Master Thief Dragon

Many years ago outside a fashion museum stood a lovely woman with elegant emerald colored hair and blue eyes. She was wearing a a reddish pink suit with the lapel of the jack encrusted with emerald gemstones. She was standing before a swarm of people composed of fashionistas and the media. The woman looked uncomfortable as several news reporters were hounding her with questions.

"Ms. Emerald Quartz, what can you tell us about your newest designer outfits?"

"Ms. Quartz, is it true you were once in a relationship with Fashion critic Hoity Toity?"

"What would you say to your competition who've made mocking statements about your designs?"

Emerald Quartz was overwhelmed by the media, until she felt a tug at her jacket. She looked down seeing an eleven year old Rarity, "Auntie, this way!" she led Emerald to the entrance of the museum, where the guards blocked the paparazzi from going any further.

Inside the museum, Emerald sighed in relief, before speaking to the girl, "Thank you so much for the assistance, Rarity."

"You're very welcome, Auntie Emerald. Though why didn't you come here in disguise like you always did before?" the girl wondered.

"I've been doing that for so long it's gotten tedious."

"But it helps you avoid the hounding press." Rarity noted.

"Well, what's life without a risk or two?" Emerald nudged her, and Rarity giggled, "Just like you coming here unsupervised."

"Well, mother and father were busy, and I couldn't pass up the chance to see you and your new designer outfits before the gala."

"A sneak peek is what you wanted?" Emerald asked, "Well, who am I to say no to my little niece?"

"So I can see it?"

"Of course." Emerald answered, as she showed Rarity to the back where all outfits were stored until the Designers Gala.

The two walked along a row of new gowns and dresses being worn by mannequins. Rarity looked in awe at the outfits while studying every detail right down to the final stitch. Emerald noticing her niece's excited look spoke, "I can see you're captivated by my newest designs."

"Oh, Auntie, they're absolutely fabulous. Each one is chic, unique, and magnifique!" Rarity beamed, as she ran up to various mannequins to get a closer look at the dresses they were wearing.

"Well, I'm glad you think so. You seemed to have studied everything from that fashion book I gave you last year." Emerald noted.

"Oh, I have," Rarity confirmed, "But I want to know more and more. Fashion knowledge I can't learn simply by reading."

Emerald smiled, seemingly expected her to say that, "I'm glad you said that, Rarity. Because I have a proposition for you."

"A proposition? What is it?"

"How would you like to learn outfit designing from me personally?" Emerald offered.

Rarity's eyes suddenly lit up with joy at the offer extended to her, "Me learn under you?!"

"Yes. That is if you want to. If not I totally understand."

"Oh, no. Auntie, this is something I've dreamed about for years. But I can't just travel with you, and you're much too busy yourself."

"Then how about this? Every summer for a couple of weeks I come to Canterlot City and teach you myself? So you don't have to leave home, and I can escape all those corporate clowns and greedy opportunists to be with my favorite niece... Don't tell your sister I said that."

Rarity giggled, and spoke, "Auntie, I accept your offer."

"I knew you would." Emerald smiled.

The scene cut back to the present, as Rarity was in her room reading a letter she received from her aunt's lawyer about her Aunt Emerald's recent passing. "Ms. Rarity Rivers, in regards to your Aunt Emerald's passing, she requested you to be present at her Will Reading this Saturday at noon at the Daybreaker Hotel in Canterlot City. All arrangements have been made, and you're free to bring one guest with you."

Rarity looked at the letter before glancing over to her dresser with a picture of her and her Aunt years ago when Rarity made her first successful dress. She then looked to her bed where a newspaper article laid, and the front headline was about her aunt's death being caused by heart failure, "Auntie." she sighed while shedding a tear.

When Saturday arrived, Rarity was on her way to the Daybreaker Hotel by limo. Accompanying her was who else but Spike. The girl looked at the young man, "Thank you ever so much for accompanying me to this occasion, Spike. I couldn't bare to go by myself." she said while lamenting on her deceased aunt.

"No problem, Rarity. Though I am surprised you picked me over the girls to join you."

"Well, how often do you and I have a chance to be alone without any of the others tagging along?" she asked rhetorically.

"Good point."

"Besides, imagine the attention we'll get showing up together. We'll be the youngest couple in the hotel." Rarity giggled.

"But we're not a couple." Spike reminded her.

"I know... But they don't." she giggled mischievously.

"Ha-ha, yeah." Spike laughed nervously while sweat dropping. He spoke up again, "So tell me about your aunt again?"

"Aunt Emerald Quartz was my favorite aunt, and one of the best fashion designers in the fashion world. She was beloved and envied by all in the field of fashion," Rarity explained, "She was my inspiration to become a fashion designer. During the summers she would visit me and teach me all about clothes designing. If not for her I wouldn't be the fabulous designer I am today."

Spike smiled and put his hand on hers in comfort, "I'm sure she'd be very proud to see how far you've come since you first started learning from her."

Rarity looked at Spike and smiled back, "Thank you, Spike. And I'm sure my aunt would be very grateful that you are accompanying me."

When they arrived at the Daybreaker Hotel, they went inside and marveled at the luxurious interior design, "Now this is lovely." Rarity marveled.

"Yeah. Reminds me of the other Daybreaker Hotel I once went to."

"You've been to the Daybreaker Hotel before?" Rarity asked curiously.

"Yeah. Not here though. It was one overseas. I was away on business." Spike explained, while secretly recalling the time he was at the Daybreaker Hotel was where he and Cadence stayed at during their first official heist together. It was also where they had their first sexual experience with each other. He could remember the sound of Cadence's moans in his thoughts, and all the dirty stuff she said and whispered to him.

He was getting into the memory so much, he started growing stiff below the belt. Luckily, Rarity snapped him out of his sexual thoughts, "Spike!"

Spike snapped back to reality and spoke, "Yes, Rarity?"

"The Reading is in this room." Rarity showed him into one of the banquet rooms.

"Oh, right. Coming." Spike followed Rarity into the banquet room.

As they walked into the room they saw two sides of people seated before a podium. Spike looked on the right side and recognized some as Rarity's relatives who he assumed where probably closest to her aunt. When he looked at the people on the left side he spotted several fashion enthusiasts, critics, rival designers, and other business associates.

The group of people watched Rarity and Spike take a seat up front, as Spike glanced back at the side that was composed of business associates, "Sure are a lot more on that side than the family side." he noticed.

Rarity sighed, "Well, Aunt Emerald was involved with a lot of people in the fashion business. And what's insulting is not even half of them showed up at the funeral, but surprise they're all here at the will reading. Obviously they care more about what she might've left them rather than her memory. That's one thing I felt horrible about my aunt being around so many greedy opportunists who wanted her ideas and plans rather than her friendship and love."

Everyone settled down as the lawyer stepped up to the podium and spoke into the mike, "Good afternoon. We're all gathered here before friends, family, associates, and etc to bare witness the last will and testament of Ms. Emerald Quartz. To my dear friend Prim Hemline," a woman looked up curiously as the lawyer continued, "For as long as we've been friends one thing that's never changed about you was your punctuality. Even when myself or one of our friends was not on time you felt the impulse to start counting down the seconds past the designated time, making people think you were either practicing your numbers or trying a stress relief method."

Many of patrons chuckled to themselves, while Prim looked down to hide her embarrassment, as the lawyer continued, "Still, you were always there for me to give me your honest critique about my works so I knew how to better myself and improve. For that I leave to you my original collection of chiffon dresses, the very first of many designs I had started creating that you gave your best approval of. May you treat them well."

Several people clapped, while Prim stood up and spoke, "Thank you. And I shall." she sat back down.

The lawyer read off the next name, "To Mr. Fashion Plate," a man who was wearing sunglasses and a red neckerchief around his neck listened, "Although I always loved how you would take pictures of me for the issues of Cosmare Magazine, I knew you really wanted the chance to photograph me for your own personal reasons. And I wouldn't bother denying it, because I did find your secret album containing all the pictures you took of me before they were sent to the magazine."

Fashion spoke up as everyone was looking at him, "I was just keeping them for records!" he exclaimed while blushing. He saw the lawyer was giving him a dry look, "Sorry." he sat back down, as several people giggled to themselves.

Emerald's lawyer continued reading, "Still, you always did get my good side, and never once added your own words to my interviews with you. For that I leave with you my favorite tea set that we always use when sharing a cup of tea between interviews. Think of me whenever you have tea."

Fashion Plate smiled, "Always."

When the lawyer continued to list off more people and whatever mementos or gifts were left to them much like Prim were roasted in the will reading. Spike and Rarity both had to hold in their laughter as most of the business associates were the ones being roasted. Finally the lawyer came to the name the two had been waiting for, "To my dear niece, Rarity, who was not only my favorite niece but the best pupil I could ever train in the art of dressmaking. I bequeath and bestow upon thee my most valuable treasure," a guard brought out from a rack a sapphire dress with an emerald embedded under the breast section, "The very first dress I received from my husband when I started my fashion business. I know how many hours you'd spend looking at this fine piece of work hoping one day you would get to wear it. Well, now it belongs to you. Cherish it in memory of me."

Rarity was flabbergasted at what her aunt had left to her as she got up and spoke, "I-I don't know what to say," she began tearing up with joy, "Thank you, auntie."

Some of the guests applauded Rarity on her luck, while those on the associates side were burning with jealousy. Spike however looked at the dress in utter shock, and thought to himself, 'No. It can't be. Can it?' he was brought out of his thoughts, as Rarity sat back down and spoke to him.

"Oh, Spike. This is the best thing I could've ever receive." she beamed.

Spike answered, "Yeah. I'm happy for you." he stayed silent for the rest of the reading, until it was time to go.

Inside the limo sat the two teens, "Oh, I can't wait to have the dress shipped to my home. I just hope they handle it with care. Because if I see a single wrinkle on it I will sue them!" Rarity promised sternly, while Spike continued to keep to himself. Rarity feeling concerned spoke to him, "Spike, is everything all right, darling?"

Spike answered her while trying to act normal, "I'm fine, Rarity. Just got a lot on my mind. But are you sure you should've left the dress there? What if someone decides to take it? A lot of those fashion hounds looked ready to fight you for it like a piece of meat."

"I won't deny their jealous looks has me concerned, but they promised me no harm would come to the dress." Rarity assured him.

"I see. Well, if you have faith in the people who'll guard it, then I do to." Spike said, before getting embraced by Rarity.

"Thank you once again for coming with me to the reading, Spike. I don't think I would've been able to handle going there by myself." she pecked his cheek.

"Any time." Spike answered, but deep down had other thoughts on the matter.

When Spike returned home, he immediately had Luna do a search of Lupin family personal heirlooms and finally pulled up a file on the very dress Rarity inherited, "Is this is, master?" Luna asked, Spike as Celestia and Cadence looked at the picture.

Spike nodded, "Yes. That's the one. The wedding dress worn by my great-great-great-great aunt Sandra. Like various other family heirlooms it was also lost to my family before it somehow ended up in the possession of Rarity's Aunt Emerald."

"And now it's in the possession of Rarity." Cadence finished.

"Well, not yet," Spike corrected her, "Only until after everything in Emerald's Will has been finalized, until then the dress remains guarded with the rest of her other belongings in her museum."

"So what do you plan to do, Master?" Luna asked.

"Well..." Spike trailed off.

"Master, you're hesitating." Celestia noted.

"Am I?"

"Master, are you thinking of passing this up?" Cadence asked in concern.

"That dress was left to Rarity by her aunt," Spike told them, "But still, it is my family's possession."

"Didn't you tell the girls as Dragon that you're a thief first and foremost?" Luna reminded him.

"I did." he confirmed.

"And this is something that belonged to your family." Cadence added.

"You already gave up the Amulet of Astaroth because of Filthy Rich's contingency," Celestia began, "You better act before Rarity decides to do the same."

"I know, but still Rarity's my friend. I never thought I would have to steal from one of my friends." Spike sighed.

"Do you personally want them to keep supporting Dragon?" Cadence wondered.

"I don't know, I mean I feel like as Dragon I've connected with each of them in my own way. I mean I saved their lives for crying out loud. And I just recently saved Rainbow Dash from a hired assassin. If I do this, they may never support Dragon again. They'll all start thinking of him like how Applejack does."

"Master, you weren't trained to become Dragon just so you can get supporters," Celestia reminded him, "You were trained so that one day you would become the next Master Thief to not only steal back more of your family's precious heirlooms, but anything valuable and worth stealing. Now we know you had to break that tradition to save your friends, hell, Starswirl mentioned to us your parents and several other generations would go out of their way to rescue someone close to them. But they would return to the life of stealing."

"So what're you suggesting? That I just steal from Rarity regardless of our friendship?" he asked rhetorically.

"Not your friendship, because you are not the one who will be stealing it. Dragon is." Cadence explained.

"Still, it doesn't make it any easier." Spike replied.

"You still have time before tonight," Celestia noted, "We'll leave you to think on it." she and the ladies left Spike alone who knew this was something he was really going to have to think on.

"My honor to my family or a friend's belief that Dragon could be much more?" Spike asked himself, before sighing. He got into a meditating position to calm his mind and hoped that the answer he seeks would come to him.

Hours had passed and as evening was rolling in, the ladies were waiting around while worried about their master. Cadence looked at her watch, "Well, I better get home. Twilight and Flurry need me. If master says anything, let me know."

"Of course, Cadence." Celestia nodded, until the door to Spike's room opened and the young man stepped out.

"Master!" the three gasped, as they presented themselves.

"Ladies." he greeted.

"Have you made your decision, Master?" Luna inquired.

Spike answered, "I have..." he dawned his Dragon mask, "For my Family's Honor."

"Master, understand we had no intention to put you in the position of picking family honor over your friend's belief in Dragon..." Celestia began, until Spike stopped her with a raised hand.

"It's like I told them, Dragon is a thief first and foremost." he left to change into his costume. The ladies watched knowing deep down their master was aching over what he was going to do.

Soon Dragon was flying through the sky on his glider wings before coming up on Emerald Quartz's museum. The wings folded up as he landed on the roof top. He went to the skylight and carved a hole in it before using the suction cups in his gloves to carefully remove the piece. Dragon tied one end of a rope onto a pole and let the other end drop down the hole in the skylight. He climbed down the rope and into the museum. He slowly lowered himself down and saw below him was the case containing Rarity's new dress. Until everything in the Will was finalized the dress was placed in the safety of her aunts museum's storage room.

"Sorry, Rarity. This is nothing personal. Just doing my family job." he placed his calling card on the glass case. He went back up the rope and onto the roof. He activated his glider wings and flew off back to his place, knowing tomorrow there was going to be breaking news involving the infamous thief.

The next day Rarity and the girls were walking for the museum, "Thanks for letting us see your inherited dress, Rarity." Fluttershy began.

"My pleasure, darling." she replied.

"So how long does it have to remain in storage at your aunt's museum?" Rainbow asked.

"Until everything in the Will has been carried out and finalized by my aunts request. But that won't be long. Soon I will have my Aunt's prized dress in perfect condition. Oh, I may faint." she was about to fall back, only for Applejack to keep her on her feet.

"Not in public, Rarity."

When they approached the museum, to their surprise they saw multiple squad cars parked outside, "What's going on?" Twilight asked curiously.

"I don't know, but it can't be good." Applejack feared.

"Let's check it out." Rainbow said, as they got closer.

As they approached the museum, one of the authorities stopped them, "Hold it! No access beyond this point, ladies."

"It's all right, sir. I'm the niece of the deceased museum owner." Rarity showed her a museum access tag authorized by her aunt.

The cop checked it out, "It's legit."

"Of course it is, now what's going on at my aunt's museum?" she demanded.

Coming out was Chief Iron Will and Flash Sentry, "That's classified information, Ms." Iron Will answered.

"Chief, this girl is the former owner's niece." the cop explained.

Iron Will looked at the girl looking a bit concerned, "You're Rarity Rivers?"

"That's correct."

"I don't know how to tell you this, but I'm afraid your inherited dress has been targeted."

"Targeted?!" Rarity gasped, "By who?"

"Who else?" the chief asked, before giving her the card found on the dress case.

Rarity and the girls looked at the calling card to see it belonged to Dragon. Pinkie gasped in shock, "Dragon's marked your dress as his next target!"

"I-I don't believe it." Rarity gasped in distraught.

"Well, I can." Applejack answered.

"This doesn't make sense." Twilight said in confusion.

"I know. After what we've been through saving our lives you'd think he wouldn't pull this kind of stunt on any of us." Rainbow noted.

"Remember what he said, girls? He's a thief first and foremost." Applejack reminded them.

"How could Dragon do this?" Rarity asked, tears coming out of her eyes, "He saved us...saved me from bunch of brutes and now he wants to steal from me!?"

"Rarity." Fluttershy tried to comfort her, but Rarity stepped away.

"I'm sorry, girls. I need some time to think." she started walking away sadly, while ignoring all the news trying to get answers out of her in regards to the situation.

At Spike's place, the young man was in his arm chair watching the news, and the top story of the day, "I'm out here in front of the late Emerald Quartz's Fashion Museum, where the infamous thief Dragon has left his calling card on another priceless item. The item being the favorite dress of the late Emerald Quartz herself. Just recently, in her Will it was left to her niece, Rarity Rivers; another young prominent fashion designer who was the star apprentice to Ms. Quartz herself. No word yet on how Ms. Rivers is going to handle this situation, but one thing is for sure, Dragon has made his mark and he will stick to it."

Spike spoke to the TV, "You don't know the half of it."

Celestia who had served him tea spoke, "We know it wasn't easy to do, Master. But you musn't show any kind of favoritism."

"And this could be a good thing," Luna noted as she walked in, draping her arms around Spike's neck, "By stealing this dress, perhaps Tirek will be less compelled to go after the other girls if he thinks you're not as close to them as he thought."

"Yeah, well I still don't like it, " Spike sighed in guilt. "I'll never look at Rarity the same way again."

Meanwhile in Tirek's office, the mobster was watching the same news bulletin, while drumming his fingers, "Hmm. This development makes thing interesting. Yeeesss," he picked up his cellphone and made a call, "Hello, Mr. Theron? How would you like a shot at bringing me Dragon's head? All you have to do is get close to a particular girl." he eyed the news footage of Rarity walking away, while snickering.

Later on at Rarity's favorite upscale cafe, she was sitting along in a booth eating comfort food, still sobbing over the news, "Why, Dragon? After what you've done for us. After all the good things I said about you? I thought you were different from other thieves." she sniffled, as her mascara started running.

"A lady as beautiful as you shouldn't be shedding tears." a voice said, as a handkerchief was held out to her.

Rarity looked up and saw a handsome man with short brown hair and green eyes stood. His attire included a fancy flamboyant red suit, and black dress shoes. Rarity was taken aback by his charming appearance, as he spoke, "Name's Archer Theron." he greeted with a cool grin.

"I'm... Rarity." she answered breathless.

"Charmed. Mind if I sit down?" he asked.

"Not at all."

So Archer took a seat on the other side of the booth, "Rarity, huh? Ah, yes, that's right. Rarity Rivers. I've heard all about you on the news."

Rarity sighed knowing her infamy has already begun, "Well, I'm not surprised. After Dragon leaving his calling card on my inherited item everyone knows me."

"You seem to be taking this on a more personal level. Like an emotional kind." Archer noted.

"Well, of course I am! He's planning to steal from me." Rarity reminded him in irritation.

"Oh, I meant no offense. What I meant to say is you look as if you have a sense of betrayal on your face."

Rarity sighed, "I do feel betrayed. Don't tell anyone this, but Dragon actually saved my life as well as my friends."

"Did he now?" Archer asked curiously.

"Oh, yes. One night my friends and I were going to go out for the night, but we got kidnapped by a gang of thugs and taken back to their hideout. But Dragon came in and actually rescued us. Naturally we were all in shock since Dragon's a thief not a hero, but he told us he wanted to experience what it's like to be a hero. He defeated the thugs allowing us to escape. We thought Dragon had a noble side to him. But now I'm starting to think there's nothing noble about him at all." she sniffled.

Archer smiled comfortingly and took her hand into hers, "There-there, Ms. Rivers. I know exactly how you feel."

"You do?"

"Oh, yes. You think you know someone very well. Then when you least expect it, they turn on you leaving you betrayed, confused, feeling like you can never trust anyone again."

"Exactly how I feel." Rarity replied.

Archer smirked to himself, and continued, "You know. I might just be able to help you with your predicament."

"You? How?" she wondered.

"I may not look it, but I'm actually a bounty hunter," Archer whispered, "My talents range from the use of blades and guns. And I would gladly lend you my service for a reasonable price," he thought to himself, 'I'll earn a bonus by playing both sides.'

Rarity looked at Archer feeling wary about his offer as well as his request for a price spoke up, "I'm terribly sorry, but I don't feel comfortable in hiring a bounty hunter for the protection of my inherited item. Especially one I just met." she said suspiciously.

Archer anticipating the refusal knew it was time to turn on his charm, "Think carefully about your decision, Ms. Rivers. Dragon is an infamous master thief that's eluded all forms of authority. And he always gets what he wants. He may have saved you, but how does he repay you afterward? By planning to steal a priceless item that rightfully belongs to you. Your aunt left it to you in her Will personally. How would she feel if you allowed it to be stolen?"

"Well, I-"

"Wouldn't she want you to have it protected at all costs?" he tempted her.

"Of course she would, but-"

"Remember, that Dragon is just a thrill seeking thief who cares nothing about who he steals from. He charms you and then he steals from you. Oh, Ms. Rivers, the betrayal and heartbreak you must be experiencing, you poor thing. What kind of a man does that that to a lovely lady who clearly deserves better?"

Rarity's heart and head were in a battle over what was right and wrong. Unfortunately her feeling of betrayal outweighed any feelings she had about Dragon, and answered, "You're right. He doesn't care."

Archer nodded, "So about my offer?" he extended his hand.

Rarity grasped it and they shook on it, "Deal. But I should warn you I don't really have too much to give you in payment."

"Not to worry. I'm sure a reasonable price can be reached when the time comes to upholding your end of the bargain."

Rarity nodded, "Very well."

"Now then could you please take me to where your dress is being guarded?" Archer requested.

"It's back at the museum." she was about to pay for her meal, only for Archer to lay some money down.

"This one's on me." he told her.

"How generous." Rarity gasped with admiration.

"That's how I work." Archer replied, as they left the cafe.

Rarity brought Archer back to her aunt's museum only to see the cops were still blocking the entrance and trying to keep the news crew from getting closer, "Oh, dear. How are we to get into the museum now?" he asked Rarity.

"Not to worry. We'll use the side entrance." Rarity said, as she brought Archer through the side entrance she and her aunt would always take whenever the front entrance was blocked by fans and the media.

As they entered, Archer spoke, "This entrance must've been very handy for you and your aunt."

"You have no idea." Rarity replied.

"So where is this inherited dress of yours?"

"This way." Rarity showed Archer through the museum.

Archer looked around at all the exquisite looking designer outfits made by Emerald Quartz, "Such beauty and taste. Your aunt truly was a genius in the art of dressmaking."

"That she was." Rarity agreed with pride.

Rarity showed him into the storage room and brought him over to the case containing her aunt's dress while the case was taped off as a soon to be crime scene, "Well, there it is." Rarity told Archer.

The bounty hunter eyed the dress admiring it's beauty, but he was particularly focused on the emerald gem stitched into it, "You are a very lucky girl to have inherited such a fine piece of work. I'm actually envious."

"Thank you, Archer."

"And you know, I think I've decided on what I want for my payment." Archer said.

"You have?"

"Oh, yes. I've decided you can pay me for my service by giving me that jewel sewed into the dress front." Archer motioned to said jewel.

Rarity looked at the jewel and gasped, "But that jewel... It-it's what makes the dress as special as it is. Take that away and it'll be just a normal looking dress. Perhaps we can make some other kind of arrangement?" she asked hopefully.

"I'm sorry, but I won't take anything unless it's the jewel," Archer explained, "We already made a deal, but it's ok. You don't have to pay me. You can just rely on the idiocy of the police force's bull-headed chief. I'm sure he's more than capable of handling it." he said sarcastically.

"Well-I..." Rarity trailed off.

"It's just one gem, Ms. Rivers. Better to lose one gem than the entire dress itself," Archer continued to temp her, before pretending to walk away, "But, I see you obviously don't want my help after all."

Rarity watched as Archer was leaving while looking back at her inherited dress in conflict. While Archer wanted an important piece off her dress, it was just one piece, while Dragon would be looking to take the whole thing. With a heavy heart, Rarity called out to him, "Wait!"

Archer stopped and looked back foreseeing this, "Yes?"

"You-you can have the gem if you can protect the dress." Rarity sighed.

Archer smiled, and walked back over to her, "Thank you, Ms. Rivers. I promise you no harm shall come to your dress."

"I'll hold you to it." Rarity said still sounding unsure about her choice.

As the day was drawing to an end, Spike was already suiting up as Dragon, before Celestia came in, "Are you sure, you're going to be ok, Master?" she asked deeply concerned.

"I'll be fine. Rarity and the others may never think of me in a positive light again, but that's something I can live with as Dragon." he dawned his mask before walking out to his balcony. He jumped off and began falling. His glider wings were released, and his rocket powered up allowing him to fly off into the night.

He flew to the museum and landed on the roof. Much like before he carved a hole in the skylight glass and slipped down through the hole. Once on the ground he stuck to the shadows and moved through the halls. Unknown to him, Rarity had been watching Dragon's movements through a special security monitor in her aunt's old office.

"So he did come?" she asked herself with a sigh of disappointment.

Dragon went down the hall, before stopping at a corner. He used a mirror to see two security guards on patrol. Knowing how to handle common guards he banged on the wall to get their attention.

The two heard the sound, and one of them went to investigate. When he went around the corner, he screamed alerting the other one, "Sam!" he ran to the corner and saw his partner was on the ground unconscious, "Sam?" he asked, only for Dragon to grab him from behind and put a clothe coated in chloroform to knock him out.

Dragon laid the two against the wall side by side and spoke, "You two just stay here. I got work to do." he went to the door they were guarding and unlocked it.

He entered the storage room seeing the dress was still in it's glass case. He went to the case and cared a perfect square in the case before gently taking the glass piece out. He then reached into his back and pulled out a dress box.

From the office, Rarity watched and saw Dragon carefully laid the dress into the box making sure not to wrinkle it, "Well, he has the decency to handle it with care, I'll give him that." she admitted.

Dragon had placed the box cover over the bottom half, and spoke to himself, "My job is done." he was ready to leave until he heard a slow clap. He stopped and looked all around the dark storage room, until Archer appeared.

"Bravo, Dragon. Bravo. A wonderful performance befitting a master criminal such as yourself." he commended the thief.

"And just who are you, fancy pants?" Dragon inquired.

"My name, thief, is Archer Theron. Bounty hunter extraordinaire, master of the blade and champion marksman." he opened the bottom half of the coat he wore to reveal a colt revolver all polished shiny in a fancy holster.

"Ooh, I'm so impressed. And here I am without my autograph book." Dragon replied sarcastically.

"Joke all you want, Mr. Dragon. There is quite a hefty bounty for your head and I do aim to collect it. I'm also collecting a little bonus for protecting that dress you are intent on stealing." He motioned to the box he sat on the display case.

"Chief Iron Will must be getting desperate of he's putting fops like you on security detail." Dragon said.

Archer just chuckled, "Oh, Dragon...If anyone was desperate, it was Rarity. She was the one that hired me."

Dragon gasped, and asked in shock, "Rarity hired you?"

Archer seeing he had the thief surprised, continued to taunt him, "Ah yes, poor, sweet Rarity Rivers. A fine young lady whose had her heart stolen by you...then mercilessly crushed under your foot. Have you no shame or honor, Mr. Dragon?"

Dragon frowned beneath his mask, before speaking, "And what're you, a saint? You're a hired gun. A lapdog. An errand boy who takes orders from anyone with money in their pockets."

"At least I'm doing honest work, when you just steal what you want." Archer continued to taunt Dragon.

"I don't have all night, so can we just fight already?" Dragon asked in boredom.

"Whatever you say," Archer replied, as he quickly whipped out his revolver, "Draw!" he started shooting at Dragon who dodged the shots and ran for cover. He ducked behind some crates, as Archer continued to shoot at him.

Archer kept shooting, until his gun clicked, "Damn. Reload." he reached for his bullet case, while Dragon acted quick. He whipped out one of his shuriken and threw it at Archer's gun making the hunter lose it. As the gun rolled across the floor, Archer ran to grab it, only for Dragon to come out from his hiding spot and launch a bolo.

"Go long, Archer!"

Archer's legs got caught and he fell down, "Nice try, Dragon. But I'm not going down so easily." he reached into his jack and pulled out a small knife and quickly cut the bolo to free his legs. He got up and threw the knife at Dragon.

The thief dodged, as the knife pierced a crate, "I did say I am also a master of the blade, Dragon." Archer unsheathed a sword with the hilt made of gold and encrusted in jewels.

"Not my first time fighting someone with a sword." Dragon said, as he readied his dragon nails.

The two engaged, with Archer trying to stab and swipe at the thief who was using his dragon nails to swipe back.

From the office, Rarity watched the two engage, while finding herself torn as to who she should be worried about, "Oh, this whole fight's giving me butterflies in my stomach." she held onto herself, without taking her eyes off the monitor.

Back at the fight, the two fighters continued to engage with their sharp weapons, "You sprung at the chance to get money by taking advantage of Rarity while she was vulnerable!" Dragon accused.

"At least I didn't make her cry," Archer countered, "So if anyone here is cruel and unfeeling it's you, Dragon!"

Dragon stayed focused, as he continued to fight Archer without holding back. When the two reached a stalemate with both Dragon's Claw Nails and Archer's Sword clashing, Archer whispered to him, "And when this is over I'm bringing your head back to Tirek."

Dragon's eyes widened upon hearing Archer's words. Fueled by a new desire to protect Rarity, he fought Archer harder than before. Archer himself was taken aback by Dragon's sudden rise in strength, while struggling to keep up with the thief.

Dragon finally disarmed Archer of his sword and slugged the hunter in the face disorienting him. He grabbed Archer and threw him onto a nearby crate shattering it and knocking Archer out cold.

Dragon took a few breaths to calm himself, before looking back at the boxed dress at the case. He walked up to it, but before he could grab it, the door opened and stepping in was Rarity looking mad and disappointed.

"Rarity?" he asked in confusion.

"Don't 'Rarity' me you unfeeling, no good burglar!" she called, her anger building.

"Have you been here this whole time?"

"I have. And I've been watching the whole fight." she answered.

"Well, as you can clearly see your hired hand has failed you. And you should be glad he did."

"Glad?" Rarity asked in confusion.

"You're so called security wasn't in this to protect your dress, he just used it as a cover up to get to you."

"Get to me?"

"He was hired by the same person who tried to get me by trying to get to your friend, Rainbow Dash."

"You lie." she called a bluff.

"Do I? You think it was coincidence this guy happened to show up not long after you and the media discovered about my promised heist?" Rarity pieced it together and realized Dragon was onto something, "What did he even ask from you for his service?"

"He-he wanted the centerpiece emerald on the dress." she answered in shock.

Dragon nodded, "He was only looking out for his own interest."

Rarity's shock returned to anger, "Well, that's no different from what you're doing right now. Well, I won't have it." she got into a fighter's stance.

"You're joking right?" Dragon asked rhetorically, "Please tell me you're joking."

Rarity spoke in a tone beyond angry, "Does it look like I'm joking, you remorseless... I can't even say it I'm so... you rescue me, charm me, and then you steal from me?! This dress may be some trophy to you, but you have no idea how much it means to me!"

Dragon thought to himself, 'You have no idea how much the dress means to me, either,' he spoke out loud, "I'm not going to fight you, because it wouldn't be fair. You don't stand a chance against me and you know it."

Rarity kept her defense up, but the doubt and sadness was evident on her face , "I'll take my chances! My aunt gave me that dress and I will not dishonor her memory by letting some two faced, lying criminal take it!"

The thief saw the hurt in Rarity's eyes and knew she didn't deserve to be used by someone who was trying to get to him, much less be the victim of theft. Suddenly an idea came to him, "At ease, Ms. Rivers. Why don't I make a deal with you with no strings attached?"

Rarity hearing this decided to hear him out, "I'm listening."

"If you can do the dress justice, then I won't steal it and leave peacefully." he promised.

Rarity raised a brow, and pondered before reaching an answer, "Very well. Prepare yourself, because you will witness true beauty." she took the dress and went behind a changing screen in the storage room.

Dragon waited, until Rarity stepped out wearing the dress. She did a walk like she was on a runway while swaying her hips making the dress sway with her. The thief watched in awe, as Rarity continued to model the dress, while giving him winks and flirtatious looks hoping to leave a good impression on him. Dragon had a faint blush at how beautiful Rarity made the dress look, but made sure not to let her notice anything.

Rarity stopped and spoke, "Well, have I met your expectations?"

Dragon answered, "It seems you showed me you did the dress justice. You really do deserve it."

"You think that now?" she asked.

"I do. It's fitting that a beautiful girl like yourself should inherit such a piece of work." he continued to compliment her.

"Oh...thank you," Rarity blushed.

"So I've decided to let you keep the dress... For now."

"You're not going to steal it?' Rarity asked in disbelief.

"Not tonight, I won't. Who knows if I'll steal it tomorrow? Or maybe next week or next month or maybe ten years from now? Maybe I'll take it after you put it to good use. Or maybe...not at all."

"Dragon?" Rarity asked hopeful.

"Ms. Rarity Rivers...you have beaten me...for now anyway." he made a bow of respect.

Rarity smiled happily, "Thank you so much for understanding, Dragon," she then looked back at Archer, "What about him?"

"I'd say he's going to have more to worry about than me beating him," Dragon promised, "In the meantime, I better go before Iron Will decides to do a check up on this place." He was about to leave, until Rarity stopped him.

"Wait!" Dragon stopped,a s Rarity walked up to him, "Thank you for not only seeing how important this dress is to me, but for saving me yet again from another dangerous person." she gently lifted Dragon's mask up to expose his mouth. She wrapped her arms around the thief and planted her lips on his.

Dragon was shocked at Rarity's act and stood still as he felt Rarity's lips on his. When they parted, the thief spoke, "That was...very generous of you."

Rarity giggled, "Thank you."

Dragon quickly lowered his mask back down and stepped back, "Well, I'll see you around. Hopefully not too soon." he activated his wings and shot out of the museum window and flew off.

Rarity watched with a smile and thought to herself, 'He truly is a gallant knight.'

Spike had returned home, and was busy hanging up his costume, until Celestia and Luna entered while bearing grins, "What?" he asked them.

"Oh, nothing, master." Celestia giggled.

"We just had our hunches you wouldn't go through with stealing from your friends." Luna added, while feeling giddy.

"You presume too much, ladies," Spike replied, "I have all the time in the world to steal that dress, but for now it's in good hands."

"Whatever you say, master." Celestia continued to smile, while Spike just rolled his eyes.

Later at Tirek's office, the mobster was on the phone and not looking happy, "Now Archer?!" he growled, before hanging up, "The best of the best, finest in the world. All these people are pathetic and useless! Mark my words, Dragon. I will have your head one day!"

The very next day in the afternoon, Rarity and the girls were streaming a recent news feed with Rarity outside her aunt's museum talking to the media, "...despite the security measures and my hiring of a bounty hunter, Dragon was victorious. But the strangest thing is he decided to not steal if after all. I'm not sure why, but I'm grateful he chose not to do it. Maybe there is more to this thief then we all know."

The girls looked at Rarity, as A.J spoke, "So you covered for him?"

"He was willing to let it go because that Archer was hired by the same person who hired the assassin to target Rainbow Dash, Applejack." Rarity explained.

"Yeah. Cut the guy some slack." Rainbow added, while Applejack kept silent.

"Well, I think it was kind of him to not steal it after all." Fluttershy smiled.

"Yeah. He does have his honor." Pinkie grinned.

"Girls, I don't think we're looking at the bigger picture here." Twilight warned them.

"What do you mean, Twilight?" Rainbow asked.

"First you were targeted by an assassin, and Rarity was tricked into hiring a hunter to protect her dress. Dragon's right. We are being targeted." the girls got scared upon realizing that.

"And who knows which of us could be next?" Fluttershy asked, as she looked at herself, Pinkie, Twilight, and Applejack who all couldn't help but be worried.