Here we are, face to face... the gray filly sang to herself as she looked around the playground for her best friend. Silver Spoon paused at the thought that Diamond Tiara was her only friend, and that made her a little sad. Despite her best attempts to emulate her pink friend's behavior, Silver Spoon just wasn't as in to it, and she didn't know why.

    She had also noticed that one of the Cutie Mark Crusaders was missing from class. Not that she figured Scootaloo to be the learning type in the first place, though she did admire the way the pegasus carried herself. Whereas Silver Spoon blindly followed Diamond Tiara's lead, Scootaloo was her own filly.

    Speaking of Diamond Tiara, the pink coated filly with her well styled purple hair finally made her approach. A huge grin was spread across her face, and that told Silver Spoon that something must've happened to somepony. She had gotten good at reading Diamond's body language, though she didn't always like the reasons for it.

    “Silver Spoon, did you hear the news?” Diamond asked, her voice dripping with an odd combination of sarcasm and enthusiasm that Spoon hadn't heard in a while. This gossip must be really juicy.

    “Uh....what news?” the gray filly asked, adjusting her glasses.

    “One of our resident Blank Flanks got raped! Word on the street it was Scootaloo! Couldn't have happened to a nicer filly if you ask me!” Diamond exclaimed, her grin splitting into a full smile of porcelain covered teeth.

    Silver Spoon was horrified. Whatever Fruedian excuses she had told herself Diamond had long ago, did nothing to explain the sheer joy the pink filly now had at such news. Rape was every mare's nightmare, and for it to happen to a filly was frightening. Yet, here was Diamond Tiara, actually smiling that it happened to a Blank Flank.

    “Well, that would explain why she hasn't been in class for the last week,” Silver Spoon nodded, trying to act like she agreed with Diamond's position, no matter how much it twisted her stomach.

    “We should totally go find her and laugh! Serves her right for being such a....well ya know,” Diamond shook her head, but her voice didn't lose that sarcastic whine. “I didn't think she even liked colts anyway! I mean, you've seen how she drools over Rainbow Dash!”

    Silver Spoon had stopped listening after the word 'laugh'. Her best, nay, only friend couldn't be that heartless, could she?

    “You coming?” Diamond Tiara's voice snapped Spoon from her thoughts.

    “No, I'll catch up,” Silver Spoon waved a hoof, shaking her head.

    “Alright. Don't be late!” Diamond giggled at her latest idea, making Silver Spoon cringe a little.

    Silver Spoon glanced around the playground once more, and saw Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom talking amongst themselves. The latter looking around as if to make sure their conversation was secret. This piqued the gray filly's curiosity as she tilted her head to the side. She needed to ease her nagging conscience.

    If anypony knows that Scootaloo is okay, it's those two, Spoon bit her lip as she made sure Diamond Tiara wasn't around. Last thing she needed was the pink filly to ridicule her for speaking to the Blank Flanks. Spoon sighed, and began her slow approach.

    “So Twilight was all mad because we got the sheets all dirty, and it was funny to see her all grossed out because she laid in a wet spot and....” Apple Bloom paused when she saw Silver Spoon staring at her. “What do you want?”

    Silver Spoon rubbed her leg with a hoof. “I was just wondering if....she was okay....”

    “Who?” Sweetie Belle asked. The adorable blank look in her eyes shown she wasn't kidding.

    “Scootaloo,” Spoon replied. “I....I heard what happened....and I was just wondering if she was okay.”

    “Why would ya'll care anyway?!” Apple Bloom snapped.

    Silver Spoon flinched. She kind of deserved that. She didn't want to be mean to them, especially now. But that behavior was the only way to keep Diamond Tiara around. Of course it didn't mean she couldn't have a heart and be concerned for the well being of a pony who had a horrible experience.

    “I was....just worried...is all....” Silver Spoon explained, glancing away. “I'm sorry...”

    The grey filly walked away. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other, confusion at what just happened. Did Silver Spoon really care?

    “Silver Spoon, wait!” Sweetie Belle squealed, catching up to the retreating filly. Silver Spoon paused and turned back around, her equally grey eyes wide with surprise. “Scootaloo is okay. I think she would be happy to know that even somepony as mean as you cares about her.”

    “I'm not totally mean...” Silver Spoon glanced at the ground. Instead of getting a reply, she glanced up to see Sweetie had run off back to Apple Bloom.

    The bell on top of the red schoolhouse rang, signaling the end of recess. As the fillies and colts all headed back to class, Silver Spoon couldn't help but notice that Snips and Snails were acting a bit strange. She noticed Snails was glancing around, his teeth clenched as if he was expecting retaliation for something terrible. Snips was cowering behind his friend, hoping that nopony saw him at all.

    What's got them so unnerved? Silver Spoon tapped her chin with a hoof. Though Snails does look cute. Wonder what has him so scared? The grey filly regained composure as the two slowly walked by, still keeping an eye out for anypony. For a brief moment, Snail's eyes locked with Silver Spoon's and he gave a weak smile and a nod. Silver and Snails had gotten to know each other over the last few weeks, but she had a reputation to keep. She felt bad lying to both Snails and Diamond Tiara about what was going on, but it was the only way. At least for now.

    Shaking her head, Silver Spoon followed the two into the school. Everypony took their seats and awaited today's lesson from Cheerilee. Spoon glanced over to see the new student, Pipsqueak, sitting next to Sweetie Belle. She couldn't help but giggle at how the little brown spotted pinto was staring at the unicorn. Spoon then noticed that Snails was staring at her in the same fashion, and blushed slightly.

    “Okay class, everypony settle down!” Cheerilee commanded as she prepared for the next lesson.

    Twilight sat at the table in the library kitchen, staring at her reflection in the coffee. Spike stood nearby, nervously playing with his claws, blushing slightly.

    “Sorry I forgot to change the sheets, Twilight,” Spike had said for the umpteenth time that day.

    “That's not the problem, Spike,” Twilight groaned as she slumped back in her chair. “It's just...I never wanted this job. Now I'm looking at all my friends and random ponies like they're criminals. I don't know who to trust anymore,” she leaned forward and buried her face in her hooves.

    “You'll figure it out, Twilight. You always do,” Spike tried to be reassuring.

    “That's just it, Spike! This isn't some logic problem or test to pass! This is serious! Lives are on the line, and if I fail.....” the unicorn shuddered slightly. “I don't want fail Pinkie or Scootaloo. I couldn't live with myself if I did.”

    “Don't say that Twilight,” Spike patted her on the shoulder. “I believe in you.”

    Twilight mustered a smile. “Thank you, Spike.” Her glance drifted to the basement door. “How's Pinkie holding up? She's been awful quiet.”

    “Uh...well....the Doctor kind of gave her some of your....sleeping pills...so....” Spike replied, glancing away.

    Twilight sighed. “How many times have I told him not to go through my stuff?” She rested her face in her hoof, trying to get her mind straight. “For all I know, he could be a suspect too. I don't know anymore.”

    “Don't beat yourself up over this. The fact that you're even trying shows you care. You don't have to force yourself to succeed,” Spike tried to hid the urgency in his voice. The last thing he wanted was Twilight going off again.

    “Do you realize how difficult this is, Spike? Pinkie's life hangs in the balance, and if I can't prove she's innocent she could DIE!” Twilight felt the individual hairs of her mane begin to stand on end as the rest of her coat bristled in fright. “I have to do this!”

    “You have to be a good friend and show Pinkie she's not alone in all of this. Show her that you have faith in her and that will be more than enough.” Spike nodded. He knew his words fell on deaf ears.

    “This is my job, Spike! I can't just up and quit! If it wasn't for me, Ponyville wouldn't have any authority at all!”    

    “It never did before you got here. Crimes like this don't happen often.” Spike shrugged.

    “EXACTLY! Twilight shouted as she slammed her hooves on the table. She was growing more unhinged. “It's not like I can just pick up a book about rape and learn everything about how to solve it and.....” Twilight paused....”Wait! Nurse Redheart! She might know how to go about this! Maybe I can get Scootaloo to get checked out, get some DNA and....”

    “Twilight, you're losing it again...” Spike sighed.

    “No time, Spike! I've got a job to do!” Twilight was out the door while the idea was still fresh.

    Spike grumbled to himself. “Guess I'll just eat lunch alone then...”

    Twilight galloped through Ponyville, her mind reeling with why she never thought of confiding in Nurse Redheart to begin with. She was helpful with checking out Minty so she would be the obvious choices....Wait! How did everypony else find out about Pinkie raping Minty to begin with? Another mystery on top of the one she was dealing with, and the one that was unfolding....great.

    There was no time to worry about that though. Finally at the makeshift infirmary, Twilight jerked the curtain aside and rushed in. “Nurse Redheart!”

    The nurse pony turned and eyed Twilight curiously. Uniform code mandated that all nurse ponies keep their manes up so as not to interfere in their work. Twilight didn't notice that this nurse had blonde hair.

    “Sorry, dear. Nurse Redheart is off today. I'm Nurse Tenderheart.” the white mare replied. Twilight's eyes glanced to the nurse pony's cutie mark to see a heart being held by a blue teddy bear who had been bandaged up.

    “Oh....uh. Well, maybe you can help me. You see, there's been a rape and...”

    “Oh my! Well they should come in immediately.” Tenderheart gasped.

    “It happened a week ago, but I was wondering if it was possible to get a DNA sample or...”

    Nurse Tenderheart shook her head. “Unfortunately, the longer you wait, the less likely we'll find anything. Natural processes and all.”

    Twilight nodded, somewhat expecting this answer. Then she realized that there may not be books on rape. But there's bound to be something about a genetic analyzing spell. If not, she could make one. Frustrated that she wasted her time, Twilight turned to leave, but was stopped by Nurse Tenderheart.

    “Have you been getting enough rest?” the gray mare asked, looking over Twilight.

    “Well, not really. Stress and all...” Twilight lied. She wasn't going to mention the wet spot.

    “That's bad for your health, dear,” the nurse shook her head slowly.

    Twilight quietly groaned at this delay, rolling her eyes. Then she realized something. “You or Nurse Redheart haven't said anything about a patient here named Minty, have you?” Her eyes grew hopeful that if she found the source of who spread the word Pinkie had raped Minty, she could at least quell that issue.

    “No. Patient confidentiality forbids us sharing any personal knowledge without written consent. Did you know this, Minty?” Nurse Tenderheart tilted her head slightly.

    “Not personally. But she was treated here. I was just curious.” Twilight sighed. “Somepony knows something and told everypony else.”

    “That's terrible!” Nurse Tenderheart gasped. “Rest assured if there are any information leaks here, we will tend to them.”

    “Thank you. Keep me posted.” Twilight nodded, glad that she at least has one source of information.

    Another day, another performance at the park. Lyra tried to focus on her music as she always had done, but her eyes kept drifting off beyond the sparse crowd of ponies to where she saw that poor filly. If only she had stopped the show to help. She should've seen it sooner, but by the time she realized what had happened it was too late. That nice lavender unicorn bringing it up only made the memories more painful, and she could hear her music start to suffer from the emotion in her magic. Her eyes returned to the crowd, focusing on two ponies in particular, both of whom wore pained expressions of their own.

    Much to her relief, she managed to save face and pluck the final notes. A smattering of applause became quickly drowned out by the frantic and loud hoofclaps of the two special ponies in the crowd. Lyra frowned when her eyes fell on Sonata. Brief thoughts of her not being safe out here flashed in the unicorn's mind, causing her to tear up slightly.

    Bonbon had come up beside her, catching Lyra off guard. “Lyra, dear. Are you okay?”

    The unicorn could only nod, her face still wearing a frown. Her golden eyes rose up to lock with Bonbon's own cyan orbs. The candy pony could see the pain behind the eyes of her love, and couldn't help but hold back tears of her own. “I should've helped that filly, Bonnie...”

    “That's all in the past now. Besides, you are helping her. You told Twilight all she needed to know to find whoever did this.” Bonbon tried to be reassuring. “Come on, I got some more wine waiting at home.”

    Lyra smiled slightly, then shook her head. She couldn't wrap her mind around why she was becoming an alcohaloic all of the sudden, but didn't really care. “I'm just worried is all. What if whoever did it tries again? You could be hurt, or Sonata...” her voice trailed off.

    Bonbon placed a hoof under Lyra's chin and brought her back up to meet her gaze. “Twilight is taking care of things. Relax...for my sake....please...” she leaned forward and pressed her lips to Lyra's, causing the unicorn to close her eyes as her troubles melted away.

    “HEY LYRA!” Sonata cried out, snapping her back to reality. Bonbon jerked away quickly, blushing and hoping she hadn't been caught.

    “Yes, dear?” The unicorn looked at her second biggest fan with a genuine smile on her face.

    “Are you going to be here again tomorrow?” the blue filly asked, bouncing with excitement.

    Lyra glanced over to her love, who only nodded in approval. She turned back to Sonata and smiled. “Yes, I will be. Same time?”

    “You bet!” Sonata squealed, then trotted off to her mother waiting at edge of the park. Bonbon noticed Lyra was keeping a closer eye on the filly than usual during the departure phase.

    “She'll be okay. I'll be okay. Let's go home and relax.” Bonbon placed a hoof across Lyra's shoulders to guide her along, as the unicorn's attention was still fixed on the blue filly.

    The trip home was pretty uneventful, and Lyra was all to happy to know her and Bonbon were safe. She didn't know why this news had her so on edge, but accepted it as a plausible excuse for more wine. Lyra noticed Bonbon staring at her somewhat seductively, but she wasn't in the mood. At least, not yet.

    “Why don't I make us some lunch, dear? You'll feel better,” Bonbon began walking towards the kitchen. Lyra could only nod.

    Bonbon entered the kitchen and frowned at seeing Lyra in this mood. Her blue eyes trailed off in an attempt to reason why. She gasped when she remembered a certain part of Lyra's past that had been divulged to her. Of course! Why didn't I see it sooner? Bonbon facehoofed. She saw the bottle of wine and gravitated towards it, grabbing it up to bring to her lover in need.

    The cream colored pony reemerged from the kitchen, holding the bottle of wine by the cork in her teeth. She placed it on the table before Lyra and sat next to her.

    “I've been a terrible pony. I should've known sooner. Sorry if I told you to get over it.” Bonbon apologized, nuzzling close to the unicorn. She wasn't even annoyed that Lyra was sitting in her normally unnatural position.

    “It's okay. I thought I actually did for a while. But now that this happened, all those memories came back,” Lyra turned her watering eyes to her lover. “I just don't want Sonata to suffer like I did.”

    “It's understandable. But she has good ponies like us looking out for her. She'll be fine.” Bonbon nodded, a smile on her face. The cream pony stood, leaving Lyra suddenly feeling cold and alone. She trotted to the stairs and began to ascend them, stopping halfway to shake her flank at Lyra's glance. “Come up and see me sometime...”

    Once the earth pony was gone, Lyra's eyes glanced at the bottle of wine. She closed her eyes as her magic went to work, uncorking the bottle and raising the glass she had grabbed from their minibar. The unicorn stared at the glass for a long moment as her conflicting thoughts continued to swirl around like so much fog. With a shrug, Lyra snatched the bottle from the bubble of magic it was held in, and began gulping it down with abandon.

    Bonbon lay on their bed, hoof idly swirling around the sheets. A sad sigh escaped her lips as she was about to give up hope. Lyra stumbled into the bedroom, a dopey grin plastered on her face. She reeked of wine, which prompted the earth pony to shake her head in disappointment.

    “Lyra, seriously. I'm starting to worry about you.” Bonbon frowned, shifting around on the bed so Lyra could join her.

    “I'm fine...” Lyra slurred, her breath smelling of sour grapes. “I just want you is all...”

    Bonbon blushed slightly. She was honored to have been Lyra's first, and only love. It was also her that broke Lyra from the shell she had built around herself after that terrible incident. Bonbon had instructed Lyra in the ways of proper sex, and the unicorn never looked back.

    Their lips met, and Bonbon's eyes widened at the bitter taste of wine. Did she drink the whole bottle?! Before she could respond, Lyra had already shoved Bonbon onto her back, straddling her hips violently. The earth pony was suddenly afraid at Lyra's new attitude, but was somehow also thrilled by this forcefulness. She felt the wetness sliding against her thigh as Lyra tried to shift into position, her stupor making it hard to tell which Bonbon was under her at the moment.

    Bonbon tried to get comfortable, but the weight of her partner made it impossible to move as Lyra took a more aggressive approach. Soon, Lyra gasped as her engorged clit came into contact with Bonbon’s own need. The pleasure amplified by the alcohol coursing through her body as she forced her nub against her lover’s. The earth pony gasped with each new sensation, the smell of wine pouring from Lyra’s pores made her all the more amorous for the rough way she was being handled. Bonbon reached up and grasped Lyra’s hips, pushing her deeper into their embrace and increasing the friction on their already burning loins.

    The unicorn leaned forward as she pressed harder, her eyes screwed shut as she continued to thrust forward, begging for release from all her troubles. Her stupor made her unaware to anything but her own desires, which made it all the more surprising when she felt a tongue begin to swirl around her horn. Her eyes shot open to see Bonbon, straining her neck to reach. Lyra lowered her head to make it easier for her lover. The earth pony obliged this gesture, and took the horn deeper into her muzzle, her tongue tracing the fluted appendage as Lyra’s addled brain sent the pleasure throughout.

   Lyra could feel herself twitching against Bonbon, who was already moist with pleasure. Their clits pressing together as she picked up speed. The pleasure from both ends was intense as her muscles seized and ached, her thighs gripping like a vice on the pony under her. Her horn began to run hot, causing her to sweat even more than she had been. Finally, she let out a moan of pleasure, her body shuddering from the intensity. Bonbon could feel the twitching against her own lips, the heat from the juices coating her thighs. The warmth of the horn in her mouth sent sparks of magic dancing across her gums, the sensation working its way through her body and down to her own need, making her moan. Lyra shoved Bonbon’s hooves into the mattress, holding her prey captive. Finally, with one last thrust, the unicorn fell forward, a quivering mass of emotions both good and bad. Her sudden fall almost choked Bonbon as she released the horn from her muzzle, noticing faint sparks falling from the tip. Bonbon shuddered as well, her own release adding to the mess as she felt her inner walls clenching on their own, grasping greedily for more desire.

    “Feel better now?” Bonbon gasped, glancing down at the teary eyed unicorn upon her.

    Lyra could only muster a weak nod. Her energy drained more than usual as her body tried to overcome the hangover.

    “You always knew how to treat a goil,” the earth pony smiled. “I’m glad I could be there for you. But you really need to stop drinking.”

    Lyra rolled her eyes at the thought of being scolded like a filly. But she wouldn’t have it any other way.