“Come on, guys! Keep those clouds away or it's the Rainbow Factory for you!” Dash commanded, the giant smirk on her face shown she wasn't the least bit serious. Rainbow Dash prided herself in her job as head of the weather team, but she knew that employee morale was proportionate to the amount of work done. Thus she had become good friends with her team, and had one of the most causal workplace dynamics over any other team. Pegasi clamored for the chance to work Ponyville, but some learned that it wasn't all fun and games. They also learned you had to earn that casual relationship with Dash.

Not that Dash didn't earn her own position, far from it. She was not only a stellar employee in her own right, but also pride of her entire species when she performed the Sonic Rainboom.

“Dash, why you always bring up that old mare's tale?” Cloud Kicker asked, snickering.

“Well, it's the right season for it.” Dash shrugged.

“Mrs. Dash! Mrs. Dash!” another mare called out, flying up to her rainbow maned boss. Dash raised a hoof to pause her flight path, a sour look on her face.

“Blue October, there are three things you need to know.” Dash explained calmly, her eyes closed. “First, I'm not married, so don't call me Mrs.” The blue mare blushed and glanced away. “Second, rainbows are not a good spice for ANYTHING.”

Cloud Kicker snickered, drawing Dash's glance over to her as a smile crept across her lips. At least SHE gets the joke.

“Third. You've worked here long enough that you can just call me Dash, or even R.D. I may run a tight ship, but I don't wanna feel like it.” Dash finished, noticing that Blue October had shrunk away considerably.

“Sorry...Mrs....I mean....Dash,” the sky blue mare stammered.

“Nah, it's cool. I admire that work ethic.” Dash shrugged. “Now, what did you need to tell me?”

“The snow storm coming from Everfree has sped up. We might need more pegasi on the front line to stave it off.” Blue October explained.

Dash nodded, concern in her eyes. “I'll see what I can do. We've got to hold it off for at least one more day.”

Blue October nodded and turned to fly off. Dash stopped her, turning her back around to look her in the eye.

“Don't take it so hard. I know what it's like to be the new pony.”

Blue nodded, a smile on her face. With newfound confidence, she flew off.

“I love the rookies,” Dash smiled, noticing Cloud Kicker was still snickering at the whole 'Mrs. Dash' incident. “Get back to work!” Dash snapped, her voice loud but playful .

“Got it boss!” Cloud Kicker saluted then set about her duties.

“Rainbow Dash!” a familiar voice caught the rainbow pegasi's attention and she glanced down to see Twilight Sparkle calling up to her. She swooped down to eye level, curious as to why the unicorn sounded so serious.

“Hey, Twilight. I can't talk long. I need to round up some more pegasi to keep that snow storm away.” Dash glanced around as she spoke, hoping to see any errant pegasi that weren't busy so she could recruit them to the cause.

“This is serious Dash. I need you,” Twilight replied, her voice calm yet strangely on edge.

“I can't just take off in the middle of a project like this. You know how loyal I am.” Dash gave a playful wink.

“What happened to taking your friends feelings seriously?” Twilight cocked her head, eyes narrowing.

“I am taking you seriously. You're not taking me seriously!” Dash argued.

“Pinkie Pie is in trouble, and I need to clear her name!” Twilight snapped, stomping a hoof.

“What happened? What's going on?” Dash placed a hoof to her chin in mock thought. “I know Pinkie is annoying but...”

Twilight shook her head. “Damn it, this is serious! It's about Scootaloo!”

“What about her?” Dash's eyes were suddenly wide as her gaze snapped to the unicorn.

Spike groggily opened his eyes, which immediately drifted to the cuckoo clock on the wall. It had only been a couple of hours, and Twilight still wasn't home yet. He hoped she was okay. His eyes then glanced down to the filly laying on top him him, lightly snoring as she smiled in her sleep. Her eyeshadow was smeared by her sweat and had dried around her eyes. The dragon swore she was glowing the way the sunlight played through the window. His hand hung over the edge of the bed, his claws brushing something. He hooked a claw under what he felt was a handle of some sort, and lifted the object up. Another bag from Rarity's. Twilight's toy. He smirked at this and placed it back where it belonged, figuring Twilight wouldn't appreciate that.

Not that she'd appreciate knowing her number one assistant just got laid, AGAIN. In her own bed no less. He didn't want Twilight to feel jealous, but at the same time there was a nagging guilt he never felt before haunting his own mental recesses.

“Mmm...time to wake up, Bloom.” Spike placed a hand on Apple Bloom's shoulder and gently shook her awake.

“Ah told ya, yer washin' the sheets.” the filly mumbled, rolling over and off of the dragon.

“No, we got to get up. Twilight will probably be home soon.” Spike explained, sitting upright and flexing his cramped shoulders.

“Awww, you ashamed of me, Spike?” Apple Bloom smirked, rolling over and locking eyes with him.

“Of course not, you silly filly!” Spike swatted at her nose with his claws, just enough so as not to hurt her.

“You sound like Pinkie Pie!” Apple Bloom snickered.

Spike shook his head and climbed out of bed. He didn't make it far down the ladder, as he instantly began choking. He had forgotten he had the leash around his neck, and Apple Bloom was holding the other end in her teeth. The corners of her mouth were curled in a devious smile.

“I'm gonna take a bath, then figure out when to make something for Twilght to eat. If she ever gets home. Care to join me?” Spike asked, hanging onto the ladder so he didn't hang himself.

Apple Bloom dropped the cord, her eyes wide. “Ya mean? Ya want me to stay for dinner?”

“Well, maybe. Or stay the night if you want.” Spike winked teasingly. “But only if Applejack says it's okay.”  

“Awwww! Then ah'd never get ta stay!” Apple Bloom whined, following Spike out of the bed.

“A.J's not that bad, Bloom. I'm sure she'll let you stay.” Spike walked towards the bathroom, Apple Bloom following close behind.

“Yeah, but...she don't know about us yet, an....I don't know if she'll like it,” she frowned, her eyes on the brink of tears.

“Well, yeah..there is that...” Spike paused, looking down at the floor in disappointment.

Apple Bloom felt bad now. Spike was really liking this and she went and started making him doubt the whole thing.

“Nah. Ah'm sure she won't care,” Apple Bloom waved a hoof dismissively. She smiled when Spike's eyes lit up. There was the dragon she knew.

“Care to join me for a bath, m'lady?” Spike bowed as he gestured towards the tub.

The filly smiled. “Like ya have ta ask?”

“...what?” Rainbow Dash asked, Her eyes shown no emotion, yet Twilight knew that the pegasus was more than willing to take off at the first mention of a name, and let whatever pony that committed the crime feel her wrath. No one messed with Scootaloo, especially not like this.

“Scootaloo needs you, Dash. Surely you can take time out of work to talk to her?”

I'd take the whole year off if I needed to. “Where is she?”

“At the clubhouse I think but....” Dash was off.

Twilight turned around to follow the rainbow blur, and saw Caramel lying on his back, nervously staring at the razor sharp rainbow trail that was mere inches from his flesh.

“Caramel, what are you doing?” Twilight sighed. She didn't have time for this.

“It took a while to find you. But I was thinkin', since you were busy and all, if you wanted my help...” the colt let out a weak chuckle in a pathetic attempt to hide the fact he was blushing.

Twilight sighed, her hoof hitting her face. Then she had an idea. “Caramel, maybe you can help me.” Twilight glanced over her hoof at the clumsy colt struggling to his hooves.

“Really? How?” Caramel asked, his blue eyes hopeful.

“Go back to the library and check on Spike for me. Okay?” Twilight smiled, hoping this made the poor, deperate pony feel somewhat useful.

“Oh....okay....sure. You got it Twilight.” Caramel nodded, and galloped off towards the library. Twilight shook her head. If he was going to keep popping up like this, it could be a real problem. Her mind drifted to other thoughts as she tried to work from her lead. Dash can deal with Scootaloo. Maybe I need to find one of the other crusaders and see what they know.

Her mind began to wander as idly as her hooves. Now with a clear path set out before her, all of the clutter of what if scenarios and possible leads was gone, leaving room for stranger thoughts to emerge.

Now that I think about it. I don't know when Caramel arrived here. He seems pretty eager to go on a date with me. Maybe.... Twilight shook her head, but the terrible thoughts clung on. As much as I'd hate to say it...Caramel is now a suspect.

Frowning, Twilight glanced around for the next course of action. Surely Scootaloo confided in her friends. Maybe I should find Rarity and talk to Sweetie Belle.

Spike gasped for air as a wall of tepid bath water hit him in the face, snapping him back to a reality he didn't know he left. It didn't take long for the water to get cold, and it was even less time before Apple Bloom found out how to weaponize it. For all her newfound maturity, Spike admired that the filly still wanted to have fun.

“You seem distracted, Spike. Is something wrong?” Apple Bloom asked, refraining from her play as she tilted her head in genuine concern.

“I don't know...Caramel springing on Twilight so suddenly probably won't end well for either of them,” Spike rubbed the back of his head. “and I just think she's gonna come back to eying me, which will make me feel bad because I'm with you.”

“Were ya thinkin' of Twilight when we was...” Apple Bloom asked.

“NO! Of course not!” Spike shook his head, more out of denial towards himself than her accusation.

“Then what's ta worry about?” the filly asked, preparing to unleash another tidal wave.

“Excuse me! Need to get something.” The Doctor pardoned himself as he barged into the bathroom.

“Uh, hello? We're trying to take a bath.” Spike replied, his eyes narrowed in frustration as he gestured to the water in the tub..

“That's all very well and good,” the Doctor nodded “But, for mammals who don't wear clothing, I find it rather daft to worry about privacy now,” he explained as he glanced around then headed straight for the medicine cabinet. He popped open the door and found what he was looking for, his head reemerging with something in his mouth that rattled with every movement.

“How did you know Twilight had those?” Spike quirked a brow as he pointed to the offending item.

“No time! Pinkie is having another one of her 'bi-polar' episodes.” the Doctor spoke through the bottle in his teeth.

“So you're just going to dope her up?” Spike asked, giving a shrug that mocked the Doctor's own callous nonchalance.

“I don't see you doing anything to help,” the Doctor replied flatly. He left with the pills in tow, the rattling growing distant until he returned to his basement domicile. Apple Bloom tilted her head at Spike, who was resting his head on his hand upon the edge of the tub.

“Sometimes the Doctor is to honest for his own good.” Spike's voice was flat and unimpressed by the colt's bravado.

Apple Bloom pulled the plug to begin draining the water that had lost its appeal. “What was that bottle he took?”

“Those? Ah, Twilight gets a little too wound up sometimes. I don't think it's a good idea, but whatever keeps her from going off like she did before.” Spike sighed. “That and she has, well, problems.”

“What kind of problems?” Apple Bloom asked, her voice one of concern for her favorite unicorn.

“Ah, I'll explain more later. I'm hungry. How about you?” Spike asked, hoping to change the subject.

A knock at the door grabbed their attention. Spike and Apple Bloom looked at each other then climbed out of the tub to dry off. Spike headed downstairs to answer the door and was greeted with Caramel. The colt had a cheesy smile on his face as he looked Spike over. “Well, everything seems to be fine! I can tell Twilight the good news!”

“What are you talking about?” Spike asked, blinking in confusion.

“Oh! Twilight sent me to check up on you! I'm helping out! Hey, Apple Bloom! How are things?” Caramel called to his cusion. Spike turned to see the filly approaching behind him.

“Why aren't you takin' Twilight out on a date?” Apple Bloom asked, sitting on the floor next to Spike.

“She said she was busy.” Caramel hung his head in disappointment. “I think she hates me.”

“Now, don't think like that! She's just a bit....high maintenance is all. Come on, I'll tell you what you need to know.” Spike invited the colt inside and shut the door.

“Sweetie Belle hasn't said a word for a few days now. Something is on her mind.” Rarity explained, glancing over her shoulder at her little sister. Her green eyes bore that same blank expression, but she was far from clueless. “I honestly don't think she could be of much help to you.”

“I have to try. It is my job after all.” Twilight narrowed her eyes, ready for the challenge. Taking a deep breath, she trotted over to Sweetie Belle, who was busy trying to look amused by rolling a ball.

“Sweetie...do you know anything about what happened to Scootaloo? Did she tell you anything?” Twilight asked, trying to remain calm and professional despite her growing tension and worries.

The unicorn shook her head, biting her lip to elaborate her vow of silence. She wasn't about to sell out her friends, nor get in trouble herself.

“Sweeite, please. Pinkie is in big trouble. Anything you know could help her.” Twilight pleaded now, her eyes watering slightly.

Sweetie Belle shook her head once more, though her eyes were crying out for an audience. There's something on her mind, alright, Twilight thought, eying the filly like she was another puzzle to solve.

“I'm sorry, dear. I wish she could have been more help.” Rarity replied, walking up next to her fellow unicorn. “OH! Since you're on 'active duty' and all, I'd like to report something myself.”

“What?” Twilight asked, raising her head to meet Rarity's sapphire eyes.

“Somepony stole something from my stock! While I was taking inventory, I noticed a tube...well....a tube of lubricant, was missing.” Rarity explained, her voice growing to a whisper.

Twilight rubbed a hoof over her eyes. “I'll look into that later. I promise. But this takes precedence.”

“I understand dear.” Rarity nodded. “I just thought you would like to know, since I found dragon scales in the lock of my boutique door.”

“Wait...what?” Twilight snapped her eyes back to the white unicorn. “Dragon scales?”

“Yes dear....purple, I'm afraid.” Rarity shook her head, not wanting to believe the news herself.

Spiiiike.... Twilight frowned, her eyes filled with worry. Great, she rolled her eyes. Now he's a suspect too. She looked at Sweetie Belle, and sighed that the filly was also a suspect. Her list was growing, but Twilight refused to believe any of them. Something was wrong, yet a bigger mystery was uncovering itself in the process.

I just hope Dash is having better luck.

“Twilight is very insecure in herself. All you have to do is provide positive reinforcement.” Spike explained, sitting a cup of coffee in front of a very confused Caramel. Apple Bloom sat next to the dragon, nodding in agreement.

“You don't do that to me, do you Spike?” the filly asked, playfully swatting the dragon with her forehoof.

“No,” Spike muttered. “Anyway, another thing about her, is she's so focused on whatever task is given to her, she bypasses everything else, including eating. Keep her fed throughout the day, because a unicorn of her power can't afford to lose concentration,” the dragon explained, tossing a cookie into his mouth.

“So, treat her like a pet?” Apple Bloom asked, cocking a brow in confusion.

“NO! Well...” the dragon thought a moment. “Kind of, I guess...give her love and food and she'll be fine. Just don't prey on her emotions.”

Caramel nodded, unsure of this advice but happy he had some guidance. “Well, thanks for the advice, Spike. You two stay out of trouble now,” the colt smiled his dopey smile and shown himself out, leaving the dragon and the filly alone on the couch.

“You seem to know a lot about Twilight.” Apple Bloom observed, a devious smile on her face.

“Well, I have to. Imagine how insane she would've went if I wasn't here to ask for Princess Celestia's help.” Spike nodded, his eyes closed in confidence.

“Ah'm bored. Let's have some fun!” Apple Bloom perked up, bounding on the couch.

“Nah, not right now...” Spike mumbled, turning on the television. Apple Bloom frowned, but finally decided to join in Spike's viewing session, resting her head on his lap.

Scootaloo was alone in the CMC clubhouse, sitting in the dark as her mind tried to come to terms with what had happened to her. What made the process even more painful, was her mind automatically tried to justify the situation instead of admit it was her own fault.

The soft flutter of wings and the shuffling of hooves outside alerted Scootaloo to another presence. Applejack had already checked on her, but this pony gave a different feeling. Scootaloo quickly wiped her eyes and tried to hide any sign that she had been crying. Her eyes widened when Rainbow Dash stepped into the tree fort, her face a mask of concern.

“Hey, Scoots...” Dash replied, rubbing her leg with a hoof. “I...uh...heard what happened. If you want to talk about it I'm....”

“NO!” Scootaloo snapped. “I'm fine! Why can't anypony see that?”

“Scootaloo, I know you're hurt. Everypony gets hurt and afraid,” Dash's gaze drifted to the ground, “even me.”

“Really?” Scootaloo's eyes widened. She had never seen her idol so vulnerable. “You get afraid?”

“I was afraid when I heard what happened to you,” Dash ran a hoof through Scootaloo's mane. “Rather you believe it or not, I'm always there for you.”

“I know you'd never abandon me, Dash.” Scootaloo replied, sinking into the warm feeling of being stroked by a powerful hoof.

“Look,” Dash stopped her stroking. Scootaloo frowned, but cocked her ears forward to listen to what Dash had to say. “I'm no good with this kind of stuff. So...” the rainbow pegasus trailed off as her eyes followed the whisps of breath. “..if you want to tell me what happened.”

“No....not right now. But when I'm ready, you'll be the first to know.” Scootaloo smiled.

“That's all I can ask for. I want you to carry on my legacy, not my criminal record.” Dash snickered, giving Scootaloo a noogie.

“Thank you, Dash.”

Twilight Sparkle swooned in her lovers arms. Her violet eyes looking up at the manly dragon before her. The sunlight through the antebellum windows illuminated the bright red Puebla dress she wore, and she tossed her shimmering mane aside to bask in the glow of her captor's green eyed gaze.

Spike sneered, adjusting his black top hat and cape, which made him very mysterious and forbidden. He also had a glorious mustache, ready to tickle Twilight in places unknown.

"Oh, Twilight! Quiero hacértelo como la salvaje yegua que eres!" Spike's words were filled with a wild passion.

"Si, Spike! Tómame como la sucia y salvaje yegua que soy!" Twilight spoke, her words strained from being breathless in the hands of this stranger.

Spike tossed Twilight onto the sofa violent, willing to appease her wishes as he tore the dress from her. She lay bare, hind legs splayed as Spike took in the sight before him. A grin spread across his mustachioed face and he lowered himself between her flanks. Twilight tensed like a spring ready to snap, licking her lips in anticipation at the mustache that will soon grace her nethers.

The feeling struck, unexpected. Thick hairs brushed against her mound, causing the unicorn to buck her hips in wild fury. She was close now, hips undulating in time to Spike's caress. Her breath became short and strained as she cried out in ecstasy.

“Ay! Spike! SPIKE!”

“SPIIIIKKEEE!” Apple Bloom shouted, startling the dragon as he fell off the couch. “You okay?”

“Ugh...yeah. Just, kinda nodded off I guess.” Spike shook his head, wondering where in Equestria those images came from. He glanced at the television, which shown some lame soap opera from Mexicolt. “What's wrong?”

“Ah'm bored!” Apple Bloom frowned. “Ya want me ta stay the night, but we're not havin' any fun!”

“Well...”

The library door opened, and Twilight Sparkle stepped inside. She looked tired, and her mane was a mess. She could feel each hair stand on end as the thoughts of her long list of impossible suspects scrolled through her mind.

“Spike....we need to talk.”

“If this is about me and Apple Bloom....” Spike tried to interject, but was silenced by a raised hoof.

“Spike, I'm happy that you found a relationship. But that does NOT give you permission to steal from our friends!” Twilight explained, stomping her hoof on the floor.

“Oh....that....” Spike hung his head.

“Now because of this, you're a suspect.” Twilight added, hanging her head. It clearly pained her to say those words.

“A...a suspect? For what?” Spike stammered, taken aback.

“Scootaloo's rape.” Twilight replied flatly.

It was Apple Bloom's turn to be horrified. But she didn't show it. “Twilight, ah...”

“No, Apple Bloom! Spike has to learn from his mistakes. He just better hope he's innocent.” Twilight sighed. The unicorn trotted upstairs without saying another word. She needed her rest for tomorrow after all.

Spike dropped to the floor, his rear making an audible thump as he landed. Apple Bloom frowned at the sight of her lover almost in tears, and realized just how innocent he really is. This was all her fault, and that pained the filly more than any thoughts of Spike sleeping with another pony.