Flim knew it wasn't going to be easy to get his brother to forget about him and move on with his career, but Flam would never have success if he had anything to say about it, and this time he not only have one friend on his side but many.
“Thank you all for coming here today.” began Twilight as the main six sat around the cutie map table. Flim was sitting on his rump next to Fluttershy's seat. “Now Flim would you care to tell us the plan you had in mind?” questioned Twilight towards him. She glanced towards each of the ponies whom had gathered here today. She couldn't help but notice how Rainbow Dash looked rather bored at being here, Pinkie Pie was all eager to throw a redemption party for Flim, Rarity was busy discussing details of a new line with Spike who was starring at Rarity, more than actually listening to her. Fluttershy sat silently, and Applejack was waiting to see if Twilight had a plan. Twilight always had a plan right? Applejack couldn't help but wonder after all there wasn't a whole lot any of them knew about the Flim Flam brothers. There best hope was Flim's knowledge of his own brother. Normally that would be a betrayal of family but in this case, Applejack knew there was no other options...
“Come on can't we just get on with it already? I know how to get rid of Flam, let's pound him into submission.” suggested Rainbow.
“Now...Rainbow...there's no reason for violence. We can find a way to solve things without violence.” replied Twilight in a stern tone.
“Be a lot faster my way.” replied Rainbow crossing her arms across her chest, her wings together against the back of the chair, as she slouched back, wanting to get back to rereading the latest Daring Do book. Besides why was she needed anyways? It wasn't like she had anything to do with it. If it wasn't for Fluttershy asking them to all meet up here, she would've booked it by now.
“This isn't about you. I think ulimately it should be up to Flim as to what action we take now.” replied Twilight. She knew how Rainbow was, they all knew which was why everyone needed to be here or else they might try taking action into their own hooves and that never tended to have any good results.
“Well...honestly Twilight, the best way to beat Flam is at his own game. We'll have to convince him that he's better off without me. His business won't do him any good if he's not there to promote it himself.” explained Flim softly in response towards Twilight.
“Hmm...well then I reckon we'll be relying on you to get anywhere with this.” began Applejack. “I really don't like when families fight but this is one instance where it can't be helped.”
“I don't like it either personally but after what he said and what he did to me...He has to be put in his place.” responded Flim. “More than that, he locked Fluttershy in her own cottage just to get back at me and that is just unforgivable!” explained Flim in a huff. It was very clear that he was upset and beyond frustrated at this whole ordeal. He just wanted peace of mind, he had left Las Pegasus because he knew wherever his brother was, he wouldn't be able to have the peace of mind he wished for. He just wanted to have a purpose other than conning ponies, he was truly ready for a change, he only wished his brother could feel the same...but even Fluttershy might not be able to change him.
“Oh...I wish there was something we could do.” spoke Fluttershy. She wasn't against the idea of trying to help Flam. Though she had this niggling feeling he wouldn't listen to any pony except himself...
“We should all be happy and have a party! I mean come on how often is it that Fluttershy redeems a bad guy?” smiled Pinkie as she blew on a party whistle and let balloons fly into the air.
“Oh I didn't really do much. All I really did was lend a listening ear.” smiled Fluttershy with a soft blush.
“Ah come on Sugarcube, we all know you did more than just listen. You did something I couldn't do...” replied Applejack with a heavy sigh. She still felt really bad about it.
Fluttershy couldn't help but blush deeper, she wasn't talking about their deep kiss was she? No she couldn't be talking about that. She felt Flim wrap a hoof around her and kiss her cheek softly.
“No need to be nervous, I'm right here with you every step of the way.” he smiled towards her as he nuzzled her affectionately.
Pinkie's eyes widened at this display of affection and she let out a surprised “Oh...I get it.” she smiled. “I am going to need more party supplies now. No worries, I got this.” she smiled and almost seemed to wink at the audience.
“Pinkie what are you doing?” questioned Rainbow Dash with a questioning glance. Man Pinkie could be really weird at times.
“Ah nothing.” replied Pinkie innocently. She couldn't help but giggle.
“Now if we could all just focus on the matter at hand we could form a plan instead of just sitting here.” replied Twilight trying to get everyone back on track.
“Isn't that what we're already doing darling?” questioned Rarity who had remained pretty quiet until now. There was no need for her to get too absorbed into this. She knew Rainbow would be rash, it was just oh so typical of her.
“Yes, Rarity it's good to see you playing attention.” replied Twilight. Twilight sighed to herself. She really hated it when things began to fall apart. She wasn't sure they would be able to help Flim, if all of them couldn't even focus.
“Whatever do you mean dear? I have been listening this entire time, that doesn't also mean I can't think of what to do for my next fall line.” explained Rarity calmly, holding her hoof against her chest defensively.
“Everyone...listen my brother is a cheater, a scammer, but more than anything he's my brother which is why I'm the one who has to put a stop to all his games. I have to confront him and no matter what plan we come up with, it all comes back to what I do. I have to do it. I have to face him head on, as much as I hate to admit it, Rainbow has a point. Pinning him to the ground might be the only way to get through to him.” explained Flim.
“Ha! See?” smirked Rainbow suddenly paying more attention and sticking her tongue out at Twilight.
“Alright Flim, if you're sure about this, we'll leave Flam up to you. We just have to focus on protecting this town.” replied Twilight.
“I'm positive, Twilight..., began Flim. “I have to be the one to do it, I'm the only one that could get through to him.”
“I understand, and I respect your decision, just all I ask is that if you need anything just tell us. We're all here for you, Flim.” smiled Twilight softly.
Flim never thought he'd hear those words out of any pony, he never thought anyone would even believe him. It was hard not to get teary eyed with the emotions he was feelings but he held himself in a composed manner, mainly because he knew now they were relying on him to stop Flam from doing something awful. And he knew Flam was one to do whatever it took for a scam, it wouldn't be any different now. Flim stood up leaving them to discuss among themselves as he made his way outside. He passed by Starlight Glimmer who smiled towards him and stopped him in his tracks.
“I just wanted to say if you ever need any pony to talk too about anything you're more than welcome to come to me. I understand how hard it is to find your path when most ponies are so absorbed in your past.” explained Starlight softly.
“I appreciate that Starlight, truly it's been amazing just to be forgiven for my past actions. I'll be sure to come to you if I need anything.” replied Flim as he nodded towards her and continued on his way. He knew Flam would return. It would be some time for him to get back here, but there was no doubts he'd be back and as silly as it was to think he had to think of this like an old classical western showdown. Only thing was his gun wasn't going to be used, he wouldn't resort to violence if he didn't have too. He wasn't about to go back to a past, he had left behind. He was determined to be good now, and none of this would have been possible if Fluttershy hadn't believed in him. He was so grateful to her, and hearing her words of care and passion for him in return was more than he could have ever asked for. He loved her, and now he knew she felt the same. Once things with Flam were taken care of, he was going to earn his way to getting her a ring and proposing. There was no doubt he wanted to spend the rest of his life with that mare, with that amazing mare that was Fluttershy.
*******8
Flam couldn't believe it, he had returned back to the resort that he and Flim were now managing and it had started out to be quite a success but now without Flim's marketing knowledge it was beginning to fall apart. He was immediately questioned when he returned as to where Flim was and why the two couldn't agree on anything. Of course Flam told them it was just a misunderstanding and he would fix things, but at this point he wasn't sure there was a way to fix things without Flim helping him. The two had always been a team. He wasn't about to let Flim think he had won this little argument of theirs. He was right about which path to take the resort in next, but he needed Flim by his side to truly make it a success.
“I'm going to ruin him if it's the last thing I do!” muttered Flam to himself as he walked off in a huff away from the tension at the resort. He sat down in his office, his hoof resting on his chin, tapping a pencil to a blank piece of paper upside down eraser first. Flam had to think, clearly his plan to simply manipulate his brother had back fired on him but if he wasn't here and he wasn't in Ponyville then where the heck was he? He knew where to look though...Fluttershy. It was clear she would know but she wouldn't tell him anything. No way she'd trust him after he locked her in her cottage. And no pony around here was going to fall for him using them either. He was conflicted but he knew his best chance to save the resort from falling into some pony's hoof was to return to Ponyville and question Fluttershy. He'd get answers out of her one way or the other, even if he had to kidnap her. He wasn't beyond doing something crazy to get what he wanted and he knew his brother had a thing for that mare. It might just be the very thing he needed to get his brother back. He needed that mare, suddenly a huge smirk came across his features. His eyebrows raised in a malicious motion. “I'm coming for you Flim, and this time I'm calling the shots.” he spoke to himself like Flim was standing right there in front of him. He was going to need some ropes in order to nab Fluttershy but he still had plenty of bits to spare and he could use the fact the resort needed help as a valid reason for buying ropes in the first place. He wasn't about to give up yet...no he wasn't going down without a fight.
He went to the local hardware store, after all it was the best place to buy quality rope. He'd best have a way to keep her quiet too just in case she tried to call for help so he ended up finding a scarf at a local department store nearby. Once he had the materials he needed, he couldn't help but smirk. Flim thought he was a good pony now, now he could prove just how good he was and once he was back here in Las Pegusus, that's when Flam would make his move. And without Flim in ponyville, he knew Fluttershy would be an easy target. He wasn't worried about her friends, if they caused problems he'd deal with them. Right now he was focused on getting Flim back to work with him on the resort. Once he had what he needed he would began packing what little he needed for the journey back into Ponyville. He knew what he had to do, all that was left was to execute the plan. It was about the middle of the day at this point so as much as he thought about leaving now, it was best to watch until morning but on the other hand getting a headstart would mean he would get there faster, he couldn't help but be conflicted about what to do. What was more important to him? Sleep or getting revenge on his so called brother? There was no doubts in his mind that he had to get revenge on Flim, and sleep wasn't really important so he decided to head out now. He knew it would be a long trip to get to Ponyville but he no longer cared what it took. In a sense he lost it completely and was only focused on one thing and that was revenge, it was beginning to consume him.
Flam knew that if he was his brother he'd stay far away from Ponyville in order to protect it so he wasn't worried about having to deal with his brother, but word would spread of Fluttershy's kidnapping and it would get Flim to show his face, and return back to Las Pegasus. Flam couldn't help but wonder just what Fluttershy would think of his return. His hooves wouldn't rest until his mission was accomplished.
******8
Fluttershy had left Twilight's castle after Twilight had discussed a plan of action if Flam showed his face in town. She had a feeling the first place he'd look was her cottage, she was half afraid to even go home, so she had kindly asked Applejack if she minded her staying over at her place for the night. Of course she didn't seem to mind much.
“Of course Sugarcube. You really think he'll go to your cottage?” questioned Applejack as she held around Fluttershy who simply nodded in response. “Don't worry your little head now, I ain't going to let anything happen to Flim, you have my word on that.” replied Applejack.
“But...” began Fluttershy. If Flam read that letter...then he knew how Flim felt about her and she knew what that meant for them. Flam would try to use her to get to Flim. She couldn't go home but if she didn't go home her animals wouldn't get fed, oh she was just so conflicted...all she could do was lean on Applejack's support as she buried her face into her chest, a slight trail of teardrops running down her face.
“Oh Applejack...what do I do?” she asked concerned.
“Don't you worry, Fluttershy. You don't need to do anything. If Flim is thinking the same way you are, I'm sure he knows Flam's plan already. You just stay right here with me. He can't hurt ya here.” replied Applejack doing her best to compose Fluttershy. There was no sense in getting worked up in something that was out of her control. Everything was up to Flim now. Applejack couldn't believe it, but even she was hoping that he would win this little fight of theirs, because she had finally seen for herself that Flim really did mean what he said, when he was tired of it all and ready for a change.
*****8
The morning sun rose into the sky, as Celestia raised the sun, it was quite a beautiful spectacle to see but right now Flam wasn't concerned about the morning light, only that he was going to find Fluttershy and grab her. He knew right where to go and he knew that Flim would show up eventually. Flam knew he had to be cautious and calculated, but he also knew the ponies of Ponyville weren't as stupid and dumb as they had been the first time they had arrived in town. He made his way towards Fluttershy's cottage, one hoof step at a time. The whole time thinking of how to capture her without raising alarm to the others, especially her annoying little friends, Flim was the only one he cared about. He didn't even really care about Fluttershy, but he knew Flim did, which was why she was such a convenient target, he snickered to himself as he approached the cottage. What surprised him was that Fluttershy didn't seem to be home, but standing in front of her cottage was none other than Flim himself. Flam just calmly watched up towards him, hoping to make the best out of this strange opportunity.
“Brother! How good to see you. How has it been being a good hearted pony? Is it everything you've been dreaming of?” smirked Flam trying to get under his skin and make him realize that the best part about life was bits, there was nothing more worthwhile, besides money lasted forever, ponies didn't. It was a grim thought, but Flam would use any tactic he could.
“Don't even try it Flam, I'm on to your games, and I'm sick of it. Let's end this here and now, you and me. Winner take all.” offered Flim. He knew Flam was cocky and he believed he'd have an edge over him.
“Ha! If I win you'll come back to Las Pegusus and give up this precious little friendship thing?” smirked Flam liking this idea more and more.
“Yes, if you win, I'll come with you of my own free hoof, but if I win, you swear to leave this town, and never return.” replied Flim as he stood his ground.
“You have yourself a deal, my brother. Shake?” he offered his hoof up, smirking like the devil he was. He knew Flim was underestimating just how strong he was, he wasn't as strong as Applejack but still he could hold his own in a fight especially against the likes of his weak minded brother whom had fallen for such a stupid thing as friendship. Pfft!
Little did Flam realize it but Flim had become stronger because of his stupid little friendship and he felt that would be the key factor in who won their little bout of strength and magic. The two braced against one another, as Flim shook Flam's hoof in a shake and a nod. “On the count of three brother, one...two...three!” he shouted the last word as his horn lit up and magic sparked.
Flam's horn lit up as his magic sparked as each horn sparked against the other, as they headbutted one another starring at each other, each having an angry look in their eyes, but Flim's was more a combination of anger and sadness that his brother couldn't see things the way he did. It just wouldn't ever be the same... He wished his brother would still want to be a brother, rather than an enemy.
******8
“Oh Applejack...I'm really worried about my animals...maybe I could just you know check on them for just a few minutes?” questioned Fluttershy. She couldn't help but worry, she knew Angel would be okay for awhile on his own...but his other animals really did need her. Especially her one bird who was getting over a terrible cold. He had to have his medicine every night, she couldn't afford to hide forever.
“I reckon a few minutes won't hurt nothing, but I ain't letting ya go alone. We'll go together.” smiled Applejack as she ruffled Fluttershy's mane slightly.
“Thanks Applejack, you're the best a friend could ask for.” smiled Fluttershy as she wrapped her hooves around her and gave her a big hug. Applejack returned the gesture with a soft and tender smile and a slight pat on the back.
“Anything for you Fluttershy, besides it's what friends do. Ya know? You're just like family and family's gotcha stick together.”
“Yeah...I know but...” began Fluttershy as her ears drooped slightly. “Most families stick together. I really wish Flam would just have listened to me. Instead he had to lock her in her cottage.
“Wait just a licking second here. Why didn't I think of it before! If Flim came here to me for advice, then I should try talking some sense into that....” began Applejack getting rather upset even at the idea of trying to talk to Flam. Family was important, and family should come before bits. Oh it had her angry than a Rattlesnake who's tail had been stomped on.
“Um...Applejack, I thought you hated Flim and Flam?” questioned Fluttershy rather confused.
“Well...I reckon hate is awful strong, more like really really dislike, but at least Flim has shown he's not a complete jackass.” replied Applejack.
“Applejack language!” spoke a familiar voice rocking in her chair. “Getting mad ain't never helped no pony.” explained Granny Smith.
“Sorry Granny.” replied Applejack. “I reckon we ought to get going, your animals need ya and all.” spoke Applejack.
“See you later Granny.” smiled Fluttershy waving towards her as she leaned down to pet Winonna before heading towards her cottage. She really hoped everything was okay...but then again she didn't even know what was going on. She wished she was better at this kind of stuff, she wished she could just deal with Flam on her own, but she knew she needed to rely on Applejack's strength, and her stubbornness. It would see them through any storm. She was rather surprised at what she saw when they arrived at her cottage. She looked horrified as she saw Flim and Flam in a magic duel, horn against horn, heads right up against one another, as each of them were trying to get the other to back down and neither was willing to give up the fight. She didn't even want to look but at the same time, she was worried about Flim, what would happen if Flam won? Would that mean that he would have to return to Las Pegusus? Oh...that would be horrible, she couldn't just let this happen. She tried to gather her nerves and muster courage but just when she was about to jump in between them, Applejack leaped into action, as she was now standing between the two brothers. She was facing towards Flam, as she was standing sideways so that Flim wouldn't get a nice view of her ass. She just gave Flam the look of an angry mare, and it was very clear she wasn't happy with him.
“Just what in the heck are you doing? You think you can just stomp on in here and take charge? It don't work like that. And secondly, how can you call yourself a stallion when you are willing to ruin your own brother's chance for a better life. You aren't his brother, you're just a manipulate little whiner, who didn't get his way and now has to find a way to get it back. I know your type. I swear Apple Bloom was more behaved than this when she was still a toddler!” spoke Applejack as she looked right at Flam. She wasn't expecting him to even response or acknowledge her, so when he looked at her, and began to speak, it surprised her but she couldn't believe the words out of his mouth.
“What brother? The brother I had is no longer a brother or let alone a friend of mine. He's left me for something as stupid as your friendship.” spoke Flam with a dirty scowl as he looked right back into Applejack's eyes, while glancing over to his brother for a brief second.
Applejack wasn't surprised that Flam would say that but about his own flesh and blood? His own brother? She couldn't help it, she raised her hoof and slapped him across the cheek.
“How can you say such a thing? He's your BROTHER! Doesn't that matter to you?” questioned Applejack standing her ground and wasn't about to back down. If anyone could get through to him, it had to be her. She knew that he hadn't listened to a word that either Flim or Fluttershy had said.
“And why should I care? My brother wouldn't fall for your little game. There is no such thing as friendship and love, the only thing that matter in life is money.” replied Flam.
Applejack was half tempted to hit him again but she knew that she could hit him all she wanted and he still wouldn't listen to anything anyone said.
“Ya know it's rather sad, that you think this way. Your brother is more of a stallion then you'll ever be. He's been willing to change his outlook on life, even risking his own life so that the ponies of this town could be safe from you.”
“Safe from me? I'm only trying to get my so called brother to see things my way. After all he knows we work best as a team.”
“Then why can't you change your outlook on life? Family is important, and gosh darn it if I'm not going to fight you over the importance of family over BITS!” replied Applejack, as her one hoof was digging a bit into the dirt beneath her. She was furious, and she wanted to get through to him but even she wasn't sure she could, but Fluttershy had shown with Flim that if you just took the time to know a pony, you could give any pony a second chance. Applejack didn't even like Flim or Flam but she still wanted to try even if it was a losing cause. Normally she never would've thought about doing such a thing, but she knew how important family was, and if there was any chance of getting through to him she was going to try.
Flam couldn't believe that Applejack thought he was going to listen to a single thing she said. All he wanted was for Flim to see it his way...but then he came onto a realization, Flim was trying to get him to see things his way. Neither of them was willing to budge an inch, it was just like the time that Gladmane had gotten them to fight against one another so that they wouldn't take his business from underneath him. Flam had always worked alongside Flim until that day and he realized more than ever that his business would never be the same without Flim at his side. He sighed to himself as he looked towards Applejack. He didn't want to lose out on his business but at the same time whate business would he have if he continued to fight like this? Flim was right about one thing, he would have nothing on his own. He couldn't even believe what he was about to say, but he knew it was right, and he might have never even thought about it, had Applejack not slapped him so hard.
“You're right.” replied Flam with a heavy sigh.
“Wait what?” questioned Applejack as again she couldn't believe what she had just heard out of his mouth.
“You're right, family is important and I was a fool to think that I could live without my brother, but I still don't believe in that silly little friendship thing, but if he'll compromise with me I'll leave him be.” replied Flam.
“Compromise how?”
“He can make the amusement park for our resort right on the outskirts of Ponyville and he sends money to the resort to help keep our resort open.” suggested Flam.
“Now wait just a second now brother, this was never about me coming back. I just wanted you to understand me and you weren't even willing to listen to reason before now.” replied Flim with a confused look.
“And I wanted you to understand me, sure we have our issues, but Applejack is right, we have to stick together.” replied Flam with a sad expression on his face.
Applejack calmly stepped out of the way of the two brothers as she walked over towards Fluttershy, whom had a big smile on her face.
“Does this mean what I think it does?” smiled Fluttershy hoping for the best.
“I believe so Fluttershy...I didn't even think it was possible. I reckon I must've gotten through to him.” smiled Applejack. She was still going to keep her eyes on him though, for all she knew he might still be trying to trick them and she wasn't about to be fooled so easily. Not just for Flim's sake, but for Fluttershy's as well. It was very clear to see the two were in love with one another. You'd have to be as blind as a bat not to be able to see how they felt for one another. Applejack had no right to say nothing about it, though she was happy for Fluttershy.
Flam looked towards Flim, and Flim looked back towards his brother as the two exchanged a simple glance before actually shaking hooves.
“Peace, brother, let us fight no longer. I'm glad to have a chance to talk once more and be with the real brother I felt I lost.” smiled Flim softly.
“I'm sorry Flim...I was just so swept up into making profits that I never even thought of how it made you feel. Forgive me?” he asked as he looked towards him with a slightly worried expression.
“Of course I forgive you. What kind of brother would I be if I didn't?” smiled Flim as he went up to Flam and gave him a big hug. Flam hestiated but then wrapped his hooves around his brother and the two embraced together in a loving brotherly hug. It looked awkward to most but to them it was a sign of the start of a better life, but more importantly it meant the Flim Flam brothers might actually both be on the right track now, and well Applejack knew Flim had changed, but she still wasn't sold on the whole thing but at the very least it seemed like the two were back together and on the right track. She could see how happy they seemed to be about it, she just worried it was all just a game to Flam, and she wouldn't let him hurt his brother like that. She was going to keep her eye on him, and if he did anything suspicious, she'd be the first to know. She couldn't help but notice something in his saddlebag, tipping out even slightly was a strand of rope. Applejack worked with rope a lot with herding and such so she knew that kind of rope was used for herding. What was he planning on doing with rope? Now she was even more concerned. She wouldn't ruin what seemed to be a happy point for them, so for now she was quiet, but she wasn't about to think that all was good and cheery. Flam still had a lot to prove in her mind, whereas Flim had already proven he wanted to change, when he had risked his own life for Fluttershy.