Hours later, well through the night and into the morning's sunrise the waiting room of the hospital was occupied by five sleeping young women who had all stood their ground to be there when news about their friend would arrive.  Each of them leaning upon one another for support in what little comfort they could get in the situation they were in as they were piled onto the uncomfortable chairs.  Twilight Sparkle eventually awoke from the soft touch of a woman's hand on her shoulder and moved from her sleeping position.  Causing a chain effect down the line as each of the girls slowly came around to the waking world.  "Nurse Redheart?"  

"Hello, Ms. Sparkle."  The kind pink haired woman said, thankfully smiling.  A good sign out of a night of horrors.  "I came to let you know that your friend is going to be all right."  

"Oh... thank goodness."  Twilight said and fell back in her chair again, leaning on Pinkie for support.  "Thank you.  Thank you so much."

"There's more though that I need you girls to hear."  The nurse said, sound more serious now and getting their full attention.  "Fluttershy is in stable condition but she hasn't woke up yet.  We can't be sure yet when she will."  There was audible gasping from Rarity and Rainbow Dash as they were taking her words in.  "She's on an IV feed to help her recover but we don't know the full extent of the damage.  To be honest we've rarely ever seen someone come in from a changeling attack before.  Certainly no doctors working here now have ever encountered it."  

"I understand."  Twilight said quietly.

"I know you girls are all worried for her but I think it's best if you go home for now and rest.  We'll be sure to send word to you all when Fluttershy recovers."  

"Thank you, Nurse Redheart.  I appreciate everything you've all done for her."  Twilight said and shakily got to her feet, the other girls doing the same.  

"You're welcome dear, it's what we're here for.  We'll watch over your friend."  Nurse Redheart reassured her but as the girls began to leave one stayed behind.  

"Guys."  Rainbow Dash said, getting everyone's attention.  "I'm staying here with Fluttershy."  Her words stopped everyone in their tracks, Applejack the first to speak up out of the sleepy daze they were all in.

"Dash, ya heard Nurse Redheart.  There ain't nuthin' we can do fer her just sittin' round here."  

"I know that but I was thinking, if she does wake up she should have someone nearby right?  One of her friends?  I can't just walk away now while Fluttershy is laying there still fighting for her life.  She doesn't even have any family in town.  We're the closest ones to it!"  

"Rainbow Ah... well..."  Applejack was at a loss for words on this, understanding her feelings.  She looked to the nurse for help who approached Rainbow Dash to take over the conversation.  

"Normally we only let family members into a recovering patient's room.  But as you said, you five are the closest family Fluttershy has here in town.  I'll ask the doctor to make an exception for you."  

"Really?"  Rainbow Dash asked and smiled brightly.  "Thank you, Nurse Redheart!  I promise I'll be quiet and not do a thing to bother her while she recovers."  

"I know you won't dear."  The nurse said and stepped back to let everyone say their good byes and give Rainbow a hug before leaving the hospital.  The weather girl staying behind to hold the fort while the rest of the girls slowly made their way out of the hospital doors and into the daylight.  

"I don't even feel like I slept."  Pinkie admitted.  

"Ah understand how ya feel."  Applejack agreed and looked to Twilight who was staring at the ground as she walked.  "Say Twi', what we gonna do about this situation?"  

"Hm?"  Twilight asked, suddenly breaking off from her daze.

"Y'know, the changeling thing.  We can't leave it like it is."  Applejack said, her tone growing serious.  "Shouldn't we warn the town?"  At her question the expression on Twilight's face was that of a woman who was trying to solve a problem that she knew lives depended on.  Her eyes wide as she was staring at the ground again and thinking of difficult matters to address.  

"Word will get out."  Twilight said.  "There's no doubt about that.  Even if we tried to solve it ourselves to avoid a town wide panic word is going to get out about Fluttershy's condition.  We'll have to deal with it head on.  I need to go home and deal with... I mean, I need to prepare."  

"Where's Spike anyway?"  Pinkie Pie asked.  "He's been gone all night.  I thought he'd come to the hospital to find us."  

"He's at home.  I asked him to stay."  Twilight answered sharply.  "Listen you... you should all go home.  Tell your families to be careful.  Rest up.  We'll meet again later on tonight."  As she spoke it was as if she was speaking from outside herself.  Issuing orders instead of reassuring her friends.  There was clear worry on all their faces and Rarity decided to interject. 

"Twilight what are you planning to do?"  The seamstress asked and Twilight shook her head.  

"I don't know yet for sure.  We'll need Zecora's help, she has to be told about this too.  I'll see you all later."  Twilight said and walked off towards the library, the other three girls looking at each other in confusion.  

"Ah'm worried."  Applejack said.  "Ya don't see Twi' that shook up every day, even in bad situations like this."

"Should we really just go home?"  Pinkie asked, feeling like that was not the right action to take with everything at such high stakes.  

"I'll follow her."  Rarity said.  "I'm going to try and help deal with what's making her on edge.  I think it is best if you two head home to let your families know what's going on.  After I go to Twilight's I'm heading to my parents place to let them know to be careful too."

"Alright."  Applejack agreed with reluctance in her voice.  "Ah don't like waitin' when there's a problem tah solve but ah do wanna make sure Apple Bloom got home okay from her friend's slumber party."  

"I'll go back home too and tell Mr. and Mrs. Cake what's happening."  Pinkie Pie said, sounding about as drained as she'd ever been.  "I'll let them know we're trying to solve it so that if anyone says anything in the store they don't panic."

"That's a good idea."  Rarity complimented.  "Well... I guess until later tonight?"  The three girls agreed and all hugged each other tight for comfort, going their separate ways to follow through with the rest of their day.  Rarity wished she had time to go home and get out of this dress but emergencies didn't really allow for such conveniences.  Instead she followed behind Twilight to go to the library, having to move a bit slower than her due to her high heels.  She got several glances from people that past by that normally she would have enjoyed but the situation wasn't a pleasant one.  Instead she ignored anyone that wasn't immediately of her concern and approached the door for Twilight's home, opening it to find it wasn't locked.  "Twilight?"  

Entering the building there wasn't a sound.  She didn't know what to expect but after the description Twilight had given of Spike's situation she thought there might be shouting or at least someone talking.  Instead everything was terribly quiet and Rarity walked in slowly, locking the door behind her so there wouldn't be any unwanted visitors.  Despite not locking the door Twilight had left the "closed" sign up in the window to let everyone know she wasn't open for work today.  Seeing no one on the ground floor Rarity walked up the stairs to the living area and found that the bedroom door was still shut.  Putting her hand on the knob she found it turned easily instead of being locked and opened it slowly to see what was inside.  

In the middle of the room on the ground Twilight sat, holding the photo album they'd been looking through together the first time Rarity had come over after they'd had that fight forever ago involving the two of them and Spike.  The book wasn't open though, closed and hugged tightly against her chest as Twilight stared at the wall.  She was still in her pajamas and looked as if she hadn't moved from that spot since she arrived.  Rarity searched around the room but found that she was the only one here.  Walking closer Rarity put a hand on her friend's shoulder.  "Twilight?"  

"It's all my fault."  Twilight said quietly.  "All my fault."  

"Twilight?"  Rarity asked and knelt down on the carpet with her.  "Darling, what's going on?  Where's Spike?"  

"Gone."  Twilight answered simply.  

"Gone!?  What... what do you mean gone?"  Rarity asked, her hand gripping Twilight's shoulder a little tighter.

"He's gone.  He left.  Out the window."  Twilight said, causing Rarity to look up to see it was wide open.  

"He left?"  Rarity asked in surprise.  

"I don't know.  None of his things are gone.  Maybe... maybe that changeling came and took him away?  I left him here trapped and defenseless and she may have stolen him."  Twilight was shaking now as tears were coming down her cheeks, something she didn't think she had left in her.  "Or maybe he just couldn't stand me anymore."  

"No.  I won't believe that."  Rarity said and hugged Twilight against her.  "Spike is... Spike is strong.  He's young but he's strong, he can protect himself.  There's no way he was kidnapped."  

"I left him here alone..."  Twilight repeated.  "I'm so stupid.  I made this happen, if only I'd been better to him."

"Twilight Sparkle!"  Rarity shouted which made the librarian nearly jump off the carpet.  "He is out there, somewhere.  No matter how much I care about him you are the one he loves more than anyone else in the world."  

"But-"

"No, none of that.  Maybe Spike got upset and left after last night.  You two had a fight, right?"  Twilight nodded her head.  "Spike is a young man and they're prone to acting out when they're upset.  We're going to believe he's okay and find him.  I'm going to look at my place first and I want you to clean up and get dressed so we can work on this together, okay?"

"Okay."  Twilight agreed weakly and Rarity stood up, swallowing the lump in her throat.  She didn't understand exactly what was happening either but she wanted to be strong for Twilight so they could both be strong for Spike.  He deserved that much from them.  Rarity turned to leave but was stopped before she could exit the room.  "What do we do if he was taken?"  

"We get him back."  Rarity said solemnly and Twilight nodded her head.  After she exited Twilight's room Rarity had to catch herself on their table downstairs and pressed her hand over her eyes.  "No crying... no hysterics right now.  You have to be a strong woman for everyone."  Taking some deep breaths to calm her nerves Rarity exited the library and headed home.

The walk back was much the same as the one to Twilight's with new awkward looks at her appearance.  She was beginning to wonder if it was the dress getting these glances or the mess her hair and face must have been after everything that happened.  A shower and a change of clothes would be appreciated and with any luck Spike would be there hiding out.  A glimmer of hope still remained for her that after all the terrible events that had happened to Fluttershy she didn't have more to be concerned about with Spike as well.  Walking into the Carousel Boutique Rarity found she wasn't alone but it wasn't the company she had been looking for.  

"Morning sis!"  Sweetie Belle shouted from the kitchen, Rarity taking a moment to try and remember why her little sister was there.  

"Morning, Sweetie Belle."  Rarity said as she wandered into the kitchen, seeing a simple breakfast laid out for them both on the table.  "I'm sorry I wasn't here when you came in."  

"That's okay, I just wanted to surprise you with something to eat."  Sweetie said happily as she poured some orange juice into the two glasses on the table.  The rest of the breakfast was just toast and jam with cereal but it wasn't burned which was an advancement for Sweetie's level of cooking.  "I actually thought you were upstairs sleeping still, I didn't think you were out."

"Yes, I had to go take care of something.  It was... very important."  She wasn't sure how much she should say to her sister, not wanting to panic the girl but knowing it was better coming from herself than letting her hear it through rumors about everything from last night.  "You haven't been upstairs have you?"  

"Nope, just been down here since I came in."  

"Okay... I'm going to shower and get changed."  

"Alright, that is a really pretty dress you're wearing by the way."  

"Thank you Sweetie."  Rarity said, trying to keep herself together for her sister's sake so she didn't realize anything was wrong yet.  Climbing the stairs to her bedroom Rarity took a moment to search around and see if Spike may have been hiding out somewhere.  If he was down stairs it was likely Sweetie would have come across him by now.  Though after a full search of her closet, under her bed and anywhere else she thought Spike might have been able to fit himself there was still not a hair of him to find.  "Well... I guess he didn't run to me."  She said sadly, really hoping that after everything he'd simply be here waiting for her.  Instead she was left with an empty bedroom and memories of who once shared it with her.  

Putting her dress away and getting in a quick shower Rarity dressed herself in something that would be easier to move around in.  She expected to be doing a lot of walking today before it was all over.  Coming back downstairs Rarity joined her sister at the table so they could share breakfast together.  "Thank you Sweetie, I have to say I was surprised to see you here."  

"You're welcome.  Sorry if I was intruding."  

"Never darling, it's actually very good to have your company."  Rarity admitted, happy to have this small piece of untainted perfect comfort and family love through her little sister.  "Did you enjoy your slumber party?"  

"Oh yeah, it was great.  Diamond Tiara has a really impressive house."  

"I can imagine, the Rich family is known for having quite the extravagant tastes."  Not that Rarity was one to talk but even she couldn't compare to Filthy Rich and his funds or Spoiled Rich and her desire to prove her wealth through her property.

"Diamond Tiara really liked the swimsuit you made me too, I think she might want to buy one from you some time later."  

"Is that a fact?  Well I'd be happy to help her out."  Rarity said feeling pleased with herself and her sister.  "I'm also proud of you girls, I know you and Diamond didn't get along well for a long time."  

"Yeah, I'm not sure if her and Scootaloo are all okay yet.  But Silver Spoon and her seem to be getting along really well.  No one got into any fights at the party either."  

"Some good news for the morning."  Rarity said, enjoying some toast with strawberry jam.  "Here I was worried it might end in a big argument between all of you or something crazy would happen like some boys trying to sneak into the party."  At that last statement Sweetie Belle's smile seemed to go away and she went right to eating her cereal quietly.  An obvious tell to her big sister if there ever was one.  "Sweetie... no one had an argument, right?"  Sweetie Belle shook her head as she kept crunching her cereal.  "And there were no boys over, right?"  The crunching stopped and Sweetie swallowed it down, then went right to drinking some orange juice.  "...Sweetie?"

"Yeah?"  

"Were there boys at this party?" 

"Well... none that were invited?"  Sweetie could see the look in Rarity's eyes make a sudden shift from tired and soft to serious and stern at that suggestion. 

"What does that mean?"  Rarity asked putting her food down to stare across at her sister.  

"Okay so... some boys tried to sneak into the party while we were at the pool.  But Mr. Rich had them kicked out almost immediately after."  Rarity let out a little breath of relief at Sweetie's explanation. 

"Good to know Filthy is on top of things in his own home.  All right then, as long as they were stopped.  I take it that it was some boys from your class?"  

"Yeah... mostly."  

"Mostly?"  Rarity asked as she started to take more bites of her cereal. 

"Well for some weird reason Spike was there too."  There was a loud clinking noise as Rarity dropped her spoon onto her bowl and looked at Sweetie Belle in shock. 

"Spike was there!?"  

"Um... y-yeah, I mean I think he was trying to stop the other boys but they all got thrown out together."  Sweetie admitted.  "Please don't tell Twilight, I don't think he meant anything bad by it.  He just got caught up with the other guys is all."  

"So he was there."  Rarity said thoughtfully.  "Sweetie Belle, this is important.  What time was it at night that you saw him?"  Her little sister looked surprised by the question but she tried to recall it carefully.  

"I don't really remember.  We were all in the pool already so it was before we went to bed.  I guess it was kind of early at night."  Sweetie Belle answered.  "He was carrying a box too, it looked like some kind of present."

"So it was earlier and he still had the box."  Rarity thought carefully.  "Have you seen him at all since last night?"  

"No... Rarity, what's going on?  You're freaking me out a little bit.  Did something happen to Spike?"  Sweetie asked looking concerned and Rarity sighed as she worked up her courage to let her know the truth.  "Rarity?"

"Sweetie Belle, listen.  Spike is missing."  

"Missing?  What do you mean missing!?  How could he be missing!?"  Sweetie yelled which caught Rarity off guard.  She knew it would upset her to know something bad had happened but didn't think she'd get so excited.  

"Calm down.  We just... we don't know where he's at right now."  

"Well shouldn't we be out looking for him?  I mean... where was the last place you saw him at?"  

"He was at Twilight's house the last time we saw him."  Rarity explained.  

"Then... how come Twilight doesn't know where he's at right now?  Are they both missing?"  

"No, just Spike.  You see Sweetie Belle, Twilight left Spike alone at home because she had to go to the hospital.  I'm afraid that..."  Rarity swallowed a lump in her throat again to fight back the tears.  "Fluttershy is in the hospital right now."  Her sister was reeling from all of this information, staring up at Rarity trying to process everything she was being told. 

"Why?"  Was all the girl could mutter in confusion and concern. 

"She... she was attacked.  By changelings."  Sweetie's fingers were gripping the table cloth now as her mouth opened and her jaw shook.  "She's okay at the moment  The doctors said she'll recover but she hasn't woken up yet."  Rarity had to cover her own mouth to keep from crying and Sweetie got up from her seat to come over and hug her sister, the two sharing some comfort in their embrace.  "I'm sorry to have to tell you all this."  

"It's okay Rarity, I'm sorry too.  I... I hope she's going to be okay."  The two sisters shared a hug for a while, both dealing with a wave of emotions that were overcoming them.  "I want Fluttershy to be okay.  I like her."  

"I like her too.  She's a great friend."  Sweetie nodded and the two hugged each other tighter.  "That's why I was out last night and so was Twilight, we both stayed there until they told us she was out of danger."

"Okay, that makes sense."  Sweetie Belle said, feeling sad and wanting to do something, anything at all to help fix the situation.  But an idea occurred to her.  "Wait a minute, I know!  Spike was wearing like... nice clothes for some reason and he had that present.  Maybe he went somewhere special?"  She offered feeling this had to be a clue.  "If we went to the same place he did to deliver that gift then I bet we could find him!"  

"That's good thinking."  Rarity said and petted her sister's hair.  "But I'm afraid it's not going to help us."  

"But why?  Did you know who he was going to see already?"  Rarity nodded her head, steeling herself for where this conversation was going to lead.  "Well why don't we just ask them?  Maybe they can give us a clue to where he went."

"Because... because he..."  She could lie.  She could just lie about this one little thing.  There was no reason to involve her sister into the mess that was her love life along with the rest of the bad news that was coming out this morning.  But if she did that and Sweetie found out later would she ever trust her again?  Rarity didn't want to keep things from her but didn't think this would help either.  What was the right choice?

"Rarity?"

"Because Spike was... coming to see me."  Rarity admitted, realizing just now that this would have all been revealed anyway this morning if Sweetie had shown up and Spike had come downstairs instead of her.  

"You?"  Sweetie asked, sounding shocked.  "But... why would he be coming to see you last night?"  

"Well... you see Sweetie, remember when we talked about how we both had a guy we were secretly interested in?"  Sweetie Belle took a step away from her.  "Spike was coming to see me because we were... we were going on a date together.  He was my secret boyfriend.  Just like how you had one but weren't sure how yours felt about you I was seeing what I felt about him.  So I guess my secrets finally out."  Rarity said but saw that her sister was looking at her with tears streaming down her face.  "Sweetie Belle... what's wrong?  Why are you crying."  

"No... NO!  Not you Rarity!"  Sweetie Belle sobbed.  "Anyone else... anyone else but you!  Not my sister!"  Sweetie fell to her knees and covered her eyes, crying hard.  "Not my sister!  Why!?"  

"Sweetie, what's wrong darling?"  Rarity asked and knelt down next to her.  "What are you so upset about?  I don't understand."  She put her arms around her and Sweetie let out a yell, pushing them away and making Rarity fall back in surprise.  Realizing what she did Sweetie cried harder on the floor.

"It's all my fault, I was bad.  I was a bad girlfriend so he... so he found a better one."  Sweetie sobbed.  "He found someone better than me because I wasn't good enough."  Through her sobs Rarity was beginning to put the pieces together and the additional horror was sinking in of the reality the two of them had been living.  

"Sweetie Belle, don't tell me you and Spike were..."  

"I tried to be a... a proper lady.  Like you said.  I tried and tried and I thought that... that maybe eventually he'd like me too.  Like me as much as you... but he was never going to like me as much as you!"  Sweetie sobbed.  "I was never able to be as good as you.  I'm so stupid!"  

"No, you're not."  Rarity said and moved to her little sister, hugging her tightly.  "You are not stupid."  

"But-"

"You are not!  You are a precious, sweet young lady and you were deceived."  Rarity said petting her sister's head.  "I was too."  

"What?"  

"I didn't know Sweetie.  Oh my precious little sister I had no idea."  Another horrible thought occurred to Rarity and she had to confirm it now.  "Sweetie Belle, you didn't have sex with Spike did you?"

"No... we... we did some stuff.  I took off my dress in front of him.  I..."  More tears threatened to come.  "Rarity I don't want to talk about it!"  

"Okay.  It's okay.  We don't have to right now."  Rarity said still hugging her tightly.  

"Am I bad?"  Sweetie asked shakily.  

"No you're not darling.  You're not bad at all.  Things are just confusing right now but you're not bad at all and this isn't your fault."  

"...is Spike bad?"  Sweetie asked, not sure of anything anymore.  The boy in their life that they thought was solid and strong like a pillar was starting to show the cracks all over.  

"I don't know."  Rarity said.  "But I'm going to find him and get to the bottom of this."  

**********

It was still early in the evening and everything was perfect.  The food was assembled in the kitchen for her to cook and clean up easily, the table was already set for company and there was lots of time to prepare.  She had worn a nice dress for the event, nothing to forward but something a little colorful to catch the eye.  Her pets were eating their own dinners already so they'd be content when the guest arrived and not cause a fuss.  Tonight had taken some time to come but she was finally prepared for it.  An evening to be remembered.  

That was when Fluttershy heard the knock on her door.  

"Who could that be?"  The pink haired girl wondered as she removed her apron and moved to the door way.  Opening it to find two familiar faces she hadn't expected tonight.  "Oh, Mr. Spearhead.  And Mr. Iron Guard?"  Fluttershy asked in confusion.  As she understood it these men were in charge of bringing the monsters to her to release into the Everfree Forest, but their job was done and they'd already head back to the capital.  It was very odd they'd be here now.  "Is something the matter?"  

"May we.  Come in?"  Spearhead asked Fluttershy in a way that made her pause.  Something about his speech felt off.  Broken.  But it might have been her imagination.  

"I suppose so."  Fluttershy said as she let the two guardsmen into her home, stepping aside so they could enter.  "What is this all about?"  

"Monsters."  Spearhead said, looking around the house.  

"Monsters?"  Fluttershy asked confused.  "You mean the ones we brought to the forest today?  They all left when we saw them off.  None of them returned."  

"Check.  Be sure."  He said again in that odd broken speech that was beginning to make her skin crawl.  She didn't like how this was going and was starting to regret inviting the men into her house.  Spearhead was searching around in areas she wasn't comfortable with and she stepped forward to intervene.  

"I'm sorry to interrupt but I can assure you no monsters are here.  If you don't mind I'm expecting-"  Fluttershy wasn't able to continue as she felt strong arms grab around her shoulders and something sharp pierce her neck.  Gasping in surprise she tried to pull away but found she wasn't able to break free.  "What... what's... what's..."  It hurt, whatever was biting her hurt badly but she couldn't stop it.  Spearhead caught sight of Fluttershy's pet rabbit angel leaping towards her and caught the animal before it could take another action.  

"Put away.  This one."  He said and walked over to Fluttershy's bathroom, throwing the rabbit inside and closing the door afterwards.  Her arm lifted up towards her precious pet but she couldn't escape.  In fact it was getting harder to move by the second.  Soon after Spearhead stood before her and Fluttershy whimpered. 

"P-please... please... help me."  To her horror he simply smiled, showing off a pair of fangs that she knew had never been on him before.  Reaching up he tore her dress off across her chest and bit into the other side of her neck, Fluttershy crying out in pain at the sensation.  She couldn't fight anymore.  "Rain...bow... Dash."  Fluttershy whimpered, feeling the aggressive teeth plunge into her neck further until finally they released her, letting her body fall to the carpet below.  

Her body was burning inside, as if there was fire itself flowing through her.  She tried to move but could only manage to shake as her body refused to obey and her mind seemed to be slipping away.  Was this death?  Was she going to die here?  Turning her eyes up she could see the two guards standing over her.  "Will suffer like that.  Die soon."  

"Not too soon.  Have fun first."  They were laughing, a horrible laugh that didn't match their voices anymore.  Her eyes turned downward to see the imp she'd rescued from Celestia's garden maze hiding under her couch and watching what was going on.  They'd caught Angel but hadn't seen him.  Her last hope.  

"Run."  Fluttershy whispered to him, the little creature scurrying away and out of sight from her and hopefully her attackers.  She didn't know if he understood her and would run to get help or just run to save his own life but it didn't matter much anymore.  They were upon her and she could feel her dress being torn away from her body.  Fabric ripping and sliding away roughly as she couldn't move.  Tears began to fall as she was losing consciousness.  Numbing darkness was welcome to what was coming next for her.

When her eyes opened again her body hurt all over but not like before.  Her veins no longer burned as if they'd been filled with poison, instead her muscles ached as if she'd used all of her strength in every part of her body.  Shifting around Fluttershy felt a small pull and looked down to see an IV sticking into her arm that was leading into a bag above her.  Head moving around the room she could see that this wasn't her house.  By the looks of the window it wasn't even the same day as there was sunlight pouring into the room.  Groaning her eyes adjusted to the light and she was able to make out a single figure sitting in a chair across from her.  "Who's there?"  

"Fluttershy!?"  A familiar voice said as the figure rose up and got closer to her.  "Fluttershy!  You're awake!"  

"Rainbow Dash?"  Fluttershy asked.  "Why... why are you here?"  

"Silly question, I'm here for you."  She said and leaned down next to her bed.  "Everyone was but I decided to stay behind till you woke up.  They're going to be thrilled to see you."  

"Everyone was?"  Fluttershy asked.  "Why am I here?"  

"Well you're... you're recovering.  We had to bring you to the hospital."  

"The hospital?"  Her memory was fuzzy but she slowly reached up and touched her neck, feeling the bandaging there.  "I... I was brought to the hospital.  I was attacked..."  Her hand began to shake.  "Oh no, it's not a dream."  

"Fluttershy?"  Rainbow Dash took her hand from her neck as her pink haired friend began to cry.  

"It wasn't a dream.  Oh no it wasn't... they hurt me.  They bit me and they-"  

"Fluttershy!"  Rainbow Dash said and she turned to look at her friend.  "It's okay, I'm here now."  Despite trying to reassure her Fluttershy wasn't able to hold back the tears and Rainbow Dash reached over to gently hug her friend.  "I'm here now... I'm sorry.  I'm so sorry I wasn't there sooner."  

"I'm scared."  Fluttershy said.  "I'm scared, I don't know what's going on.  They hurt me."  

"I know... I know they did and I'm... we're not going to let them get away with it."  Not that it mattered in the long run.  The damage was already done.  Even if Rainbow Dash herself caught both of the attackers what then?  Nothing would ever be able to take away the pain her friend was feeling.  

"I let them in my house.  I could tell.  I knew something was wrong but I let them in anyway and then they-"

"I know.  I know."  Rainbow Dash said trying her best to reassure her and wishing she was better at it.  All she could do was repeat the same things like a fool instead of saying the right words when she needed them.  "I should have been there.  I should have been there sooner.  If I was then it wouldn't have happened.  I'm sorry Fluttershy, it's all my fault."  Rainbow said wanting to take some of this away from her but Fluttershy shook her head.  

"You couldn't have known.  No one could... but you rescued me."  Fluttershy said trying to hold her tears back now with her hero in sight.  

"It was more than me."  Rainbow Dash admitted.  In reality it wasn't her at all, she was the last one to the hospital.  The last one to be by her side.  For a woman that was obsessed with coming in first somehow she'd managed to fail at it each time it counted.  "Listen I'm going to get the doctor, okay?  They'll want to see you now that you're awake.  We need to be sure you're okay."  She got up to leave the room but once again was too slow because the words were said that she couldn't outrun. 

"I love you."  Fluttershy said from the bed.  "I wanted to say it sooner but... I guess this is the worst time."

"No, it's not."  Rainbow Dash said, looking back at her with a smile.  "It's never a bad time to say it."  With that she exited the room and walked down the halls finding Nurse Redheart shortly after.  Explaining the situation the nurse thanked her and went off to get the doctor, leaving Rainbow Dash alone in the halls to think about what had just happened back in the room.  Poor Fluttershy remembered it.  She didn't know how much she remembered but it was enough that even Dash could see it was painful for her.  That was why she couldn't have stayed in the room any longer than she did.  

"I ran away."  Rainbow Dash said to herself.  "I ran away... all because I couldn't say it back."  How do you tell someone you care about so much, someone you'd fight and die for that you do love them.  But not in the same way that they loved you.  "Fluttershy, I'm sorry.  I just couldn't say it back."

**********

Hours later the sun was setting over the horizon and six young women were no closer to their objective than where they had began the night before.  Rarity had lived up to her word and went searching with Twilight after she got her sister home safely to let the girl rest for the day.  A new fire burning in her heart as she had many reasons to find her former lover now.  After a short rest Pinkie Pie and Applejack had joined them on the hunt and using her teleporting magic Twilight had also recruited Zecora's help without having to walk through the Everfree Forest where their potential attackers were now living.  Even if Spike hadn't been missing Twilight needed to let her friend know what was happening so she could also defend herself from possible threats near their homes.  

Word of course got out about Fluttershy being injured and while there were many kind words given to her friends to console them thankfully the changeling incident was being kept quiet by the hospital staff.  A panic wouldn't help anyone but the girls were aware it couldn't be kept a secret for long if just to keep the rest of the town safe.  Worse yet it seemed no one had seen Spike since last night as he somehow had escaped his bedroom without notice and snuck away in the dark.  Either with or without help he'd successfully disappeared and the way he vanished without a trace was weighing heavily on Twilight as she couldn't help but suspect the worst.  After a fruitless search they had all met back at the library to consider their next actions, Twilight passing tea around to everyone.  

"Ah can't believe nobody has seen anything fishy goin' on after everything that happened."  Applejack complained, holding her tea but not really drinking it.  "All of that and no one seen a thing?"  

"I've questioned the monsters and animals of the Everfree Woods."  Zecora added, emptying her own tea cup nearly as fast as it was given to her.  "Unfortunately none of them had any news that was good."  

"Even with all of Fluttershy's new friends that came into the forest not a one caught the changelings either."  Pinkie sighed.  "I know we asked them not to stay near the town but I was hoping they might help us."  

"Well find them yet."  Twilight Sparkle said seriously.  "Once they've been captured I'll make them lead us to Spike.  We'll put an end to this.  Especially this Damselfly he was so attached to."  Rarity noted the hard grip Twilight had on her tea cup and thought it may threaten to break in her hands.  

"I've... a different theory on Spike."  Rarity offered.  "I don't think he necessarily was captured by the changelings."  Her tone was even but it didn't sit well with Twilight at all and she was ready to voice her opinion. 

"After everything that's happened you really think those monsters won't make another move against us?"  Twilight asked, hiding the anger in her voice as best she could.  

"They may, which is why I'm glad Rainbow Dash stayed by Fluttershy's side.  If one of them was to try and silence her she's the best one to be near her aside from Applejack."

"Reckon with how beat up mah shoulders and back still are ah'd be more a hindrance than help.  Dash made the right call stickin' with her."  Applejack admitted.  Zecora however was still curious as to where Rarity was going with all of this.  

"You seem to have some knowledge we do not, Rarity.  Perhaps you can provide us with some more clarity?"  Zecora asked and Rarity let out a sigh.  

"I do.  You see... everyone, I was involved with Spike.  Romantically."  Rarity paused for a moment to let it sink in before going further.  "And... sexually."  She said lowering her eyes to avoid the looks coming her way. 

"Well... ah'll be danged."  Applejack said in shock.  

"You and Spike were..."  Pinkie asked pushing her fingers together.  Zecora opened her mouth to speak but just shut it again, unable to think of what to say in this situation.  

"We were.  It wasn't proper... I know it was far more than improper but we were together and in love.  So I may be the reason Spike ended up in this 'Damselfly's' hold to begin with.  He kept it a secret because I asked him to and it upset him but he did it anyway."  

"Rarity... you don't have to say all of this."  Twilight spoke up but Rarity didn't stop there.

"The thing is... Spike wasn't just involved with me."  Twilight's eyes grew wider as Rarity continued to talk.  

"Rarity!"

"He was also dating my sister."

"He... he what!?"  Twilight asked in astonishment. 

"I don't know when it started but he was involved with Sweetie Belle too."  Rarity said feeling ashamed and the other girls were still reeling from the last revelation let alone this one.  

"Now just hold on."  Applejack said standing up at the table.  "Ya'll are telling me Spike's been... been knockin' boots with you and little Sweetie Belle!?"  

"I don't think he and Sweetie Belle went that far from what she said, but I know it was more than just kissing."  Rarity explained and her eyes narrowed in anger.  "My own sister..."  Rarity said dwelling on her memory of this morning but it still left the table confused.  Pinkie the first to bring it up. 

"So... okay, so I thought Sweetie Belle liked Spike but I didn't think that they were doing more than kissing."  Pinkie said remembering how she taught the girl how to make those gemstone cookies.  "But even if he did all of that why would it be your fault he met this changeling?"

"Because I complicated his life."  Rarity said feeling ashamed.  "What else could it be?  An older woman he idolized was using him and making him be quiet about it.  How would that not drive someone a little crazy?  Especially when he was trying to have an innocent romance with another girl."  Through her confession Twilight was gripping her tea cup harder and harder as she listened.  "So because of me I think it became too much."  While everyone was taking this in quietly Zecora still wasn't satisfied. 

"Even if everything you've said is what made him upset, I do not understand why he'd choose to be this Damselfly's pet."  

"I don't think he left with this Damselfly, I think he just left."  Rarity said.  "Shame, guilt, anger... whatever the motivation I think Spike may have abandoned us after I drove him too far."

"Enough."  Twilight said through gritted teeth.  "Rarity, I can't accept that."

"What, you'd rather he'd been kidnapped by those monsters?"  Rarity asked angrily.  

"At least then... at least then he would have been taken and not abandoned us."  Twilight rationalized.  "I'm not going to accept Spike left because he had to get away from us that badly."  She was shaken and it was clear to everyone at the table Twilight was taking all of this the hardest.  Her friends did their best to diffuse the situation as Pinkie spoke out to her.  

"Twilight, I know you're sad but... maybe we should listen to Rarity."

"No... none of you should because it's not her fault."  Twilight said and Rarity looked away, not wanting to make eye contact with her.  Pinkie Pie looked around the table for help and was only able to find it in one other person.  Applejack sat back down at the table and tried to get them focused.  

"Listen, Twilight, I know this is Spike we're talkin' bout and he's like yer family.  But we should take into account what Rarity is telling us cause if Spike was motivated to run away from town we'll have to look elsewhere besides here.  This whole thing's a shocker to all of us but ya can't go being angry at her over this while there's still so much to consider."  

"I'm not angry at Rarity... I'm not angry at Rarity because... because I'm angry at myself!"  Twilight shouted and a shock of magic ran through her arms, breaking the tea cup that she'd been holding.  Her hands shook but steadied when another hand rested on top of them.  She looked up to see Rarity staring at her with understanding and Twilight hugged he friend tightly.  "I'm not mad at you."  

"I know you're not darling."  Rarity said, holding her gently and trying to keep it together from all the stares they were getting from their friends.

"It's not your fault, it's mine.  They should know."  

"Twilight, no.  That's not necessary."  Rarity argued her but her friend wasn't willing to let it go so easily.

"They should know.  I can't let you do this for me."  

"Don't."  Rarity tried to say but it wasn't any use as Twilight pulled away from her friend and stood up at the table. 

"It was me.  I did it."  Everyone was looking at each other around the table now completely confused, Pinkie the first one to ask.

"I don't get it.  What did you do?"

"I'm the one that drove Spike away because... I was using him too."  Twilight said and the words hung in the air for a while, Rarity looking down at the table now that it was all out in the open.  "I had sex with Spike.  We were involved together."  

"That can't be true."  Applejack said in shock.  "Ya'll... I can't imagine that."  

"Are you serious?"  Pinkie asked wide eyed, looking between Rarity and Twilight who she was realizing were both hiding such serious things.  "This isn't a funny joke."  

"I do not believe they are being humorous."  Zecora answered Pinkie, looking just as surprised as the rest of the girls.  "I could never have imagined Spike's partners to be so numerous."

"I didn't either."  Twilight answered Zecora.  "I knew about Rarity.  I gave my consent.  But Sweetie Belle and this changeling... who knows who else now.  I should have been better.  I should have been better for him.  Like the sister I was pretending to be.  But I wasn't.  Now there's only one thing left to do."  Twilight said as she moved back, away from the table and her friends.  

"Now hold on a second, ah don't like the sound of that."  Applejack said and approached Twilight.  "What are ya talkin' 'bout doin'?"

"Spike is the ward of Princess Celestia.  If he were to be captured by an enemy of the kingdom they could use him as leverage against her.  It was my responsibility to watch out for him and I failed so... I have to face the consequences."  At that statement everyone stood up from the table and began to approach Twilight but it was too late, she was already being encompassed in a glow of pink magic.  "I'll be seeing the Princesses now, I'll get us help.  No matter what it costs.  Everyone, I love you all."  

"Twi'!"  Applejack shouted and reached out for her but only got a handful of air as their friend vanished in front of them, Applejack looking back to the others now that she was gone.  "She... she's going to see Celestia?"  

"Is that good or bad?"  Pinkie asked.  "Princess Luna and Celestia like Twilight, right?  Her sister is a princess too.  It's going to be okay, isn't it?  Isn't it?"  No one had an answer for her though.  The room hanging with a deafening silence left behind by Twilight.
