Chapter 19: Viva Las Pegasus

One day at Twilight and Chase's Castle, the Cutie Map had made another summon for another friendship mission.

Apparently Applejack, Fluttershy, Clay, and Antonio had been chosen for this particular mission. Their jaws literally hit the floor when they saw their destination.

"The map is sendin' us where?!" Applejack exclaimed as she eyeballed hers, Clay's, Fluttershy's, and Antonio's cutie mark hovering over the location.

"Las Pegasus?!" Fluttershy exclaimed as the three ponies had nervous looks on their faces while Antonio was excited.

"Boy, I can't wait to go their! This is so cool!" Antonio said with an excited smile.

"But Las Pegasus is a wild vacation spot!" said Applejack and then added sternly, "It's just one big party!"

"Yeah, and too much lolly gaggin' goin' on there!" Clay added sternly, agreeing with his wife.

"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 and Chase walked up to the three flustered ponies and excited unicorn stallion, "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?"

"Antonio says Las Pegasus is also known for having lots of entertainment," said Chase, "One of the most famous singers to ever perform there was the king of rock n' roll himself, Elvis Oatsley."

"Hey! How'd you know about that?!" Antonio asked his younger cousin with an accusing glare.

"You have posters in your bedroom hanging on the walls, you big dummy." Chase said with a dry look.

Antonio blinked before he became sheepish.

"But what about you, Chase? Haven't you been to Las Pegasus before?" Fluttershy asked Chase with a curious look.

"Oh, don't get me started." Chase groaned with an agitated look.

"You could say Antonio is more excited to be going to Las Pegasus than Chase," said Twilight, "My husband and his family used to go there a lot when he was younger. While it's been years since we've taken a trip up there ourselves, he knows the area rather well like Antonio does. So that should make you three feel better."

"And mostly because he is always being a little child at heart, but is always getting into trouble all the time." Chase added with a smirk as Antonio glared at him.

Twilight, Applejack, Clay, and Fluttershy snickered silently.

"But you guys also won't be going alone though." Chase said, surprising the four ponies, minus Twilight.

"We're not?" Applejack, Clay, Fluttershy, and Antonio asked.

"Guess who's joining ya on the road trip!" A voice came out from behind Chase as a certain small legless dragon appeared behind the alicorn master on his back.

"That's right, ladies and gentlemen! It's me!" Dojo said excitedly.

"Dojo?" The four ponies asked in surprise.

After returning back to normal from Zhao's control, Dojo was introduced to the Mane Sixteen, which they had gotten used to since he can also help them get anywhere now that he can shiftshape to his larger size.

"Well, with you helping us out, Dojo, I think we'll be fine. I'm sure that it's still not a party all the time." Clay said with a hopeful smile.

(Scene changes)

But he was wrong…

"Uh, Applejack? Antonio? Clay? Dojo?" 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 Dojo.

"You're right!" said Applejack, "It's worse!"

"Momma mia..." Dojo groaned in his flattened state.

"I guess Ah spoke too soon, did I?" Clay asked weakly, regretting his thought on Las Pegasus.

"Don't worry, honey. You'll be fine with me all the way." Applejack said with a soft smile before she became worried. "I hope."

"Uuuuuhhhh…" Dojo groaned as he laid flat on his back.

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. Dojo strained to get himself back to normal and Antonio then guided the group to their hotel.

*Main theme*

Once the four ponies and serpent reached the entrance to the hotel, a bellhop opened the door for them so they could walk inside. Antonio and Dojo were smiling excitedly when Clay, 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 theater 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!" Antonio cheered as he did a cartwheel in front of them and smiled excitedly with Dojo as he slithered onto the unicorn stallion's shoulder, "Isn't this place awesome or what?!"

Applejack, Clay, 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 Fluttershy, it's gonna be fine," said Clay with a firm look on his face, "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, honey," said Applejack and then looked at Fluttershy, "If Twilight and Chase 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.

"Come on you two, let's go!" Clay ordered as he followed the two mares.

"Aw, I was hoping we could stick around and have some fun here," Antonio complained as he and Dojo caught up to the group.

"We'll see," said Applejack as she, Clay, and Fluttershy smirked, "We're here for the friendship problem first, fun second. 'Course, we have to find it first."

"Just keep your eyes open." Clay said before he glared at Antonio and Dojo sternly. "And no getting into trouble, okay you two?"

"Fine." Antonio and Dojo groaned in annoyance.

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 Antono, Clay, Dojo, Applejack, and Fluttershy watched as the crowd of ponies ran off to buy tickets. Antonio shook his head.

"Typical vacation syndrome," said Antonio, "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 your family weren't that bargain crazy when you had your vacations here? Maybe since Chase was the only one that was very serious?" Clay asked skeptically. Antonio blushed.

"I was young, okay!" Antonio protested, "Anyway, the point is I learned better just like Chase since he is always very strict. Besides, I'm only after two particular offers. Restaurant discounts and special offers for arcade tokens."

"Oh, lighten up, Ani!" Dojo said with a smile. "Just be glad that you're here again since it brings back good memories for you. Even if it was bad luck for you."

Antonio glared at him as Applejack, Clay, and Fluttershy snickered silently. 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 member of Chase Young's Elite Ninja himself and the actual cohorts of the Prince and Princess of Friendship!" He then shook the hooves of all four ponies and Dojo's hand 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 the friends of the amazing Chase Young and the great Twilight Sparkle!"

"The Amazing Chase Young," Antonio said impressively, "I like that for my cousin."

Fluttershy, Clay, Dojo, and Applejack just gave Antonio an eye roll each.

"Thank you very much," said Gladmane, "Antonio, Clay, Applejack, Flutterhsy, and Dojo, 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," Dojo 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 Clay both smiled impressively.

"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 Antonio, Clay, Dojo, Applejack, and Fluttershy to 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 and Clay 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," Dojo added in the same tone.

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

"Just Gladmane now, you hear?" said the stallion.

The four ponies and serpent shared smiles with each as they followed the stallion.

(Scene changes)

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. Clay, Antonio, Dojo, Applejack, and Fluttershy all smiled impressively.

"Stellar! Uh-huh-huh!" said Gladmane.

"Man, if I had feet, I'd be doing that trick!" Dojo commented impressively.

"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!"

"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, Clay, Antonio, Dojo, Applejack, and Fluttershy.

"What up," said Antonio politely and waved.

"Howdy," said Applejack and Clay as they gave a cheerful wave as well.

"Hi," said Fluttershy, giving a timid wave.

"How's a going?" Dojo greeted coolly.

"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, Antonio, Clay, and Dojo.

"Well, let's not dismiss anything Gladmane shows us," said Antonio 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."

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, Clay, Dojo, and Antonio.

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, Clay, Dojo, and Antonio followed...until they realized somepony was missing.

"Fluttershy?" Applejack called out once she cleared her throat.

"Fluttershy," said Dojo 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.

(Scene changes)

It wasn't long before the tour was over, Gladmane shook Clay's, Antonio's, Applejack's, and Fluttershy's fore-hooves as well as Dojo's hands again before they parted ways from the stallion.

"There doesn't seem to be anything wrong here at all," said Fluttershy.

"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."

"Maybe, honey, but something tells me that they're not the only ones here." Clay said with a curious look as he looked around.

"What do you mean, Clay?" Antonio asked confused.

"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," Clay 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.

"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," Clay remarked irritably.

"Wait, you know those guys?" Dojo asked curiously.

"Flim and Flam were big trouble makers. They tried to run us out of business on rare occasions." Applejack answered sternly, glaring at the two brothers.

"Oh." Dojo said before he glared at the two brothers. "Now I really despise them both."

"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. Clay just seemed annoyed and indifferent. Applejack had a bitter pouty face. Dojo and Antonio just snickered silently, making their friends turn to them.

"What are you two laughing about?" Applejack asked curiously.

"Seeing those two argue is just too funny." Dojo said as he laughed with Antonio.

Applejack blinked with Clay before they snickered silently.

"Okay, now that ya mention it, it is kinda funny." Applejack said as she giggled silently as Clay chuckled.

"They certainly don't seem to be getting along," said Fluttershy. Then she gasped. "You don't suppose we've been brought here to help them?"

Clay and Applejack stopped their laughing as they widened their eyes in shock before they glared at the two arguing ponies.

"Absolutely not!" said Applejack firmly as the two brothers continued to argue, "There's no way they can be the friendship problem! Right, honey?"

"Right! There's no way in Equestria I'm helping the likes of them!" Clay agreed sternly.

"I know you, Clay, 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." Fluttershy said with a gentle smile.

"She's right you know," said Antonio 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!"

"Agreed!" Clay added in agreement with a glare.

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, Antonio, and Dojo still looked worried. Applejack and Clay kept glaring bitterly.

"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. 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, Antonio and Dojo?"

"Right/Por supuesto." Dojo and Antonio said in agreement.

Applejack, Fluttershy, Dojo, and Clay blinked at Antonio's Spanish language.

"Just something to try out." Antonio said honestly.

Then Applejack and Clay resumed their bitterness again.

"And I'm pretty sure there's another friendship problem here," said Applejack angrily, "Clay and I are gonna search this top to bottom 'til we find it!"

"Hear! Hear!" Clay agreed sternly before they ran off.

Fluttershy just sighed as Antonio and Dojo just put long facial expressions on their faces. Unknown to them, Gladmane was secretly watching them from his office, which had a large glass window to overlook the main lobby of the hotel, with a smirk on his face.

"Well, let's just see how those fools try to solve their problem here for what I have in mind for them. Hehe." Gladmane said with a devious chuckle.

"Then we had better make sure of that." A voice came from behind Gladmane, making him turn to the left side of his office.

There stood a shadowy bulk figure.

"You're early." Gladmane said.

"You're late. Our master is growing severely impatient with your lack of making everypony here fight just so you can make us own Las Pegasus as the master's training camp for his followers." The shadowy figure said sternly. "And I need to know why."

"The Princess and Prince of Friendship's friends are here and are nosing around my place. I've had to take precautions." Gladmane said defensively.

"Can you handle this problem or not?" The figure asked firmly. "We're not going to tolerate any more delays. You had better get it together, Gladmane. Master Zhao is getting very desperate to find the Zeo Crystal hidden deep in Manehatten and he does not take failure lightly."

The figure stepped out of the shadows to reveal himself to be none other than Kai!

"Don't get your biceps in a bunch. The other shipments of weapons will be arriving soon." Gladmane said assuringly. "You won't be disappointed, Kai. Once those four ponies and Dojo are out of the way, Las Pegasus will belong to the Quinkan soon enough."

"You have until tomorrow to finish loading our barge. Do not disappoint us." Kai ordered sternly before he left offscreen somewhere else.

"But once those ponies are done for, they'll be humiliated top right." Gladmane said to himself as he glared at Antonio, Fluttershy, and Dojo from his window.

(Scene changes)

It didn't take them long to find Flim as they sat with him at a purple booth. Fluttershy, Antonio, and Dojo 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, Dojo, and Antonio 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, Antonio, and Dojo 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, there's gotta be a misunderstanding." Antonio added.

"Can't we all just get along?" Dojo asked hopefully.

"Save it, Dojo!" said Flim and Flam from their respective meeting locations. "I'm never speaking to that pony again!"

Fluttershy, Dojo, and Antonio just sighed and slouched forward in defeat.

"Ugh, I wonder how Applejack and Clay are doing." Dojo said with a long look.

(Scene changes)

Meanwhile, the sound of casino chatter and noises could be heard as Applejack and Clay 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 and Clay then looked up and watched as ponies were enjoying their ride on the roller coaster. They just walked past a curtain covering the doorway to the theater when...

"No!" said Director shouted, his voice muffled because of the curtain.

"Ya hear that, honey?" Clay asked his wife.

"I sure do, sweetheart." Applejack said to her husband.

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 and Clay.

"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 sounds like a real friendship problem!"

"I'm with ya, sweetie!" Clay said just as excited.

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 and Clay walked up to Sprigfield.

"Yeah, aren't ya'll working together?" Clay asked with concern.

"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 and Clay looked worried until Sprigfield was out of sight. Then they smiled excitedly.

"Two friendship problems in the same theater?" said Applejack, "Now we're talkin'!"

"Well, looks like we're in business!" Clay said with a satisfied smirk.

(Scene changes)

Next morning, Applejack, Clay, Antonio, Dojo, and Fluttershy were at the hotel buffet getting something to eat.

"Any luck finding that friendship problem?" Antonio asked once they saw Applejack had gotten quiet.

"As a matter of fact, we did," said Applejack smugly.

She and Clay then began to tell Fluttershy, Antonio, and Dojo 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.

"It certainly isn't for Gladmane," said Fluttershy, "Sounds like he's better off with them fighting."

"Actually," added Clay, "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 Antonio, "what better way to keep your employees loyal to you by stirring up strife and conflict between each other..." Antonio sighed sadly, "And here I thought Gladmane was better than that."

"Better than what?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well, like I said yesterday," said Dojo, "Las Pegasus isn't just a tourist city, but it's also big for advertising. In other words, con-artist central!"

Applejack, Clay, and Fluttershy gasped.

"Do you think he knows?" Fluttershy asked.

"It wouldn't surprise me," said Dojo, "If he's going this far to maintain loyalty among his workers, he's obviously up to some shady business dealings. What do you think, AJ?"

"I don't know," said Applejack, "but I'm startin' to think we should find out. What do you think, Clay and Antonio?"

Clay and Antonio blinked and then smiled.

"Let's do it!" They said together as they and Applejack shared determined smiles and Fluttershy and Dojo smirked with confidence.

(Scene changes)

The five 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 Clay, "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 Clay, Dojo, and Antonio turned around to see Fluttershy speaking to Bernard Rabbit. They just smirked, realizing that with Applejack speaking to ponies, Fluttershy could get an unbiased account of what was going on.

(Scene changes)

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, Clay, and Dojo were taken aback by his tone and backed away. Antonio just snorted and said nothing. He knew Fluttershy had gotten the information they needed anyway.

(Scene changes)

Applejack, Clay, Dojo, and Antonio 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 while Clay, Antonio, and Dojo rolled their eyes. Fluttershy was surrounded by all the rare-colored prairie dogs and chatting with them.

(Scene changes)

Soon the five were back in the main lobby.

"I just can't figure it!" said Applejack to Antonio, Clay, Dojo, 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 Dojo, "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, Dojo!" Applejack retorted.

"Actually we do," said Antonio, "While we were busy with the ponies, Fluttershy gathered some intel from the animals, a.k.a. unbiased witnesses. What'cha learn, Fluttershy?"

"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 of her! But neither is true!" Fluttershy explained.

"So that's his little ploy," said Clay 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 Dojo, "Instead they just assumed the worst of each other and...you saw the result. And Gladmane profits from it!"

"True, Dojo," 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 Antonio, "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 as Clay nodded in agreement.

"Gee, if only there was a pony who knew how to trick a trickster, right Antonio and Dojo?" Fluttershy remarked in a rather sassy tone.

She gave them each a nudge as they noticed Flim and Flam were still arguing with each other.

"Yeah..." said Antonio, realizing what Fluttershy was trying to do as Dojo followed on, "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 three against two on us!" Clay protested.

"Why not? It's nice to be on the winning side," said Dojo, "besides, you heard the old phrase: keep your friends close, enemies closer."

Applejack just sighed with Clay.

"Fine," said Applejack, "Guess bringin' Flim and Flam back together might be why we're here."

"She admits it, Fluttershy, " said Antonio excitedly, "She's learning!"

Fluttershy giggled as Applejack and Clay huffed indignantly.

"The key word is: maybe," said Applejack.

"Yeah. Maybe." Clay added.

The five 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.

"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?" Antonio asked.

"Well, uhh...I...um..." Flam stuttered, feeling put on the spot since Antonio'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," Clay remarked.

"And Clay 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 Dojo.

POW!

A shower of stars appeared as Applejack slugged Dojo, leaving him woozy.

"Ignore him," Applejack remarked.

Dojo then shook his head to recover and glared at Applejack.

"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.

"What?!" Antonio 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," Clay 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, Antonio, Dojo, 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 five are willing to help."

"What size gown do you wear?" Flim asked.

Dojo, Antonio, Clay, Applejack, and Fluttershy just looked at each other worriedly.

(Scene changes)

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 Antonio, 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 Antonio 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," Antonio 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 Antonio noticed in the corner of his eye. The three ponies then headed behind the curtain so they were in the backstage of the theater where Flim, Dojo, Applejack, and Clay were at. Fluttershy removed her wig as Antonio 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, guys," said Antonio 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.

Clay rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"Can't argue with that," said Applejack, her tone filled with annoyance and sarcasm.

(Scene changes)

Later, Gladmane was in his main office. 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 as Flam exited his office.

That's when Kai appeared behind Gladmane, making him turn around.

"What is now, Kai?" Gladmane asked impatiently.

"Master Zhao is still waiting for your end of the bargain since you are still running out of time on your schedule." Kai said with a firm look.

"I will not stand for anymore of this idiotic interrogation. I already have a plan to get rid of those ponies to the next stage and I am securing the funds from the banks as you requested to make Las Pegasus as your training camp for your master. Can't you grasp that simple concept?" Gladmane said with an annoyed glare.

"Don't presume too much, Gladmane. The price for failure will be quite . . . extreme." Kai warned sternly before he disappeared into the shadows of the office.

"Imbecile." Gladmane said to himself annoyingly before he left the office to find Flam.

(Scene changes)

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, Clay, Dojo, 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 Antonio 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 Antonio 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, Dojo, Clay, and Applejack smiled excitedly while Fluttershy and Antoniokept 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... Antonio 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 Antonio!"

Gladmane then pulled off Fluttershy's wig and then pulled off Antonio'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 Antonio's jacket, snatched the tape that had the conversation between Gladmane and Flam on it, and smashed the tape beyond repair.

"No!" Antonio exclaimed as Fluttershy gasped in shock.

"You can't do this, Gladmane!" Clay said angrily.

"Never try to con a con-pony," Gladmane said smugly before walking off and laughing, "Uh-huh-huh. Yeah!"

Flim, Dojo, Clay, and Applejack looked rather disappointed.

(Scene changes)

Sometime later, Gladmane was just stacking some bits on his desk when Applejack, Antonio, Clay, Dojo, 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 Dojo sternly, "We know what you're doing isn't right. And we also know you'd never admit it without being tricked."

"Dojo's 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 Clay 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," Antonio 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 tear down friendships with others just to make their own friendships stronger. That's just foolish risk tasking and it's not good business."

"Oh, you don't seriously think being such a member of the Elite Ninja will make you successful businesspony?" said Gladmane before snapping sternly, "We live in a real world, Antonio. Things don't work that way! Uh-huh-huh!"

"Neither does earning wealth through lies and deception!" said Antonio, "Wealth earned through honesty and integrity carries far more value than anything you've earned!"

Applejack, Clay, Dojo, and Fluttershy nodded in agreement. Gladmane just laughed at them.

"Well, unlike you're pathetic little ploy," Gladmane boasted, making Fluttershy lean back in shock and Antonio, Clay, and Dojo 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 check your hooves," said Applejack, "because you've just stepped in a confession!"

Applejack looked to her side to see Dojo and Fluttershy by Gladmane's loudspeaker. Fluttershy was holding the button to turn it on and smiling as Dojo just rested his arms on top of it with a large smirk on his face.

"That was so easy, it's sad," Dojo 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," Clay 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, Clay, Dojo, and Antonio smirked.

"Gladmane has left the building!" said Applejack as she and Clay shared a loving kiss and a hug. Fluttershy just smiled.

"Oh, I may have been beaten, but I'm not through yet." Gladmane said as he suddenly returned back to the office with a dark glare as the five turned to him. "I still have one more task I have to do for a friend of mine."

"What friend?" Clay asked curiously with the rest of the group.

"That would be me." A stern voice said, startling the four ponies and Dojo in the process before they turned to see Kai emerging from the shadows.

"Kai!?" Applejack, Clay, Dojo, Antonio, and Fluttershy gasped in shock.

"What are you doing here?!" Applejack demanded as she glared at the yak angrily.

"Gladmane cut a deal with us to turn Las Pegasus into a training camp for Master Zhao's followers so that the Quinkan will rise again." Kai explained. "We are going to turn this pathetic area into a new destination for Master Zhao's soldiers to train at so we can uncover the location of the Zeo Crystal."

"What does he want with that gem stone anyway?!" Antonio asked, glaring angrily at Kai with the others.

"Ah, that is just the thing, Antonio." Kai said with a sinister smile. "Master Zhao is going to unleash the power of the five Dragon Guardians so he can combine all of the stolen magic Tai Lung has collected to finally let the Sanzu River rise again! And this time, you won't be there to see it!"

Applejack, Clay, Fluttershy, Dojo, and Antonio gasp in horror of the explanation.

"Now, to finally put you five out of your misery!" Kai said, dishing out his kyoketsu-shoge, twirled them before he threw the blades at the group as he held on the chains.

Applejack, Clay, Fluttershy, Dojo, and Antonio jumped out of the way. Then Antonio lit his horn as he got on his hind legs, made his aura hands appear on his front hooves, and dished out his Tanto blade before holding it in a fighting stance. Clay dished out his kusarigama.

"Let's see how you puny ponies are good with your weapons." Kai said mockingly.

Kai then threw his chain at Antonio, who jumped out of the way as he charged at the yak as he attempted to clash blades with him, only for the unicorn stallion to get swatted aside by the chains.

This distracted Kai long for Clay to lunge at the yak with his kusarigama, but Kai ducked as Clay hit nothing but air with his weapon. Clay landed on the desk, twirling his kusarigama and whipped the chain end at Kai's face, making him stagger back as he placed a hand on his cheek where felt a bad sting on it.

Soon he recovered as he saw Antonio coming in at him before they clashed blades with each other. Kai then kicked him aside before he blocked several shurikens and kunai thrown at him by Clay before swinging his sword at the Earth Pony stallion.

Clay quickly tucked his legs in, flipping off the desk as he jumped over the blade mid air before landing on the ground and twirled his kusarigama chain. He spun around in an attempt to swat Kai again, but the yak knocked him away with his chains.

Kai quickly threw his chain swords at Antonio, forcing him to duck before he leapt up in the air. He let out a battle cry as he came down, putting all of his strength into a hard kick at Kai's face, making the yak to yell in pain as he staggered back on one knee holding the stinging part on his face.

"How's that for a puny pony?" Clay asked with a taunting smile.

Applejack giggled at her husband's taunting.

Kai breathed heavily before he glared at the four ponies and Dojo as he snapped his fingers. At his command, a group of Protoquin and Pyroquin appeared out of the shadows of the office.

This shocked the four ponies and Dojo as the soldiers of the Quinkan surrounded them.

"Quinkan! Attack!" Kai yelled, pointing one of his kyoketsu-shoge swords in his right hand at the five.

Suddenly, five of the Pyroquin charged at the group of five and kicked them out of the office, smashing the windows as they screamed before they landed on the ground on their backs.

They groaned in pain as they looked up to see the Pyroquin and Protoquin soldiers glaring down at them with growls as Kai walked in front of them, smirking down at the four ponies and Dojo.

"This ain't good." Applejack said, worriedly.

"Oh dear." Fluttershy said, fearfully.

"What in Equestria is going on here?" Flim asked in surprise as he and Flam came to the scene.

"Uh oh." Flam said as he gazed at Kai and the Quinkan worriedly. "I think we have uninvited guests here."

"Finish those pests now." Kai said sinisterly as the Quinkan jumped out of the office, surrounding Applejack, Clay, Dojo, Fluttershy, and Antonio.

"Get ready, ya'll!" Applejack said as she, her husband, and friends got on the offense.

One Protoquin came at Antonio and tried to swat him aside, but the unicorn stallion performed a bicycle kick to the monster's chin and punched the other one aside as it tried to swat him to no avail.

Three Pyroquin came at Fluttershy, who put aside her fear, and got on the offense thanks to Sokka's teachings. One of the three came at her and tried to punch her several times, but Fluttershy blocked every one of them before she punched it aside, palm striked the other, and back kicked the third one down.

Antonio and Clay faced off against five Protoquin soldiers as they blocked all of their attacks.

Then Antonio gained the upper hoof by high kicking the first one to the ground, palm striked the other away, double kicked two to the side, and punched the last one to the ground.

Clay also gained the upper hoof by bucking the other two Protoquin soldiers to the ground, punched two more away, and side kicked the last one to the ground.

Applejack and Dojo worked together as the small serpent breathed a blue flame at two Protoquins and three Pyroquins. Applejack bucked two aside, lassoed three together, and slugged another to the ground.

Then Antonio used his magic to blast the remaining Quinkan soldiers to the ground. Now the monsters were down and out.

"That's all of them!" Antonio said as he and his friends glared at Kai, who smirked.

"Ha! Let's even the odds!" Kai said sinisterly as something came flying down in front of the five heroes on all fours.

Applejack, Fluttershy, Dojo, Clay, and Antonio gasped in surprise as this was a new type of Quinkan they had not yet encountered before.

For starters, there were five and these Quinkan monsters had the appearance of a spider, only they had four appendages with sharp spikes prodiging out of their legs, four red eyes on their faces, spikes around their heads, the end of their tails were sharp, and they each had a cannon coming from the front of their tails.

"Sweet Celestia…" Dojo said in fear as his friends shared the exact same expression.

Then Kai came down in front of the new spider like Quinkan monsters.

"Do you like my Spiderquins?" Kai asked, smirking deviously. "They make excellent watch dogs." The yak chuckled before he pointed at the group of five. "Get them!"

The Spiderquins growled before they charged at the five.

Antonio and Clay were facing off against two Spiderquins as they tried to fight the monsters, but to no avail as the beasts easily knocked them to the ground, making the two grunt in pain. Then one of the two crawled to them as it roared viciously. Antonio and Clay dodged an incoming attack from the Spiderquin's legs, only for the stallions to get rammed to the ground by the beast.

"Wow, these Quinkan monsters are tougher than they look!" Antonio said worriedly. "And that is not fantastico!"

Applejack, Dojo, and Fluttershy were dealing with the other three as one of them charged straight at Applejack as she lassoed it and the monster grabbed the rope with its teeth. They struggled in a tug of war.

"Hold still you ugly spider!" Applejack grunted in frustration as she tried to pull the rope free from the Spiderquin's mouth, only to yelp in surprise as the monster threw her to the other side of the resort.

Fluttershy and Dojo ran for their lives from the other two Spiderquins chasing them as the two screamed in fright and the yellow Pegasus flew into the air avoiding a strike from one of the monsters. Suddenly, Fluttershy was pulled back down on the ground as something caught her hind leg.

It was webbing from the Spiderquins as they began to drag her to them, making Fluttershy shriek in horror.

Then Dojo came in and burned webbing off her leg, setting her free as she flew out of the attack from one of the beasts. Dojo slithered underneath the Spiderquins in an effort to escape, only to get spotted by them as one of the two body slammed on the small serpent, making him grunt in pain as his body flattened once the Spiderquin rose up from him.

Antonio was swatted to the side with Clay and Applejack as they grunted in pain. Then Fluttershy was tossed next to them as the five gazed at the Spiderquins in fear as the Quinkan arachnids approached them with growls.

Kai chuckled in amusement as he walked in front of the four ponies sinisterly.

"Well, now. It's six to five this time." Kai said with an evil smirk. "Now that you five are out of the way, it's time to turn this pathetic resort into a new training ground." He turned to the five Spiderquins. "Finish them."

The Spiderquins growled in response before they slowly approached the four ponies, who gazed at them in horror.

But then all of a sudden, something grabbed one of the Spiderquins from behind and lifted it. It was revealed to be the now recovered Dojo as he has shifted into his giant form.

"Not unless I have anything to say about it, Kai!" Dojo said with a taunting smile.

"Dojo!" Applejack, Fluttershy, Clay, and Antonio shouted in relief.

Then dojo threw the Spiderquin he was holding in his right hand in the air and punched it out of the resort as it roared in surprise. Then he noticed the Spiderquin charging at him and they jumped into the air to attack Dojo, only for him to tail swipe them out of the resort as they roared out before they disappeared out of sight.

"No!" Kai shouted before he turned to see the five heroes glaring at him sternly.

"It's over, Kai!" Applejack said with a stern glare.

Kai growled angrily.

"Don't think you've won. This battle may be over, but the war has only just begun." Kai said. "Soon enough, you will all bow to Master Zhao once we have the Sanzu River rising again."

Then Kai threw five smoke bombs to the ground, blinding everypony in the process. Once the smoke disappeared, Kai and his Quinkan army were gone. There was silence before the crowd of ponies cheered for the Applejack, Clay, Dojo, Fluttershy, and Antonio for their victory.

"Well, this wasn't such a chore now, was it?" Clay asked with a smirk as his friends smiled in reply.

"And we've stopped the Quinkan from turning this place into a training camp. Not bad for some friendship problems." Dojo said with a grin.

(Scene changes)

Everything seemed to happen at once. Gladmane was driven right out of Las Pegasus, leaving his resort and so-called business empire behind. But best of all, his deal with the Quinkan was over. Some construction workers shortly after began 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. They even fixed the broken damages from the Kai and the Quinkan. Applejack, Fluttershy, Clay, Antonio, and Dojo had just entered the lobby while watching the clean up of the destroyed statue underway.

"I guess the map wasn't on the fritz after all," said Fluttershy as her's, Antonio's, Clay'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. Especially to stop the Quinkan from turning Las Pegasus into a training ground."

"Guess being a stubborn mule can work out for the best...sometimes," Clay remarked as Applejack chuckled and gave her husband 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."

Antonio, Dojo, and Clay nodded in agreement. Then Applejack and Fluttershy got between them.

"Thanks, guys. For stopping the Quinkan and helping out on our mission." Applejack said softly as she gave Clay a kiss on the cheek.

Once they pulled away, the four ponies and Dojo 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, Clay, Antonio, and Dojo gave them skeptical looks.

"What do you mean?" Fluttershy asked suspiciously.

"Why can't you two just go legit?" said Clay 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.

"WHAT?!" Antonio, Clay, and Dojo said as their jaws 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, Clay, Dojo, and Antonio just looked stunned.

"Uh oh." Clay said as he saw something that made him widen his eyes in shock.

Applejack, Dojo, Antonio, and Fluttershy this as they all ducked for cover when a large crowd of ponies charge for the theater. But then Dojo was then ran over by the crowd.

"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 Dojo?"

Fluttershy, Clay, and Antonio were looking up.

"Oh, he's just floating around," said Fluttershy, watching a now flattened Dojo come floating down to them.

"Ow..." Dojo groaned as he floated back down to the ground and then un-flattened himself.

"You okay, Dojo?" Applejack asked as she helped Dojo.

"I guess so," said Dojo, "Can you guys do me favor?"

"What is it?" Fluttershy asked.

"Remind me to give the Cutie Map a major tune up when we get home," Dojo said wearily, "Suddenly this friendship mission doesn't feel like much of a success."

"Can't argue with that," said Applejack, Clay, and Antonio in agreement.

"Oh, I don't know," said Fluttershy, "Maybe they''ll run the resort honestly." Clay, Dojo, Antonio, and Applejack glared.

"Yeah, even saying that aloud sounded pretty stupid," Fluttershy remarked as she face-hooved herself.

All the four ponies and Dojo could agree that they wished this common phrase was true. What happens in Las Pegasus, stays in Las Pegasus.

(Scene changes)

At the Hollow Shades inside the throne room, Kai reported Zhao with the news about Las Pegasus.

Although Zhao was furious of Gladmane failing him, he had other plans to take care of finding the Zeo Crystal.

"Well, if we cannot have one of these cities as our training ground, then it's time to begin our invasion once more." Zhao said sinisterly as he turned to Kai. "Kai, bring the Spiderquins to Celtic. Have him do some tests on their forms."

"Yes, Master Zhao." Kai said in acknowledgment before he left the throne room to find Celtic.

Once Kai left the throne room, Zhao turned his attention to the orb as it showed the Zeo Crystal.

"I've waited for far too long to rule this world, and I will not allow any pony to get in my way again." Zhao said sinisterly. "Once the Zeo Crystal is in my possession, the power of the sacred dragon guardian's flames will belong to me. And I will soon spread fear around the world so that the Sanzu River will finally turn Equestria into ash."

Zhao chuckled wickedly as the screen died down as his eyes glowed orange before the color faded away.