//------------------------------// // Thursday Part 2: The escape and opening up // Story: Dictators of Ponyville : A Ponyville confidential story // by ALoneWolf //------------------------------// Later that afternoon We find the group inside of their makeshift prison house their emotions varied after the events early this morning from Big Mac receiving a merciless beating from the CMC and finding out the real truth about Granny Smiths heart attack. Each member of the group finished up their respected jobs early as to get back to their injured friend who was still unconscious inside the boutique. Impressed that they put up quite a sweat today Chrysalis decided to let them have the rest of the day off , after dinner they were escorted back to their prison house and Twilight and Shy were quick to tend to Big Macs wounds. However with his injuries this proved to be a difficult tasks as Twilight didn't know the first thing about medical procedures, however Fluttershy having quite a bit of knowledge about medical healing managed to navigate and give her instructions. Rarity also contributed and helped with tending to Big Macs wounds and offered some of her leftover cloth materials in an attempt to stop the bleeding. However Pinkie and the others while also worried about Big Macintosh had more varied emotions. A depressed Pinkie was just staring out into the mirror watching the sun slowly set while praying for this whole mess to be over so she can be happy again, Dash showed anger at her little sister figure and her friends for attacking an innocent man despite what they've been through over this Gabby gums incident, Spike actually helped out with Macs wounds a little but after he accidentally scratched the large stallion with his claws while bandaging up his cutiemark, the young dragon broke down in tears and apologized multiple times and ran away hiding underneath a table thinking that he messed up big time and injured his friend even more. Twilight, Fluttershy and Rarity stopped what they were doing for a quick second and told him that it was an accident and that they are not mad at him and spent a minute comforting the little dragon who calmed down afterwords. Twilight asked if he wanted to help with Big Mac again but Spike decided to leave it to them thinking that he would just get in the way but assured them that he'll get them anything they need for the procedure. But no one was in more of a sad mood than the element of honesty who continued to sulk sadly in the same corner of the room as this morning. After the berating she received from the others, the farmgirl stayed quiet for the rest of the day thinking that no one wanted anything to do with her after the truth about what she said to Granny smith prior to her heart attack came out. She figured that her friends hated her over her harsh words and honestly she wouldn't blame them one bit. Apple bloom showed true anger towards her sister throughout the day and would give her a death glare whenever she got the chance and reminded her of her punishment that's to come tonight, Applejack didn't show any fear or fought back and simply chose to accept the beating that she was soon gonna receive from her little sister. And at this point the farmgirl just didn't care anymore and was more than willing to accept whatever her sister is planning as she thought it's what she deserved. Aj?" Came a voice, Applejack then mustered up the courage to turn around after wiping her tears and saw non other than Rainbowdash starring at her, with her anger now fully controlled. However Applejack didn't say a word and just turned back around to her corner, but got a quick surprise when she felt a pair of hooves wrap around her waist into a hug by non other than the athletic pegasus. " Look I'm sorry for this morning, we didn't mean to gang up on you like that we were just in shock after hearing your story" "Honestly partner, I don't blame ya'll" she said quietly not even bothering to look back or return the embrace. " Considering my harsh words lead to Granny's heart attack I can't really blame anyone for hating me" "Nobody hates you AJ" Dash reassured. " Look I wasn't there when it happened and I can't honestly blame you for snapping like that, especially considering how Granny Smith treated you and Big mac these past 4 months I'd be lying if I said that i wouldn't have done the same. Sure your words were harsh but it wasn't your fault , and Granny knows that you didn't mean it" "Big mac said the exact same thing partner" Aj said blankly as a tear started to form as she gently clenched the pegasus's arm as she continued to embrace her. Just then Twilight walked over with a look of worry. "Speaking of Big Mac" She said as Rainbowdash and AJ ( finally) turned around ending the embrace and stared at the look on Twilights face signalling that it wasn't good news that was about to come out of her mouth. " We managed to stop your brothers bleeding AJ, but I'm afraid it's not gonna be for long. Rarity's cloths aren't gonna stop the bleeding for long I'm afraid, on top of that his breathing's getting worse and I don't think we can do much more. If we don't get your brother out of here soon Applejack I don't think he's gonna make it for another day" "That's easier said than done Twilight" Spike replied. " With this shield spell coating the boutique, I doubt an escape is relevant" "And I doubt Chrysalis would show mercy and heal Big Mac for us" Fluttershy said quietly trying her hardest not to cry at the realization that her large friend probably won't make it" "So what do we do then Twi?" Aj said as tears starting to fall down. " Put my brother down, out of his misery?" Twilight then took a second to survey her friends unconscious form and then let out a long sad sigh. "I don't know AJ" She replied. " I just don't know, all we can do at the moment is pray for a miracle" As Twilight made this short sentiment the others couldn't help but look up to the ceiling silently praying for a miracle as well. An hour later "It's time Flam" Flim said as he walked out of the workers hut along with his brother while starring out into the nightfelt sky. " Are you ready?" "Honestly, I'll never be ready" Flam replied and then found a hoof on his shoulder as Flim gave him a determined smile. "We're gonna be fine, I promise" He reassured slightly boosting his twins spirit a little. Before heading towards the Sewer hole cover, the two brothers checked their supplies that they borrowed from the workers hut such as a pipe wrench and a crowbar just in case they had to defend themselves from any Changelings roaming around the area, a flashlight to shine the way through the dark forest, and they were both wearing workers uniform's and face masks to protect them from any vile , debris, gunk, or varmints that are lurking through the sewer system. After checking off their supplies they then made their way towards the sewer hole, Flim being the strongest of the two focused his magic and levitated the metal cover with ease as his brother watched on still looking worried about this plan going array. After setting the cover on the ground they took a peek inside of the hole and nearly gagged as the smell of bodily fluids and gunk entered their nostrils, and Flam was quick to drop an opinion. "BULL............................................SHIT!!!!!!" Flam protested earning an annoyed look from his twin. "Quit being a baby" He replied. "I am not going down there , it smells like your gym bag mixed with mexican food!" Flam continued to protest. " Isn't there another less vile way to get inside the city?" "Unless you want to do your original plan of tunneling our way into town square, this is our best option Flam" Flim protested. " Now man up ! There's no time to lose Ponyville needs us" Flam defeated and with no other fighting words reluctantly headed towards the sewer holes and plugged up his nose while letting out an irritating sigh. "Fine , but If I step on a turd on my way down I am gonna kill you" He said and then cannon balled his way down the hole and after 3 seconds a loud splash can be heard along with an irritating and sickening groan. Flim then took a peek to find his brother practically soaked in sewer water trying his hardest not to giggle at the sight. "You know there's a ladder right bro ?" Flim called out. "SHUT UP!!!!!!!" Flam called back, and with nothing left to say Flim then grabbed the edge of the ladder and made his way down to the sewer but not before levitating the cover back onto the hole as he proceeded down the sickening sewer path that lead into town square. Meanwhile Later that evening at the boutique prison house Applejack is seen standing right in front of the door Idly waiting for her sister to just hurry up and lead her to town hall where she would receive her punishment. Normally the Element of Honesty wouldn't give up so easily especially in a situation like this, however though the farmgirl couldn't really blame her little sister for being angry and wanting to hurt her severely especially after her harsh treatment towards her. If Apple bloom wouldn't accept her apology, she figures that a beating is probably the only way to make amends for her wrongful sins even if it means that she'll probably be paralyzed for the rest of her life. As she continued to stair into the doorway the rest of the group couldn't help but worry about the broken farmgirl. "Well" She began. " Only one more hour for me, It was nice knowing you fellers" "Applejack come on!!!!!" Rainbow Dash shouted. " You can't honestly sit there and tell me that your gonna accept the beating your about to receive are you?!" "Dash, I understand completely but just listen" AJ replied. " Now normally I wouldn't surrender without a fight , but with how angry ma little sis is I can't really blame her for being sore at me. You were right even if it wasn't all ma fault I still said those harsh words towards Granny Smith and caused her to argue back at me. Honestly a beating is what I believe is the right choice for me if it means making Apple bloom feel good, If punishing me is what would make her feel better than I sure as hell accept that even if I end up in a wheelchair after it , at least my little sister will feel better and be able to let her stress and anger out" "But AJ" Dash said worryingly." What about Big Mac? If he was awake right now I guarantee he'd say something along the lines of " Sis this ain't worth it, no matter how mad Bloom is at ya ya'll don't deserve this fate" However Aj remained saddened and dumbfounded. I guess" AJ replied and then turned around to face her and the others . " But let me tell ya'll something, is you were in ma shoes right now, would you accept it or just fight back?" However after this little statement , the others didn't respond and just hung their heads in silent shame. " Thought so" And then Applejack turned back to the door as the others continued to think long and hard about their actions. However what they don't realize is that a silver lining was soon to pop out of nowhere ( literally). Outside of town square the sewer hole cover was soon enveloped in a green aura as it was gently lifted up into the air and placed gently on the ground as to not make too much noise, and soon the Flim Flam Bros emerged from the sewer's making their way up to the surface nearly drenched in sewer water on the way up after a 10 minute trek underground. "That was the biggest rat I've ever seen!!!" Flam complained while shaking the sewer water off of his body. " I can't believe I agreed to this disgusting plan of yours" "Quit whining and keep it down!" Flim shouted quietly. " At least we made it into town square" He then took a second to survey the night lit town. " Good, it seems the Changelings settled in for the night so now we'll be even more incognito" "That's one relief Flim" Flam replied. " But how do ya expect to get EVERY single citizen out of here without alerting everyone?" As he made his statement Flim rubbed his chin in a thinking of a plan motion. "We'll cross that path when we get there" He said. " Let's find Twilight and the rest of the main 6 first, they might know what to do" "The one idea you had today , that I actually agree with" Flam replied and then spotted a familiar boutique up in the distance. " Wait isn't that Ms Rarity's boutique?" Flam then turned around and found the sight of the building his brother was pointing at. "Yeah it is!" He said. " Let's collect her first and then we'll grab the others" "Sounds like a plan" Flam replied and the duo soon made their way towards the fashion Boutique. After a short trek they soon made it to the small building and surveyed the area to find the house/shop coated in a shield spell as well with metal bars wrapped around the windows, Flam then reached a nearby window and he along with his brother took a peek inside to find not only Rarity but Spike and the rest of the group imprisoned with depressed looks on their faces. After a moment Flam quietly called out and banged on the metal bars to get the groups attention. " Hey Rarity, Twilight everyone over here!" The group then came to their senses to turn and find the source of the voice and found non other than the Flim Flam bros standing near the front door window. "Flim?" Twilight said in surprise. "Flam?!" Applejack joined and soon the group walked towards the window looking all kinds of relieved. "Yes it's us" Flim said. "The one and only Flim Flam bros" Flam said proudly as the group rolled their eyes and giggled slightly. "I never thought I'd say this, but boy am I happy to see ya'll" Applejack said with a sigh of relief and gratitude and took a sniff in the air after a potent smell caught her attention. " What da hell is that smell?!" "Trust me you do not want to know " Flam said in annoyance before continuing. " What's going on AJ?" We were just here last month and we come back to find the town surrounded by an army of Changelings" He then let out a gasp as he spotted Big Macs injured and unconscious figure laying on the ground. " What happened to your brother!?" "It's a long story" Twilight interrupted. " Can you guys get us out of here? Big macs not gonna make it for too long if we're not out of here tonight" "Not to mention Applejack's too" Pinkie said earning a blank expression from the farmgirl. "What do you mean by Applejack too?" Flam asked but then shook his head. " Nevermind hang on" He then stepped back a few feet and concentrated his magic and fired a ray of cancellation magic at the shield only to be met with a few seconds of disappointment, " God damn it! It's no good bro this one's magic proof as well" Flim then pondered for a moment thinking of the next move. "You and rarity wouldn't happen to know any cancellation spells for these types of shields would ya?" He asked as Twilight rolled her eyes. "If I did we'd be out of here by now big guy" Twilight replied. " And it wouldn't matter anyway my magic doesn't work as well with this shield disrupting it. Besides the only ones who know the cancellation spell are Chrysalis.................................." "And her two lieutenants" Came a voice and the two brothers and twilight who was still peeking through the window found non other than Thorax staring blankly at the group not even bothering to flinch as the brothers entered a battle stance, before they could take action Twilight stopped them. "Hold on a second boys" She said shocking the duo. "Twilight he's one of them" Flim said. " Plus he might snitch on us" "I don't snitch" Thorax replied earning a scoff from the brothers. "And you honestly expect us to trust you?" Flam questioned, then spike stepped in or should I say peeked through the other window. "Actually I think we can fellahs" He said. " Me and Thorax actually had a nice conversation during dinner, and he doesn't seem like a bad guy to me, he's just a little shy. And he was just as shocked as us when Chrysalis presented Big Mac as us so I don't really see him hurting a fly" After making his statement Thorax couldn't help but smile with a hint of gratitude after being defended by the young dragon, however his expression soon changed. "Listen I won't say anything to Chrysalis" He began. " I don't know how you two got into town but It's best that you go back to where you came from before anyone see's you. I don't wanna see anyone else get hurt anymore" "Then why don't you help us?" Flim asked . " If Spikes right about you being a nice guy then take this shield spell off the boutique and set them free, AJ's brother is in there and he needs help immediately" Thorax knew that he was right about Big Macintosh, but he remained slightly unfazed and just turned away. "I can't" He said clenching his teeth. " Believe me I want to put a stop to this I really do, but I don't have a choice. My brother and I grew up int he worst environment Imaginable, our parents treated us like garbage. After we finally escaped from that hellhole we had no where to go until we met the Changeling queen. She gave us a new home, food, and we were surrounded by our fellow brotherin. My brother and I had to do a lot of disgusting acts to keep our new home and i hated having to hurt or endanger innocent lives but I had no choice. Even if I did help you guys what other path is there for me? My people have been bullied for centuries just because we were different from you ponies, I doubt anyone would take us or welcome us into the community we'd be right back to where we started. Plus Chrysalis would probably hunt us down and kill us for betraying her" "No she won't " Fluttershy jumped in surprising the Changeling. " It's not too late for you Thorax or even your brother, you two can still live a peaceful life" "Did you not hear what I said pegasus?" He replied coldly. "Yes I did" She said. " But listen you might think your not welcome anywhere but that's not true. Deep down I know you changelings aren't bad creatures and it was foolish of our people to ridicule for being different, believe me I understand that feeling. But it's not too late for you Thorax. Everybody and I mean everybody deserves a second chance and a home, so please help us. You don't have anything to worry about, your your own person Thorax nobody controls you. Not your parents, Chrysalis, or even your own brother" The changeling then pondered for a moment after hearing the statement from the shy pegasus. Was there really a home or better life out there for him and Pharynx? He asked himself, After a moment he turned back around with a determined look on his face. "Alright" He said. " I'm gonna get you guys out of here, stand back" He then made his way towards the Boutique as the brothers gave him some room, and soon the young changeling concentrated his magic and soon cast the cancellation spell. "Lecnac" Then a large aura of magic surrounded the magic shield and after a minute it disappeared leaving the Boutique in it's original state despite the metal bars still present as the brothers looked on in amazement and shock. "Seriously? That's the cancellation spell...............................saying cancel BACKWARDS?!" Flam shouted in utter annoyance. "I'm just as dumbfounded as you Flam" Twilight said as she and the others made now free , made their way out through the front door. But were soon stopped when another voice called out. "Thorax what the hell are you doing?!" Came a voice and Thorax turned in shock to find his older brother looking all kinds of pissed. "I'm doing the right thing big bro" He said only earning him a snarl from his brother. "By pissing off the queen and betraying her loyalty to us?" He asked. " What did I tell you this morning? We don't have a choice, this is the only path for us to get a new home. Would you rather you and I go back to those monsters we call our parents?!" Thorax however remained unfazed. "No I don't " He replied. " But it's not too late big brother, We can still have a second chance for a better life" "We can't!!!!!!!" Pharynx shouted. "Yes we can!!!!!" Thorax shouted back. " It's true maybe there's some ponies who'll still never accept us changelings" He then took a moment to point at the group standing right in front of them. " But these ponies right hear are good people and that little dragon right there actually walked up and talked to me, he wasn't scared of me or ridiculed me at all. He actually talked to me and treated me like I was one of his friends. There are good people out there Thorax and they don't deserve this fate, nopony does. So please bro do the right thing, help me save these ponies from the Changeling queen" Thorax then extended his hoof toward his brother hoping that he'd take it but Pharynx remained unsure and defiant. " Do you remember that oath you and I made when we were younger? I have your back.........................." Pharynx looked down slightly after hearing his brothers words, after a minute he finally mustered up the courage to look up and walked towards his brother bringing his hoof towards his in a hoofbump. "And you got mine" He said with a smile. " you better pray this doesn't get us killed lil bro" "Don't worry we'll be fine" Thorax reassured and then turned to the group. " So what's the plan?" "Well i figured that we free the other imprisoned citizens" Flim pointed out. "I'm afraid we won't have time Flim" Twilight said. " There's a chance we'll be recaptured if we round up everyone in town one by one, plus it'll take too long to gather everyone up. Lets escape first and we'll come back for the others later, I hate to leave them but it's too risky to round them up tonight" "I hate to leave somepony behind Twilight" Dash replied. " But i do agree with ya, we should escape first and think of a plan before coming back for everyone else. "sigh" Damn it's a shame we don't have the elements of harmony with us" "Yeah it's too bad they're all the way inside of my apartment across town" Pinkie said earning her multiple looks from the group. Shocked at the thought that Pinkie had the elements with her and didn't say anything. "Pinkie?" Twilight asked. "Yes" She replied. "You have the elements of harmony inside your apartment?" Dash asked. "I sure do" Pinkie said with a smile. "How?" Dash asked. "Don't you guys remember?" Pinkie began. " After that wedding incident last year Princess Celestia thought it would be best if we kept the elements with us instead of heading al the way to Canterlot so that we'd be prepared for the next threat that might happen. After we received them we figured it would be too risky to keep each one inside of our respected houses. So we put it to a vote that one of us should keep all the elements in their house so that we can easily retrieve them , so we played rock paper scissors and I ended up winning. And I've been keeping then locked up in my apartments basement" After explaining herself the group continued to stare in shock after realizing that they've completely forgotten that Pinkie was instructed to keep all the elements safe inside of her home in case of a threat or emergency, however Dash's expression soon turned into rage. "PINKIE YOU HAD THE ELEMENT'S THIS WHOLE TIME?! WE COULD HAVE ENDED THIS SHIT DAYS AGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" She screamed scaring the pink earthpony until Twilight covered her mouth. "Dash quiet!" Twilight said. " You want the Chrysalis or the others to hear us? Look Pinkie is Pinkie she can't help herself, you can yell at her later but right now we need to retrieve our elements. Now Pinkie where in your apartment did you hide them in?" "Like I said their locked away in my basement" She answered. "Alrighty then, let's sneak into Pinkies place, grab the elements and get the hell out of here" Twilight instructed as the group nodded their heads in agreement but before they could proceed realization entered AJ's mind" "Oh shit Big Mac!!!!" She shouted and ran back towards the Boutique to retrieve her brother. " One of ya'll help me I can't carry him by myself!" "Hang on i gotcha" Pharynx replied and then entered the boutique to give AJ a hand with her unconscious brother, after 2 minutes they made their way out of the boutique Big Mac in hand and joined the group. "Crap he's getting worse" Twilight said surveying the injured stallion. " Let's hurry and grab the elements we don't have much time" "Hold on" Thorax said and then shut the door before coating the Boutique in a shield spell. "Good thinking little bro" Pharynx said impressed. " Alright lead the way Pinkie" "Okie dokie!" Pinkie said happily and she ushered the group to follow her as she hopped and skipped towards the way to her apartment. "Hehe" Fluttershy giggled. " I think Pinkies starting to turn back into her old self" "You said it Shy" Twilight said. "Alright guy's lets move" Spike said, and the group silently made their way towards Pinkies apartment with their goal of retrieving their respected elements playing in their minds. After a short trek through town avoiding any changelings that were still awake, they soon spotted Pinkies apartment in the distance but soon found that it was occupied by a bunch of changelings who were having a little late night party session. The group then took cover behind a log to avoid detection. "Damn it" Twilight said in annoyance. " I forgot that the apartments and houses in town were their living quarters" "Great how are we supposed to grab the elements now?" Dash asked, but then suddenly an idea popped into Pharynx's mind. "Hang on I got a plan" He said and then proceeded down the hill. "Pharynx" Twilight said but was soon stopped. "Trust me I got this" He reassured. " Just wait here and I'll signal you to come down once I lead them away from the apartment and you can go in and grab the elements pinkie" After stating his plan Pinkie and the others nodded in agreement as pharynx gave a determined look and proceeded towards the apartment building. He then made his way towards the building slightly surprising the five partying changelings. "Pharynx what are ya doing here bro?"One of them asked. "Yeah I thought you were assigned to the townhall shift?" Another asked. "Nevermind that" Pharynx replied. " Chrysalis wanted me to inform you that a pony was seen trying to dig a tunnel in the applefields to the outside world and she needs you five to stop him" "Why us?" One of em asked. "I don't know I just do what she tells me to do!" He said in annoyance. " Now get going! Don't wanna piss of the queen with an escaped pony do ya?" After his statement the five of then groaned in annoyance not wanting to anger the queen and go against a request they all said ok and left the premises to search for this "rogue pony" as soon as they were out of his sight Pharynx signaled Pinkie to come down and she soon made it down in a flash surprising the changeling. "Jesus are you a marathon runner or something woman?!" He asked. "hehe no silly" She giggled. " I just like running, gets me to places quicker" "That doesn't answer my.............................................." "Hang on" She interrupted" I'll be right back" and then zoomed inside of her apartment and in 10 seconds flat retrieved the elements inside of her purse. " Alrighty let's go!" She said and then headed back to the group atop of the hill further surprising the changeling not expecting that kind of speed from an earthpony. "Uh..........................ok" He said and followed suit. They then arrived at the top of the hill and presented the Elements to them. "Excellent" Twilight said happily. " Now we have a fighting chance. Alright now let's get out of here and think of a plan. So where do we go Flim and Flam?" "Weeeeeeeeeelllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll" flim said in a worried tone. 5 minutes later "There is no way I'm going down there" Rarity said in disgust at the thought of going down into the sewers earning her annoyed and irritating looks from the group especially Flim. "God you sound like my brother" He whispered as Applejack walked up to the drama queen. "You rather stay here with the changelings fashionista?" Applelajck asked earning her a gulp from the marshmallow mare. "No" she said quietly. "Then go on then, we don't have all night" AJ replied. "Fine" She said with a grumble. " That sewer water better not stain my main" She then climbed down the ladder as the others soon followed suit. "Pharynx can you and Dash help my brother down there?" She asked "Sure thing" The two of em said in unison and collected the large stallion and gently carried him down the sewer hole but not before Dash apologized to Pinkie for snapping at her earlier which she was quick to happily accept leaving only Applejack and Fluttershy left. AJ then noticed Shy staring at town hall in the distance with a worried look on her face. She then got a surprise as Applejack laid a gentle hoof on her shoulder. "I promise we'll get Angel and the others back Fluttershy, but right now I need ya to be brave for me and Big Mac ok?" She said in a motherly tone. And got a surprise when Fluttershy gave her a determined look on her face and nodded. "Ok" She said bravely , and the two friend made their way down the sewer as Flim's magic collected the Cover and placed it back onto the hole. After yet another 10 minute trek through the sewer system and Rarity and Flam's complaining about the gross environment, they soon found the entrance to the everfree sewer hole. One by one the group made their way up the ladder as Flim lifted the cover out of their way with the smell of fresh air entering their senses. They then ( well mostly rarity and Flam) breathed assign of relief that it was finally over. "Sweet Jesus, that was the foulest thing I've ever been through in my entire life!" Rarity complained. " I' m gonna need a hot bath after all of this!" "Welcome to my world sweet cheeks" Flam replied. "Well that explains the smell from earlier" Twilight said and then surveyed their surroundings before speaking again. " Alright let's keep moving, the next town isn't too far, if we trek now we should arrive by..................................." But before Twilight could speak she along with the others heard a rustling in the woods. Fearing that it's either a changeling or wild animal the group entered a battle position ready to face what's to come, but to their surprise the anonymous figure that popped out of the bushes wasn't a changeling or wild animal but their friend Zecora who had a look of surprise on her face after noticing the group. "Twilight, Pinkie, Fluttershy, everyone else, and those two scam artist who sold me that fake hoof polish, Is that you?" Zecora said earning happy and relieved expressions from the main 6 and annoyed looks from the brothers after being reminded of their past sins. "Zecora!!!!!!" The group said in unison as they brought their zebra friend into a group hug which she was quick to return as Thorax looked on with a smile on his face. "Your ok!" Pinkie said happily. "We thought the Changelings got you too darling" Rarity replied. "Yes I was worried myself my friends" Zecora said. " Luckily The Changeling queen showed no interest in the everfree forest so she only chose to expand the shield spell to the town and its escorts only so I've been safe ever since. But how did you guys get out?" "We had to crawl down the sewer network to escape the town" Twlight said as Zecora took a second to sniff the vile odor that entered the air. "I can see that, or should I say smell it" She replied with a chuckle and then a shocked look on her face appeared as she noticed Thorax and Pharynx standing right in front of them. " Uh are you aware that there's some changelings behind you guys not to mention those brothers?" "It's ok, they helped us escape" Fluttershy said in a reassuring tone. " They're really nice once you get to know them" "I'll take your word on that my friend" Zecora replied and then Noticed the unconscious Big mac on Dash and Pharynx's shoulders. " MY WORD WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR BROTHER?????!!!!!!!!!!!" "He got the crap beaten out of him" Applejack explained. " We'll give you the details later, can you help him with some of your mage craft or whatever it's called?" "Of course" Zecora responded. " Follow me, my hut isn't too far from here" She then ushered the group to follow her who were quick to follow suit, after a short trek they soon found themselves at their destination with zecora's hut up the horizon. " Bring him inside quickly!" Dash and Pharynx nodded and brought the big guy inside of the hut as Zecora ushered them to bring him into one of her guest rooms. They then gently placed him onto a bed as his blood started to stain the sheets. " Ok I'll get to work immediately, Twilight I might need you and spikes help as well" "Of course" Twilight nodded however Spike remained unsure at the thought of accidentally hurting Big Mac with his claws again, But Twilight place a gentle hoof on his shoulder signaling that he'll be ok and that she'll be by his side which boosted his confidence a little. "For the rest of you" Zecora said. " You can use my bathing tub to wash the sewer water off of you" After saying the word Bath rarity was quick to rush out of the room screaming "ME FIRST!!!!!!!!" earning groans of annoyance from the others as they too made their way out of the room to the bathing area, however Applejack took one last hook at her unconscious brother . Zecora noticed this and gave the farmgirl a reassured smile that her brother was in good hands, which gave the farmgirl a bit of confidence that she and twilight knew what they were doing, knowing that he was in good hands she then left the room to head towards the bathing area. An hour later the group now fully cleaned up sat in the living room waiting for news about Big mac not wanting to disturb Zecora, Twilight, and Spike as they continued to treat him. Flim then broke the ice. "He'll be alright Applejack" He reassured. I'm sure Zecora knows what she's doing" Applejack then turned towards the tall stallion. "I know Flim, I just hope that she manages to stop the bleeding" She replied and then changed her tone. " That reminds me, why did you two come back after your last visit?" After her question the rest of the group aside from Thorax and Pharynx stared at the brothers wondering the same thing, earning them looks of guilt from the duo who stayed silent for a few seconds after hearing that. They them mustered up the courage to give the group the answer. "We wanted to apologize" He said quietly earning multiple gasps from the group. "Say what now?" AJ asked looking dumbfounded at the thought that she just heard one of Equestria's biggest scam artist's apologizing. "It's true" Flam replied. " i know this is gonna be hard to believe Applejack but it's true. " After we were run out of town for the second time last year we started to have second thoughts about our actions, ever since we were kids my brother and I dreamt of a rich lifestyle so we started to come up with so many ways to make moneys. We bought a bunch of hair or skin care products, food, kitchen gadgets, etc, and we always removed the labels from them and added our names on it to make it seem like we made or invented each of them. And most of our customers bought it while most didn't and demanded refunds, but we never learnt our lesson. As we got older we decided to sell our own products, however most of our prototypes ended in failure but we didn't care and sold them anyways despite the many flaws" "We were so focused on making money that we didn't care about how our product's would effect or harm any of our customers" Flim jumped in. " We didn't care if we ripped off our customers, we just cared about sales and money like a bunch of selfish monsters. And what's worse your family was our main suckers, we ended up using your famous family recipes to our advantages and it almost cost you guy's your businesses as well. And worst of all our miracle curative tonic nearly cost the life of your Grandmother last year, if she died that day we would have never forgiven ourselves" "After we were chased out of town for the second time we started to have a bit of a reality check" Flam replied. " And the guilt of us almost getting your grandmother seriously injured or worse killed still plagued us especially since we used and manipulated our friend Silver Shill in our latest scheme. We finally came to realize that our actions have consequences and it wasn't right for us to con and manipulate those poor souls just for a quick buck. What we're trying to say Applejack and everyone else is that we're so sorry for everything" Flam said nothing else and took his hat off lowering his head in shame. "My bro's right fellahs" Flim jumped in while also removing his hat. " We don't expect you to forgive us cause we are nothing more than a couple of con artist and thief's, but we promise you guy's we'll do whatever it takes to prove to you that we've changed and that we regret all of our past actions not only to your town but to the others who've we coned over the years" After that Flim lowered his head in shame as well looking just as guilty as his twin, the group especially the 5 girls remained in shock not expecting to hear those words come out of the two con artist who ripped off their town not one but two times, Applejack was just as shocked at the two twins and didn't know how to respond thinking that this was just another one of their acts. but after seeing the guilt and hurt in their eyes and words after they explained themselves, she could see that they genuinely regretted their past actions and were sorry for everything. The two brothers stayed silent for like an eternity until Flim felt someone touch his shoulder, he then looked up to find Applejack staring at him with a smile on her face. "It's alright fellahs" She began. " I forgive ya" "We all do" The other girls and Spike said in unison" Shocking the two brothers who were not expecting to be forgiven so easily especially toward the farmgirl. "But why?" Flam asked. " After everything we've done to you guys and your townsfolk?" "Don't get me wrong" Appeljack said. " I was pretty miffed from your past actions especially after you guys nearly ruined my families business and that you almost got my grandmother killed last year. But after hearing those words come out of your mouths it shocked me, It made me realize that your not so bad after all. It takes a real man to come face to face with the ones he hurt and to apologize and ah respect dat. Plus you guys nearly risked your lives to save us and break us out of town, If that isn't worthy of forgiveness than ah don't know what is" As Applejack finished her statement still smiling, fresh tears started to form on each of their faces and in a flash they both collected the farmgirl into a warm group hug which she was quick to return as the others watched in joy and happyness at the sight of reconciliation and the fact that they've now made not 2 but 4 new friends tonight and Thorax couldn't help but shed a tear at the sight of true happiness and love between ponies. "Thank you Applejack" Flim sniffed. "Thank you so much" Flam said as well with a sniff" "No prob boys" Applejack replied with a warm smile. Just then Twilight, Zecora , and Spike reentered the room and the three friends soon ended their embrace and walked towards the trio to hear the news about Big Macs condition and if he's alright. " Zecora how is he? Is Big Mac gonna be ok?" "Well" Zecora began. I have both good news and bad news my friend. The good news is we've successfully managed to stop the bleeding and managed to patch up some of his wounds" Applejack breathed a sigh of relief after hearing that, but she knew the bad news was coming up. "But the bad news is, he has eternal damage AJ" Twilight jumped in. " The beating that he received took a big tole on him not only on the outside but on the inside too, your brother's damage eternally Applejack and I'm afraid it's beyond repair with Zecora's mage craft or my magic. He's gonna survive for a little longer, but if we don't get him proper medical care immediately I'm afraid he's not gonna make it to the end of the week" Hearing this Applejack's worry grew bigger and bigger at the thought of losing her brother as well. "Then we can't waste anytime then" she said. " We must put a stop to this immediately" "Indeed" Twilight replied in agreement. " Plus we have the elements with us so now we'll have a fighting chance against Chrysalis and her army, we'll strike tomorrow as soon as we think of a battle strategy" The others then nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a plan my friend" Zecora said. " You all can camp out in my hut tonight, unfortunately I only have 2 guest rooms, my apologies" "It's alright Zecora, the rest of us can just sleep in the living room" Twilight replied. " BTW can I use your bath real quick? I forgot that I still have sewer water on me as well" "Me too" Spike said earning a giggle from the Zebra. "Of course my friends" Zecora said. "You can go first Spike" Twilight ushered. " You were on my back the whole time so your not as filthy. "Thanks Twilight, I'll be really quick" Spiked thanked before heading over to the bath outside , Applejack then let out a long yawn. "We should probably get some rest" She said. " We'll need some rest if were gonna take back our town tomorrow" The others nodded in agreement . "That's a wise move my friend' Zecora added. "It's best to rest before jumping into battle" "So who's sleeping where?" Rainbow dash asked. "Let's wait till Twilight's finished with her bath and then we'll cross that bridge darling" Rarity replied. "Sounds like a plan to me " Pinkie said in her usual tone as the others again nodded in agreement. An hour later we find the group sleeping peacefully inside of Zecora's hut. After making an fair agreement on who should sleep where, they officially settled on an agreement. With Pinkie and Thorax sleeping in the quest rooms, while the others slept comfortably in the living room thanks to zecora providing them with warm blankets and spare pillows. Rarity originally wanted one of the quest rooms, but after Dash made a comment about her being pampered all the time she decided to prove to the athlete that she can rough it and chose to sleep in the living room giving the guest room to Pinkie pie. However two ponies weren't present inside of the hut, Flim woke up seconds ago to take a leak outside. After finishing he trekked back towards the hut, but before he could walk back inside he spotted a familiar purple unicorn sitting on top of a hill gazing at the bright moon illuminating the Forrest and it's surroundings. Curiosity hit the man as he began walking towards the spot the unicorn was planted and he soon took a seat right next to her. "Can't sleep?" He asked causing Twilight to turn around to see who was sitting next to her. "Not really" She began. " I just needed to clear my head for a little bit. You?" "Eh I just needed to relieve myself real quick" He said and then blushed after realizing the statement that he made towards a lady. " Sorry too much information" "hehe no It's quite alright, we are in a Forrest after all and Zecora doesn't have any plumbing in her hut" Twilight said with a giggle, causing the tall stallion to giggle as well. after a good laugh the two then stared into the lovely moon illuminating on the night time sky. " OH by the way, Applejack informed me, zecora, and Spike about you guys conversation. And we forgive you too. But Zecora want's a refund from you guys when this is all over" " Thank you Twilight" Flim Said. " And of course , tell Zecora I'll be sure to give her a full refund" He then continues to gaze upon the moon. "The moon sure looks beautiful tonight huh?" Flim asked. "It sure is" Twilight replied. " It's actually a shame, if you think the view is good here. It's nothing compared to viewing it atop of the applefields back at ponyville, it's practically breathtaking" "Yeah I'm sure it is" Flim smiled and then his expression soon changed. " BTW how did all of this happen Twilight?" After hearing his question Twilight hesitated for a moment but decided to let it out especially since she was bound to inform him and his brother eventually. "Well" Twilight said. " It's like this......................................................................" After 5 minutes Twilight finished her story explaining every single detail that transpired after the brothers last visit from Gabby gums, the CMC running away, the big fight Applejack had with Granny smith that lead to her death, Queen Chrysalis taking over their town, and worst of all with the CMC as her commanders seeking revenge. Flim looked on in shock at the thought of a trio of young girls going down the path of evil after being manipulated, threatened, and treated horribly by everyone . "Wow" He said with a gasp. " I never expected three fillies to be so dangerous, honestly if I was in their shoes can't say I wouldn't do the same. But you shouldn't blame yourselves Twilight, if anything it was that rich fillies fault that made you all turn against the CMC's in the first place. You guy's couldn't have known that she was blackmailing and threatening them to spread everyone's secrets just to protect their friends" "But we still drove them out of town Flim" Twilight said sadly with her expression hidden in her bangs." Everyone tells us that it wasn't our fault, but I know damn well that isn't true. We should have I should have heard them out first instead of banning them from my library, and now looks what's got us. Our town's being taken over by not only the changeling queen and her subjects, but by the CMC as well. All because we yelled and ridiculed them over our secrets getting exposed due to the Gabby gums column. Even if we do manage to stop this whole mess, I doubt those three girls will forgive us after our harsh treatment towards them. If I can stop so low as to hurt three girls like that, I honestly don't deserve to have friends" Twilight said nothing more and was seconds away from crying until Flim put a comforting hoof on her shoulder. "Hey now don't say that Twi" He said. " Like i said you couldn't have known so you and the girls shouldn't blame yourselves. Sure Apple bloom and the others are pretty pissed at you guys, but deep down I'm sure they know that you guys are truly sorry for what you've done. You can't just go giving up so easily especially with lives on the line, the town needs you , your friends need you, even the CMC's need you. You haven't failed friendship Twilight, if you have you wouldn't have your friends to fight by your side now would you? Take me and my brother for example, he was skeptical at first me included as we figured that no one would forgive us, but to our surprise you guys forgave us and even excepted us as friends which made us so happy. So if you guys can forgive us then It's not too late for the CMC's to forgive you too" After making his statement a smile soon formed on the unicorns face. "Thank you Flim" She said. " hehe I never expected to hear those words come out of your mouth" "Yeah same" He said with a giggle and then took a moment to stare into the mares figure which shined due to the moonlight with her mane and eyes sparkling like a beautiful gem. " Damn , your eyes and your mane. They're like sapphires in the moonlight, hehe no wonder they call you Twilight sparkle for a reason" After his remark a huge blush formed in his face fearing that he offended or embarrassed the mare with his words. " Sorry that sounded a bit corny huh?" "No not at all" Twilight said with a blush of her own feeling flattered after being called beautiful. The two of em then found themselves staring into each others eyes as the moonlight shined on both of them, before they knew it their faces got closer and closer to each other as their gazes didn't look away for a second. Before they knew it their eyes closed and their lips touch into a passionate kiss as Twilight found herself and Flim laying comfortably in the grassy hill as they continued to passionately make out with each other as the moon continues to shine bright creating a romantic ambience.