> The Heist of a Lifetime
>  by Sam Cole
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Prep
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Heist of a Lifetime
By Sam Cole
Chapter 1: The Prep

I leave to the children of Hurricane the skies, for their spirits are strong, so they shall have the gift to follow their spirits.

I leave to the children of Puddinghead the lands and seas, for their will is strong, so they shall have the gift to follow their destinies.

Finally, I leave to my children, The children of Queen Platinum Faustia and myself, The sun and the moon, for their curiosity is strong, so they shall have the gift to follow their minds.

“A lovely dedication, my beloved.” Platinum cried softly as her ailing lover lay upon her deathbed.

“A brighter mind I have never encountered.” The teacher sighed. “I shall watch over your lands for you, and your beautiful daughters Celestia and Luna. I shall teach them magic, as I taught you so long ago.”

“What the hell did they do to you?” Clover gasped as Starswirl the Bearded laughed.

“My dear, I give to you this gem, in the shape of those tasty little treats you- you make for me all the time!” Platinum sobbed as she held onto the large diamond muffin, unable to bring herself to say goodbye.

“Allow me, my dear.” Starswirl said as he laid a hand on the gem. “Let all of history know the kind of souls it took to create this gem. And the kind of love it stands for. So long as this gem exists, so too shall your flame.”


<<<>>>

2000 years later, present day.

The rain sure is heavy today… Well, why wouldn’t it be? It is that time of year. I just hope this doesn’t complicate my plans. This is the biggest job I’ve ever taken… but the risk is well worth the reward. These were the thoughts that roamed around the lavender haired girl’s grandiose mind as she and her friend raced on to the Capital city, Canterlot. She had been watching the water as it streamed down the window of their train car for several minutes, letting herself sink farther and farther into thought.

“Twilight darling, are you alright?” Her friend finally asked, making the girl break away from the window at long last. 

“Hmm? Sorry Rarity, I was a bit distracted.” Twilight replied, putting her hand behind her head as she blushed. 

“What were you thinking about?” Rarity asked as she looked out the window into the dark setting of the thunderstorm.

“Will this rain make it harder?” Twilight asked with a chuckle. “I’m just kinda nervous about this.”

“As well you should be, Twilight.” Rarity nodded. “But Princess Celestia has faith in you, so I have no doubt you’ll do expertly.” Rarity lied. It wasn’t a lie in that she thought her friend unable. It was a lie in that despite Twilight’s efforts, it would not change the end result. Not this time. I’m ever so sorry, darling, but it’s high time I had what was rightfully mine.

“Thanks Rarity.” Twilight smiled. “But you’re the expert too.”

“Oh stop it, darling. You’re flattering me.” Rarity giggled. “I know just enough about gems and jewels to be useful. You’re the grand mage here though, Twilight.”

With a chuckle, Twilight pushed her hair back over her ear. “Thanks, Rares. I’m really looking forward to working on some high level magic with you, by the way.”

“As am I, darling. These sort of opportunities don’t come along very often, you know.” Rarity nodded as the train rounded the corner, Canterlot in view even through the rain battering them. “So, we’re meeting up with your mother, correct?” Rarity smiled, thinking of her friend, Twilight Velvet. “Oh it will be so much fun, the three of us spending some quality girl time together this week.”


<<<>>>


The next morning saw two bright and ready mages standing in the last place their rivals would ever have actually believed. “And this is it, ladies.” The curator, Mr. James Rodriguez, smiled as he showed the two spell casters the pièce de résistance.

“The Diamond Muffin…” The two ladies gasped as they laid eyes on the jewel. They both scooted up to the glass, almost subconsciously, if it hadn't been for how much they had both wanted this jewel, and for as long as they had thirst for it.

“Yes, it is magnificent.” Mr. Rodriguez chuckled. 

“By the gods, it’s beautiful…” Rarity gasped. Ten years. Ten long, bloody years. And now, I’m closer to it than ever. But I can’t nip it just yet. I need to do this carefully. I’ll be sipping mai tais in Haywaii before they ever even think that it was me. I will absolutely rue the day I have to slip away, never to see little Sweetie Belle grow up, but it’s for the best. I’ll be able to send her to any school on Equis with what I pull in from this.

“It really is, isn’t it?” Twilight nodded, never taking her eyes off the prize. You are magnificent, aren’t you little muffin? And my fence is going to give me the rarest stolen Star Swirl scrolls yet when I turn you over to them. All I have to do is sell my part here, and I’m golden. “Commissioned by Queen Platinum Faustia two thousand years ago for her ailing friend, this is the single largest diamond in existence. Weighing in at twelve pounds, with a diameter of seven inches in the base, ten inches in the crown, this forty thousand karat diamond is the oldest remaining relic of the Arch Mage, Clover the Clever…”

“Why is it muffin shaped? Rarity asked, glued to the gem.

“No clue…” Twilight muttered, never taking her eyes off the prize.

“So, I have to ask now, what is your plan?” The curator pried, getting the attention of the two ladies once more. 

“Well, I’m going to have Rarity analyze the diamond, and tell me everything I will need to know to perfect the defensive spells. Then, we’ll pool our mana reserves and cast a secret spell.” Twilight nodded.

“Secret, eh?” The curator chided.

“Sorry, darling, but only Twilight and I can know the details.” Rarity frowned convincingly. “We can’t risk anyone knowing exactly what spells are in place. That will be the best defence, is mystery.”

“Right, and after we cast the secret spell, we’ll magically erase our memories, with a disenchantment word only Princess Celestia will know so she can restore our memories when it’s time to deactivate the spells.” Twilight finished. 

“Well, it seems you girls really know your stuff.” The curator smiled. “I’ll leave ya too it. Oh, and Twilight, say hello to Shining Armor for me when you get the chance.”

“Will do, James.” Twilight smiled as the curator retreated, granting the ladies privacy. “So, let’s get to work, Rares.”

“Right.” The creamy skinned lady nodded, dropping her bag and pulling out a tuning fork. “First, the resonant frequency.”

“Wait.” Twilight frowned, magically scanning the gem. “Oh, clever…”

“Hmm? What is it, darling?” Rarity asked as she peaked over her friend's shoulder.

“It’s bound in space/ time.” Twilight chuckled. “It can’t be teleported or directly magically handled. In other words, you can’t move it at all with magic.” That is handy to know. So much for plan A then. Guess I’ll just have to go old school and break in.

“Impressive.” Rarity smiled, though inside she was fuming. So that’s what went wrong in Manehatten! Damn it, I should have seen that coming. But at least now I have Twilight here, and all the time in the world to study it.

So the two ladies worked, faking their security work while they both studied, but it was much harder than expected. Rarity accidentally set off an alarm when she try testing the frequency, and had not stopped apologizing for ten minutes after. Twilight on the other hand had done quite well in scanning the enchantments already in place, till she tripped one that reacted to mana scans and made the poor girl almost intoxicated.

“A motion sickness charm?” Rarity huffed as Twilight flopped over, the poor girl's eyes crossed and her stomach churning. “I never would have thought of that.”

“Shut up…” Twilight groaned. “They should have warned me about that. Oh I’m gonna be sick…”

“You’re alright Twilight, just relax.” Rarity assured as she sat down next to her friend. More than her friend in all honesty, Twilight was her only complication. She normally didn’t feel bad about using someone to get her score, but this time? It was her closest friend. It was almost enough for Rarity to feel guilty. Not quite, but almost. “Well ,this will be interesting… We don’t know what has been done to it. We’re flying blind here, darling.”

“We’ll just have to set up spells around the room.” Twilight groaned as one of the security team brought her a potion to eliminate the effects of the charm. After a quick drink that Twilight would rather not repeat, the lady was back to normal, and her brain was buzzing. “Sorry, Rares. It looks like we won’t be in need of your gem magic expertise…”

“Don’t worry, darling.” Rarity chuckled. “I should have known a piece this important would already be well covered indeed.”

"So… do you think we could cast a summoning ring?” Twilight asked at long last.

“A summoning ring? Twilight, what in the blazes are you thinking?” Rarity gasped. “I don’t even know if we can cast a summoning ring, much less one that’s reactionary!”

“Trust me, Rarity.” Twilight smiled, giving the indigo haired mage a wink before she leaned in to whisper to her friend. “Good job, they heard us outside.”

“Oh, sho-” Rarity started, but Twilight quickly silenced her.

“No, this is great. Now, if there are any leaks about a summoning ring, the thieves will either just bolt, or spend precious time trying to dispel a trap that doesn’t exist.”

“Oh, you’re great, Twilight.” Rarity giggled.

“We’re going to cast a portal charm on the case itself.”

“Where will we be sending them, darling?” Rarity asked quietly.

“Where else? The castle dungeons.” Twilight smiled. Rarity was quick to follow the smile, though really she hated the plan. It was very easy for the two of them to cast the charm, but it would be difficult for Rarity to dispel it alone. But, at least she knew about the charm, for now.

So the two ladies took up their spots, as they sat down and let the mana flow through them. Slowly, the two ladies lifted off the floor as the mystic power within them channeled into the glass case. The ladies of the mystic arts drew several runes as they began to float clockwise around the case, chanting all the while.

“Non tetigisse effercio. Non tetigisse effercio.” The ladies chanted, eyes closed as they did. In reality, what they were saying was much less regal than it sounded, actually being along the lines of ‘Don’t touch my stuff.’ It’s said the ancient mages that created the spell really wanted to protect their ham and swiss in the company fridge, and one thing lead to another. Despite it’s humble beginnings though, this spell was certainly a powerful one these days, and a favorite of quantum arcanic studies. 

A rush of cold, musky air greeted the pair as the spell set into action, and the link between the case and the Castle’s holding cell became solid. Now came the uncomfortable part.

“For the record, Twilight: I hate memory spells.” Rarity huffed as she wrote her note, just as Twilight did. 

“Yeah yeah.” Twilight dismissed, trying to perfectly word her letter to her future self. Something subtle had to break the charm, they both knew that, but what could they use right now that would help?

 Something only I would remember, but isn’t glaringly obvious in print, something she won’t get… I don’t want to drag her into this after all... they both mentally recited. But the thoughts of friends worked loose their writers block as both girls gasped in joyous discovery, pens flying as they crafted their notes.

Be careful Twi, you had to do a memory spell. Now keep your head about you, or you’ll end up somewhere else.

Dearest Rarity, stay calm. You had to undergo a memory spell. Just follow the Light, and you’ll make it back to port.

“Don’t panic, dear?” Rarity laughed as she skimmed Twilight’s letter, and paraphrasing her own meaning.

“Listen to Twilight?” The lavender haired lass chuckled. “Do you really think that’s the best idea?”

“You’ve never lead me wrong yet, my dear.” Rarity smiled brightly. 


<<<>>>


The security team here was really polite. They were fast to move in and help the ladies up, moving them to the office of the curator as he sat them down to let their spinning heads and mystically drained bodies recover. He skimmed the notes, a frown crossing his face as he did so.

End up somewhere else? Follow the light? Oh well, these notes don’t say anything about Summoning Rings, so… “So how are you ladies feeling now?”

“Ow…” Rarity groaned, holding her head as she tried to counter the pressure in her skull.

“Could I get some water?” Twilight asked as she looked to her old friend. “I’m guessing we finished examining the gem?”

“Yes, you two did. And here.” The curator smiled as he handed the lass a bottle of water. “So you remember you were here to examine the jewel, eh?”

“Would you want to wake up in a museum vault with no memory as to why you’re there?” Twilight asked incredulously.

“I’m just teasing, Twilight.” James smiled. “And don’t worry ladies. Lady Star is on her way for you two as we speak.”

“Lady Star?” Rarity groaned as she fought to remember. 

“My mom.” Twilight informed. “Thanks, James.”

“It’s my pleasure.” James smiled for the pair. “How long are you staying in town, by the way?”

“Through the exhibit at least.” Twilight nodded.

“Need to.” Rarity groaned, finally contributing something. “In case… just in case.”

“Right.” James smiled. Working along her father, he had known Twilight since birth, and knew how proud the girl was of her magic. Of how protective of her enchantments she could be.

“Sir, Lady Star is here.” One of the guards said over the radio.

“Ah, ladies, let’s get you on your way then.” James smiled as he helped the two ladies up and over to his team to go on home, letters in hand.


<<<>>>


“End up somewhere else?” The voice of one of the ladies Star recited, looking over the letter. 

“Yeah, mom. I think it means I cast a portal charm, but I can’t be sure…” Twilight groaned, throwing her head back. 

“Well, it makes sense.” Twilight Velvet nodded with a chuckle. “Come on baby girl, you never had troubles before.”

“I wasn’t using outside help before either.” Twilight groaned. “I had to be sure I wiped the memory out of Rarity's mind with the spell too.”

“Poor girl, making you suffer.” Velvet cooed as she placed the letter on the table. “Well, she won’t remember anything that could tie you back to it, so I guess it’s worth while.”

“Blugh.” Twilight emphasized. “Why did I need even need to involve a gem expert? I’m almost an archmage for crying out loud! In a week I’ll be the Thief Queen!”

“Oh please Twilight, no one is going to call you that.”

“Stop raining on my parade.”

“Besides, that girly is your alibi.” Velvet laughed. “She’s unknowingly helping you to pull off the heist of a lifetime.”

“Yeah…”

“In the end baby girl, you’re just guilty that you had to lie to your friend is all.” Velvet said as she sat by her daughter, pulling her over for an affectionate hug. “And she has gotten you farther than ever before. Grandma would be so proud, she never even came this close to the jewel.”

“I feel bad for Rarity though…” Twilight finally said, looking away. “She’s better than this. I feel rotten I had to use her as a… a tool.”

“Don’t worry, honey.” Velvet assured, “Rarity’s a good girl, and a true friend. If you could, I’m sure you would open up to her about everything.”

“Hmm.” Twilight hummed. “Open up? Mom, you’re nuts.”

“No I’m not.” Velvet argued playfully.

“Then does Dad know?”

“Of course not.” Velvet laughed. “He’s a blabber mouth.” The ladies joined in harmonious laughter as about the only family they could be open with enjoyed their talks. But such was the life they had chosen, so very long ago. “So, if you think it’s a portal charm, what’s the hold up?”

“It’s because I’m just guessing. Knowing myself too well is a bit of a problem…” Twilight admitted. “I mean, how can I remember forgotten knowledge if I’m so scripted in what I’d do?”

“Yeah…” Velvet sighed. “I’d have just nipped the damned thing and wiped your friend’s brain.”

“I can’t do that!” Twilight gasped. “I have to wait. The Lady said so.”

“Hmm, yes. Your fence.” Velvet snarled. “Darling, maybe you should look into a different fence from now on?”

“If someone else had the scroll, I would.” Twilight conceded. “Ugh! I need to break this stupid spell!”


<<<>>>


“Ugh! I need to break this stupid spell!” Rarity anguished in her room at the Star manor. She had read over her note time and again, but all it basically said was trust Twilight, basically. Trust Twilight? Wait…

You’ve never lead me wrong yet, my dear.

With a gasp as the spell shattered inside her mind, Rarity fell back to her bed, grabbing her head as her eyes watered, her sinuses burned, and her memories most importantly returned. “Ah… Ow…” Rarity gasped, beginning to laugh. “Not what I meant for the clue, but that will work.”

“So, it was a portal charm, eh? Twilight darling, you did not want to make this easy on me, did you?” Rarity lamented as she let the memories flood back in. “Hmm, now to prepare…”


<<<>>>


Twilight had spent the rest of the night almost trying to break the charm, but alas, she had outsmarted herself. Her plan to break the charm with paradoxical knowledge failed. Nothing in the bloody letter gave her the clue she had intended. All it basically said was Keep Calm. 

“Gah! You would think something in this letter would ring a bell? Something would set it all off!” Twilight growled the next morning while she waited for Rarity to come to breakfast. “How? How could I accidentally outsmart myself? Grr! I should have let Rarity pick the spell? I could never plan for what she’d devise.”

Footsteps sounded down the stairs, letting Twilight know her time of self pity was to be on hold. 

“Wonderful morning, darling.” Rarity greeted with a bounce and a smile as she went straight for the fridge.

“Well don’t you sound chipper this morning?” Twilight noted, trying to sound pleasant but just not feeling it. “Feeling better, I take it?”

“Exponentially.” Rarity smiled as she pulled her head out of the ice box and smiled. “It’s wondrous what a good night’s rest will do for you. How are you doing?”

“I’ve felt better.” Twilight admitted.

“I’m sorry to hear that, dear.” Rarity pouted as she set down a rather large breakfast of grapefruit, oatmeal, and enough fruit to make a smoothie. 

“Blech. I just feel so… I don’t know… hungover.” Twilight finished lamely, resting her head on her arms.

“Hungover?” Rarity asked with a snort of laughter. “Did you and your mother go out last night? Did I miss something?”

“No, I wish.” Twilight confessed. “Then I wouldn’t feel so damn sick for no reason!”

“Hmph, well I don’t know what to say, darling.” Rarity sighed as she took her seat. “Maybe you should drink some more water.”

“I just wish I knew why I feel so crappy.” Twilight pouted. “I mean, what if I depleated too much magic and weakened my immune system. What if I have pnumonia? Or brochitous?”

“Oh, don’t panic dear.” Rarity lamented with a roll of the eyes.

“Don’t… don’t panic.” Twilight muttered before she grunted in pain, grabbing her head as she took to an almost fetal position.

“Twilight? Are you alright?!” Rarity asked, worried. She was just fooling around, but maybe her friend had a good reason to be worried.

“I’m fine.” Twilight gasped as her memories flooded back into her. How is it Rarity’s comment made more of a memory than my own note? That note was supposed to be flawless! “I just- I just almost threw up is all…”

“Oh you poor dear, let me help you.” Rarity lamented as she grabbed Twilight and helped her to her room. Laying Twilight down, Rarity was beginning to act like a mother more than herself. “How about some water? Or aspirin? Maybe another blanket?”

“I’ll be fine, Rares. Just bring me the bucket from under the sink and a glass of water please?”

“Absolutely. I’ll be right back.” Rarity lamented as she left Twilight to herself. Herself, and her quickly refilling memories.

“Hmm, the motion sickness charm. That’s right…” Twilight almost giggled. She heard the faucet down the hall gurgle to life, and she decided any other planning would have to wait. Rarity was much too caring a friend to leave her alone at a time like this now. But it was alright. After all, she had the next seven days to figure out how to break into the museum, steal the jewel, and get away. It would be cake.


<<<>>>


Two days later, and the ladies were now finding excuses to be alone. Twilight found her earlier illness to be quite favorable, and was faking a flu to get her alone time. This freed Rarity from having to come up with a plethora of her own reasons, but still left the times when the lady would have to check on her friend. At first, a tax, but it quickly grew into the time Rarity would use as a break from her workouts.

“Forty eight. Forty nine. Fifty!” Rarity grunted as she pushed herself up off the floor. She was drenched in sweat, but she was just hoping Twilight would be too delirious to notice, poor thing. Rarity would have to take Twilight on a proper vacation after this just to make it up to her. One where Rarity didn’t have to pull off her most complicated heist yet. So she got up and toweled off lightly, using the small break to cross down the hall, knocking on Twilight’s door. 

“One… Sec…” Twilight grunted from inside. She sounded awful, on the verge of throwing up again. A second later, Rarity’s fears were confirmed as she heard the tell tale signs. “Come in…”

Rarity slowly cracked the door to finds a sweating Twilight laying on the bed, her trash can full of this morning’s attempt at breakfast. “Oh darling, look at you. Why did you have to get sick on vacation?”

“Just my luck, I guess…” Twilight groaned. “So my brother said someone just appeared in the holding cell last night actually. Can you believe it, a portal charm on the diamond…?”

“Really?” Rarity gasped. So that part was now known. So much for word of-

“Thief was happy, actually. They had heard tales about a summoning ring…” Twilight laughed as Rarity felt her jaw go slack. “Hey, do you- do you think we cast that summoning ring?”

“Oh?” Rarity asked, dragged from her thoughts. “Oh, well it’s possible, isn’t it? That might have something to do with why you’re sick. I know I get sick when I don’t have enough mana.”

“It’s poss-” Twilight moaned but stopped, covering her mouth. Rarity knew the limits of her friend’s, and her own, stomach as she left her friend to her privacy. A lady should never be seen in such acts, after all.

Once the heavy door clicked closed, Twilight let out a large sigh. “I hate having to get back in shape.” The lavender haired girl complained, rolling off the bed. Maybe this time, she would keep up the workouts so she wouldn’t have to torture herself like this every heist. But she doubted it; there was at least three weeks of scrolls coming her way, after all.

So with a determination her friend Dash could be proud of, Twilight took to a hand stand again with her feet on the wall. “One. Two. Three. Four.” Twilight grunted as she pushed up and let herself drop slowly. Five days to turn this husk into a top shelf thief. The lengths I go to for knowledge. Well, knowledge, and the rarest spells in history. I’ll be the Thief Queen when I get my hands on these...


<<<>>>


That night saw a surprise though for the girls, as a certain guard dropped by the Manor Star.

“Shining, hey.” Twilight smiled weakly, seeing her brother again. She was pushed beyond her limits right now, which was good. It at least made her look genuinely sick.

“Ah, Captain. I didn’t realize you would be joining us for dinner.” Rarity smiled as Shining made the rounds of hugs for mother, sister, and her lastly. 

“Sup Twilly? Hey Rarity.” Shining greeted. “Thought I would since Dad’s outta town for work. Hey Mom, how’s the new novel coming?”

“Oh, just well enough to keep me busy.” Velvet laughed. “Here, come eat.”

“So how’s work?” Twilight asked as the gang all took up seats around the table. 

“Busy. Celestia’s running me like she’s a Drill Sergeant.” Shining laughed. “She doesn’t quite get that I’m a, you know, Captain?”

“She has faith in you, dear,” Velvet smiled. “Just as she does your sister.”

“Yeah.” Shining chuckled as he looked to his ailing sibling. “Sucks you had to get sick just when you came to town, Twilly.”

“It happens.” Twilight smiled weakly as she watched everyone else prepare their dinners. The thought of food was most unwelcome for the lavender haired lass, if only because she was pushing herself too hard to actually eat anything.

“So I heard you’re having fun with this museum piece too, Shiny?” Velvet chuckled as she lifted her salad to her lips, still locked in a smirk.

“I hate that rock.” Shining groaned, dropping his bit of potatoes back to the plate. “Every damned time it comes to town, we get all these outrageous thieves!”

“Oh?” Rarity asked innocently. 

“Four have been caught so far. Three by the security systems, one that was just teleported into the holding cells.” Shining sighed. “But of course, I’ve heard whispers that both Selina and Felicia are in town looking to make a grab at it.”

“The cat burglars?” Rarity asked. “I’ve heard quite a lot about them working in the fine jewel and high fashion section.”

“Yeah. Rumor has it they’re planning to make a grab before the exhibit closes.” Shining sighed. “And I know there are a ton more that I’ve never even heard of. Ugh, I just wish that damned rock was outta here!”

“Don’t say that.” Velvet chided, making Shining wince. “If it wasn’t for that jewel, Twilight and Rarity wouldn’t have come to town, and I’d be all alone this week.”

“Yeah.” Shining sighed. 

“Way to guilt trip me, Mom.” Twilight muttered pitifully.

“It’s what I do.” Velvet smiled.

Twilight smiled at her odd family arrangement she was blessed with right now. On her right, she had her friend whom she knew to be innocent and pure of heart. In front of her was her mother, a veteran thief that had taught Twilight everything she knows. And in front of Rarity, Twilight’s own brother, that knew nothing about anyone’s secret life. It amazed Twilight actually that she had been able to hide herself from the guard’s eye growing up, but her cute babysitter had helped immensely in that respect. 

All in all, this was what Twilight loved right before a heist, spending time with those she loved the most. Because if she failed, it would be a very long time till she would be able to again.


<<<>>>


That night, as Twilight lay unconscious in her bed, a visitor came to her. An indigo haired beauty, that took a seat on the floor next to Twilight’s bed as she sighed, ready to cry. 

“Darling, I’m so sorry.” Rarity whispered in the dark. “I haven’t been fully honest with you. I- I’m a thief, Twilight. And it’s been like that since I was about fifteen years old. I’ve shut away that part of me from view, the greed, the lust, the- the lies… When you asked for my help to examine the gem, I jumped at the chance. I lied to you, and deceived you, and- and- I’m so sorry, Twilight.”

Rarity sobbed as she lay next to Twilight, the girl groaning deeply in her slumber. Rarity had no clue how long she sat there, just absorbed in her thoughts. It felt like years. She wished it was, so that she wouldn’t have to hurt her friend.

“Your family is so close, so loving. You’re lucky dear, you’ve been spared this spindled web of lies I must now make. I promise you now dear, after I sell the jewel and leave the country, I’ll send for you, make it look like you won a fantastic voyage. I won’t get to say goodbye, but I hope you know the good days to come are from a friend that loves you dearly.”

Rarity started to rise, but a soft sigh stole her breath as Twilight rolled over. The girl slept on still, so Rarity felt herself relax. She started to smile, till Twilight spoke.

“Cronos spell…” Twilight groaned in her sleep. “Goddess of… time.” The girl added with a smile. “All mine… soon…”

“Hmm, someone’s a little egotist.” Rarity smiled as she crossed silently out of the room. “Sweet dreams, time goddess.”


<<<>>>


“Check check, radios good?” Twilight whispered into her mic.

“Comms good, Sparky.” The chipper voice of a young drake mage replied. “Sync watches in three, two, one.”

Twilight pressed the button on her time piece, making it read the exact same time as her technological support back in Ponyville. She hated that he was so far away for once, but it made it easier. Should she Celestia forbid, get caught,Spike would have enough advanced warning to ‘Get outta Dodge,’ as he liked to say. Twilight smiled as she zipped up her catsuit, marveling at how it made her feel. Powerful, stealthy…

“You still have small boobs.” Velvet chuckled from the door as she watched her daughter.

“Mom! Get out!”

“Oh I remember when your first heist.” Velvet sighed, pulling out her phone to take a photo.

“Don’t you dare, that’s evidence!” Twilight cried as she pulled the blanket off her bed to cover herself.

“Oh don’t be such a spoil sport.” Velvet laughed. “And get ready to see Rarity off.”

“Huh? Where’s Rarity going?” Twilight asked, perplexed.

“Clubbing, I believe.” Velvet sighed. “Ah, to be young again…”

Twilight simply shook her head as she wrapped up in her impromptu costume, heading down the hall to Rarity’s room.

“Rarity’s going out?” Spike asked as Twilight neared the door, making the girl pull out the earpiece and hide it away under the blanket. “There ya go, scatter brain.”

With a knock and a fake cough, Twilight waited for Rarity to answer. She was surprised when a Rarity dressed in lounge pants and a ratty t shirt answered the door, wet hair flopping over her face. “Yes, darling?”

“Heard you’re heading out, wanted to say have fun and don’t drink anything funny now.” Twilight smiled, her sick voice flawless.

“Oh thank you dear.” Rarity sighed as she hugged the bundled up Lady Star. “I promise to have enough fun for the two of us.”

“You’re going to a science lecture afterwards?” Twilight joked as Rarity laughed heartily. 

“You’re a riot, dear.” Rarity sighed as she leaned in and kissed Twilight on the cheek. 

“What was that for?” Twilight laughed awkwardly, blushing a little bit.

“Being a dork that won’t get to kiss any boys tonight.” Rarity dismissed. “Good night Twilight.”

“See ya tomorrow.” Twilight said as she walked back down the hall. Rarity smiled in case she turned around, but she needn't worry, Twilight was in her own world now.

“Goodbye, Twilight. I’ll miss you most of all.” Rarity sighed.
> The Heist
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 2: The Heist-

Stealthily, the dark gray clad figure landed on the museum roof. She had used the time studying the gem last week to also examine several of the museums security features, and had mapped them perfectly. This would not be easy, but it would be her masterpie-

“Oh look, Selina. It’s Artemis.” The thief known publicly as Black Cat, privately as Felicia Hardy giggled.

“Oh my, doesn’t she just look lovely tonight.” Her lover and companion Cat Woman, or rather Selina Kyle giggled.

“Oh, it’s you two…” The thief sighed in relief. “I heard you were in town.”

“Well, why wouldn't we be? This is the Diamond Muffin we’re talking about.” Selina sassed. “It’s why you’re here, isn't it?”

“So much for a little one on one time with my prize.” The thief sighed.

“You know, we disabled the cameras. You can take off the mask.” Felicia smiled. “Let’s see that pretty smile.”

“For the last time, I’m not working with you two again.” Artemis sighed as she took a seat and pulled off her hood and mask combination, letting her indigo hair free to the world once more. “So please, quit trying to distract me, it won’t work.”

“After we found you? Made you who you are today?” Selina asked harshly, but laughed a second later. “Fair enough. So Arty, how about a trade? We’ll tell you what we know, if you tell us what you know?”

“Hmm, tell me what you know first. I’ll decide if it’s even worth sharing over.” Artemis dismissed. She knew already no matter what she would tell them some of her details. It was true that these thieves had trained her, but they also played by rules Rarity never would. None professionally, but rather privately, like their open relationship or their penchant of dating men that are trying to bust them.

“Feisty, I like it.” Felicia smiled. “Alright dear. For telling us about the security system update last year, we’ll play.”

“Rumor has it there’s a summoning ring in play. Scarred off damn near every thief in town.” Selina pouted. “We don’t like summonings. Nasty demons and what not.”

“I heard that already.” Artemis dismissed. “Word has it they brought in her grace, Lady Twilight Sparkle. Knowing her, the summoning ring will pull forth either Cerberus, or Discord himself.”

“I’m not taking on a god over this thing.” Felicia whined, pulling on her partner’s shoulder. “Babe, let’s just go home.”

“Discord? Good gods…” Selina sighed. “Damned teacher’s pet doesn’t want to make it easy on us, does she?”

“Well, when you start taking personal lessons from the goddess of the sun, you can decide whom to spare.” Artemis giggled as she stood back up, putting on her mask and hood again. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a rock to claim, and no gods or demons will stop me.”

“Wait, you’re forgetting our fee.” Felicia smiled as she drew out a small mage blaster. “And I do think you owe it to us.”

“Fine, I’ll spill.” Artemis smiled beneath her mask. “The guard’s onto you two. Mentioned you by name.”

“How do you know this?” Felicia asked, pointing the barrel at the giggling thief.

“Because I had the honor of the Captain’s company this week for dinner.” The lovely Artemis laughed.

“You and your amazing connections…” Selina smiled, walking over the edge. “I don’t feel like spending another night in jail right now, so we’ll be taking our leave. Bye bye Arty, stay beautiful.” The thief winked at Artemis, before disappearing with a flip.

“Thanks for the warning.” Felicia smiled as she pulled the trigger, a small flag with the word ‘bang’ popping out of the weapon. “Bye bye, Arty. You’ll be missed.” She sang as she joined her lover, slipping out of sight. 

“No darling, you all will be missed, just as soon as I nab this diamond.” Artemis smiled, popping open the vent cover and looking inside. “Ah, my old friend, the Securus 900 system. Someone bought the cheap stuff.” Artemis giggled in song as she effortlessly slipped into the building.


<<<>>>


Miles away, on the banks of the Lovely River, a mage prepared her sacred spells. She focused her mana as she probed the depths of time and space, searching for that one special line of magic she needed so badly. 

“Come on girl, you created this charm. You should be able to key into it!” The mage argued as she fought off a bout of cold induced shivers. She looked up as the rain started to roll in, letting out a large groan. 

“Great. I either get to the heist, or catch pneumonia. Great way to live up to the Cheshire name. Just piggy back the portal charm.” The newest thief to take the name of Cheshire growled as she fought to calm herself. “Relax. Focus. You won’t find the mana trail if you're all strung out.” 

Cheshire focused her power, reaching into the depths of time as she searched for her mana. After twenty minutes of sitting under her shield spell, she was ready to call it quits, before she finally felt it. Faint, but it was her line well enough. 

Cheshire smirked as she poured her magic into the line, stretching it and expanding it. With a grunt, she tore the stream open, stemming the flow to her new location.

“Two way portal charms are hard?” Cheshire asked in a sweet, mocking tone. “Maybe for someone that isn’t about become the Thief Queen!” 

But Cheshire didn’t step through instantly. First, she has one more spell to go. Cheshire took the space around her, pulling it here and pinning it together there. A stitch here, a clip there. Cheshire poured her all into making herself unrecognisable. She hid her face with space itself. Not even her voice remains the same. Too look at the thief now, whether in person or on camera, will cause one’s mind pain as it tries to comprehend the distortions. She could make herself invisible, but that is no fun. She wants the world to know the newest Cheshire stole the Diamond Muffin tonight.


<<<>>>


Without a sound, the figure dropped from the ceiling, into the showroom containing the Diamond Muffin. She had to be careful though, there was a guard walking around here somewhere. She was invisible to the machines, but gods forbid someone actually laid eyes on her. But the room was empty for now. And it was gorgeous all the same. Not a soul. Not a trap she didn’t expect, not an alarm she couldn’t beat. This was still going to be incredibly hard, but she was off to a very, very good-

The door swung open, making Artemis dive behind a display. Two guards walked in, thick burly men Artemis didn’t recognize from her scouting mission a week ago. It was plausible they were new, brought on for added measure. But the sight of those poorly fitting uniforms, together with the crowbars they carried told a different tale.

“Too easy.” One of the pair chuckled, setting down a large duffle bag by the jewel. Artemis scowled under her mask. She had a mage blaster, but that was not going to be much help against two opponents right now. Besides, she never killed. She wasn’t some young street hooligan, thank you. Artemis prided herself on never actually having to use her weapons, but still kept it for insurance. Surely, there had to be-

“What the-” Artemis heard, making her risk a peak. A figure, painful to look at had emerged right in front of the two men. “Shit, the summoning ring!”

“I do believe you’re not supposed to be here.” The figure said as it touched the men and grabbed the case, teleporting them away by using itself as a bridge for the magical channels. “Well… that was unexpected. Note, it is possible to bridge a portal charm after all.”

Artemis couldn’t move. She was at a loss for words. Someone has hacked the portal charm?! But how? Only I know about that! Unless they heard the story of the appearing thief… They might have puzzled it out from that… But still, hacking a portal charm is incredibly difficult, let alone bridging one! I- Those things aren’t even possible! No, it’s impossible. I’m hallucinating.

“Smoke, first objective is clear. Room is secure.” The figure muttered to no one. Artemis took the chance to move closer, trying to get a better look at the rest of the figure. Whomever it was, they were short and thin. Artemis couldn’t tell if they were well built or just really skinny, but it mattered not. One target was easier to handle than two. “Security might be through any minute now, though. Moving to break portal charm.”

Artemis saw her opening as she silently took a perch on the display she was behind, lounging into a very seductive pose. This little boy with the distorted voice would be too easy for  her feminine wiles. “I wouldn’t worry about them security guards, sugar.” She purred in a very well built Cajun accent. Her favorite for a mysterious flirt. Also her only one for a mysterious flirt, but that was beside the point. 

The thief spun around as Artemis pointed her weapon at them, chuckling as she imagined the look on their face. “Now I don’t wanna shoot ya, sweet thing. Split the profits with me, and I’ll…” She chuckled as she played with her zipper, “Y’all know.”

The other thief was understandably stunned as they looked on, not wanting to peel their eyes away it felt. After all, she was gorgeous. But then again, Artemis also had a weapon trained on them. With a chuckle at long last, the thief tore the weapon away with telekinesis, leaving Artemis there with a pout under her mask. “Nice try, Ma’am. But I have a job to do right now. Why don’t you go and play somewhere else.”

“Ma’am?!” Artemis cried, forgetting her accent, but just for a second. “Who do y’all think yer talkin too?”

“Don’t know, don’t care.” The second sighed. “Get out of here before I make you. Or worse, you’re caught.”

“Oh how carin!” Artemis sighed lustfully, delighting in hearing her audience gulp in awkward hesitation. She took the chance to grab her weapon back, pulling it towards herself with her own magic. “You’re such a sweetheart, ain’t ya sug?”

“Ahhh…”

“I’m Artemis. And it’s a… pleasure to meet ya.” In the ways of making words drip with desire, Artemis was in a league of her own. 

“Cheshire.” The thief chuckled at long last. “Nice to meet another mage thief.”

“Wonderful to make your aqu- Cheshire?” Artemis stuttered. “But- But Cheshire is always a girl!” Artemis instantly realized she had let slip her accent, but thankfully, Cheshire failed to notice.

“Hey! I’ll have you know I am a woman!”

“You are?!” Artemis recoiled. “But y’all have no… curves. No toys for the boys.”

“Shut up!” Cheshire yelled, turning away from the thief as she covered her lack of mammaries. “Big boobs only get in the way! I prefer my small ones over sweater stuffers like those!”

Artemis followed the finger pointing at her ample bosom, as she let out a soft chuckle. She squeezed her girls together, purring to Cheshire. “If y’all believe that, come here and play with ‘em. Bet ya love it. Ah know Ah will.” Though she herself was not lesbian, it didn’t stop Artemis from playing it up. She had poured in too much effort, and it was working, so why stop now?

“S-Shut up!” Sparky? You know I can hear everything, right? “You shut up too, Smoke!”

“Ooo, Smoke. Are y’all talkin to some other fine ladies now?”

“Smoke is my little brother.” Cheshire said. Unable to see a face, it was hard for Artemis to figure out if that was a calculated move, or an error. So she would have to side on the belief that Cheshire was trying to trick her now. “He’s also my tech support. Smoke, turn on the cameras.”

Calculated. “Now that ain’t nice, sug.” Artemis sighed as she fired her mage blaster, destroying the camera in the room. But as soon as the weapon was off Cheshire, it was all over. Artemis noticed the weapon being jerked out of her hands, finding that now Cheshire was upon her, and claiming the firearm for herself. 

“Butter fingers?”

“So that’s how y’all hid yer face. Yer using spatial warping magic. My, my, how clever.” Artemis chuckled as she slid off the display, grabbing Cheshire’s wrist and pulling her in tight. “Now gimme back my gun, sug. It’s make love, not war.”

“You want this? Catch.” The featureless face said, and Artemis could feel the smirk as the little thief threw the weapon at the case, watching as it popped out of existence in the room, off to parts unknown now.

“Well that ain’t nice.”

“Mind letting go of me. I don’t like bimbos.” Cheshire retorted, that unsaid threat well received.

“Well, at least I’m smart enough to know not to call myself Cheshire. Bad lucks on that name, girly. Anybody that ain't a descendant of Cheshire is cursed to get caught using that name.”

“I am a descendant, you fool. I’m the third daughter to the Cheshire name, and I will soon be the Thief Queen.” Cheshire cooed. Magical energy rippled out from her, and it took all Artemis had to keep from falling over herself here.

Thankfully, she had built quite the magical resistance by working with Twilight for as long as she had. “Y’all gotta do better, sug. Ah work with the best there is in magic.”

“I am the best.”

“Hmm, not even on yer best day.” Artemis giggled as she brought her knee up, connecting with Cheshire right in the stomach. Cheshire went down with a pained grunt as Artemis let go of her, dashing to the case as she attempted to rush her counter charm.

“Domi volo tangere! Domi volo tangere!”

“What the… Smoke, I’m starting to think she’s just not some mage. She knows about the portal charm. ID her, now!” Cheshire growled as she got back to her feet.

Artemis: Real name unknown. But she has been a recent player in several areas. Last active about six months ago in Manehatten. Going after the Diamond Muffin then too.

“Thanks Smoke.” Cheshire laughed as she pointed at the case as well. “Well, two mages are faster than one. Domi volo tangere! Domi volo tangere!”

“This is my score, sug!” Artemis cried out as her magic flowed forth, the charm beginning to react. “Tell ya what. My offer still stands. Split the profits, fifty/ fifty.”

“Why should I?” Cheshire laughed as she walked forward, putting the two mages shoulder to shoulder for when the time came to make the grab. 

“Cause, Y’all got no escape route anymore.” Artemis pointed out as the charm finally shattered. Cheshire stalled, as Artemis lunged forward, ripping off the top of the case as she reached for the jewel. But something stopped her. Namely, Cheshire’s willingness to let her grab it first. “Aw hell, it’s booby trapped, ain’t it?”

Cheshire though was consumed by one vast mistake: Her now glaring lack of an escape route. Artemis was wrong to assume that the portal was her exit, but Cheshire was still in deep now. Her plans hadn’t accounted for another thief. Her plans to collapse space around her and wait for the museum to open was her exit. But she couldn’t risk sitting still now. Not with her here. 

Thankfully, Cheshire was just as smart as she liked to believe. “Well, I figured I would let you grab it, find out for me big tits.”

“So you have been lookin.” Artemis smiled. “Go ahead, they’re waitin.”

“Will you please stop flirting?” Cheshire growled.

“Ah would, but Ah can also see how much you’re getting flustered by it.” Artemis giggled back. “Ah like it when yer flustered. You get so defencive.”

“Watch yourself, Artemis. You’re treading on some thin ice.” Cheshire purred back. Or tried, but her voice was far too distorted to make it clear. But Artemis took it as flirty anyways.

“Oh really now. Am I gonna fall into some trouble with ya?” Artemis purred as she wrapped her fingers under the edge of the muffin. “Well, I would love to stay and chat, but I have my prize, so deal’s off.”

“You’re accent is gone…” Cheshire noted absently as she watched Artemis raise the diamond carefully, holding her breath. “Gods, it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen…”

“And it’s all-” Artemis began, but a swift sweep cut her short. Cheshire had taken her legs out from under her, grabbing the diamond as the thief tumbled backwards. “Oh you little cheat!”

“Where’s that lovely accent gone, I wonder?” Cheshire laughed as she backed up, channeling her mana into a fire blast spell. But her attempts were in vain, for as long as she held the diamond, it nullified all magic. “What the-” That’s not right, the gem was immune. It didn’t absorb mana… “Oh hell…”

“No magic?” Artemis asked, rising back up, and sporting a deadly tone. Her body language alone was laced with murderous intent. “Well, I guess you’ll just have to go at it au natural.”

“You sound familiar.” Cheshire mocked. “I think I know a girl in the dungeons that sounds like you.”

“Really now?”

“Well, I will in about five minutes!” Cheshire yelled as she kicked at Artemis again, a beautiful roundhouse kick punctuating her words. 

But Artemis was no rookie. She dodged the kick effortlessly, making Cheshire struggle to connect, and struggle more to recover. “You really need to practice those kicks dear!” She cried as she delivered and quick one two punch to Cheshire, knocking the poor girl down as the diamond flew up in the air. “Blast!”

“No!” Cheshire cried as she instinctively reacted, shooting out a tendril of mana, grabbing the diamond seconds before it shattered on the floor. Cheshire stopped dead, as she finally saw the extent of her situation. 

“Give me my diamond!” Artemis cried, lunging at the fallen thief as Cheshire spun onto her back, putting the recovered gem between herself and the thief. 

“Here!” Cheshire cried, pushing the diamond out to arms reach. “I can see now I won’t escape with it. Tis better to flee and steal another day, right?”

“Wait, what’s wrong?” Artemis asked. This was too easy. She looked from faceless features to gem, not understanding anything about this sudden turn of events. Now that she had a second, she was looking over everything, not letting any details slip. The game was different, and Artemis had to stay on top.

“Take it. I can’t escape with it, so it’s worthless to me.” Cheshire lied.

“It’s a fake…” Artemis sighed. “Damn it. I should have known that…”

“Huh?” Cheshire asked. “How?”

“You manipulated the gem magically…” Artemis sighed. “It’s bound in space/ time so no one can use magic on the gem.”

“You- H- How did you know that?” Cheshire demanded. “Smoke, talk to me. Smoke? Smoke!”

“Freaking out much?” Artemis chuckled. “I’ll tell you.” The familiar voice cooed. “My friend and I discovered that a few-”

“Rarity?!” Cheshire gasped.

There was a pregnant pause, that gave birth to a another pause as the two thieves stared each other down. “How do you know my name?!” The indigo haired beauty nearly screamed from within her mask. “Who the hell are you!?”

“Um…”

“The only girl I know as small as you is Twilight, and she’s home si-” Rarity began, but stopped as one thing dawned on her. She only knew of one mage anywhere that could manipulate space like this, well enough to effortlessly hide her face. “Oh don’t you dare be…”

“Um, hi Rares…”

“You bitch!”


<<<>>>


Meanwhile, back in Ponyville, certain Tech support was failing in it’s job. Cheshire, now exposed as Twilight, was unable to reach her partner Smoke. But what had happened to the poor boy?

During his wait, he researched this thief Artemis. And he was not a happy drake mage. “She nabbed the Golden Dragon of Scale Lanka?! That’s a sacred relic!” The young mage screamed as he slammed his fists on the table, sparks of flame flying everywhere as his rage boiled over. One such spark did a wonderful job landing on his trousers, and quickly set them ablaze.

“Ow! Owie, owie, ow ow!” Spike cried as he tore off the smoldering lounge pants. It was true he had fire retardant pants around for just this kind of situation, but they were just plain uncomfortable. While these, these fitted silk lounge pants had been made by Rarity herself. “Damn it, not my favorite pair… Oh well, I guess I’ll just have to buy another-”

“What the hell are you doing!?” Spike heard as he stopped, looking to the door. Unannounced as always was Sweetie Belle, as she pointed to Spike’s lack of trousers.

“Wait, it’s not what it-”

“You pervert!” Sweetie Belle cried, pointing to the computer, the image of Artemis still up on screen.

“No, it’s-”

“I’m telling Applejack!”

“No! Not h-” Spike argued as he tried to run after Sweetie, tripping over his own flaming pants. For the first time ever, it was not a lie that had set pants ablaze as Spike tried to find something to wear so that he could chase down his friend. Tonight was nobody’s night.
> The Pay o- Wait, what just happened?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 3: The Pay o- Wait, what just happened?

Two figures landed in the alley. Really, there was only supposed to be one. But the other that was trying to pull out her hair ended up tagging along for the ride. “Let go of me, Rarity!”

“You bitch! You utter bitch! I was worried sick over you!” Rarity bellowed as she tried to strangle the Lady Star that was still hidden in her magic. “How dare you lie to me about being sick!”

“You lied about being a thief.” Twilight countered, dropping her magic so she could look Rarity in the eye. 

“I- You’re still a bitch!” Rarity yelled, slapping at Twilight.

“It’s good to know you were so worried…”

“Shut up.” Rarity sighed as she dropped her hands. “You- I- I hate you, Twilight.”

“Feelings mutual right now.” Twilight growled as she pushed Rarity off of her. “Come on, we need to get to my safe house.”

“What? Why?” Rarity asked, rounding on the liar Sparkle. “Why should I go anywhere with you? You’re a rival!”

“You don’t have to go anywhere with me, truth be told.” Twilight said as she smiled to Rarity. “Good luck finding out what’s going on without my resources though. Now if you want to stand a chance, you’ll stick close to me.”

“Oh please darling. You wish you had my resources.” Rarity huffed, whipping her hair back as she gloated.

“Oh, you have an all access in with the Royal guard? Guaranteed to come ask for you?”

“...”

“That’s what I thought. Now, there was a break in. The guard will come ask me for help since I have to break the spell. And they are going to be looking for me at my safe house.” Twilight sneered. “If you want to stand any chance of finding this gem now, you’ll need me. And I’ll need your gem expertise. So temporary truce?” 

“You- You… oh I hate you.” Rarity sighed as she got up to follow Twilight to her safe house. “What about our suits? These don’t scream normal, everyday attire.”

Twilight stopped as she looked to her own garb, letting out a few choice words. She opened a magical rift as she rooted around for costumes. After a minute, she pulled out two, though her grabs were not very effective. “Here, pick one.”

“A cheerleader outfit or a maids uniform?!” Rarity sputtered. “What kind of closest did you reach into, a perversion chest? Where is your fashion sense? I taught you better than that!”

“I can’t see inside that dimension! I just grabbed the first ones I came across.” Twilight refuted, pulling the garments close to look them over carefully. “And these aren’t that bad…”

“Give me that cheerleader outfit.” Rarity growled as she pulled over the suit magically. 

“Hmm.” Twilight hummed as she mystically changed her clothes so that she was in a perpetual state of dress as her suit melted and the maids outfit replaced it simultaneously. She turned with a smile as she looked to Rarity, finding the fashionista struggling to accomplish anything.

“What?” Rarity growled as she fought to get the leather and spandex suit off her shoulders, giving Twilight more than an eyeful.

“You can’t change your clothes magically?”

“What of it? That’s very high level magic.”

“Well, it’s just you’re a seamstress… I kinda figured you would be-”

“Twilight, I love fashion. Hell, I live for fashion, but I’m a thief.” Rarity corrected. “My magnus mark is three diamonds, not unlike the ones I steal. I don’t have time to learn all of the spells you do. I work very hard at what I do.”

“I always wondered abo-”

“Twilight?”

“Yes?” 

“Please be a dear, and stop staring at my tits!”

“Sorry!” Twilight shrieked, spinning around as she felt herself blush.  She quickly pinned together space at the ends of the alley way so that no one could see in.

“Thank you, darling.” Rarity sighed as she continued to dress.

“You’re w-” Twilight started to say as Rarity coughed, making Twilight notice she was unconsciously looking back as she spoke.

“Eyes on the prize, Darling.” Rarity sighed. I never would have guessed my flirting would have had this effect…

“So… do you have any money on you?” Twilight asked at long last as Rarity finished with her ridiculous attire, taking the indigo haired lady’s outfit and tossing both into the void she had created.

“Why?”

“Cause I’m kinda mystically tapped out…” Twilight admitted. “I don’t have the power to teleport us to my safe house. It’s too far.”

“You- I- If you think I’m going to ride the bus looking like this, you are sorely mistaken!” 


<<<>>>


Ten minutes later, the two ladies were nestled between two frat boys on the bus. They had been able to convince them they were on their way to a costume party, but the boys didn’t care in the end. The only thing those two college boys wanted to do was just flirt. Rarity decided right then and there that Twilight was doomed. She would wait till they were off the bus, and then she would let her have it. All of it that she had to give, plus a little extra for making her fret over that librarian for a week.

Unbeknownst to the indigo haired beauty, Twilight was having similar thoughts as they neared her recall point one block at a time. This was definitely a two Cheshire problem now.


<<<>>>


“Twilight!” The concerned voice of the parent yelled as daughter and friend came up the mansions long drive toward the house. Pulling her daughter in close, she crushed her with a hug and whispered. “The guard is here. It’s go time.”

“Mom, ther-” Twilight tried to say, but her mother ran off, leaving a rather aghast daughter and irate guest in her drive.

“Come on ba- What the hell are you wearing?” Velvet asked as she finally noticed what the two of them were wearing. “And why is Rarity here?”

“Darling, are you honestly telling me that your safe house is your own house?” Rarity whispered, fighting to contain a laugh. “You picked literally the first place anyone would look for you.”

“I'll explain everything once we’re safe. Right now, I have work to do.” Twilight argued as she pushed past her confused mother with the angry Rarity in tow. 

“Oh, baby girl, Sh-” Velvet began, but she was too late.

“Twily! There you are!” Shining sang as he jumped down the front landing’s stairs, rushing up to hug Twilight. “Oh you are in so much trouble.”

“What?!”

“Mom told me everything.” Shining huffed as he held the small girl close. “Using a temporary cure charm to go out clubbing? You know you’ll just be even sicker tomorrow now.”

“Oh, oh yeah…” Twilight nodded. “Um, it sounded like a good idea at the time?”

“Well it’s a blessing in disguise right now. Come on, change and then get back down here.” Shining urged, finally letting his sister go.  “There’s been a break in at the museum. Someone smashed the Diamond Muffin.”

“I wonder who would do such a thing?” Rarity gasped in mock surprise, though her tone dripped with malice. 

“I’ll find out, Rarity.” Twilight smiled as she looked over her shoulder.

“No, we need you both. Come on, and get outta those-” Shining started but stalled as he looked over the two girls. “Stripper outfits?”

“It’s not stripper wear, it was a costume party!” Twilight growled as she trudged up the stairs, a smirking Rarity close on her heels.

“But darling, I distinctly remember stripping involved.”

“You shut up. You’re not helping.” Twilight snapped as the pair disappeared inside the house, leaving mother and son on the stoop alone.

“So did I miss something? Cause it seems like they’re fighting. They never fight…” Shining finally offered up.

“Your guess is as good as mine right now…”


<<<>>>


The door clicked close, and Rarity waited patiently as Twilight soundproofed the room. Then, and only then, did she let the cork off her rage. “I’m going to kill you!”

“Oh shut up. I need to think.” Twilight muttered as she paced back in forth in her room.

“This whole time. I’ve been feeling guilty about lying to you this whole time, and you’re a thief?!”

“Look who’s talking!” Twilight snapped back. “Do you think I was able to look at this and say ‘Gee, Rarity won’t mind me using her to commit crimes,’ for the past week? Is that what you believe?”

“Maybe!” Rarity shot back. “All I know is I came to tears one night as I tried to tell you, and this is how you repay me?!”

“You- You came to tears over me…” Twilight gasped.

“And I’ll cry again at your funeral!” Rarity screamed as she lunged at Twilight, taking her to the floor. “You lied to me. You lied to me, and you feel nothing! Do I mean nothing to you, Twilight?”

“I almost quit because of you!” Twilight screamed back. “The only thing that made me carry on was-” Twilight stopped, cursing herself as she dropped her head back to the floor with a soft thud.

“Was what?” Rarity growled.

“Cheshire.” Twilight muttered feebly. “I did it for the name of Cheshire.”

“So you weren’t kidding. You really are the next Cheshire.” Rarity huffed. “Which means…” Twilight cursed herself again as she look into those sapphire eyes as the light came on deep inside them. “Your mother was the last Cheshire.”

“I said I was the third Cheshire daughter.” Twilight smiled as Rarity took a futile slap at the pinned mage.

“Velvet is a thief too? How far does this go, Twilight?” Rarity argued as she sat up, keeping Twilight in place. Twilight ‘s silence gave the top thief a good idea as she remembered her earlier exchange. “Spikey Wikey!?”

“He’s only tech support.” Twilight argued back, holding up her hands in defense. 

“He’s fifteen!” Rarity shouted back. “He’s your baby brother!”

“What about Sweetie Belle then?” Twilight pressed, making Rarity stall.

“She doesn't know anything.” Rarity hissed. “And don’t you-”

“So what will she say if you suddenly don’t come home?” Twilight shot back.

Rarity didn’t answer. She merely slapped Twilight again. But that bookish girl never took her eyes off the other as she took the hit. “At least Spike knows why I leave. He knows what I do, and having others to confide in helps me bare these lies.”

“Don’t you dare mention Sweetie again. Do you understand me?” Rarity managed through ragged breaths. “Just- Just don’t.”

“I’m sorry…” Twilight offered while holding her glare. She was mad, and her cheek stung like fire, but she could also see she had crossed the line. “I’m sorry. Now we have a lot of details to go over, but first we need to change our clothes and act our asses off.”

Rarity snorted as she finally stood up, walking over to Twilight’s closet as she took Twilight’s favorite sweater. “We’re not done. And I’m borrowing this.”

Twilight could only stare aghast as the girl left her room without another word, and Twilight groaned. “She’s going to stretch it out…”


<<<>>>


Shining was never paid enough. A break in on the night of his and Cadences three month anniversary, four criminals, two insane men screaming about demons on the river, and now…

“You are stretching it out and I want it back!”

“You made me wear a stupid cheerleader outfit!”

“You picked it!”

“Girls…” Shining groaned as he drove the pair to the museum. On the way back, they can take a cab…

“Well excuse me for not liking your fetish wear!”

“Don’t blame me, I can’t control what comes out of the rift!”

“Girls.”

“Oh right, and the way you were staring at my-”

“Group, Atten-Shun!” Shining bellowed as the two girls snapped to attention, both hitting their heads on the SUV's ceiling, before flopping back down with pained grunts. 

“Ow… Shiny, what the hell was that for?” Twilight groaned as she tried to focus on her brother through her new headache.

“Ughhh…” Rarity supplied, her head flopping back as she tried to quell her nausea. 

“You two are out of control. What the heck happened between you?”

“Rarity was-” Twilight started, but stopped short. A quick lie wouldn’t help her. She needed something to see her onto the path to brotherly redemption. “No, you don’t want excuses. I’m sorry Shining. Rarity, I’m willing to let our bigones be bigones.”

That a girl Twi-

“Oh son of a donkey herding bitch, that hurt!” Rarity finally screamed when she could, almost startling Shining Armor off the road. 

Ya know, I’ll even pay for the cab.


<<<>>>


Two mages strode into the museum like the owned the place. All who saw this dynamic pair felt hope rise as the pair made their spectacular enterence, brimming with confidence. Little did everyone there know that this was due to the exasperated Shining Armor using a marching spell on the two so they would stop arguing for five minutes. But the results were fantastic, so they acted like it was their idea.

One guard stepped up with a red envelope, cracking the wax seal once the ladies stood before him. “Adepto Operari.”

Both girls grabbed their heads, grunting as if their skulls were on fire as they took a seat. Slowly the two rose up shakily, taking the water bottles offered to them. “Oh, I hate memory spells darling.”

“Agreed.” Twilight groaned falsely. “Okay, let’s check this out…”

“Ladies, there you are!” The curator sang as he ran over to the pair. “Please, tell me you can find out just what happened?”

“That’s really the guards job, James. But we’ll do everything we can. That is, if we may, Shining?” Twilight asked her brother whom was quick to nod in reply. So Lady Star and Rarity began walking around, mystically scanning everything. The pair discreetly probed each gem fragment, picking them up and spinning them in their mana. But the traces left on it were unlike anything either had seen before. Considering one of the two studied under the sun goddess, that meant something. 

“Well, I’m feeling a lot of mana everywhere.” Rarity finally sighed. “Whatever did this was powerful…”

“Most of this is our mana, Rarity.” Twilight said as Rarity froze. Is she really willing to oust herself like this for revenge? “Whatever came through our summoning ring was not a happy camper…” In that moment, years of practice paid off as Rarity gave nothing away.

“Good lords…” The curator muttered, sinking to the floor. “A demon did this to the jewel it was bound too?” 

“Well, it was pulled out of Hades…” Twilight informed. 

“But why the gem?” Rarity asked. Twilight took this as her invitation to share her guess, because something about the fake troubled her. Like how they bypassed her portal charm to make a swap on a bound jewel.

“It’s a fake.” Shining huffed as he stood back up, startling both ladies. 

“How do you know that?” Rarity stammered.

“I saw you two magically picking up pieces.” Shining explained. “It’s known only by the guard that the gem is cursed. It can’t be handled mystically at all.”

“Oh…” Rarity and Twilight muttered. So their private discovery had not been exactly so private after all. 

“Who cursed the gem? Maybe we could ask them some questions?” Twilight offered as Shining chuckled.

“Unless you can talk to the dead, it ain’t gonna happen. Clover the Clever herself cursed the jewel.” Twilight felt her face twist into a snarl. To everyone, it was the face of a cold lead. To a thief, it was discovering the history to your target made it impossible to track down. “I bet the demon discovered this and smashed the jewel.” Shining hypothesized. “Clover was a renowned demon slayer in her day after all.”

“Unlikely.” Twilight and Rarity answered. “That demon just wanted to spite us.”

“Well, we’re lucky it did, otherwise we would have never known just how good of a thief we are up against here… I just have no idea who or- or what could be behind this…” James cursed.

“If it hadn’t been stolen though, you’d be livid that it smashed the jewel.” Rarity pointed out.

“Anyways ladies, it looks like your trap is sprung?”

“Yeah. There’s nothing left for Rarity and I to dispel.” Twilight smiled. 

“But there is one thing I don’t understand.” Shining sighed as he pointed to the roof. “Why did the thief shoot the camera if they were fighting a demon?”

“Umm…” Rarity managed, brilliantly at that.

“Was that a mage blaster?” Twilight noted while looking at the burns. “Doesn’t Selina love to use those?”

“Felicia.” Shining corrected. 

“So I guess she fought back and missed?” Twilight offered. She didn’t want to lose Rarity’s expertise right now. She desperately didn’t want to lose her.

“Well, it’s possible…” Shining groaned, mulling the idea over. “But I just don’t buy that she missed. It’s just off…”

“This was a demon, he probably tricked her into shooting the camera.” Rarity added, stepping up next to Twilight and Shining.

“From the angle, it came from… over there.” Shining noted while he turned to look at Rarity’s display from earlier. 

“She must have took a shot from the cover and just hit the camera on accident.” Twilight attempted to dismiss.

“And just happened to hit the camera? Nope, I don’t buy it.” Shining grunted as he tasked a tech to take photos of the display for forensics. 

“He’s good.” Rarity whispered.

“How has he never figured me out?” Twilight sighed before shrugging. “Too busy hunting his great white whale.”

“Hmm?”

“Black Cat and Cat Woman.” Twilight clarified. “He wants to be the one to bust them.”

“Why them?” Rarity asked politely. 

“Why not them?” Twilight shrugged. “He hates these thieves that never get caught.”

“Must make Hearths Warming diner awkward.” Rarity smiled.

“You have no idea.” Twilight snorted as she ran over to join her brother’s search.

Should I tell him then? No, I still need her. AS much as I hate to admit it, this sort of magic is her specialty… But I can still have some fun with it. “Oh Shining, Twilight has a theory.”

“What?” The Star siblings asked, spinning around. 

“She said it wasn’t much, but there seems to be some spatial warping evidence here…” Rarity smiled. But to her disappointment, Shining took the bait all too well.

“You summoned No Face?!” Shining screamed as he rose, turning to bear down on the now confused Twilight. “What the Hades where you thinking?!”

“No Face?” Rarity asked, perplexed.

“Old demon in Hades our Family trapped there.” Shining clarified with his eyes glued on Twilight. “It was from him that my grandmother learned all the spatial warping magic there is now.”

“I didn’t mean too!” Twilight refuted, taking a step back from her imposing brother. “He must be bound to any summoning rings we cast.” Way to go Rarity, now he’s pissed at me!

“Well, you were right about it being spite that made him smash the gem.” Shining huffed as he sat down on Rarity’s display, not caring about the tampering of evidence. “Are you sure he was returned  to Hades?”

“Completely.” Twilight nodded. It was easy to say that when they never summoned him. “The spell would return anything summoned in thirty seconds, no matter where it went.”

“You had better be right.” Shining huffed as he stood up. “Just to be safe, I’m putting out an BOLO for No Face. If he is back, we need to be ready.”

“Roger.” Twilight and Rarity saluted. The pair took off after this reveal, seeing that now there was nothing left for them to cover or learn. At least, not here.


<<<>>>


The two ladies didn’t say a word on the ride back to Star Manor. One was lost in thought, and the other was feeling very entitled to keep her discoveries to herself, despite Twilight’s protests. No, Rarity had some good leads now, and would just have to sneak out after they got back, and go track this gem down on her… own… which was stolen by an archmage level thief… without tripping any security in the museum… and no one noticing for up to seven days... Rarity now used the remainder of the ride to work out her apology to Twilight. She needed the gem first, then she could never speak to her again. 

But all of those plans were dashed as the car came up the drive, because there waiting for them was Twilight Velvet. Dutchess, author, and mother of three. She was not a woman to be trifled with. And she was looking much too happy to see these two return for as confused as she had to have been.

“Baby!” Velvet cried, throwing her arms around Twilight as she got out of the cab. Rarity walked up to her favorite Star at the moment with a large grin as Velvet just looked at her, almost appraising her as the cab took off. Finally, alone on their own property, Velvet took the chance to speak. “Great job, baby. It looks just like her.”

“Huh?” Two of the assembled three thieves asked, looking between each other. 

“Gods you’re brilliant.” Velvet smiled. “Well, go ahead and dismiss your familiar Twilight, we have work to do.”

“Her what?” Rarity balked. 

“Mom, there’s been a change in plans.” Twilight persisted.

“What is it baby? And why are you still here. Shoo.” Velvet said as she tried to dissipate her daughter’s friend. 

“Stop that.” Rarity said as she was chased around by the mage. “Twilight , make your mother stop.”

“Mom, I didn’t get the muffin.” Twilight said, stalling Velvet at last. “And that’s not a familiar. That’s Rarity.”

“What?” Velvet stood still for longer than was comfortable, letting the words sink in. “You didn’t get the gem?”

“Mother, big picture. Rarity is here. Why do you think that is?” Twilight snapped back. 

“To hell with Rarity, no offence, but you didn’t get the gem?!” Velvet finally screamed. 

“Parlor, now.” Twilight groaned, burying her face in her hand.

“Are all Cheshire’s this crazy?” Rarity asked as she pushed Velvet out of arm’s reach, politely.

“How does she know about Cheshire?” Velvet screamed as the three took to the steps.

“Gee, I wonder how?” Twilight growled as she opened the door. “Where’s Spike when you need him.”


<<<>>>


“Sweetie Belle! It’s not what it looks like! It was a game, I swear!”

“With ladies in provocative outfits and- and big… boobies?!” 

“... You’ve never seen a video game, have you?”


<<<>>>


“So let me get this straight.” Velvet hissed as she paced back in forth in front of the two thieves. “You didn’t get the muffin?”

“Did you miss the part where Rarity here is also an art thief.” Twilight shot back.

“Or where Twilight was staring at my tits.” Rarity huffed.

“Or that a archmage level thief stole the gem.”

“Or that Twilight was staring at my tits!”

“You already said that.” Twilight hissed. 

“Well, you were.” Rarity huffed.

“It’s okay, Rarity. Everyone stares at your tits. They’re nice.” Velvet absently supplied while she paced back and forth while Rarity blushed, covering her chest self consciously for decency. “Much nicer than Twilight’s.”

“Mom!” Twilight cried, covering her lack of self out of embarrassment. 

“So who has my gem?” Velvet growled, pacing, and fuming. Fuming, and pacing.

“My gem.” Twilight corrected. 

“Aha, no darling. The muffin is rightfully mine.” Rarity smiled. “But it’s nice to know just whom your fence is.” 

“Me? Be her fence?” Velvet laughed. “Honey, a fence is a lame thief. And I am by no means lame.”

“When was your last heist then, mom?”

“Eight months ago. Trottingham. I stole the Nexus prototype blueprints.” Velvet smiled. “You two?”

“I’m not saying.” Rarity said with a flip of her hair.

“Six months ago, Rarity here was in Manehatten, going after the muffin then too.” Twilight smiled as Rarity turned white.

“How did you know that?” Rarity asked slowly, trying to not give anything away.

“Spike told me, before he went off line. I think he heard our fight and bailed.”

“Some tech support.” Rarity dismissed sarcastically.

“Best I’ve ever had.” Twilight nodded, missing the point entirely. “So what was your last successful heist?”

“... A year ago. I stole the Golden Dragon of Scale Lanka.” Rarity said as she sank into her seat, needing to prove herself among her fellow thieves. “How about you, darling?”

“A year ago also.” Twilight shrugged. “I stole Sapphire Shores headdress.”

“You did?” Rarity asked, looking over to the small thief, a genuine smile of gratitude sweeping over her. “Thank you darling. She commissioned me to replace it after that.”

“See, it’s a good thing that I stole it.” Twilight smiled. “And I got three A rank scrolls for it.”

“Scrolls?” Rarity asked, arching her brow.

“Some of my fences know how much I love ancient magic no one else has ever gotten to see, so they offer me a trade whenever they get their hands on one. They ask me for the really hard to get items.”

“If no one’s ever seen these spells, how do you know they’re legit?” Rarity asked.

“Old magic. These spells bind to whomever reads them, then destroy the scroll. Anything B rank or above has this protection.” Twilight smiled as she lectured. “Using a mana trace, one can accurately tell the type of magic also. After a while, the magic starts to seep into the scroll, giving it it’s own spell force.”

“Amazing.” Rarity said as she sat forward, putting her chin in her hand as she listened intently. “So what did you deem as worthy of the Diamond Muffin?”

“I don’t know.” Twilight confessed. “All I know is that it’s an original Starswirl the Bearded scroll. Likely spells would be time control, based off how powerful the radiant magic is on it.”

“Time magic…” Rarity muttered as she slipped off her perch, jerking to stay upright. “By the gods…”

“So what’s the plan?” Velvet asked, finally taking a seat. She didn’t like that Twilight was being so open, but based on the looks these two were sharing, it wouldn’t matter. They shared a curiosity, a passion. There was fire here, competition, and pride. They would be unstoppable, if only they could keep working together and not bicker. 

Besides, Velvet would get to steal the gem from her daughter soon enough. True, it would only be for a second, but she just really wanted to be able to say she had finally stolen the gem in her life, from a Bishop level mage too. 

“We need to talk to every fence in town, see who might have had a strong enough player out there.” Twilight said, not looking too happy about it.

“Darling, I don’t  think that’s going to work.” Rarity frowned. “No one will just willingly tell us.”

“Sure they will, we’ll ask politely.” Twilight smiled. A smile laced with malintent and terror.
	
> Where is my Script? This was not Supposed to Happen!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 4: Where is my Script? This was not Supposed to Happen!


Two thieves now stood on the roof of one Get Rich, black market art dealer. He was the most likely to have that kind of muscle, after the ladies kept quiet about their own fences.

“Have you ever rappelled before, darling?” Rarity asked as she secured the ropes. Twilight was being very trusting. And Rarity could easily sabotage her here and now, but she didn’t even think about it. As much as she hated to admit it, Rarity was curious about that spell scroll Twilight was hoping to get. The thought of a time spell made her salivate. Maybe Twilight wouldn’t mind sharing her spell if worse came to worse. Or maybe… just maybe, Rarity could talk Twilight into giving it up completely. 

“A little bit.” Twilight nodded as she warmed up her hands, covering the digits in mana, warping space around her to hide her face once more. Rarity now felt a little out of her league using a mask. But her mask was iconic, or so she consoled herself. “Ready on three.”

“One.”

“Two.” Both thieves took off, smiling under their masks as they both had the same idea. Rarity pushed off hard, taking an easy twenty feet in her first bound, She glanced over, and almost lost her footing. Twilight was using her mana to ground herself, running down the wall with the rope as a guide. 

“You call that a little bit!?”

“Yeah! I normally fast rope!” Twilight called back, enjoying the feeling of surprising Rarity. She reached her floor, and stopped, letting her magic and the rope keep her close. Rarity was still three bounds away, so she took the chance to peek inside, maybe see the-

“No…” Twilight muttered, letting her magic fade, the rope now holding her exclusively. Rarity noticed this change, and as she caught up she saw why. There, sitting in a chair opposite Get Rich was none other than James Rodriguez, curator of the museum. 

“I thought you promised me that gem, Jimmy.”

“How was I to know that girl would summon some crazy demon.” James sighed, wiping his forehead. “That thing teleported out my guys before they could make the swap.”

“So those gentlemen were working for James…” Rarity snorted. “Did he really think two berserkers could take a demon?”

“There was no demon.” Twilight pointed out.

“They don’t know that.” Rarity argued back. She risked a look over to the lady, seeing her face was still just as painful to look at as last time. But Rarity could feel her rage. “Twilight darling?”

“James has worked with my dad for twenty five years. There is no way he’d sell out Daddy like this. Betray him.” Twilight managed through enraged breaths.

“Maybe he has a good reason.” Rarity persisted as the conversation inside continued.

“Oh well, there's always next time.” Get Rich sighed. “I heard from a good source it was a fake.”

“Yeah.” James sighed. “Someone way more powerful than little Twilight had to have come for it. You know who could have had such a thief?”

“The Lady.” Get sighed, shaking his head. “She’s been quite. I think she might have tracked down the new Cheshire.” Rarity looked to Twilight again, but she couldn’t read anything from her face. “By the way James, nice work making sure Night Light was clear.” Nothing about Get’s body language or tone said that he was happy. Or even anything short of murderously furious.

“I don’t want him involved with you.” James sighed. “He’s not in your debt, I am.”

“That guy has ruined more of my deals than the guard!” Get Rich yelled. “You were supposed to make sure he knew not to mess with me!”

“I think you have that backwards.” James grunted as he stood up. “You don’t want to mess with the Star family. They keep demons in their employ. You only keep monsters.”

“You still owe me, James. Or do you want everyone in Canterlot to know that you’ve been buying back the paintings I’ve stolen from you?”

“Please, I’ll pay you back for the art. Just give me more time.” James sighed as he hung his head, leaving the penthouse with a defeated look. 

“I’m so sorry James.” Twilight sighed. “Rarity, there’s something I-”

Before Twilight could finish, Rarity shushed her, holding up a glass cutter. “We go on three, darling?”

“On three.”


<<<>>>


James was just reaching the street when his phone went off. Digging through his pockets he fumbled to quickly answer the call from the dog that held him captive. “What do you want, Get?”

But the voice that replied was not that of Get Rich. It was a jumbled voice, and it sent chills down James’s back. “Yes, Mr Rich here wanted to let you know that your debt is cleared. If you ever have an issue again, please take it to the police. Buying back stolen art is a messy business, as Mr Rich here is learning, the hard way.” James heard the sounds of wood meeting flesh, knowing just what was going on. “Promise me you’ll be a good boy, James.”

“Thank you. Tha-” The phone went dead as James let out a large sigh. There were angels in this cities underbelly after all.


<<<>>>


Rarity continued to plet Get in the stomach with that pool cue she had gotten her hands on, knocking the Spirited around as if he was a pinata.

“Oh this is wonderful stress relief.”

“Please, I’ll give ya whatever you want.” The dealer pleaded, blood coming from his busted teeth and lip. Rarity was actually rather sorry that she missed once and hit him in the face. The next three strike to the face though, she was well over her guilt. 

“Do you know who I am?” Twilight asked in her concealed voice.

“Y-You’re that No Face demon, aren’t you?” Rich asked. “I thought you were held by the Star Family?”

“I was, but this beauty here offered me a better deal. Oh, my apologies, this here is Cheshire.” Twilight pointed out Rarity, making her stall.

What is her game? Rarity wondered as Twilight grabbed the dealer, mystically lifting him up so his head was down, at eye level with the seated mage before him.

“You see, we found that little rock was a fake. And I don’t like coming all the way from Hades to just sightsee a fake rock. Not when I have a score to settle with the summoner and the previous owner of said rock. So you’re going to tell me everything you’ve heard about the muffin, now.”

“If I refuse?”

“Then No Face here would love to take you home, darling.” Rarity chuckled as she caught on. “Do you want a new plaything, No Face?”

“It’s been decades since I had a soul to play with.” Twilight chuckled. And Get decided his trousers were now a very convenient restroom. 

“I don’t know anything! I thought you had it, But now I can see the new Cheshire is not the kind to be subtle, so I have no clue.” Get pleaded. “Please, spare me.”

“No Face, I think he’s holding out.” Rarity purred.

“No! No, I swear! I got nothing!”

“Who could make that accurate of a forgery?” Rarity asked, stepping in next to her friend.

“Quality Carats.” The Dealer pleaded. “He’s the best jeweler in the city, been making fakes for decades. If anyone made it, it would be him.”

“See, that wasn’t so bad.” Rarity smiled as she walked around her target, taking out his wallet. “Lets see here... Ah, platinum card. Now my little demon here and I will be relieving you of this. But don’t go and plan anything stupid now, darling. After all, we have all the power here, and you wouldn’t want to do anything to make little No Face here use that power over you?”

“Please! I swear on my mother’s second husband’s grave, I won’t tell a soul!” Rich begged as Twilight let him drop. By the time the dealer had worked his way back onto his feet, he found the room now empty, save for him and his full boxers.


<<<>>>


Back on the roof, the two thieves sat as they caught their breath. Twilight dropped her disguise to look at Rarity without hurting the poor lady as she cast a smile on the fashionista. “Thank you, Rarity.”

“Of course darling, James is a good man, he doesn’t deserve that.” Rarity dismissed as Twilight chuckled. “Hmm?”

“You’re heart is in the right place, Rarity. That’s a good thing. Not really among thieves, but hey, nobody’s perfect.”

“It’s a sign of weakness.” Rarity corrected with a roll of the eyes.

“It’s only a weakness if you let it get in the way of your payoff.” Twilight offered in rebuttal. “We didn’t let it stop us. We just killed two birds with one stone was all.”

Rarity decided to let the complement roll off her back as she took off her mask, looking at her friend with a serious expression. “Why did you say I was Cheshire?”

“It’s like you said Rares, I look too much like a boy…” Twilight pouted, kicking her legs out over the edge. 

“Hey, cheer up.” Rarity smiled, wrapping an arm around her friends shoulders. “You are a very pretty woman.”

“You’re just saying that.” Twilight muttered while she charged up a locator spell, searching for their forger.

“No I’m not, darling. You’re beautiful, Twilight. You don’t see it, but I do. You have that effortless beauty.”

“Aw… Thanks, Rares.” Twilight smiled, laying her head on Rarity’s shoulder. Rarity started to look at the lady, tell her off for getting a little too sappy, until she noticed the locator spell. It’s light, normally forming an incredibly sharp point, was instead pale and eggshaped. It pulsed like a candle threatening to go out. 

“You’re tapped out, aren’t you.” Rarity whispered, looking to the lady at last, seeing the sweat on her brow. “Were you actually sick this past week?”

“No, I was training.” Twilight said with a chuckle. “I kinda let myself get outta shape.”

“Ah, you must still be burnt out from tapping into the portal charm…” Rarity nodded, hugging Twilight tight. “I’m sorry, my friend.” 

“Me too. We won’t get anything else done tonight with my spells offline. We should find a spot to lay low.”

“Can we make it back to your house?”

“I doubt it…” Twilight muttered sleepily, her eyelids staying shut for a second too long. “I’m too drained…”

“Okay darling, I have a backup plan. Can you access the void again?”

“I’ll try…”


<<<>>>


Twenty minutes later, the two mages strode into the hotel lobby. Gilded columns rose to the ceiling, the polished stone floors like mirrors almost. As for the two mages, they looked absolutely stunning, walking through that lobby in those regrettable costumes once more. At least they had a chance to store their tools, but they were still strutting around now dressed like, at best, hookers and at worst, idiots.

“Ladies, this is a respectable establishment. We do not allow visitors of your kind here.” The concierge said with a flip of his nose, looking down on them. “Be gone.”

Rarity took out Rich’s credit card, sliding it across the desk as Twilight fought with all of her strength to stay standing. “We need a room for a party tonight. Monsieur Rich sent us.”

The Concierge placed a hand over the plastic, sliding it off the table without so much as a glance. He rubbed his short white beard for a second, contemplating what to make of these girls. “Which room would Monsieur Rich like for the evening, ladies?”

“Give us whichever penthouse suite is open.” Rarity smiled as Twilight wrapped an arm around her shoulders, hanging off the girl almost drunkenly.

“While we’re at it, we want a call before anyone comes up to the room. We want to look our absolute best for him, after all.” Twilight added with a wink.

“Of course. Shall I let him know you are here?”

“Yes,” Rarity smiled. “Tell him Cheshire and friend are here. And we are ever so grateful.”

As the ladies boarded the elevator, the concierge picked up the receiver, calling the penthouse of Mr Get Rich. “Sir, this is Cosmo Caster of The Stablehill Hotel. Two ladies just checked in here, saying they were sent by you.”

The goon on the other end relayed the message, before coming back. “Names?”

“They simply identified as Cheshire and friend.” There was a silence on the line for the longest time, till the goon came back, finding his voice.

“Give them whatever they want.” The goon finally said. 

“Sir, they asked for-”

“Whatever. They. Want.” The goon repeated, hanging up.

“Yes sir.” The concierge nodded. Hanging up the receiver, he chuckled to himself as he scratched his beard. “Those girls are something special. I think I will have to keep an eye on them.”


<<<>>>


By the time Rarity got the door open, Twilight was asleep in her arms. The girl was mystically drained like Rarity had never seen, but it was understandable. Rarity didn’t even want to think about how hard it was to rip open a portal charm like Twilight had, let alone warping space like she had been doing all night. Rarity was surprised Twilight was still breathing, as she laid the lady down on the bed. But Rarity was not as gentle as she thought she was, as Twilight roused slightly. “Hey.”

“Get some rest, darling.” Rarity smiled, till Twilight held her hand, making her stop.

“We make a good team, Rares.”

“Yes, we do.” Rarity smiled, letting a small chuckle past her lips.

“I wish we could keep doing this. I like working with you…”

And there it was. That unspoken promise that in the end, they would betray each other. Unless... No, that’s a horrible idea. I would be blacklisted for just thinking about it… But despite all those wonderful points, she went down the path of no return. “There might be a way, darling.” Rarity whispered. “Let me talk to your fence, I’ll see what info I can get. And I promise to be nice.”

“She’ll eat you alive.” Twilight snorted. “It’s suicide to try and talk The Lady out of a deal.”

“Have you not meet me?” Rarity chuckled softly, grabbing the blanket and draping it over her friend. Twilight took her hand again, making Rarity stop once again.

“You make an excellent Cheshire.” Twilight smiled. She pulled lightly on Rarity’s hand, getting the proper lady to lean over closer to her friend. “You gave me something earlier tonight, and I want to return the favor now.”

“What was it I gave you?” Rarity asked softly as Twilight smiled sleepily. Rarity leaned in to hear better, should she whisper it. But instead, she was greeted by a pair of lips on her cheek. 

“Be safe, Rarity. De Lis is no pushover.”

“I’ll be careful, darling.” Rarity smiled as she replayed that last sentence in her mind. “De Lis. Fleur De Lis?” But Twilight was already asleep, smiling softly as she slumbered. “I’m about to do something recklessly stupid for you so you’ll help me. Of course I’ll be fine.” Rarity chuckled as she shook her head. 

Rarity walked over to the phone, picking it up as she made her call for room service. “Front Desk, this is Cosmo.” The concierge answered.

“Yes, this is Cheshire in 4972. I need some new clothes, if you catch my drift.”

“Of course miss. Shall I send up a tailor?”

“No no, we don’t want to disturb my friend, as I’m sure you know. Just send out a bellhop to the closest department store. All I need is a pair of slacks and a nice sweater, darling.”

“Of course, miss. We will have your outfit prepared in one hour.”

“Perfect darling, thank you.”
> Fine, do whatever you want. It’s not like there’s a plan or anything!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 5: Fine, do whatever you want. It’s not like there’s a plan or anything!

Rarity hated only three things in this world: cheap suits, pleather, and sight un-seen heists. She was an idiot for even thinking about this. But it was all she had. She wore a sweater and slacks instead of her catsuit, looking much more confident as she strolled the Canterlot highrises than she had any right to be. 

She knew where Fleur lived, she had spent a lot of time there with her friend Fancy Pants after all. And that friend had been hiding that there was a thief among them. Story of my life right now, Rarity chuckled as she walked into the lobby of the building across the street. 

In any other city in Equestria, these buildings would be locked up tight this late at night, but not in Canterlot. No, never in Canterlot. Not when there was always money needing to change hands. This city may be home to the Royal sisters, but money made this city get out of bed. So this city never slept.

Rarity was too wrapped up though to give a damn. Twilight was unconscious because of her right now. So Rarity would simply have to move heaven and earth to make things better between them by the time Twilight awoke.

But why was she so gung ho on helping Twilight after all? It surely couldn’t be because she was trying to do something nice for her friend, could it? She was going to steal that scroll all for herself, right?

Rarity stopped letting these topics bounce around her mind as her elevator stopped. She had to pick a lock once on the correct side, but soon enough she was looking at Fleur’s home building. The most logical place for Twilight to have made the swap. 

“Omnes Videant Oportet.” Rarity said as she summoned as magical looking glass, letting its mystic lens give her a clear sight inside Fleur’s penthouse. “If I were a two thousand year old scroll, where would I be?” Rarity asked as she scanned the place from across the street. But she couldn’t see anything. Of course, Rarity suspected a void storage like Twilight used, or at worst a wall safe, but she had no idea how large the scroll would even be, let alone if it was even on site. But Rarity had to tr-

Something was off. There was an argument, and Fancy Pants looked a little upset. He’s carrying something in a large case to a back room. Long and thin. That had to be it. Rarity wasn’t about to spit at her good fortune. Not when she had a stupid plan to carry through. She wanted to know what was going on over there, but she wasn’t so gifted to hear a conversation four hundred feet away through glass twice over. No, she would just have to go over there, and find out for herself.

But how to do it? No tools, and a lobby approach would lead to more questions than I can answer… Perhaps I need to try something reckless myself… Rarity decided while finding a good object to anchor herself too. She had no mask, no tools, and no plan. If Twilight didn’t appreciate her for this, she would kill the girl.


<<<>>>


“I don’t care dear, lock it up.” The Lady of Canterlot ordered of her husband as he paced with the scroll in hand. “When she shows up, shoot her, and take my muffin.”

“I agreed to help you with this, but you’re taking it too far now.” Fancy Pants huffed. “I thought you were going to trade the scroll to her? What changed that?”

“Dear, I simply came to my senses.” Fleur moaned while watching the scroll in its case pace back and forth. Actions her husband noticed clear as day.

“You’re getting sick from this thing, aren’t you? It’s infecting you!” Fancy screamed back. “This scroll is too powerful. No mage should have it!”

“Lies!” Fleur hissed, bolting up. “I should have it. Me, all to myself.”

“I’m locking it up. As soon as Cheshire arrives, she may have the bloody thing.” Fancy snorted, standing his ground. He let his wife nod in agreeance, as empty as it was because of how the scroll was affecting her. He wanted to say something to her before he took off, ready to lock the thing away till that very late thief showed up to relieve them of it, but no words made themselves ready. All that came was a defeated sigh of a mage that knew he was unfathomably out of his league. 

Elsewhere in the penthouse of Esquire, A small pop was all the herald of one very drained thief. “Bleh.” Rarity groaned as the portal charm she had created dropped her off. It hadn’t been a smooth trip, and she had to know the exact layout of the place she was too land, but she made it, sure enough. Now all she had to do was find the scroll, beat Fleur's security, and make it down stairs, out of the building, back to Twilight, and then she could breath again. But first things first.

“Lime green hand towels?” Rarity scoffed as she examined the linen closet she was sitting in. “Darling, who did you get to decorate, Rainbow Dash?”

Rarity crept out of her hiding spot as she looked around. The coast was clear, and her time started- “Teak. After all my advice, you went with teak flooring? Oh my gods, you’re hopeless.”

Progress was slow, to say the least.


<<<>>>


There is a secret to mages. When they expend all of their mana, they begin to drain it from the environment around them. From the earth, the sky, the plants, and the living, mages pull power, as they slumber in peace. 

So Twilight never noticed as she pulled mana from a new soul in her hotel room, as the character took a seat, looking over the sleeping mage. The tall, slender fellow let out a sigh as he took out an old photograph, looking to it before looking back to the slumbering lady.

“You look just like her, Miss Twilight.” The fellow chuckled, wiping away a tear. “Gods, she was the most perfect student. Taken too soon from this life.” The old man cried quietly, burying his face in his hands. “Clover, can you ever forgive me?”

Twilight did not stir, aided by the silence the old man projected. Carefully, he slowly took off his name badge, resting the moniker of Cosmo Caster on the end table, letting his tears roll freely. She was the spitting image of his student, whom a lifetime ago he had loved like a daughter. But she was also being such a bad example!

His prized student’s reincarnation, and she was a filthy thief. As was the reincarnation of Platinum, if the man was to be honest, but he wasn’t as strongly attached to her. But this girl had so much raw talent, to waste it on being a thief! But, then again, based on how much fun it had been for him to break into that museum and steal the jewel so that she couldn’t, he could certainly see the draw in it for Clover. It was a puzzle unlike any other. He didn’t like the concept that she was just being greedy, but there was a small flicker of hope that maybe she was one that delighted in the theft. 

Then again, I do rather think it is her lover that is the thief, and she is just along for the thrill of it. She’s more like Clover than I give her credit for, wanting adventure while playing the part of the indifferent servant to her lover.

A small groan stole his breath as Twilight began to stir. She looked a little drained, now that he cared to look. So that was it. It was in theft that she was able to practice some real magic around here. That was her draw. To do magical feats she could smile at, but never brag about. Animosity was her bread and butter, and she was in love with that feeling of power. She was so much like Clover…

“Rarity…” The slumbering girl moaned. “Come back…”

Just like Clover.

“Miss Twilight, I do wish you two the best. It has been years since I’ve seen a team as strong as yours, so do treat each other right.” The old wizard smiled as he rose, pinning his name badge back into place. “Now if you don’t mind, my break is up. Call me if you need anything, dear.”

But there was one last thing that gave the wizard pause as he left. Twilight was still wearing her shoes. And her shoes were on her bed. It was dirty, disrespectful, and down right uncouth, though he always swore he would never let the Queen know how much she had rubbed off on him. So with a small groan, he took off her shoes, placing them gently next to the door. He also made a note for the cleaning crew in the morning to deep clean the bedding. Disgusting, shoes on the bed spread. I swear.


<<<>>>


Rarity stalked from room to room as she looked for the hiding place of the scroll. She checked the closet, but had discovered nothing… aside of just the most perfect handbag ever. Rarity was in heaven. Truly, heaven. It was a limited edition black leather Cholé, and it was gorgeous. But Rarity also understood the need to be discreet. She had no time to peruse her target’s fashionable wardrobe. That was abhorrent. She should get out there, and resume her- 

“Oh my gods, are those Pradas?” Rarity gasped as she held up the long black leather riding boots, short of breath. She had never been this happy before. 

No, I must carry on! Twilight needs this scroll, and I need her to succeed! I shall do it for- “A Burberry Heritage fringed Cashmere muffler?” Rarity purred as she rubbed the scarf against her cheek. 

Ten minutes later, Rarity exited the walk in closet she had since named Heaven, carrying only the most essential items as she continued on with her mission. And her new boots felt fantastic!

But she was a woman of a mission, to be sure. So she tucked her pilfered goods away, knowing that right now, greed was her enemy. She started her search once more, feeling the rooms for any mana, hoping these mages stored everything like every mage that studied advanced magic, in a void. But it was fruitless. No, they had been smarter than that, and instead bosted safes that even a Berserker like Applejack or even Big Macintosh couldn’t rip open. It was old school tech meets a very determined burglar. 

Thankfully, Rarity excelled at safe cracking. Heck, it was during a safe cracking that she earned her Magnus Mark. True, that odd explosion Rainbow Dash had created might have had some effect, but still, it was her pride and glory. So kneeling next to that heavy iron prison, she placed her ear on the door and began to turn the dial. She couldn’t even remember the last time she had used these spells, one for listening, one for touch sensitivity, and one for serenity. Her safe cracking special, as she called it. It took her only thirty seconds, not her best time, but not bad by any measure. She pulled the door open, and looked into that box for her target.

“I do think you won’t find anything in there, Miss Rarity.” The amused voice piped up. And Rarity froze. “Tell me my friend, why are you here? And opening my safe no less?” Fancy Pants inquired.

Thinking fast, Rarity cast a glamor spell on her eyes. It was risky, because there was always the chance that Fancy would notice this, but she had to try. Turning around slowly, she let her now white eyes bore into her friend, happy to see him holding her scroll. She was less pleased to see the mage blaster, but considering he hadn’t shot yet, she was going to take it as a good thing. “Her name is Rarity you say? Hmm…”

“What the blue blazes? What’s going on?” Fancy Pants urged, aiming the weapon a little more professionally, like one actually expecting to use it.

“I should be asking you the same thing, dear. Do you know what I found in that museum when I went to steal the Muffin?”

It now clicked for Fancy Pants, though he still wanted answers. “Cheshire. Would you mind telling me why you’re puppeting my friend there?”

“I found this girl when she reported to the scene of the crime. A consulting mage, they said. I had no idea she was a friend of yours though. But it makes no difference to me. I decided to use her to check up on a lead while I tame a demon. Now, where the hell is the diamond? If you dared to insult me with another thief as insurance to my plans, I swear to Luna, you will not have long enough in this world to regret such actions.”

“We thought you had it.” Fancy Pants said at long last, dropping the weapon. “By all accounts, you’re the only thief in town powerful enough to have overcome Lady Star’s spells.”

“Yes, she’s the one whom left a bloody demon summoning ring behind.” Rarity growled, earning an oscar for her performance right now. 

Fancy Pants felt the cold sweat on his brow. Here he was, seconds ago having aimed a gun at his friend as he spoke with one of the most powerful mages in the world, or so he believed. Slowly, Fancy holsters the weapon in his coat, and raised the case.

“What are you doing?” Rarity asked, seeing the presentation but not believing it.

“I’m paying you for your work.”

“I haven’t brought you the diamond yet. Why this sudden change of heart?”

“I want this- This thing gone! This thing is far too powerful for my wife and I to contain. It’s speaking to us, asking to be read. Just take it and go.”

“Well, this is unexpected.” Rarity hummed, smiling. “Fine, give me the case. I’ll honor this sign of respect, and bring you the diamond as soon as I get it.”

“Forget the diamond.” Fancy Pants growled as Rarity took the case out of his hands. “I’ve learned anything connected to Starswirl the Bearded is not worth the hassle.”

“Connected to Starswirl?” Rarity inquired. She cursed herself just afterwards, but Fancy hadn’t noticed the personal slip.

“It was made for his student. I have long believed that he himself placed a curse on the jewel, to punish all thieves. Now I know that thought was right. Please, keep it far away from this Noble House. The House of Esquire will never dabble in Starswirl artifacts again.”

“Very well.” Rarity nodded. She didn’t know if she could trust him though. After all, he was falling under the scroll’s influence. “So may I walk out the front door? Or are you going to pull that gun on me again?”

“Please, Cheshire, use the front door. Oh, and never make a puppet of my friend again. If you do, a demon will be the least of your worries.”

“Of course, Sir Esquire.” Rarity bowed, taking her case and leaving the mage behind. She had to thank him next time she saw him. It was moving to find out exactly how great your friends were when they didn’t think you would hear them.


<<<>>>


Now Rarity’s tired leg carried her right back to the hotel. She felt a couple times the need to feign a direction, and a few more double backs. Not to mention a couple rides on empty elevated trains just to be sure. But finally, she was convinced that she had not been followed, and with a sigh she opened the door, not even processing that she had just brought the scroll back to Twilight. She had simply acted out of instinct. 

Carefully, she placed the case on the floor, as she took a seat on the bed next to Twilight to check on her friend. Of course she never got to, passing out almost the instant she touched the bed. She simply laid there, soaking up mana just like her friend still was. And slowly, they started to share that magical sustenance in their slumber.


<<<>>>


Twilight was the first to awaken as the sunlight began to touch the horizon, taunting the world with it’s golden warmth. She rolled over and found her friend laying there just like her, still wrapped in clothing. Though of course she now had slacks and a sweater while Twilight was still dressed like a damned french maid, but it was not a large issue. Twilight smiled as she snuggled up to Rarity, feeling drawn to her for some odd reason. It might have been that Rarity was warm, or the fact that the pair had been sharing mana for the last two hours, but either way, it felt right to to just cuddle with the indigo haired lady.

That was, till Twilight noticed one very poignant fact. With a huff, Twilight sat up and grabbed Rarity’s shoes, pulling them off before dropping them over the side. Her actions, though well intentioned, served mainly to wake up her bed partner. 

“I just want to point out how hilarious it is that I have a cute maid in my bed taking off my shoes…” Rarity mused sleepily. “I could get used to this.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.” Twilight blushed, leaning on her elbow as she talked to her friend. “But now that you’re up, how did it go last night?”

“It went.” Rarity groaned, rolling over to face Twilight. “Were you cuddling me?”

“Just a little. You were there, I was bored.” Twilight dismissed.

“Okay…” Rarity yawned, drifting back off to sleep. Twilight took that as a welcoming for her to snuggle with her once more. “Darling, if you’re going to cuddle me, I have one request.”

“Oh, what’s that?” Twilight asked as she got comfortable. 

“Share the blanket. I’m freezing here.” Rarity moaned as Twilight chuckled, adjusting and moving so that she could drape that wave of warmth over them both.

“Better?” Twilight asked as she rested her forehead against her friends. But there was no reply as Rarity drifted off once more to the land of dreams. “Better.” Twilight said as she joined her friend in slumber. She could enact her plan when she woke up.


<<<>>>


Twilight was once more the first to awaken, but she stayed with her friend in bed, content to soak up their warmth and the fact that neither was trying to kill each other. Of course, there was no promise that that pattern would continue when they got out of bed, but she could hope, and do everything in her power to help that along. But for now, she snuggled up into the embrace of her friend, burying her face in Rarity’s neck. It was so divine feeling. So welcoming. So… right.

“Twilight, stop that.” Rarity groaned as she was roused once more.

“Huh? Stop what?”

“Breathing on my neck. It tickles.” Rarity said as she brushed Twilight’s hair out of her face. “Why are you being so affectionate this morning? You’re acting like a lover.”

“Like a… Oh…” Twilight blushed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean too. We must have reached a Felix Formosissimus in our sleep.”

“What?”

“We were both tapped out, so we started to share mana subconsciously.” Twilight explained. “It has a tendency to make both parties a little, enamored… if done right…”

“No, I’ve heard of a formosissimus before, but I thought it was a myth.” Rarity nodded as she rested her head against Twilight’s chest. “So if that is your excuse, I’ll let it slide darling.”

“I beg your pardon?” Twilight stammered, giggling a bit.

“You were undressing me with your eyes all night. I get it, and I can’t say that I blame you.” Rarity muttered happily. “After all, I am a catch.”

“Says the girl playing with my boobs now.” Twilight shot back as she felt Rarity’s hands rubbing her chest.

“What boobs? A cups don’t count.”

Twilight gasped, shocked that her friend would say such a thing. Or maybe it was those hands on her that made her feel that way. “Rarity, the Felix Formosissimus is making us a little too touchy feely. We should get up now…”

“No, you’re warm.” Rarity groaned as she pulled Twilight closer while she lifted her head back to her pillow, resting her forehead against Twilight’s once more. “My offer still stands, by the way.”

“What offer?” Twilight asked breathlessly. She was entranced almost as she felt Rarity’s breath on her lips.

“Split the profits.” Rarity giggled softly. 

“And what do I have to gain from sharing in your money?” Twilight asked, drunk on Rarity’s words.

“Me, of course.” 

Twilight knew just how deep the infatuation brought on by the Felix Formosissimus could run, and she was hooked on it almost entirely. But thankfully, she had one saving grace. “Your money doesn’t procure my scroll though.”

“You mean that scroll?” Rarity asked as she pointed out the scroll, making Twilight sit up to look at the two foot long case. It looked like a simple tube of plastic, but Twilight knew without a doubt her prize was in there. Rarity took Twilight by the chin, and guided her back to her embrace, giggling as she played with the frills on Twilight’s tummy. “Don’t I get a thank you?”

Twilight smiled as she let Rarity take the lead, stealing that first kiss among them. Again, Twilight knew this was due to their Felix Formosissimus. Of course it was the Formosissimus. This wasn’t what she wanted at all. Not one… Oh who am I kidding? She couldn’t even be bothered to stop that more elegant lady from leading her down that path of the only sin Twilight hd never truly felt, lust. And right now, she had everything she could ever want. 


<<<>>>


Half an hour later, the ladies were still in bed, though at least they were not fighting anymore, so they had that going for them. Neither had the energy to go the distance this morning, but their lips and hands had done more to patch up their friendship than either rightfully deserved. 

“So what made you become a thief?” Twilight asked as she rubbed her fingers through Rarity’s beautiful hair.

“It all started when I was fifteen.” Rarity sighed, lost in nostalgia. “I was dating this boy, daddy didn’t care for him. Said he was a bad influence, which he was. So I ran away with him. Two weeks later, I was desperate enough to resort to picking pockets on the train to make some money to eat. As luck would have it, I picked Selina Kyle’s wallet.”

“Who’s that?”

“Well, you would know her best as Catwoman.” Rarity giggled. “She was just a few years older than me, and saw potential in me. So she took me in, where she and her lover Felicia trained me.”

“So you know Felica and Selina really well?”

“Oh quite so. My first time was actually with Felica.” Rarity giggled warmly.

“You lost your virginity to her?” Twilight asked, blushing.

“No, my first heist. And gods, it was better than sex. They trained me well, but it just couldn’t work out between us in the long run. I don’t like how open their relationship is. We still talk, but I always told myself that my theft was for me, never again for love.”

“So what do you call stealing a scroll for me then?”

“Insanity.” Rarity sighed. “I’m just a fool, darling.” 

“Well, I’m a fool too.” Twilight sighed, laying her head on Rarity’s bosom. 

“So tell me darling, why are you a thief?” Rarity chuckled as she stroked her fingers through Twilight’s soft hair.

“You know why.” Twilight chuckled. “I’m the third daughter of Cheshire. The latest in a great line of jewel thieves.” 

“Where did the name Cheshire come from?”

“My great grandpa, actually.” Twilight smiled, looking back on her family history. “He wrote Alice’s Adventures in Dreamland. And he named the Cheshire cat after my great grandmothers cat. They fell in love, and great granny decided to use Cheshire as her thief alias.” 

“Wow, so you have a whole history of famous writers in your family.” Rarity smiled kindly.

“Hmm. That’s why I love reading so much.” Twilight giggled, but it was empty. Hollow, And Twilight knew why. So did Rarity. All it would take is one girl working up the courage to ask the important question. “Rarity, we both know what needs to be asked. Where does this put us? Are we… working together? Are we… more than that now?”

“Well, I know, as well as you know, how strong a good (good time) can be, so it might have just been hormones.” Rarity conceted. “But I doubt that. I really like holding you like this. And I like it when you hold me, kiss me, want me.”

“I really want those things too, Rarity…”

“So how about you let me pull off the greatest heist of my life?” Rarity asked, propping herself up on her elbow. “Let me steal you away with me. Let me whisk you away with me and the profits from the muffin as we find some private beach somewhere to make love and read all day.”

“Yes please.” Twilight giggled as she leaned up to kiss those silky lips once more. “But we have to find the jewel first.”

“... Damn it.”

“And, we have one more thing to do first.” Twilight said as she slipped out of bed. She grabbed the case, carefully pulling out the scroll as she went. With a giggle, the girl sat down on the bed as Rarity rolled over and finally sat beside her. Both ladies put a hand on the scroll, smiling to each other. “On three?”

“On three.” Rarity affirmed as she opened the scroll slowly with her lover.