer you a cup or cider? It’s one of our specialties.”

“I don’t know, this was a mistake. I shouldn’t have come.” Sunset finally sighed in response, turning to walk away but was stopped as the old woman reached out gently grabbed her by the hand.

“Please honey, this old body is getting rather fragile in my elder years. I could use some help taking in my grocers since I have no idea where my grandchildren are.” Granny said, grinning in a way that made Sunset a little uncomfortable. She was sure that the woman was lying about something which made Sunset very cautious. Yet at the same time she couldn’t bring herself to turn the woman’s plea for help down, no matter how much she was wanting to.

“Fine, but I’m only helping take your stuff in then I have to go.” Sunset said as the woman motioned for her to go around and get in the passenger door as she pulled two paper bags full of groceries over farther so they would be between them. Sighing again, Sunset asked herself if she was stupid as she pulled the handle on the door. The handle let out a creak that startled her as the door groaned as it was open.

The ride up to the large, yet obviously old house was bumpy yet thankfully quiet as the truck made quick work of trip despite all the bumps in the path. The closer she got though she could tell that despite looking old, it seemed to be well maintained despite the fading paint. It just had what she remembered Mac calling a rustic feel to it.

“Let’s head into the kitchen dear, with the hot day it would be a good idea to at least offer you a cool drink. Like one of our Fizzy Ciders.” Granny said, taking one of the two bags herself making Sunset arch a brow. ‘Fragile my ass.’

“Granny, I really should be going.” Sunset said as she followed the woman into the house, thankful at the few fans littered along the path running.

“Nonsense dear, there’s always time for a quick drink.” Granny said, sighing sadly as she pulled out a bottle from the fridge and handed it to Sunset before tackling the groceries. “Besides, I want to talk to you.”

“Look, I’m sorry for what I did.” Sunset said softly, giving up trying to figure out how to get the bottle opened and sat it in the table. “I didn’t want to do any of that.”

“I know dear, that’s not what I wanted to say. I wanted to apologize for my grandson and if the big lug told me sooner maybe you wouldn’t have had to be at the horrible place for so long.” Granny sighed, pulling something from a door in the cabinets and used it to pop the top of the bottle before handing it back to Sunset. Slowly sniffing the bottle, the fizz popping and tickling her nose a little. She wasn’t too sure about what was in the bottle, but took a small sip of it. She couldn’t hold back the smile, the stuff was really good. “What I wanted to say is that I’m sorry, my family wronged you and if you need anything don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Excuse me?” Sunset asked in surprise, almost dropping the bottle. How in the hell did this woman think that what happened was her fault? She had no reason to apologize for it.

“Please sit down.” Granny said guiding Sunset to one of the kitchen chairs before taking another herself. “Look dear, I know what went on between my grandson and you, and I don’t blame you. I do blame my grandson a little for his naivety a little, but most of the blame should be placed on those monsters in charge of that place.”

“Granny, I’m a whore, Mac just paid for my services. He didn’t do anything wrong.” Sunset said, her eyes watering a little. She didn’t want the woman telling her that what happened to her was Mac’s fault. He paid for her and she slept with him, end of story. It was her job, even if it was one she really didn’t want to do.

“I don’t believe that for one moment, dear. What you are is a victim, and the sooner you understand that the better off you will be.” Granny said leaning over to hug Sunset.

“So if I wanted to still be with him, you would let me?” Sunset asked, not really meaning it. She wanted to see what the woman’s reaction would be.

“If you wanted to be with him of your own free will, then I would be happy for the two of you. He really cares for you, though he went about showing it the wrong way.” Granny sighed, “I’d be happy to see him with a girl who loves him. Do you love him?”

“No.” Sunset sighed, feeling like a heel at seeing the sad look cross Granny’s face for a moment before giving her a little smile. “I care for him as a friend, Granny. Maybe if we met under other circumstances I would have happily given him a chance.”

“I was afraid of that, but I’m not mad at you. Mac brought this on himself like I said, but that doesn’t change things. The Apple Family owes you a debt for wronging you, and we Apples don’t ever forget a debt.” Granny said.

“Granny, all I can ask of you it to tell Mac that I’m sorry that he got hurt because of me if he did.” Sunset said.

“It wasn’t your fault Lotus.” Mac said from the screen door going outback. Looking up as the young man stepped through the door, letting it bang shut behind him, Sunset couldn’t help swallowing nervously.

“The young lady’s name is Sunset Shimmer, Mac.” Granny said softly, “Would you like me to leave you two alone to talk?”

“Please don’t.” Sunset squeaked out, fear filling her as she tore her gaze from the muscles that his white tank top molded to. She wasn’t sure why, but the thought of being alone with him scared her all of a sudden.

“It’s okay honey.” Granny said, sharing the same sad look that Mac was now sporting.

“It’s a pretty name.” Mac said nervously, looking between Sunset and his Granny.

“Thank you.” Sunset said softly, unable to meet his eyes.

“Sunset, I never knew. If I did I would never had left you there. I would have taken you away that first night.” Mac said, dropping into another of the chairs, running his sweat soaked fingers through his damp hair. “You have to believe me, I never knew. I never wanted to hurt you. I loved you.”

“It’s not your fault, Mac. I was trapped, there’s nothing you could have done.” Sunset said, so soft her voice could barely be heard. “Do you know what happened if we tried to tell somebody and it got back to Tirek?”

“I don’t know, I’m sorry.” Mac said.

“There was this dark haired woman who pissed off Tirek to the point he dragged her to what was called the dungeon. She was chained up and her clothes ripped off before…” Sunset said, trembling as the memories hit her. She still had nightmares. “This huge guy took a whip with nails in it and he beat her with it. I’m surprised she survived.”

“Oh my.” Granny gasped, covering her mouth in shock.

“As much as I hated having to do what I did, I didn’t want that done to me.” Sunset sighed, “Maybe I would have been better off if I did, but I was too scared to stand up to Tirek.”

“I’m so sorry.” Mac said, trembling himself. Though he was starting to get angrier and angrier at both himself and this Tirek while Sunset’s was caused from her memories and the fear they evoked.

“Mac, she’ll be ok.” Granny said, “But don’t you have chores to get to?”

“Yes, granny.” Mac sighed as he started to get up. “Sunset, I know you don’t have any reason to ever forgive me, but can we at least be friends?”

“I’d like that.” Sunset said with a teary smile.

“So sweetie, do you want a lift somewhere or would you like to stay for lunch? I could use a little help making it of you like.” Granny said, giving a hopeful smile to Sunset.

“I don’t know how to cook.” Sunset said slowly, having absolutely no idea how to even start.

“That’s okay, there’s always time to learn. Would you like to learn how to make some tacos?” Granny asked, getting a bigger smile from Sunset.

“I’d like that Granny.” Sunset said as she got up to get ready to make her first home cooked meal.

Author's Note

So, Sunset is getting a little closure with Mac while the next chapter will be centered more on Twilight. Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter, and starting next chapter I will be trying to (if I understand his advice correctly) cut back on some of the more detailed dialogue and hold back some of the more important bits that don't exactly have to be revealed right this moment until later when they are more relevant to the story.