Viva Las Pegasus
Pony's Log Number 620: Another great example where friendship problems deal with somepony you wouldn't expect in a location you wouldn't expect to be in...
One day at Twilight's Castle, the Cutie Map had made another summon for another friendship mission.
(cue favorite "world map" music)
Current Flower Sprites: 55
Apparently Applejack, Fluttershy, and Mario had been chosen for this particular mission. While Mario wasn't in the throne room yet, Applejack and Fluttershy were already staring at the map. Their jaws literally hit the floor when they saw their destination.
"The map is sendin' us where?!" Applejack exclaimed as she eyeballed hers, Fluttershy's, and Mario's cutie mark hovering over the location.
"Las Pegasus?!" Fluttershy exclaimed as the two ponies had nervous looks on their faces.
"But Las Pegasus is a wild vacation spot!" said Applejack and then added sternly, "It's just one big party!"
"All those lights and sounds, not to mention the crowds..." Fluttershy added worriedly, "Oh, just the thought of it is overwhelming!" Fluttershy then lightly face-hooved herself.
"I know Las Pegasus doesn't seem like either of your cups of tea," said Twilight as she walked up to the two flustered ponies, "but I have total faith you wouldn't have been called unless you were the perfect ponies for the job."
"Probably not as bad as we think," said Applejack, "It can't just be a loud, obnoxious party all the time, right?"
"Mario says Las Pegasus is also known for having lots of entertainment," said Twilight, "One of the most famous singers to ever perform there was the king of rock n' roll himself, Elvis Oatsley."
Before Twilight could finish, Mario burst into the room wearing a gem studded white jumpsuit with matching cape and a large black pompadour wig on his head.
[Mario - deepening his voice to sing a ponified version of the song "Blue Suede Shoes", or "hooves" in this case.]
Well, it's one for the money
Two for the show
Three to get ready
Now go, cat, go
But don't you
Step on my blue suede hooves
Well, you can do anything
But stay off my blue suede hooves
"Oh sweet Celestia," Fluttershy groaned as Applejack just rolled her eyes annoyingly as Mario kept singing in the background.
"You could say Mario is more than excited to be going to Las Pegasus," said Twilight, "He and Celestia used to go alot when he was younger. While it's been years since we've taken a trip up there ourselves, he knows the area rather well. So that should make you two feel better.
"Yes, 'cause putting up Mario being a dork is always such a joy," said Fluttershy in a sarcastic tone, which made Applejack smirk. Twilight glared.
"Well, wanna know what I think about you, little sissy?" Mario asked, still using an Elvis Presley voice. Then sang another ponified Elvis Presley song.
[Mario - as he sang, he smirked at Fluttershy, who glared at him. Near the end, Mario leaned toward Fluttershy as he sang to last two lines. Fluttershy blinked in surprise before growling at him.]
You ain't nothin' but a hound dog
Cryin' all the time
You ain't nothin' but a hound dog
Cryin' all the time
Well, you can never catch your rabbit and you ain't no friend of mine!
Fluttershy then chased after Mario as he played a rock guitar solo. Twilight just chuckled at their childish behavior while Applejack just sighed.
"This is gonna be a long trip," Applejack muttered to herself.
(Main theme)
As the S.S. Harmony took to the skies to take Mario, Applejack, and Fluttershy to their destination,...
[Mario - from inside the airship and still using his Elvis Presley voice.]
Bright light city gonna set my soul
Gonna set my soul on fire...
"WILL YOU STOP SINGING BEFORE I THROW YOU OFF THE SHIP!" Fluttershy bellowed, having quite enough of Mario's singing. Mario not only stopped singing, but also stopped dancing since he had been standing on a chair to perform for the two girls. While Fluttershy was relieved Mario had stopped singing, she noticed that he looked hurt.
"Sorry," said Mario sadly, "I heard you girls aren't exactly excited about going to Las Pegasus, so I..."
"Wait a second," said Applejack from her comfy chair, "You were doing all the ridiculous singing and dancing to try and cheer us up?" Mario nodded.
"That and I wanted to share my love of Elvis Presley music," said Mario as he took his seat, "Guess I over did it..." Applejack and Fluttershy looked at each other.
"Well, we appreciate the effort, big brother," said Fluttershy, "but we'd prefer a little peace and quiet right now."
"Sorry..." said Mario, looking away and feeling a bit embarassed.
"It's alright, sugarcube," said Applejack, "But I gotta hand it to ya. This airship of yours is quite comfy."
"And the ride has been so smooth," said Fluttershy as she zipped the tea, "and the tea is really good too." Mario smiled and felt better, but then blinked when he heard something ringing inside of his saddle bags. Mario opened it to find an alarm clock with a note attached to it.
"What's this?" Mario asked aloud as he read the note, ""This is Pinkie! If you take the airship to Las Pegasus, don't forget the do the cutscene!" You gotta be kidding me!"
"What is it, big brother?" Applejack asked.
"Pinkie wants me to do this...little scene...while we're heading to Las Pegasus," said Mario, "She did the same scene when we were heading to Canterlot. But I don't plan on..." Mario then found another little note.
It would really make me super duper happy if you did it. Please? I love you so much! You're the most amazing big brother ever!
-Pinkie
"Ugh!" Mario groaned as Fluttershy hovered over to see the note.
"Well, she does love you," said Fluttershy, "and we'll put up with it while you do it." Mario rolled his eyes.
"Alright," said Mario, "let's head to our chairs so I can get this over with." Applejack was already in her chair while Fluttershy and Applejack took their seats. Mario cleared his throat before speaking.
"Since we have some time to kill," said Mario, "Let review some useful skills." Mario then pulled out a pamplet and looked it over.
"Travel Tip: Triple Jump," Mario read aloud, "A way to jump with some style! Get a good running start, then hop, skip, and then jump to somersault super high into the air. Remember that you gotta time each jump just right for it to work. Well, that's it! If you want to review some more, just check the Action Guide!" Mario then pulled the brochure away as Fluttershy and Applejack just gave him blank looks.
"That's what Pinkie wanted you to do?" Applejack asked.
"Eeyup," said Mario, "And before you ask, I don't get it either. Something about me having an Odyssey or something."
"Well, your journey to becoming a dork is quite an odyssey," Fluttershy remarked as Mario threw the brochure at her. Fluttershy just laughed as she swatted away the oncoming brochure. Applejack just rolled her eyes and chuckled. The Harmony just continued on its maiden voyage. It wasn't long before they arrived at the airship docking station as the Harmony made a very cushy landing and automatically extended a ramp so the three ponies could exit the ship. Once they were off, they found themselves walking on various bridges and paths around the heart of the Las Pegasus strip, which was surrounded by buildings covered in various neon and blinking lights. There were a few ponies walking around, but nopony was being too loud or rowdy. '
"Hmm, must be a slow day," said Mario, "That should help you girls adjust to this place a little easier." Applejack and Fluttershy smiled sheepishly. But then...
WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
A crowd of ponies charged at the group. Fluttershy and Applejack moved out of the way, but Mario got bashed into the air.
"WHOA-OA-OA! UGH!" Mario yelped and groaned as he flipped about in the air and landed hard on the pathway.
"Uh, Applejack? Mario?" Fluttershy said timidly, "Las Pegasus isn't as bad as we thought."
WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
A few more ponies than charged between them, flattening an already woozy Mario.
"You're right!" said Applejack, "It's worse!"
"Momma mia..." Mario groaned in his flattened state. While he had managed to stay conscious, he was feeling rather dejected that he failed to give the girls a good impression of Las Pegasus. Mario strained to get himself back to normal and then guided the group to their hotel.
Once the three ponies reached the entrance to the hotel, a bellhop opened the door for them so they could walk inside. Mario was smiling excitedly when Applejack and Fluttershy gasped when they saw what was inside of the hotel building. The main area had lots of ponies walking about. There was a rainbow colored roller coaster, some theatre rooms, a ferris wheel, a mechanical swing, and there was even a nearby arcade. From the entrance, the three ponies could see the claw machine and ski-ball ramps.
"Woo-hoo!" Mario cheered as he did a cartwheel in front of them and smiled excitedly, "Isn't this place awesome or what?!" Applejack and Fluttershy just made faces that showed they were feeling very, very overwhelmed.
"Do you think the map could be on the fritz again?" Fluttershy asked Applejack, "I mean, this place seems alot more suited to Pinkie Pie or even Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy then bit her lower lip nervously.
"Easy Sis, it's gonna be fine," said Mario, "we may have had a rough intro here, but things will get better. Trust me. We're all meant to be here." Applejack put on a very serious looking face.
"I agree with that, Big Brother," said Applejack and then looked at Fluttershy, "If Twilight and Mario trust the map, then so do I. All we have to do is solve our friendship problem and get home." The two mares began to venture forward.
"Aw, I was hoping we could stick around and have some brother-to-sister fun here," Mario complained as he caught up to the group.
"We'll see," said Applejack as she and Fluttershy smirked, "We're here for the friendship problem first, fun second. 'Course, we have to find it first."
"And experience has taught us that we often don't find the friendship problem by searching for it directly," said Mario, "The friendship problem finds us. Hopefully not painfully like the last time Fluttershy and I were on one together."
"Why painfully, Mario?" Applejack asked curiously.
"He got his wing clipped by a catapulting pumpkin," said Fluttershy.
"Oooh, that's gotta smart," Applejack winced, "I remember how much pain Rainbow was in when an apple I bucked accidentally clipped her wing." It was then they heard the sound of a pony wearing a generic salespony attire as he was doing some advertising.
"And make sure to experience our signature show, Ponet Fantastique!" said a pony named Barker, "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 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!" Barker then pointed at a golden statue of the chairpony in the center lobby of the hotel. The nearby ponies looked at the statue excitedly, gasped, and cheered happily. Then Mario, Applejack, and Fluttershy watched as the crowd of ponies ran off to buy tickets. Mario shook his head.
"Typical vacation syndrome," said Mario, "Rush for the first good deal you hear...and yet it's how those big wig ponies make so much money from the tourists every years. All because they are so quickly to catch a good bargain and not caring what it is..."
"Oh, and you and Celestia weren't that bargain crazy when you had your vacations here?" Fluttershy asked skeptically. Mario blushed.
"I was young, okay!" Mario protested, "Anyway, the point is I learned better. Besides, I'm only after two particular offers. Restaurant discounts and special offers for arcade tokens."
"I get the second one," said Applejack, "but why restaurant discounts?" Mario gave her a deadpan look.
"Because I know two sisters who will stick me with the bill for our next meal," said Mario bluntly.
"We have no idea what you mean, Big brother," said Fluttershy and Applejack with sassy looking smiles. Mario glared and then sighed.
"Oh lighten up, I'm just teasing," said Fluttershy as she gave him a sisterly nuzzle on the cheek, "We're both glad you're here. Just talking with you is helping us relax." Mario smiled as the two ponies shared a hug, which made him feeling better. It was then Fluttershy noticed the golden Gladmane statue.
"Wow," said Fluttershy, "This Gladmane sure seems impressive."
"Well, uh, it is a little embarassing," said a voice behind them, "but the crowds seem to like it. Uh-huh-huh." The three ponies turned around to see a grape colored stallion with a silver mane and tail, wearing a dark blue suit that had a glittery hemline, cape, pale orange shirt with a darker bow tie that had pictures of bits on it.
"Mr. Gladmane?" Applejack asked.
"Just Gladmane'll do," said the stallion, "And it's a pleasure to meet the Prince of Friendship himself and the actual cohorts of the Prince and Princess of Friendship!" He then shook the hooves of all three ponies at the same time, "Thank you for coming. Thank you very much."
"You know who we are?" Fluttershy asked.
"I'm what you might call a friendship connoisseur," Gladmane replied, "so naturally I'm familiar with of the friends of the amazing Mario Star and the great Twilight Sparkle!"
"The Amazing Mario Star," Mario said impressively, "I like that." Fluttershy and Applejack just gave Mario an eye roll each.
"Thank you very much," said Gladmane, "Mario, Applejack, Flutterhsy, it's an honor to have you here. Uh-huh-huh."
"I have to admit you're not the type of pony I expected to find in Las Pegasus," said Applejack.
"You're certainly the most level-headed pony we've met here today," Mario added. Gladmane chuckled.
"Well, my guests may be looking for lights, music, and parties," Gladmane replied, "but working hard and making friends is how I turned this hotel into what it is today, and how I plan to make it even bigger. Uh-huh-huh!" Applejack and Mario both smiled impressively.
"Solid business practice," said Mario, "that tactic has certainly done me good business-wise as well."
"Didn't know you were an business pony, Prince Mario," Gladmane remarked, "Any interest in the hotel industry?"
"Not really," said Mario, "I'm invested more into the fashion industry, railways..."
"Uh, excuse me for second." Gladmane interrupted as a microphone appeared from above and he spoke into it so the others could hear him through a loudspeaker, "Wise ponies may say that folks that come here are 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 ponies who heard the announcement got very excited and ran past Mario, Applejack, and Fluttershy to go take advantage of the special.
"Would you three like to take a tour of the place?" Gladmane offered, "I'm just about to do my rounds and check on my friends who work here." Applejack looked uncertain.
"We do have a friendship problem to find," said Fluttershy to Applejack in a hushed tone.
"Getting access behind the scenes give us more territory to search around for anything friendship related," Mario added in the same tone.
"Lead the way, Mr. Gladmane!" said Applejack.
"Just Gladmane now, you hear?" said the stallion. The three ponies shared smiles with each as they followed the stallion.
It didn't take long before they were backstage of one of the theatres. There was a light orange pony with a dark, navy blue mane and tail that were styled in swirls and beads. She was wearing a glittery magenta leotard and doing some warm up stretches. She then gasped when she saw Gladmane and the three ponies approach. Her name was Trapeze Star.
"Gladmane," said Trapeze Star excitedly, "You're just in time to see my newest move!"
"New moves or not," said Gladmane, "I'm glad to have a star like you working for me, I'll tell you what."
"Oh, don't make me blush!" said Trapeze Star despite the fact her cheeks were a light shade of pink, "Now watch this!" Trapeze Star then jumped high into the air, did a few acrobatic twirls on a swing, and then did a handstand with a single fore-hoof on the swing. Mario, Applejack, and Fluttershy all smiled impressively.
"Stellar! Uh-huh-huh!" said Gladmane.
"Yes indeed," said Mario, "You're skills are, as they say, tres fantasitque."
"Oh merci, your highness," said Trapeze Star, "But little birdie told me you know a few acrobatic moves yourself! Care to show us a few of your moves?"
"Umm...I'm kind of busy at the..." Mario tried to decline politely.
"Nonsense, I've heard of your athleticism as well," said Gladmane, "Show the little lady your skills. Uh-huh-huh!" Mario looked nervously at Applejack and Fluttershy, who smiled for Mario to go ahead. Mario then took a deep breath and double jumped to a nearby pole. He then swung about to get some momentum, flipped as he jumped from pole to pole. Then a pole above him was too high. So Mario flipped to a nearby wall, wall jumped up to the higher pole. Then he quickly moved from one pole to the next. But the trapeze swing Trapeze Star was sitting on was too far away. Mario then threw his beret, kept it spinning in place, lunged at the hat, bounced off of it. Then tossed his hat and lunged again as he spun about the left side of the trapeze swing before stopping with a single fore-leg handstand and posed.
"Ta-da!" said Mario. Trapeze Star, Applejack, and Fluttershy all applauded as Gladmane smirked.
"Fantastic! Uh-huh-huh!" said Gladmane.
"Oh! Oh! Monsieur Gladmane himself is here!" said a light blue stallion with a navy-blue mane and tail wearing a brown jacket, light pink shirt, and orange scarf around his neck. His name was Director, "Let's run through the whole routine!" As the director was speaking, Mario made a landing curled up into a ball, bounced into the air, and uncurled himself for a smooth landing.
"Now, don't make a fuss for ol' me," said Gladmane, walking up to Director, "I'm just gonna keep on giving a tour to my new friends, Mario, Applejack, and Fluttershy.
"Hello," said Mario politely and waved.
"Howdy," said Applejack as she gave a cheerful wave as well.
"Hi," said Fluttershy, giving a timid wave.
"If zis pony calls you friend," said Director, "you're welcome backstage anytime! I owe him my entire career."
"Aw, shucks," said Gladmane modestly, "Well, let's leave the artists to their work." Gladmane then lead the three ponies away.
"Doesn't look like there's any friendship problems here," said Applejack in a hushed tone to Fluttershy and Mario.
"Well, let's not dismiss anything Gladmane shows us," said Mario as quietly as he could, "all we're seeing is the surface for the moment. There could be more going on. So let's just keep our eyes open..."
"...and your big mouth shut," said Fluttershy in a quiet but sassy manner. Mario glared at her as Applejack chuckled quietly. Fluttershy then gasped and rushed forward toward a pet cage that had a prairie dog with pink fur on it.
"I've never seen a pink prairie dog before!" said Fluttershy excitedly as she waved hello to the prairie dog. The pink prairie dog waved back.
"I like the folks that come here to have a unique experience," said Gladmane, "Uh-huh-huh."
"Und we love him for it!" said a voice behind Gladmane, Applejack, and Mario. They turned around to see two unicorn stallions posing and having confetti fall around them. One was sky blue colored with magenta mane and tail wearing a pink zebra patterned shirt with frilly dark pink shirt and magenta bow tie. His name was Roar Horn. The second pony was grape colored with a burgundy mane and tail, wearing an open white shirt with a gold necklace and white pants. His name was Sprigfield. They both were wearing a heavy amount of makeup on their faces since they were Las Pegasus show performers.
"With Gladmane's help," said Sprigfield as he opened a door to let a white and pink stripped prairie dog out, "we've been able to take care of all these little guys!"
"Now this place is overwhelming in a good way!" said Fluttershy happily as she nuzzled the prairie dog.
"Aw, glad you like it," said Gladmane and went to guide the group to the next area for the tour. Applejack and Mario followed...until they realized somepony was missing.
"Fluttershy?" Applejack called out once she cleared her throat.
"Fluttershy," said Mario in a gentle but fatherly tone, "You need to stop playing with the prairie dogs and come along now."
"Hmm?" said Fluttershy, now surrounded by the prairie dogs, and saw they were leaving, "Oh, um, coming!" Roar Horn and Sprigfield used their magic to get the prairie dogs off of Fluttershy as the yellow Pegasus ran off to catch up with the group.
It wasn't long before the tour was over, Gladmane shook Mario's Applejack's, and Fluttershy's fore-hooves again before they parted ways from the stallion.
"There doesn't seem to be anything wrong here at all," said Fluttershy.
"So far," said Mario, "but as I said before, the problem will smack us in the face eventually."
"Just as long as it's your face that gets smacked," said Applejack.
"Oh, now don't you start with me!" Mario warned as Applejack and Fluttershy giggled.
"I figured lookin' for a friendship problem is Las Pegasus would be like tryin' to find a needle in a stack of needles," Applejack admitted, "But everypony seems to be gettin' along just fine."
"Ladies and gentleponies," said a familiar voice that made both Applejack and Mario's faces turn sour.
"It figures they would be in Las Pegasus," Mario said wearily, "This place is not just a vacation spot, but also the best place for advertisement!"
"Despite what my competition might say," the familiar voice continued, "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!"
"Now I suppose that might be true if it weren't for the existence," said a second familiar voice, "and far superiority entertaining presence, of the show-stopping exotic animal act that Ponet Fantastique includes." Fluttershy then turned her head to see a large crowd standing before two very familiar brothers. And, no, they were NOT the Super Mario Bros.
"Those voices sound familiar," Fluttershy remarked.
"They sure do," said Applejack darkly as her eyes narrowed, "Flim and Flam."
"Ugh, it feels like we're always crossing paths those chumps," Mario remarked irritably.
"Why, I won't even dignify that assertion with a response!" said Flim, "Except to say that if you were to consider buying your tickets from me, I might consider offering them to you at a substantial discount!"
"But I've always thought you get what you pay for," said Flam, glaring at Flim, "and in my humble opinion, these tickets are a value at twice the price!" Interestingly enough, the crowd seemed to be more interested at the fact the two brothers were trying to out-promote each other rather than anything they were trying to sell.
"Don't let this price-gougin charlatan take you for a ride!" Flim warned. Flam gasped dramatically.
"Charlatan? How dare you!" Flam retorted angrily.
"Hah!" Flim shot back, "How dare I!?"
"Yes, how dare you!" said Flam, "I was the one that..."
"I call'em likes I see them, dear brother of mine!" said Flim at the same time as Flam was talking.
"I'm two minutes older than you - don't you forget that, brother of mine!" Flam yelled as Flim was still talking.
"I'm sick and tired of this..." Flim continued as their arguing continued into the background as the audience continued watching them. Soon Gladmane arrived to say and stop the fighting but even he was feeling overwhelmed. Fluttershy just watched the two brothers bicker with a worried look on her face. Mario just seemed annoyed and indifferent. Applejack had a bitter pouty face.
"They certainly don't seem to be getting along," said Fluttershy.
"Happens in very sibling relationship, Sis," said Mario, "as sad and pathetic as it looks. I don't think any of us can judge."
"True," said Fluttershy and then gasped, "You don't suppose we've been brought here to help them?"
"Absolutely not!" said Applejack firmly as the two brothers continued to argue, "There's no way they can be the friendship problem! Right, Big Brother?" Mario went to agree, but then blinked as another situation came to mind and groaned loudly.
"I think they are the friendship problem, Sis," said Mario with a long face. Applejack gave a shock whinny.
"You can't be serious!" Applejack snapped.
"AJ, remember my trip to Griffonstone with Pinkie and Rainbow?" said Mario, "Who do think was part of the friendship problem there?" Applejack blinked and then groaned in frustration.
"Well, that was different," said Applejack, "Gilda and Rainbow had a broken friendship that needed fixing. We certainly ain't friends with either of them nor have we ever been friends with 'em!"
"Fair point, Sis," said Mario, "but-"
"But nothing!" Applejack interrupted, "There's no way in Equestria I'm helping the likes of them!" Mario sighed.
"I don't want to either," said Mario, "But if it's for the greater good and for the sake of friendship, we're gonna have to set aside our resentment of them and help them out. It's the right thing to do!" Applejack snorted and turned her head away from Mario.
"AJ, don't do this," Mario warned, "Don't you go into your stubborn mode again!"
"Mario, let me handle this," said Fluttershy before turning to Applejack, "I know you, Mario, and the rest of the Apple family have had your issues with Flim and Flam in the past, but they're definitely having trouble, and solving a friendship problem is important, no matter who's having it."
"She's right you know," said Mario in agreement.
"Well, of course that's true," said Applejack and then snapped as she pointed a fore-hoof at the two ponies, "For anypony but them!"
"AJ, will you listen to reason for once in your life!" Mario said angrily, "You're acting no better than I was when I had my resentment with Starlight!"
"Yeah, well my resentment is reasonable!" Applejack yelled back, "Your resentment was just plain stupid!" Mario was taken aback and felt devastated that Applejack had said that. Fluttershy could see that Mario was deeply hurt. It was then Flim and Flam gave a loud huff and parted separate ways, leaving Gladmane feeling rather defeated.
"I'm sorry you had to see that," said Gladmane as he walked up to the three ponies, "I don't know why, but those two have been fightin' ever since they got here. I thought giving them jobs might help, but I...I guess it just made matters worse." Fluttershy still looked worried. Applejack kept glaring bitterly. Mario just had his head held down. He didn't want anypony knowing that he was trying not to cry.
"Trust me," said Applejack bitterly, "I know those ponies, and you're better off with them apart. The two of them together will cheat the hooves right out from under you!" Gladmane was stunned by Applejack's tone, but his facial expression showed that he agreed with her.
"Yeah, I suppose you're right," said Gladstone, "Flim's such a showpony, and Flam has such a head for business. Why, if they ever did work together, they'd be running this place in two shakes! Ah, speaking of which, I'd better get back to work. Umm...is he alright?" Gladmane could hear some faint sniffles from Mario, who was still trying to keep his face from view.
"He's fine," said Applejack firmly and dismissively. Gladmane blinked.
"If...you say so," said Gladmane slowly before perking up, "Y'all enjoy your stay now, you hear?" He then walked off.
"I'm pretty sure we should help Flim and Flam," said Fluttershy, "Right, Mario?" Mario said nothing but just gave a loud sniffle in reply.
"And I'm pretty sure there's another friendship problem here," said Applejack angrily, "I'm gonna search this top to bottom 'til I find it!"
"And you'll do it alone!" Mario retorted angrily, showing that he had started crying. Applejack snorted.
"Like I need you anyways," said Applejack spitefully before running off. Fluttershy just sighed as Mario broke down in sobs. Fluttershy pulled Mario into a comforting hug until he had calmed down.
"Was my bitterness stupid?" Mario croaked, "Is what I'm dealing with stupid?"
"Of course not," said Fluttershy, "Applejack was way out of line saying that to you. You're right, you can't let bitterness or hurt feelings stop you from helping somepony who needs it."
"Applejack may be known for honesty," Mario sobbed, "but she's terrible at keeping her promises. She promised she'd listen to me more and not let her stubborn pride cloud her judgment! But she never does...ever..." Mario began to cry some more as Fluttershy calmed him down again.
"I know it seems like she doesn't listen to you when you're only trying to help her see reason," said Fluttershy, "but her stubbornness is her flaw. It's not because your feelings or thoughts don't matter."
"My feelings and opinions don't seem to matter to you either," Mario remarked sadly as he tried wiping his tears away.
"I might have been teasing you this whole time, but I am taking what you say seriously," Fluttershy said firmly, "Gladmane only showed us the surface, who knows how things really are backstage. Maybe they're fine and happy, or maybe there's something deeper is going on. After all, even if Flim and Flam aren't the friendship problem, helping them might put us in the right direction."
"I guess..." said Mario sadly.
"Oh, cheer up, Big brother," said Fluttershy, "Let's just focus on what we need to do. Applejack will come around okay?" Mario sniffled and then gave a brave nod.
It didn't take them long to find Flim as they sat with him at a purple booth. Fluttershy and Mario didn't waste any time getting to the point.
"I hope you didn't travel all the way from Ponyville to try and get me to reconcile with my no-account brother," said Flim bitterly.
"Brother?" said Flam as Fluttershy and Mario spoke to him in the lobby, "I don't believe I have one of those."
Back at the booth with Flim...
"No!" Flim snapped, "I already know what he thinks of me! All show and no substance! Well, if he's so smart, he should have no trouble becoming a big success on his own!"
Back with Flam...
""Ooh, why, he's the greatest salespony that ever lived of course"!" Flam said in a mocking tone, "Just ask him. He'll tell you all about it!"
Back at the booth, Fluttershy and Mario were sitting together opposite of Flim...
"I'm sure you could work out your differences if you just sat down and talked to each other," Fluttershy suggested.
"Yeah," said Mario, "There's clearly a misunderstanding here and if you at least shared your hurt feelings to each other..."
"Save it Mario!" said Flim and Flam from their respective meeting locations, cutting Mario off, "I'm never speaking to that pony again!" Fluttershy and Mario just sighed and slouched forward in defeat.
"Oh, who am I kidding?" said Mario dejectedly, "Even I don't believe talking things out can solve problems between siblings anymore..."
"You don't mean that, Mario," said Fluttershy, "You're just feeling hurt right now. Things will work out with Applejack. They always do, whether we need to get her out of trouble or not."
"Yeah...I know..." said Mario, but was still feeling rather glum. Fluttershy looked at him sympathetically and then got an idea.
"Tell you what, Big Brother," said Fluttershy, "Let check into our hotel room and then you and me can play some games at the arcade. I know you've been wanting to do that since we got here. We'll our own brother-sister fun. That should cheer you up." Mario looked uninterested for a moment, but then perked up a little and gave a small smile.
"Okay," said Mario in a soft tone. Fluttershy smiled back.
Meanwhile, the sound of casino chatter and noises could be heard as Applejack walked about another area of the resort. However, gambling had been declared illegal in all of Equestria years ago. So these noises were actually being made from the arcade as the ponies were playing their games. Some were doing ski-ball, another was doing whack-a-mole, another playing bean bag toss, and a couple of others were doing Prance-Prance-Revolution. Applejack then looked up and watched as ponies were enjoying their ride on the roller coaster. She just walked past a curtain covering the doorway to the theater when...
"No!" said Director shouted, his voice muffled because of the curtain. Applejack then peeked inside to see what was going on.
"You are ruining my show!" the Director yelled to the Trapeze Star.
"It isn't just your show," Trapeze Star protested, "and I'm improving it."
"You don't pull a rabbit out of a hat on the trapeze!" the Director retorted.
"That's the point," said Trapeze Star indignantly, "to give the audience something they've never seen before! Acrobatic magic!" Trapeze Star then did some flips in the trapeze swing. Then she finished as she held out a hat as a rabbit, whose name was Bernard Rabbit, jumped out of it.
"Ta-da!" Bernard Rabbit shouted as he stood on the brim of the hat.
"It's called "blending genres"," Trapeze Star told Director sternly, "and it's awesome!" Director gave Trapeze Star a stern glare and then stomped off without another word. Then another pony, named Back Stage, appeared with a clip board as he walked past Applejack.
"Shouldn't somepony do somethin'?" Applejack asked Back Stage.
"Hah," said Back Stage, "They've been doing this since they started working here. Too bad, really. If they ever stopped shouting at each other, we could take the show on tour. They'd be way more successful than staying at Gladmane's."
"Heh-heh," Applejack smiled excitedly, "Now that's sounds like a real friendship problem!"
Not too far away, Roar Horn was busy training the prairie dogs.
"Hup! Hup! Hup! Hup!" Roar Horn called out as each prairie dog jumped through the hoop. Then the prairie dogs stood atop of each other's shoulders to create a two column tower and posed.
"Stop! What are you doing?!" Sprigfield yelled angrily, "It's supposed to be a pink prairie dog pyramid! It's alliterative!" The prairie dogs quickly changed formation so they were now positioned into a pyramid.
"Wha-you said tower!" Roar Horn snapped back and the prairie dogs repositioned themselves so they were a tower once again, "Why do you keep changing everything?"
"I'm not changing anything!" Spigfield yelled as the two ponies glared at each other, and the prairie dogs winced at the tension in the air, "You said pyramid!" Roar Horn gave a frustrated shriek.
"You are driving me crazy!" Roar Horn screamed and ran off.
"I thought you two got along," said Applejack as she walked up to Sprigfield.
"We used to," said Sprigfield sadly, "but we just can't seem to agree on anything anymore. We used to perform all over Equestria, but if we can't agree on a new act, we might as well stay at Gladmane's forever." The prairie dogs just shook their heads disapprovingly. Sprigfield then stomped so the prairie dogs followed behind them. Applejack looked worried until Sprigfield was out of sight. Then she smiled excitedly.
"Two friendship problems in the same theater?" said Applejack, "Now we're talkin'! And Big Brother thought I was just being a stubborn mule looking elsewhere. He's probably just cryin' a river somewhere!"
In the arcade area...
"Oh why-y-y-y-y?!" Mario cried out dramatically in a very Rarity like manner as he sat on his hind knees, "How in Equestria are you so good at these games?! You've beaten me at this, Air Hockey, and the Basketball Toss!" Fluttershy just smirked.
"What can I say?" said Fluttershy smugly, "I'm just naturally good at these games." Mario snorted and pouted in disbelief.
"Okay, Shenran took me to an arcade in Manehatten and he showed me how to play these games," said Fluttershy, "I'll even share you my secret to being so good at them."
"I'm listening," said Mario skeptically as they started walking away from the ski-ball area.
"I just have fun and don't pressure myself," said Fluttershy simply. Mario blinked and then face-hooved myself.
"Easier said than done for a pony who suffers anxiety and stress easily," said Mario.
"All you need to do is unwind and not worry about winning or losing," said Fluttershy, "You'll see you do better when winning doesn't matter to you." Fluttershy then noticed two ponies had finished playing on the PPR machine.
"Wanna dance?" Fluttershy asked.
"Sure you wanna try that one," said Mario, "while keeping calm and having fun can help. You still gotta be in tune with the music."
"I'm willing to try anything once," said Fluttershy, "No wins or loses. Let's just dance."
"Alright, come on," said Mario as he rushed ahead with Fluttershy rushing after him. They did about ten dances before they were too tired to continue. They eventually tried their hand at a ring toss game. Despite worries about the game being rigged, Mario managed to score the top prize...which was a giant pink rabbit plushie. Fluttershy wasted no time claiming it for herself and hugging it happily. While Mario felt a lot better spending time with Fluttershy at the arcade, he couldn't help but still feel a little upset with Applejack and didn't say anything to her when they reunited back in their hotel room. Despite feeling hurt, Mario did feel sad that Applejack missed out on all the fun.
Next morning, Applejack and Fluttershy were at the hotel buffet getting something to eat. The orange pony took notice that Mario wasn't with them.
"Where's Mario?" Applejack asked.
"He left a note while you were taking a shower," said Fluttershy, "he said something about going for a walk and would catch up with us later."
"I see," said Applejack, feeling annoyed, "instead of helping us with our friendship problem. He's probably having fun somewhere on his own!"
"Well, while you were busy, Mario and I did spend time together at the arcade yesterday," said Fluttershy, "We had alot of fun spending time together like good friends do. It's too bad you couldn't have joined us. Mario even won me that giant a pink rabbit plushie you saw me holding last night." Applejack rolled her eyes, but deep down she was feeling rather hurt that the two ponies had some fun without her. While she'd never say it aloud, she wished Mario would have won her a giant plushie.
"Any luck finding that friendship problem?" Fluttershy asked once she saw Applejack had gotten quiet.
"As a matter of fact, I did," said Applejack smugly. She then began to tell Fluttershy about as they got closer to the chef near the end of the buffet line.
"If you count Flim and Flam, that's three big friendship problems all in the same place!" said Fluttershy.
"Well, I don't count Flim and Flam since those two not bein' friends isn't a problem," Applejack retorted, stamping her fore-hoof on the tray rack as the chef served them their food. Ironically, he looked like a ponified version of Gordon Ramsey.
"You know it's one thing to disagree with Mario and I," said Fluttershy quietly, "but you were way out of line."
"About what? Proving Mario wrong?" Applejack snapped, "It's kinda nice to be right for a change."
"Even at the expense of calling him stupid?" Fluttershy asked. Applejack blinked.
"I never said he was stupid," Applejack snapped.
"I know," said Fluttershy, "You said his resentment and the issues that made him so angry was stupid."
"Well, duh," said Applejack, "Starlight was never the problem! It's not her fault he let ponies tears him apart and make him feel..." Applejack then froze, now realizing exactly what she had said about Mario that was stupid.
"Oh, sweet Celestia," said Applejack in a quiet but sad tone, "I crossed the line didn't I?"
"Yes, you did," said Fluttershy bluntly as she headed to the table, "You told Mario that what's he's going through is stupid." Applejack had a devastated look on her face as they headed to a table to eat. Fluttershy had started eating while Applejack was fighting back tears.
"I...I didn't mean that..." Applejack said in remorseful tone as a lone tear left her right eye, "It's just...Flim and Flam tried to hurt my family twice..."
"Starlight tried to destroy Mario from the inside out twice," said Fluttershy as she continued to eat her food, "Yet he was able to forgive her and help her with her problems."
"But this is..." Applejack was then cut off when Fluttershy gave her a glare. A glare that if it deepened any further would turn it into The Stare, "not so different. Okay, fine! I don't wanna help them. I'm too angry with them to wanna help them, friendship problem or not! That's the truth! Okay! I can't help a pony when deep inside I'm wishing don't wanna work out between!" Applejack then panted a bit before she calmed down and groaned.
"I'm sorry, Fluttershy," said Applejack.
"I'm not the one you need to apologize to," Fluttershy replied.
"Right," said Applejack sadly and then blinked, "Hey, shouldn't have Mario joined up with us by now?"
"Yeah," said Fluttershy, "Unless..."
"You think he snuck into that darn arcade, do ya?" Applejack asked in a rather motherly tone.
"Normally I would be upset about it," said Fluttershy, "But considering he's trying to keep his distance from you. I'm not surprised if he there." Applejack sighed.
"Well, no time like the present," said Applejack, "And hopefully, once we've settled things. We can tackle these two friendship problems."
"Don't you mean three?" Fluttershy asked.
"It's two for me!" Applejack retorted indignantly, "Now let's go find Mario." Fluttershy just sighed, but figured she could convince the orange pony to help later. Right now, they had an alicorn prince to find.
Just as they had expected, Mario was at the arcade. A large crowd of ponies were gathered around as Applejack and Fluttershy pushed their way through the crowds.
"'Cuse us! Pardon me!" said Applejack as she firmly pushed her way between ponies. The other ponies glared, but sadly Fluttershy was the pony to see them since Applejack was ignoring the looks.
"Um, pardon me, s-s-sorry, excuse me," said Fluttershy timidly, especially when she was saw ponies glaring at her. Soon, the two ponies reached the front of the crowds. There was Mario, playing a Pac-Pony arcade machine.
"Get away! Get away!" Mario yelled as he continued to play, his mane was frazzled and he looked slightly unstable, then gave a loud shout, "YES! Two hundred and fifty-one complete ponies!" The crowd cheered.
"He's gonna do it," said one tourist stallion.
"The first pony in years to finish all the levels on Pac-Pony!" said another mare, "Only five more to go! I hope he can get past the last screen. I hear it's glitched!" Applejack and Fluttershy both exchanged unamused looks before walking up to Mario.
"Big brother," said Applejack in a gentle but firm tone.
"Two hundred fifty-two! Two hundred fifty-two!" Mario shouted again like a mad pony, "And victory shall me mine! Ahahahahaha! HA!" He then kept playing, his eye focused on the screen with a rather maniacal smile on his face.
"Mario, you need to stop playing and come along," said Fluttershy in motherly tone, "We've got a friendship mission to do!"
"YOU'RE NOT TAKING THIS AWAY FROM ME!" Mario screamed with an exaggerated look on his face, making Fluttershy and Applejack flinch, "YES! BOO-YAH! Two-fifty-two complete baby! Yeah!" The ponies then cheered excitedly as Mario kept playing and was in deep focus. Applejack then snorted before Fluttershy walked up to the back of the arcade machine.
And she pulled out the power plug!
"Awwwwwwwww..." the crowd groaned as they saw the screen black out. Mario's jaw dropped before he burst into tears.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!?"
Mario cried out in anguish on his knees before he faceplanted the dash panel next to the joystick. The crowds began to disperse as Applejack and Fluttershy walked up to Mario. Mario lifted his head drearily as he saw the two mare just standing before him with annoyed looks on their face. With his round of Pac-pony ruined, his face and mane had returned to normal.
"Sorry," said Mario, "What started as a quick game of Pac Pony turned into this huge spectacle of me trying to complete the entire game. I didn't mean to keep you waiting at the buffet. Just got caught up in the excitement I guess." Applejack glared and then sighed to herself.
"It's alright," said Applejack, "I wasn't too hungry anyway. Mario, I owe you an apology. I'm sorry I said your bitter feelings were stupid. I just don't want our friendship mission being Flim and Flam. It upsets me too much to help them." Mario listened and then sighed.
"Apology accepted," said Mario, "So...I take it you didn't find any other friendship problems."
"Actually, I found two more," said Applejack. Mario blinked in surprise.
"Well...that's a first," said Mario, "May I ask what makes you think these are friendship problems we need to solve?"
"From what I learned," said Applejack, "there seems to be alot of fighting goin' on between some of the performers. They all said they used to get along just fine until they started working here."
"Interesting..." said Mario, "Anything else?"
"It certainly isn't for Gladmane," said Fluttershy, "Sounds like he's better off with them fighting."
"Actually," added Applejack, "the other ponies' problems seemed to be good for Gladmane too. Both the trapeze show and the animal act would be better off if they left, but everypony's so busy arguin' that they can't."
"Very interesting..." said Mario, "what better way to keep your employees loyal to you by stirring up strife and conflict between each other..." Mario sighed sadly, "And here I thought Gladmane was better than that."
"Better than what?" Fluttershy asked.
"Well, like I said yesterday," said Mario, "Las Pegasus isn't just a tourist city, but it's also big for advertising. In other words, con-artist central!" Applejack and Fluttershy gasped.
"Do you think he knows?" Fluttershy asked.
"It wouldn't surprise me," said Mario, "If he's going this far to maintain loyalty among his workers, he's obviously up to some shady business dealings. Why do you think, AJ?"
"I don't know," said Applejack, "but I'm startin' to think we should find out. What do you think Mario?" Mario blinked and then smiled.
"Let's do it!" said Mario as he and Applejack shared determined smiles and Fluttershy smirked with confidence. As they headed off, Applejack got in front of Mario and held a fore-hoof to stop him.
"Wait a second," said Applejack, "there's something I need to say." Mario gave her a curious look.
"Look...yesterday I said some harsh things," said Applejack but Mario pulled her into a hug.
"I won't deny the fact that what you said really hurt me," said Mario, "but I forgive you. And I do appreciate that you were at least able to be honest with your feelings about Flim and Flam. That shows your more mature than me when it comes to admitting your own resentment."
"Still not mature enough to want to help them," said Applejack, "even if they are part of the friendship problem."
"At least you can admit it," said Mario as they pulled away, "When Rainbow realized Gilda was part of the friendship problem, it took her falling down the Abysmal Abyss, spraining her wing, and nearby falling off a crumbling ledge to her doom to set aside her resentment over the griffon. Hopefully, we can help you set your own resentment aside should we need to help those two brothers out."
"Yeah...heh...hopefully," said Applejack with a weary smile on her face. The three ponies quickly headed backstage. Applejack went to speak to Trapeze Star.
"Of course Gladmane wants everypony to get along," said Trapeze Star, "He's the nicest, most genuine pony I've ever met." Her tone then changed from friendly to defensive, "Did the director put you up to this?"
"Take it easy," said Mario, "He doesn't know we're speaking to you. We just wanted to know why you and the director are fighting. If we can get both sides of the story, maybe we can help you resolve these issues."
"There is nothing to resolve, thank you," said Trapeze Star and then snorted as she stomped away snootily. Applejack just pondered to herself as Mario turned around to see Fluttershy speaking to Bernard Rabbit. Mario just smirked, realizing that with Applejack speaking to ponies, Fluttershy could get an unbiased account of what was going on. Applejack then spoke to Director next.
"I tell you, if Gladmane is your friend, you are welcome backstage," said Director and then added angrily, "But if you are speaking of him poorly, you leave!" Applejack was taken aback by his tone and backed away. Mario just snorted and said nothing, He knew Fluttershy had gotten the information they needed anyway.
Applejack and Mario then went to speak with the animal performers.
"Gladmane is the kindest, most gentle..." said Roar Horn.
"...Most compassionate pony I've ever known!" finished Sprigfield.
"My problem...is with him!" Roar Horn and Sprigfield shouted with their backs against each other and pointed a fore-hoof at one another. Applejack just stared blankly at them, Mario rolled his eyes, Fluttershy was surrounded by all the rare-colored prairie dogs and chatting with them. Soon the three ponies were back in the main lobby.
"I just can't figure it!" said Applejack to Mario and Fluttershy, "The only pony who benefits from all this feudin' is Gladmane, but by all accounts, he's the best friend any of these ponies have!"
"That's probably because they're so blinded by anger that they won't even speak to the other about their hurt feelings," said Mario, "which is the core of the problem because they're so hurt by what was said, they won't even find out if it's true or not!"
"But we don't even know what was said!" Applejack retorted.
"Actually we do," said Mario, "While we were busy with the ponies, Fluttershy gathered some intel from the animals, a.k.a. unbiased witnesses. What'cha learn, Sis?"
"Well, Bernard - that adorable bunny from the acrobat's act - claims that every morning Gladmane tells the director that the star wants control of the show, and every afternoon tells the star that the director wants to get rid her! But neither is true!"
"So that's his little ploy," said Mario as Applejack snorted.
"And the Flying Prairinos - the pink prairie dog family - say Gladmane keeps changing their act to make each trainer think the other is doing it," Fluttershy added.
"So all his talk about friendship is just a load of applesauce!" Applejack remarked, "He's gettin' them all to fight with each other on purpose!"
"And the worst part is that all this could've been avoided if they simply asked the other if what they were told was true or not!" said Mario, "Instead they just assumed the worst of each other and...you saw the result. And Gladmane profits from it!"
"True, Big brother," said Fluttershy, "But how can we get everypony to believe that's what he's doing? They all think he's their friend!"
"Good point," said Mario, "They seem to be very defensive about anything bad being said about Gladmane. We need proof that Gladmane is doing all this. Unless we can get him to confess his true intentions. But how..."
"There must be a way to trick him into telling the truth!" Applejack said with determination.
"Gee, if only there was a pony who knew how to trick a trickster, right Mario?" Fluttershy remarked in a rather sassy tone. She gave Mario nudge as they both noticed Flim and Flam were still arguing with each other.
"Yeah..." said Mario, realizing what Fluttershy was trying to do, "The knowledge and skills of a true con-artist pony would come in handy right about now."
"Or maybe a pair of ponies?" Fluttershy suggested persuasively.
"Hey, don't you both go doing two against one on me!" Applejack protested.
"Why not? It's nice to be in the winning side," said Mario, "besides, you heard the old phrase: keep your friends close, enemies closer." Applejack just sighed.
"Fine," said Applejack, "Guess bringin' Flim and Flam back together might be why we're here."
"She admits it, Fluttershy, " said Mario excitedly, "She's learning!" Fluttershy giggled as Applejack huffed indignantly.
"The key word is: maybe," said Applejack.
The three ponies approached the quarreling brothers, trying to make peace, but neither pony was having any of it.
"Sorry if I don't take the word of somepony off the street, even if that street is Ponyville," said Flim indignantly.
"And what if that street also has the Castle of Friendship on it?" Mario asked indignantly, "You're disregarding the word of the Prince of Friendship by saying that." Flim just snorted, showing that he didn't care at all.
"But Gladmane is behind so many other friendship problems," said Fluttershy, "How can you be sure he isn't the cause of yours?"
"Because the only problem I have is standing right there," said Flam angrily, pointing a fore-hoof at Flim.
"Same here, buster!" Flim asked, pointing a fore-hoof right back at Flam.
"Do either of you even know what you're fightin' over?" Applejack asked.
"Gladmane let me know that ex-brother of mine thinks I'm just a mouthpiece without a single good idea," said Flim.
"Gladmane assured me that this former fraternal foal here thinks I couldn't sell heat lamps to yaks," said Flam.
"Sounds to me like neither of you said those things," said Applejack, "Why'd you believe Gladmane when he said you did?"
"And why wouldn't you ask the other if they had even said those things instead of just assuming the worst of each other and getting mad?" Mario asked.
"Well, uhh...I...um..." Flam stuttered, feeling put on the spot since Mario's words had struck a nerve.
"Why would he lie?" Flim asked rather defensively.
"Because he's afraid that the two of you together could move in and take over the his resort," said Fluttershy.
"Even we could see you two pulling off a stunt like that," Mario remarked.
"And Mario and I are tellin' you he said it," said Applejack, "you know it's the absolute truth because-"
"You never lie!" Flim and Flam said together in realization.
"Ehh...I'd say that's true about 90% percent of the time," said Mario.
POW!
A shower of stars appeared as Applejack slugged Mario, leaving him woozy.
"Ignore him," Applejack remarked. Mario then shook his head to recover and glared at his younger sibling.
"Oh, brother of mine," said Flam as he and Flim stepped off their podiums and put their hats back on, "I think it's time for a little payback!"
"The Canterlot Two-Step?" Flim suggested.
"Mmm, we don't have the chickens," said Flam.
"Wuh?!" Mario asked puzzled, but then inwardly hoped he would never know.
"How about the Baltimare Flair?" Flam suggested.
"Ah, my flair isn't what it used to be," said Flim worriedly.
"Didn't peg these two to be in their golden years," Mario whispered to Applejack, who just smirked. It was then the loudspeaker came on.
"Listen here, y'all!" Gladmane announced on the loudspeaker, "If you're a friend of mine, you're entitled to a free night's stay, and everypony is a friend of mine! Thank you! Thank you very much!"
"Are you thinking what I am?" said Flim.
"The High Roller Hustle!" said Flam as he waved his fore-hooves in the air. Fluttershy and Applejack shared worried and puzzled looks with each other.
"The what now?" Applejack asked.
"Trust us," said Flam as he and Flim stood between the three ponies, "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." Mario pondered but then smirked deviously.
"Let's do it," said Mario, "I know a thing or two about the High Roller Hustle."
"Really?" said Flim and Flam, and then slyly smirked at him.
"Hey, everypony knows I had some shady moments as a racer," said Mario, "some of it stuck with me." Flim and Flam hummed in disappointment, but should've known that it was impossible to black mail Mario. But Mario had tricked them. He actually knew the High Roller Hustle thanks to Cadance...but that another story...
"Anyways," said Flim to Flutershy, "What size gown do you wear?"
"Fluttershy wears a size..." Mario began.
POW!
(cue "Goofy scream" fanfare...assuming Disney hasn't copyrighted it)
CRASH!
Before Mario could give the precise measurements, Fluttershy slugged Mario high into the air so he was sent flying and crashing into the distance.
"I have no regrets!" Mario called out and groaned. Flim and Flam waited impatiently for Mario to wobble back to the group before they started to discuss the master plan.
Later a large crowd of ponies had gathered around a peculiar pair of ponies. The crowd wasted no time chatting excitedly and taking some photographs. Flim had led Gladmane into the main lobby. Gladmane was taken aback.
"Wh-what's all the fuss, now?" Gladmane asked in shock.
"It's the grand matriarch of the Rich family, Impossibly Rich, and her mogul husband and patriarch of the Rich family, Amazingly Rich," Flim explained, "They are two of the wealthiest ponies in Equestria. Though Impossibly does brag she's the wealthiest of the two." Impossibly Rich, played by Fluttershy, had pastel yellow fur with a green mane. She was wearing a glittery purple dress, a sky blue feather boa, blue shades with gems on the top, large orange round sunflower earrings, and gold flower bracelets around her fore-legs. Amazingly Rich, played by Mario, had peach colored fur with silver mane and tail and a flashy moneybag cutie mark. He was wearing a black suit with a white shirt, yellow vest, and a black top hat on his head.
"Well, why didn't somepony tell me?" Gladmane demanded, "You know how I like to give VIP guests my personal touch." He then ran a fore-hoof through his mane in a smug manner.
"Well, they're not exactly guests," said Flim, "Word is they're planning a resort of her own." He then whispered, "I think they're here to scout the competition."
"Oh, really?" said Gladmane as he glared at the two Rich ponies.
"And with their combined bits," Flim added, "they could take over the whole strip, hire anypony they want!" Gladmane growled as he gave Flim a death glare. Flim flinched.
"Uh, not me, of course!" said Flim nervously, "I love it here. My good-for-nothing brother, on the other hoof." Gladmane snorted angrily as he stomped up to Flam, who was with Impossibly and Amazingly Rich. But not before putting on his charming personality.
"Impossibly Rich, Amazingly Rich," said Gladmane, "what an honor it is to have you at my humble five-hoof resort. I'm sure Flam had done an excellent job showing you around, but nothing could beat a personalized tour from the mane himself. Uh-huh-huh." Fluttershy and Mario both whispered to Flam.
"You'll have to excuse, Mr. and Ms. Rich," said Flam, "They save their energy other ponies spend talking out loud and uses it to make more money."
"Mmm-hmm," Mario hummed snootily. Then he and Fluttershy whispered to Flam again.
"She'd love a personal tour!" said Flam, "Say, in, uh, about an hour?"
"Well, that sounds right pleasant," said Gladmane, "And if you can break away for a moment, Flam, I'd love to see you in my office so I can get ready." Gladmane and the three ponies then parted ways, but Gladmane gave the two Rich ponies a death glare, which only Mario noticed in the corner of his eye. The three ponies then headed behind the curtain so they were in the backstage of the theater. Fluttershy removed her wig as Mario removed his glasses.
"Are all of you sure this is a good idea?" said Fluttershy with concern.
"Abso-tively!" Flim replied.
"Gladmane is one fish that's hooked but good!" Flam added.
"This needs to be done, Sis," said Mario in a hushed tone, "We gotta get Gladmane to tell the truth."
"I sure hope you two know what you're doin'," said Applejack with a concerned tone.
"Oho, don't you worry," said Flam, "When it comes to throwing ponies off their game..."
"No two ponies do it better than us!" Flim boasted. Mario rolled his eyes.
"Can't argue with that," said Applejack, her tone filled with annoyance and sarcasm. It was then Mario used his magic to place what looked like a black button on the back of Flam's ear.
"Huh?" Flam exclaimed.
"It's a compact microphone," said Mario as he opened his suit jacket to show a tape recorder inside of a pocket, "I'll record your conversation with Gladmane. If he says anything, we'll have it on tape and he'll never be the wiser!" Flim was very impressed as Flam smiled.
Later, Gladmane was in his main office, which had a large glass window to overlook the main lobby of the hotel. His back was facing away from his desk when Flam walked inside the office.
"Hey there, boss," said Flam cheerfully, "Impossibly and Amazingly Rich are just about ready for that tour. So what did you want to see me about?" Gladmane was smirking evilly before putting on a more passive and friendlier face as he turned around to face the salespony.
"Actually, there's something I want you to see," said Gladmane as he revealed to Flam a map showing all the hotels and resorts on the Las Pegasus strip. His face was plastered on all of them, "The Grand Plan. Every hotel on this strip as amazing as this one, and every one of 'em mine." Flam whistled impressively.
"And all it'll take is a little salesponyship, like this," said Gladmane as he walked over to his loudspeaker and pressed a button, "Hey there, friends. Uh-huh-huh. If you think my resort is fantastic, wait 'til see Ponet Fantastique! Tickets are on sale now. Two for the price of one! Thank you! Thank you very much!" He then walked away from the loudspeaker to speak to Flam.
"Now I know Impossibly and Amazingly Rich have probably made you a tempting offer to come work for them," Gladmane continued.
"Well, uh, now that you mention it..." Flam replied nervously.
"And as your friend," Gladmane interrupted, getting into Flam's face sternly, "I'd never tell you what to do. But nopony's gonna stand in the way of my plans, no matter how rich they are! And I sure wouldn't want you to end up on the losing side. Think you might consider staying here?"
"Um..." Flam stuttered, feeling rather intimidated.
"Well, all right then," said Gladmane before the two ponies exited his office. Flam stayed behind, adjusting his mini mic and wondering if Mario got everything. Mario and Fluttershy were already in disguise and waiting as the alicorn prince used another communicator to speak to Flim and Applejack.
"The rat has taken the cheese," Mario told the two ponies, "The rat has taken the cheese." Flim smirked as Applejack chuckled.
Soon the tour Gladmane was giving to the Rich couple reached the backstage of the theater, Applejack and Flim were waiting.
"They're comin'!" Applejack called out as she and Flim hid behind a wall. Flim then used his magic to hold a microphone as the group came up to their position.
"And last but not least, Mr. and Ms. Rich, the jewel in my crown," said Gladmane. Fluttershy and Mario both whispered to Flam.
"Impossibly and Amazingly want you to know they're very impressed," said Flam, 'but don't think you can keep a resort of this caliber going for long."
"Oh? And why's that?" Gladmane asked in a very confident tone. Fluttershy and Mario whispered to Flam again.
"Because you've got the best talents in the industry," said Flam, "What stops them from just leaving to join any competitor?" Gladmane chuckled.
"Well, you see I have a trick for that," Gladmane replied, "I must confess. Uh-huh-huh. And it has to do with how I handle my employees." As Gladmane was speaking, Flim put the microphone above Gladmane. Flim, Flam, and Applejack smiled excitedly while Fluttershy and Mario kept their game faces on.
"And how is that?" Flam asked eagerly.
"Well, like friends, of course!" Gladmane said as he grabbed the mike hovering above his head, "And I treat every one of my employees with the kindness they deserve."
Oh great... Mario thought irritably but kept his game face on.
"That's it?" Flam stammered, "That's your secret, heh-heh? There's..." Flam cleared his throat, "...nothing else?"
"Nope, just friendship," said Gladmane, "But you know all about friendship, don't you...Fluttershy and Mario!" Gladmane then pulled off Fluttershy's wig and then pulled off Mario's hat and wig. Flam was shocked. So were Flim and Applejack.
"You knew the whole time?" Flim remarked. Gladmane smirked and then reached into Mario's jacket, snatched the tape that had the conversation between Gladmane and Flam on it, and smashed the tape beyond repair.
"No!" Mario exclaimed as Fluttershy gasped in shock.
"Never try to con a con-pony," Gladmane said smugly before walking off and laughing, "Uh-huh-huh. Yeah!" Flim and Applejack looked rather disappointed. Mario quickly recovered from his shock and just smirked.
"Don't worry everypony," said Mario confidently as he examined the ruined remains of the tape on the floor, "We're down, but not out." Flim and Flam smirked. Applejack and Fluttershy just looked rather puzzled.
Sometime later, Gladmane was just stacking some bits on his desk when Applejack, Mario, and Fluttershy boldly entered his office with stern looks on their faces.
"I'd have thought you'd have hit the road by now," said Gladmane.
"You underestimate us, Gladmane," said Mario sternly, "We know what you're doing isn't right. And we also know you'd never admit it without being tricked."
"Mario, right," said Fluttershy, "but whether or not 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," said Gladmane, "but it's a meanness that works."
"That's where you're wrong, Gladmane," said Mario sternly, "the loyalty your friends have only works if they believe you over their follow co-workers. But if they see sense and realize that you are the one telling them lies about each other, all that loyalty will disappear!"
"Which is why I do what I must to keep that from happening!" Gladmane retorted.
"But that isn't real friendship," Mario said sternly, "Real friends don't go trying to make others fight with each other. They work to make resolutions when conflicts occur, not fuel them! Real friends don't go tearing down the friendships with others just to make their own friendships stronger. That's just foolish risk tasking and it's not good business. I would know. I'm a successful businesspony in my own right, but I don't have to resort to your kind of schemes to achieve that success. And because I didn't try breaking friendships, I have workers who will remain loyal to me without threatening them not to leave!"
"Oh, you don't seriously think being such a sweet and loving pony will make you successful businesspony?" said Gladmane before snapping sternly, "We live in a real world, Mario. Things don't work that way! Uh-huh-huh!"
"Neither does earning wealth through lies and deception!" said Mario, "Wealth earned through honesty and integrity carries far more value than anything you've earned!" Applejack and Fluttershy nodded in agreement. Gladmane just laughed at them.
"And yet I'm ready to take control of Las Pegasus and you, Prince Mario, are still considered a small business pony, emphasis on the word small," Gladmane gloated, "You're one to talk about honesty and integrity when you were trying to trick me!"
"Like we said before, Gladmane," said Applejack sternly, "We only did it because we wanted you to tell the truth!"
"Well, unlike you're pathetic little ploy," Gladmane boasted, making Fluttershy lean back in shock and Mario glared, "I invented the "High Roller Hustle". But I supposed I should be impressed. You're the only ponies to ever figure out the secret to my success. Takes alot 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. Oh, you can't trick a confession out of a pony like me! I'm always one step ahead." Applejack was smirking.
"Well, you better you check your hooves," said Applejack, "because you've just stepped in a confession!" Applejack looked to her side to see Mario and Fluttershy by Gladmane's loudspeaker. Fluttershy was holding the button to turn it on and smiling as Mario just rested his fore-hooves on top of it with a large smirk on his face.
"That was so easy, it's sad," Mario remarked smugly.
"Oh no," Gladmane said in a panic, "No, no, w-w-wait, wait!" He then looked out of his window and saw Flim, Flam, Director, Trapeze Star, Roar Horn, and Sprigfield. They had heard everything.
"Did that sound okay?" Fluttershy asked through the loudspeaker.
"Never better!" said Flim and Flam excitedly. The other performers all had angry looks on their faces.
"Flim and Flam told us you'd see right through the fake rich ponies bit," Applejack explained to a now frazzled Gladmane, "and that once you did, you wouldn't be able to resist gloatin' about it! This is was all part of the plan!"
"If there's one weakness other than greed that you con-pony's have," Mario added, "it's the need to gloat about yourself."
"Oh, now, now, friends!" Gladmane pleaded as he pounded his hooves in the window, "Listen, I-I can explain everything!"
"I think you've done enough of that!" said Director sternly and then extended a fore-leg to Trapeze Star, "Darling?"
"Hmph!" was all Trapeze Star could say to Gladmane before she and Director walked away.
"Oh, I cannot believe we let him almost ruin our friendship!" said Roar Horn to Sprigfield.
"And our act," Sprigfield added before glaring at Gladmane, "Good luck finding another one!" The two stallions walked off snootily.
"Wait! No! Y'all come back!" Gladmane pleaded desperately as he pounded the glass some more, "Come on, I-I gonna be ruined! This is Gladmane, y'all! Come on, you can't do this to..." Gladmane ran out of the office, still wailing as he went to go after them. Applejack and Mario smirked.
"Gladmane has left the building!" said Applejack as she and Mario shared a hoof bump and a hug. Fluttershy just smiled. Then...
Three Flower Sprites appeared!
The Flower Sprites floated over to the three ponies since the ceiling was so low. The three ponies smiled before they jumped up to collect them.
(Cue "You got a Flower Sprite" fanfare)
A single Flower Sprite floated before each pony as they stood on their hind legs. Each pony grabbed their respective Flower Sprite, twirled on their hind legs once, and then posed with the Flower Sprite above their heads.
"WAAA-HAAA!" the three ponies cheered excitedly before all three Flower Sprites entered Mario's body for safe keeping.
"And now it's time for some more Las Pegasus style singing!" said Mario excitedly.
"Mario, please," Applejack pleaded, "We've had enough Elvis Oatsley for a long time."
"Who said anything about Elvis Oatsley?" said Mario, "I'm doing Tone Jones now!" Cue some background music in the background as Mario made a changing screen appear and came out wearing a black wide V neck suit with white undershirt and a curly short mane wig on his head. Applejack and Fluttershy were agape.
[Mario - impersonating Tom Jones voice as he swayed from side to side holding a microphone with his magic.]
It's not unusual to be loved by anyone
It's not unusual to have fun with anyone
But if I see you hanging about with anyone
It's not unusual to see my cry!
Applejack and Fluttershy recovered as Mario continued to sing. They both laughed and just danced to the music.
Everything seemed to happen at once. Gladmane was driven right out of Las Pegasus, leaving his resort and so-called business empire behind. Some construction workers shortly after to remove anything that had Gladmane's name within the resort, as well as removing his statue and letting it smash to pieces on the floor of the lobby. Applejack, Fluttershy, and Mario had just entered the lobby while clean up of the destroyed statue was underway.
"I guess the map wasn't on the fritz after all," said Fluttershy as her's, Mario's, and Applejack's cutie marks were now glowing and chiming to signify that another mission was complete.
"If it weren't for your history with Flim and Flam," Fluttershy continued, "you never would've been so determined to find somepony else to help, and we never would have found out that Gladmane was doing."
"Guess being a stubborn mule can work out for the best...sometimes," Mario remarked as Applejack chuckled and gave him a playful jab to the shoulder.
"And if it weren't for you wantin' to show even those two con-ponies kindness," said Applejack, "we never would have been able to trick the trickster." Mario nodded in agreement. Then Applejack and Fluttershy got between Mario.
"And if it weren't for you being so sweet and helpful," said Applejack and Fluttershy together, "We wouldn't have made Gladmane tell the truth and have fun here too. We love you." The two ponies then kissed his cheeks, making Mario smile, and then they added in sassy tones, "Ya big doofus!"
"You just had to go there didn't you?" Mario sighed. Applejack and Fluttershy laughed as they gave him a hug. Mario rolled his eyes and happily hugged them back. Once they pulled away, the three ponies walked up to Flim and Flam, who were busy helping to clean up the destroyed remains of Gladmane's statue.
"Must've felt pretty nice to finally put all your connivin' and cheatin' skills to good use," said Applejack.
"In fact, we might think of it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Flam.
"Emphasis on "once"," said Flim. Applejack, Fluttershy, and Mario gave them skeptical looks.
"What do you mean?" Fluttershy asked suspiciously.
"Why can't you two just go legit?" said Mario annoyingly, "You've got the strong skills for both advertising and business. You could both be very successful doing things the honest way instead of doing these ridiculous schemes."
"Actually, we're doing just that," said Flim.
"After all, there's nothing dishonest about a hostile takeover!" Flam added.
"WAH?!" Mario said as he jaw dropped in shock, even Applejack and Fluttershy were stunned. Flam then pulled down a microphone that was connected to a loudspeaker.
"While this establishment undergoes a slight change in management," Flam announced, "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 cost of admission!"
"And while you're appreciating the historic venue totally devoid of any performers of any kind," Flim continued, "we invite you to use the wonder of your own imagination to fill the space at no additional charge!" Applejack, Fluttershy, and Mario just looked stunned. Suddenly...
"WAH-HA-HA!" Mario shrieked as a large crowd of ponies charge for the theater and ran right over him. Applejack and Fluttershy ducked and covered for dear life.
"Flim and Flam!" Applejack shouted, but was left unheard of as the two brothers disappeared by the time the crowd of ponies had passed.
"Well, that was...unexpected," said Fluttershy as she stood up.
"Should've known they pull a stunt like that!" said Applejack bitterly and then looked around, "Uh...where's big bother?" Fluttershy was looking up.
"Oh, he's just floating around," said Fluttershy, watching a now flattened Mario come floating down to them.
"Momma mia..." Mario groaned as he floated back down to the ground and then un-flattened himself.
"You okay, Big brother?" Applejack asked as she helped Mario to his hooves.
"I guess so," said Mario, "Can you girls do me favor?"
"What is it?" Fluttershy asked.
"Remind me to give the Cutie Map a major tune up when we get home," Mario said wearily, "Suddenly this friendship mission doesn't feel like much of a success, even if we got Flower Sprites."
"Can't argue with that," said Applejack in agreement.
"Oh, I don't know," said Fluttershy, "Maybe they''ll run the resort honestly." Mario and Applejack glared.
"Yeah, even saying that aloud sounded pretty stupid," Fluttershy remarked as she face-hooved herself.
All three ponies could agree that they wished this common phrase was true.
What happens in Las Pegasus, stays in Las Pegasus.
The ending might feel a bit dissatisfying, but that's how I honestly felt at the end of the episode. I was glad Gladmane got foiled of his schemes, but it allowed Flim and Flam to do exactly what that stallion feared the most. Take over the resort. And unless season nine has any unexpected surprises with Flim and Flam. They'll be keeping that resort from here on out.
I hope everypony enjoyed my tribute to both Elvis Presley with pony version of "Hound Dog" and "Blue Suede Shoes" as well as Sir Tom Jones' famous song "It's Not Unusual". Both were well known performers in the hay-days of Las Vegas. It makes sense pony versions of them would have been big in Las Pegasus.
And you got some more bonding between Fluttershy, Applejack, and Mario, especially Mario and Fluttershy. Just another reminder that despite how sassy she is with him, she loves him and they are the best of friends. If you remember back in previous seasons, Twilight used to get jealous of how close they were, even when Fluttershy already had her own love interest.
Next Time: Starlight gets a hard reminder of how having total control and friendship lessons do not go well together. And she learns how dangerous it can be when ponies follow her EXACT WORDS!
Peace Pony Fans!