Life went on at Sweet Apple Acres. Flim began to cook one meal a day for everyone at the farm. Flam slowly became more and more responsible for caring for the animals.
Eight months after their arrival, the Apple Family saw fit to trust Flim and Flam with watching Sweet Apple Acres while they went to visit family in Appleoosa. Flim and Flam took extra care to do everything they had been taught about running the farm to the best of their ability, because they knew that this was likely one of steps to earning freedom, but more so, earning trust. The first two days went smoothly. Flim and Flam traded off on the more strenuous tasks. Flim cooked each time and Flam handled the Animals for the most part.
Film and Flam had a moment of panic on the third day, when Timberwolves attacked the farm. Neither knew what to do. They ran to Princess Twilight for help.
“You've done the right thing.” Twilight said simply as they rushed back to Sweet Apple Acres.
Soaring above the Timberwolves, Twilight blasted magic at their paws. One retreated back to the forest. Twilight bucked two more in their snouts. They too ran. Flim and Flam managed to best one Timberwolf of their own by using a quickly improvised trap. Five more Timberwolves fled leaving Sweet Apple Acres none the worse for wear. Twilight and Spike helped Flim and Flam clean up the mess made by the Timberwolves. Afterwards Flim made them all dinner.
Twilight said to them at dinner, “I am proud of you two today. I will write to Applejack telling her what you've done today. You've come a long way from the two grifters who came to us in chains. You two may be ready to leave sooner than anyone expected.” The last sentence Twilight said with a hint of sadness.
Flim and Flam were at first elated at this news. But upon reflection and hearing the sadness in Twilight’s tone, their mood changed.
Flam asked, “What if we're not ready to go yet?”
“The fact that you feel that way proves to me all the more that you are. However, no one will force you.” Replied Twilight.
It was then that Flam had an idea. “What if we left Sweet Apple Acres, but stayed in Ponyville? Flim and I could open a repair shop in town, you folks need some mechanics after all.” Proposed Flam.
“This way, you and the Apples can keep an eye on us in case we slide back into old habits.” Added Flim.
“Sounds perfect” said Princess Twilight as she removed the shackles from their horns.
For the first time in over eight months, Flim and Flam used their magic. It felt foreign to them both now. As if to use a limb that had long since fallen asleep. For a second a look of worry crossed Twilight's face fearing she had just made a mistake by removing their shackles. Her fears were soon alleviated as Flim poured her a glass of lemonade with his magic.
When the Apples returned from their visit to Appleoosa, Twilight Flim and Flam told them about their plan. The Apples were visibly proud of how far along their charges had come.
Applejack said, “We're mighty proud of you two, but we sure are going to miss y'all ‘round here.”
Applebloom added, “It was mighty nice havin’ a couple extra set of hooves around.”
“You two young’uns are welcome here anytime. Y’all are family now.” Said Granny Smith with proud tears in her eyes.
They all hugged for a long moment.
The next day half of Ponyville showed up to help build Flim and Flam's new shop. Flim and Flam could not help but be touched by how welcoming and forgiving these ponies were. By the end of the week Flim and Flam's repair shop was open for business.
Flim and Flam still managed to make time for helping the Apples from time to time. Especially during Applebucking season. Flim and Flam eventually convinced the Apples to let them build a version of their Super speedy cider Squeezy 6000 for them. The machine made cider season go much smoother for Sweet Apple Acres. Flim and Flam managed to convince them to modernize the operation with new machines from time to time. While the Apples were weary of such technology, they trusted their new neighbors and were the better for it.
There came a time when Silver Shill found himself back in Ponyville. He couldn't help but look in on the Unicorns that he once worked for. Flim and Flam were busy repairing a snowplow that was used for winter wrap-up here in Ponyville when he entered. Although to the eye the two Colts looked much the same, Silver Shill could tell they had changed a lot. No longer were these ponies the smooth talking snake oil salesmen they were when he left their employ. Now they seemed to be honest, hardworking citizens trying to do their part for their community. When Flim and Flam finally took notice of him, they greeted Silver Shill with warmth and a twinge of regret for their past. They insisted he stay with them that night and join them for Dinner. He had a wonderful time. They apologized profusely for what they had made him do under their employ. When he finally left he knew he had friends in them. Friends he could rely on.
Silver Shill took it upon himself to write to Celestia about how impressed he was at Flim and Flam’s turn around.
Celestia, reading in her study, weeks later finally happened upon Silver Shill’s letter. She smiled as she read his account of his encounter with Flim and Flam. Celestia felt a renewed sense of pride in her former pupil. Celestia and Luna truly couldn't have could a better way themselves. Although Twilight had not expressed much interest in the running of Equestria, Celestia realized she may just need Twilight’s wisdom.