G5 Adventures in The Bad Guys

If you haven't read the most recent chapter of this story, let me fill you in on the details.

The Bad Guys and their five Mythix Tiger apprentices had recruited the Mane 6, Allura and Twitch to help them steal a coveted award called the Golden Dolphin, who was supposed to be given by guinea pig philanthropist Professor Rupert Marmalade IV, who has helped rebuild the city from damage by a meteorite.

Infiltrating the awards ceremony, Wolf felt... really good after he and Reva inadvertently helped an elderly woman, and his conflicted feelings and his wagging tail delayed the gang's escape, resulting in their arrest while the Mane 6, Allura and Twitch managed to slip away without noticing.

Of course, our heroes felt worried about these guys-- I mean, they had started to bond. How in the world were they gonna get them out of this mess?

Well, that's what we're going to find out very shortly.

XXXXXXXX

Within just 10 minutes of the Bad Guys and the cubs being caught with the Golden Dolphin, there were reporters all over the place, along with many police officers and civilians, including the Mane 6, Allura and Twitch, who were all anxious to try and see their acquaintances/friends before it was too late to do anything else.

Izzy whimpered worriedly at the thought of how frightened the cubs must've been. “Can anypony see them yet?”

“I was just about to ask the same thing,” Allura said as she got down from a higher perch. “Twitch and I tried our best from the higher perspective, but we can't see through all the civilians and officers around.”

“Ohhh... maybe we should have stayed with them while they were in there,” Misty said as she nervously paced around. “Maybe we could have provided some sort of distraction to let them get away!”

“Hey hey, it's not anypony's fault, Misty,” Zipp said, trying to be sympathetic despite the circumstances. “If we were in there at the exact same time as the Bad Guys, the chief could have suspected us to be some sort of new partners and we could be in handcuffs just as quickly as fi they were working alone.”

“Zipp has a point,” Sunny tried to reason. “Wolf promised us that he and the others wouldn't mention that we were even connected with the Bad Guys or the cubs if they were ever caught, and... though it may be really hard, I think we should give them the benefit of the doubt... don't you think?”

But before anyone had the chance to respond to Sunny’s speech, Pipp let out a gasp as she peeked through the crowd. “Oh my hoofness, I think I can see them! Look!”

It was at that moment that a horde of officers came out with the Bad Guys and their apprentices restrained with handcuffs and ropes around the cubs’ necks, and Tiffany Fluffit turned to the camera for a brief introduction to what was happening at the gala. “The Bad Guys go bust. The nefarious fivesome and their devious tiger sidekicks have finally been captured. And I, Tiffany Fluffit, am first on the scene.”

But out of all the Bad Guys and the tiger cubs, no one looked more worried and fearful than Mr. Wolf and Reva, who were being escorted to the SUCM truck by none other than Chief Luggins. “Wow. You know, I-I just realized that I have devoted my entire adult life to putting you in jail. You are my purpose. Without you, who am I?” she said worriedly before suddenly regaining her confidence. “Ah, I’m just kidding. This is the best moment of my life!”

“YEOW!!!” Reva meowed in complete pain as the chief stepped on her low-dragging tail. “It’s the end of the Bad Guys!”

“...come on,” Hitch said to his friends after a moment. “We’ll try and get as close as we can and see what we can do.”

And that’s just what the Mane 6, Allura and Twitch did-- they moved a bit through the crowd so they could get a better angle, and as they did, Carmine and Mr. Shark were being pushed into the nearby truck. “NO!!”

“Get your hands off of me!” Mr. Piranha said through the mask he was wearing before he and Zari were thrown into the truck. At the same time, Oran was pushed into the truck while Ms. Tarantula was trapped in a glass box, being put in there by a very scared officer. “Ooh, you’re begging for a biting right now.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Snake and Gretchen were grabbed by grabber devices, and they turned back to Mr. Wolf and Reva before they were thrown in.

“Reva!!”

“Wolf!”

Reva sniffled in shame as Mr. Wolf glanced down at his non-wagging tail. This heist was such a stupid idea-- if he had heeded Snake’s warning from the beginning, none of this would be happening right now.

Mr. Wolf had to think of a way to fix this… to give him, his friends and their apprentices some time to recalculate the heist.

As he tried to think, he noticed Professor Marmalade, Rogue and Diane being interviewed by a bunch of reporters, who were eager for their statement. “Professor Marmalade! Madam Governor! Ooh, Professor Marmalade! Madam Governor! Madam Governor!”

“Please, please!” Rogue said to the reporters desperately, not liking all the chaos being around him. “One at a time. One at a time!”

Suddenly, one look at Professor Marmalade gave Mr. Wolf an idea, and he quickly slipped from the chief’s reach and turned in their direction. “Excuse me.”

“Hey!” the chief said angrily as she tried to grab him, and all attention turned to Mr. Wolf again. “Sorry to interrupt,” Mr. Wolf spoke, confusing Reva slightly. “I just wanted to congratulate the governor here. I got to say, you really got us pegged. We’re just a deep well of anger and self-loathing.”

Diane gave him a look at this. “Denial.”

“Sure. That, too.”

“Narcissism.”

“Yeah. Yeah.”

“Oh!” Rogue spoke up. “Don’t forget emotional emptiness.”

“So we’re on the same page,” Mr. Wolf chimed in again, causing Rogue and Diane to glance at each other.

At the same time, the other Bad Guys and apprentices watched the interaction, unsure of what to think. “What is he doing?” Zari asked in confusion. “I’m not sure,” Reva tilted her head, “but if it’s Wolf, he’s gonna save our necks.”

“Sadly, we were never given a chance to be anything more than second-rate criminals,” Mr. Wolf added with a sad look on his face… something that the Mane 6’s hearts seemed to sense. “If only there was someone who could help the flower of goodness inside us blossom. Some icon of love and forgiveness, like, uh, I don’t know, Mother Teresa. Best thing is to just throw us and our tiger friends, who have no family except for themselves, in jail for the rest of our hopeless lives.”

“Yeah,” Chief Luggins said with a look, “that’s the plan.”

“Wait, hey!” Reva struggled in the chief’s grip as the chief lifted her off the ground. “Let me go! Wolf!!”

“Oh, I don’t think I wanna watch anymore!!” Izzy said, covering her eyes with her hoof. “Just tell me when it’s over!”

“I don’t know, Izzy,” Sunny said, trying to read Mr. Wolf’s thoughts as he and Reva were about to be thrown into the truck. “Something tells me that what Mr. Wolf said might get to someone.”

“WAIT!!”

Suddenly, Professor Marmalade’s voice cut through the chaos, and even Chief Luggins turned to him in surprise. “Beg pardon?”

“Mr. Wolf may be a savage beast. Basically walking garbage,” Professor Marmalade said, walking down the red carpet before turning to Mr. Wolf and Reva. “Sorry, I’m making a point.”

“Do what you need to do, pal,” Mr. Wolf smirked. “But how can we say they’re hopeless if they’ve never been given a chance? What if… what if we tried a little experiment, Diane?” Professor Marmalade asked Diane, turning to her and Rogue with a genuine smile. “As you know, my Gala for Goodness, the ‘hashtag charity event of the year’ is coming up. If I can prove to everyone at that gala that the Bad Guys have changed, will you set them free and give them a clean start?”

“Wait, is he serious?” Pipp asked, recording the entire thing on her phone. “Do you think he really wants to?”

“Hey, if it gives the Bad Guys and those cubs a chance at a new life, I’m all for trying anything. And maybe… this… this is what the Unity Crystals wanted us to do by sending us to meet them!” Zipp realized. “They want us to help reform those guys into better beings!”

“I think you’re right, Zipp. Come on,” Misty said to her friends urgingly. “Let’s get closer to Professor Marmalade and ask if we can help.”

“What?! Professor Marmalade!” Chief Luggins dropped Reva and Mr. Wolf as the Mane 6 tried to sneak closer. “No, no, no, no, no. Don’t you see what he’s doing? He’s playing you.”

“But,” Professor Marmalade argued, “it was my idea.”

“It was his idea,” said Reva with an innocent shrug. “But only because your mentor made him have it!” the chief barked at her before turning back to Diane and Rogue. “Madam Governor, you can’t just let them go.”

“Diane?” Rogue looked to Diane with uncertainty. “Professor, I’m not about to put the safety of the city on the line for an experiment,” Diane began to say, just when Mr. Wolf decided to chime in again. “Excuse me, Madam Governor. I seem to remember that a wise person once said, ‘Even trash can be recycled into something beautiful’.”

Diane seemed to be surprised that Mr. Wolf even remembered her words through his Poodleton disguise, and after a look from Rogue that told her that it was worth a try, she finally agreed. “Okay. I’m game. But only because it’s you, professor.”

“No!!” Chief Luggins wailed in frustration. “We’ll hold on to the Dolphin until the gala. Just to remove any unnecessary temptation,” Diane then added. “And… you’re going to need some help with these guys to make sure they don’t go out of control.”

“We’ll do it!”

Gasps emerged from the crowd, the Bad Guys and their apprentices as they turned to see the Mane 6, Allura and Twitch coming out from the gathering crowd. “Allow us to introduce ourselves, Governor Foxington,” Sunny said respectfully. “My name is Sunny Starscout, and these are my friends. We come from a world known as Equestria where unity and friendship is as common as the air we breathe.”

“Oh… oh, yes! I do remember seeing you all on the news a few times,” Diane nodded slowly, causing the Bad Guys and their apprentices to look at each other, but remained silent. “What can I do for you?”

“Well, we were on our way through the city when we saw what was going on, and… we think we may be able to help,” Sunny offered. “We’ve had a fair share of reforming villains on our missions-- in fact, Allura and Twitch here have been our biggest success story.”

“It’s true, governor,” Allura said thoughtfully. “These ponies have changed mine and Twitch’s lives for the better. If we can recreate that experience for these Bad Guys and their apprentices, we would be so grateful. Plus, we have magic that could come in handy if we needed it.”

“...we captured the guardians of Equestria yesterday?!” Carmine whispered to her friends and cousins. “Why didn’t they say anything?!”

“They’re probably trying to save our necks like they are now, so hush up!” Oran whispered harshly. “We have no reason to not trust them.”

“...what do you think, Diane? From what we’ve seen on news stories in the past,” Rogue admitted, “they always have a way of saving the day when it counts the most.”

Diane seemed to consider this, glancing at the Mane 6, then at Allura and Twitch, for a few moments, before sighing and nodding in compliance. “Okay, Miss Starscout. If you and your friends can really help keep the Bad Guys in line during this experiment, then you’re more than welcome to help.”

“You won’t regret this, governor,” Misty said with a grin as she shook Diane’s paw. “But we’re gonna need a place to stay while we’re in town.”

“Oh, they’re more than happy to stay with me,” Professor Marmalade offered. “There’s too much room in my big compound for just me, anyway.”

“Perfect! We’ll take you up on your offer, professor,” said Hitch, “and we’ll be there first thing in the morning.”

“Good thinking,” Professor Marmalade patted Hitch’s leg before turning to the crowd again. “Now that everyone’s happy…”

“NOT happy,” Chief Luggins muttered, but Professor Marmalade paid her no mind as he continued. “…I, Rupert Marmalade the Fourth, will turn the Bad Guys into… the Good Guys!”

The people gasped and muttered in confusion while photographers took pictures of the Mane 6, Allura and Twitch with Professor Marmalade. And seemingly satisfied, Mr. Wolf winked at his confused crew before uncuffing himself and handing the handcuffs back to the chief. “I think these belong to you.”

“Hey!” the chief quipped before Mr. Wolf helped Reva into the truck. “Not everyone gets a second chance,” Diane told Mr. Wolf with a stern expression. “Make the most of it, Mr. Poodleton.”

Mr. Wolf mimicked a hat tipping to Diane before closing the truck door and letting the truck drive away as the Mane 6, Allura and Twitch looked on.

Allura looked to the Mane 6 with a grateful smile on her face. “Thank you... for wanting to help them the same way you helped me.”

“We would do anything to help you and those who matter closest to you, Allura,” Sunny said sincerely. “Always. Now, come on-- the reformation of the Bad Guys starts first thing tomorrow morning and we need our rest for the big day.”

XXXXXXXX

At the same time, as the SUCM truck was driving down the road, the other Bad Guys and apprentices turned to Mr. Wolf, seemingly very confused about what just happened. “Wolf?” Reva finally spoke. “What are you doing?”

“Oh, that,” Mr. Wolf seemed to realize what the crew was talking about after a moment. “I-I-I’m sorry. I thought it was, uh, obvious. We’re gonna go good.”

Oran tilted his head in confusion. “Uh, you totally lost me.”

“I told him to stop drinking out of the toilet,” Mr. Piranha nudged Zari in confusion. “Hey, did you get hit on the head?” Mr. Shark asked before turning to the others. “My cousin got hit on the head with an anchor, and after that, he only swam in a circle.”

“Oof,” Carmine winced. “That doesn’t sound too good...”

“No, no, g-guys, guys, you’re not following me. We’re gonna pretend to go good,” Mr. Wolf tried to explain again. “Just a few days with Marmalade and those Equestrians. And then we roll into the gala as Good Guys and roll out scot-free with…”

That was when the others seemed to realize what Mr. Wolf was trying to say. “The Golden Dolphin!”

“You got it,” Mr. Wolf nodded with a smirk. “Since when do we not finish a job? The Bad Guys become the Good Guys so we can stay the Bad Guys. You know what I’m saying?”

The other Bad Guys laughed in the pleasure of the plan, and Mr. Snake got closer to Mr. Wolf with a smile on his face. “Bad Guys acting good? It’s the ultimate Bad Guy thing. It’s fantastic. Wolf, you’re a genius.”

“It’s gonna be, like, the most relaxing con ever, like a vacation,” Mr. Wolf added. “Oh! A con-cation!” Mr. Piranha added, causing the Bad Guys to laugh once more. “Uh, guys? Just one thing wrong with that,” Gretchen said cautiously. “Other than our new friends figuring out our plan and then abandoning us, what about Safira? If she figures out our plan to go good, she'll be furious!”

“Hey, hey, hey, you cubs worry too much,” Mr. Wolf brushed the thought away. “That compound is gonna be so secure, even that crusty old dragon won't be able to get into it. You'll be safe and protected from her while we complete our plan, we promise.”

Reva sighed and nuzzled up to Mr. Wolf, hoping to be reassured. “I sure hope you're right...”

XXXXXXXX

At the same time as the SUCM truck was driving through the city, Safira stood at the top of a nearby building, looking furious. “So... they plan to go good, do they? Abandon all that I've given them, do they?! I GAVE THOSE BRATS MEANING TO THEIR LIGES AGAIN, AND THIS IS HOW THEY WANT TO REPAY ME?!!!”

It took a minute for the dragoness to calm down some, but as she did, her blue eyes turned cold and heartless. “No matter,” she sneered. “Not even the Bad Guys and those Equestrians will be able to see what's coming next. Cause when I'm done with my own plan... none of them will live to tell the tale.”

And with that, the dragon unfurled her wings and flew off into the sky, ready to complete her master plan and fulfill a couple of goals.

One of them being getting revenge for those she lost a long time ago.

And the other one being...

...the ultimate revenge for her master.