Episode 33:

Viva Las Pegasus

Applejack, Fluttershy, and Beshte had all been called to Twilight's castle as a result of the table map calling upon them for their next friendship mission. But when they learned where they would be going, they were anything but thrilled more specfically the former two.

"The map is sendin' us where?!" Applejack loudly exclaimed against the idea of visiting the place already!

"Las Pegasus? Surely there must be a mistake." Fluttershy protested and insisted in agreement.

"But Las Pegasus is a wild vacation spot. It's just one big party." Applejack also added on in protest.

Fluttershy shuddered. "All those lights and sounds, not to mention the crowds... Oh, just the thought of it is overwhelming!"

“Maybe, maybe not.” Beshte attempted to say otherwise. “After all I once visited Manehattan with you and Applejack, and we both managed just fine. Maybe Las Pegasus will be no more different than Manehattan.”

Twilight spoke up in an effort to get Applejack and Fluttershy to ease up a little. "Look, I know Las Pegasus doesn't seem like either of your cups of tea," She lightly began. "But I have total faith you wouldn't have been called unless you were the perfect ponies for the job. The map's never been wrong before. Furthermore, you three will all be going with Kion since he was called too." To prove her point, they all turned and saw Kion’s marks glowing to indicate that he too has been called by the map and will be joining them. “And at least if you do have ponies giving you a hard time, Kion will be around to get them back off.”

Although still reluctant, she and Fluttershy were never ponies to say no to answering to the call, after all Applejack did tell her little sister that when it conflicted with the last Sisterhooves Social. With a sigh she then relented. “Guess it can't hurt to trust its judgement in this case. And maybe Beshte’s right. Maybe it's probably not as bad as we think. It can't just be a loud, obnoxious party all the time... right?"

When the two ponies and two Pride Landers arrived in the bustling city, however, they soon learned that they were mistaken. The entire city consisted of massive buildings with neon signs, and sported that Pegasus like feel with the ground designed to look like clouds.

“Of course I can be wrong at times.” Beshte admitted as he commented with what they are seeing.

"Um, Applejack, about what you said earlier," Fluttershy commented. "It isn't as bad as we thought."

“Incoming!” Kion alerted before working up a force field to surround themselves as a huge crowd of tourists rushed past them instantly, all screaming and shouting loudly. “Boy! Talk about a big crowd!”

"You're right, it's worse!" Applejack exclaimed. "Much worse than we thought!"

“Don’t worry! I’m sure it won’t be all bad.” Kion attempted to assure before muttering to himself. “I think.”

The group of four friends then made their way through the crowds, checking out the first building they laid eyes on. It was almost like an indoor amusement park, complete with rides, arcade games, including a fountain. Applejack, Beshte, Fluttershy, and Kion all looked on in awe of the sight, but taken aback quite a bit by the huge crowd of ponies checking out the attractions that shows that Las Pegasus is certainly living up to its name.

"Do you think maybe the map could be on the fritz again or something?" Fluttershy asked her friend, as they trotted through the establishment. "I know it was fixed by Starlight and all, but are we sure that this is the right place we’re supposed to be in?”"

“I’m sure.” Kion said sure of that. “Someway somehow it’s here even if none of us want to be here.”

Applejack sighed and shook her head unable to deny the truth right in front of her. "If Twilight trusts the map than so do I, and we do have to take her word for it since the map has never been wrong before. So all we have to do is solve our friendship problem and get back home.”

“Simple enough. Question is where do we find it?” Beshte asked.

Just then, a random stallion dressed up in a show pony's hat barked out. "And make sure to experience our signature show, Ponet Fantastique! Trust me when I say you've never seen anything like it! Unparalleled acrobatics! Unique animal antics! Your only regret will be that you didn't see it sooner! And just like everything at this amazing, incredible, I-can't-believe-it-even-exists hotel, Ponet Fantastique is brought to you by the chairpony of kindness – Gladmane himself!"

The crowd's eyes were drawn to a massive golden statue of an earth pony stallion wearing a business suit and tie, and sporting a mane that looked almost like a powdered wig. Even Applejack, Kion, Beshte and Fluttershy were impressed.

"Wow. This Gladmane sure seems impressive," Fluttershy commented.

"I wonder if we'll actually get to meet him?" Beshte asked.

Kion looked on ahead as if the answer to their question has just been answered. “Sure looks like it.”

"Well, uh, it is a little embarrassing, but the crowds seem to like it. Uh-huh-huh." A voice barked out, revealing itself to be the very pony the statue made it out to be. He had a dark blue coat, light green eyes, a white mane and tail that had some streaks to give it a grayish shine to it, and a cutie mark depicting three golden bits surrounded by sparkles. He wore a dark blue business suit with a white collar, a sparkling blue with diamonds in various colors of blue and white, and an orange polka doted bow tie. It didn't take much for the others to figure out that the pony greeting them just so happens to be the very Gladmane the barker pony had been talking about just a few seconds earlier.

"Mr. Gladmane?" Applejack greeted, offering a hoof.

But Gladmane not only accepted the hoof but also replied. "Just Gladmane'll do. And it's a pleasure to meet actual cohorts of the Princess of Friendship along with the actual Prince of Friendship himself! Thank you for coming. Thank you very much. It’s a pleasure to meet you too, your majesty." He moved to only shake the half lion and alicorn’s paw he moved to kiss it much to his discomfort from the gesture itself.

“Thanks. Um…good to meet you to on behalf of the Lion and Pony Guard team that could join me today.” Kion awkwardly returned before being allowed to set his kissed paw down on the ground.

"Wait, you know who we are?” Fluttershy asked in surprise.

“Yeah, it’s not every day anyone outside Ponyville don't recognize us right away." Beshte added.

Gladmane kindly replied to both Fluttershy and Beshte. "Oh, I'm what you might call a friendship connoisseur, so naturally I'm familiar with the friends of the great Twilight Sparkle! Prince Kion, Applejack, Beshte, Fluttershy, it's an honor to have you here. Uh-huh-huh."

Applejack smiled and told the stallion. "I have to admit you're not the type of pony I expected to find in Las Pegasus, Gladmane."

"Glad to hear it." Gladmane replied to Applejack, and then he chuckled. "And while my guests may be looking for lights, music, and parties, working hard and making friends is how I turned this here hotel into what it is today, and how I plan to make it even bigger. Uh-huh-huh!" Then he pulled down a microphone as he motioned to his guests. "Uh, excuse me for a second would ya?" Then he took a deep breath and spoke into the microphone. "Wise ponies may say the folks that come here are just customers, but I can't help but thinkin' of each and every one of you as friends. That's why there's a three-for-one special on apple fritters in the cafe for the next hour! Enjoy! Uh-huh-huh!" The crowd reacted eagerly to the statement, many ponies opting to make a mad dash for the cafe.

Lifting the mic up, Gladmane then offered to his guests. "Would you four like to take a tour of the place? I'm just about to do my rounds and check on my friends who work here."

"Well, we do have a friendship problem to find." Fluttershy mentioned in a hushed tone of voice.

“And it won’t hurt to get a glimpse of this place.” Beshte added.

“And since we came all this way to be given this offer...” Kion chimed in. “...we would be glad to take up on your offer.” Given that Twilight herself taught her it would have been bad manners to refuse an offer like she did when Fanco came to town, he himself couldn’t say no to it.

"Lead the way, Mr. Gladmane!" Applejack declared.

Gladmane corrected. "Just Gladmane now, you hear? We're friends now."

"Already? But we've just meet." Applejack pointed out.

"Doesn't matter to me. Any friendly pony that walks in here is friends to me." Gladmane replied to the group before moving to lead the tour. "Now let’s get going because I do have a lot to show you here and especially a lot that goes on backstage."

It wasn't long before Gladmane led his guests to the backstage area of the performance theater. And soon after entering, he came upon a bright yellow coated earth pony mare dressed in a glamorous pink tutu and wearing matching make-up. "Good day, Molly. How are things coming along here on this fine day." Gladmane greeted.

Molly seemed to be extremely excited, as she let out a gasp! "Gladmane, you're just in time to see my newest move! I've been working extra hard on it!" She boasted.

"New moves or not, I'm glad to have a star like you working for me." Gladmane complimented.

"Oh, don't make me blush!" Molly fondly replied. "Please, just see what I’ve got going, Gladmane. It’s certainly something that’ll definitely sparkle the shine on your cape!"

Gladmane nodded. "Oh I'm sure it will, I'll make certain to see it when I have the time. After all, I am a busy pony who still manages to be the friendliest of the bunch in this establishment.”

Just then, a cobalt blue coated earth pony stallion with an even darker blue beard came trotting up. And he exclaimed through his accent! "Oh! Oh! Monsieur Gladmane himself is here! Come, Molly, let's run through the whole routine!"

But Gladmane politely replied. "Now, don't make a fuss for ol' me, Quinn. I'm just gonna keep on giving a tour to my new friends Applejack, Fluttershy, Beshte, and the Prince of Friendship, Kion himself. Feel free to rehearse on your own time though, I won't stop you."

"Ah, you the associates of her highness, Princess Twilight herself." Quinn flashed a warm smile. "So nice to meet you all and especially you your majesty, Prince Kion."

"Howdy!" Applejack greeted.

"Hi." Fluttershy whispered.

“Good to meet to you, too.” Beshte happily replied.

“Our pleasure, any friend of Gladmane is a friend of ours.” Kion kindly returned.

Quinn went on to say. "If zis pony calls you friend, then you're welcome backstage anytime! I owe him my entire career."

"Aw, shucks," Gladmane replied, as if he'd heard such compliments multiple times before. "Come on, let's leave the artists to their work. There’s still more to show around here."

Applejack, Kion, Beshte, and Fluttershy all followed Gladmane, and Applejack whispered to Fluttershy. "Doesn't seem like there's any friendship problems here.”

“Maybe not…” Kion himself agreed but couldn’t help but wonder. “...but I'm startin' to think you were right about the map bein' on the fritz."

The three ponies entered the next room, and Fluttershy squealed in delight at the adorable sight her eyes caught. "I've never seen a pink prairie dog before!" The yellow coated Pegasus exclaimed, as she rushed over to the cages housing the tiny animals.

Gladmane smiled. "I like the folks that come here to have a unique experience. Uh-huh-huh."

"Und we love him for it!" A voice stated. With two unicorns of similar build appearing before them, sporting white jackets with pink stripes. But one had a white coat, and the other a black coat.

"Glad to hear it, Sprigfield and Roar Horn" Gladmane greeted to the stallions (speaking first to the black coated one). "I was just telling my new friends here all about it."

Sprigfield smiled. "Then I guess I only thing left to say is how much they’ve been given great care thanks to Gladmane!"

"Great to hear! You sure got quite a resort here!" Beshte complimented. "I could get quite comfty here."

"I sure do." Gladmane replied. "It's always been a pleasure to always provide what others need. Now come along, there's still much more to see."

"Come on, Fluttershy.” Kion urged of the pegasus still busy eyeing the pink prairie dogs.

"Hmm? Oh, right!" The timid pegasus quickly moved to regroup with the others.

Having left the backstage area, Fluttershy was commenting to the others. "There doesn't seem to be anything wrong around here at all.”

“Sure doesn’t look it.” Beshte himself had to agree. "Are we sure this is the right place we should be in?” He asked the other two friends who have yet to reply and or answer.

"I figured lookin' for a friendship problem in Las Pegasus would be like tryin' to find a needle in a stack of needles. But everypony seems to be gettin' along just fine," Applejack commented also unable to spot out the needle in the thread.

“Sure looks it.” Kion also commented but still had something to say about it. “But I’m sure this is where we are supposed to be otherwise we wouldn’t be here right now. Maybe we just didn’t look around here hard enough.”

“What are you getting at, Kion?” Beshte asked as the half lion/alicorn felt drawn to another direction when he started sniffing the ground a little. “Something good nearby?”

“Oh, yeah!” Kion moved to follow the direction of where he caught the scent but before any of them could question it, they heard another voice nearby.

“Ladies and gentleponies, despite what my competition might say, I know you've come to this fair city to be entertained, and I assure you there is nothing more entertaining than the astounding acrobatics in Gladmane's Ponet Fantastique!"

Another familiar male voice retorted. "Now, I suppose that might be true if it weren't for the existence, and far superiorly entertaining presence I might add, of the show-stopping exotic animal act that Ponet Fantastique includes!"

Fluttershy and Applejack’s eyes opened wide upon hearing them.

"Those voice sound awfully familiar, don't they?" The pegasus spoke up first.

“They sure do.” Beshte commented in agreement. “And I think I know them.”

The farm pony narrowed her eyes, upon recongizing those voices. "Samer here. And it is none other than Flim and Flam. There’s the answer to our friendship problem here. Good work, Kion."

Sure enough, Flim and Flam were on separate podiums. But instead of being together in the same act, they both seemed to be arguing with each other, a far cry to the two working together from the previous three times Applejack had seen them. "That’s weird. What kind of scam are they trying to pull off here? Or did something happen led to them to genuinely split up?" She thought to herself.

"Why, I won't even dignify that assertion with a response! Except to say that if you were to consider buying your tickets from me," Flim spoke up. "I might consider offering them to all of you at a substantial discount!"

But Flam retorted. "But I've always thought you get what you pay for, and in my humble opinion, these tickets are a value at twice the price! They're practically a steal!"

Flim marched towards the center and pointed a hoof at Flam as he accusingly shouted! "Don't let this price-gouging charlatan take you for a ride! Pay him no attention, lest you be conned out of a wonderful deal!"

"Charlatan?" Flam gasped! "How dare you, former brother of mine! Of all the insults you've hurled my way, that has to be the lowest of lowest!"

"Hah!" Flim laughed. "How dare I?! I simply call 'em like I seem 'em, former brother! You were always the one who believed rising the price was the best way to seal the deal!"

"You've got some nerve! If it weren't for my brains, you wouldn't know how to work your way out of a wet paper bag!" Flam coldly remarked. "I'm two minutes older than you – don't you ever forget that, former brother of mine!"

The twins went on arguing back and forth, while the various ponies who had previously been lined up to buy tickets from them drifted off to other areas of interest. At the same time, Gladmane rushed over to try to quell down the growing tension between the two brothers.

“Huh? What is going on here?” Kion asked out loud finding this very confusing. “Don’t they normally eye to eye with each other?” He asked Beshte.

“They normally do but they certainly don't seem to be getting along," Beshte answered feeling equally taken aback with the stark contrast of their introduction.

Then Fluttershy let out a gasp as a thought came to her! "Wait a second! You don't suppose we've been brought here to help them?"

But Applejack immediately shot down the idea. "Absolutely not, not even if my life depended on it!"

Unaware of the presence of Applejack, Flim and Flam went on arguing. Eventually nobody and no pony payed their quarrel any attention.

Fluttershy tried to plead her case for helping the brothers. "Applejack, I know you and the rest of the Apple family have had your issues with Flim and Flam in the past, but they're definitely having trouble now, and solving a friendship problem is important, no matter who's having it."

"Well, of course that's true..." Applejack replied, before the farm pony then added. "For anypony but them! And quite honestly I don't know why they're fightin' like this, but even still after that stunt they pulled with the tonic along with helping Scar distract us in order to sneak King Sombra in the Crystal Empire, I see no reason why I have to help 'em. Nor would I expect them to come to be to play peacemaker on their silly little quarrel."

“Why not?” Beshte asked. “I mean, I get why you don’t see eye to eye with them but don’t you think you’re being a little too stubborn towards them?”

“I’m not that stubborn nor a pony to hold that kind of a grudge. I just don’t see why I should doing something that ain’t my job.” Turning to Gladmane who had just returned from a failed attempt to calm the two down as they split apart from each other. “Haven’t you tried to do something about it?”

Gladmane shook his head regretfully and apologetically. "Oh believe me, I tried my best from the moment they showed up here and I’m sorry you all had to see that. I really don’t what’s got them so out of sorts since they showed up with nothing to show for their recent work. I had hoped that hiring them and giving them these jobs might help them work out their troubles, but it seems it only drove them further apart and made things worse. Though I suppose it was at least worth the effort to try am I right?"

"I suppose so." Applejack agreed. "Flim and Flam may have meant well in the past, but they never know when to back off or give up whenever it’s a pitch liable to be a con at first sight. If the two of 'em were together, they'd probably end up cheatin' the hooves out from under you."

Gladmane sighed in agreement. "Yeah, I suppose you're right. Flim's such a showpony, and Flam has such a head for business. If they ever did work together, they'd be running this whole place in two shakes! Ah, speaking of which, I'd better get back to work. But y'all enjoy your stay now, you hear? And good luck with finding that friendship problem you're lookin' for." And with that, the business stallion departed, leaving the two mares along with the lion/alicorn and hippo to watch Flim and Flam continue to argue with one another.

"I'm pretty sure we should help Flim and Flam out..." Fluttershy suggested.

"And I'm pretty sure there's another friendship problem here, and I'm gonna search this entire resort top to bottom 'til I find it!" Applejack vowed and stormed off. "You want to take a crack at whatever is bugging them go ahead. Just don’t expect me to lend a hoof towards them now you hear?"

“Applejack come back…” Beshte tried to call out to her but even still she did not stop and continued going off on her own. Fluttershy just sighed in disappointment at the pony’s stubbornness.

“Don’t worry Fluttershy, I’ll go after him.” Kion quickly volunteered. “And you and Beshte can see what’s troubling those two.”

“Sounds good to me.” Beshte replied having no problem with it while his friend takes off after Applejack. “Hopefully, he’ll come around.” He then said to Fluttershy.

“I hope so too.” Fluttershy quietly expressed feeling the same way. “Surely she can’t hold onto a grudge that big.”

So with Applejack and Kion having split from them, both Fluttershy and Beshte decided to try and solve the friendship problem by attempting to mend the damaged relationship between the two brothers. They both down for separate talks with Flim and Flam, trying to determine what had caused their quarrel, and what could be done to fix it.

But the attempt did little to help smooth things over. They remained hostile whenever the subject shifted to one another. "I sure hope you didn't travel all the way from Ponyville just to get me to reconcile with my no account brother!" Flim complained. "Especially after I finally got to see what I’ve been ignoring all these years!"

"Brother? Why, I don't believe I have one of those anymore," Flam coldly retorted. "A real brother would never turn his back on me."

"No, I already know what he thinks of me," Flim snorted. "All show and no substance! Well, fine! If he's so smart, then he should have no trouble becoming a big success on his own! And if he can't manage, well he better not come crying to me."

"Ooh! Why, he's just the greatest sales pony who ever lived of course," Flam remarked, changing his voice to sound mockingly snobbish. "Don't believe me? Just ask him, I'm sure he'll tell you all about it."

Both Fluttershy and Beshte tried to help by telling both brothers.

“Now come on guys. Surely you both don’t mean that.” Beshte gently implored.

"I'm sure you two could work out your differences easily if you just sat down and talked to each other. Proper communication is the key to a successful friendship." Fluttershy added.

But both brothers had the same reply with adamant refusal to do so. "I'm never speaking to that pony again!"

With a sigh of defeat, the butter yellow coated Pegasus could only drop her head onto the table with the silver colored hippo’s head for comfort. “It was worth a try.” Beshte assured.

“I know.” Fluttershy acknowledged. “But I’m still no expert on tough therapy.”

Meanwhile, Applejack was searching all of Gladmane's establishment for any trace of a friendship problem. But all she had to show for her search so far, was a bunch of general noises coming from the various rides, games, and performances featured throughout the building.

“Applejack! Wait up!” Kion called after him while catching up to him.

Even still the stubborn pony kept her head forward and up high. “If you’re here to convince me to go back to and help out Flim and Flam and their issues, forget it partner!”

“Okay. Then I will hold off on that for now.” Kion relented before asking. “That aside, how’s the search for another friendship problem around here going?”

“Going fine, I suppose.” Applejack admitted. “Still haven’t found anything yet.”

“You think there are other ponies that might have issues themselves?”

“Someway, somehow I’m sure it’s around here somewhere.” Applejack asserted. “Just haven’t found nor spotted it out yet.”

Suddenly, while trotting and walking past the backstage area, they heard the director cry out. "No!" The two rushed into the backstage area, where she saw Quinn and Molly apparently arguing.

“And it seems my prayers have been answered.” Applejack commented to the leader of the Lion Guard before witnessing what was going on in front of them.

Quinn was loudly shouting. "You are ruining my show, Molly!"

Molly fired back. "Quinn, this isn't just your show! And I'm improving it!"

Quinn protested. "But you don't pull a rabbit out of a hat on the trapeze!"

"That's the point – to give the audience something they've never seen before!" Molly retorted. "Acrobatic magic! Watch!" She proceeded to twirl around on a trapeze, and once standing up on it she pulled a rabbit out of her top hat.

"Ta-da!" The rabbit appeared to exclaim.

"It's called 'blending genres', and it's awesome!" Molly shouted and asserted to Quinn who instead of hearing her out scoffed and stormed off somewhere.

Then both Kion and Applejack flagged down an orange coated stallion with a green shirt and glasses, holding up a clipboard with his magic. "Uh, excuse me but shouldn't somepony do somethin' about that?" The latter inquired.

But the stallion only replied. "I'm just the coordinator and I'm sorry to say, that feud is way outside my pay grade. They've been doing this since they started working here. It's too bad, really. If they ever stopped shouting at each other, we could take the show out on tour. They'd be way more successful than staying at Gladmane's." Then he trotted off somewhere.

“Huh? Interesting.” Kion commented with his mind stirring of confirmed suspicion with what he saw from his previous interactions with Gladmane himself. “I thought there was something that I didn’t quite like about that guy.”

Applejack smiled with delight upon hearing this as it appeared her hunch had turned out to be correct. "Heh-heh. Now that sounds like a real friendship problem!"

However, Quinn and Molly were not the only ones in the theater that were quarreling. Roar Horn was training the pink prairie dogs, having them jump through a hoop and into a formation. "Hup! Hup! Hup! Hup!" He instructed.

Suddenly, Sprigfield came running up to his partner, shouting! "Stop! What are you doing?! It's supposed to be a pink prairie dog pyramid! It's alliterative!"

"Wha— But you said a tower! Why do you keep changing everything?" Roar Horn protested clearly caught off guard by his frustrated appearance and expression.

Sprigfield snapped back. "I'm not changing anything! You said pyramid! Stop trying to twist my words!"

At that, Roar Horn let out a shriek! "Are you kidding me Sprigfield?! You are driving me crazy!"

Having seen everything, Kion questioned Sprigfield. "Hey, what’s going on here?! I thought you two got along?"

Sprigfield sighed. "We used to, but we just can't seem to agree on anything anymore. A shame considering we had no problems beforehoof, and we used to perform all over Equestria, But if we can't agree on a new act, then we might as well stay at Gladmane's forever." Then he stomped his hooves and the pink prairie dogs followed him.

“Okay…” Kion then said with their discovery here. “...this is now starting to get interesting. “Two friendship problems in the same theater? All while working and staying for one pony?”

Applejack herself was ecstatic with what she was seeing and hearing as if her luck is turning out in her favor. "Now we're talkin'!"

The two friends met back up with the others back in the cafe to exchange all their news. Fluttershy was not phased to learn about the friendship problems in the theater and nor was Beshte.

"If you count Flim and Flam, then that's three big friendship problems all in the same place!

“So that means the map isn’t on the fritz and there lies the problem."

"Well I don't quite count Flim and Flam's quarrel as a problem. If they can't work it out between themselves, that’s their problem." Applejack still asserted and not about to do something about it herself. "Even with my differences with Big Mac to the point we got into fights along with holding grudges along the way. And we ain’t never allowed them to drag on as long as Flim and Flam's has."

"You don't think Gladmane's had anything to do with this?" Beshte asked and wondered. "Because it seems to him that them being at each other's throats sure seems to benefit him a lot."

“It sure looks like it.” Fluttershy agreed.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if that’s true.” Kion found himself it’s the truth. “Because I’m really seeing how and why Gladmane does what he does here. Both the trapeze show and the animal act would be better off if they left, and it make sense why Gladmane doesn’t want their conflicts resolved.”

“That would be true.” Applejack realized. “But everypony's so busy arguin' that they can't."

"Do you think he knows?" Fluttershy wondered aloud.

“Even if he did, he certainly wouldn’t want to tell us.” Kion replied with a frown along with shaking his head. “Otherwise he just be handing us the answer to our problem like he has nothing to lose.”

“Not to mention we don’t have any proof that’ll allow us to point hooves in his direction.” Applejack added.

Even still Kion felt confident about where to go from here. "No, but we do have some leads we can use to help us.”

“Like what, Kion?” Beshte curiously asked.

“The fact that we know that whatever the others think they have been told is really Gladmane’s doing. Think about it.” Kion explained. “Gladmane tells Quinn that Molly wants total control of the show, even though it's not actually true and there is no way that either one of them would say to each other. And he would also be the one who keeps changing the act on Sprigfield but claims Roar Horn is the one who ordered it. And it wouldn’t surprise me if Gladmane told Molly that Quinn's going to get rid of her every other afternoon along with changing the act on Roar Horn while claiming Sprigfield is behind it. If that’s true then the same can be said for both Flim and Flim being told that the other brother thought he wasn't smart, or told that neither one of them thought either one of his ideas were any good."

"That would make sense.” Applejack realized. “But leaves one to wonder why they ended up at this here resort after Scar paid them well for their troubles for the scene they caused at the Crystal Empire.”

“Probably because the deal he made with them had strings attached to the point they had to use it all up from wherever they had to lay low in the aftermath of that battle.” Kion deduced. “If ponies hated them for selling them rotten cider and fake tonic then they would definitely hate them for supporting Scar’s cause.”

“Sounds about right to me.” Beshte replied. “And with no one where to go and nobody and no pony willing to supply them a roof over their heads, then that’s what brought them over to Gladmane’s resort already fighting with each other and blaming one another.”

“Which is something that Gladmane managed to exploit when they first got here.” Applejack added. “And by doing what he is doing, he can keep them from seeing his true intentions. So that means all his talk about friendship is just a load of applesauce! He's gettin' them all to fight with each other on purpose!"

"And If that's true, then that must be why we're here." Fluttershy concluded. "But how can we get everypony to believe that's what he's doing?"

“By getting Gladmane to admit it himself much like we did with Svengallop.” Kion answered. “So that means we need to trick a confession out of him.” He then groaned and sighed. “If only Twilight were here she’d get the job done with her words alone.”

Applejack sighed in frustration. "If only you picked up a thing or two from her skill in manipulating others then I’m sure you would have been able to do the same yourself.”

“Sounds like we need to rely on others here who do have that ability.” Beshte then suggested.

"Gee, if only there was a pony who knew how to trick a trickster," Fluttershy then commented, a knowing smirk formed on her face as she turned to Flim and Flam, both of whom were still arguing endlessly with one another. "Or maybe a pair of ponies?"

“Applejack, I know you don’t want to. But it’s the next best thing and if we don’t we wouldn’t be able to solve this friendship problem.” Kion then said to the reluctant farm pony who is still reluctant on committing to it. “We need their help on this one.”

“Come on, Applejack. At least give it a chance.” Beshte kindly asked of him.

The farm mare sighed and reluctantly accepted her Pegasus friend's line of thinking. "Okay, fine. Guess bringin' Flim and Flam back together might be why we're here. Maybe. For the record, I’m only doing this because it’s my job and nothing more."

“Wouldn’t expect anything else from you.” Beshte said with a smile upon seeing that she is moving to give it a shot even against her own stubborn pride.

The two mares along with the hippo and half lion/alicorn all approached the quarreling brothers a short time later, hoping to convince them to stop fighting and that their entire argument was the result of Gladmane’s influence.

Neither of the brothers seemed even the slightest bit convinced, however. "Sorry if I don't take the word of somepony right off the street, Ponyville or otherwise." Flim protested since refusing to believe what he is told.

"But think about it. Gladmane is behind so many other friendship problems. How can you be sure he isn't the cause of yours?" Fluttershy questioned.

"I'll tell you why," Flam hissed. "Because the only problem I have is standing right there."

"Same here, buster!" Flim snapped back. "And what makes you think Gladmane is truly responsible for any of this, especially after he gave us these jobs when we had nowhere else to go after being forced on the run?!"

"If you're trying to get us to turn on him, you might as well not bother!" Flam added.

"But do you even remember why you're fightin'?" Applejack asked.

"Of course we do, Gladmane told me just what my so called brother really thinks of me." Flim explained.

"And I denied all those accusations, because I never actually said them. But Flim believed them," Flam retorted. "And then when Gladmane told me what Flim thought of me, and that was where I decided enough is enough!"

"I never sad anything of things you were being told but you never believed me!” Flim snapped and retorted.

Kion raised an eyebrow. "So you're both sayin' you never said the things Gladmane said to you both separately, and not once it ever occurred to you that something was amiss from all of this?"

"Well...true. Though quite honestly, the thought never occurred to us until now.” Flam admitted.

"But why would he lie? What would he have to gain from it." Flam then asked.

Fluttershy spoke up. "Because he's afraid that the two of you together could move in and take over his resort. If you stopped to think about it, it makes sense the moment you walked in these doors and meet Gladmane.”

And that’s where the realization struck for the two unicorns in the face upon hearing this! "It was right there in front of us the whole time, and we never took the time to realize it!" Flim exclaimed. "And to think we allowed Gladmane to trick us like that."

"Oh, brother of mine, I think it's time for a little payback!" Flam suggested. "Now, how go on about it?"

"The Canterlot Two-Step? That's something that works for me on a good day." Flim recommended.

Flam shook his head. "Mmm, we don't have the chickens. How about the Baltimare Flair? That has potential."

Flim sighed shaking his head against that. "Ah, my flair isn't what it used to be.”

“If I could offer some advice if you’re willing to listen…” Kion spoke up and suggested to the two who immediately are all ears for what he has to say. “...it’s got to be in a way that Gladmane doesn’t realize it until it’s too late because it seems he’s smart enough to see whatever is coming his way the second it walks through the door.”

“Hmm…” Flim gave it some thought when suddenly, he smirked when he managed to come with one before turning to face his brother. "Are you thinking what I am, brother?"

Flam nodded. "The High Roller Hustle! I like your style, brother."

"The what now?" Applejack exclaimed in confusion.

Flam simply smiled and explained. "Trust us. When we're done, there won't be a pony in town who doesn't know the Applejack-iest truth about Gladmane! That is, assuming you two are willing to help."

“I guess.” Beshte returned. “That is assuming what you need us to do in order for this plan to work.”

"Nothing much I can assure you." Flim said with a wink before eyeing Fluttershy. "Now, what size gown do you wear?"

Some time later, Gladmane came out of his office to discover a most unexpected sight. There was a massive crowd of ponies, all of whom had cameras that were clicking madly. And others were taking notes. Something or someone had caught their attention, and sparked Gladmane’s concern upon seeing it. He made it a point to know all that was going on in Las Pegasus. "Wh-What's all the fuss, now?" He asked Flim walking beside him, trying to understand what he is seeing along with keeping his composure.

Flim pointed a hoof to an earth pony mare with a seemingly familiar yellow coat. But she had a rather curly green mane, and her eyes and cutie mark were obscured by thick, purple sunglasses and a dazzling, sparkling purple dress. She even had high heels. "It's the grand matriarch of the Rich family, Impossibly Rich! She's one of the wealthiest ponies in all of Equestria." He explained.

"Well, why didn't somepony tell me she'd be stopping by for a visit?" Gladmane happily asked. "You know how I like to give VIP guests my personal touch."

But Flim was quick to further explain and add on with what he had to say. "Well, she's not exactly a guest. Word is she's planning a resort of her own," He whispered to his boss. "I think she's here to scout the competition."

"Oh, really?" Gladmane returned with a suspicious frown while trying to mask his true colors.

Flim nodded. "And with her bits, she could take over the whole strip if she wanted to, hire anypony she wants!"

Gladmane growled at Flim, as if he is accusing the shifty unicorn of planning to do what he'd just said. Flim quickly protested. "Uh, not me, of course! I love it here. Now my good-for-nothing brother, on the other hoof..."

"Enough said." Gladmane snorted. Then he adopted his usual friendly persona and approached Impossibly Rich, warmly greeting the matriarch. "Impossibly Rich, what an honor it is to have you at my humble five-star resort. I'm sure Flam has done an excellent job showing you around, but nothing could beat a personalized tour from the big mane himself. Uh-huh-huh."

Impossibly Rich didn't answer, she just whispered something to Flam who then told Gladmane. "You'll have to excuse Ms. Rich, boss. She saves the energy other ponies spend talking out loud and uses it to make more money. That's how she rolls in life."

Impossibly Rich whispered again, and Flam then added. "She'd love a personal tour! Say, in, uh, about an hour?"

Gladmane nodded. "Well, that sounds right pleasant. And if you can break away for a moment or two, Flam, I'd love to see you in my office so I can get ready." And with that, the so called "friendship connoisseur" departed. He was doing his best not to show it, but deep down he was suspicious and terrified of what this pony is trying to do.

Once Gladmane and the crowd had both departed, Impossibly Rich made her way back behind the curtains of the backstage area. There, she revealed her true identity, Fluttershy. She had dressed up in the fancy attire so as to look similar to the actual pony that was Impossibly Rich. All part of Flim and Flam's scheme.

"Not trying to question your methods but, are all of you sure this is a good idea?" The Pegasus questioned.

"Abso-tively!" Flim declared.

"Gladmane is one fish that's hooked but good!" Flam added. "We've got him right where we want him. Now it's just a matter of getting him to do what we want him to do!"

All Applejack could bring herself to say to the two con ponies was. "I sure hope you two know what you're doin'."

“And I hope it works.” Beshte added.

"Oho, don't you worry about that. When it comes to throwing ponies off their game..." Flam boasted.

"No two ponies do it better than us!" Flim finished.

"Can't argue with that." Applejack reluctantly replied.

“Especially when desperate times call for desperate measures.” Kion whispered to Applejack who is really trying her hardest to cooperate with them for the sake of their mission.

About an hour later, Flam arrived in Gladmane's office overlooking the entire hotel. Said office had glass windows that let him see everything going on down below. Quite a clear and open view for an office. "Hey there, boss, Impossibly Rich is just about ready for that tour. So what did you want to see me about?" Flam asked, feigning ignorance. Having worked in Las Pegasus and for Gladmane, it didn't take long for one to learn why he would call him in his office for a private word.

"Actually, there's something I want you to see…The Grand Plan.” He moved to unroll a blueprint that depicted plans for more hotels in his name on the Las Pegasus strip. "Every hotel on this strip as amazing as this one, and every one of 'em mine."

Flam whistled, and Gladmane chuckled at his employee. "Pretty sweet isn’t it? And all it'll take is a little salesponyship to seal the deal, like this," He stepped over to his intercom and clicked a button, allowing his voice to play out over the loudspeakers. "Hey there, friends. Uh-huh-huh. If you think my resort is fantastic, wait 'til you see Ponet Fantastique Tickets are on sale right now. And for the next hour, they're two for the price of one! Thank you. Thank you very much."

When the loudspeaker clicked off a second later, Gladmane looked Flam in the eyes and sternly told him. "Now I know Impossibly Rich has probably made you a tempting offer to come work for her."

"Well uh, now that you mention it..." Flam stuttered.

The earth pony stallion then said before he could get another word in. "And as your friend, I'd never tell you what to do.” Then he threatened with venom in his tone of voice taking over. “But nopony's gonna stand in the way of my plans, no matter how rich she is! I've worked too hard in building up for what have now for that to happen! And I sure wouldn't want to see you to end up on the losing side. Think you might consider staying here?"

"Um..." Flam stuttered once more while nodding his head.

Gladmane didn't bother to wait for a reply, feeling certain and confident he'd intimidated a would be defector against it. "Well all right then.” He then said readopting his friendly tone and persona. “Glad we can come to an understanding on that matter. Now come along, we have a rich pony to give a tour to."

Impossibly Rich was waiting when Gladmane arrived. Unknown to him, Applejack, Kion, Beshte, and Flim were already hiding out of sight, prepared to catch the business stallion in the act, assuming everything went on as planned of course.

"And last but not least, Ms. Rich, the jewel in my crown. This here theater is home to my best acts," Gladmane proudly boasted. "So, that being said, what do you think?"

Impossibly Rich just whispered to Flam, who quickly translated. "Well, Gladmane, Impossibly wants you to know she's very impressed but doesn't think you can keep a resort of this caliber going much longer."

"Oh? And why's that? Is this the part where I’m supposed to be intimidated?" Gladmane questioned with a raised eyebrow as if it was a genuine threat.

Impossibly Rich didn't flinch in the slightest while still whispering to Flam who answered back. "No, not at all, Gladmane. It's just how she sees it. You've got all the best talents in the industry. But what stops them from just leaving to join any competitor that comes across these parts of town?"

Gladmane flashed a grin as he laughed. "Well, you see I have a trick for that, I must confess. Uh-huh-huh. And it all has to do with how I treat my employees." He then said seemingly unaware that he was making this statement into a microphone levitated by Flim, which was being broadcast over the loudspeakers thanks to Kion’s magic making sure of that.

And with Flam eagerly and innocently questioned. "And how is that, Gladmane? What's the secret to your success?"

Gladmane then confessed… “Well like friends, of course! And I treat every one of my employees with the kindness they deserve."

The unexpected response caught Flam by surprise! Struggling to keep a straight face, he stammered back. "That's it? That's your secret, heh-heh? There's..." He paused and cleared his throat. "...nothing else?"

Gladmane shook his head. "Nope, just friendship," Then with a sinister grin the business stallion marched over to Impossibly Rich and added. "But you know all about friendship, don't you... Fluttershy?!” He added while ripping off the disguise in the process.

“What?!” Kion exclaimed in shock.

"You knew the whole time?" Flim spoke up equally shocked.

Gladmane gladly boasted. "Uh-huh-huh. I saw right through your little scheme the moment you put it into action just by actually knowing what Impossibly Rich truly looks like and how she truly acts. Never try to con a con-pony. Uh-huh-huh, now get back to work," And then with a laugh he proudly boasted and walked off. "Gladmane, One. Flim and Flam along with the Lion and Pony Guard crew nothing. Game over!"

Gladmane was scooping bits into a massive bag, when there came a knock on his office door. "Come in," He called, and the door knob turned and opened to reveal said vistors are Kion, Applejack, Beshte, and Fluttershy. "Oh, it's just you four," He greeted with a smug grin. "Why, I'd have thought you'd all have hit the road by now."

Fluttershy sternly replied and scolded Gladmane. "Well, whether we were able to fool you or not, you can't just go on keeping ponies from getting along! It's just... mean!"

"Now, maybe it is," Gladmane casually confessed. "Though that wouldn’t be fair to say I'm the bad guy here? It's just how business operates here. I didn’t do anything wrong and I’m not a monster like Sombra or Tirek or even that vile half lion alicorn Scar."

"But what you’re doing here is still wrong and you know it.” Beshte remarked with a frown.

Gladmane just sighed. "Oh you four have no idea how things work here, do you? Las Pegasus isn’t just your everyday clubhouse where you get ahead by bein' friendly," He laid back in his chair and shook his head. "No, out here it's the meanest of the mean who get ahead. And yet even while feeding my employees with lies, I still provide them all of the accommodations they need to get by every day in life. From a reasonable and generous paycheck, a home, and with plenty of generous offers and deals to my customers."

"Save it!” Kion demanded with a growl. “Regardless of how you claim to better than others, you’re still a cruel and heartless businessman who has no problems manipulating others into doing your bidding whether it’s getting them to fight each other constantly or getting them to do your dirty work. And you’re honestly no better than any other bad guy I’ve met!”

"And since when are you to judge me of all ponies? You think you've got me all figured out, don't you?" Gladmane retorted. "I do what I have to in order to ensure that my establishment remains up top in the business world. Unlike you’re precious princess friend I practically invented the 'High Roller Hustle', a.k.a that pathetic little ploy you used on me," Then he got up from his desk and smiled. "But still, I suppose I should be impressed. You're the only ponies and only hippo and lion/alicorn to ever truly figure out the secret to my success," He proudly boasted. "Yes sir, it takes a lot of work keepin' everypony fightin'. But as long as I keep 'em convinced that I'm their only friend, all of Las Pegasus will be mine," Then he strolled back over to his desk as he finished. "Oh, you can't trick a confession out of a pony like me! I'm always one step ahead."

But Applejack just grinned as she told the business pony. "Well then, you better check your hooves, because you've just stepped in a confession!"

Fluttershy grinned, revealing that while Gladmane was rambling on, she had pressed the button on his desk that carried his words over the hotel loudspeakers. Now the real Gladmane had been exposed.

Gladmane's calm, collected, and smug persona instantly fell apart like shattered glass. "Oh, no," He gasped, sweat coming down from his forehead as he rushed up to the glass window over looking the establishment and protested. "No, no, w-w-wait, wait!"

Fluttershy then asked over the loudspeaker. "Did that sound okay?"

"Never better!" Flim and Flam proudly declared with all eyes and ears watching on and listening to said confession.

Applejack, then explained to Gladmane about how they did it. "Flim and Flam told us you'd see right through the fake rich pony bit, and that once you did, you wouldn't be able to resist gloatin' about it! This was all part of the plan!"

“And that my friend is something that even a cunning trickster like could do in his sleep!” Kion then added equally proud and taking great pleasure in knocking the once arrogant buisnesspony down a peg.

Frantically, Gladmane pleaded to the performers. "Oh, now, now, friends! Listen, I-I can explain everything!"

But Quinn raised up a hoof and shouted. "I think you've done enough of that!" Turning to Molly he asked. "Darling?"

"Hmph! Good riddance!" Molly declared.

"Oh, I cannot believe we let him almost ruin our friendship!" Roar Horn sighed with regret.

"And our act," Sprigfield added, then gave a parting shout. "Good luck finding another one!"

Gladmane pounded on the glass window, all the while shouting at the fleeing performers. "Wait! No! Y'all come back now! Come on, I-I'm gonna be ruined! This is Gladmane's, y'all! Come on, you can't do this to me!" He ran out of the office in tears. But not without angrily declaring. "I'll get you all for this, someday. Especially you, Prince Kion!"

With a smile, Applejack proudly declared. "Gladmane has left the buildin'!"

"You've said it!" Beshte also declared equally pleased.

With his reputation now permanently shattered, the gold statue of Gladmane was pulled down with a crash.

"I guess the map wasn't on the fritz after all," Fluttershy concluded, right before she, Applejack, Kion, and Beshte all noticed their cutie marks were glowing. "If it weren't for your history with Flim and Flam, you never would've been so determined to find somepony else to help, and we never would have found out what Gladmane was doing."

And the farm mare quickly replied to her Pegasus friend. "And if it weren't for you wantin' to show even those two kindness, we never would have been able to trick the trickster."

Then the Lion Guard’s Strongest added. “And if it weren’t for Kion’s own gut feeling in suspecting something was up with Gladmane, we never would have figured out Gladmane’s true colors sooner.”

Then the Lion Guard’s Fierecest added in return. “And if it weren’t for you encouraging the same kindness Fluttershy would, Applejack wouldn’t have felt convinced in wanting to work with them for once.” Then to Flim and Flam who are both cleaning up Gladmane’s now broken statue he added. "It must have felt pretty good to put your special skills to good use.”

“It did didn’t it.” Flam returned like it was nothing. “Even with all things considered between us in the past.”

Flim then added. “That being said we do owe you four a debt and a huge thank you for helping use reconcile our differences and see through Gladmane’s lies. If you all hadn’t come along we’d would have figured it out.”

"But don't expect this to change anything because of it," Flam warned. "We think of it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"Emphasis on the 'once'." Flim added.

Suspiciously, Fluttershy asked. "What do you mean?"

“By that you mean…?” Kion asked now figuring where they are going with this.

Flim just laughed. "Yes, Kion. It does. With Gladmane gone, somebody or somepony’s gotta fill the void here and we strongly believe that we are the ponies to do it. After all he did teach us all the tricks of the trade, and it was only inevitable that somebody or somepony managed to figure it out and expose him."

Flam then added. "Now if you'll excuse us, it’s time to start laying our claim here." Then into a microphone he declared. "While this establishment undergoes a slight change in management, my brother and I want to assure you that it remains the pinnacle of Las Pegasus entertainment! Which is why we invite each and every one of you to experience the wonder of the Ponet Fantastique Theater – at half the normal cost of admission!"

"And while you're appreciating this historic venue totally devoid of any performers of any kind, we invite you to use the wonder of your own imaginations to fill the space at no additional charge!" Flim added over the loudspeaker. And then a huge rush of ponies started to descend on the theater.

Furious at this betrayal, Applejack shouted at the top of her lungs! "Flim and Flam!"

“Not to worry, fellow Lion and Pony Guard members.” Flam called out and assured even when refusing to have a change of heart. “Since you helped us reconcile our differences and helped get us these jobs here, we will gladly reward you all with a bed and breakfast stay at this hotel tonight heading into tomorrow.”

“All expenses paid and on the house courtesy of yours truly.” Flim added.

While watching on as ponies crowd into the theater the others aside from Applejack just pretty much decided that their business is done here.

“Oh, well.” Beshte commented just accepting it for as is even while disappointed along with Fluttershy. “At least we solved our friendship problem here.”

“And given that Flim and Flam now have their lives set here, our job here is done.” Kion then added equally disappointed and with a look of resignation on his face. “At least we're getting a generous reward out of this especially considering this is Flim and Flam we’re talking about here.”

“No strings attached.” Fluttershy glumly added even while she really appreciates their gift deep down.

“Guess we might as well get checked in and enjoy our stay here while we still can before Flim and Flim decide to change their minds and charge us.” Applejack then said after deciding that trying to fight the con artists for refusing to repent their ways are not worth it. "That is assuming it's not opposite day that is."

“I’ll go call Twilight and let her know.” Kion then said while leading the way along with working his magic so he can make said call. In addition he said to himself. “Some ponies and some things never change.”

Applejack bitterly shook her head in agreement with that statement. "Nope."

Author's Note

Here this time around not only are Applejack and Fluttershy in for a ride but also Kion and Beshte as they travel to Las Pegasus for their second friendship mission together. This time around they met up with the Flim Flam Brothers who aren't in a good state in mind together following their latest feud. And after some searching around the place they find they aren't the only ones at each other's throats thanks to the owner of the place feeding them little while lies to keep them parked at his place.

But fortunately for them, the Lion and Pony Guard were able to team up with the Flim Flam brothers to Kansas City Shuffle the pony out the door without a good reputation to boot and yeah, even while the Flim Flam Brothers still remain you know themselves, they at least have the decency to get them a nice parting gift as thanks.

Up next is the Queen's Visit where the Backlands favorite zebra returns for a timely important negotiation with the Pride Lands coming up with the state of the prvilege of much needed extra water up in the air. But given all things considered it should remain standing after all said and done, Right?

Find out when that episode comes next time around so stay tuned...