Chapters Author's Note
I was going to write a blog about this, but thought it might be better off here in the author's notes.
First and foremost, I want to warn everyone that this is a collaboration with my girlfriend. It will contain some cursing and scenes that normally won't be in my stories though there will be nothing explicit. There will be mentions of rape, forced prostitution, slaver, drugs, drug usage, drug selling, torture and murder. Nothing graphic though and will only take place over the first few chapters.
Also, this story will partially be canon for the pony world though there will be changes. Such as one of my favorite head canons dealing with Celestia, Sunset, Trixie and Twilight. As for Equestria Girls, Sunset has never stepped foot into Canterlot High and won't until after the first few chapters. All of the normal Equestria Girls will be present as this will be in that universe with some changes that will be revealed as time goes on.
I should probably mention the change of plans on the release schedule for this story. As I mentioned before I was planning on releasing one chapter a week on Saturday's to have time between working on it to have time to work on my other things. This won't be the case as my GF wants to publish them once we finish and look over them. This is good news as far as this story goes as it may see more updates than one a week. I'll try to still work on my other stuff, but while my GF is this excited about working on this with me, this will likely be priority.
I'd also like to thank Wysteria who was a big part in forging the ideas for this story as well as BiomasterM2 for all of the help he gave me on my stories so far.
Arc I Chapter 1
“Why am I even bothering?” Twilight huffed for what seemed like the millionth time as the light filtering through the large windows died down as Celestia’s sun lowered into the horizon while Luna’s moon rose into what was now quickly becoming the night sky.
Every pony else was off doing their part to get the wedding set back up for first thing in the morning, a wedding that Twilight was banned from attending. Yet here she was in the reception hall helping the guards pick up the broken mess the changelings had caused in their invasion. Something that still shocked Twilight as they whole thing was illogical. Not the invasion itself, but the wedding as the Capital was on high alert due to a then unknown threat. Who in their right mind throws a wedding in the middle of something so important?
Yet Twilight and her friends were summoned from Ponyville to not only attend a wedding she should have known about months ago, but to help prepare for it. Of course one of the first things Twilight had brought up with the princess was questioning just how wise having such an important wedding during a state of emergency. It was crazy as there were so many things that could wrong, though no pony had even dared to suspect what had happened.
At least no pony except for Twilight as she knew something was wrong with Cadence. She still couldn’t understand how she could see just how wrong the fake Cadence had been after not seeing her for two years while Princess Celestia, who had most likely seen her on a daily basis, didn’t realize anything was wrong. As much as Twilight once respected Princess Celestia, she never believed the Princess to be so irresponsible and inattentive to all of the signs that the false cadence displayed. After all, any pony who knew Cadence knew that no amount of stress could make the Princess of Love treat any pony the way she did.
And yet not only did Cadence’s aunt, but her own brother as well overlooked all of it. And while her brother may have had a better excuse as Twilight wasn’t sure how much affect the changeling Queen’s magic on her brother. No matter what though, what he said to her hurt. It crushed her heart that he could say those things to her as she was almost certain it didn’t come from whatever spell was used on him, no matter how much she wanted to believe otherwise.
“Lady Sparkle.” One of the day guards said, his voice stiff as was his posture. It was normal for them to act that way when on official business so Twilight didn’t let it bother her. Though she had a sinking feeling about what he could want with her as it was obviously not just a simple greeting.
“Yes?” Twilight asked arching an eyebrow. She may not have been upset with the guards, none of this was their fault after all, but she wasn’t in the mood for the Princess’s games right now. She was exhausted both emotionally and physically and the Princess was a big part of the reason why.
“Her majesty Princess Celestia requests your presence in her personal chambers.” The guard said, giving her a brief look of sympathy. The same look that some of the guards had given her as they cleaned up after the invasion. They knew she was hurting and felt bad for the way she had been treated by the others.
“Tell her to buck off.” Twilight said softly, the stallion’s ears twitching a little as a look of shock crossed his features almost making it worth it, a small giggle threatening to escape. Any other time she would be laughing at the expression. “Sorry, tell her I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
“Yes Ma’am.” The guard bowed, turning to go and stopped. “For what it’s worth, we feel that you got a raw deal. We’re very sorry for what you had to go through.”
“Thank you.” Twilight said, fighting back the urge to cry. She watched as the guard nodded and trotted off to deliver the message to the Princess.
“He’s right Lady Sparkle,” One of the guards who were helping clean up said. Twilight couldn’t help feeling the urge to roll her eyes at being addressed in that way, but resisted it. She knew it was proper protocol as she was technically from a noble family though unlike others never took advantage of that fact and actually hid it. “We all feel bad that none of us knew Princess Cadence had been replaced with a fake.”
“It wasn’t your fault, you all aren’t her family.” Twilight said, sighing when she saw the pony flinch at the thinly veiled accusation thrown out towards Princess Celestia.
“To be fair, the Princess has had a lot on her plate lately.” The guard said, “Still, you were wronged and all of us deeply regret that we couldn’t have prevented it.”
“Don’t worry about it, you all do a great job around here. You can’t go against the Princess’s orders like saying no to putting on a wedding that could be postponed when there is a state of emergency.” Twilight said, feeling angry again at the fact that it was exactly what happened.
“We are pretty much finished here, why don’t you go see what the Princess wants and get some rest.” An older stallion that was also dressed in the armor of the royal guard said coming over to sit by the other one facing Twilight.
“Are you sure?” Twilight asked, not really wanting to shrug her duties off onto some pony else. Something she was growing tired off with Princess Celestia after today as it appeared that none of her hard work meant anything. Not to her friends, not to her brother and not to her beloved mentor. None of them trusted in her when she tried to talk to them and none of them even looked into it when she confronted the bug at the rehearsal.
“We’re positive. Go and get some rest my dear.” The older guard said flashing her a smile.
“Okay, I think I will. Thank you.” Twilight said, nodding her head to them. “Have a peaceful night you two.”
“Rest well my Lady.” The guard said as Twilight turned and left the hall heading towards the tower that housed the forbidden wing as well as Celestia’s private chambers. Many of the artifacts that were kept in the castle to keep away from the wrong hooves were kept directly below Celestia’s suite of rooms where she could keep a close eye on them.
As she made her way down the corridor though, something felt a bit off about everything. It took several moments to realize that there were no guards standing around making sure that no pony entered into the forbidden wing which started to anger Twilight. Feeling a ripple of magic made her even angrier as she hurried down the hall that branched off where it led down towards the rooms housing everything from forbidden tomes to artifacts of immense power.
Checking the doors as she went to make sure they were all locked tightly, Twilight sighed in relief. So far everything seemed secure and locked up tight. Still, she knew she didn’t imagine that ripple of magic. It felt so powerful yet unfamiliar and she couldn’t help wondering if it could be a changeling that somehow avoided the magical barrier that banished the creatures from within Canterlot’s walls.
Finally coming to the door at the end of the hallway she found it was unlocked which unnerved Twilight. She had been down this way more than once and was even shown around each of the room by the Princess herself. She had been in every single room except for this one as Celestia had forbidden her from ever entering. She didn’t have time to think about that now though if there was a thief on the other side of the door pilfering Celestia knew what.
Pushing the door open quickly in hopes of startling whoever was the source of that magic, Twilight was almost disappointed that it was an empty room except for one single mirror. It was a beautiful mirror though, intricate framework around the edges with several old and rare looking gems inlaid in it. Looking at her reflection she saw a mare with a haggard appearance as if the world had trampled her, and in truth it was what she felt like.
“Why do you even bother?” Twilight asked her reflection as she raised a hoof to caress the mirror’s image and gasped. Her hoof was stuck on the mirror and sinking through the surface. Panicking she took her other hoof and pushed against the edge of the mirror trying to pull free, but she stumbled and ended up tripping forward into the mirror. It felt like her body was being twisted and folded in upon itself as she tumbled through a corridor of lights.
Finally with a loud *THUMP* she landed on the other side feeling dazed and a little nauseous at the roller coaster of a ride. As her head stopped spinning as bad she realized that she felt funny, her body just didn’t feel right to her as she brought a hoof up to find instead of a hoof there were five blunted claws. She was about to let out a scream when a claw shoved a cloth in her face and held her against them until her struggles started dying down as she slowly lost consciousness.
Celestia was starting to get worried when Twilight didn’t show up after being summoned. The unicorn had never been late when Celestia called for her, though she supposed the mare had every reason to take her time. After all with everything going on and the stress of the last three days as her hopes of seeing someone she hadn’t seen in almost five years now slowly crumble, she began realizing just how bad she messed up.
All of the signs had been there like Twilight had pointed out to Celestia before even the rehearsal, but out of foolishness she brushed the unicorn off. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Twilight, but she knew how close she was to her brother and knew how stressed Cadence was. At least who she thought was Cadence at the time. She didn’t detect any hints of illusion so why would she suspect anything else. If only she thought about the changelings then as they changed their form on a physical level and didn’t need illusions to hide right under her nose.
Now not only was she mourning another period going by with Sunset Shimmer not coming home through the mirror, but now she was beating herself up for hurting her new student. She couldn’t help wondering if she was a failure as not only did she mess up with Sunset letting her escape through the mirror, now she probably broken the close relationship she once shared with Twilight. And she had no pony to blame for that except for herself.
“Your majesty! We have a problem!” A guard shouted, banging on her door. Using her magic she opened it allowing the pony to enter making Celestia have hope for a few moments, but when she saw the panicked look on his face she knew something was wrong.
“What is wrong captain?” Celestia asked, fearing the worst. She had ordered the chamber that housed the portal to be left unlocked and any guard stationed nearby to be reassigned for the three days it was to be open. She had the captain who was now before her secretly watching it so Sunset wouldn’t be scared of the guards when first coming through and fleeing back. The captain was to calmly approach her and get between Sunset and the mirror and prevent her from escaping back through until Celestia could confront her. Until Celestia could beg her for forgiveness for her part in their argument while hoping Sunset herself was sorry as well. She had hoped that Sunset had learned the lessons Celestia had tried to impart on her while on the other side.
“Twilight Sparkle entered the chamber with the mirror, likely drawn to its magic when it surged.” The captain explained making Celestia feel light headed. She never thought of that, of course the mirror ripples every once in awhile sending out surges of magic. It was harmless, but the magic that powered the mirror and the portal was chaotic in nature.
“Where is she?” Celestia swallowed.
“I tried to get to her, but she feel through your majesty.” The captain said making Celestia sob out. It was now past midnight meaning the portal was closed now for the next two and a half years. Not only did she chase Sunset Shimmer away, now she lost Twilight Sparkle because of her own foolishness.
Sunset Shimmer sighed as she walked down the dimly lit hallway in their dorm towards the new girl’s room. She really wished that the new girl wasn’t brought in after hearing Knives and Silver Shot talking about the new arrival who was still sedated after her initial examination. Fingering her collar Sunset couldn’t help feeling sorry for the new girl as she was apparently going to be auctioned off Friday night to the highest bidder. It meant she was still a virgin which made things even worse on the girl.
Even since stumbling through that damn portal and being picked up off the streets by Sombra, Sunset had been trapped here in the Lotus Blossom Gentleman’s Club. It wasn’t a strip bar like the Silver Orchid that Tirek dragged her to as an escort once, but it was worse. Oh so much worse.
Tracing the cool metal of her collar again with a finger, a small golden band that looked like jewelry yet provided painful shocks if they tried to leave the premises without an escort which was nearly never, Sunset couldn’t help wondering if the new girl was collared yet. She also couldn’t help wondering if this new girl would last longer than the last two, or if they would be shipped off to the Silver Orchid or killed. She prayed that if anything she was shipped to the Silver Orchid as she didn’t want to be forced to watch another execution to show the girls what happens when they disobey.
“Did you hear, Lotus?” Iron Will asked, pulling Sunset from her thoughts as she realized the big man was standing there giving her a sad look. Lotus was her working name forced on her by those in charge here. Out of all the men here, Sunset actually liked Iron Will. Unlike the other men, he didn’t force himself on the girls. Not that he was never with any of them as Sunset had comforted him once or twice herself. He was only there because his father dragged him into this, though his father was still dead. Iron Will was trapped now though as the only way out for him was death and he needed the money he made for his mother’s medical bills.
“About the new girl?” Sunset asked, sighing sadly upon seeing his upset look. He hated the way they were treated here and Sunset knew just how much the things he was forced to do bothered him.
“Yeah. Silver Shot caught her stumbling around the school on his way back from a deal.” Iron Will said, most likely wondering the same thing Sunset was. Was the new girl a student? It would confirm that she was Sunset’s age or close to it. “Poor girl. Something must have happened to her since the Doc said she wasn’t drunk or high.”
“I’ll try and help her.” Sunset sighed, knowing the girl was going to need it and the other girls wouldn’t care.
“I know you will, you’re a good kid.” Iron Will said, “I have to go, I was just dropping her off in her room. Tirek has some things he wants Tank and me to take care of.”
“Just stay safe Iron.” Sunset said kissing his cheek before walking down the hall, her sheer robe billowing out like a cape as she hurried to the room she could hear giggling and talking coming from.
Pushing into the room Sunset couldn’t help feeling as if she knew the girl who looked to be just waking up. Sunset pushed herself to the front of the room, at first angering the girls at being pushed aside though quickly kept themselves from protesting when they saw who it was. Sunset was Tirek’s favorite after all and she was both looked up to and feared by the others.
“Where am I?” The girl asked, her voice adding to the familiar vibe Sunset was getting from the girl. “What happened to my hooves!?”
“Another freak.” One of the girls snorted making Sunset shoot her a glare while also feeling a sense of dread.
“Get out!” Sunset snapped as she twirled around to glare at the gathered girls.
“But…” Ivy tried to protest, the green haired girl swallowing nervously upon seeing the fire in Sunset’s eyes. Fire in her eyes was never a good thing.
“We’re going, have fun with the freak!” Daisy snorted as she walked out with the others, shutting the door after them.
“Hey there, don’t be afraid. My name’s Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset said softly as the girl looked up at her in fright.
“What are you!?” The girl cried out, looking as if she would start hyperventilating at any moment.
“I’m the same thing you are, a human.” Sunset said slowly, “You do know what a human is, right?
“What’s a human?” The girl asked slowly sitting up more as Sunset sat down on the bed next to her.
“First answer a question for me. Does the name Princess Celestia mean anything to you?” Sunset asked, hoping that she was wrong and the girl was just shaking off the effects of a bad trip. Somehow she knew better as she was sure she seen this girl somewhere before.
“Of course it does! Who doesn’t know Princess Celestia?” The girl cried out, though there was a deep pain in her eyes.
“What is your name?” Sunset asked softly, already feeling as if she knew the answer. She was beginning to suspect the identity of the girl and it was making her angry. This looked like the bitch that was a big reason Celestia discarded Sunset. If not for that damned unicorn Sunset would never have ended up here and would be safe at home in the castle.
“Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight said as she kept looking down at her fingers as if they were the most fascinating thing in the world. “What’s going on? Where am I?”
“You are in Canterlot, but not the Canterlot you know.” Sunset explained, “Did Celestia send you to find me?”
“No. I don’t even know who you are. I’ve never seen you before.” The girl said, shaking her head which angered Sunset even more. A small part of her was hoping that Celestia just didn’t simply forget about her and sent someone to rescue her. “I was in the castle investigating a magic surge when I fell through a mirror.”
“So you are the Princess’s personal student?” Sunset asked, a flash of hurt and anger flashing in Twilight’s eyes at that.
“No! I don’t mean anything to her apparently.” Twilight said hanging her head. “After everything I’ve done for her she wouldn’t even listen. She turned her back on me.”
“Yeah, she seems to do that a lot.” Sunset sighed, her anger at the girl cooling off. She realized it wasn’t her fault that Sunset was here, if any pony’s fault it was Celestia’s as now she drove another student away and into the waiting arms of what Iron Will called evil incarnate.
“What happened to me?” Twilight repeated again, looking up pleadingly to Sunset who sighed. Sunset really didn’t want to tell Twilight that she had become the newest victim of Tirek’s gang of bastards.
“It’s a long story.” Sunset said crawling farther into the bed and leaning back against the bars of the high headboard. “One I really wish you didn’t have to hear about.”
Twilight sat in the deep tub, hugging her knees to her chest as she tried not to cry. Here she was, trapped in an alien world with no way to get home, and that wasn't even the worst of the bad news she'd been given. If she could perhaps study the portal there was a chance she could figure out how it works and maybe get home. That is if it was possible to do much as she didn’t have any magic tools to work with and if Sunset was right, magic did not work in this world. Without her magic, or access to any tools that could help her get readings on said magic, there may not even be anything she can do to get home until it opens on itself.
If it was just that, maybe she could have handled it a bit better as she was angry with her friends and Princess Celestia. Her brother was a whole other story as she may have been hurt by the others’ actions, but what Shining Armor had done was far worse. A two and a half year vacation from them all may have been somewhat nice as maybe it would teach them to appreciate her more or let Twilight see that they didn’t need or want her depending on what happened.
If that was all of the news, she could live with it and make a temporary life here. She would dive into studying the culture of these people and learn everything she could about humans. This was after all a once in a lifetime experience. An experience that she would love to actually have in a more controlled situation where she could go back and forth between home and here.
Instead the bad news had kept coming as Sunset quickly pointed out the small, golden, ring like collar around her neck, ,and warned Twilight not to even try getting out of the building, even if she thought she had a chance to do so. Not that she would as the underground dormitory where they were kept at was sealed from the upstairs bar where they were expected to work in the evenings. If she tried to escape the collar would cause a high voltage shock and hurt her. At first Twilight had scoffed at the notion of such a device existing without magic until she saw the woman who had come to deliver a message to Sunset.
“Take a good look Twilight, this is what happens when you disobey our masters.” Sunset said, anger in her voice as she gently pulled the collar up of the black haired woman who was wearing a baggy covering that went to her knees. Twilight covered her mouth in horror upon seeing the scaring that traveled all the way around the woman’s neck from where something had burned into it.
“That’s not all honey.” The dark haired woman who was introduced as Scar said as she pulled the covering up, turning to show Twilight her back. A sob escaped as Twilight dropped to her knees, trying to turn away though she couldn’t tear her eyes off of the horror before her. The woman’s back was a criss-cross mess of scars where she had been beaten with a whip and it was making Twilight nauseous thinking that some pony could do this to someone else.
“How can some pony do this?” Twilight cried as Scar lowered the covering back down, breaking the view from the horrible mess.
“Somebody, Twilight. Remember, we’re humans.” Sunset said getting a strange look from the older woman, though the fiery haired girl didn’t pay much attention to it.
“Lotus dear, I’m sorry, but I didn’t just come down here to help explain things to the new girl.” Scar said, “Master Tirek has summoned you to his office.”
“Damn, I don’t want to leave Twilight right now.” Sunset hissed out making Twilight a little confused. After being told that it was partly her fault that Sunset ended up here, Twilight really didn’t expect the girl would really want to help her.
“I can stay with her until you get back if you like, Lotus.” Scar said, bowing her head a little.
“Thank you Scar, if any of the girls give you a problem, make sure to tell them you are taking care of some errands for me.” Sunset said as she hugged Twilight. “In fact, take her to my room and make her a bath. Use some of my good beads and if I’m not back, get her into something nice from my closet until Master Tirek sends her stuff.”
“Of course.” Scar said, nodding her head. She almost acted as if she was just as scared of offending Sunset as she was of whoever this Master Tirek was.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can, Twilight. Scar will make sure that you are taken care of until I get back.” Sunset said, turning and sweeping out of the door, her sheer red robe flowing behind her almost like a cape.
Scar had taken Twilight down the hall to another room which had the same kind of bed as the room they were in previously, though the sheets on this one were made up of colors that matched Sunset’s hair. There was more in the new room as well, not a lot more really, but there was a vanity with makeup scattered across it as well as well as a few other pieces of furniture that was missing from the one she came up such as a desk and a few chairs.
As the older woman prepared Twilight’s bath and started washing her mane and back, she had explained what was expected of them here. During the evenings they were to walk around the small common area upstairs and serve drinks, food and provide conversation to the patrons. They were prohibited from ever wearing anything other than the lingerie provided with the exception of Scar, as she had to stay downstairs and wear an oversized t-shirt to hide most of her scars. The few men who wore black rings though were considered very important customers and if the asked, they had to discreetly lead them to their rooms downstairs and do whatever they asked. Including mating if she wanted to or not.
Twilight was glad that Scar had finally left Twilight alone to soak, saying she’d be in the other room if needed. It let her draw her knees to her chest and cry about how hopeless her fate looked to be.
“Master Tirek, you wanted to see me Sir?” Sunset asked, slowly opening the door to his office to see him sitting at his desk going over some kind of folder.
“Come in, Lotus. I have some things to discuss.” Tirek said as he got up and walked around the desk as she stepped into the room, closing the door behind her. She stayed silent, arms hanging at her sides and head lowered a little as they were taught to do when in his presence. She shivered a little as he walked behind her, trailing his fingers softly across her back making her gasp out.
She hated to admit it, but the touch had felt good instead of the revulsion she normally felt from any contact with them. It helped to confirm her theory that what little magic she had inside of her was helping her resist the drugs that were administered through weekly shots to help control the girls. It left them able to function and actually have free will to an extent, but it appeared to dim their intelligence as well as make them actually want to do the things expected of them. It made them enjoy everything that was done to them.
Remembering the entries in Starswirl’s journal that she read in the forbidden section of the Royal Library though, Sunset knew that her magic was sealed upon becoming human. He had created the mirror to send the worst criminals through to a world where they couldn’t use magic to hurt any pony else. It was supposedly a kinder way to deal with them than putting them to death. It sealed their magic inside of them in a way that couldn’t be drawn on and let it slowly seep out of them over their time here. For those that truly repented and reformed, they were allowed back through the mirror the next time it opens, but if they stay too long they would lose all of their magic and become fully human, thus locking them here forever as normal humans could not travel through the portal. Or at least until they grew old and died.
Sunset had been one of the most powerful unicorns in Equestria and she could feel that power surging through her body when she first came through, though nothing she could do would let her draw upon it as she no longer had her horn as a conduit for it. It had a side effect; at least she believed it was what caused it, of letting her resist the drugs. She knew they realized the birth control drugs given to them didn’t work at first, as the Doctor had to experiment with them over her first couple years when she was too young to pass off as being of age until they found a combination powerful enough to work on her. She was sure they didn’t know that the more controlling drugs were ineffective on her as they never changed the dosage or anything.
Now though her magic was almost gone and she had been slowly realizing that the feeling of revulsion she usually felt from being touched was instead becoming one of pleasure, which worried her. She wasn’t sure how much longer she had where she would be able to resist their effects and actually become what she thought of as Tirek’s drones.
“You liked that, didn’t you?” Tirek asked as he came back into view and leaned back against his desk.
“Yes, Sir. Why wouldn’t I like your touch?” Sunset asked, feeling a little fear at his smirk. As if he knew some secret that spelled trouble for her as he drummed his fingers on the desk on either side of him.
“Do you take me for an idiot?” Tirek finally asked with a sneer, “I know that you have been faking it. I honestly don’t know why, unless you are as smart as you pretend to be.”
“What do you mean, Sir?” Sunset asked fighting the urge to fidget or whimper. He could be talking about a lot of different things, each one an offense that could actually end up getting her punished.
“I mean Lotus, that I know you have been faking everything. I know the drugs don’t effect you, or hasn’t until recently. The good Doctor has informed me what ever that deformity in your blood is, is almost gone now. And in just a few short weeks you will be nothing other but a brainless little slut wanting nothing more than to please her betters.” Tirek chuckled, smirking at seeing the fear and anger in her eyes.
“Yes, Sir.” Sunset said, trying her best not to cry or hit him. It had confirmed her worst fears as she balled up her fist, she would soon be losing herself and she wasn’t sure if it was reversible or not once it started. It was administered once a week so she was sure that if it stopped she would eventually return to normal, but she had no guarantees.
“Tell me, Lotus, what would it be worth if I offered to have the Doctor stop giving you anything but the birth control?” Tirek asked, his grin growing wider at seeing Sunset’s eyes open in surprise.
“Anything, I’ll do anything if you do that.” Sunset said softly, almost not able to believe that he would do something like that. It didn’t make sense to her.
“You are a very smart girl, Lotus. You know what will happen to you if you don’t do what’s expected. At first I was looking forward to not having to worry about you maybe trying to pull something stupid like Scar did. The poor dear shouldn’t have pissed me off.” Tirek said, ignoring the heated glare Sunset couldn’t help giving at the cold hearted gloating of what he did to the scarred woman who was now doing what Sunset had when she first arrived. “After a lot of thought though, I have to ask myself if you would still be as popular as you are now with our non VIP members. You make more than the others combined on a good night, and you also bring in those lonely shmucks who just want to talk and have a pretty thing like yourself comfort them in their time of need. It’s pathetic.”
“So you don’t want me to change?” Sunset asked, hoping that he would just stop the drugs before they got to her anymore than they were starting to.
“Oh, don’t even think you are getting away with this for nothing. Lotus, what do you know about the new girl?” Tirek asked, moving over to roughly grab her chin and force her to look straight up into his eyes. “And don’t lie to me, she has the same mutation, deformity, or whatever the hell it is in your blood screwing with my drugs!”
“She comes from the same place I did.” Sunset whimpered, fearing Tirek’s anger and hating herself for it. She wasn’t stupid, she knew what he was capable of and he wouldn’t even bat at eye at doing it.
“You know what, I don’t care.” Tirek said roughly pushing her back making Sunset stumble a few steps before regaining balance. “If you agree to take responsibility for her and make sure she knows her place as you do, I’ll stop the drugs for you both. It’s a waste on her anyways if it takes as long to tear down her defenses as it did for you. If you do this though she will be your pet, I’ll keep the girls away from her and keep my guys from bothering her too much, but in exchange you take full responsibility. If she causes any trouble at all, you will take her punishment. Am I clear?”
“Yes, Sir!” Sunset said, more confidence filling her voice as real happiness filled her for the first time in a long time. She wouldn’t have to worry about losing herself anymore, though she wasn’t sure what to do about Twilight. She didn’t want to have to make Twilight do anything, but if they girl didn’t behave they could end up like Scar or worse.
“Good, now get out of my office. Silver Shot will deliver her ID and lingerie later. Her new name is Violet by the way, make sure she remembers it.” Tirek said as Sunset turned and hurried from the office. After she got halfway back to her room, she couldn’t keep from collapsing to her knees sobbing in relief that she may actually be okay for awhile longer. She wasn’t stupid though, she knew that she wouldn’t escape that fate forever and would eventually end up like Scar or dead if something didn’t happen. She just didn’t know what, despite having some knowledge of this world with the books she had on her tablet that Iron Will had given her, she didn’t know how to escape this place.
The rest of the day was a little uneventful other than being forced to go to the small dining room where all of the girls were gathered for their meal. Apparently they got three full meals a day, each one given carefully measured portions that kept them fed while not being overfed. They were expected to eat every single bite though, no matter if they liked it or not.
Twilight had stayed close to Sunset the whole time, feeling safest with her though she was also comfortable around Scar as well. The other girls admittedly freaked her out a little, each of them having their own personality though they all seemed to be a little air headed. They all seemed to giggle at every little thing and seemed to talk about things that while Twilight didn't fully understand what they were talking about specifically, she did understand that the topics themselves were about sex, which left her feeling extremely embarrassed.
“You know, I can still remember when I first came here. I was a lot like you are now, though I didn’t have anybody to take me under their wing. The girls are a little too competitive to actually want to really help each other.” Sunset explained as she brushed her hair, getting ready for work. Twilight was still on edge, walking the line of wanting to break down and cry more or scream and beg to be let go. After seeing Scar though she managed to keep herself from doing so in fear of what they would do to her if she did.
“What do I do while you are working?” Twilight asked, huddled up on Sunset’s bed.
“You can stay here tonight, nobody will bother you. If I have a client tonight, I’ll take them to your room.” Sunset sighed, “I’ll show you something, but you have to put it back when you finish with it and not let anybody see it.”
“What is it? Is it something that can help us get away?” Twilight asked, sitting up a little straighter, having to fix the strap on her ‘bra’ once again. She still wasn’t used to the thing, despite Sunset explaining that everyone wore clothing here. Though she also explained that what they wore was usually either underwear or intimate clothing that should only be worn with somebody you loved. What they did, what they were forced to do, was not something normal in this world. Yet there was no way to escape, at least not from what Sunset knew as the clients all knew what they were paying for and wouldn’t lift a finger to change it. Even if a few of them were nicer than others or seemed sweet.
“Iron Will, he’s one of the nicer guys here, gave me what is called a tablet in this world. He keeps bringing me new cards with new books he downloads from something he calls the internet that I can copy onto it. So far I have over a hundred thousand different books on it.” Sunset explained, going to her closet and reaching up top behind a box and pulled down a flat looking piece of black plastic looking material. Looking closer she noticed there was a piece of glass on the front that had a crack running across the front. “We aren’t allowed to keep things like this here normally, but Iron Will snuck it in and gave it to me as a birthday gift.”
“How can there be so many books on this?” Twilight asked, unable to help being curious to the claim. She was shocked when Sunset pushed a button on it which caused something to flash across the front. Not even a half hour later, Twilight found herself immersed in studying the different books and magazines about the human culture while Sunset bid her a good night before heading to work.
Sunset couldn’t help smiling a little as she saw one of her regulars come through the door. He was actually kind of cute, and if she had any attraction from males anymore, she may have been able to do more than like him if not in this environment. Several years of being forced to do things she would give anything to forget left her with a bitter outlook to men and now she didn’t really enjoy the thought of ever settling down with one if she ever escaped this hell of a place.
Still this one was somebody she wouldn’t mind calling a friend as she did view him as one. He was never cruel to her and if he was to be believed, she was the only one he had ever been with. She felt a little bad every time he told her that as she felt she was taking advantage of him, yet that was what she was supposed to do. It was what they were all expected to do in order to bring in more money. He was the type of man that Tirek hated and looked down on while at the same time happily taking his money.
Of course she knew the money he spent here wasn’t his money. Sunset couldn’t remember the exact specifics, as back then she didn’t really care much about listening to him as she thought he was a bastard just there to use her. After seeing him one or two times a week since her very first night, her opinion had changed of him. He was a virgin and saved some rich man’s life by pulling him out of a limo before it fell off a bridge the driver had crashed into it. The rich man had tried rewarding the younger man, who refused to take any rewards. Instead, the older man had finally convinced the younger man to at least go out for drinks and had come here during Sunset’s auction. The rich man had noticed the younger man’s embarrassed infatuation and purchased Sunset’s first night, paying a lot more than any other had brought in for their auction. Since then the rich man had set up a prepaid account that the younger man could use to be able to spend time with her giving him his black ring, symbol of the elite.
It was something Tirek didn’t know, but the young man had admitted to her. Thankfully the rooms weren’t bugged as most of their VIP clients were political and could get in a lot of trouble if everything wasn’t kept discreet. As far as anyone who came in knew, it was young woman skimpily dressed in lingerie that served drinks and food and offered up conversation. For those in the know, it was a high end brothel who offered up only the most beautiful and willing girls, auctioning off their virginity when possible. Still, as far as she knew, this young man would let Tirek know if she didn’t do what was expected so never even bothered trying knowing what would happen if she was caught trying. Scar was a reminder for all of them of what happens when you try to escape or anger Tirek.
“Good evening, Mac. I hope you are doing well.” Sunset said, sliding up to him at his table. He smiled down at her as he wrapped an arm around her pulling her close. His shaggy blonde hair and freckles made him look out of place, even with the old suit he was wearing. Most others were wearing new and expensive suits, their hair immaculately kept.
“Eyup, as well as can be expected. Just a long week Lotus.” Big Mac sighed, “I’ve been looking forward to talking to you again.”
“I’ve missed you to.” Sunset said, giving him a smile. She had a feeling somewhere deep down he realized that she had to say things like this, to act like this, but he didn’t care. She knew he was infatuated with her and in a way it killed her that he even had a hope that they could be anything more than this. Maybe another time and in another place it could have happened, but Sunset had always been bi and after the years of abuse here, she couldn’t exactly claim that anymore. As she sat there though, she had what she hoped was a good idea. Maybe she could make sure Twilight’s auction went okay and she didn’t get a bastard to buy her first night. “Mac, can you maybe do me a favor?”
“You know I’d do anything for you.” Mac said smiling down at the girl next to him.
“Thank you.” Sunset said, feeling like crap when he said that. The look he gave her was one of what she suspected was love, or at least a crush, and it hurt to feel as if she was using him for this. “Let’s go and talk about it.”
Act I Chapter 3 (Edited 4/17/2015)
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. “Isn’t there anything you can do?” Night Light asked softly, his wife next to him as they stared at the mirror where Princess Celestia claimed was a magical portal that was open once every thirty moons and was now closed once again for the duration. He didn’t blame his wife for being angry either, Night Light was mad at all of them including their son who had apparently hurt Twilight the most according to what they have heard so far. If only they made it to the rehearsal as they planned.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know how. The only pony who ever knew how the portal worked was Starswirl the Bearded as I hired him to create it.” Celestia sighed, “At the time it was a good thing, but now I wish I had it destroyed long ago.”
“You bucking well should have! My daughter is who knows where because you thought it would be a good idea to leave it mostly unguarded!” Velvet screamed at the Princess, Night Light having to hold her back to keep her from attacking Celestia. Not that he wasn’t feeling the same, but attacking the Princess would only make things worse for them.
“Do you think I don’t know what it’s like to lose a daughter?” Celestia hissed, her calm demeanor crumbling as she turned toward Velvet. To be fair he expected it much sooner as he saw the signs when they first arrived. Not that he had ever seen Celestia snap like this before, but her agitation was pointing towards something happening sooner or later.
“Twilight isn’t your daughter!” Velvet screamed towards Celestia who turned to avoid the enraged mare’s eyes while trying to calm herself.
“Who said I was speaking of Twilight.” Celestia sighed, “It’s true I loved Twilight like a daughter, but do you honestly think I haven’t had foals of my own. I’m over a thousand years old.”
“Look you all, why don’t we just try and calm down and talk this over?” Applejack asked in her southern twang earning a glare from the distraught mother.
“Oh, so now you want to talk?” Velvet snarled as she turned her hurt and anger on the Element of Honesty. “Where was your talk when your friend needed you the most?”
“Honey, please, this isn’t helping.” Night Light sighed, getting a glare from his wife who turned her attention to him.
“Don’t you care that they broke our little girl’s heart?” Velvet sobbed out, a look of betrayal in her eyes.
“Of course I care honey, but fighting among ourselves isn’t going to help.” Night Light said nuzzling his wife, “They are the only ponies who know about what happened. If we want to have any chance of getting Twily back sooner, then we need to let the Princess and the Elements look into circumventing the timer on the portal’s spell matrix.”
“You think it’s possible?” Twilight Velvet asked, feeling hope as she pleadingly looked into her husband’s eyes.
“I know it is.” Night Light assured her, though he wasn’t going to forgive the Princess or these girls so easily.
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“I’m fine, Twilight, just sore.” Sunset said softly as she cradled the girl in her lap, stroking her hair. It was funny in a way, Sunset had went through hell the night before, yet she was the one being strong comforting Twilight. She knew Twilight had strength to her, but it was pretty much buried under the fear that knowing in a few hours she was going to be sold to the highest bidder for the night.
“I’m so sorry; I didn’t know you were going to get hurt because of me.” Twilight sniffed once again, finally settling down. She had tackled Sunset as soon as she woke up and apologized, over and over, for causing what had happened. She could still hear Sunset’s screams ringing through her ears as those men had tortured her, beating her and who knew what else.
“Twilight, this is going to keep happening unless you understand that we have no choice. If we don’t do what they want us to do, we get punished.” Sunset sighed, regretting having to tell Twilight this. She needed to learn the cold hard truth or things would get much worse for them. It was something hard to accept; Sunset knew that better than anyone else as unlike the others she didn’t have the drugs to lean on as an excuse for wanting to do these things. At least not until now that they were starting to finally effect her as the last of the magic in her system was draining out.
This was her last chance to go home, being the second time the portal had opened and closed since coming to this world. Shortly all of her magic would be gone and she would be fully human locking her forever in this world. She would never see the pony that she had learned was her mother despite being treated as nothing more than a student. It was something she never understood as she knew she was in an orphanage until just before she turned five. Yet finding those journals in her mother’s room, she had found entries pointing to her being put up for adoption in order to protect her. In her mind that was bullshit because her mother came back and took her as a student and treated her only as a student. Her mother didn’t want her, that was all there was to it. She threw herself in her studies when she found out, trying to show her mother she was worthy of being called daughter, yet it was never good enough. Nothing was ever good enough for the Princess…
“Sunset, what’s wrong?” Twilight asked as she finally settled down and sat up noticing the girl shaking.
“It’s nothing.” Sunset said, shaking her head. She had never confronted her mother about learning the truth which always left the possibility that she misunderstood everything. She was sure she was right though, not that it mattered any longer. “Come on, we need to get you ready.”
“I really don’t want to do this.” Twilight whimpered, making Sunset slump her shoulders. She didn’t want Twilight to have to do this either, but she had no other choice. Thankfully Mac had agreed to do everything in his power to win Twilight tonight.
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Mac sighed as he leaned against the fence, his button up shirt tied around his waist as his white tanktop stuck to his sweat covered body. It had been another hard day at work on the farm since Braeburn had to go see his parents. He would be glad when his cousin and best friend returned home to help pick up some of the slack. Not that Applejack and Applebloom didn’t try to help, but they shouldn’t even have to. The farm was his responsibility ever since their parents died.
Despite being dead on his feet, he couldn’t help thinking about Lotus. He didn’t like her request of buying her friend as he didn’t want to be unfaithful to Lotus. Sure he knew that the girl wasn’t faithful to him doing what she did, but he kept hope that someday she would give it up and see that he could provide her a happy life away from that. Yet here she was asking him to cheat on her by being with her friend. It just didn’t sit right with her, not that paying her to be with him did either. At least he could tell himself he was helping her by giving her money that apparently she must have needed or she wouldn’t be working in a place like that.
What was he supposed to do though, he had promised Lotus he would do anything he could for her. Yet could he actually do this, the only thing she had ever asked him for? It was something that had been in his thoughts constantly the last few days and had him questioning his position with the girl who he cared deeply for. Did she really even care for him at all, or was it all just an act to get more money out of him. Not that it was his money, or money he could use for anything other than at the Lotus Blossom as it was a prepaid account like a gift card. In all honesty, as much as he felt he loved Lotus he would have used the money for the farm if he could have gotten to it. Well, most of it he supposed as he doubted he would be able to stay away from Lotus like this.
“You got that girl on your head again, don’t you big brother.” Applejack teased him, her hat providing her some shade as she chewed on a piece of grass while sitting on the fence next to him. “Didn’t even hear me come up to you.”
“Maybe a little, but I have a lot on my mind besides that.” Mac admitted, hanging his head a little. A part of him wanted to ask for advice from either Applejack or Granny Smith as they both seemed to be the most level headed in their family always with helpful advice ready to be given. Only how was he supposed to talk to either of them about what was expected of him tonight?
“She must be a great gal, Mac. When are you going to bring her home to meet us?” Applejack asked smiling as Mac blushed deeply. Truthfully he would love to bring Lotus home to introduce her to his family and maybe show her that he could take care of her. He may not be able to give her fancy things, but he could give her his love and give her everything she needed. She didn’t have to sell herself for money.
“Maybe someday soon.” Mac sighed, wishing he could see Lotus away from the Lotus Blossom. Thinking about that, he realized he had never seen her away from the place. He couldn’t help wondering if maybe she lived there also, but that couldn’t be as there wasn’t anything in the room she used there except for some makeup and lingerie he noticed.
“Are you eating here with us tonight or waiting for your date?” Applejack asked, taking her hat off and brushing some dirt off it before shooting Mac a hopeful look.
“Sorry, AJ, but I have a date set up tonight so I’ll be waiting until then.” Mac said, “In fact, I better get ready for it.”
“Have fun then, just try to be back in before one this time. Granny was worried sick when you came in so late last time.” Applejack said, kicking her feet a little while looking down to hide the red tinge on her cheeks. She was never able to lie well, and she was lying this time. Granny had been asleep with Applejack being the only one who was still up and worried as she always did since their parents died in a car crash.
“I’ll try little sis, but no promises.” Mac laughed as he headed to the house.
It was a few hours later when he parked his truck a few blocks from the Lotus Blossom, wearing one of his father’s old suits. He was nervous about tonight as he couldn’t help the feeling that something was a little off about Lotus’s request. And it wasn’t just the feeling that he was betraying her, but an actual gut feeling that something was wrong. And every Apple knew to follow your gut.
Trying to ignore the feeling though, he made his way to the front entrance and was about to open it when a large man next to it grunted. “We’re closed tonight, only VIP’s are allowed.” The man said, eyeing him critically until Mac waved his hand with the black ring on his finger. Snorting in disgust the man waved him on.
The inside of the club didn’t look different other than a lot less people being present. He was a little late thanks to the truck not wanting to start at first. Thankfully he made it just in time apparently as he noticed a beautiful girl, though not as beautiful as Lotus, fidgeting back and forth as the man Mac knew was named Sombra was looking around the room with a grin like a shark.
“Do I hear twenty thousand?” Sombra called out, the dark haired girl almost jumping out of her skin at the sudden sound as a man at one of the tables surrounded by several empty glasses raised his hand. Mac knew the guy a little from several run ins with him at the club and knew he was an asshole. And if some of the things he had overheard him bragging about to his friends were true, Mac could see why Lotus had begged him to win her friend.
“Do I hear twenty five thousand?” Sombra called out, as yet another of the man’s friends raised his hand getting a Sombra to grin even more. “How about thirty thousand?”
“I’ll pay fifty thousand.” Mac called, wincing as he knew that was going to eat a lot of his current balance up. It was worth it though if he could get the girl away from these bastards as she apparently didn’t know what she was getting into with them. He would have to make sure she talked to Lotus more about this as she didn’t look like she was cut out for doing this. Seeing Sombra give her a dirty look made Mac bristle a little, but he quickly quelled it.
“Any challenges to the big spender?” Sombra chuckled, a chorus of negatives washing throughout the room. Mac couldn’t help sighing in relief as he realized how close he was to being too late, but thankfully he wasn’t. “Well then, come on down and get your prize young man.”
“Thank you, Sir.” Mac said through gritted teeth at the disrespect Sombra was showing the girl which only seemed to amuse him. Mac pulled out his card and showed it to the man who nodded, taking it.
“You can pick it back up on your way out.” Sombra said, handing it to another man that came up behind him. “I trust you know what happens if there isn’t enough money on there.”
“Uhh, yes, Sir.” Mac said, not really understanding what he was getting at though he had a bad feeling of what it could be.
“Go on, Violet, show him a good time.” Sombra said shoving the girl to Mac who caught her before she fell.
“Yes, S-Sir.” Violet hiccupped as she refused to look up into Mac’s eyes as she took his hand pulling him behind her. Looking the girl up and down as she pulled Mac behind her, he had to admit she was very beautiful. Maybe more so that his first impression, but the confidence and fire just wasn’t there like it was in Lotus. She seemed as if she was scared of something.
Watching her closely as they went down a flight of stairs to what he was told was the ‘extra service’ rooms; he couldn’t help looking longingly at the door he knew belonged to Lotus. He gasped seeing her peeking out of it, a nasty looking bruise on her face which worried him even more. He almost said something, but she quickly shut the door when she noticed he was looking at her.
“This is my room, Sir.” Violet said, her shoulders shaking as she refused to look at him. She hesitated before opening the door, hurrying inside as he followed, closing it behind him.
“Are you okay?” Mac asked as the girl hugged herself, shaking a little while looking at the floor. He couldn’t help feeling ice flood into his veins as this wasn’t a girl being nervous about what they were about to do, she was terrified. Seeing a couple tears actually drop he also realized she was crying.
“Hey, there’s no need to cry. If you don’t want to do this we don’t have to. I can tell them we did and you can keep the money still.” Mac said softly, gently tilting her head up, cupping her cheeks letting his thumbs wipe away her tears. He felt like a monster scaring her to death like this, but he was happy that he was the one here with her instead of those bastards out there as they wouldn’t care about her feelings
“I have to or they’ll hurt her again.” Violet sobbed out, shaking violently as she tried to advert her eyes, but he gently kept her looking up at him.
“Hurt who?” Mac asked, shocked at what she was saying. He dropped his hands taking a step back as she hugged herself tighter.
“My friend, she’s the only person I have here.” Violet whispered, “Please can we just get this over with?”
“Are you talking about Lotus?” Mac asked remembering the bruise ha had just seen on the fiery girl’s face that was peeking out through the door just moments ago. “What’s going on? No, tell me later, we’re leaving here now.”
“No! I can’t! They’ll hurt her again and we can’t leave. These won’t let us.” Violet trembled as she traced a finger over the golden circlet that was identical to the one Lotus wore. “They cause very bad shocks if we leave.”
“Are you saying that somebody is forcing you girls to do this?” Mac asked in horror at the realization of what he had been really doing with Lotus. The girl had been forced to be with him as this girl was being forced to. He had raped Lotus! He was just as big a monster as the bastards who were running this place if this was true.
“Please just drop it!’ Violet sobbed, “I’ll do anything to stop her from being hurt anymore!”
“No. Oh no. I hurt her. Oh Lord I raped her.” Mac kept repeating, starting to hyperventilate as the realization of what this place was. This place was keeping these girls as sex slaves, not running a brothel with willing girls. How many people here knew the truth? Did that old man who gave him his ring know the truth?
“Please, just do it.” Violet sobbed, shaking as she started to slide the robe off her shoulders making Mac’s eyes go wide in horror. He quickly spun around and rushed out of the building. He didn’t stop to get his card as he didn’t think he would be coming back.
XXXXXXX
Twilight collapsed to her knees, cursing herself for not being able to hold it together as the man turned and fled from her. She didn’t really understand what was going on as he had paid to be with her, didn’t he? Why was he fleeing then before he made her do anything?
“Are you okay? I kind of figured he would have stayed longer.” Sunset said as she came into the room and kneeled down pulling Twilight into her arms. “I know he was reluctant, but I didn’t think he would just do it and run.”
“What do you mean?” Twilight asked earning a heavy sigh from Sunset.
“I asked him to try and win your auction because I know he’s gentle and I expected him to talk to you so maybe you wouldn’t be so scared when it came to do it.” Sunset explained, a spike of anger surging through Twilight at the admission.
“How could you?” Twilight gasped in shock as she pulled away to look up at Sunset feeling betrayed.
“Somebody was going to win the auction, Twilight. I know Mac, he’s one of the few decent guys who actually come through here and I thought he would be gentle with you instead of some of those monsters.” Sunset admitted sadly, “I’d rather know that he was with you for tonight instead of one of those bastards.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Twilight asked, settling down a little as she could see what Sunset was trying to do, though it still hurt a little.
“In case he didn’t do it or he didn’t come.” Sunset said looking away, “Out of all the guys who’s been here with me, he has been the only one who actually cared.”
“What do you mean cared?” Twilight sniffed, feeling a little jealous of Sunset actually liking one of the guys who she had been forced to be with. She tried to push it back down though as she didn’t understand why she was feeling jealous of it as it was something neither of them could help. They were going to be forced to do things here and there was nothing they could do about it.
“I mean he actually cared. He talked to me and just held me for a long time. He made me feel like a person and not the object all of the others make me feel like.” Sunset said, trying to explain though it was obvious she was having trouble with coming up with the right words.
“I don’t think you’re an object.” Twilight sniffed making Sunset smile as she pulled the girl back into a hug again.
“And I don’t think you are either.” Sunset whispered into her hair while wishing she knew what Twilight actually was to her. She knew she was a friend, but she couldn’t help feeling more for her, the same things she felt when she used to stalk her before coming to this world. Even when hating Twilight, Sunset still saw something in her making her crush on the darker colored unicorn turned girl.
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“You’re home early.” Granny said from her recliner in the living room as she muted the news on the television, looking over to Mac as he tried to sneak by her.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Mac said grumpily as he turned to go, but stopped when Granny snapped at him.
“You sit your but down because we have some things to talk about young man!” Granny snapped, her voice taking on an edge of steel. “Gala called earlier and let me know she saw the strangest thing.”
“What did she tell you?” Mac asked, dropping into the couch before resting his arms on his knees and leaned forward. He really didn’t feel like talking right now, but he had a bad feeling that he was busted.
“That you were going into the Lotus Blossom. How could you go to a place like that? Didn’t I raise you better than that, young man?” Granny demanded as she glared at him with a look of disappointment etched on her face.
“I won’t be going back, Granny, you don’t have to worry.” Mac choked out making Granny’s look of anger and disappointment to be replaced with one of worry.
“What happened, Big Mac?” Granny asked softly, reaching out to put a hand on his.
“I loved Lotus, Granny. I met her when I rescued that man a few years ago.” Mac explained, gritting his teeth. “He bought me a night with her and set up a prepaid account for me to be able to visit her whenever I wanted. I raped her, Granny. Oh Lord, I didn’t know they were being held captive there. I didn’t know, Granny!”
“Tell me everything.” Granny said narrowing her eyes as Mac started sobbing, a look of horror and self hatred filling his eyes.
“I don’t know what to do!” Mac growled out, rubbing his face with his hands.
“We can figure that out together.” Granny explained.
Author's Note
Thanks to everyone who has upvoted and favorited the story. The first Arc will be coming to a close soon and hope everyone enjoys it. Also, thanks to BiomasterM2 for all of the help fixing up my stories.
It was Saturday evening, and all he could think about was the claims the obviously distraught young man made that had come in this morning. Despite the absurdity of it, it was their obligation to look into the claims and yet their chief of police brushed it off saying it was nothing. It didn’t feel like nothing to Shining Armor which is the reason he followed the young man out of the precinct. Getting the ring from Big Mac, Shining Armor decided he would look into this himself. It was the reason he was wearing a suit and praying that if this was all a wild goose chase that his wife didn’t find out about it.
“Good evening, Sir.” The bouncer said, a large man in a suit with a name tag reading, ‘Tank.’
“Good evening.” Shining Armor said greeting him, going through the door when the man opened it for him. He wasn’t sure what he was expecting, but an extravagant room with several tables and booths lined with velvet and silk curtains hanging around the room. It was rather expensive, a somewhat romantic setting. The young women walking around the room in varying types of lingerie. Blushing, he tried not to look too closely at them as he took a seat at a table wondering how bad Cadence was going to kill him for coming here.
“H-Hello honey.” A familiar voice said, the voice cracking a little drawing his attention up to see something that made his jaw drop. There standing in a dark lacy bra and panties covered with a matching colored sheer robe was his little sister making anger flow through him. Not only did he know she was too young to be at a place like this, if they were doing anything wrong or not, he knew that she should be out of the city at their grandmother’s for the next two weeks.
“Hey.” Shining Armor said weakly, looking for any signs that Twilight recognized him. Looking to her neck he found the golden circlet that Big Mac had described making him realize that there was more to the young man’s claims than anyone in charge at the precinct wanted to believe. Or refused to believe as there had been quiet murmurings of the chief being crooked for awhile. “Twily, what are you doing here?”
“Sir, my name is Violet.” The girl said, an unsettled look flashing through her eyes.
“Does this mean anything to you?” Shining Armor asked, seeing the girl’s eyes go wide.
“Do you require extra service?” The girl asked nervously, shaking a little as she looked down at the table making Shining Armor shake for another reason.
“Yes. Yes I do.” Shining Armor said, the girl letting out a shuddering sigh before turning around.
“This way please, Sir.” The girl said leading Shining Armor across the room to another door where another large man was standing.
“You okay there, Violet?” The man asked, actually sounding a little worried as he looked between Shining Armor and who he was sure was his little sister.
“I’m fine, Iron Will.” The girl said softly, the man shaking his head slowly.
“I’m really sorry kid.” The man said, truly looking as if he was regretting what was going on. Shining Armor made sure to memorize his face to see if he could look into who it was in order to get more information about him or to remember who to push to see if they could get someone to testify against whoever was behind this place.
“It’s not your fault.” The girl said, though the look she gave him showed how angry she was at him despite her words.
Shining Armor saw him lower his head in shame as the girl pushed past him, almost leaving him behind. Quickly catching up to her he whispered to her, “Is there a place we can talk privately without anyone listening in?”
“My room, our rooms aren’t bugged so you don’t have to worry about your privacy, Sir.” The girl said, making Shining Armor desperately pray that this wasn’t Twilight yet he wasn’t blind. She looked and sounded exactly like Twilight, though unlike Twilight she wore some makeup which did make her look a little older and enhanced her natural beauty that she often denied having.
“That’s good.” Shining Armor sighed, keeping a close eye out for anything that could pose a threat and saw blonde girl seeing another man out of a room, noticing him fixing his tie as he brushed past him.
“We’re here, though I have to ask, do you have the money?” Twilight asked, a nervous twitch that Shining Armor recognized as the one she used when not completely sure if she was doing something right. Sister or not, Shining Armor was going to bring this place down just for the fact that he was now positive it was a brothel and not just some fetish cafe or bar, or whatever it was masquerading as.
“What money?” Shining Armor asked as he gave the girl a stern look, almost pleading her not to say it. For this all to be some huge mistake.
“its a thousand bits, I mean dollars, Sir.” The girl said, leaning back against the door making him blush. He couldn’t stand seeing her like this, it was tearing him up inside. Fishing out his wallet, he checked to see if he had enough to cover it which he barely did. Cadence was going to kill him as this was money he had saved for their anniversary next week.
“Here, it’s all there.” Shining Armor said handing the money over to the girl who nervously took it. She looked at the twelve bills, nine one hundred dollar bills and two fifties as if she was trying to figure out what they were.
“It’s really parchment?” The girl asked, staring at one of the bills as she flipped it over again and again as she studied it.
“Yes, it’s all there, now can we please go inside?” Shining Armor asked, rolling his eyes at her antics before he realized something. She was acting as if she had never seen bills before which was crazy. And what did she call it at first, bits?
“Sure.” The girl sighed, turning and pushing the door open, Shining Armor following her, closing the door after himself.
“First off, put this on.” Shining Armor said as he slipped his dress jacket off and put it over her shoulders as she looked down at it curiously.
“I don’t understand, why put something like this on if we are going to just get undressed anyways?” The girl asked making Shining Armor clench his fist.
“Sit down, I want to know exactly what is going on here, Twilight.” Shining Armor said, seeing the girl’s eyes widen in recognition.
“Shining Armor?” The girl who Shining Armor was now completely convinced was his sister asked in shock. As shocked as she seemed at first, it didn’t compare to his shock when she launched herself at him and started hitting him in the chest over and over while sobbing. “I hate you! This is your fault! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!”
“Twily, please stop it. We need to keep it down so I can figure out how to get you out of here.” Shining Armor said, trying to fight back the tears as his little sister was breaking before his very eyes, forced to be in a place like this. He had no idea how this happened, but somebody was going to pay.
“If you just believed me when I warned you she was evil none of this would have happened.” Twilight sobbed into his chest, her anger finally spent as she collapsed against him. He helped her over to the bed helping her sit in it, keeping his jacket around her. He had no idea what she was talking about.
“Twilight, what is this place? What is going on?” Shining Armor asked.
“They put this thing on me and if I try to leave it will shock me, Shiny.” Twilight whimpered as she played with the gold band around her neck. “All the girls are forced to wear them. They’re making us mate with guys for money and there’s only one person here who even cares about me and I caused her to get hurt.”
“How did she get hurt?” Shining asked softly, “Is she okay?”
“They punished her because I freaked out when I learned that they were feeding us chicken and beef.” Twilight whimpered confusing Shining Armor even more. This was a lot worse than he thought possible, yet it was becoming more and more confusing. Why would Twily freak over that, she loved chicken and beef. Hell, if dinner didn’t have some kind of meat then it wasn’t considered dinner to her. “I want to go home, Shiny. Please, just take me home.”
“I’m going to, I promise.” Shining Armor said as he kissed the top of her head. “Twily, can you stay safe until tomorrow? I’m going to go get help and I promise we will get all of you out of here. Will you be okay?”
“Yes, Sunset Shimmer has been watching over me trying to keep me safe.” Twilight said, her voice cracking. “Please don’t leave us here, Shiny. Please!”
“I’m so sorry.” Shining Armor cried as he hugged her tightly, “I promise I’ll be back as soon as I get help.”
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Twilight was finding it hard to compose herself as her brother left her here, but she knew deep down that there was nothing he could do by himself. With their magic sealed away there was no way Shining Armor could face the men here who had hurt Sunset. With a group of guards though she was positive they could easily take them out and free them from this forsaken place.
She also knew that if the noticed him leaving she would only have a few minutes to get cleaned up and get back up there. If she didn’t go they may come looking for her and if that happened they may decide that Sunset needed punished again and she couldn’t handle that. Her only friend here was hurt, despite the girl claiming she hardly feels anything, and it was her fault. She couldn’t let it happen again no matter how much she wanted to just stay in her room and hide until her brother came back.
Taking the money to deposit with Sombra, Twilight stopped when she noticed the blonde maned girl she was sure went by Daisy with a bigger man about to step into the room across the hall. His eyes widened as he gave her a toothy smile, the slightly frightened look in Daisy’s eyes slowly disappearing as hope filled them.
“Have you met the new girl, Sir?” Daisy asked, the man’s grip on her upper arm releasing as his full attention was turned to Twilight making the darker haired girl start.
“No, I haven’t. She’s new you say?” The man asked, licking his lips as his eyes traveled up and down Twilight’s body. “Is she available?”
“Of course, Sir. Maybe you should try her out.” Daisy said smirking, her smile vanishing as he backhanded her.
“Don’t tell me what to do you little slut.” The man growled out, his angry eyes leaving the whimpering form of Daisy before grabbing Twilight roughly by the arm and shoved her back into her room. “Though I think I will try her out.”
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
“Cadence, honey, I need you to listen to me and not hang up no matter how mad you get. This is very important.” Shining Armor said as he sat in his car, phone to his ear. He was afraid if he just came out and said he went to the Lotus Blossom that she would hang up on him.
“Hon, you know I wouldn’t do that. Well, unless you went to one of those places.” Cadence said, her voice taking on a bit of an edge. Cadence was very easy going and trusted Shining Armor to do anything he wanted, or need to do. She did have limits though and those were the thought of him going to a place that Cadence believed objectified women such as the restaurants that had the waitresses clad in tight clothing or strip bars. It wasn’t because she didn’t trust him though; it was because she felt that it was degrading to the women there to have to work at a place like this because they likely didn’t have any other options they felt they could follow. Shining knew she was a little too obsessive on the subject as he knew a waitress from one of the more normal restaurants and she enjoyed the work most of the time. On the other hand, he agreed with her when it came to the strip bars. “You went to one of those places, didn’t you?”
“A young man came to the precinct with a story the chief wouldn’t even humor. When I talked to him I didn’t want to believe him either, but you know I had to check it out. And it was true, they’re keeping the girls as slaves there Cadence. And they have Twily.” Shining Armor said, rubbing his eyes. He couldn’t stand the thought of his little sister being in there for a minute longer, but knew better than go in by himself. Plus this needed done in a way that the person in charge couldn’t weasel their way out of it.
“I don’t know what kind of joke you are playing Shining Armor, but this isn’t funny.” Cadence snapped angrily over the phone shocking Shining Armor as she never hardly snapped out like that and she sounded truly pissed off.
“Do you honestly think I would joke about something like this?” Shining Armor asked defensively, unsure of the reason Cadence could be reacting like this. Sure he expected worried and maybe upset that she was there, but it sounded like she didn’t even believe him in the least.
“You tell me, I just got off of Skype with Twily and your Grams before you called.” Cadence huffed out making Shining Armor’s fingers go slack as shock and disbelief filled him. It was impossible, the girl looked just like Twilight, sounded just like Twilight and even knew him it seemed. Still, something was a little off about her that he put off as her just being scared.
“Honey, I met a girl there who begged me not to leave her. She just wanted to go home and she knew me when I told her I was Shining Armor. She looked confused at first, as if I looked familiar, but until I told her my name she seemed unsure.” Shining Armor sighed, “Cadence, honey, she could be Twilight’s twin. She sounds just like her and looks exactly like her.”
“What do you want me to do?” Cadence sighed.
“I can’t trust the police with this, as I have a bad feeling the chief may be mixed up in this somehow. And I don’t want you going to the normal judge you go to since I saw him going in as I came out. You need to get warrants or whatever we need signed and get a hold of your contacts in the FBI.” Shining Armor said, “And fast, I don’t want Twily in there any longer than she needs to be.”
“I still don’t know who she is, Shining, but she isn’t Twily. She still doesn’t deserve to be in there like that though so give me a few minutes and I’ll do my best.” Cadence said before hanging up. Shining slammed his hands on the steering wheel as he felt so helpless and now very confused. It didn’t matter, that girl looked just like Twilight and Shining Armor wasn’t going to let her stay in that place any longer than she needed.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sunset was slowly walking down the hall, trying to hide the pain she felt from what Silver Shot and Knives had done to her. She couldn’t afford to show weakness to the other girls as they all had it out for her and would use anything they could against her. It was getting late though, the club upstairs closing up its doors and she wanted to check in on Twilight. She really hoped that her friend just ended up as someone’s dinner guest upstairs for some lonely guy who just wanted to talk. After all Twilight had only been with Mac so far, and she wasn’t too sure if they even did anything. He wasn’t here for long and Twilight had absolutely refused to talk about it.
“I can’t believe you gave up a client without a fight.” Lily’s voice giggled, coming from Ivy’s room. The fact that any of the girls did that was surprising as they would fight tooth and nail to keep a client to themselves usually.
“You would have to, it was that freak.” Daisy said, her voice serious for once. The only freak though that Sunset could think of that none of the girls liked being with was that supposed judge. He took rough to a whole other level making them count themselves lucky when they got away from a session with him with only a little pain. Even Rose who was the most effected from the drugs could hardly deal with him on a bad night.
“Oh damn your lucky you got out of having to do him.” Ivy giggled, “So who’s the lucky lady who got to be with him?”
“He saw the new girl Violet and he couldn’t wait to get her. Bastard hit me hard though when I suggested he go with her.” Daisy whined making Sunset’s blood turn to ice. She couldn’t help praying to whoever would listen that Twilight didn’t have to be with him as she hurried down the hall. She winced as she saw him disappear up the stairs as she passed them. Shoving the door open she found Twilight in a fetal position sobbing loudly while clutching the sheets around her.
“Twilight!” Sunset sobbed as she went to try and comfort her friend who just laid there sobbing as she stared off into space. She was sporting several bruises that the bastard would get away with as he always paid extra when it happened as he didn’t care. “I’m here honey. Twilight, it’s Sunset, I’m here for you.”
Sunset couldn’t help crying along with Twilight as she pulled the slightly smaller girl into her lap and stroked her hair. It broke Sunset’s heart as Twilight let out a wail before clutching onto Sunset.
Author's Note
Some changes were made to chapter 3, with one of the scenes having some major change to the end and has been extended if anyone is interested in going back and checking it out. Thanks BiomasterM2 for the suggestions.
“Are you ready for this, SA?” Chrys asked, her six member team in front of Shining Armor reading to break the door down before them. Two of them carrying a ram while all were dressed in armor and helmets protecting them from bullets. Shining Armor wearing an extra vest and helmet the woman had insisted on when they met up with him at his car. The sun was just peeking over the horizon and the club had shut down, Chrys asking if perhaps they should wait for it to be time to open again to make sure everybody in charge was present. Shining Armor couldn’t wait anymore, the image of who he believed was either Twilight or a very good look a like begging not to be left behind filling his head.
“Yeah, I want this bastard shut down.” Shining Armor said, narrowing his eyes at the door.
“You heard him people, this is a high risk unknown situation with an unknown amount of hostiles inside. Keep an eye on each other’s back.” Chrys said, her voice hard as she made a cutting motion with her hand signaling the two with the ram to take the door. With a two quick slams into the door, the lock busted and the door flew open allowing the small group to swarm into the building.
With it still being dark, one of the group broke off, flashlight in hand next to his weapon as he searched for the light switch. Moments later light flooded the room as the switch was located and flipped. Just as they started making sure that the room was secure, the door on the other side of the room that Shining Armor knew went to the lower level opened and two large men came through, followed by a smaller one with slicked back hair.
“Good morning officers, welcome to the Lotus Blossom. Name’s Sombra, how can I help you?” The man said, smiling at them as if he was confident that they couldn’t touch it. “Did your chief send you to pick up this months payment? A little early isn’t it?”
“We aren’t the police, we’re the FBI. Now get your asses down on the ground, NOW!” Chrys shouted as she pointed her weapon at the three.
“Can’t we talk about this? I’m sure a lovely lady you would be open to making a deal.” Sombra said, reaching back through the door and yanked a frightened looking girl out and held her in front like a shield while pulling a gun out of the back of his waistband of his dress pants and held it to the girl’s head.
“Twilight!” Shining Armor gasped out, fear filling his eyes as he saw the bruise on her cheek that wasn’t there last night.
“Oh, so you know this little bitch do you?” Sombra asked, smirking at the group as a scuffle could be heard from the other side of the door.
“You can’t do this! Don’t you dare hurt her!” A feminine voice screamed out before a loud smack could be heard stopping the noises.
“Sunset!” Twilight sobbed out, obviously recognizing the voice as she struggled to get free before Sombra jerked her back and forth a few times.
“Shut the fuck up, bitch!” Sombra hissed out as the two larger men flanked him, though one looked as if he didn’t want to be there.
“There’s no escape! Let the girl go, and I won’t shoot you!” Chrys shouted, prepping her gun as if ready to fire.
“Are you stupid? I have the hostage here!” Sombra laughed making Chrys shake her head in disgust.
“You seem to be the only stupid one here. Shot the hostage and loose your only defense and meet the stroke of my stun gun against all your broken bones and life in the prison hospital!” Chrys snarled making Shining Armor begin to sweat. He knew the woman could be a little excessive at times, but surely she wouldn’t do that? She wouldn’t risk Twily would she?
“You better let me hold her before she squirms away.” One of the two big men said, reaching to take her while pulling out his own gun. As soon as he had a hold of Twilight, he quickly pistol whipped Sombra on the back of the head knocking him out and aiming it at the other big man.
“Go over there with the others.” The man said, pointing towards Shining Armor who sighed in relief as Twilight hesitantly moved away from him and over to them. As soon as she made it half way the five other members of the team quickly subdued the unarmed big man cuffing him as well as the knocked out for of the smaller man.
“I’m not going to fight.” The other man said handing his weapon over to Chrys who smiled at him.
“Good choice, why did you do that though?” Chrys asked softly.
“Because what they do to these girls ain’t right.” The man sighed, “I hate what they do to them.”
“Then why help them? Aren’t you one of them?” Chrys asked as she made sure his handcuffs were secure, but not too tight.
“My dad dragged me into this before he died. I only stayed because Tirek would kill my mom and I needed the money for her hospital bills.” The man sighed, “Guess I won’t be making the payments this month.”
“I’ll see what I can do, maybe there’s something we can do for her.” Chrys said as the large man started crying.
“Thank you.” The man sniffed.
Shining Armor wasn’t sure what to think about it as he honestly wanted to just put a bullet between the eyes of each and ever bastard in this building. Taking care of Twilight was more important though as he yanked a silk table cloth off a nearby table and draped it over her before holding her and letting her cry in his arms. She was really shaken and he didn’t blame her, even if this wasn’t his Twilight. He wasn’t sure who this girl really was, but he knew she was his sister. There’s no way she could be an exact copy of Twilight otherwise which made him have a few suspicions which he would demand answered for from his parents soon enough.
“There’s three more men downstairs, two on the landing with Lotus and the Doctor in the clinic with Tirek in his office.” The man who helped them said from his sitting position on one of the chairs.
“Why don’t you just fucking shut up already? Do you want to go to jail?” The other large man growled out.
“Better than seeing them suffer anymore.” The man sighed, hanging his head. “I was already planning on doing something after what those bastards did to Lotus.”
“Who’s Lotus? What did they do to her?” Chrys asked, looking down at the helpful man.
“She’s a friend. They beat her up pretty badly a couple nights ago.” The man sighed, clenching his teeth in anger.
“You three, secure the landing. You two follow me. Will you be okay keeping an eye on them SA?” Chrys asked, turning toward the group who was ready to rush the door.
“Yeah, I don’t think they will be going anywhere.” Shining Armor said, helping Twilight over to a chair while he kept guard. The group of six moved toward the door and after a few minutes of fighting including a gunshot, a fiery haired girl ran out of the door towards them. “Stop right there!”
“Who are you?” The girl asked, slowly coming to a stop as she kept flicking her eyes over to Twilight who jumped out of the chair before Shining could stop her.
“Sunset!” Twilight sobbed throwing herself into the new girls arms, the two collapsing to their knees as the new girl tried fighting back her tears as she kept checking over Twilight as if making sure she wasn’t hurt. Sighing as he realized that this must have been Twilight’s friend, he pulled another table cloth off another table and draped it over her as well.
“Thanks.” The new girl said, looking up with teary eyes before turning back to Twilight. “Are you okay? They didn’t hurt you did they?”
Shining sighed in relief as Twilight shook her head no as the two girls hugged again. He kept his eyes on them as well as the three men a few feet away. The helpful one looking on with a sad smile.
“You okay Lotus?” The man asked, drawing her attention.
“Iron Will!” The new girl gasped, looking back at him. “Are you okay, what’s happening?”
“My brother is rescuing us!” Twilight said, the first hint of happiness Shining had seen in her clear in her voice.
“Twily, I don’t think that’s your brother.” The new girl sighed, as she kissed the top of Twilight’s head before moving over to the man she called Iron Will.
“Young lady, you need to stay away from him.” Shining urged the girl as she shook her head and kneeled down in front of him to look up in his eyes. “Are you okay? What did they do to you?”
“I’m okay Lotus, you girls are free now.” Iron Will sighed, “I was a part of this though, I deserve to be in prison for this.”
“Like hell you do! You were the only one who tried to help us! You were the only one who really helped me before Twily came.” Sunset cried, “I’m not letting them throw in some prison.”
“He may not have to go if he’s willing to turn state evidence.” Chrys said coming back through the door, three other men handcuffed with one of them giving everyone an angry glare.
“Do you know who I am, you bitch? I’ll have your job as soon as I get my phone call. The governor will make sure every one of you pieces of shit lose your jobs!” One of them growled out making Chrys chuckle.
“Don’t worry, I’m sure you both can keep each other company when we finish going through your records. Nice of you to actually keep such in-depth looking records.” Chrys said mocking the man.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
“Will you ladies please sit down and relax?” Shining Armor whined making Sunset roll her eyes as the ‘drones’ kept hitting on the male officers of the group agitating what seemed to be their commander from what Sunset could see.
“Officer, it isn’t their fault. They pumped us full of drugs that, from what I can figure, slowed down the brain’s processes making us seem more stupid while making our sex drives go into overdrive.” Sunset sighed, not wanting to see the girls end up getting shot by the increasingly pissed off woman.
“And what about the two of you?” The woman asked, looking over to where Twilight and Sunset was now sharing a bench in a booth, both wrapped in table clothes despite Twilight not fully understanding why.
“The drugs react differently with each of us, Twily and me doesn’t seem to be effected by it.” Sunset explained as she held Twilight close to her. Iron Will was explaining to Shining Armor how to use the key to unlock their collars which seemed to resemble a short metal pen with a needle instead of writing tip.
“How long have you been here?” The woman asked, finally pulling her helmet off making Twilight stiffen slightly. She finally relaxed when though as Sunset rubbed her shoulder as her arm was around her pulling her closer.
“Close to five years, though at first I was just the maid.” Sunset sighed, almost not able to believe that they were free now. It seemed so surreal as she had all but given hope of it ever happening. She still wasn’t too sure how it happened, but the only reason she wasn’t crying right now was because she was doing her best to stay strong for Twilight. After all the girl was still messed up from being forced to watch what happened to Sunset a couple nights ago as well as what that bastard did last night.
“How old are you?” The woman asked, “You don’t look eighteen.”
“I’m seventeen actually.” Sunset sighed, adverting her gaze as she felt embarrassed by the look of shock and pity the woman was giving her.
“Oh Lord, you’ve been here since you were twelve?” The woman gasped out.
“About that, yeah. I can’t remember the exact time though. I have trouble remembering some things.” Sunset said, finding herself lying as the more she thought about it, the more she realized she couldn’t tell them the truth. That she was a runaway from a land of magical, talking ponies. Yeah, that wouldn’t go over well.
“And you, how long have you been here?” The woman asked turning her attention to Twilight.
“She’s been here about a week.” Sunset sighed as Twilight froze up, not answering the question nor looked like she would be soon. “She’s been through a lot this week and might not want to talk much.”
“I just don’t want to talk to the bug queen who ruined my life.” Twilight hissed softly, making the woman look taken aback.
“Sweetie, I’ve never met you before in my life. Though you do look exactly like my best friend’s sister-in-law. I know you aren’t Twilight Sparkle though, so who are you?”
“I am Twilight Sparkle!” Twilight screamed at her making the woman jump a little in surprise as the girl sobbed angrily. It took Sunset to pull her back into her arms to calm her down.
“I’m not getting into this right now. Shining will be taking her to the hospital here shortly while I’ll be taking you young lady. The other girls are being picked up by some of my colleagues.”
“Why are Twily and me so special?” Sunset asked, suspicion filling her at the motives of these two. She knew this wasn’t Twilight’s brother, but was possibly this world’s counterpart. She could kind of understand him wanting to take care of Twily, but why was she being singled out herself?
“Because I need you to come with me and tell me everything that happened. I need you to talk to our DA if you want to help keep this bastard from getting off and starting this place up again somewhere else.” The woman explained. It made sense to Sunset, and while she didn’t know if she could trust her, she knew that she didn’t want this happening to another girl.
“Okay, but can you do something for Iron Will? He doesn’t deserve what these other bastards do.” Sunset asked, hoping that one of her only friends will be okay.
“I already plan on seeing if he will agree to going into protective custody in exchange for testifying about everything.” The woman said.
“Well, looks like it works, are you girls ready to get those collars off?” Shining Armor asked coming over to them and interrupting their discussion. Not that Sunset minded as she felt as if she was going to cry to finally get the damned thin off her neck.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
“I’ll see you as soon as I can.” Sunset said sadly, having a bad feeling that this would be the last time she saw her friend. In a way she felt as if it was for the best, maybe Twilight could find the happiness with her family here that she couldn’t back in Equestria until the portal opened again.
“What do you mean?” Twilight asked as Shining Armor shut the door of his car, the window down as the girl struggled against the seatbelt trying to figure out how it worked.
“I mean you need to go with your brother for now. I have to go make sure that Tirek can’t ever hurt another person ever again.” Sunset sighed as she leaned down through the window and kissed Twilight’s cheek as Shining Armor got into the driver’s seat.
“I’m not going anywhere without you, Sunset!” Twilight gasped as the car rumbled to life, startling Twilight as she fought with the seatbelt.
“It will be okay. Just take care, okay?” Sunset sniffed as she stepped back to let the car pull away from the curb.
“SUNSET!” Twilight screamed as the car sped away making Sunset let out a strangled sob. The rush of feeling the sun on her no longer feeling so good as her excitement at finally being free quickly draining out of her as she watched the last person in her life that she felt she could trust speed out of her life. If she knew it was best for Twilight, why was it ripping Sunset’s heart apart so much?
“You going to be okay, kid?” Chrys asked, putting a hand on Sunset’s shoulder.
“I’m more worried about Twily.” Sunset sniffed, wiping the tears from her eyes. “Come on, let’s get this over with. I’d like to find shelter before it gets dark.”
“What about your family?” Chrys asked, guiding Sunset to the car that was just pulling up. Sunset’s jaw dropped when she saw the hair style of the woman driving as it couldn’t be anybody else except for Cadence’s counterpart here. She couldn’t help wonder if this Cadence was as nice as the one back in Equestria.
“Family?” Sunset asked with a dry laugh, pulling her gaze away from the car. “I don’t have any. I’ll just go back to the street like I was before they found me. Worthless then and even more worthless now.”
“Hey, don’t talk like that, you aren’t worthless.” Chrys said, a little shocked at hearing the dead voice coming from the girl who had so much caring in it earlier.
“Hey, somebody call for a ride?” Cadence asked rolling down her window.
“Yeah, I came with the strike team, but wanted to go with our new friend here. She might be one of the key witnesses for this whole mess.” Chrys said guiding Sunset towards the car. Sunset climbed in the back, fumbling with the seatbelt trying to remember exactly how it worked the one time she rode with Tirek when he dragged her to that strip club. After a few moments she managed to get it to click in place before leaning against the door sulking.
She wasn’t really sure how to feel right now as she felt so happy the moment she stepped outside into the sun feeling her first taste of freedom in s long. Having Twilight next to her, hand in hand, had made that feeling all the better. When she realized that they would never let them stay together as Twilight had a loving family here if her older brother was any indication. Sunset had nobody, same as back home as her mother didn’t want her rejecting her twice. Once when she was apparently sent to the orphanage and the other when Celestia started neglecting her in favor of Twilight. As much as she would have given to have kept Twilight by her side, she wouldn’t force the girl to give up what could be the best thing for her.
“You okay back there?” Cadence asked, a look of worry etched on her face as they stopped at a red light letting her look back over her shoulder.
“I’m fine.” Sunset sighed as she wondered just how fine she really was.
“So what’s your name?” Cadence asked, trying to sound as nice as she could. Which of course was as nice and gentle as anybody could be as it just came natural to the woman.
“Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset said, Cadence’s eyes widening making Sunset wonder just what was going on. Did she just step out of one form of Hell into another one? A horn blaring from behind them stopped the conversation as Cadence did something Sunset had never dreamed the regal alicorn ever doing. She flicked the driver behind them off before hitting the gas leaving whoever it was behind.
“Caddie, maybe you shouldn’t be doing such things in front of the kid if you want to set a good example.” Chrys sighed
“Really Chrysalis, cut me some slack. The prick could have given me ten seconds.” Cadence huffed making Sunset smile just a little. This woman was definitely the same yet different at the same time. Sunset couldn’t help thinking she might actually come to like her.
“Sweetie, have you eaten yet? We can stop off and get you something to eat.” Cadence asked, blushing at the incredulous look on Sunset’s face.
“I’d really rather not go somewhere with a lot of people wearing a tablecloth, thank you very much.” Sunset said, blushing as she turned to look out the window. The car swerving all of a sudden sending her against the door and Chrys curse all of a sudden.
“What the hell Caddie!” Chrys screamed as she held onto her seatbelt. “I knew I should have called Hunter instead!”
“Yeah, and I doubt he would fix one of the problems we have right now.” Cadence huffed, “Sunset needs some clothes.”
“Don’t you think we should take her to the hospital first?” Chrys deadpanned, her eye twitching as she glared at Cadence.
“You feeling up to picking up some clothes first honey?” Cadence asked, looking through the mirror as the car skidded to a stop between a building with some shirts hanging up in the window.
“If it means I don’t have to hold this stupid thing over me anymore, sure.” Sunset sighed. It wasn’t that she was embarrassed about her body, after all five years of not be allowed to war anything except a few barely there scraps of cloth pretty much killed of any feelings of humiliation or modesty around people. What she didn’t want was people staring at the scantily clad teen walking through a crowd drawing a lot of attention. She found it hard explaining it to herself, or finding the full reason why she felt so self-conscious all of a sudden.
“Good, there usually isn’t anyone in here this time of day. We’ll take you back to the dressing room and then bring you some things to try on.” Cadence said.
“How am I supposed to pay for this? If you think I’m screwing the guy in there for this stuff, your nuts.” Sunset sniffed, turning to look away from the two women in the front seat who exchanged pained looks.
“Honey, I’m going to pay for this. If anybody even hints that you do that, you tell me. I’ll cut their nuts off.” Cadence said, sounding deathly serious.
“She’ll do it to. You should have seen what happened to the poor bastard who kept hitting on her sister-in-law and wouldn’t get the message.” Chrys said with a shark like grin, almost giggling. “I still remember him begging her to let go.”
“I don’t want to see anybody else get hurt.” Sunset sighed, making the two deflate a little.
“Honey, there’s no guys in here. Just a sweet older woman who runs a small clothing store.” Cadence said gently, making Sunset feel relieved. “Come on, let’s get you something to wear.”
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
“Shining, honey, what’s going on?” Velvet asked as soon as Night Light and herself rushed into the small waiting room where Shining Armor paced back and forth.
“I’m not sure if I’m in the mood to talk to the two of you.” Shining Armor growled out angrily as he stopped his pacing, running his hands through his dishelved hair. He was pissed, very pissed off right now as he knew that the girl that was being examined by a woman doctor after she freaked out about the male doctor coming near her was his sister. It may not be Twilight, but she was his sister and he wanted answers from the only two who could provide them. Problem was, as pissed off as he was, could he keep calm enough not to say something he would end up regretting?
He loved his parents, his entire family, and to think they kept something like this hidden from him hurt. What made it worse was their decision to give that girl up because it was apparently that decision that landed her in the situation she was in now. How was he supposed to look at his parents right now when they were part of the cause behind the girl’s suffering?
“Son, I know that whatever it is that has you so worked up must be stressful, but that is no way to talk to your mother.” Night Light said, narrowing his eyes a little.
“Oh, I’m sorry dad.” Shining Armor mockingly said as he picked up a chair and threw it across the small room before turning back to them. “Maybe I should thank you two instead! Thank you for giving up my little sister to monsters who forced her into being a fucking sex slave! Thank you very fucking much!”
Velvet covered her mouth in horror, staring at him in confusion as she collapsed to her knees. Night Light was torn between telling his son off and comforting his wife, choosing the later within moments as he kneeled down next to her holding her.
“Shiny, what the hell are you talking about?” Night Light asked, realizing that this was very serious as Shining Armor hardly ever cried, and tears were streaming now as he breathed heavily. Night Light had never known his son to act like this.
“There’s a girl in there being examined because she was kept at a slave ring, forced to be a sex slave.” Shining Armor said, all of his anger leaving him as he took a step back and collapsed in the chair behind him. “She’s Twily’s exact copy, Twilight’s twin. There’s no way in hell you are going to tell me that she didn’t have a twin.”
“Your wrong, you have to be!” Velvet sobbed out, looking up at Shining Armor while shaking her head. Her eyes were full of hope that he was lying, yet something else was there also. “She died, Shiny.”
“What do you mean mom?” Shining asked, swallowing hard as the glare he was giving his parents softened.
“Shiny.” Velvet sniffed as she got up and moved to sit next to her son and took his hand in hers. “I was having twins, but I had to have a cesarean section. Your father was stuck in traffic and there were complications.” Velvet sobbed, “Twilight survived honey, but…”
“The other baby didn’t make it, son.” Night Light said sitting next to his wife, putting a hand on her shoulder for support as she cried.
“Then who is in there?” Shining Armor demanded, though the anger wasn’t behind his demand as he started wondering if perhaps there could have been a mix-up, either on purpose of accident. “She says her name is Twilight Sparkle, she even recognized my name when I found her. She kept begging me to take her home.”
“Do you think it’s her? Did they steal my baby?” Velvet sobbed as both father and son tried to comfort her, Shining Armor feeling like a heel for letting his anger get so out of control. He wasn’t sure what happened, he had never acted like this, but he felt like everything was upside down and he was so pissed at himself for not protecting that girl.
“I don’t know, but I think we should find out.” Night Light sighed, rubbing his temples.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sunset felt a little weird wearing jeans and a t-shirt with a simple pair of sneakers after only being allowed to wear only lingerie for nearly five years. At the same time it felt kind of good being able to cover herself up so people weren’t staring at her. Still the few people who did stare as they sat at a booth in a restaurant as Sunset attacked her second pecan waffle while trying to get the people around them out of her head. She couldn’t help feeling that they knew what she had done and were judging her for it.
“So Sunset, do you feel up to talking about what happened to you?” Cadence asked softly as Sunset swallowed yet another bite of the syrupy coated goodness. She really wasn’t up to talking much about it, but knew that if she didn’t then those bastards might get off. While she wasn’t too sure if she cared if they seek her for revenge or not, she didn’t want them looking for Twilight. If doing this would help protect Twilight, then she would do it.
“I don’t really remember a lot of my past before I ended up at the Lotus Blossom other than I knew Twilight when we were children.” Sunset sighed, making sure to keep any non important facts to herself as she couldn’t exactly tell these women she was a refugee from another dimension. “I was picked up off the street and promised a warm bed and food, which I guess they gave me. What I didn’t expect was being collared and turned into their slave. For almost five years the only two people who were nice to me really was Iron Will and Scar, but only Iron Will really tried to help me.”
“What happened to your face, honey?” Cadence asked, making Sunset pull more hair in front of the bruise and black eye on the left side of her face trying to hide it.
“I promised Tirek I would try and keep Twilight under control if he would stop drugging us. Twilight freaked out and they tied her up and made her watch them punish me.” Sunset said as she started shaking a little at the memories of it as it next to that one bastard, it was the most brutal experience she had been forced to endure there.
“What did they do?” Chrys asked before she could stop herself, horror at what such a young girl had to endure. Sure she had an idea that things like that had happened there, and probably worse, but knowing it happened for sure was something different.
“There were two of them, they took turns beating me and…” Sunset said, trailing off as she lost her appetite all of a sudden. She wasn’t sure why it was bothering her, being forced to do things was a normal part of her life until now. She had resigned herself to her fate long ago, even going so far to actually trying to force herself to actually enjoy it with Mac and the few times she had been with Iron Will. She never enjoyed it though, the most she could do was pretend while managing to more or less turn herself off during it.
“Caddie, why are we here? We should be getting her to a hospital to get checked out.” Chrys whispered to Cadence, though Sunset clearly heard it.
“First she needed actual clothes and some food, it isn’t like she’s in danger of bleeding out or something.” Cadence huffed, “Second, I called ahead and found out that the only woman doctor on call right now is seeing to another patient and is expected to be tied up for hours. So I called Redheart and she’s going to meet us at the clinic near my office in another half hour.”
“I can’t believe I didn’t think of that myself.” Chrys sighed.
“It doesn’t matter, I’ve been felt up by guys more than I’d like to admit. Do you honestly think another time would really bother me?” Sunset asked, her voice shaky as she realized she did care a little and was thankful of Cadence’s thoughtfulness.
“Well it matters to me, you’ve been through Hell sweetie and I’m not going to add to it if I can help it.” Cadence said making Sunset sniff a little. She was strong, she had to keep reminding herself of that as she kept wanting to cry again. She had already cried enough for a lifetime and didn’t want to let herself cry anymore. She was strong, she shouldn’t need to cry.
“Also, Auntie Luna will be meeting us after Redheart takes care of Sunset.” Cadence said, shifting nervously. “Honey, I was going to wait to introduce you two, but I already have somebody lined up to take you in. She’s my auntie and she’s looking forward to meeting you.”
“I know you mean well, but I know she isn’t going to want some filthy whore to stay at her home.” Sunset sighed, turning to look out the window fighting the urge to cry even more than ever.
“Sweetie, please don’t talk about yourself like that.” Cadence said as she changed sides in the booth so she was sitting right next to Sunset so she could hug the girl. “You can cry it out honey, there’s nothing wrong with crying. I’ll be here for you.”
“I’m not crying.” Sunset hiccupped as she kept looking out of the window, trying to deny the wetness on her cheeks.
Author's Note
This chapter was a little hard to do, especially near the end as it was hard to get Sunset's emotions to show how we wanted them. She's wanting to go with Twilight so much, but feels she is better off without Sunset. She's also hoping that she will be able to see her again so she's trying to be strong, but her feelings are so mixed up. She was so happy to finally be free, but now she doesn't know what to do. She hates herself for what she had been forced to do, wanting to make sure that Tirek pays for what he did. She just doesn't know what to think now though as she feels so lost.
I hope it turned out okay and hope you enjoyed the chapter as the next one starts the the Arc of the story which will introduce even more of the characters from EG or the MLP-verse.
“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.
Twilight curled up in her new bed, angry at the fact that the Shining Armor who had saved her wasn’t her brother, but this world’s version. Of course she was happy that he had saved her, but it felt as if it was just another hoof strike from her brother. Didn’t bother checking on her after throwing her out of the wedding, not even when they found out Twilight was right. And now he didn’t even care that she had vanished from Equestria altogether. Of course her logical mind told her that the portal was closed and he may not have found out in time, but her shattered heart was easily overpowering her normally logical mind.
She was alone in this world, everything she had ever known striped from her. Her home world may have well been gone, Sunset was gone, and now the last thing that she had that was hers was stolen from her. Her name was taken as they insisted her memories of Equestria was just some delusions her mind had come up with to help cope with the Tartarus she had been through. No, the Hell she had been through. She had forgotten that she wasn’t supposed to use pony terms as they weren’t real.
Now she was Midnight Sparkle, the sister of this world’s Twilight Sparkle and replacement for a dead baby that they believed that she was switched with. She had made the mistake of bringing it up with Velvet one time and she had broken down so badly that Twilight…that Midnight couldn’t bring herself to fight it anymore. She had given in as she finally decided that she had no other choice. Yet she felt that she had just traded one prison with another as Velvet wasn’t letting her anywhere alone right now.
“Good morning, honey. How are you feeling today?” Velvet asked, slowly coming into the room and flipping the light switch on banishing the remaining darkness lingering in the room thanks to the closed curtains.
“Like I want to go back to sleep.” Midnight moaned, pulling a pillow over her head only to have it gently, but firmly pulled away as Velvet looked sadly down at her while sitting on the edge of the bed.
“Honey, your sister is coming home from Grandma’s today. Don’t you want to get up and meet her?” Velvet asked softly, “We won’t mention what happened to you, I promise. We will be telling her that you were switched at birth and were raised by an older couple.”
‘Yeah, tell her that the emotionally destroyed girl was just raised by a nice older couple.’ Midnight scoffed to herself. Seriously, this world’s Twilight would have to be stupid to believe that.
“Can Sunset come?” Midnight asked, seeing her so called mother’s face harden at the request.
“You know your doctor said it was best that you have no contact with her after what you have been through.” Velvet said, leaning down and kissing her forehead. “Come on sweetie, breakfast will be finished soon and Twily will be home shortly after.”
‘I’m Twily, not her!’ Midnight wanted to cry out, but knew it was useless. This world’s Twilight was Twilight too, and she supposed there really couldn’t be two of them running around. It still wasn’t fair though…
“Sunset isn’t the monster you seem to think she is.” Midnight said as she crawled out of the bed heading to her closet.
“Just drop it, please.” Velvet said, “And please make sure you dress before coming down.”
“Why do you have to keep reminding me about that?” Midnight asked, blushing at the reminder of her blunders the first couple days that she was here. She didn’t know what she was supposed to wear as all she had been allowed to wear since she came here was those little bits of sheer clothing that was provided. She had put those on here thinking it was what she was supposed to wear and Night Light about had a heart attack.
“I’m sorry honey, I’m just making sure you remember.” Velvet said hugging her. “Do you want me to stay and help?”
“I can get it myself.” Midnight sighed, pulling away to go get ready for the day.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Breakfast was quiet as it had been the last few days with the usual attempts at first by Velvet and Night Light to try and strike up a conversation with her. She just really didn’t feel like opening up to either of them very much after they, along with her doctor, decided she was crazy. Maybe it would have been better to keep quiet about Equestria, but she just wanted to go home and a part of her still held hope that Sunset could be wrong about the portal and it could still be open.
Looking up at Night Light she felt a pain in her heart as she once again caught him giving her such a sad look. As much as she wanted to deny it, he loved her. Both of the older people at the table loved her despite telling them that she really was from another universe. Sure she was upset at being treated like they were crazy, but if she was stuck here then wasn’t this the best place to be. With two people who loved her?
Maybe this wouldn’t be too bad if she just gave in, yet she couldn’t help feeling a little resentment at having the one thing she had left taken from her. She was Twilight Sparkle, not Midnight Sparkle. She was a pony from another world, a world where…
Where she wasn’t wanted.
The realization hit her like a ton of bricks, and despite wanting to see her parents again, would they even care when they had to chose between Shining Armor and her? A small part of her wanted to think that it was a silly notion that her parents back home would even dream about doing that. Then again she never believed her brother, friends and Princess Celestia would turn their backs on her the way they had.
“Can I ask you both a hypothetical question?” Midnight asked, scowling a little as once again thoughts of losing her name flooded her mind. She wasn’t sure she was ready to give up on going home, she was sure she wasn’t ready to give up her name, but maybe staying here wouldn’t be so bad if she didn’t have a choice in the matter.
“Of course you can honey.” Night Light said as he smiled at her.
“Okay, but I want you to listen to what I have to say. I’m not saying this to hurt either of you, but I really want you to listen before you answer me.” Midnight said, swallowing nervously. She really didn’t want to hurt them, but she really wanted to know the answer. After they both nodded slowly, Night Light taking his wife’s hand, Midnight continued. “I know you don’t believe that I came from another world, but let’s say that hypothetically you found out that it was true. That I really was Twilight Sparkle from this other world and I was stuck here. What would you think of me then?”
“Midnight or Twilight, if you were from here or another world, you are still our daughter.” Night Light said slowly, “Don’t think we have taken things lightly, we have talked about this several times. There are anomalies in your blood that can’t be explained, and as much as we believe that you really are Midnight, we would still love you and take care of you if it turned out you weren’t.”
“We love you honey, that’s all there is to it.” Velvet sniffed, her eyes watering as Midnight looked down in thought.
“I’m scared.” Midnight admitted, feeling a wetness on her cheeks even though she didn’t even realize she was crying. “Nearly everyone I have ever loved has turned their backs on me and the only person I had left that I trusted you won’t even let me see.”
“Honey, she used you. She was responsible for making you…” Velvet started, but was stopped with an angry glare from Midnight.
“Will you shut up! You never listen to me! I’ve tried to tell you she was responsible for making sure I followed the rules there because she would be punished if I didn’t. She did everything she could to try and protect me! She was raped and beaten right in front of me because she tried to protect me because I freaked out about eating some cow!” Midnight cried out, standing up and leaning over the table a little, her hands holding her up. “She is my friend!”
“Middy.” Velvet sighed.
“Wait, what do you mean she was raped and beaten in front of you?” Night Light asked, his jaw dropping. He knew those bastards were monsters, but how could they do something like that? He felt as if he was missing something important.
“Honey, please calm down.” Velvet said, though she looked confused a little at Midnight’s claims.
“I mean that they tied me up and forced me to watch her take my punishment for causing trouble.” Midnight sobbed as she dropped back in her chair and buried her face in her arms on the table pushing her plate away from her.
“They doctor never said that.” Velvet gasped, “Caddie never said that.”
“Did Caddie not say that, or did you jump to conclusions honey?” Night Light asked softly earning a glare from his wife as she moved around the table to hold Midnight to try and comfort her.
“Can I just go to my room?” Midnight asked, pulling away from Velvet leaving the older woman looking crushed.
“Of course, honey. Your sister will be home soon though if you would like to meet her.” Night Light said as Midnight got up and started to head to the stairs, but stopped on the other side of the door out of site as she hard them talking.
“Don’t tell me you actually believe that. Honey, they drugged her up, who knows what kind of things she saw or experienced.” Velvet sniffed making Midnight a little angry as it appeared they really didn’t even give the possibility a chance.
“Honey, we talked about this. While it is very unlikely, it is always a possibility. Are you saying you wouldn’t love her and want to protect her if it turned out to be true?” Night Light asked, his voice soft though easily heard from the other room.
“Of course I’d still love her, she’s our daughter.” Velvet said with conviction making Midnight smile a little.
“Good, just remember what your grandfather Sure Lock used to say. When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?” Night Light said. “What I want to know is what do you have against this Sunset Shimmer?”
“She’s a…” Velvet started to say making Midnight scowl, but the woman was cut off before she could finish it.
“Unless you intend on calling our daughter that, I advise you to stop right there.” Night Light said, his voice growing even and maybe even a little angry. “That young woman sounds like she was just as much as a victim as Middy.”
“Night.” Velvet sighed, “I don’t know why I’m so upset with her. Caddie said she was responsible for what happened to Middy, what else am I supposed to feel?”
“Maybe you should have listened to the whole story. Vel, I love you more than words can say, but you have a tendency to jump to the wrong conclusions when upset.” Night Light said, “I’m going with you to the case briefing tomorrow and if this Sunset didn’t do anything to Middy, I think we should let the girl visit.”
“We can’t do that! What about what the doctor said?” Velvet cried out.
“Honey, the doctor is an idiot. I told you I didn’t trust the recommendation and we should have taken her to Soothing Voice instead of that quack.” Night Light said, “I love you honey, but until you get your emotions under control and stop blaming what sounds like an innocent girl I’m taking charge of Middy’s care.”
“you can’t do that night, she’s my baby!” Velvet sobbed out.
“She’s our baby, Vel, and if you don’t start taking your meds like you are supposed to then she’s never going to feel at home here.” Night Light said.
“I don’t like taking them.” Velvet sniffed.
“Honey, it’s the medicine or our daughter’s happiness. Why do you think I sent Twily to my mother’s for a vacation?” Night Light said, “Honey, I love you, but you need to think about what’s most important.”
Midnight wiped at her eyes, trying to keep her breathing under control as it sounded like Night Light was completely on her side and both of them did love her. Yet it sounded like something was wrong with Velvet which did worry her as she didn’t want either of them to die.
“Did you hear that?” Night Light asked from right in front of her, giving her a disapproving look. “You do know you shouldn’t eavesdrop?”
“I’m sorry.” Midnight sighed, looking down to feel Night gently put a finger under her chin and tilt her head back up and kiss her on the forehead.
“I’m not mad honey, but I do want what’s best for you. I meant what I told you, that I love you. No matter what, you are my daughter and I’ll kill anyone that threatens you.” Night said pulling her into a hug. “You mean the world to us, don’t ever let anyone tell you different.”
“I don’t know what to say. I know you want me to say I love you, but I can’t.” Midnight sighed.
“It’s okay, I understand.” Night said, his voice sad as he pulled away. “This is a lot to take in, a lot to adjust to. I’m not even going to pretend to know what you are feeling. What you are going through. Know this though, I love you and nothing will change that.”
“Thank you.” Midnight sniffed, hugging him.
“I’m home!” Midnight’s voice called from where she knew the front door to be. Only she knew she didn’t say it which meant Twilight was home.
“Up to meeting your sister?” Night asked giving Midnight a small smile. She couldn’t help nodding slowly, her curiousness all of a sudden getting the better of her. Unlike her, Twilight was wearing an outfit that while covered herself, it also showed off her curves with the only skin showing was her legs between her skirt and socks.
“Okay, what have I told you two about cloning experiments?” Twilight asked, her eyes growing wide when she noticed Midnight standing there looking at her.
Author's Note
Thanks brawny Steed for his advice which I tried to use some in this chapter, but I'm not sure if I managed to actually do much, though hope I did
Also thanks to BiomasterM2 for all of his help
It had been three days since she discovered Sweet Apple Acres, and each of those days she had come back and spent all morning helping Applejack with her chores as the two had quickly hit it off and become good friends. As close as they could be at least with Sunset hiding her past and a tension growing between her and Mac. Applejack knew that something was wrong there and despite it, she wanted to be there for Sunset, to be friends.
Stretching after loading the last basket of apples onto the back of the wagon, Sunset could almost feel every joint in her body popping. It was hard work, something she wasn’t used to as Applejack worked at least three times faster, but the blonde girl was grateful for the company as she loaded her last basket along side Sunset’s.
“Let’s get these to the barn and get something to drink.” Applejack said, taking her hat off and wiping her forehead with a towel that was hanging off the side of the small wagon.
“That sounds good, I can’t wait to get cleaned up and out of these clothes.” Sunset groaned, nearly panting from how tired she was. She couldn’t help picking at the tank top that she was wearing, the shorts just as uncomfortable. She would have preferred staying in her baggy outfit, but after the first day she learned that doing so was more miserable than the thought of wearing an outfit that showed so much.
“Sugarcube, no offense, but I can’t understand why the frumpy clothes. I mean you have a great body, I would have figured that you would show it off a little.” Applejack said, “Heck, I thought you were going to drop of a heat stroke the first day.”
“I have my reasons.” Sunset sighed, hopping up on the back of the wagon, letting her legs dangled off the end.
“I won’t push you sugarcube, I can see that you don’t want to talk about it. I’m here for you if you ever need somebody though.” Applejack said putting a hand on Sunset’s knee and looked up to the other girl giving a supportive smile.
“I’ll be fine, don’t you have plans with your other friends today?” Sunset asked, shifting nervously. She enjoyed spending time with the country girl, but she wished said girl would stop trying to get Sunset to come meet her friends. She more or less enjoyed helping with the chores as she kind of liked the Apple family and the work kept her mind busy while doing it. So it wasn’t like she wasn’t getting anything from volunteering to help Applejack with her chores.
“Not unless you want to come with me.” Applejack said, offering Sunset a towel which she gratefully accepted to wipe some of the sweat away.
“I’m sorry, I just don’t feel like being around a lot of people. It’s why I like it out here so much. Sure there are maybe a dozen people at most around at a time, but never all at once, you know?” Sunset said, untying her hair and letting it fall free of the ponytail it had been in. “It’s peaceful I guess, and honestly I like working with you.”
“You have no idea how much I appreciate it. You are the only one of my friends who are willing to help out her even if you aren’t used to this. All of the others always make excuses not to come, but I don’t blame them. This is hard work with no pay.” Applejack said.
“A piece of Granny’s apple pie is more than enough payment.” Sunset laughed.
“I don’t blame you darling, Granny’s apple pie is the best.” A young man who had a little resemblance to Mac said coming up to the two making Sunset begging to feel self conscious as his eyes traveled over her body making her shiver.
“Braeburn, your back!” Applejack said hugging the man a moment before pulling back. Sunset had briefly met the man in passing once recently as he came home but had to go take care of some business for the farm taking him away before the two could be introduced. Seeing the way he was looking at her, Sunset couldn’t help wishing that it was the same now.
“Well hey there cutie, are you new here?” Braeburn asked.
“She’s too young for you cuz, she’s my friend.” Applejack said, glaring at the newcomer.
“Hey, there’s nothing wrong with admiring such a beauty is there?” Braeburn asked making Sunset shiver a little. Some of the men talked that way back at the Blossom before they got behind closed doors, then it was entirely different. She tried, she really did, but she couldn’t hold back the whimper making both of them look at her with worry.
“You okay there, darling?” Braeburn asked as Sunset seemed to withdraw in on herself.
“I’ll take care of my friend, Braeburn, you better head on up and see Granny. She needed to talk to you when you get back.” Applejack said, Braeburn taking the hint and walking away as Sunset shivered. “Hey sugarcube, you okay.”
“I’m sorry.” Sunset squeaked out, finding it hard to control her voice much less her shivering as she hugged herself.
“You don’t look okay there, sugarcube.” Applejack said hopping up next to Sunset and hugging her. After a few moments Sunset was able to get herself under control before pulling back with a curled up nose.
“Oh wow we stink.” Sunset said, getting a bark of laughter from Applejack.
“That we do, sugarcube. Care to tell me what that was about?” Applejack asked.
“I’m sorry, AJ, I can’t. It affects more than just me.” Sunset said sadly.
“Does this have to do with my big brother?” Applejack asked, taking Sunset’s hand and squeezing it supportively. “If my brother did something to hurt you, I’ll kick his ass.”
“It might concern him a little, but it involves a lot more people AJ. I just can’t talk about it right now.” Sunset sighed.
“You know you can tell me anything, right?” Applejack asked earning a smile from Sunset. Something the blonde realized the girl rarely truly offered the last few days. At least not like the one she was giving her now.
“I know, I feel as if I can trust you. I just can’t talk about it.” Sunset sighed.
“If your worried about my feelings, don’t.” Mac said, coming down the same path Braeburn just went up moments before. “If you are worried about hurting me, you can’t hurt me more than I hurt you.”
“No, Mac, just drop it.” Sunset said as she hoped off the wagon and hugged herself, unable to bring herself to look up at him.
“What do you mean you hurt her?” Applejack asked, her eyes narrowing at Mac.
“Drop it AJ, please.” Sunset pleaded, getting a suspicious look from AJ. The self conscious way she looked, the way she shied away from the men of the family when they were around, the way she had tried to work in the fields wearing those baggy clothes. It was painting a very bad picture in Applejack’s mind as she started putting pieces of the puzzle together.
“Oh Lord, Mac you didn’t!” Applejack hissed out at her brother. “You, did you? Did you…you raped her?”
“He didn’t know!” Sunset sobbed out getting a shocked look from Applejack and a saddened one from Mac.
“What happened?” Applejack asked as she pulled Sunset into an embrace.
“Please just drop it, I don’t want you to hate me.” Sunset sobbed, ignoring the smell from the sweaty girl as the blonde comforted her.
“Sugarcube, nothing you can do will make me hate you. You’re my friend and Granny says you are practically family.” Applejack cooed in a soothing manner.
“AJ, she’s Lotus from the Lotus Blossom.” Mac sighed making Sunset shudder and let out a loud sob.
“Oh damn.” Applejack gasped out, glaring over at Mac as she figured out the rest after hearing about the scandal and how several girls were kept as sex slaves there. “Oh damn. I’ll deal with you later, Mac.”
“Please don’t hate him, it was my fault.” Sunset cried.
“I may not have known Sunset, but Granny was right. I disrespected you even if I didn’t know you were being forced.” Mac sniffed, “I keep wanting to tell you how sorry I am, but Granny always keeps getting in the way.”
“Maybe it’s because she isn’t ready for it, and right now I don’t want to hear it!” Applejack hissed out, “Go away, Mac, I’ll talk with you later.”
“I’m really sorry.” Mac sighed as he walked away, head low and hands in his pockets, kicking a stone in the path as he kept going on.
“Look sugarcube, this doesn’t change anything between us.” Applejack soothed the crying girl, “You are my friend and that won’t change, but I will make sure that I’m there for you if you need to talk about it.”
“Really?” Sunset sniffed as she pulled away, a little surprised that the girl doesn’t hate her or blame her.
“Really, and I swear that I won’t tell anyone unless you want to talk to them about it.” Applejack said softly, putting as much honesty as she could in it as it was the truth.
Sunset couldn’t help thinking that maybe it would be kind of good to have a girl her age to talk about everything with. Someone she could trust that seemed honest and nonjudgmental. So even though she didn’t plan this, she chose to try and look at it in a good way. Maybe this was what she needed after all.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
“Hey sis.” Twilight said, nervously greeting her sister after climbing to the attic where her sanctuary was. Though instead of being a solitary place to go and read one of her thousands of books she has collected up there, it was now shared with her new sister who seemed to love reading as much as her. It was almost strange in a way, if she didn’t know better she would say the girl was another her which she guessed was basically possible being identical twins.
“Hi.” Midnight said, shyly waving a hand as she kept reading the book she had in her lap sitting on the pile of pillows and cushions that was in the center of all the shelves and stacks of books.
“I was going to head out and meet up with my friends soon and wanted to know if you wanted to come.” Twilight asked, hoping that Midnight agreed. She liked her sister, found it exciting having a twin sister who was into the same things that she was. Even if she was shocked at first and unsure how to take the news that the poor girl was switched at birth, not that she believed it. It was frankly a load of bull as if some older couple raised her, why did she act as if any wrong move would bring her pain. ‘Nice older couple my cute ass, somebody hurt her.’
Just because she was a bit of a nerd didn’t mean she didn’t have some vanity as that stereotype was just so wrong. She knew she was cute, had several guys asking her out, yet she couldn’t really find any of them interesting. She had some feelings for a certain person though, but she just wasn’t too sure if they felt anything for her.
“I don’t know.” Midnight sighed, placing a bookmark in her book and closing it up. The sad look made Twilight’s heart go out to the girl, she really did care for Twilight, love her even, she was finding it hard to forge that close bond she had with her brother. There was something there that was being kept from Twilight and it was bothering her. She didn’t want to feel that way, feel as if she couldn’t fully trust Midnight, but it was just how she felt.
“Middy, it might be fun if you get out for awhile.” Twilight said, sitting in front of her while hoping that her sister would relent and come. Maybe it would help them bond more if they were able to spend more time together out of the house. Especially since it took forever to get their mother to allow it. ‘Sheesh, I know mom is having trouble with her OCD and bipolar acting up, but this is just too overprotective.’
“I don’t know.” Midnight sighed, though Twilight could tell that she was once again holding something back. “I don’t really feel up to trying to make friends with a bunch of people I don’t know.”
“Sis, if you want to talk about it, I would be there for you.” Twilight said softly, playing with the hem of her skirt.
“There’s nothing to talk about.” Midnight sighed, putting the book down gently on a small table that had a lamp for reading at night. “I’ll tell you what, you get mom to let me go out without her and I’ll go.”
Twilight almost felt as if she should feel bad about this, she really did.
“That’s good because I already talked her into it.” Twilight said witch a cheeky grin, watching Midnight’s jaw drop.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
“I had a feeling she wasn’t taking her meds, Night.” Luna said as she sat down across from her best friend’s husband, handing him a cup of coffee while pulling her’s close to herself.
“She’s doing better now that I’m making sure she’s taking them. She’s still obsessed with keeping Middy by her sides though. She’s terrified about losing her again.” Night sighed, sipping on the hot beverage as he wondered just what he was supposed to do. “I’m sorry I haven’t come by sooner, but I’ve been run ragged between work, taking care of Middy and now with my wife close to having a breakdown. I knew she has having some troubles before, it’s why I sent Twily to her Grandmother’s, but I didn’t know it was this bad. And now Middy showing up almost made Vel snap, and I didn’t even notice it until it was almost too late.”
“She’ll be okay, just make sure she takes her meds.” Luna sighed, “But I’m guessing that isn’t the only reason you came by.”
“No, I actually came since I know you are taking care of Sunset Shimmer. I wanted to get your take on the girl.” Night Light sighed, looking down at his coffee as he watched the steam rise from it.
“Sunset Shimmer, is a little hard to describe Night. She is a sweet girl trying her best to be strong, but so far she has cried herself to sleep about every night. She keeps asking what happened with the other girls, but she’s more concerned about Twi-I mean Midnight.” Luna explained, studying Night Light’s expression. “She really wants to see her, but she also feels Midnight might be better off without her.”
“Middy mentioned something about Sunset being punished for something she did. What happened?” Night Light asked, swallowing nervously at seeing the sad pensive look on his friend’s face.
“You can’t tell anybody about this. I guess you can tell Vel, but make sure she doesn’t talk about this. It could get Caddie in trouble.” Luna said as she got up from the table and went to get a briefcase off the counter and returned before opening it up.
“I won’t.” Night Light agreed as he watched her sort through several files before pulling one out and closing the briefcase to sit it on top.
“Caddie left this here after talking to Sunset last night again, but she didn’t want to carry it with her when Shining came by to get her for their date after checking up on Sunset.” Luna said pulling several large photos from the folder and passed them over to him. “This is what those bastards did to that poor girl, and if she didn’t have dense bone structure that Redheart said she had, Sunset would have had multiple broken bones.”
“Who would do something like this to a child?” Night Light asked, his eyes tearing up seeing the pictures of the girl right after being rescued from that place. The bruises were horrible and littered her body so much it was hard to tell where one bruise had ended and another began.
“Monsters.” Luna sighed, “They raped her to while doing this, at least twice from what Sunset finally admitted to. I want nothing more to see these bastards suffer for this.”
“Middy blames herself for this I think. The doctor says Middy needs to keep away from having any contact with things that remind her about what happened. I don’t think that’s a good idea and I talked to Soothing Voice and she agrees.” Night said, shaking a little as he passed the pictures back. “I think we should let them see each other.”
“I don’t know what to do, Night. While I agree with you, I can’t help seeing where the doctor is coming from. If Middy keeps getting reminded about what happened she might not have time to heal.” Luna said slowly. “If it was up to me, I’d say let them see each other, it might do them some good. At the same time, I don’t want to hurt either one of them by having a reminder of what they went through shoved down their throats. Sunset is already having enough of that with all the questions about the case as they try and build up the case.”
“How is that coming anyway?” Night Light asked.
“Better than you might think. With all of that bastards political contacts arrested and charged, there’s nobody to help him and his cock attitude pretty much dried up. He’s asking for a plea bargain, especially after what happened to him.” Luna said, a bit of a smirk forming.
“What happened?” Night asked not sure he wanted to know with the look Luna had right then.
“Well, it somehow got out in the prison about what Tirek had done and he had been attacked a couple times and let’s just say he knows what it’s like now.” Luna said, “Personally I kind of wish they didn’t put him in solitary to protect him, I was kind of hoping they would kill him.”
“Wow, never thought I’d hear you say that.” Night Light chuckled a little bit.
“Don’t tell me you don’t feel the same way after what they did to Middy. What they did to Sunset is a hundred times worse as she had to endure it for years.” Luna said.
“Didn’t they have Middy for years?” Night asked, afraid of the answer as it would lead to giving more credit to the alternate universe theory that he was skeptical about, even if he didn’t outright dismiss the possibility.
“No, according to both Sunset and the records, Middy was with them maybe a week.” Luna said shaking her head.
“Then where was she before?” Night Light asked, swallowing nervously as he saw her hake her head no slowly.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
“I am not going in there with them!” Midnight hissed after being taken to this world’s Sugar Cube Corner, backing away from the door after seeing Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie sitting at a table inside.
“Middy, what’s wrong?” Twilight asked, worried at seeing the angry yet frightened look on her sister’s face. It hurt to see such a reaction from her sister at seeing her friends just a few feet away. It was as if Middy knew them and was scared of facing them for some reason.
“I don’t want to see those backstabbing traitors!” Midnight hissed, looking about ready to cry as she started walking away.
“What the hell?” Twilight demanded, following after her as Middy dropped down on a bench near by looking as if she was going to be sick or pass out as the girl tried not to hyperventilate.
“I can’t go in there!” Midnight whimpered as she rocked back and forth, hugging herself.
“Middy, you’re my sister, and I want to help you. I can’t help you though unless you stop lying and tell me the truth.” Twilight said gently, sitting closer to Midnight and taking her hand.
“I can’t, they don’t want you to know and worry.” Midnight sniffed, wanting to be angry at Twilight, but looking up into her sister’s eyes she could see how much the girl cared and was worrying.
“Who?” Twilight asked, confused as to who it could be until realization sank in. The way Velvet had been secretive lately and tried to Keep Midnight always close to her. “Our parents?”
“Yeah.” Midnight sighed, looking around to see that they were alone. Yet she really didn’t want to tell Twilight at all, especially not out here. Yet she couldn’t do it at home as if Velvet found out she was afraid of what the woman would do to her. “I promised I wouldn’t tell you.”
“Middy, no offense, but that’s bullshit. How am I supposed to help you if you don’t let me? I’m your sister, and I want to help you.” Twilight said softly, though her pleading was clear in her voice.
“Not here.” Midnight sighed, “And not at home.”
“I know the perfect place.” Twilight said with a sad smile grabbing Midnight’s hand and dragging her away from the place. Midnight couldn’t help being happy that they weren’t heading into Sugar Cube Corner, but scared of what she should do.
Within minutes they were passing a building with a sign reading, ‘Canterlot High School: Home of the Wondercolts.’ Midnight wondered what kind of school it was having military fliers living in it, but guessed it was the academy or something. She followed her sister through a couple fields to where there were metal stairs looking big enough to sit on comfortably.
“School’s out for the summer, so nobody is here. It’s safe to talk here and nobody will overhear us.” Twilight said leading them over to the steps and sat down on the bottom one. Sighing Midnight sat down next to her.
“Look, if I tell you anything you can’t tell them.” Midnight said, making Twilight swallow nervously as she didn’t like keep secrets from her parents. Yet hadn’t they done the same thing?
“Okay, I won’t tell anyone.” Twilight said, after debating it for several minutes. As long as nobody was in trouble, she guessed it wouldn’t hurt to keep a secret.
“I know she tries to keep anything about the Lotus Blossom from making it’s way in the house, but I know it’s been all over the news lately.” Midnight said, Twilight’s jaw dropping as she had a sinking feeling where this was going.
“They were kidnapping girls and forcing them to be prostitutes.” Twilight said slowly, noticing the pained look in Midnight’s expression. She was having trouble keeping herself calm as she started putting two and two together.
“I was one of them.” Midnight sobbed out, hugging herself as she started to breakdown. After watching a few seconds trying to process everything, Twilight reached out and pulled her sister into her arms. Now she knew why their parents didn’t want to tell her, but this was something she deserved to know. How was she supposed to help her sister if they wouldn’t tell her the truth and let her?
“Hey, it’s okay, your safe now.” Twilight said, unsure of what to say though she couldn’t help being a little pissed off at their parents. How could they keep this from her? It didn’t matter though, she knew now and she intended to do her best to help Midnight through this.
“You don’t hate me?” Midnight whimpered.
“Never, I would never hate you for something that wasn’t your fault.” Twilight whispered into Midnight’s hair as she held the girl.
Author's Note
Thanks Brawny Steed for his advice and I edited part of the ending of the previous chapter, hope it flows better now
Also, Thanks to BiomasterM2 for all of his help and pointing out some things for this chapter that would be better sooner than later
“I don’t hate you Mac.” Applejack sighed, pacing in front of her brother who sat on his bed, head hanging as he couldn’t bring himself to look into her eyes. “You are my big brother, and it would take a lot to make me hate you.”
“You should hate me.” Mac sighed, “I fell in love with her, sis. I just wanted to see her, to be with her, I didn’t know what we were doing was hurting her. I’d never do anything to hurt her.”
“Mac, despite how disappointed I am in you over this, I don’t hate you. Heck, I’m not even that mad anymore.” Applejack sighed, thinking of her new friend who she could tell even before today was trying to be strong even while something was bothering her. She even tried to bring it up, but Sunset had said she just had a lot on her mind and needed to sort it out herself. Of course she didn’t really believe that was all it was, but she respected the girl’s privacy if she didn’t want to talk about it yet. “Just tell me this, why even go to a place like that to begin with?”
“It wasn’t like I wanted to go to begin with, sis. I normally wouldn’t ever do this, you got to believe me.” Mac pleaded, looking up to Applejack with tears in his eyes. She really hated seeing the big lug cry as he was usually the strong, quiet type and hardly ever got like this.
“I do believe you, Mac.” Applejack sighed, sitting next o him and put a hand on his knee. “I believe you, I know you have more respect than to knowingly do something to demean anyone.”
“You remember that rich guy I saved a few years ago?” Mac asked, seeing Applejack nod before continuing. “I refused any repayment, but he insisted he at least take me out for drinks. While I really didn’t want any alcohol, I figured a good meal wouldn’t hurt and maybe it would make him feel better as he seemed to really want to do something. When we got to the Lotus Blossom I was a little unsure if I wanted to go in there, but he pretty much dragged me in, but the kitchen was closed because it was a special night there.”
“Special night?” Applejack asked, swallowing nervously. Maybe she shouldn’t be making Mac tell her this as it involved Sunset to and she didn’t want to hurt her friend anymore than she was already. Before she could either decide to stop Mac or not, he continued shocking her deeply.
“They were auctioning some girl off for her first night.” Mac explained, getting a faraway look in his eyes. “She was so beautiful and she seemed kind of shy, yet when our eyes locked over the crowd I felt as if we were the only two in the room. Before I knew it the guy I was with won the auction and pushed me into following her. I had no idea what to do, she led me downstairs and we talked for awhile before we…”
“I don’t need to hear the details, Mac!” Applejack cried out jumping up to her feet.
“Sorry, AJ.” Mac said as he shifted a little. “Anyways, when I came back up the man was there with a huge grin and gave me his ring that he told me got me privileges in the club and a prepaid account there that I could use to see her as much as I wanted.”
“And it was Sunset?” Applejack asked, feeling she needed to make sure.
“Yeah, though she was going by Lotus.” Mac said, “Though I know now they made all the girls go by flower names.”
“Mac, this isn’t Pretty Woman. Did you really think that she was going to just fall into your arms and let you take her away?” Applejack asked, having a feeling he did think just that.
“I tried, I asked every time we were together, but she always turned me down gently.” Mac sighed. “I even asked her to marry me once.”
“Oh Mac.” Applejack sighed, getting to the point of being unable to hold any sort of anger at the idiot. He truly believed that Sunset was happy being with him and hoping she would come home with him someday. It was really sad, both of them ended up being hurt, though Mac could have prevented it all if he just did the right thing and reported the auction to begin with. It was illegal any way you looked at it, but hearing about the big shots at the police department getting in trouble, she doubted they would do anything.
“Do you hate me?” Mac asked, fear plain in his eyes.
“No, Mac, I don’t hate you. I do want you to understand that you can’t keep pushing Sunset right now. She doesn’t hate you either, any idiot can see that, but she’s hurting and she doesn’t need a guy pushing her into anything right now.” Applejack explained, “If you care for her, let her have some space when she comes over. She’s trying to find peace, and she can’t find that if you or anybody else keeps pushing her.”
“I just want her to know that I’m sorry.” Mac sobbed out breaking Applejack’s heart. She wasn’t sure how much of this was true love, but she could see that he cared for Sunset and knowing her hurt her was tearing him up inside.
“She knows, Mac. She forgives you, but she’s having trouble being around guys too much.” Applejack sighed, “She tries to hide it most of the time, but it’s there if you just look.”
“She was never scared of guys before.” Mac said, shaking his head sadly.
“Maybe something happened to her before she got away from that place that changed it, I don’t know. All I know is that she is a sweet gal, Mac. She doesn’t deserve what she went through.” Applejack sighed, whishing that she knew how to actually help her friend. “I’m still disappointed in you big brother, but I love you. We won’t be telling Applebloom any of this though. She doesn’t need to know about this.”
“Thank you.” Mac sighed, “It’s better than I deserve.”
“I think you are punishing yourself enough as is anyways. I’m not stupid Mac, I can see that you are torn up over this. You made some stupid mistakes, but I know you never meant to hurt her on purpose.” Applejack said, “I’m going to bed, Mac. Goodnight, big brother.”
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“Noooo please! Please stop it! SUNSET!” Came Midnight’s voice from her room stopping Velvet as she was passing by the room after checking on Twilight and making sure she was asleep. It was late at night and Velvet just couldn’t sleep after what her husband had told her. She felt really bad for judging the girl before, but hearing the pleas for the girl to stop hurting Middy in her dreams again was tearing Velvet up.
How could anybody think that little whore was anything but trouble? After comforting Midnight nearly every night from nightmares that usually involved her daughter begging that bitch to stop hurting her how else was Velvet supposed to feel? She knew her emotions weren’t exactly stable without her meds, they hadn’t been since losing Midnight the first time, but she knew she was right about Sunset.
Slowly making her way into the room, Velvet sat on the bed and gently shook her newly returned daughter’s shoulder to wake her from the nightmare. And once again Midnight buried herself into Velvet’s embrace sobbing loudly.
“I’m so sorry, Sunset! I’m sorry I got you hurt! I’m so sorry!” Midnight sobbed as Velvet held her daughter close, rubbing her back as for what was probably the first time truly listening to Midnight instead of just pieces her highly emotional state picked out. She knew she needed her medicine and was once again taking it giving her a clearer mind. Clear enough to listen to her husband’s story earlier and Midnight’s cries now enough to rearrange the pieces of the apparently ill-fitting puzzle pieces to form a better picture. Midnight’s nightmares wasn’t her begging Sunset to stop hurting her, she was crying out for Sunset begging somebody to stop hurting the poor girl.
“What have I done?” Velvet asked herself softly as her own tears joined her daughters as she held the teen and kept stroking her hair. She had apparently poorly misjudged Sunset Shimmer, but as bad as she felt, she still wasn’t too sure if she wanted the girl involved in any way with her daughter. It wasn’t that she was still blaming her, but she was afraid that seeing her would make things worse for her.
“Your safe, Middy.” Velvet sniffed, “I’m not going to let anyone hurt you ever again.”
“What if somebody hurts Sunset.” Midnight cried as she pulled away from Velvet making the older woman sigh sadly. She didn’t know what to do, all she wanted was to keep her baby safe. She didn’t want her to have reminders of the hell that she had been through forced on her, but Midnight was worried sick about the other girl.
“Nobody will hurt your friend, honey. She’s being taken care of by one of my best friends and she is okay.” Velvet said softly, “I’ll make you a deal. If you listen to the doctor for the rest of the month I’ll talk to my friend and see if we can’t have them over for dinner one night.”
“You mean it?” Midnight asked, hope filling her eyes. While she was still unsure about her daughter seeing this girl, the happy look in Middy’s eyes was something that melted Velvet’s heart.
“Yes, I promise.” Velvet said, unable to help smiling as Midnight hugged her for the first time when not needing comfort. “I love you Middy.”
She really wished her daughter would say it back, but she was happy that Midnight seemed to be genuinely happy. Something the girl didn’t seem to be much since coming home. Despite wanting to hear those words so much, she would wait for them however long she needed to as long as her little girl was safe.
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Sunset Shimmer stirred as she felt somebody over her, panic starting to take over making her try to pull away though something was blocking her escape as she tried to push away. She was felt as if she was going to hyperventilate when she felt the soft cushions behind her as her eyes started to adjust to the dark room seeing a feminine shape above her, dropping something that was held over her.
“Luna?” Sunset asked softly, realizing who this person had to be.
“No sweetie, my sister is making us some coffee in the kitchen.” That voice said softly as Sunset realized two things. The woman had been putting a blanket on her and this woman was Celestia. Anger started filling the teen as she sat up, pushing the woman away angrily.
“Get the hell away from me you bitch!” Sunset hissed out.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I just saw thought you could use a blanket.” Celestia sighed, a light flicking on illuminating the room and the tear stained face of the woman before her. At first Sunset was going to yell at her more, but the look on Celestia’s face stopped her. Sunset was many things, yet she wasn’t cold hearted no matter how much she hated Celestia. There was no way she could yell at the woman who had such a sad, defeated look about her.
“It’s fine.” Sunset said evenly, unable to be nice to the woman though she decided she could be civil for now. She had to wonder where this world’s Sunset was, in an orphanage somewhere most likely.
“Sunset, why do you hate me so much?” Celestia asked taking a step back as Luna came up behind her.
“Sister, I don’t think now is a good time to talk about this.” Luna said softly, “Let’s just get the tests sorted out for the girls.”
“No, I think we should talk about this now.” Sunset said, turning to look away from Celestia. She really wanted to know despite something telling her she was better off not knowing. “I’ve been wanting to know something. Is there a reason you are taking care of me? Maybe I remind you of somebody?”
“Sunset, please drop it.” Luna pleaded, but Celestia shook her head making her darker haired sister sigh.
“No, it’s okay. Maybe if she understands she will actually see me as a different person and not the Celestia from her world.” Celestia said shocking Sunset even more than she thought possible. “I don’t know if you are the daughter of your world’s Celestia, but I was going to have a daughter and name her Sunset Shimmer. She was stillborn though and not a day goes by that I don’t think of her or what could have been. I don’t know what happened between that other Celestia and you, but I’m not her.”
“You know I’m not from here?” Sunset asked in shock.
“It doesn’t matter to us, you are a young woman who has been hurt badly and it should never have happened. You are your own person and I care for you as such and would do anything to help you.” Luna said as the two took their own seats in chairs facing the couch where Sunset sat up with her legs folded under her.
“How do you know?” Sunset asked softly.
“Honestly, about two and a half years ago your world’s Celestia came out of the base of the statue at the school. It scared the heck out of us at first, but she said she was looking her student who ran away. She said she was very worried and explained how the portal worked. She said she couldn’t stay for long because her people needed her, but begged us to look for you and send you through the portal when it opened again. Personally if it opened back up I’d give you a choice if you wanted to stay or not because I don’t really trust her.” Celestia explained.
“So you know Twily and me aren’t really from here?” Sunset asked in shock, looking from one woman to the other.
“Yes, we know, but you shouldn’t go around telling that to people. You will get labeled crazy at best or strapped to a dissection table at worst.” Luna sighed making Sunset shiver. She had read several science fiction books where the alien was used for cruel testing. Not something she wanted to experience first hand.
“Sunset, why do you hate me so much? What did that Celestia do to you?” Celestia asked, sadness tinting her voice.
“I was taken from the orphanage when I was very young as Celestia’s apprentice. For awhile everything was actually nice, but it hurt every time I tried to call her mom that she told me I just couldn’t do that. That it would cause problems among the noble houses if I did. It hurt, but I stopped doing it, but I did everything I could to make friends and do good at my lessons.” Sunset explained, leaning back into the plush cushions of the couch while hugging herself. “I always loved her as a mother, but I obeyed her until I found an old journal one day in her chambers. I wasn’t supposed to be looking around her room like that, but I went looking for her and found it and several other old books on her bed. Curious, I looked through one and found that it was her personal diary. I found entries that pointed that she had a baby and gave her up for adoption to having to take that same baby as an apprentice because of her powerful magic. And that same baby kept calling her mom which she just couldn’t allow despite wishing she could.”
“That bitch, how could she.” Celestia seethed shocking Sunset a little, Luna obviously having the same reaction to her story.
“Very easy I guess, she just wasn’t proud of me. I did everything I could to make her proud though. I stopped playing around and hanging out with my friends and buried myself in my studies. I needed to become smarter and stronger then she would acknowledge me. The thing is she never did and even stopped bothering to try when she brought a new student into the castle and ignored me.” Sunset said pulling a cushion into her arms to hug. “I hated that new student, stalked her trying to figure out what was so special about her and somehow I developed a crush on her.”
“Twilight?” Gasped Luna, earning a nod from Sunset.
“Yeah, after confronting Celestia about neglecting me she showed me the mirror that was the portal to this world. She told me about it and had me look into it and I saw myself older and powerful, a full fledged alicorn bathed in fire. It scared and excited me, it meant I was meant to be an alicorn which meant I was supposed to be a princess. And if I became a princess then mom would have to acknowledge me then, right?” Sunset scoffed, “Well I was wrong, she became even more distant and told me I wasn’t ready. I went around her and studied forbidden magic in the Royal Library to see if there was someone to become an alicorn without her help. If she wouldn’t help me become one, then I’d do it myself and prove to her that I was good enough to be loved.”
“Honey, you didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t care what her reasons were, you were her daughter and you should have been loved just because of that.” Celestia sniffed, “I would never have turned you away like that and if you want you will always have a home with me or my sister.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t know what to feel about you. I’m not feeling as hurt or angry at you as I was at first. You aren’t the same Celestia who told me I was no longer welcome in the castle if I wasn’t going to be good.” Sunset said getting shocked gasps from both.
“She threw you out of your own home?” Luna asked, fingers digging into the chair arms.
“You are not going back there! I don’t give a damn what that bitch says, she doesn’t deserve you!” Celestia snapped shocking Sunset as the woman got up and stalked over to Sunset. The teen didn’t trust this Celestia, but for the first time since being there she didn’t fight against her as the woman pulled her into a hug. “I might not be your real mother, but I’m close enough. And I’ll never let that bitch take you back.”
Author's Note
This chapter is a little short because we wanted to get it down so we could let everyone know that we are going on vacation and may not be on tomorrow either. We should be back next weekend though. We are going to try to do at least a short chapter for Music is Magic also if possible.
