To My Libertine with Love,

by Fafnir

Rating: teen
Tags: Romance, Adventure
Length: 8864

When it comes to taunts, tricks, and riddles - Manfred the Cleaver is unmatched. The runt of his litter, he used trickery to survive, but as an adult he has turned his skills over to a new profession - thievery. Now he plans to rob the royal palace.

[size=1.5em]Prince of Pilfer[/size]

[size=1.5em]Sovereign of Swindle[/size]

[size=1.5em]Thief of Thieves[/size]

Manfred the Clever is the greatest burglar of all time. Ever since he was a baby dragon, he enjoyed cheating beasts out of their possessions. Loathed and hunted by all, he is seen as the greatest threat to Equestria, and when Princess Celestia finally manages to capture him – he doesn't like it one bit. The thief is determined to get the tyrant back, but does he know what he’s getting himself into?

In the dungeons of the Royal Palace, Manfred meets a peculiar mare. He soon discovers she has a hidden talent that will allow him to finally seize Equestria's Royal Jewels once and for all, but will his heart get stolen first?

Stick it to the Mare!

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-03-07 00:38:53 UTC

The Rose and the Ruse

The dungeon was dank and musty. Its narrow, dimly lit passages winded down into the earth under Canterlot Castle. It was a place few offenders returned from. Enemies of the crown, misanthropes, wrongdoers, serial killers; all the scum of Equestria ended up in this sanctum of incarceration. The recent arrest of the infamous master thief, Manfred the Clever, would bring a new edition to the underworld prison.

“Un-hand me you filthy scoundrels!” demanded Manfred. This isn’t want he wanted. This isn’t what he wanted at all! The red knucker never expected they’d actually be waiting for him. The royal guards had set a trap - for him of all creatures. Manfred was supposed to be the master of traps! How could this happen?

“Shut up!” yelled the Lunar Guard. He prodded the lanky dragon with his spear butt, “Now get inside!” He took off Manfred’s prisoner hood, and un-cuffed him. The escorts tossed Manfred into the dungeon cell and slammed the iron door shut. A heavy clicking signaled the locking of the door, and his incarceration.

Looking around the surprisingly spacious cell, Manfred inspected what he assumed would be his new home – for the foreseeable future. Having attempted a robbery of Equestria’s Royal Jewels, high treason, he was luck to still be alive.

The dragon had come up from below, beneath the Crow Room through the hypocaust. After being smuggled into the palace in a coal cart, he’d jumped into the furnace, and used his innate fire proof abilities to sneak through the labyrinth of under floor passages. When he finally reached his destination, he simply climbed up one of the chimneys and onto the roof. There he repelled down into the Crow Room using his custom made rope, but they caught him. The Captain of the Guard himself, Flash Sentry, had taken him from behind. Now, an hour later, after being bombasted by Princess Twilight Sparkle, he was in prison – for the first time in over five thousand years.

“Well, looks like I better make myself comfortable,” Manfred yawned. He stretched his red serpentine body across the cold hard floor, something he hadn’t done I a long while. Manfred was a cultured dragon. Knuckers like - and most other water dragon breeds – Manfred, usually inhabit underwater caves; abandon mines, or deep wells. As for this thief, he wasn't one for roughing it. His red slithery scales where accustomed to warm, pillowed beads. With hobbies like writing riddles, and playing chess, he is a refined and intellectual giant. His intellect couldn't be contained by such abominable abodes. Now mind me, he didn't avoid getting dirty from time to time, but he appreciated being able to retreat into the comforts of a real home.

As dragons go, Manfred is pretty small. The runt of his litter, as an adult he is only about three times larger than a full grow colt. Regular full grow Knuckers should reach about two times that size. Due to his small form, Manfred had to adopt more devious methods of survival – methods which would only strengthen him as a kleptomaniac.

From the corner of his yellow eyes, Manfred saw a shadow creeping. The drake acted surprised.

“Holy high Celestia, you scared me!” Manfred yelled. He recoiled backwards against the cavern wall. “Who are you anyway?” Despite his excellent eyesight, the dragon struggled to make out the figure in the dim torch light. He squinted, eye straining, and lowered his postured claws.

“I’m Crimson Aura. Who in Tartarus are you?” asked the shaded stranger. Her voice was soft as silk, and was two tones above a whisper.

“Manfred the Clever, at your service,” said the dragon. He stood up and gave a sarcastic bow.

The mare left the shadows to reveal herself in the dim light. Even in the faint light, Manfred could tell she was very attractive… a peculiar cell mate. Flowing across her majestic curves, the ponies’ long bright red hair almost touched the floor. Her green eyes were more spectacular than emeralds, and her slender cherry form looked like it belonged in a painting. Perhaps there was a hidden danger about her? Manfred was secretly on his guard. The dragon was no stranger to dangerous beauty.

“It is my pleasure to meet you, Crimson Aura,” Manfred flattered, his voice dripping with honey. A pleasantry smile crept across his face.

“You can cut the bull shit dragon,” said the mare frankly. Her tone had changed from inviting to hostile. “I’ve seen the nice guy act before, and I’m not buying into you shenanigans.” Her eyes flared in the light, as her mouth puckered into a line.

Manfred tried not to get taken aback. “Oh, I’m sorry. Whatever do you mean?” Manfred’s yellow orbs met the mare’s green eyes. His poker face was flawless – strikingly genuine. After thousands of years, Manfred was a total manipulator. The thief didn't need to steal candy from babies, creatures practically would hand what he wanted to him, and then some. As for what those who didn't, he took what he wanted without a trace.

“Oh, I thought you were going to flatter me or something…” trailed the Crimson. She notices the look in his eyes. It appeared honest and friendly, and strangely welcoming. He had an impression about him. It seemed even the most grievous insult or comment would melt away under his pleasant demeanor.

Crimson apologized, and said, “Sorry about that. I shouldn’t get off on the wrong hoof with you.” She rubbed her side, slightly embarrassed, but quickly straitened to prevent giving herself away.

“There’s no need for that, where all friends here,” said Manfred, motioning jokingly about the empty cell. “I get that a lot, being a dragon and all. Just don’t worry your little head about it anymore.” He threw in a warm smile for good measure.

There was an awkward silence as the two inspected each other - a female unicorn and a male dragon. What the Tartarus? In the back of his head, Manfred supposed Equestrian jail regulation needed a revision – it didn’t regulate gender separation of unlike species. He quickly wrecked that suggestive thought train, he didn’t need to go off and get enamored with his new cell mate – he needed to escape.

“So, if it’s not too impolite to ask… just how did a delicate thing like does you end up in a gross place like this?” asked Manfred. His inquiry seemed more like a compliment than a question.

The mare’s eyes looked on steadily. She said solemnly, “I’m a lady of the evening. Enough said.”

“Like Fleur Dis Lee?” asked the dragon, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

The mare rolled her eyes, and threw her man, “Please, that bitch? She’s an armature.” Hips swaying, the mare slinked back to the darkness and sat down.

“And you’re in here…” tailed Manfred, tapping his fore claws together, head bowed skeptically.

Crimson ignored the comment, and asked, “What about you dragon? I told you what I’m in for - how about you?” She threw back her long hair again.

“Whether you believe it or not, I tried to steal the crowned jewels!” trumpeted Manfred. He twirled around adding emphasis to his pretentiousness, laughing merrily. “But…” Manfred’s face deadpanned comically, “I got caught.”

“No shit,” said Crimson. “And you’re in here,” she added mockingly.

“Yes, yes…” pondered Manfred. Oh, how the dragon liked a good back talking. It made thing more interesting.

The awkward silence came again, but the air was less tense.

“So just who do you think you are stealing something like that, hu Manfred?” interrogated Crimson, “Some kind of master thief?” She chuckled at the notion.

“Mare, wouldn't you like to know,” thought Manfred.

“Actually I am. I’m the one all of Equestria has been looking for… You know the one with thirty thousand bits on his head?” piped Manfred. He looked deep into Crimsons eyes, he was actually telling the truth.

“No way?” said Crimson, jaw agape. She quickly dispelled her gawk, replacing it with a more fastidious look.

“Yes way!” Manfred sung, with a ring in his voice, “I’m most wanted… or was, at least. But getting caught is half the fun!”

The dragon looked about the room, and then back to Crimson Aura. He had a smile forming on his face.

“New plan,” he said abruptly, the crude smile complete. The smile was so devious; Crimson had a sinking feeling, the kind you get when you’re expecting something great to happen. Like right before your favorite team wins a game, or when you turn in a test knowing you aced it because it was too easy.

“So how long have you been in here,” asked the dragon, “And seeing as you’re a unicorn, why not just teleport out.”

Crimson sighed. “First off where hundreds of feet under the surface. Even Star Swirl the Bearded himself would have had trouble pulling off something like that… plus there is this anti magic hex on the whole place,” Crimson recited, “Any questions?” She added cheekily with a grin, whirling her hoof about with sarcastic emphasis.

“Nope,   that’s about it,” clicked the dragon. Manfred was busily checking the cavern’s walls, meticulously inspecting every inch. He rapped his claw on the hard surface in even intervals, while holding his ear near the wall listening intently.

“What in Tartarus is he doing?” thought Crimson. That dragon was insane. He was pacing round and round like a lunatic, stroking his own tail. He mumbled to himself like a madbeast. Was this some short of cruel punishment from the Princess herself? “Well, at least he’s not hard to look at,” she thought, “Wait! What am I thinking?” She shook her head, dispelling the though.

The dragon stopped and stared at the mare. “I’m actual older than I look, Crimson.” His face was without emotion. He stated it so matter-of-factly; it almost knocked Crimson off her balance.

“What? I didn’t say anything,” she defended, snapping out of her trance.

“Do you mind if I tell you a story about my youth?” asked the dragon, “I promise it won’t be a bore… stop me whenever you like, anyway. I just like to speak aloud when I’m thinking, is that ok?”

“OK?” Crimson didn’t quit agree, but seeing as she’d been stuck in solitary for two years, it was more appealing than it would have sounded given another place and time. She shrugged.

“Well, well,” smacked the drake, “Where should I begin?”

…

To understand me you have to understand my past. I was born a runt. My brothers and sisters were far better equipped for survival than I was. Being was not particularly big or strong; although fast, it was difficult for me to take down prey. For little me, I would have surely starved were it not for my own brains. I was forced to make do with my natural talents - which turned out to be better in the end. I have far outlived all of my relatives… by the Styx, I've outlive legends…

...

The bigger one growled at Manfred. "Get out of the way, runt! Unless you want to die!" The oldest, Thorn, brandished his teeth, and slapped his tail in a show of force.

"OK! OK!" surrendered Manfred, as he was tossed aside. Manfred was angry. His big brother, yet again, was pilfering his catch.

"What a bastard," thought Manfred. His stomach growled as he watched his old brother wolf down the rabbit he'd just killed. After hours of tracking and stalking, all just for this. It happened every time. It was like they wanted him dead.

Soft light filtered down through the branches of the oak. Manfred lay in the checkered shade, stomach empty. He was going to die if he didn't kill something to eat. It had been three weeks since he'd last eaten, and five since he left the nest. Mother had grown dangerous. The little dragon laid there, thinking to what to do. Letting out a heavy sigh of sadness, the leaves in front of him scattered. Dust blew up into the runts face, and he breathed it in. The little guy spent the next minute and a half sneezing and itching his nose. He reared up, and stumbled backwards into a thicket.

Tired and hungry he lay there. Thinking about what it was going to feel like to die starving.

"If only I could catch things without actually hunting," moped Manfred. He rubbed his eyes, the tears were starting to flow. The dragon laid there for several more moments, wallowing in self pity. Soon the tears had dried, and he licked the slat. Looking up, the dragon could see sun light flowing through the thicket. It was then he saw it. A singles fibrous strand, lying across the gaping opening he had made in the brush. Sitting up, Manfred got a better look at it. It was from a plant by the common name, dogbane, referring to the plant's toxic nature, which has been described as "poisonous to dogs."

It was then an idea formulated in Manfred's head. He stepped out the thicket, and began to pace. Holding the thread by his tail, ideas flew through his young mind.

"That's it!" he excitedly blurted. Quickly, the young dragon dove into the thicket and began pulling out all the dogbane he could hold. After collecting a large bundle, he laid them out in neat little rows. Surveying his materials, a smile crept over the little dragons face. Lack hairs, the reddish-brown tinted stems were mature. They had become woody at the base, and are much-branched in the upper portions of the plant. Getting to work, he first tarred off the stems and small, greenish-white flower clusters on the ends. Using his razor claws he slit the stems down the middle, each was cut into halves along the length. The drake then broke open the halves to release the fibrous insides, and he rubbed them; fluffing the fibers, separating them into long hairs.

The dragon then took the plant fibers and twisted them. Turing them about, he braided the brown hair into long strands. The little dragon tested the line. It broke.

"Not strong enough."

This time, he tried braiding more of the fibers. It worked. The dogbane twine held, and to his surprises, very well. The little dragon could swing from the tree, with his entire weight; on one single strand. The little dragon jumped for joy. His plan was working! He dashed around in the leaves. He could already taste the meat!

...

Within weeks, Manfred was eating like a king. His snares had caught so much fish and game; he could hardly stand at times from eating so much.

Along the rabbit trails, and in the shallows of the river, he set his snares. Manfred was quite happy with himself. Trapping was so much more energy efficient, not to mention filling, than running around in the dirt hunting. In luxury the young drake lived. He perched in the great oak at the center of the field - day in, day out - Manfred braded twine, and rope from the thicket nearby.  He would wait till just after duck and collected his catch. A large bone pile was forming near the base of the tree. The little dragon would amuse himself, arranging the bones and skins into sculpture.

The dragon had figured out the benefits of skinning animals instead of swallowing raw. Smoking the exposed meat in fire preserved it for later. This was especially useful at times when Manfred caught more than he could eat. Not only would Manfred have enough gorge on, he’d be able to stave off the winter comfortably. In a Knucker hole hidden below the great oak, he kept his stores. Life was great for Manfred. He took long naps in the sun on the hill. Picked flowers in the field, and swam for fun in the cool brooks. With charcoal he drew pictures of the land on parchment; and crafted beautiful jewelry from animal remains, and various objects. In his bountiful spare time, the little dragon discovered pottery, and his trap engineering skills improved drastically. Developing his own personal system of measurements and even writing, he recorded and scheduled his days meticulously. Manfred dabbled in riddles, and poetry; amusing himself with his own cleverness.

Yet, it was a retracted ignorance which he held. For about three months this went on. The young dragon was able to bask in the joys of his new prospects. Unfortunately, things would change. After a two week streak of his traps not yielding any game, Manfred came to a realization. He assumed one of his siblings had done it. Cleared his traps – stolen from him again - but it would be the last time. Manfred's dastardly clever mind had been busy designing traps for bigger game. On parchment derived from hides, using charcoal, the little dragon schemed up a perfect plan. Finishing, he let out a bellow of delight.

…

Manfred came to a halt in his investigation of the cavern cell. He paused and pressed his head against the cold rock. He rapped on the stone with his claw. A bright smile crossed his face, revealing his razor, pearly white teeth. There was something about his smile that stirred something within Crimson. She couldn't decide if it was admiration, or fear. Whichever the two, I seemed exciting.

The dragon glanced at his companion. “I grew up in these caves. Change them all they want,” Manfred looked up towards the ceiling, implying the Royal Guard, then back to Crimson; he continued, “But they will never trick me. This right here is a fake wall. It wasn’t here before… eight thousand years ago. What I’m about to do isn't for the faint of heart.” The dragon reared back an stuck his claw in his mouth, reaching back.

Crimson had no choice but to look on in gross fascination. A lump appeared in Manfred’s throat. The drake began to gurgle, as it slowly shifted up his neck. The clot passed his windpipe, as a horrible gagging sounded from the dragon. He quivered and shook as the bump finally arrive in his mouth. From behind his countless razor teeth the beast pulled a shiny, metallic canister. Shaped like a giant pill, the object was about as large as a newborn.

The mare was in disbelief. It had all happened so fast. “What the Tartarus?”

“Drakes like me have very flexible stomach linings. My captors neglected to check within their prisoner. It’s the oldest mistake,” said the dragon chuckling. He took the silver pill in his grasp and turned it against one of his claws. Metal shavings curled off of the metal object and fell to the floor. “They’ll never know what happened.”

Crimson Aura watched as the dragon returned to the wall. In the dim light, she couldn't make out what the dragon was doing. There was a flash of dragon fire, then nothing more. All of a sudden, the dragon came rush towards her. “GET DOW!” yelled Manfred.

She flinched, anticipating a blow, but it never came. He brushed past her and dove into an enclave near the door. In the darkness, the mare’s eyes could make out a faint light against the black. It was a sparkle, moving along an invisible path and it was hissing. It took a few seconds for the connection to click.

“Holy high Celestia!” exclaimed the mare. She joined her companion just in time. Covering her ears, she anticipated the explosion.

BOOM! The room shook like an earthquake. A warm breeze brushed against the inmates, and blew out the dim torch light. Crimson laid on the floor completely stunned, trying to come to terms with the situation. Her hair whipped about like a swinging mop. She could feel her brain jostling in its casing, bouncing around like a ball. Dazed and confused, the unicorn barely had any time to stand before she felt a cold force coil itself around her middle. The element picked the mare up, and whisked her into the darkness.

Manfred looked over his shoulder at the pony he was carrying by his tale. His eyes met Crimson’s which were half rolled back in shock. He said, “Don’t worry my little pony; we’ll be out of here in a jiffy. It was so lucky they gave me the same cell as you.” He smiled clownishly, winking at her.

“Oh-oh-oh, gr-e-e-a-a-ate,” stuttered the mare. She had no choice, but to bounce along as the dragon weaved and dogged through the newly blasted passage.

Along Manfred went, as if he had been there before. Fortunately for Crimson, the drake had a heightened spatial awareness. If it were not for this, the mare would have surely been impaled on several low lying stalactites. The small dark corridor now gradually widened. It opened up into a massive cave system. The dragon’s foot claws barley echoed in the obscure expanse. He paused only for a moment, letting out a massive blast of fire breath. The flare illuminated the room, just long enough for the dragon to find his bearings.

Crimson didn’t have the slightest idea what the dragon was doing, but at least she wasn't in that musky prison cell. How she loathed it. A spark of excitement flashed in the mare’s mind, “Freedom?!”

“D-don’t you t-think they h-herd that?” asked Crimson as she jostled along by the dragons tale.

“Oh please. The bomb blast?” panted the drake, “There weren't any guards posted, and like you said – we’re thousands of feet underground!” The dragon yelled dauntlessly into the vastness, “Buck you Celestia, and your fat plot too!”

The notion excited Crimson even more. The dragon carrying her obviously had confidence in his plan. It seemed to be going somewhere too, as Manfred began to speed up. The Knucker sensed he was close. He could smell the open air.

Along went the dragon, and with him his new companion. They went down dark passages, around blinding corners; and under earthen beams, and crystal columns. Crimson decided she’d let the dragon carry her, besides she didn't want to get lost in a huge, dark cave system. In addition, Manfred’s strong coils had a strange comfort to them. The mare felt a smile creep across her face. It was a strange feeling. She couldn't quite make it out. It was almost as if release from her hundred year jail sentence had been handed over on a silver platter. Too boot, she was being personally delivered too it by a dauntingly capable dragon, and for no cost what so ever. Crimson saw that Manfred was blissfully caught up in his own little game. She sensed he didn't expect anything in return for her release. Perhaps the dragon was doing it in spite of the Royals who sentenced him. But whatever the reason, Crimson Aura was going along with it more than willingly. After years of being cooped up underground, she was desperate for liberation. The mare swore she was on the verge of going bat shit crazy.

Manfred leapt across a wide crevasse, and careened towards a sheer wall. The mare squealed in fright, covering her eyes. Manfred’s claws slipped, but only for a second. Up and up the dragon climbed. Digging deep, he scaled the cave wall with ease. With the sensation of falling gone, Crimson dared open her eyes - only gaze endlessly into a bottomless chasm below.

“Oh my, aren't you the daring one?” asked Crimson coquettishly, but with a spice of fear.

“I’d like to think so,” said the dragon with a huff. His razor claws gripped the rocky siding.

Finally, after only slight difficulty, Manfred reached the top. A cool breeze swept over the duo. Crimson’s hair blustered in the wind. The dragon gently set the mare back on her hooves.

Correcting her mane, the mare thanked her transporter, “Uhh, thanks for the ride, but why are we stopping here?”

Instead of answering, the dragon simply pointed at the Moon, now clearly visible in the cloudless night sky.

“Ohh,” said Crimson. She caught on. “We’re standing on a cliff…”

Moonlight

"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.