Master Thief Dragon

One afternoon at school, the students were taking their leave as Twilight was walking down the hall to the auditorium, "I hope Cadence doesn't mind if I invite her out for a bite. Who am I kidding? She loves it when I surprise her," she giggled to herself. She went through the auditorium's classroom, and before she could go backstage to the auditorium she stopped seeing Spike was there helping Cadence setting up a set, 'Is that Spike helping Cadence?' she thought.

Spike was placing a fake tree prop in a corner, and asked Cadence, "Is this, right?"

"Perfect, Spike." Cadence approved.

"Your latest theater production is sure to be a hit. That is if the students can pull it off." Spike noted.

"I imagine they'll be fine," Cadence assured him, before smiling, "And thanks again for helping me out here, Spike."

"Any time." Spike replied.

"Even before you were a teacher, you were just my student who still volunteered to help out without the idea of a reward or anything." Cadence remembered.

"Well, the only reward I want is to see anyone close to me happy." Spike admitted.

Twilight watched in surprise, and thought to herself, 'Cadence is actually being nice to Spike? Normally she's so stern with him.' she continued to observe the two.

Cadence suddenly slipped her arm around Spike, putting a blush on his face, "I also remember how it was in this very place you and I shared our first passionate kiss." she batted her eyes at him.

Spike started getting flustered, "Yeah. I remember that too."

'What?' Twilight thought in shock.

Cadence giggled, as she started backing Spike up against a wall, "You looked so skittish and adorable. It was so precious." Cadence pressed herself against Spike, planting her lips on his own. As they made out, Cadence's hands started roaming all over Spike's body, while Spike was being so passive about it.

Twilight watched as she got flustered at what she was witnessing between her best friend and sister-in-law. Suddenly Spike started taking the lead in the make out as it started getting hotter, leaving Twilight going red in the face. Cadence moaned through their kiss, "Oh, Master. So daring."

Having seen enough, she ran from the auditorium classroom and through the hall before hiding in the janitor's closet. She curled up on the floor gasping in shock, "Spike and Cadence were getting intimate. Cadence, my sister. Spike, my friend! No, this can't be! Cadence would never do this to Shining Armor. And Spike, he'd never..." she started envisioning Spike acting like an aggressive dominator on Cadence with her constantly calling him master through moans of pure delight. She shook the image out of her head and got up with determination, "I'm gonna find out what this is all about." She slammed the janitor's closet door opened, before Janitor Greenhooves could open it. He watched her storm off with anger on her face. His curiosity about her expression vanished, as he shrugged and went to do his job.

Later on Cadence returned home after picking Flurry Heart up from a friend's place. As she walked inside she called out, "Twilight?" but there was no answer. Cadence was confused, but decided to get her daughter settled. After settling her into her crib, she called out again, "Twilight?" but once again received no answer. Curiously, Cadence went upstairs and knocked on Twilight's bedroom door. She received no answer, so she opened the door seeing Twilight on her bed, looking up at her.

Before Cadence could talk to her, Twilight spoke in a serious tone, "Cadence, we need to talk."

Cadence hearing the tone in Twilight's voice knew it was important, "What's going on, Twilight?"

"Cadence...is there something going on between you and Spike?" Twilight asked curiously, while trying to contain her anger.

Cadence secretly confused as to what brought this on, remembered to keep professional, and replied in a serious tone, "First off, Twilight, that's Mr. Lupin to you. Remember that he's your teacher, first and foremost. And second, what gave you the fool idea that there is something going on between me and that buffoon?"

Twilight frowned at how she addressed Spike, and answered, "I don't know. Maybe the fact that you were kissing him in the auditorium and calling him 'Master' gave me a pretty clear idea that you two had something going on!" she snapped. Cadence gasped while looking at Twilight in shock, as her heart was beating fast. Twilight asked with her voice breaking and tears forming in her eyes, "How long?"

"Twilight, I think that-" Cadence was cut off by her angry sister.

"I SAID HOW LONG!?" Cadence was silent not sure how she was going to get out of this, "ANSWER ME, DAMMIT!"

Cadence knew she couldn't think of a legit lie to tell her knowing she saw the whole thing happen, "A year...Twilight, let me explain-" Cadence was once again cut off by her pissed off little sister.

"Explain what!?" Twilight continued to snap, "That the woman who I thought I knew was seeing my teacher...no, my best friend and kept it from me this whole time!? For God's sake, Cadence! He's younger than you! What do you think your baby daughter would say if she knew her mother was behaving like a...like a..."

Cadence knowing where this was headed had to stop her with a warning while sounding angry, "I think you better stop right there, young lady!"

Twilight was not giving into her warning, "I haven't even started yet, 'sister'!" she spat the word, "I defended you! When my friends joked that you were seducing Spike, I defended you!" Cadence was surprised having never knew Twilight's friends actually thought there was something going on with her and Spike, "When I saw what you were doing with Spike, I felt like an idiot! You lied to me, Cadence! You lied about staying with Ms. Equestrius when you were really seeing Spike! You knew how I felt about him and you swooped in anyway!"

Cadence had to act quickly to keep Twilight from going on a real rampage, "First off, Spike would have gotten into real trouble if you laid a lip on him, Twilight! He may be only seventeen years old, but Spike is still your teacher and he knows to never to get involved with a student, no matter how much you or your friends tempt him. Second, I knew how much you liked him. That's why didn't want to tell you about Spike and I."

Twilight was not moved by Cadence's words, and needed more answers, "Just tell me the truth, Mi Amore Cadenza...did you start seeing Spike the same day my brother died or did you wait a week out of respect!?"

Cadence already in hot water knew no lie could cover up the truth, "I waited, Twilight."

Twilight still not satisfied with the answer shouted at her, "I hate you, Cadence! I hate you!" Twilight ran past Cadence and out of her room.

"Twilight!" Cadence cried, as she ran downstairs, but was to late. Twilight left the house with a slam of the door which led to Flurry Heart crying. Cadence could only look at the door with guilt over what just happened, and thought to herself, 'What have I done?' she shed a tear.

Twilight had left home and ran through the city with tears in her eyes deep in thought, 'How could she? After all I told her about how much I loved Spike, and she just swoops in and snatches him up? It's not fair!' she stopped after running out of breath and decided to walk the rest of the way. After debating on where to go next she decided to go to her favorite diner. Next to the library, Colt's Diner was one of her favorite places to go to think and to grab a quick bite. She entered, and to her surprise saw the rest of the girls sitting at a booth, "Hey, Twilight!" Pinkie called her over.

Twilight tried to smile while hiding her tears, and went over to join them, "Hey, girls."

"We were just about to call you." Fluttershy said.

"Yeah. And we were gonna call Spike too." Rainbow added.

Twilight hearing Spike's name tensed up before answering in a bitter voice, "It's best we don't bring Spike along today. He's obviously got a lot of work to do."

The girls took notice in the tone of Twilight's voice, as Rarity asked, "Everything ok, darling?"

"I'm fine." she answered, while trying to keep it together.

Applejack being the truth seeker, spoke up, "Come on, Twilight. Tell us what's wrong."

Twilight sighed knowing she couldn't keep the truth hidden when A.J was around. She answered, "I had a fight with Cadence."

The girls gasped in surprise, "A fight?" Pinkie asked.

"About what?" Fluttershy asked with concern.

"I'd rather not talk about it." she replied feeling too upset.

"Twilight, if you don't talk about it, then how can you expect us to help?" Pinkie asked, only for Applejack to stop her.

"Relax, Pinkie. I'm sure it's just a sibling squabble. I get that with my sibs all the time, but we all work it out in the end." She gave Twilight a comforting smile.

Twilight returned it, but felt unsure knowing this was not something to forgive so easily. So Twilight ordered a drink, and she started talking to the girls about other matters hoping it would take her mind off her fight with Cadence. As she peered around the diner, she suddenly could see herself and her friends a few years younger with Spike sitting at a table hanging out. She couldn't help but smile at the memory.

Pinkie took notice of Twilight's happier face, "There's our happy Twilight!"

Twilight hearing Pinkie snapped out of her daydream and felt sheepish, "Sorry, girls. I was just daydreaming."

"About what, darling?" Rarity inquired.

"Well, do you girls remember that this was the exact diner where I introduced Spike to all of you?" she asked.

"Yeah. This is the spot." Applejack recalled.

Rainbow spoke, "I remember he was trying to play the pinball machine over there blindfolded and with earplugs."

"I still couldn't believe that's how he was playing." Fluttershy recalled.

"I remember he said it was to sharpen his senses." Pinkie remembered.

Rainbow laughed, "And he got the lowest score on the entire board!"

"Well, at least he tried." Fluttershy said.

"Yeah. When that boy tries, he really tries." Applejack agreed.

Twilight smiled, and continued, "And who would've thought after going away for awhile he'd come back as our own teacher?"

"Well, we definitely didn't see that coming." Rarity admitted.

"What we did see coming was you crying when he came back." Rainbow chuckled.

"Ha-ha," Twilight sarcastically laughed, "But you girls wanna know something?"

"What?" the girls asked.

"I actually tried to kiss him when we were alone." Twilight confessed.

"What?!" the girls gasped.

"Tried?" Pinkie asked.

"Then you didn't?" Rainbow wondered.

"No. Cadence came in and stopped us, reminding us that even though we're friends we were now teacher and student," Twilight answered, as her bitterness returned, and thought to herself, 'Of course, that was all just a front to cover her real reason.'

When the girls saw Twilight return to her dismal disposition, they knew they had to do something to brighten her mood. Rarity gasped, "Idea!" the girls looked at her, "Why don't we go check out the Shining Star club tonight just to take our mind off school and such?"

"But that place is reserved for those twenty or older." Fluttershy noted.

"No problem. I got these babies to help us." Rainbow whipped out drivers licenses stating the girls were the required age to get in.

"Fake I.D's?" Pinkie asked, before smirking, "Nice."

"How in sam hill did you get these?" Applejack asked in disbelief.

"I know a guy." Rainbow boasted.

"This is completely illegal." Twilight noted.

"It's only illegal if you get caught," Rainbow replied, "Besides what's life without a few risks?"

"You know if we got caught we could go to jail?" Applejack reminded her.

"Oh, I can't do jail!" Fluttershy feared.

Twilight pondered on the idea some more, and with the idea of wanting to get away from Cadence felt this was the best way to spite her. She smirked, and spoke, "I say we do it."

"Twilight?" Applejack asked in shock.

"That doesn't sound like you." Fluttershy noted.

"Yeah. Shocker." Pinkie added.

"I just agree we could use some down time, and that club sounds like the perfect choice," she suddenly saw her friends still looked suspicious of her, and had to make herself sound like the Twilight they know, "I mean provided we don't do any drinking there."

"Agreed," Rarity nodded, and turned to the others, "Anybody else interested?"

"Hell, yeah!" Rainbow answered with enthusiasm.

"Well, it sounds nice." Fluttershy admitted

"You betcha!" Pinkie cheered.

All eyes fell on Applejack, who knew she was outvoted either way. She sighed and answered with reluctance, "All right. But if things get out of hand there, we're pulling out."

"Agreed." Twilight confirmed.

"Well, let's go." Rainbow got up, until Rarity halted her.

"Hold on!" Rarity called, "If we're going to a club as popular as the Shining Star, then we need to look like we're mature enough for it."

"Rarity's right," Twilight agreed, "If we went like this, people will know we're mere school girls."

"Agreed. So let's stop by Carousel Boutique and get ourselves some more appropriate attire." Rarity suggested, and the girls agreed.

Meanwhile, Cadence was at Spike's place sitting on a chair, as Spike, Celestia, and Luna sat on the sofa before her, "What's wrong, Cadence? You sounded urgent on the phone." Spike recalled.

"Master, Aunties, I did something bad." Cadence said, still shaken up from earlier.

"What happened?" Celestia wondered.

"I got in a fight with Twilight."

Spike and his two older servants were confused, as Luna asked, "Is that all?"

Cadence looked up at them, "No it isn't. Master, Twilight caught us making out in the auditorium!"

"What?!" Spike gasped.

"What?!" The sisters gasped.

"I know! Master, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have tried to throw myself at you on school grounds." Cadence apologized with tears forming in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, too, Cadence," Spike tried calming her, "I'm just as at fault as you are. We shouldn't have let ourselves get carried away like that."

"What did you tell her, Cadence?" Celestia asked sternly.

"I told her I had been seeing Spike for a year now in secrecy." she confessed with guilt.

"You didn't mention anything about our double lives, did you?" Luna asked with worry.

"Not a word about it," The older ladies sighed in relief, "I just don't know what to do now," Cadence cried, as Twilight's words of hate echoed in her head. She looked up at Spike, and spoke, "Master, do you think you can go find Twilight and talk to her?"

"What? Why're you asking me?" Spike asked incredulously, "If she's pissed off at you, she's no doubt gonna be more pissed off at me."

"Maybe not," Cadence replied, "I told Twilight I was the one to make the first move a year ago and how if she tried anything with you it would get you both in trouble."

"Still, I don't like the idea of it." Spike voiced his concern.

"Please, Master. Twilight's almost the only family I have left." Cadence pleaded.

Spike looked at Cadence who was giving him puppy eyes which made him sigh, "Alright, I'll do it. But I can't promise you it'll make a difference."

"Thank you, Master." Cadence said with a smile.

"Question is where do you think she's gone?" Spike asked.

"Probably to one of her friends places." Cadence suggested.

"Well, checking them all out will take too long." the young professor replied.

"Actually, there's a faster way." Luna spoke up.

"What's that?" Cadence asked.

Luna pulled up her lap top, "For safety precautions, I can track anyone's cellphone anywhere in the world."

Celestia scowled, "And this isn't just another one of your attempts to spy on Master?"

Luna looked at her sister keeping a casual expression, "As I said, safety precautions."

"Well, trace Twilight's cellphone." Spike instructed.

Luna nodded, and started running a search throughout the city, before exclaiming, "Yes! I got her location."

Spike looked over the coordinates, and spoke, "She's at Carousel Boutique. If I hurry I can get there before she decides to leave," he turned to Cadence, "But if I end up with a black eye don't be surprised." Spike warned her.

"Understood, Master." Cadence answered. Spike left his home and started running to the boutique.

Later at Carousel Boutique, the sweeties stepped out looking all dressed up for the club. Each one was wearing an gown that reflected their personality. Twilight's was colored blue and purple with star symbols on it, Applejack's was orange and gold with a country flare to it, Rainbow's was blue and red with lightning bolt images decorated on it, Fluttershy's was yellow and green with butterflies decorated on it, Rarity's was purple and white decorated in diamonds, and Pinkie's outfit was blue and pink and looked like it was decorated with candy images.

Rarity looked over herself and her friends, before speaking, "Now this is more like it. We look mature enough for the club now."

"I'll say." Applejack agreed, as she looked herself over.

"Can we get going now?" Rainbow asked with impatience.

"Yeah, I want to party hardy!" Pinkie cheered.

"Come on, let's go." Twilight said, as they began walking until they heard a voice call out.

"Someone, help!" The girls feeling curious followed the sound. They followed it and found themselves close to a dollar store where a bunch of thugs wearing jackets with a dragon imprinted on the back were roughing the owner up.

The lead one who had orange spiked hair held the shop owned by the front of his shirt, "How many times do I have to spell this out for you? There's a lot of bad guys around this city, and only me and my boys can protect ya. But we can't promise you our support if you don't pay up for our services." he grinned.

"Please, Mr. Garble, don't hurt me. I have a wife and child to support!" the shop owned pleaded.

"I don't want your pathetic whining. I want payment!" Garble growled at the shop owner like an animal.

The girls watched from around the corner making sure to stay hidden, "Oh, my gosh, that man's in trouble." Pinkie gasped.

"What do we do?" Fluttershy asked in worry.

"I say we go over there, and teach that jerk a lesson." Rainbow said, as she was about to take a step forward until Applejack pulled her back.

"Are you insane, Rainbow Dash?" Applejack asked.

"That hooligan could be armed." Rarity noted.

"Well, we gotta do something." Rainbow replied.

"This is a job for the police." Twilight said, as she pulled out her cellphone and dialed 911, but before she could make the call her phone was slapped out of her hand by another thug wearing the same dragon jacket.

"Call's been canceled." he told them, before breaking Twilight's phone.

"Run!" Pinkie cried, as they tried to run, only to be apprehended by more thugs.

Rainbow, Rarity and Applejack struggled to break free but unfortunately weren't putting up a big fight. The girls were brought over to Garble, as one of the thugs spoke, "Garble, we found witnesses. Tried to phone the cops."

Garble looked at the girls and spoke, "Well, girls, it's your lucky night. You get to come back home with us." he snickered.

"I don't find that being lucky." Fluttershy winced.

Garble turned to his two right hand men, "Clump! Fume! Put them in the van!"

"On it, man." Fume answered, as he and Clump dragged the struggling girls to their van.

Spike had just arrived outside the boutique, but before he could go inside he heard Twilight cry out, "Help!"

"Twilight?" Spike gasped, as he followed the cry and saw the girls get pushed into the back of a black van, "Hey!" he shouted and ran over.

Garble and his thugs piled into the van and burned rubber. Spike tried running after the van hoping he could grab onto it, but even he couldn't keep up with a speeding car. He stopped running and watched as the van drove off, "Girls," he gasped with a tear in his eyes. But he didn't have time to feel sad. He knew he had to help his friends. He pulled out his phone and called his servants, "Celly, it's Spike. Twilight and the girls have been abducted.

"What?!" Celestia gasped from the other line.

"I tried to go after them on foot, but that didn't work. Tell Luna to run another search on one of the girls phones."

"What about you?"

"I have to go after them." Spike answered.

"Master, even if you go after them it'll look suspicious if you rescue them as yourself?"

"I know. Which is why Dragon's gonna be making a special appearance."

"Are you actually going to-." Celestia was cut off by Spike.

"It's the only way, Celly. Tell Luna when she finds the coordinates send an anonymous message to the cops that Dragon was sighted there."

"Yes, Master. Good luck. Cadence says bring Twilight home safe."

"On it." Spike answered, as a look of determination appeared on his face.

Meanwhile by an old warehouse in a seedier part of Canterlot City, the van drove up to it and the thugs brought the girls inside. Inside the warehouse it was loaded with stolen money, drugs, and illegal weapons. Twilight looked around and spoke, "You boys have a hoarding problem."

"We're the Dragon Heads, hoarding is what we do," Garble answered, before speaking to his boys, "Take their phones!" each of the girls had their cells taken from them and placed them on a desk.

"What're you going to do with us?!" Rainbow demanded.

"You girls will make good hostages if the cops come looking for us. And who knows, maybe you can become our service entertainers." Garble grinned at them.

"Oh, heavens!" Rarity gasped, before sticking her head up.

"Lock them up individually in the rooms. Make sure they can't escape." Garble ordered his men.

"Oh it, boss." Clump answered, as they took the girls off.

Later Spike had changed into Dragon and was flying around the city on his glider wings. He suddenly heard Luna's voice from his transceiver, "Master, I've located the girls. They're in a warehouse on 615 Trottersgrove."

"But that's in the baddest part of the city. A regular crime zone," Dragon replied, "But it's only logical. All right I'm on my way."

"You better hurry. Celly, Cadence, and I are already getting calls from the girls parents."

"Just keep them calm, and make sure the cops know to go the location." Dragon said, as he tapped out and shifted his glider to fly to his destination.

When Dragon arrived, he saw the thugs van parked outside the warehouse he was told about, "There you are." Dragon said, as he went full stealth mode.

He scaled up the building before coming up to an open window. He slipped inside before hiding in the shadows. He peered down a hall seeing two thugs on patrol. He smirked, before reaching into his pouch and pulled out a smoke bomb and tossed it to them. The bomb released its smoke blinding the two guards. Dragon acted quickly and ran into the smoke cloud where sounds of punches and screams were heard. When the smoke cleared, Dragon stood tall with the two guards unconscious on the floor.

He grabbed the keys off one of them and unlocked the door of one room. He opened it to see Applejack tied to a chair with tape over her mouth. Applejack looked at Dragon with wide eyes and mumbled through her taped mouth. Dragon knowing to play it cool, spoke to her casually, "Hey, there. Hope you're not busy," Applejack frowned at his joke, "Just kidding. I'll have ya out of here in a jiff." he went over and gently peeled the tape off A.J's mouth.

Applejack took in some breaths, before speaking, "What're do you think you're doing?"

"I'm here to save the day, of course," Dragon answered in an obvious tone, before cutting A.J free from the binds, "Now come on let's go."

Applejack got off the chair and backed away from Dragon calling out, "I ain't going anywhere with the likes of you!"

Dragon looked incredulously, "You're kidding, right?"

Applejack answered with much distrust in her tone, "Tell me why I should put my trust in someone who should rightfully be in jail with the rest of the varmints in this building!"

Dragon knew A.J was the only one who had no admiration for Dragon like the others did, so he tried his best to convince her, "Okay. One, I'm the nicest criminal you'll ever meet in your life. Two, I happened to be in the neighborhood and I thought to myself that for one day, I'll be hero to all pretty women like yourself," A.J couldn't help but blush at the compliment, but quickly shook it off, as Spike continued, "Three, don't compare me to the rats in this building. And, Four, I don't think you have a choice. So it's either the world famous thief or the gang bangers who will do worse than kill you, got it?" he asked with seriousness.

Applejack taking all that the thief was saying into account knew how right he was no matter how painful it was for her to admit it. Swallowing her pride, she spoke, "My friends are in the other rooms. They'll need us."

"Good answer." Dragon smirked.

The two went to the room next door and unlocked it to see Rarity gagged and bound on a chair like A.J was. Applejack spoke to her, "Hang on, Rarity, we'll get ya out." before she could go over, Dragon stepped forward and spoke.

"Allow me." he walked over to Rarity and undid her bindings and uncovered her mouth.

"Oh, my hero!" Rarity cheered, as she threw her arms around the thief resulting in her bust pressing into his chest.

Dragon gasped to himself at the squishy sensation against his chest, but spoke calm and cool, "Thank you, for those words, ma'am."

"Don't be calling him a hero so quickly, Rarity." Applejack warned her.

"But, Applejack, this is the perfect setting like in a fairy tale," Rarity began explaining with passion, "I am like a beautiful damsel in distress held up by bandits, and then saved by a gallant knight in shining armor!" she presented Dragon.

"Wow, me a gallant knight?" Dragon asked sheepishly, "Never been called that before."

"Come on, knight boy." A.J said, as she dragged him along with Rarity.

The next room they went into had Rainbow Dash captive. After freeing her, the girl jumped up and cheered, "Ohmygosh, ohmygosh, ohmygosh! I'm being rescued by Dragon! This is SO AWESOME!" she scrunched her face up.

"I know!" Rarity cupped her own face together and giggled with enthusiasm.

"Come on, girls. Next room." Dragon said, as they went to the next room and found Twilight.

After freeing her, the girl gasped before turning to Dragon, "Dragon? Not to sound ungrateful, but what're you doing here?"

"He says he's here to rescue us." Applejack explained in skepticism, while crossing her arms.

Twilight looked at Dragon in surprise, and asked, "Seriously?"

"You betcha," Dragon confirmed, before seeing how red her eyes looked, "Are you ok? Did these jerks hurt you?"

"No. That's for another reason. I went out with my friends hoping to get away from some trouble, only to get into bigger trouble. Yeah, I've kinda been having a rough day." she explained.

'No kidding.' Dragon thought.

Twilight spoke knowing they had to help the others, "Well, come on. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy need us."

They went to find Pinkie in the next room to see she was already untied and mouth free, "Hi, guys. What took you so long?"

"Pinkie?" the girls gasped.

"That's my name." she grinned.

"How did you escape?" Rarity gasped.

"I always keep a rope cutting knife on me. Duh," she spotted Dragon, "Oh, hi, Dragon!. Did you come here to save us?"

"Actually, yes." he answered, while still dumbfounded on how she escaped.

"Yippee!" Pinkie jumped around with excitement, "I knew you were good."

"We got no time! We need to help Fluttershy." Applejack reminded them.

Suddenly they heard Fluttershy shriek, "Fluttershy!" they cried, as they ran to the room she was in.

They opened the door to see a free Fluttershy standing over the body of the thug who brought her into the room, "Fluttershy, what happened?" Applejack asked.

"Ah! I didn't mean to! I just...Dragon?" she asked Dragon in surprise, "What are you doing here? Not that I mind, but aren't you a thief? I mean, if you've come to steal from me, then-" Dragon cut her off.

"Never mind that, Miss...uh..."

"Flutters Modesta, but you can call me Fluttershy." she said shyly.

"Okay...Fluttershy. What the heck did you do this guy?" he looked down at the body.

Rainbow tapped the body with her foot, "Yeah, he looks pretty dead."

"What?!" Fluttershy cried and began panicking, until Dragon checked the pulse.

"It's ok. He's just knocked out."

"Oh, thank goodness." Fluttershy sighed in relief.

"Now tell me, what did you do to him?" Dragon inquired.

"This guy didn't leave the room since he brought me here. He didn't even wanna tie me up. He-he wanted to get frisky with me. And I ended up grabbing him by the neck, and next thing I knew. On the ground." she explained frantically.

"Wow." Dragon gasped.

"So now that the gangs together, we can get out of here right?" Pinkie asked, as she was about to take her leave, only to get pulled back by Dragon.

"Not so fast," he began, "You forget there are more of those guys in this building down below."

"So what do we do?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"If you girls want to survive, you'll have to follow my lead."

"Dragon, why're you doing this?" Twilight asked.

"What?" he replied.

"Why is a super international thief going out of his way to save six girls he doesn't even know?" she asked.

"That's what I'd like to know too." Applejack agreed, as all eyes fell on Spike.

"Something's fishy." Pinkie squinted her eyes.

Dragon once again knew how to play these girls, answered, "Okay, you got me, smart girl. Truth is...I always wanted to know what being a hero was like. Saving damsels distress," he kissed Rarity's hand, making her giggle, "Fighting crime and being a bad ass all at the same time," he pumped his arm up making Rainbow Dash giving him a thumb's up for approval, "Honestly...it feels pretty good. Of course, by tomorrow I'll remember that being a hero isn't as rewarding or challenging as being a thief and the rush of being chased by the law is just too irresistible. So savor this moment of me being a hero for tonight, because it's back to being an infamous lawbreaker the rest of the way. Besides, I hear the ladies really dig the bad boy type," he grinned at Rarity and Fluttershy making them swoon, "And you wouldn't believe how much of a reputation I have with the fairer sex."

Applejack answered in a snarky tone, "You really are full of yourself, aren't you?"

Dragon gasped feeling insulted, "I'll have you know that I have a few ladies back home just waiting for me to tell them how much of a good boy I've been."

Applejack rolled her eyes, "They're probably just a bunch of old floozies who are desperate enough to ride bedposts."

Dragon frowned to himself knowing she'd think twice about saying that if she knew who he was talking about. But not wanting to spill any secrets, he spoke, "Point being, if you girls want to get out of here with your lives you'll have to follow my lead. Got it?"

"Well, you clearly know what you're doing." Twilight admitted.

"And you have all those cool devices." Pinkie added.

"Not to mention you have all those kick butt moves!" Rainbow did some karate moves to make a point.

"So we can assume you can get us out of here in tact?" Rarity inquired.

Dragon got down on one knee and took her hand into his, "You have my word as a gentleman, my lady." Rarity blushed and giggled at his charm.

"Just get us out of here and I may be tempted to not report you for seducing my friends." Applejack warned him.

Dragon turned to A.J, and winked through his mask, "You like me." he left the room. The girls turned to Applejack, who blushed from embarrassment, before following their thief savior.

As Dragon led the girls through the hall of the warehouse, he stopped around a corner motioning them to keep quiet. He pulled out a little mirror and was able to see around the corner. When he saw no one was there, he whispered to the girls, "All clear."

He led the girls down the hall before seeing shadows coming up from around another hall. Dragon pulled the girls into another room, as Fluttershy shook, "How do we get past them without alerting the others?"

"I got a plan. But I'll need the assistance of you two." Dragon eyed Rarity and Rainbow.

"Whatcha need, pal?" Rainbow asked.

"Yes, how can we be of service?" Rarity wondered, as Dragon smirked.

Outside the room, two thugs were walking by, before hearing Rarity call out, "Oh, boys!" they looked seeing Rarity leaning against the open door acting flirtatious, "Yoo-hoo." she waved at them.

"She's loose! Get her!" one shouted, as they ran.

Rarity quickly ducked into the room and closed the door. The two busted the door open and went inside. They were so caught up looking at what was in front of them, they didn't see Dragon was hanging from above the doorway and the girls were hiding from behind the open door, "Where'd she go?" the second asked.

Dragon gave Rainbow the signal and nodded. She reached into her pockets and jumped before them, "Surprise!" she sprayed the thugs faces with pepper spray distorting their sight.

Dragon dropped down and bashed their heads together knocking them out, "Good work, girls. You know, Rarity. You should really get into acting with a performance like that."

"Thank you, darling. But I think I'll stick to my talent with clothes designing." she smiled.

Rainbow pocketed the pepper spray, "Thanks for lending me these pepper sprays."

"No problem. Maybe if we're in a situation like this again, I'll let you use my pocket sand." Dragon answered.

"Pocket sand?" Twilight wondered.

"Sand I keep in my pockets, that I can throw in my enemies faces. Get that in your eyes and it's blinding." Dragon warned her.

"Can we cut the small talk and just go?" Applejack asked in annoyance.

"Sheesh, just trying to make nice talk." Dragon said, as he led the girls off some more.

They reached the lower level where Garble and more of his thugs were taking stock on their goods. Twilight eyed Garble, and spoke to the thief, "There's the guy who nabbed us."

"And he's got our phones." Rarity motioned to their phones still on the desk.

"I'll handle this." Dragon said, as he pulled out one of his exploding stars, and threw it down into a corner.

The star exploded grabbing the attention of Garble and the others, "What's going on?" he demanded, as several thugs went to check it out.

Dragon smirked, and handed some of his stars to Applejack and Rainbow, "Throw them all around. I'll grab your phones."

Applejack and Rainbow abiding by Dragon's request started throwing the stars around the ground level making them explode. The explosions kept distracting Garble and his boys, while Dragon slipped around before snatching the girls phones. As he pocketed them, he was about to split, until he felt a gun pressed into his back, "Oh, shit." he cursed.

"On your feet!' The thug ordered, as Dragon got to his feet with his hands raised.

Garble walked over with the rest of his men, and spoke, "So the Master Thief has come to rob us of our goods. We knew this may eventually happen."

"I ain't interested in looting you mooks of your cash or fancy weapons." Dragon spat.

"Then why come here?" Fume asked.

"I'm interested in a different type of loot you have... Your captives." he grinned.

Garble was taken aback, "What?" he gasped, before turning to some of his men, "Check the rooms!"

"Don't bother," Dragon replied, "I've already released them. They're miles away now." The girls watched seeing his bluff was saving them.

Garble growled, before smirking, "No matter. We got something just as good. Imagine the profit we'll make if we turn you over to the fuzz. We'll be set for life." he laughed.

Above them, Rainbow saw they had one exploding star left. She grabbed it and concentrated, "Just a little bit to the left, and perfect." she threw the star down landing behind Garble. The star exploded throwing Garble forward inDragon's direction. The thief dropped and rolled out of the way making Garble crash into his men.

Dragon got up and saw Rainbow up above giving him a thumb's up. The boy smiled, until he saw Garble and his cronies get back up, "Get him!" Garble ordered, as his boys opened fire.

Dragon started running around dodging the bullets and ducking behind crates for cover. The girls watched from above, with Fluttershy feeling worried, "Girls, we gotta help him." she said.

"Why bother?" Applejack asked, "He knew what he was getting into. He can get himself out of it."

"But he saved us, Applejack." Rarity reminded her.

"Yeah. We kinda owe him for it." Pinkie agreed.

"Pinkie's correct," Twilight agreed, "He may be a thief, but he's clearly shown he has an honorable side."

Applejack sighed at their strong points, "So what do we do?"

"We kick their asses our own ways." Rainbow smirked.

"Come on." Twilight said, as they made their way down to the ground level while staying hidden.

As they hid behind a crate, Pinkie smirked, as she reached into her hair pulling out a jar of marbles, "Good thing I always keep these for emergencies." She took the lid off and poured them out. They rolled out along the floor in the direction of the thugs. As the crooks were running to catch Dragon, they ended up slipping on the spilled marbles.

Dragon hearing the guns stopped, climbed up onto the crate he was hiding behind seeing the ones who were shooting at him were on the floor. Garble pulled out a walkie talkie and spoke into it, "Get in here, you idiots!"

Piling into the building were more of Garble's thugs who ran at Dragon, who jumped down and started fighting them hand to hand. The girls watched from safety as the thief was taking them on like they were nothing, and his maneuvering and combat style made it look like he was dancing which greatly impressed both Rarity and Rainbow Dash.

"Looks like our thief hero has some company." Applejack noticed some more grunts coming around from behind.

"So let's give him a hand." Rainbow said, as she ran over and grabbed a metal bar.

Applejack grabbed the other end, and the two were running up to the grunts from behind, "Step up to the bar, boys!" Applejack called, as they ended up tripping the mooks up.

Dragon after knocking out the rest of the thugs, looked to the two girls, and felt impressed before speaking, "Not bad. You two have the makings of fine assistants."

Applejack was appalled at his words, "I don't want anything to do with the life of stealing." she crossed her arms.

"Assistant to the master thief?" Rainbow pondered, "Actually, that sounds kinda cool."

Unknown to Dragon, Garble was coming up from behind him with a knife ready to stab him. Applejack seeing him shouted, "Down!" Dragon ducked, as Applejack swung the bar around hitting Garble's head distorting him.

Dragon taking advantage of the situation, slugged Garble in the face knocking him out cold. He turned to Applejack and smirked, "I knew my charm would win you over."

Rainbow sneered at A.J, who blushed before looking away, "I was just repaying the debt for saving my hide, ya crook."

"That's fair," Dragon admitted, "And here are your phones back." he gave the girls their phones.

"Thank you so much for all you've done for us." Fluttershy thanked him.

"No problem. Just remember this was a one time thing."

"We'll remember." Pinkie promised.

"Well, I better get out of here before the cops show up. Hope you all have a better night."

Twilight hearing that sighed before speaking, "I'm not sure I want to go back home."

"What?" Dragon asked in confusion.

"Twilight, whatever do you mean?" Rarity asked in confusion.

"Cadence is gonna be worried about ya." Applejack noted.

"Well, that's her problem. After lying to me for a year I don't think I can stay with her anymore."

"What'd she even lie to you about?" Fluttershy wondered.

Twilight sighed knowing she had to tell them, while Dragon secretly was afraid of how they'd take it. The girl explained, "Cadence has been seeing Spike for over a year now."

"She what?!" the girls gasped.

"Are you serious?" Applejack asked.

"Yes. I saw them in the auditorium making out!" she cried.

"You saw our drama teacher making out with our history teacher?" Rainbow asked in disbelief.

"Yes. I had to get out of there when it started getting too raunchy." Twilight shuddered.

"Why would she do that? Why would Ms. Cadenza lie about something like this?" Fluttershy had a hand to her mouth.

"Because she knew how I would take it." Twilight replied.

"Well, of all the nerve," Applejack frowned, "Our best friend since we were kids was making out with your brother's widow?"

Dragon secretly cringed knowing he would never be able to face his friends the same way again, until Twilight spoke up, "Don't take it out on Spike, Applejack."

"Twilight?" A.J asked.

"Spike is our teacher first and foremost, no matter how hard we look at it," Twilight shed a tear, "Deep down I knew it would never work out until we graduated. But Cadence went ahead and snatched him up even though she knew how much I love him."

'Oh, Twilight?' Dragon thought in despair.

Twilight cried, "I just don't think I can ever face Cadence again after this betrayal."

"Oh, darling." Rarity said, as she and the girls tried to calm her.

Dragon seeing Twilight in a fragile state knew it was time she received that talking too he promised Cadence. He spoke up, "Twilight, I can't say I know what you're going through. But what I do know about family is sometimes they lie to you. It hurts, but sometimes it's easier to tell a lie than to deliver a painful truth. But running away from family is only going to bring you more pain. I'm not telling you to make up with her, but I am saying that family doesn't walk away from family, especially if they have nothing but anger on the mind. You should respect the people in your life no matter how much they hurt you. Because you never know, the last time you see them may end up being the last time you ever see them again."

The girls were in shock at the thief delivering such words of wisdom. Twilight however looked at Dragon and could almost see a bit of Shining Armor and even Spike in him. She smiled from hearing his words and spoke, "Ok, Dragon. I'll go back home."

Dragon smiled, "Good answer." the group suddenly heard police sirens closing in.

"It's the cops!" Pinkie gasped.

"And that would be my cue to exit," Dragon said, as his glider wings spread, "Listen I'd appreciate it if ya didn't tell the cops about me, you know..."

"Our lips our sealed." Twilight replied.

"Then it's time for me to go." Dragon was ready to take off, until Rarity stopped him.

"A moment, Dragon," she approached him, "Thank you so much for what you've done for us tonight." she leaned over and pecked him on the cheek making him blush, and leaving her friends in shock.

Dragon felt his cheek, before answering, "That was, uh, very generous. Thanks."

"You're welcome." Rarity smiled.

"Later, girls," Dragon took shot off from the ground through one of the open windows in the warehouse. He looked down to see the cops pulling up and going inside. He tapped his earpiece and spoke, "Luna, tell Cadence and Celly the girls are ok, and they're on their way home."

Some time later, Twilight was brought home, and upon going inside Twilight was embraced by Cadence who was sobbing, "Twilight! I'm so glad you're all right. If anything happened to you, I-I'd..."

Twilight knowing Cadence really did feel glad she was all right, still wasn't about to forgive her so quickly, and spoke stoically, "It's been a long day, Cadence. I'm going to bed."

Cadence let go of her knowing she was still bitter from earlier, "Yes, I understand," As Twilight walked up the stairs, Cadence spoke up, "Twilight... I'm so sorry."

Twilight answered, "I know." what Cadence didn't know was Twilight had tears in her eyes, as she answered her. Twilight went into her room and closed the door. She removed her dress and laid on her bed in her undergarments not even bothering to change into her sleepwear. She reached off to her dresser and grabbed a picture of her and Spike together outside the school when they were Freshmen. She smiled sadly at the picture before hugging it.

At Spike's place, Spike was sitting in his chair tired and exhausted. Celestia came in and spoke, "Cadence says Twilight's fine, Master. Only a bit shaken up."

"Can't blame her. After what she and the others went through, it'd be crazy not to feel a little stressed." he replied.

"Cadence was worried, Twilight wasn't going to come home at all." Celestia added.

"I know. Guess my lecture really got through to her," Spike smiled, before sighing, "Still, things aren't going to be the same with me and the girls now because of this. Twilight flat out told the girls she loves me. How am I not going to feel awkward around her after all this?"

"You just do what you've always done, Master. Be yourself. Perhaps one day Twilight and the others will understand."

"If only." Spike sighed.

Meanwhile in the office of Tirek, one of the mooks who got away from the crime scene was presented before the mob boss, "Garble and the others have been arrested, sir."

Tirek sighed, "More of my precious money used for bail. And how did they get busted?"

"It was Dragon, sir."

"Dragon?" Tirek asked in confusion, "What would he be doing there? Raiding our ilegal weapons and hoarded money?"

"No, boss. He was there for the captives we picked up."

"Captives? Who were they?" the gangster asked feeling intrigued.

"Six high school girls. One of them we recognized as Twilight Sparkle, the little sister to Lieutenant Shining Armor of the Police Force who died awhile back."

"Oh, yes. He was all the talk of the news. Especially when it was revealed his former partner killed him. Still, why would a petty crook go out of his way to help six school girls?" Tirek pondered.

"You think the thief's going straight?"

"Doubtful. But this has provided us with some very useful information. Yeeees..." Tirek smirked, as he drummed his fingers, "I want you to find out all you can on these girls. They may be the key to the Dragon's undoing."