Princess Celestia was busily working on the usual royal business of running Equestria. It was getting late, and Celestia was just starting to wrap things up and prepare what was left for her sister Luna to deal with, when Luna and a group of guards who seemed to be escorting two bedraggled looking yellow unicorns with red manes. The two were so similar looking the only way to tell them apart was a thick moustache that one wore. “What is the meaning of this, dear Sister?” Celestia asked Princess Luna.
“It has been requested by the general populace of Equestria that we, the Princesses adjudicate and sentence these two ponies for their considerable misdeeds.” Explained Luna.
Celestia was taken aback. “It has been many years since a criminal case has come so far up the courts as to warrant royal adjudication. Who are these Colts, and of what do they stand accused?” Celestia asked.
A guard stepped forward and stated with a bow, “These two called Flim and Flam your Majesty. Their charges are numerous including 34 counts of fraud, 37 counts of food poisoning, 12 counts of impersonating officials, & 50 counts of theft.”
Celestia was visibly shocked. “Serious accusations indeed. I believe Princess Twilight and her friends have written about these two in the past.” Celestia said. “Perhaps it is best to let her handle this.” Celestia suggested to her sister.
Princess Luna agreed by saying, “It would be good for Princess Twilight Sparkle to be exposed to such royal duties.” Luna turned to the guards and ordered them, “Gather all the records regarding these two and send them to Princess Twilight in Ponyville.”
Celestia ordered, “...and prepare the prisoners for transport to Ponyville.” Celestia turned back to her work and began to write. “Now I must notify Twilight at once” she said to Luna while she wrote.
Moments later a content looking Twilight Sparkle sat reading in her throne room when she was roused by the familiar sound of Spike belching out a message from Celestia from across the room. A queasy looking Spike caught the message mid air and waddled across the room to bring it to Twilight. “Thank you, Spike.” Twilight said taking and reading the letter.
“What does it say?” Asked Spike.
Twilight looked up from the letter wide eyed and said, “We’re going have a trial, Spike.”
When Twilight was a little Filly, and Celestia’s new protégé, she had witnessed a royal adjudication first hoof. Twilight had also extensively studied Equestrian law in her time under Celestia, thinking she would likely need it. So this was not a task Twilight felt altogether unprepared for. Still, this was unexpected. Twilight knew she had a lot of work ahead of her, and she hasn't been so excited in a long time.
“Get my law books, Spike.” Twilight ordered. Spike rushed to the Castle library. Twilight in the meantime went out to get the Mayor and her friends.
Later that afternoon Twilight and the others met in the throne room. The Mayor asked, “What is this about, Princess Twilight?”
Twilight replied, “The Unicorns Flim and Flam have finally been caught and changed for numerous crimes. Because of the severity and amount of crimes for which they are accused, it became a matter for Royal Adjudication. A task which has fallen to me. As Princess I will review all the evidence, hear arguments from legal advisors, and decide their guilt. It is my prerogative to confer with others about my decision so my friends will sit with me in Judgment. All except for Applejack and Pinkie Pie
Applejack stood agape, obviously insensed about being singled out. “Why can't we Twy?”
“Yeah, Why not?” Whined Pinkie.
Twilight, putting a hoof on Applejack’s back. “You two and your families stand amongst the accusers.” She explained. “The trial would not be considered fair if you did.”
Applejack nodded in surrender to the prudence of this.Pinkie on the other hand looked confused and said, “The Pie family has never had problems with Flim and Flam.” Pinkie said bouncing.
Twilight shook her head as she looked at Pinkie and said, “It was the Pies that finally managed to catch the Brothers while allegedly trying to steal some crystals with magical properties from their rock farm.”
Pinkie Pie stopped mid air and conceded, “ Okie dokie lokie” as she floated back down.
“Mayor, we will need Ponyville’s cooperation to ensure the trial goes smoothly. I would also ask that you take Applejack’s seat, you civic experience may prove invaluable.” Twilight said turning to the Mayor. “As for Pinkie’s stand in I ask Starlight to join me.
Starlight, looking sheepish asked, “Is that such a good idea? After all it wasn't that long ago that I was in the wrong.”
“If anything, that makes it a better idea. If anyone would want to give these Colts the benefit of the doubt it's someone who has been there. I need ponies that may endorse their innocence as much as I need ponies endorsing their guilt.” said Twilight sagely. “Now we all have a lot of work to do so I suggest we get to it.” Said Twilight.
Flim and Flam arrived along with eight royal guards. They were to be held under lock and key in one of Twilight's Castle’s smaller rooms under constant guard. With them came over forty cartloads of records concerning their various alleged crimes. Over the next several days a steady stream of witnesses from across Equestria came. Few of them on Flim and Flam’s behalf.
Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, The Mayor, and Starlight Glimmer all poured over the evidence. They listened, and rechecked everypony’s testimony. Raibow Dash mostly goofed off, but still managed to notice details that the others missed. Weeks went by as they went through every charge leveled at the Flim Flam brothers.
Finally it came time to listen to the arguments of the advocates. Again they went over every charge and the corresponding evidence. The Colt advocating conviction worked hard on every charge. Likewise the mare advocating on behalf of the Flim Flam brothers gave her all in her defense of her clients. Twilight took almost a full extra week to deliberate.
Celestia came from Canterlot when she heard the verdict was in. Celestia was impressed with what she has heard about how Twilight was handling the Royal Adjudication. Twilight had obviously studied more law than Celestia had realized. “Perhaps she thought it would prove useful if she became an advisor or some other official when her studies with me had run their course.” Celestia thought to herself as she found a seat in Ponyville town hall. “She was always destined for so much more than that” Celestia thought to herself with as smile as Twilight and her panel took position on the make-shift deus.
“May the defendants please rise.” Announced the Mayor Mare.
Twilight began, “I, Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship, find the Defendants guilty on 27 counts of fraud, 13 counts of food poisoning, 4 counts of impersonating royal officials, and finally 33 counts of theft. The Defendants have been found innocent of the remaining counts due to insufficient evidence.” Sentencing will commence tomorrow at noon. With that the proceedings were adjourned.
Flim and Flam hung their heads in surrender. Their advocate ushered them kindly to the guards who escorted them back to the Castle.
Twilight approached Celestia as the crowd thinned between them. “Princess Celestia, I didn't expect you. I am glad you came, though.” Said Twilight as she stopped in front of Celestia. “I know you wanted me to handle this, but would you mind giving your opinion on sentencing.
“Of course, I am very proud of how you have handled things so far.” Celestia said with visible pride.
Twilight turned to Rainbow Dash across the room and loudy requested, “Please fetch Applejack and the rest of the Apples.” Rainbow darted off in a rainbow colored streak.
“Why did you do that, Twilight? You have taken such pains to avoid the appearance of favoritism.” Celestia asked as they began toward the Castle.
“Not here Princess, I have an idea of what to do with Flim and Flam, but we need the Apple Family’s willing participation.”
About two hours later, Twilight's panel met in the Castle throne room joined by Princess Celestia and the Apples. Twilight began to outline what she had in mind for the Brothers. The Apples were incredulous, at first. Granny Smith was particularly skeptical. Applejack was quiet, which made Twilight nervous.
Twilight asked, “Applejack, what do you think.”
Applejack replied apprehensively, “I don't trust those two as far as Granny Smith can buck’em, but I think it's worth a go.”
With that, Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom all nodded in agreement.
“So it's decided.” Said Twilight.
Celestia added, “There will be a garrison of Royal Guards placed in town. They will be under guard for as long as you deem necessary. Besides, it's high time Princess Twilight had some guards of her own.”
With that all adjourned for the day. Everypony went about their business. Celestia stayed with Twilight as they discussed other matters.
The next day the Adjudication was convened once again in the town hall. The Mayor once again bid the accused to rise. Twilight began, “While traditionally, crimes that rise to the seriousness of requiring a Royal Adjudication, usually warrant time in Tartarus, I've decided that is not in this case.” Flim and Flam appeared visibly relived. Twilight continued, “instead, Flim and Flam are to serve time Laboring for the Apple family with the hopes that they may eventually learn the value of honest hard work. They will be affixed with magic binding talismans to prevent their use of magic. They will be guarded for however long the Apple family deems it necessary.” Twilight focused on Flim and Flam making sure they were listening, “I suggest you to behave and do try and learn a few things.”
With that, the Flim Flam brothers were taken away, and the trial was over. Celestia couldn't be more proud of her former protégé. Celestia returned to Canterlot confident that she nor Luna could have handled the matter better themselves.
After being returned to their makeshift cell in the smallest room in Princess Twilight’s Castle, Flim and Flam were finally free to express their relief and start plotting.
Flam turned to Flim after the guards locked them in and said, “We sure got lucky, dodging that Tartarus with that sentence eh, brother?”
“We sure did Flam. How do we work this, brother. We've come close, but we never quite got to these Apples in the past.”
The two contemplated their circumstances for a moment.
“I suppose our best chance is to charm our captors to the best of our ability, brother.” Flam said.
“Agreed, we may have to play along for a bit, but we can find a way out.” Flim replied.
The two brothers went about the dreary business of passing the time until lights out.
Hours before Daybreak Flim and Flam were rudely awoken by the guards, the guards affixed the magical binding shackles to each of their horns and then took them outside. They were marched for nearly a half hour out to Sweet Apple Acres. The guards finally allowed them to stop when they came near the house where they met Applejack and Big Mac.
Applejack began, “I reck’n that we ought to have you start with y’all help’n to build you two a secure place to stay.”
Flim and Flam exchanged a look that both conveyed dread and apprehension. a nearby guard gave them trowel and hammer and pointed to a pile of bricks and a neat stack of wood. Clearly the two unicorn colts were in for a long hard day. One of many they now feared. The two started the slow work of constructing their future cell according to Applejack’s instructions and under the watchful eye of a pair of guards. Not long after first light a trio of construction ponies arrived to speed up the process of construction of the barracks. the construction ponies made the work move much faster, they also took lead in directing Flim and Flam. Applejack took the opportunity to begin her daily work across the farm. Big Mac did the same but stayed nearby. Presumably to keep an eye on them.
Around midday, Granny Smith came round and began tending to the hogs thus relieving Mac to attend to other farm chores. Their earliest opportunity was a break for lunch. Flam gave Flim a wink as Flim walked towards Granny Smith. Flim said, “I cannot think of a more lenient punishment than to be required to spend my days near such a wise and lovely creature as you, Granny Smith.”
“Keep your fancy talk to yourself, young’n. Y’all better eat up and get back to work. Ya don’t want have to spend the night in a barracks without a roof, do ya?” Granny Smith taking no heed of Flim’s charms. Flim sulked back dejected and, perhaps for the first time, truly seeing the difficult position he and his brother are in. They reluctantly took Granny Smith’s advice and ate up. They soon returned to work.
Many sweltering hours of back breaking work later, as sunset drew near, their work on the spartan-looking barracks that the brothers were to sleep in while they worked at Sweet Apple Acres was finished. two new guards came to relieve the ones who had been with them most of the day. With them, they brought two fairly basic beds for the prisoners. It was clear to both Flim and Flam that they would both have to work much harder at stroking the Apple family’s egos than they had anticipated. It was also clear that that they will have all the time in Equestria to do so.
Flim and Flam were once again roused pre-dawn, this time by a rooster, and later by stirrings from the main house. Flim and Flam were escorted by two exhausted looking guards who must have been nearing the end of the nightly shift to the main house where the Apples treated the brothers and their guards to a hearty breakfast. After breakfast, as their guards were relieved, Applejack outlined the day’s work. Flim would go with her to trim the trees in south fields, Flam would go with Mac to help him buck the east Fields. both would spend the late afternoon helping Applebloom and Granny with the Hogs and Chickens and then the house chores. The brothers looked at each other, clearly not relishing the idea of being split up.
“It’ll only be for a few hours you two. we won’t let anything bad happen to either of ya.” Applejack reassured them. “Now we all best get a move on, we're burnin daylight.” said Applejack ushering them all out.
As they walked in different directions Flim and Flam exchanged a glance meant to reassure each other. Flim thought to himself, “I hope Flam has better luck with the statue than I may have with miss bossypony here. Applejack was by far the most skeptical of the bushel.”
Flam simultaneously thought to himself, “I hope Flim has more luck with Applejack than I will with Big Mac. How am I supposed to charm a Colt who barely talks?”
Flim and Applejack were the first to make it to their destination. Applejack gave him a pair of limb cutters and a long pole saw.
“Ya see them there Apple trees with the decaying limbs?” Applejack asked.
Flim nodded.
“We have to get all of those limbs cleared away by lunch time. Ya hear?”
Flim shuddered. There had to be thirty trees to trim. He got right to work.
Meanwhile Flam and Mac arrived at the in the east Fields where they were to applebuck. They were slowed by the carts of bushels they hauled with them. Big Mac was silent. He placed the bushels around a tree and gave Flam a look that conveyed he was to do the same. Flam did as he was wordlessly bid.
Big Mac finally said, “Get to buckin”
Flam tried his best to buck the Apples off the tree. He watched as Big Mac knocked nearly all the Apples off of his first tree in one buck. It took Flam nearly four tried to get any to fall.
Big Mac rolled his eyes knowing he'd get less done having to babysit this guy.
Back in the South field, Applejack was struggling with Flim. “ No, no, no! You gotta cut across the grain otherwise you are gonna injure the tree!” Applejack said with exasperation.
“We are cutting off limbs, aren't we already injuring the tree?” Asked Flim.
“For somone who has tried to take Sweet Apple Acres from us, you sure know nothin about Apple farmin” replied Applejack.
“Well, you certainly do know your stuff.” Complimented Flim.
“I suggest ya pay attention then and get to work. You are here to learn a thing or two remember?” replied Applejack, obviously not falling for any of Flim’s attempts to get under her skin.
Both Flim and Flam spent the rest of the morning quietly following instructions to the best of of their ability. Neither Applejack nor Big Mac managed to complete their tasks with their respective brother in tow. But rough starts were not unexpected. the Apples knew going into this that it may be some time before they see any actual benefits from having Flim and Flam around as farm hands.
Flim and Flam proved more adept at helping with the farm animals and with the house chores. though they were destined to be just as frustrated in their attempts to charm Applebloom and Granny Smith as they were with Applejack and Big Mac. at the end of their first real day on the farm with the Apple Family, Flim and Flam came to the mutual conclusion. that their normal ways of charming and scheming their way out of things just wasn’t going to work. The Apple Family was too ready for them. They knew Flim and Flam too well.
When they were finally allowed back to their hastily built barracks, Flim turned to Flam saying, “We have to get out of here, Flam. We have to escape.”
Flam said, “I agree, brother, but how? the guards watch us like hawks and we are always around the Apples.”
Flim said with despiration apparent in his voice, “How about we try and escape tonight? Let's wait till the guards doze off and make a run for it.”
“As good a plan as any, brother.” Flam agreed.
It was several hours before Flim and Flam got their chance. While one of the guards went for water, the other guard fell asleep. Flim and Flam snuck off as quietly as possible. when they were out of earshot of the guards and the Apple house, the two colts raced off in the fastest gallop they could muster. they raced out of the ponyville area. Flam suggested heading toward manehattan thinking they could disappear in the large city.
The two made it a few miles out of Ponyville before they were caught by several guards. It seems the shackles that prevented them from using their magic also acted as homing beacons in case of an escape like this.
As they were returned to their barracks they sulked. They were stuck. They had no other options but to face whatever the Apples decided to do with them. the two unicorns couldn’t help but fear whatever consequences this escape attempt may bring down upon them.
The morning after their attempted escape, they were brought to breakfast much the same way they were the previous day. Granny Smith cooked and served them breakfast. Flim and Flam were unbearably confused but dared not ask what the consequences would be. The Apples seemed to go about things as if nothing happened. Besides the guards being visibly exhausted, so did the guards.
The day proceeded much like the day before. This time Flam went with Applejack and Flim with Big Mac. At lunch they were joined by Princess Twilight. Upon her arrival they immediately feared that the other shoe was about to drop.
As Twilight sat at the table with them she said, “I suppose you two are wondering what the repercussions will be from your escape attempt.” She paused to watch them squirm a moment. “ Rest assured there will be none. We always knew you would try something eventually. Honestly, I thought you'd last longer than two days, though. This isn't meant to be punishment, you know. This is meant to be rehabilitation. I did not sentence you to hard labor on my friend's farm, I sentenced you to to learn the value of honest work from the most honest, hard working ponies I knew.” she paused once again to let those words sink in. “In the end the distinction is up to you. You two can carry on and serve an endless sentence of hard labor, or you could try to learn the rewards of honest day's work and have hope of being released when you prove you've learned the error of your dishonest ways. The choice is yours gentleman.” She said as she finished her lunch.
The Afternoon was uneventful. Flam went out with Big Mac Apple bucking while Flim stayed and helped Granny Smith with her chores.
After the day was over and Flim and Flam found themselves back in their barracks, Flam asked his Brother, “What did you make of what Princess Twilight said at lunch?”
Flim was silent for a good long while. After what seemed like hours he finally answered his brother. “I think she was on the level brother. I think she was honestly telling us why we’re here.”
“I think we're going to be here a long time, brother. Even if we try and learn what they're trying to teach us.” Said Flam.
Things went on much that same as they had the days before. Days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months. Two months to the day from their arrival at Sweet Apple Acres, Flam managed to successfully buck his first Apple tree in one attempt. The Apple family celebrated the feat and prepared an extra special dinner for them that night. Flim achieved the same feat a few days later and it was celebrated likewise. Flim and Flam began to become more skilled at other aspects of farm life. Flam found he was somewhat skilled with the farm animals. The Apples even brought Fluttershy around a few times to give Flam pointers and to teach him more about caring for animals. Flim found he was skilled in the kitchen. Likewise the Apples chose to encourage him by letting him help out Pinkie Pie and the Cakes at Sugarcube corner. Both Flim and Flam came to enjoy these times when they were allowed to express themselves and do things that they enjoyed.
It all became very commonplace. The ponies of Ponyville started to acclimate to having Flim and Flam about their town, guards and all. Ponies began to greet the Brothers in the street. Spike, made it a point to drop by once a week to check in on them.
Once the Brothers were called upon to repair a locomotive. The engineer was injured in an accident. Flim and Flam were the only ponies around with sufficient mechanical knowledge to fix it. It felt good to them both to have their skills be put to good use again that day. It still felt strange to them when they couldn't demand a hefty fee in return, but it still felt good to help.
The Apple family, unbeknownst to Flim and Flam, spoke with Princess Twilight. Later that day, the guards went back to their new barracks near Twilight’s Castle and never came back.
Flim and Flam were confused by this, but they kept doing their work and made no fuss. The following day, at lunch, when it was clear the guards were in fact not returning, Flim and Flam could not restrain their curiosity.
Flam finally asked, “Why did you send away the guards?”
Applebloom replied by nonchalantly asking, “Why haven't you tried to escape again yet?”
The Apple family looked at the brothers intently.
Flim said, “I suppose we haven't escaped because we want to try. We want to try to learn what Princess Twilight wants us to learn here.”
“That is why we sent the guards away” said Granny Smith with a smile.
“The fact that you're still here means you've taken your first step. You are proving that you can be trusted not to run. Before long you will have the opportunity to prove yourselves trustworthy in another way. Keep taking steps like this and you could be free in no time.” Applejack said encouragingly.
After a long afternoon of hard work, after a hearty dinner served to them by the Apple Family, Flim and Flam returned exhausted to their barracks.
“Flam?” Flim asked lying on his bed and staring up at the ceiling.
“Yes, brother?” Flam replied doing much the same.
“perhaps for the first time since we got here, I feel like we have hope that we just might leave.” Said Flim.
“...and for the right reasons.” Added Flam.
They both drifted off to sleep contemplating what it all meant for them. Questions about who they were and who they’d be when they finally left churned in their heads that night. They both knew in their hearts that the answers were exactly what they were sent here to find out.
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.