Master Thief Dragon

Early one Saturday morning at Spike's place. Spike was currently in his arm chair brooding over what's happened with Applejack and her family. Especially the fact A.J knows his secret now. Even though she swore to secrecy it made her an even bigger target if Tirek or anyone found out she knew his secret identity.

Spike didn't have long to brood, as he received a call on his cell. He saw it was from Cadence and answered it, “Cadence, what is it?

“Master. We have a problem. It's about Twilight.”

Spike perked up, “What do you mean, is she all right?”

Cadence sighed, “I'm afraid she's going to do something drastic.”

“What do you mean?”

“She's planning on transferring to Crystal Prep Academy.”

“What?” Spike asked in shock, “That elitist school?”

“I'm afraid so,” Cadence confirmed, “She left early today to attend its daily tour.”

Spike sighed, “I don't know what she's thinking. With all that's happening with her friends, especially with Applejack and her farm...it's too risky for her to be alone. We need to keep her close.”

“I tried to talk her out of it, but she stopped listening to my advice,” Cadence explained, "Ever since she caught us, Twilight has become very distant from me and hardly wants to talk.”

Spike got off his chair, “I think I need to go talk to her and get to the bottom of this.”

“Try to be casual, Master,” Cadence warned him, “Otherwise you'll be risking your secret again.”

“I'll be fine.” Spike said, as he hung up, grabbed his jacket, and headed off.

Meanwhile, Twilight had arrived at Crystal Prep Academy; a prestigious university for the best and brightest. Not to mention very exclusive. Only those with big connections could ever hope to attend such a school.

“This is it,” She said before walking up to a group of people who were waiting for their tour guide, “I can't wait to see all this place has to offer.”

“And what does this place have that your own school doesn't have?” came a familiar voice.

Twilight jumped in shock, and saw Spike leaning against the entrance wall, “Spike?”

“Hey, Twilight.”

“What're you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Spike walked up to her, “Tell me you're not seriously thinking about transferring to this place.”

“Did Cadence tell you to come here?” she asked suspiciously.

“No. I'm here of my own choice,” Spike assured, “So answer me, what are you thinking?”

“I'm just here right now to see the tour. I haven't fully decided if I want to yet.” Twilight explained.

“Why would you even think about transferring at all?”

“Canterlot High doesn't have anything left to offer me in academics. Crystal Prep has more classes and programs that can benefit my intellectual growth.”

“Yeah-yeah, that's good and all, but what about our friends? Don't they mean anything to you?” Spike argued.

“Of course they do.”

“Then why?”

“I just don't feel like attending Canterlot High anymore.” she answered while looking to the side.

"Twilight, this is bad timing and you know it!" Spike reminded.

“What?”

“You heard me. I know you and the girls have been targeted by hitmen. Believe me I still look at A.J and can see she's still shaken about what happened to her family farm. My God, what happened with Rainbow, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity being roped into schemes...don't you think it's safer at home and surrounded by friends?”

“It's not your business, Spike!” Twilight scowled, "I can't let a bunch of hitmen prevent me from letting me live my life! Besides, with me gone, you and Cadence can have all the fun you want!"

“Regardless, you are still my friend and my student, Twilight. It is my business.” Spike reminded her.

“I'm still sticking around for the tour.” Twilight said stubbornly.

“Fine. I won't stop you from doing that.” Spike said, as he joined the group.

“So you can go now.” Twilight noted.

“Actually, I'll be sticking around.”

“I don't need a chaperone, Spike.” Twilight said sounding annoyed.

“Oh, I’m not chaperoning you, Twilight. I'm also curious about this place, and what it has to offer.”

“Suit yourself.” Twilight said, as she saw the tour guide approach.

The guide was a tall intimidating woman wearing a dark blue pantsuit and glasses, “Good morning, everyone. I am Principal Abacus Cinch. Head of this school. Today I'll be giving you the Grand Tour of Crystal Prep Academy. Follow me and we can get started.” she led Twilight, Spike, and the rest of the group onto the Campus.

The tour group walked along campus, taking note of all the buildings and landmarks on the tour, “Crystal Prep is a glorious institution founded by our own Superintendent Amore decades ago when she was Principal. She wanted to open a school dedicated for the best and brightest. As you can see she made quite a reputation.” Cinch motioned to a statue of a beautiful woman .

'She has a reputation alright.' Spike thought, as he recalled reading her autobiography and learned what a charming, caring, and loving woman she was to all her students.

As the tour continued Cinch spoke, “CPA offers many classes and programs guaranteed to stimulate the minds of all who attend. And our teaching staff were carefully picked by myself, and they have declared me as the Fair and Just Principal.”

'Fair and Just?' Spike thought with a cold laugh, 'If they knew the rumors I heard about her they'd be calling her the Cruel and Heartless.'

As the tour came to a close, Cinch spoke, “Well, this concludes the end of our tour. Are there any questions?”

A woman spoke, “Well, ma'am. Not so much a question, but perhaps you can give some words of inspiration to our kids should they plan to attend here?”

“Words of inspiration? Very well,” she spoke to the group, “It has always been Crystal Prep Academy's goal to mold the minds of young students to prepare them for the tough reality of the world out there.”

“What tough reality is that?” a teen boy asked.

Cinch looked at the boy squinting, “No one is going to help you in life.” Spike frowned at her claim knowing how wrong she was.

“And we especially take pride in our academics from sports to intellect. We always put those skills to the test during various annual competitions with our many rival schools. Though with every year that passes, it always feels like nothing has changed with any of them. All of them pick their competitors in a popularity contest, and Crystal Prep has always fielded its top twelve students. And yet it is a comfort to know that, even after so many years of losses, the other schools are committed to their ideals, however misguided they may be.”

Spike once again frowned at Cinch's mockery of other schools knowing she didn't know a thing at all about good sportsmanship, but noticed Twilight looked indifferent by her words, “Still I always wish the opposing schools the best o f luck regardless of the inevitable outcome. If any of you is actually looking into attending Crystal Prep, you must ask yourself, what can you offer us? Every student here has proven they have plenty to offer from intellect, athletic prowess, dedication, and connections. If you can't think of anything you can offer to this school that's worth mentioning, then I would suggest you revise your plans on attending here.”

The teens in the tour group were shaken, while their parents felt worried for their kids. Cinch spoke, “Well, that's it for this tour. Feel free to roam about the campus. And if you have any questions you know where to find me.”

And so the group dispersed to go and explore the academy some more leaving Spike and Twilight to themselves, “See, that was a good tour.” Twilight told Spike.

“If you say so.” he replied dryly.

“Well, what have we here?” Cinch asked, as he approached the two and looked to Twilight, “Twilight Sparkle, I presume?”

“You know me?” she asked.

“Of course. I know all about you and your achievements. I was actually wondering when you'd be touring around the campus. But I suppose better late than never.”

“Right.” Twilight replied.

“And allow me to give you my personal condolences about what happened to your parents and your older brother. I'm sure they'd be proud to see you where you stand today. And how fortunate you have the wife of your brother to look after you.”

“Yeah, fortunate.” Twilight replied coldly.

Cinch turned to Spike, “And Mr. Spike Lupin. This is a treat. I do hope you got those letters of request we had sent to you two years ago. We sent over a dozen after all. We were afraid they got lost in the mail.”

“Oh, I got them all,” Spike assured her, “But I'm happy where I am, thank you very much.”

“I see,” Cinch replied, “I must admit it's disappointing. A young genius with a teaching degree is definitely Crystal Prep material. You would've had your own office, double payment than what you'd get at your current school, and so much more. Why would a young genius as respected as you waste time at such a common high school like Canterlot High?”

“I like friendly atmosphere and benefits,” Spike voiced his opinion, “And the students have the freedom to be who they want to be.”

“Too much freedom can lead to disastrous consequences.” Cinch warned Spike who didn't bother to answer.

The principal looked back to Twilight, “Now you, Ms. Twilight, would make an excellent student here. We have a science lab with top of the line equipment, and plenty of work space for those interested in our independent study program.”

As Twilight started looking interested, Spike stepped in, “I didn't think the head of an educational institute would resort to bribery, Principal Cinch.”

“Just simply stating what there is to look forward to here at CPA,” Cinch replied, “For instance Mr. Lupin, you would have a better salary here than you do at Canterlot High. I mean really, how much does Principal Equestrius pay you?” Spike remained silent, as Cinch continued, “I mean if she had any common sense about investing more in the school's programs rather than it's meaningless festivities they would be able to offer more to the students. Plus, I heard rumors about how abusive she is towards you.”

“Abusive?” Spike asked in confusion, “What're you getting at?”

“You mean she doesn't constantly scold you every day for the most petty reasons?” Cinch asked slyly.

“Well, yes, but only because she wants me to set a better example for the students.” Spike argued.

“Oh, how noble that you come into Celestia's defense, Mr. Lupin,” Principal Cinch laughed, “She mistreats you and you still remain loyal her. Are you by any chance submissive to her every wish?” Spike was using all the self control he learned in his training to keep it together, but Cinch wasn't finished, “And to hire her only sister to be the one and only nurse only confirms how stingy she is with the school budget. And then there's a certain other rumor floating about.'

“What other rumor?” Spike asked hoping it wasn't what he was thinking.

“About how you and Twilight's sister-in-law and your school's drama teacher have a fling?” Spike paled and wondered how could this woman have found that out, “But I can't blame you for her choice. After all grieving widows can be desperate sometimes, but I never imagined she would go after someone so young. I guess young flesh is better than no flesh as far as she's concerned.”

Spike just got angrier, but before he could argue, Twilight beat him to it, “With all due respect, I will thank you to stop badmouthing my school's principal and nurse, Principal Cinch. They may not live up to your expectations, but they are the best at what they do.” Spike could only look in shock at Twilight as she only defended Celestia and Luna, but not Cadence.

Cinch smirked to herself, before continuing, “Oh, I meant nothing by it. I mean after all who am I to tell someone how to run a school? Well, I hope you'll consider attending here, Twilight. And Mr. Lupin, if you ever do change your mind about the job offer, give us a call.” and with that Cinch took her leave.

“The nerve of that woman!” Spike finally released his bottled up anger, “Who the hell does she think she is mocking Principal and Nurse Equestrius, and Cadence like that? And you, Twilight. Why didn't you defend Cadence!?"

“I defended Principal Equestrius and Nurse Equestrius, didn't I?"

“Twilight, she's still your sister-in-law.” Spike reminded her.

“After what she did, I don't think so.”

“Twilight.”

“Look you stuck around like you said. Tours over, so I'm going to check the school out some more. Do what you want, just don't follow me.” Twilight warned him and she walked off.

Spike sighed knowing his attempt to sway her from considering Crystal Prep didn't go so well. Still not wanting to let Twilight out of his sight he decided to explore the campus himself that way he'd be close enough to know if anything happened to her.

Spike walked around the campus expecting nothing out of the ordinary until he saw out on a field was a bunch of young ladies in short shorts and sports bras getting some exercise in, but what caught his attention the most was their instructor was Byakko.

'Byakko, here?' he thought to himself in shock, 'What's going on?' curiously he decided to investigate.

He walked closer and closer watching Byakko teaching the young ladies self defense. When he was in eyesight, Byakko spoke up, “Well, what have we here? Ladies, it looks like our workout has attracted a guest.”

“Hi.” Spike greeted sheepishly, as the ladies giggled at his bashful demeanor.

“And to who do we owe the pleasure?” Byakko inquired.

“I'm Spike Lupin. I really hope I'm not interrupting. It's just I didn't expect phys ed was a weekend class.” he joked, and the girls laughed.

“Very funny. No this is just a weekend class I personally teach for women who need to learn self defense,” Byakko approached and offered his hand, “I'm Byakko.”

“Nice to meet you.” Spike shook his hand.

“You know, your timing couldn’t be better. How about a spar, me and you?”

“Me and you?” Spike asked.

“Of course. You look like someone who keeps in good shape for a simple spar.”

“Listen, I don't want to impose and-”

“Well, girls, do you want us to spar?” Byakko asked the girls who cheered them to do so, "Come now, Mr. Lupin. Do you really want to deny these fine women a match between friends?” Byakko asked.

“Ok-ok.” Spike answered, as he and Byakko got on opposite sides of each other.

“The rules of sparing are simple. First we bow to each other,” Byakko began, as he gave Spike a bow as the young professor returned the gesture, “Now, we use our fists and our feet. No biting, hair pulling, or kicking you where it hurts,” Spike cringed at the last one, “First one to fall goes.”

“Ok.” Spike agreed, as they got into stances.

“Begin!” a student called, as the two engaged in hand to hand sparing.

As Spike attacked he made sure to hold back not wanting Byakko to know how good he was, while Byakko himself held back knowing how much he could hurt Spike.

“Not bad.” Byakko admitted.

“Not bad yourself.” Spike added.

“Thank you, but my skill far surpasses yours. No one has ever reached my level of skill...except for one person.”

“And who is that?” the boy teacher asked knowing the answer already.

“The Master Thief; Dragon.”

“Really?” Spike asked, as he blocked a punch, “The infamous master thief is better than you?”

“Well, slightly,” Byakko replied, secretly irking Spike, “But I have done countless research and deduced the thief lives here in this city and is walking among us.”

“Is he now?”

“Yes. I have made it my goal to find out his secret identity. And I'm close.”

“How close?”

“I've deduced he's close to my height, and a crafty fighter.” the undercover mercenary explained.

“Well, that could be anyone, Byakko. Why, even me.” Spike boasted.

“Forgive me, Mr. Lupin.”

“Spike.” Spike insisted.

“Spike. I find that very amusing.”

“Why is that?”

“Granted you match the appropriate height, but that's where the similarities end,” and with that he swept Spike off his feet and onto the ground, “Your fighting technique is far from crafty.”

“Give me a break, I'm not as dedicated to the martial arts like you are.” Spike grumbled as he got up.

“Still, you held out longer than most people. So I commend you. A round of applause for Spike Lupin!” Byakko announced, as the girls cheered.

Later on after Byakko dismissed his students, he brought Spike to the cafeteria hall for lunch. They sat at a table and ate, as Spike spoke up, “So how long have you been an instructor here?”

“About a couple months now.”

“I see. I hear this place doesn't hire just anybody on their faculty. What'd you do to get Principal Cinch to let you on board.”

“She owed me one.” Byakko answered.

“Owed you, for what?”

“I saved the Crystal Prep Cheerleading Squad from human traffickers.”

Spike was taken aback, “Are you for real?”

“I am. The captain herself was VERY grateful,” he raised his brows, “In fact she couldn't stop be grateful for hours until she tired herself out. Her energy and endurance was very admirable. Quite a woman.”

"Ookay." Spike responded awkwardly.

“Who am I to deny the advances of a lovely lady? If they want a good time, then I can show them skills I don't normally teach in my class.” Byakko continued to boast.

“Aren't you modest,' Spike thought, as he rolled his eyes up. He sighed and said, "Not everyone has your kind of luck. Unfortunately I’m stuck with with ladies who give me a hard time.” Spike sighed.

“Ouch.”

“But anyway, Cinch gave you this job as thanks for saving the school cheer squad?”

“Precisely. Although this is just my day job. I spend the nights looking for clues on Dragon.”

“Why are you so hung up on him?” Spike asked.

“Because his very existence is a mystery,” Byakko explained, “Dragon has been around for centuries, though obviously not the same person. Some believe he is eternal, an immortal.”

“Kids and their conspiracy theories.” Spike joked, and the two shared a laugh.

“No one has ever come close to catching the thief. Not the police, mercenaries or even Interpol. But I came close to it, even fought him.”

“I'm surprised you want to go after him what with the whole murder rep he's got going for him.” Spike said in concern.

“Please, it takes more than one murder for me to be intimidated by someone.”

“So what happened in your fight?”

“Regretfully, he escaped. We both fought hard but neither of us had the strength to finish it. That's when his servants arrived and took him away,” Byakko recalled that night, “Since then I had been doing countless research on him. As I'm sure you learned over the past weeks, the last couple of sightings with Dragon involved a group of six high school girls whom he had once protected from a criminal gang.”

“Yeah. I've heard of that.” Spike admitted.

“I mentioned to Dragon that the girls must be pretty special if he's going through so much trouble to protect them. He even told me that they were under his protection.”

“I see.”

“You know his name isn't just for show or to match the theme of his costume. He behaves very much like a dragon when it concerns the girls.”

“How so?” Spike asked sounding intrigued.

“Dragons have been known to horde loads of treasure which they fiercely protect.” Spike secretly felt insulted for being made to look like he saw the girls as property, “I could b wrong, though,” Byakko continued, “The way he sounded when I mentioned them to him...his feelings for them run deep.”

Spike was surprised to have heard that, and had to ask, “How deep do you think?”

“I think he actually loves them.” Byakko whispered.

“Are you serious?”

“As a heart attack.”

“Wow.” Spike gasped, while deep down knew Byakko wasn't wrong. He cared deeply about his friends whom he knew since he was a small child.

“But, anyway, I'm just rambling on. Sorry if I bored you with my theories.”

“Oh, no harm done. I actually learned a lot from your theory. It just goes to show you sometimes the people we think we know aren't always what they appeared to be.” Spike explained.

“Agreed.” Byakko smiled, as they finished their lunch.

“Well, I better be going. It was nice meeting you, Byakko.” Spike got up.

“Same to you, Spike.”

As Spike left the cafeteria he walked along campus before reaching the exit. He looked back thinking of Twilight, 'Twilight, I pray you will make the right decision.' he walked along knowing how much Cadence wasn't going to like how his talk with Twilight went.

Meanwhile on campus, Byakko was walking around before reaching his own personal quarters. He went inside and sat down to relax, before his phone started ringing. He checked the I.D to see it was Tirek's name. He answered it and spoke, “What is it now?”

“Byakko, I have a mission for you.” Tirek's voice was heard.