To My Libertine with Love,

"So what now?" asked Crimson. Looking to the dragon for an answer, "Did you even think this far ahead?" Eyes wide, she peered over the steep edge. It had to be at least thousand foot drop. The escapees weren't going to be flying out of there any time soon either - knucker wings are too small and useless for flight of any sort. Crimson supposed climbing was an option, but it wasn't fast enough. By now the guards were probably at full alert, and in full search of the fugitives. Crimson was beginning to doubt her new acquaintance's plan yet again. It was a slow, creeping feeling that things were not going to work out. She began imagining the consequences for her actions. How many more years was she going to be sentenced to? She should have never gone along with the dragon - then again it was kind of fun...

"I did," postured Manfred. He straightened up, taking slight offence to the questioning of his master plan. "This is the part where you come in," he stated with a smile. Manfred's comment snapped Crimson out of her troubling thoughts.

Crimson's eyes widened in surprise, she squealed, "Me?"

Over the cliff, past boulders below, across a winding river, and beyond a thick of woods stood a solitary hill. The dragon nodded and pointed to the shadowy formation in the distance. He said, "Right over there should be nice. You see that lone hill?"

He stooped to the mare's level and directed her gaze towards the formation. "It's a clear line of sight," he said frankly, "It should be easy for you."

Her face deadpanned. Crimson was at a complete loss - she was utterly bamboozled. Just what in Tartarus was the crazy beast talking about now?  For Celestia's sake, what's all this to do with a bucking hill?  She stared into the dragons unblinking eyes, wondering if it was some sort of sick joke. The mare's doubts surrounding the plan's integrity resurfaced.

Seeing the mare's puzzled look, the dragon face clawed. He grunted,“I should have elaborated, seeing as you obviously don’t understand.”  He leaned and whispered close to the mare’s ear, “Teleport us there now, please?”

Realizing the dragon’s implication, Crimson was taken aback for a moment. “You do realize that's like seven - ten miles away, right?” She gawked in disbelief, trying to take it all in. “Seriously?” she iterated.

“What kind of Canterlot Concubine are you, that can’t teleport? Haven’t you ever been it a fix before?” dubiously questioned the dragon. His eyes were wide with bewilderment. Despite his defensive attitude, he mentally slapped himself. He'd foolishly jumped to conclusions assuming the magical prowess of his cellmate. Listening intently, the dragon awaited a reply, thinking he should have said something more... reasonable.

“Oh, no - I never said I couldn't teleport,” vindicated the unicorn, “I just can’t teleport crazy bucking distances!"

The ponies' tone rose a bit.

Crimson absolved,"What do you think I am some kind of bucking prodigy? Even with a clear line of sight, something that lofty would certainly end quite badly; and with two subjects… impossible!"  She looked at the dragon with slight disgust, frowning gently.

Manfred stroked his strong chin, and then let out a heavy sight. The mare was right. He bucked up. By the Acheron, there was no way something like that could be pulled simply out of one's plot... not unless one was exceptionally gifted, and alicorn, or both. The dragon introspectively came to terms with his own oversight. Teamwork was paramount considering the circumstances, and despite being a dragon, Manfred had an appetite for swallowing pride.

“Sorry,” said the dragon, “I just got carried away with my schemes… how far can you teleport with relative ease, really?” He turned to the mare looking for a reply. On edge, he waited intently for her answer which would spell their doom, or deliverance.

"Believe it or not, I am sort of gifted," she said confidently; almost smirking, but quickly hiding it. "But I'm not insane!" she glared at Manfred. She spoke preemptively, fearing another one of Manfred inflammatory comebacks… even if some of them were true. The unicorn stood firm on the rocky crag, almost demanding apology.

"Alright, alright! Sheesh! I’m over eighteen thousand years old, give me a break,” said the dragon, rolling his eyes. The pony looked at him with yet another perplexed look. Manfred and his big mouth! Why couldn't he just let things go?

“Wait, what? You’re how old?” asked Crimson; her green eyes widening larger than the moon.

“Never mind that mare! Just how far can you go, already? Time is of the essence," said the dragon impatiently, tapping his wrist. Manfred was getting anxious. They had been standing on the exposed rock for too long. Any minuet now, a passing patrol could pick them up. He lowered himself slightly to the ground, eyes looking round. The dragon scanned the cloudless sky, the stars burning like torches. Moon beams scrapped against the cliff side.

It was then Crimson saw it - a particular look in Manfred's countenance. Against the shimmering moonlight, there shone a glimmer in the dragon's eyes. It was a childish concern - a look of pure fear. In her line of work, that very look was something Crimson had become accustomed too - an unflappable face with uneasy eyes. She never expected it to surface in such a mighty creature such as Manfred. He was obviously experienced and confidant, but his sublime begged to differ. It was oddly comforting for Crimson to know she wan't alone in her feelings. The dragon caught her staring, and the mare's tunnel vision dissipated.

“Don’t be impatient with me,” she said, with a velvety undertone. Switching to an even calmer tone, she said, “Five at the maximum. I can go about five miles with relative ease, but doing so will leave me exhausted, so plan on carrying me.” The mare looked off into the distance with an affirmative demeanor of courage. Manfred couldn't discern anything from the look. Was she confident, or betting on her abilities? The dragon, though experienced, couldn't tell.

"This mare is one of a kind," thought the drake, "No wonder she was in the same prison cell as me."

None the less, the dragon whistled with delight. “That’s just enough to get us past the riviera. Thank you! Lady Luck!” he cheered. The drake whirled around knowing his plan was going to work after all. The foolish merriment brought a little smile to Crimson's placid face.

"He is kinda funny, isn't he," the mare thought, "I just can't imagine this guy being Equestria's Most Wanted."

Turning to Crimson, Manfred met her at eye level. Staring intently into her gaze he spoke calmly, yet affirmatively. His deep voice resonated against the rocks, and traveled back into the darkened cave.

“Let’s do it!”

The dragon's intense stare caught the mare off guard. She blushed, obviously taking the phrase out of context. Manfred mentally slapped himself again, leaning back hesitantly, surveying the mare's surprised look. Her blank stare was a red flag. What had he just said?

The red drake though to himself, “What the buck, Manfred! Why did you have to say it like that? You horn dog, this isn't the time, let alone the place - last thing you need is her to buck things up due to lack of concentration!”

The dragons quickly corrected his nuance, “I didn't mean it like that… really...”

It wasn't helping. He couldn't take it back. What was said was said. The phrase drifted through time like a fat drip, endlessly strung out on a clothesline of shame. So shocked was the mare, her heart skipped a beat.

Crimson's face was ripe with chagrin. She managed to utter, “Oh.”

“Yea, could we please teleport now?” he asked plainly, "It's getting quite brisk out here."

But it was quite the opposite. Things were about to heat up, for realz.

“Certainly,” replied Crimson in an uneven tone. She was dumbfounded by the dragon's salaciousness.

“Stand here,” she said, motioning to a spot of rock next to her. Crimson readied her incantation. Focusing on her magic, a green glow brightened her eyes, and horn. The dazzling emerald aura enveloped her in preparation for the massive jump.

Hesitantly, following Crimson's request, the dragon got within a respectful distance. He was timorous to move any closer - partly out of embarrassment, and out of dreaded anticipation. He had also forgotten how much he hated teleportations. Oh, how he loathed them. He'd seen too many buck ups in his time.

“Closer,” said Crimson.

She looked at the dragon’s powerful figure as he moved again. His sleek serpentine body was accentuated with muscle. It was at that moment, the duo locked gazes. Their eyes met for the longest time. It was a deep yearning, they could see it in each-other's stare. For a moment, the unicorn's magical aura faded - heavenly stupefaction. In the crystal moonlight, the dragon saw a little filly trapped inside Crimson's green orbs. Her past seemed to stream forward without spoken word. Although he wouldn't admit it, his attraction was immediate, and strong like a hammer on anvil. Intimacy and desire exchange in the glance. No words of endearment can describe such a moment. In the spotlight of Luna's Orb, two souls, hearkened by fate, intertwined. Discovery reciprocated between the two bodies, like an unrelenting river; even if the two were not willing to admit it aloud.

The dragon inched closer, but barely. He looked at the mare, as if to pose a question, his eyes still caught in hers.

“More,” urged Crimson. Her breath grew terse as Manfred came closer. A sudden numinous stillness hung in the air.

Manfred scooted even nearer. He was now standing so close to her side he could lean against Crimson. The two bodies touched with a quiver of lust.

“Closer,” exhaled the mare. Her face was turning to full blush.

Manfred was now literally hugging Crimson, let alone groping her. The mortified mare's facial flush flared as she blinked rapidly; fighting a childish smile. So close were the two, they could feel each other’s heart beat which were racing like stampeding horses. Like a pair of shy fillies, the duo awkwardly broke eye contact. Manfred cleared his throat uncomfortably, trying to think of something to say, something clever, but his sharp mind was dulled by Crimsons close proximity. He tapped a claw in anticipation. Crimson flicked her long hair bashfully, trying her best to suppress the excited trembles emanating from her body. Manfred was the first to break the silence.

Manfred chortled, “Geeze mare, you could have just asked me to hump you." His face fidgeted with an graceless smile. Crude humor - a males best ally in a pinch.

“Oh, shut up,” retorted Crimson. Her patchy tone suggested otherwise. Still, Crimson looked on confidently across the forest below. The green glow returned to her visage.

With a flash of light, the two disappeared.

...

There was a whirl of strange visions - light and sound - and then the two arrived. Manfred felt a chill run all throughout him. Teleportations always left him with a strange taste of copper in his mouth and a woozy brain. Perhaps it was something unicorns where just used to.

Manfred looked at Crimson, who was now resting against his side, totally out of it. She looked peaceful asleep. Gently coiling his powerful tail around her middle again, he picked her up, keeping her limp form safely cradled in his embrace. Manfred could travel hundreds of miles wrapped round huge boulders. Toting Crimson's slender frame would be easy; in fact, too easy. As a constrictor, Manfred needed to take extra care not to crush her. Unlike when she was awake, there would be no verbal feedback from the potentially suffocating subject.

Manfred glanced about, gaining his bearings. To his utter surprise he was nowhere close to the intended destination. In fact, they were five miles beyond the riviera.

Manfred whistled. She really had done it after all. He peered back at her heavenly visage. Crimson looked unreal, like a rose veiled within the red bouquet of Manfred's tail.

"I need to stop gawking and get walking," thought Manfred.

Like a arrow from a bow; like a bolt from a cloud, Manfred sprinted off into forest. He knew the way like the back of his claw. A true explorer, navigating the whole of Equestria - and then some - was second nature to him. Aided by night vision, the journey was  a duesy. The fire serpent graced through forest foliage with greatest ease, and covert rapidity. Manfred was in a trance like state; like something otherworldly. With the movement a soaring falcon's shadow, he soundlessly pranced along. Bounding and leaping, the athlete made his way. Over fallen trunks, under low branches, around hairpin turns. Tree to tree, stone to stone, stump to stump; he shifted like a phantom. Untraceable in his locomotion, he whipped like wind in a willow, a gale of intangible force. Passerby would have only felt a slight breeze, a caress of air, but nothing more than the silence of midnight.

Manfred want on, hill over hill, in attempts to distance himself from the capitol. The cool air of night soothed his hot sweat. He had been running for four hours, covering perhaps forty or fifty miles. Manfred prided himself in his suburb athletic skill. Feeling there was sufficient distance between him and imprisonment, the dragon decided to take a short break.

So far he had not directed any scouts. The skies and terrain had been clear the whole night. Surly Luna, or somepony else in Canterlot had detected Crimson's magic burst?

A thought dawned on Manfred.

Had Crimson cast an additional spell? Perhaps she had also let forth a magical pressure suppression incantation, cloaking the release. Despite his fanciful thoughts, the drake had learned his lesson. Just because he was enamored with the unicorn, didn't mean he was about to go make another potentially costly assumption.

For now, Manfred would remain on high alert. Beside a trickling brook Manfred laid Crimson's resting body onto a soft patch of moss. He then stooped to take a sip. A sip became a gulp, and a gulp became a became drink, and a drink a guzzle. Imbibing the soothing waters, he was drawn in. Pretty soon the dragon himself bathing in the brook itself, cooling his exhausted body.

...

Earlier that night.

Princess Luna felt it. The feeling was a spark in the darkness, streaming against an ebony veil. Although faint, Luna was sensitive, and experienced enough to discern the spell's relative locality and prowess. To the west, somepony had preformed a very powerful spell - even by her standards. And to add, they had attempted to conceal it - suggesting nefarious intention. If Luna hadn't been fully aware, she wouldn't have sensed it.

Princess Celestia and Princess Twilight Sparkle had long since retired from their nightly star gazing, so they weren't a possible explanation. The only-thing west of the palace was the valley - with no inhabitants. Who or what could it have possibly been?

The answer hit her like a falling brick. Why hadn't she thought of it first?!

In a fit, Luna gasped,"Gah, We are so foolish! Guards! Unto me!" She knew exactly what was up.

At the hail of the Princesses' beckon, twenty guards filed into the throne room. Unnerved from the lull of an uneventful day, they sentinels managed to stand at attention. Faces strewn with confusion, they quickly discarding their overt bewilderment in Luna's presence.

Luna paused to collect her thoughts, may of which had spilled into anger. He visage was full of rage.

In her authoritative tone she barked orders, "All available guards are to be summoned to station immediately! Time is of the essence. Our enemy is slipping through our hooves as We speak!" The look on her face was fierce. "Notify the dungeon guards - tell them to check the dragon's cell!"

Some of the guards looked at each other, others just stood still.

"NOW!"

The sentinels scrambled, some almost tripping over one another.  Out of the room like scared crows the guards went, fear of the goddess in their eyes. What ever she wanted needed to be done yesterday.

Moments later a guard hurried into the throne room, and addressed the princess, "My Lady Luna, the prisoner M-Manfred is... he's... he's..."

Leaning in, Luna shouted a the bumbling foal,"Cease the holding of thy tongue!"

Drained by fear, the guard's face was alabaster as flawless marble.

"Manfred is gone," he whimpered. Averting his eyes, the colt anticipated a one way trip to the moon.

Cool flame burning, Luna soared out of the throne room, her eyes alight with pure anger. The solitary guard stood frozen with fear, not knowing quite what to think. The sight was awful, in ever sense of the word. There was a dark aura that formed around the monarch. It seemingly sucked happiness from the very air. Heart skipping, the informant was petrified with sheer terror. In a flash, the princess was gone; leaving the guard staring at an empty spot just above the high doorway, trying to regain his breath.

Soon afterwards, another guard poked his head in. Curious, the stallion asked, "Damn dude, what did you say to piss her off?"

"I-I d-don't even... buck," stuttered the messenger. With that, he fell over.

...

In the recesses of the palace dungeon, Luna burst past gawking guards. Turing the vaulted door opening, she rushed into the prisoner cell. She stopped and stared into the gaping blast hole. Her face deadpanned. "How?!" The anger in her eyes steamed to a boil, overflowing. Her mane whipped about excitably, exhibiting her inner ire. Stomping a hoof, the entire earth shook under the blow. Fearing a cave in, the guards shook in terror.

Upon seeing the terrified expressions of the guards, Luna forced herself to calm down. She let out a frustrated sigh, trembling, but regained noble posture.

"Manfred the Clever, you know, he is your primary target. Along with him, the one called Crimson Aura. Dispatch guards in all directions, I don't care, just find them!" spoke Luna.

She turned, and glared. Loathing stirred in her voice,"Just make sure to bring him back alive."

With their new ultimatum made absolutely clear as crystal, the Royal Guards rushed to duty. The search for the Master Thief was on. Luna would let her sister sleep soundly one more night. The Princess of Night waited; awaiting the deliverance of the bastard thief, with a reserved hate burning within for the Jackal of Shadows. The reason for her loathing was simple. Manfred was the one who defiled the night. He abused her gift of darkness to torment others - something she took very, very personally. As for Crimson Aura, her occupation disgusted Luna. Selling ones body for money? What an abhorrence! Together, the two were like salt in an open wound. A wound in Luna's side, she was looking to cure her affliction.

...

Back at the flowing brook.

While Manfred wallowed in the water, Crimson was sound asleep on the mossy rock. In exhaust rest, her dreams were deep like an empty well. Manfred stopped in his merriment to view his beloved... cell mate. He struggles to admit it, to come to terms with his admiration... was he actually in love? Was this how it worked? After so long, with nopony, but himself. Manfred had become foreign to any notion of admiration, or endearment. Intimacy was not familiar to the dragon. He had been alone most of his life, drifting from shadow to shadow. A vagrant wandering in a strange land unknown, despite the familiarity. Damn immortality!

Manfred beheld Crimson again. She was still resting on the rock. He flowing mane was strewn across the mossy bedding like elegant lace. Eyes shut, concealing her alluring irises, the mare slept unaware of the ever present danger. The ponies' delicate chest rose and fell, her graceful breathing nuzzling the leafy green embellishment. With the appearance of a masterpiece frozen in time, Crimson was a good dream pulled from the depths of restful sleep. She was the envy of majesty and the resentment of sunsets. Mounted like a jewel, her brilliant radiance challenged the stars, her coat glistening like silk. Manfred's eyes imbibed the beauty like an exquisite drink, savoring the overwhelming exquisiteness.

He heard it. The distinct brushing of feathers - Pegasus feathers. Above in the sky, the sound drew closer, from the west.

With his ultimate insight, Manfred thought, "So she did detect us after all? Stupid Luna, again you have overestimated me out of your anger."

From the sound of the wing beats - from the very sound alone - Manfred could tell the intention. Slow, droopy, and arduous. A long flight. Perhaps one hundred miles? A stiff overbearing - twice what Manfred actually had accomplished. Flying too high, the dumb bastards must have given up searching; their too tired, fearing the'll run into something.

Despite this, Manfred crawled out of the water and draped himself over Crimson. His cool body meshed with the signature of the rocks. In this way, the guard's thermal imaging goggles wouldn't pick anything up.

"Dumb Pegasus," he thought, "All too reliant on modern methods." He smiled to himself, internally laughing at the horrendous irony.

It was then, the dragon got cocky. His second mistake was bitter. Instead of playing it safe, by waiting few more minuets, he got up immediately. The cruel hand of Fate acts swiftly on hasty fools. Manfred was unaware of the Lunar Guard, which was shadowing the palace regulars. Their quiet wings descended upon the dragon's moment by the brook. Their nocturnal eyes transfixed on the dragon. From all angles, they moved in silently surrounding the dragon.

Manfred knew it, but he was too late. The cast of a shadow brute, and the quiet crinkle of underbrush. Manfred pulled Crimson close, and wrapped his velvet coils around her. He stooped low, and retreated back into the brook. He was conspicuous, they were planning to strike any moment. He saw it. The luminescent eyes of the Lunar Guard dancing like fireflies in the surrounding darkness. By the feel, there were ten to twenty - more than Manfred could take while burdened with Crimsons limp body.

As the glowing orbs closed in, Manfred sulked back into the water way. Now standing in the shallows, he brought himself low to the still waters surface.

This time its was the Lunar Guard's turn to get cocky. Manfred seized the upper hand with his intellect. Grabbing a claw full of stones from under the reflective pool, Manfred let out a strong burst of flame into the water. The intense heat instantly boiled the water's surface, billowing out a heavy cloak of steam. Its thick cloud engulfed the surrounding area. Manfred tossed the rocks off into the forest, waited a mere second, and then bolted off in the opposite direction.

Breaking form the concealment of the steam, he sprinted through the woods at top speed. I his mind, he had the battle laid out. By now the guards had discerned his ruse. They would be hot on his heel claws, but not for long. Nearby the brook, there stood a lone escarpment. It was large rocky outcropping that protruded out above the forest canopy. Bellow, near its base, there was a place Manfred knew well. A former troll cave, the hallow had been cleared out long ago, but it would afford Manfred an advantage. Its narrow passages and unfamiliar territory would prove advantageous. An the cave had a secret - the cave was adjunct to a shallow rift leading South. Through there, Manfred planned to flee.

Dragon dashing into the cave, the guards lost sight of Manfred. The night sentinels harked into the darkness, calling for reinforcement, feeling their prospect close at hoof. Intensity rose in their lustrous eyes, as they viewed the cave entrance. As the squad approached the cave, a large flame roared from the gaping darkness. The searing inferno caught them in their haughtiness. Backing off a safe distance the guards waited, reluctant to advance. Realization of the dragons superiority dawned.

"What the buck are you doing just standing there?" commanded a masculine voice. The guards turned to see who it was. Flash Sentry came soaring in, and landed heavily among those assembled. He stood battle ready with a commanding stature.

Flash spoke mockingly towards the cave, "Why so hesitant? It's just one measly dragon colts! I could took him with a single kick, and I'll do it again!"

Upon hearing Flash's voice, Manfred let out a low rumble of annoyance. "Taking me will be akin to swimming the Styx, mortal! I promise you no mercy!"

Flash Sentry was taken aback. He thought to himself, "This couldn't be the same dragon he so easily took down?"

Flash retorted, "Shut up Manfred! Your run was over the second I took to the sky. Now surrender, or me and my colts will have no other choice but to resort to force!

"That's Manfred the Clever, to you! Come and take, you ruttish tickle-brained knave!"

"Pfff!" huffed Flash. It was hard for him to ignore the dragon's inflammatory marks. There was just something about Manfred that pissed him off. Just then, Manfred let off another ferocious burst, out of the cave mouth, pushing back the squad. Its tempered edge licked the rocks with furry and left the ground burnt and dry. The intense radiant heat produced was a deterrent in itself.

With the guards stymied outside, Manfred collected his wits, and began to scheme. He could simply retreat, hoping his speed would avail him, of course there was the accursed Flash Sentry to worry about... Manfred was decided, make a mad dash, and stave off any rearward progress with dragon flame, but there was one last thing he wanted to do. It would be his little parting gift for the Royal Guards Ponies - they would never see it coming.

A couple of moments had passed since Manfred had fled into the cave, when all of a sudden there was a holler. From within the rocky confines, Manfred's voice bellowed, "Hey Flash, after all this is over, say hello to your marefriend Twilight for me!"

Flash Sentry couldn't stop himself. How dare such a filthy creature talk about the Princess in such an insolent manner! He was a dead beast!

Flash yelled at the top of his lungs, "Why you, BASTARD CUR!" With that, the Pegasus soared towards the entrance. Like and arrow he flew, zipping right into the cavern hollow. Manfred could have easily barbecued the poor fool, but that wasn't in his plan.

To the pegasus's surprise, Manfred was no were in sight. The cave was empty.

Screaming into the dark, the pegasus wailed. "Show yourself coward! Weakling drake!" postured the Pegasus in frustration. He looked all around, anger in his eyes. The other guardscolts filled into the cave, with equally surprised looks.

"HEY," eccohed Manfreds voice. Out of a narrow crevice, the yell emanated from cavern's rear. Immediately the guards ponies bolted towards the passage, all too eager in the pursuit of Manfred. It was then Flash realized the danger. Against the glistening lime stone, he could see a faint, shadowy line drawn across the portal. A trip wire.

"GET BACK...!" started Flash, but it was too late.

Bait laid,

Trap sprung,

Deed done.

The wall adjunct to the passage lit up red in magical brilliance. Imbued fire energy; archaic rune heated the porous rock.

Sizzle  CRACK  BOOM!

Like a gun bore, the impressive, chest thumping blast gutted the cavern. Ridiculous rock spalled every-which-way, plastering the guards. Flash Sentry dove for cover, the world erupting about him like a hurricane. Head spinning, ears ringing, body stinging; the pegasus recovered to discover the passage was sealed shut by collapsed rock.

A deep feeling hit the young colt. His stomach turned, as the weight of combat began to sink in. Looking towards his wounded comrades, his mind sank from hate, to terror, to sadness, and then to fear. Letting out a wheezing gasp, Flash vainly attempted to steady himself; but he couldn't take it. Exhaustiveness overtook the pony - he collapsed on the scorched floor. Blackness overtook Flash Sentries' throbbing vision. Deeper and deeper he sank into incapacitated sleep.

Meanwhile, Manfred made his way through the dark cave system. After a while, when he realized no beast else was following, the dragon's hurried pace slowed. Eventually, he stopped under narrow skylight. Feeling relative safety at last, the dragon unfurled Crimson upon the floor. He then took to his own rest. Closing his eyes, the drake drifted off into his dreams.

Manfred bore a simper on his face while he slumbered - he hadn't been able to dream in ages.