Suffice to say everything was back to normal for the town of Ponyville. This weeks events left a big rift for the town but these were easily overcome thanks to the power of love and friendship, everyone pitched in to help clean up the mess from the changeling invasion. The crusaders still feeling bad about the whole thing and being a major part of it volunteered to help with the clean up as well and soon after a lot of hard work the entire town was back to it's normal state in only 2 days. Speaking of the CMC's the entire town especially their families were happy to have them back and to have reconciled with the girls a putting this dreaded Gabby gums and takeover incident behind permanently, even though they've forgiven everyone the entire town subjected the girls to a week of discounts from their stores, gifts, homemade goodies, numerous desserts from the sweet shop courtesy of pinkie, and even a welcome back party hosted by their friends and classmates and as for the Alicorn amulets Twilight had pinkie hang on to them and to lock them away inside of her basement with the elements of harmony as well in case of an emergency. Throughout the week each member of the group was happy to finally be back home with their loved ones.
Apple bloom breathed a sigh of relief to finally be back home and officially switched back to her signature red bow much to her sisters delight happy to have the old Bloom back. She also helped out Applejack with the farmwork while Big Mac was still in the hospital and Caramel contributed as well but it wasn't just him, Applejack showed her gratitude to the Flim Flam brothers for their help and offered them to stay in the guest room in the farm for the rest of their visit instead of checking into a hotel to which the brothers politely accepted and to show their gratitude they helped out with the farmwork as well and even helped to make the last batch of zap applejam. And I can safely say the farm was back to working order in no time.
Scootaloo felt like the happiest girl of all not only to finally have a family but to have her idol as her adopted older sister. Dash and Fluttershy helped to move Scoots stuff from the orphanage to Dashes house and the filly grew accustomed to her new home. To celebrate her first night Dash arranged a family dinner with her parents and the couple was overjoyed to meet their newest daughter and showered her with hugs and kisses, and they even took a big family photo together after dinner, and that's not all Scoots also received her cutie mark on the same day and Dash and their parents couldn't have been any happier and prouder for their newest family member who looked the happiest of them all. suffice to say they were one big happy family.
Sweetie belle took up an unusual hobby of collecting knives mainly due to her time with the changeling queen, Rarity and their parents were a bit unsettling at first for her newest hobby. But they never the less allowed it as long as she promised not to bring them to school or to only use in case of emergencies. Rarity even made Sweetie belle a new dress just for her as to celebrate her little sister finally coming home and she even bought her her own diary which made the filly happy especially since her older sis loves her again. She also decided to keep her spiked hair style not only having grown used to it but after Snails complimented that "It looked hot on her" which made the filly even happier wink wink.
Throughout their stay the Flim flam brothers apologized to every single citizen that they've conned since their last visit and even offered each of them a full refund, long story short everyone was touched by the brothers words and soon forgave them and said that they were welcome into their town anytime much to the brothers joy happy that their fears of no one forgiving them over their past actions was just a bad thought. But it wasn't just them, Diamond Tiara apologized to everyone she's ever bullied or ridiculed and she was soon forgiven by all and she and silver spoon became actual friends as well, and Bloom gave her her black bow as a gift to replace her shattered Tiara and the rich filly showed her gratitude to her new friends kindness, she even helped to plan out and throw Scootaloo's cute-ceañera. And I can safely say the girls couldn't have been happier to have a new friend to the group.
And as for chrysalis and her Changelings. I can safely say that they grew accustomed to their new living arrangements. It was a bit difficult at first but soon the ponies of Canterlot welcomed Chrysalis and her subjects into their pony community and they couldn't have been happier to finally have an actual home. Most of them even got themselves jobs from mailcarriers, custodians, cooks, cashiers, and some of them even signed up to join the royal guards. Thorax and Pharynx however politely declined the offer to move to Canterlot having to grown accustomed to Ponyville, the two brothers rented themselves a studio apartment just 2 blocks away from Pinkies and each got a respected job as well with Pharynx working at Sugarcube corner after Pinkie discovered his unique baking skills and Thorax became twilight's second assistant at her library. The brothers enjoyed their new life in ponyville and were just as happy to have been accepted by the pony community.
Aside from these events there was also some new found relationships among a certain group of ponies. Flim and Twilight continued on with their relationship despite the constant reminder of that peeping tom incident ( mainly from Dash) and soon the two became boyfriend and girlfriend with Flim treating the mare to a week of movie and dinner dates. Twilight felt so happy to have such a gentleman and handsome stallion by her side with her not expecting to be the falling in love type, but she enjoyed her time with Flim never the less. Big Mac and Fluttershy started to grow close as well, throughout the week Fluttershy visited Mac at the hospital where they chatted for an hour and complimented and found time to flirt with each other with Big mac promising to take her out on the most romantic dinner date the second he's checked out much to the pink haired pegasus's joy.
Oh and as for Angel. Everyone started to get used to the now talking bunny and even looked to him as a town icon and he even made headlines on the news, Zecora at one point offered him the cure to poison joke but he declined having grown into now having a voice, that and he thought that he sounded like a hunk only earning him giggles from his animal friends and caretaker.
To make a long story short all was well for everyone.
One week later
At the train station we find Twilight and the gang along with the Flim Flam bros who were ready to depart after their visit was over. Each member of the gang said goodbye in their own ways with Applejack giving them some apple pies and a few jars of zap applejam, Pinkie baked them the biggest "goodbye hope to see you again soon" cake, Dash shared some of her workout tips with Flim to use at home, Rarity fashioned some new travel outfits for the two brothers, Fluttershy presented the brothers with a fabulous self portrait of the duo made personally by Angel, and Twilight shared her favorite literature's with the duo especially her boyfriend. Speaking of Flim and Twilight, Flim promised to visit whenever he can and Twilight promised to keep in touch as well and even gave him some of her magic scroll paper to keep in contact with each other, no doubt their love was strong as it was since their first kiss last thursday. As their train was 5 feet away from the station the group continued to say their goodbyes.
"So what's next for the Flim Flam brothers?" Rainbow dash asked.
"Well first, we're gonna head back home and reconcile with dad and Silver Shill" Flam replied.
"that's nice" Fluttershy jumped in. " I'm sure they''ll forgive and be really happy to see you guys especially your father after they hear about your brave actions last week" The brothers nodded in agreement.
"Next we're gonna start fresh with our business and actually BE an honest business duo" Flim said.
"Oh?" AJ replied. " And how do ya'll plan on doing that?"
"Well AJ" Flam said. " We thought we'd start out simple and maybe sell some baked goods as well, our grandmother had some amazing recipes so maybe we'll be traveling bakers, we're also planning on starting out with some homemade pies"
"Why that sounds like an excellent idea partner" Applejack said and then playfully raised a fist in the air. " But don't ya'll be selling apple pies or we're gonna tussle" Saying this the brothers blushed.
"Hehe yes ma'am" They said in unison still blushing.
"but seriously ya'll" Applejack said. " We wish you luck out there , I know your new business is gonna blow up in no time. As long as your honest about it through the end"
"Thanks Applejack" Flim said and then turned towards his girlfriend. " I'll write to ya the second I return home" This caused the young unicorn to blush.
"And i'll be sure to write back IMMEDIATELY" She said with a hint of lust causing the others to playfully Ooohhhhh at the couple. Ignoring this the duo then leaned in for a passionate kiss, but this was soon interrupted when the brothers train soon arrived much to the surprise of the others. But that wasn't the only surprise for the gang, cause within seconds the door from the front coach was practically kicked opened and soon a stallion rushed out of the coach with a look of worry and bravery on his face, and soon Twilight and Spike recognized the Stallion standing right in front of them.
"Shiny?!" They said earning the Stallions attention.
"Twily, Spike!!!!!!!!!" He called out and then rushed over and brought his two siblings into a big nearly bone crushing hug. " Are you guys ok?! Don't worry Big Bro's here, me and Cadance are gonna make those monsters go away AGAIN!" He then set them down and proceeded to unsheathe his sword. " Now where is she? Where is that mosquito looking bitch and her army?! I'll chop her head off and mount it over my fireplace if she hurt any of you I swear to god!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" As Shining Armor continued to swing his sword and rant, Twilight soon put a stop to it and gently grabbed his arm causing him to stop ranting in confusion.
"It's ok Shiny" She said softly and with a giggle. " We're fine"
"Yeah everything's all hunky dory now" Angel jumped in ( no pun intended)
"Say what now?" Shining armor said in confusion"
"You don't have to worry big bro" Spike said. " We already took care of the Changelings so everything's fine now i promise" After hearing this a dumbfounded face soon formed on the stallions face.
"You mean, you guys took care of the Changeling invasion already?" He asked as the others nodded yes to the stallion who then proceeded to re sheath his sword in disappointment and frustration. " God damn it!!!!! I was so excited to use my new sword in battle, Cadence even shined and sharpened it for me before we departed" His disappointed face was soon replaced with a sad puppy dog look and soon Cadance walked up and wrapped a hoof around his neck comforting her husband.
" there, there Shiny, there's always next time" She said and then planted a cheek kiss before turning towards her sister in law. " so I take it everything's alright now Twily?" Twilight then nodded in reassurance.
"Yes, like i said everything's alright now" she replied and then gave a stern look towards her lil brother figure. " Spike I told you to send the letter to them as well!"
"I did send it honest!" Spike reassured until Shining Armor jumped in.
"Calm down Twily it wasn't his fault" He said. " You probably didn't know this but the mailing system in the Crystal empire sucks donkey ass. We didn't get your letter until last Wednesday that's how slow it is, did you know that it took them an entire month to deliver my package? Seriously it took em one freaking month to deliver two measly bottles of imported cologne to me?!" Shining then cleared his throat a bit before speaking again. " Sorry didn't mean to rant but it's true , I love the Crystal empire but they seriously need to do something about their mailing system. Anyways would ya be so kind as to inform us about last weeks events BLSFF? More importantly HOW is Angel talking?" After his statement Twilight cleared her own throat before speaking.
"Well It's like this..........................................................................
5 minutes later
As Twilight finished explaining everything the royal couple were in shock not expecting to learn about the dreaded Changeling queens backstory or the fact that she used to be friends with Celestia, Luna, and discord. After a moment of shock the couple voiced their opinions.
"Wow I wasn't expecting that, that is quite a doozy" Cadence said. " Tbh That actually explains a lot, If I was treated like that I'd be lying if I said that I wouldn't have done the exact same thing as her" However Shining armor had a different reaction.
"Well I ain't buying it" He said coldly. " After all the shit she pulled how do we know this isn't just a ploy to get close to Canterlot for another invasion?" Cadence glared at her husbands words but before she could retort Twilight stepped forward and placed a comforting hoof on his shoulder.
"I know this is hard to believe bro, but it's true" She replied. " Changelings have been treated poorly for centuries by ridicule, bullying, isolation, and even murder which is how Chrysalis's parents met their sad fate all ebcause of their appearances. She's not a bad pony brother she was just upset about not being accepted by the community for being different and after what happened between her and Celestia many years ago, the changelings aren't bad once you get to know them hell two of them even helped us take back our town, and if that's not a good enough reason to except them than I don't know what is. I'm not asking you to trust her bro, but could you at least hear her out first? Cause again she's not a bad guy, she was just misunderstood is all" After saying this the stallion pondered for a moment wondering if the Changelings can be trusted to live amongst the ponies but the pleading puppy dog eyes from both his wife and little sister soon made him make up his mind. He then let out a sigh before speaking again.
"Only for you Twily" He said with a smile earning him a hug from his BLSFF and his wife.
"Thanks shiny" They both said in unison, and soon the stallion gave his attention to Flim and advanced towards him as the peppermint mane colored stallion let out a gulp at the broad looking stallion standing in front of him giving him the most menacing and terrifying glare.
"So your the chump who's seeing my little sister huh?" He said in a menacing tone making Flim gulp even more as he prepared for what the large stallion was gonna do to him, however Shining's expression soon changed to a grin as he lifted the stallion up in the air much to his surprise not expecting him to be so strong. " WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!!!!!!!!! I can tell your gonna treat my little sister well, you definitely seem like her type.............................huh you got a nice figure bro, what's your workout routine?"
"Ok Shiny don't squeeze the poor man too hard " Cadence said as her husband blushed and then proceeded to gently place him back onto the ground.
"Yes dear" He said still blushing. " But seriously I know I just met ya but after what twily said in the letter I already like ya" He then playfully nudged his shoulder. " Take good care of her alright Bro? She's a good woman and I don't want anything to happen to her cause she's also my best friend" Flim them gave a determined smirk and in a split second the two stallions clasped their hooves together in a manly manner.
"You got it Bro, I ain't gonna let anything happen to my girl I promise" He said earning a nod from the blue haired stallion.
"Good" He said with a smirk earning eye rolls from both Twily and Cadence, but their bro moment was soon cut short when the conductor called out to the group.
"5 MINUTES UNTIL DEPARTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" He shouted.
"Oh damn!" Flam shouted. " We better get going bro" Flim nodded in agreement and soon the brothers collected their luggage and gifts and were about to head inside the coach but not before Flim stayed behind for a few seconds to give his girlfriend one quick kiss to which she was quick to return.
"I'll see ya soon ok?" He said .
"I can't wait" Twilight said happily as she watched her boyfriend head inside the train coach but not before they turned around for the last time and waved goodbye to the group who waved back as they watched the train depart from the station. The two brothers them made their way inside the coach but not before Flam spoke up.
"That reminds me" He said in an annoyed tone. " Really bro? What happened to that rule that we wouldn't date unless both of us finds a girl at the same time?" After saying this Flim rolled his eyes.
"Oh come on bro, it's not like you had any feelings for her " He replied and then a sly smile formed on his face. " And your one to talk, need I remind you of that blue magician unicorn you've been seeing since our trip to Las pegasus last year?
"Shut up" Flam said with a blush as his brother laughed at his reaction as they two of them made their way to their seat.
Back at the station the group watched the train exit the horizon and stayed silent for a few seconds before someone broke the ice.
"Well that was a nice eventful moment" Cadence said.
"You said it honey" Shining replied but then an annoyed look formed on his face. " But still It sucks that we missed all the action and practically ran all the way over hear for nothing" Twilight smiled and then walked over and placed a hoof on her disappointed brothers shoulder.
"Well" She began. " You two are already hear, and the next train to the Crystal empire isn't due to return for another hour. What do you say we go on down to the diner and grab some breakfast and spend some time and catch up together?" Hearing this the couple smiled and both nodded in unison.
"That sounds like a nice idea Twilight" Cadence said.
"I'm game lil sis" Shining armor replied and the others nodded in agreement as well. With nothing else to say the group left the station towards the local diner ready to enjoy their day together along with the royal couple.
Later that day
We find the apple siblings out on the fields doing their usual chores around the farm, Big mac was also officially discharged from the hospital earlier today and received his crutches. Bloom told him to take it easy for a while until he was able to walk properly and promised to do his chores as well as her own as he was healing especially since he had a date with Shy tomorrow. The stallion appreciated his little sisters help and again couldn't have been any happier to have his little sister back despite the events from last week that could have torn them apart for good.As Applejack bucked the 20th tree today as Apple bloom collected the apples, the siblings soon spotted a carriage parked near the entrance of the farm and soon and elderly stallion exited the carriage luggage in hoof and payed the carriage driver as he watched it depart. He then turned around and waved to the siblings who were quick to recognize the stallion standing right in front of them.
"Howdy kids!!!!!" He said happily.
"Grandpa pear?!" The siblings said in unison as he walked towards them.
"Yup that's me" He said with a big grin. " I have arrived, Ah Bloom I see your finally home are you ok now sugarcube?"
"Uhhhhhhh yes I'm fine grandpa pear and so are my friends" she said uneasily. " but uh what are you doing here? Ya didn't tell us that you were visiting today" Grand Pear however just laughed after hearing his youngest grandchild question.
"Oh I'm not visiting Bloom" He began. " I'm moving in with ya'll!!!" After hearing this the siblings jaws dropped not expecting to hear this from one of their grandparents.
"SAY WHAT!!!!!!???????" They all shouted in unison.
"Oh yes it's true" He replied. " I knew you kids would have a hard time getting the farm back into working order especially with granny gone, so I made a decision to come on down to ponyville and move in with ya to give ya'll a helping hand. Plus I figured that It's what I should do as to make up for my life long rivalry with granny smith, I want to help keep her legacy alive and to not let the Apple family business crumble. Now I might not know much about apples but It's never to late to try out new things and to learn, cause that's what good ole granny smith would have wanted right? For us to carry on in her stead" After hearing his statement the siblings were shocked to hear those words come out of his mouth, but they never the less showed great gratitude that their grandfather was willing to move in to help out to ensure the Apple family business remains strong, however Bloom was still kind of concerned about this sudden choice.
"But what about the others back home?" She asked. "Won't they need you there to help with the pears?" Pear however slowly shook his head.
"Don't worry sugarcube" He reassured. " They completely understood my decision and my oldest promised to look after things for me along with the others. Plus with the miss's gone it gets kind of lonely inside of my house" Hearing this the siblings lowered their heads in sadness remembering how devastated Grandpa pear was after Grandma pear passed away last Hearts warming. They stayed silent for a few minutes until Grand Pear finally got a little better and perked up a little. " Now come on kids, lets not waste the rest of the day all gloomy. Granny wouldn't want us to be sad. She would want us to move forward. Now let's get to work I can tell we still have some more apples to collect" After hearing this the siblings perked up after hearing their grandpa's words knowing that eh was right, the trio nodded in unison and soon Apple bloom and AJ helped to bring his luggage inside of the house but as they were about to head inside Grand pear felt a weird presence behind him and soon turned around to find 8 spirits standing right in front of him each giving him warm smiles especially the three standing right in front of him and he soon smiled back after recognizing the spirits standing right in front of him.
"I'll make ya'll proud I promise to carry on the Apple legacy as much as I can" He reassured and soon granny smiths spirit floated towards him and said.
"I know you will sugarcube" She replied. " I know you will" She then leaned in and planted a gentle kiss to the elderly man before vanishing and soon the others followed suit but not before waving goodbye to the man as he watched their aura float upwards towards the sunny filled sky. A single tear formed on one of his eyes as he smiled proudly before making his way inside of the farm to join his grandchildren.
Later that afternoon
Inside of a cafe we find the Canterlot trio sitting comfortably in one of the booths patiently waiting for both their drinks ,baked goods , and Chrysalis to arrive. As they waited they started to recollect about last weeks events essentially from their old friends would have been take over of ponyville and nearly enslaving the entire town with the vengeful CMC's by her side throughout it all. They began to ponder what would have happened if they haven't received Twilight's call for help in time or if Chrysalis chose not to forgive any of them especially Celestia. But these were soon brushed off as they were just so happy that ponyville was finally back to the way it was, the Crusaders were back home safe and sound, and they were reunited with their old friend after years of being apart from each other after that dreaded incident which nearly cost them their friendship.
"Boy I tell ya" Discord said in a reclining position. " It's nice to have things back to normal wouldn't ya agree ladies"
"Hehe you said it old friend" Celestia replied. " And I must say Discord I'm very proud of your progress these past few weeks you truly have become a changed man" after hearing this the hybrid creature couldn't help but blush.
"Aww thanks Tia" He said and Luna herself couldn't help but smirk and giggle at this little moment between her Big sis and the draconequus.
"Whatchu laughing at Luna?" He asked.
"Nothing" She said in a sly tone while looking away, just then she noticed the entrance door open and Soon Chrysalis emerged much to her surprise. The moon goddess soon called the changeling queen over to where they were sitting and she was quick to join then as Discord scooted over leaving a spot for his friend to take a seat with them.
"Sorry I'm late fellahs" She said. "I had some things to take care of real quick today"
"It's no problem old friend" Celestia replied and as soon as she said that a changeling Barista walked over presenting the group a tray full of baked goods and their beverages and placed them onto the table. " Oh thank you frank" As soon as he picked up the empty tray Celestia placed a few bits onto the tray as a tip much to the changelings joy as he walked away happily. As each of them grabbed their respected drinks and reached for one of the baked goodies Chrysalis couldn't help but look at her friends happy to have them back after all these years, after a minute she finally broke the ice.
"Feels like old times huh?" she said and soon the others nodded in agreement.
"You said it old friend" Luna responded.
"Yeah it's nice to have you back onto our side instead of the darkness Chrysie" Discord said.
"Ha that's funny coming from you Disc, especially with your past history as well" Chrysalis retorted causing the to blush in embarrassment, he then took a quick peak and noticed that the changeling didn't come empty handed and had a few suitcases on the floor next to their booth.
"Ya going camping?" He asked as Chrysalis wondered what he meant by that but soon put two and two together after realizing that he was referring to her luggage.
"Huh ? Oh this" She asked. " Hehe my apartment isn't gonna be ready for the next couple of weeks, so I'm gonna be crashing with my folks for the next few nights until it's up and ready" After hearing their friends explanation the trio looked at each other as if they were silently discussing something, after a few seconds of silence the trio nodded in unison as they reached a verdict and then turned back to the Changeling queen.
"You know Chrysie" Celestia began. " Your more than welcome to move in with us in the castle" Hearing this Chrysalis was in shock after receiving this surprising invitation to live in the castle.
"Uh that's really nice offer old friend" She said nervously." But I wouldn't want to intrude"
"Nonsense!!!!" Luna replied. " Thou wouldn't intrude in the slightest my friend! Besides we have plenty of rooms in the castle so your more than welcome to move in"
"Indeed" Discord jumped in. " It would be just like our college days when we shared a dorm together..................................oh yeah I forgot, hehe sorry about that"
"No it's ok Discord I understand" Chrysalis replied waving an understanding hoof.
"But seriously Chrysie" Celestia jumped in. " You are more than welcome to live with us, my castle has plenty of rooms and like Luna said you wouldn't intrude at the slightest. Plus I would love to have you by my side along with Discord and Luna, we weren't there for you all those years ago old friend and we almost abandoned you out of our lives permanently. But we're not about to let that happen, we're here for you right now Chrysie and we're never gonna let you go old friend. Your not just my best friend Chrysie..................your family to me and you have no idea how much I cherished that thought in my head all of these year, and I as well as Luna and Discord would love to have you by our side from now on. So what do you say sis?" Discord and Luna both nodded their heads in unison after agreeing with Tia's statement as Chrysalis's look of shock never went away, she was surprised and grateful that her friends cared about her so much and that they're happy to have her by her side. She had no idea someone cared about her so much aside from her adopted parents, tears started to form along with a warm smile as the Changeling queen finally reached a decision.
"Yes" She sniffed. " I would love that very much..............................Big sis" After hearing this Celestia walked over along with Luna and Discord and soon they collected their Changeling friend into a group hug which she was quick to return as the employees and patrons watched in with Awwwww's at the heartwarming scene between the four friends. So much pain was brought upon Chrysalis and her changelings for years and while she originally believed that her people would never be excepted by the ponies, the warm embrace brought upon by her friends proved her wrong otherwise. As she finally knew that Changelings and ponies can live together in peace and harmony, and the magic of friendship would and will always remain strong between the four friends, they were a family and nothing no matter what the circumstance or obstacle will ever change that.
"Thank you guys" chrysalis sniffed. " Thank you so much" the others especially Celestia smiled warmly.
"It's good to have you back sis" She said happily as tears of joy started to form.
"It's good to have you back"