Hello once again, here I have the eighth and final chapter for this story, enjoy.
Everyone got out of the cave as quick as they could, Flim, Flam and Spike were still unconscious, and Cinch was still in a critical condition.
" Wait a minute, this place looks familiar", said Applebloom.
After looking around, everyone realized Applebloom was right.
" We're back near the entrance of the tomb, literally, the mineshaft is just a few hundred yards from here", said Rainbow Dash, pointing at the direction to where the mineshaft is.
" You mean to tell me we've gone around in a giant circle", said Applejack.
" Not really Applejack, it might not be a circle", said Pinkie Pie, " It could a triangle, or a square, or a pentagon, or a hexagon, or even an octagon", said Pinkie Pie.
Spike then stirred as he regained consciousness.
" What's happening, where are we", he said, hoping out of Fluttershy's arms.
It was then they noticed the mineshaft, and after a couple of minutes of walking, approached it.
" The vehicle is gone", said Cinch, as she struggled to sit up.
" Vehicle", wondered Pinkie Pie.
" Flim and Flam's truck, which was what they used to drive us here, Spoiled Rich must've stolen it to get away", said Cinch.
" We'll deal with Spoiled some other time, right now, we need to take Cinch to the hospital", said Twilight.
" Thankfully we're now out of the cave, we should finally have signal again", said Sunset, as she pulled out her phone, and dialed the emergency number.
Police cars and ambulances began arriving, other vehicles also began driving in, which contained family members, including Big Macintosh, Granny Smith, Shining Armor, Cadence, Fluttershy's family, Rainbow Dashes parents, Aunt Lofty, Aunt Holiday, Rarity and Sweetie Belle's parents, Pinkie Pie's parents, along with her sisters, Maud Pie, Limestone Pie, and Marble Pie, even Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna was there.
" Mom, Dad", screamed Sweetie Belle, tears running down her face as she and Rarity approached their parents, Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumbles.
" Twily", Shining Armor exclaimed as he approached his younger sister, embracing her, along with Cadence.
" Maud", cheered Pinkie Pie as she hugged Maud, along with Marble.
" What the heck were you thinking Pinkie, you scared the heck out of us", said Limestone.
" Girls, we were so worried about you two, what were you thinking", said Granny Smith.
Applejack was about to say something, when Applebloom beat her to it.
" It was my fault, my idea, everyone tried to talk me out of it, but I didn't", said Applebloom.
Sunset then turned to see Celestia approaching her.
" So it's true isn't it, I thought that clue was just a piece of scrap, but it was the clue to Tokamaks treasure this whole time, and you solved it", said Celestia.
" It wasn't just me, if anything, you should thank Applebloom, she had shown a lot of courage even before she entered the mine", said Sunset.
" Wait a second", a voice called out, everyone turned to see Lightning Dust approaching.
" They claim they've gone through these traps, and entered an ancient tomb containing wealth, but they haven't brought any evidence with them, no proof", said Lightning Dust.
" We don't need to prove anything", said Rainbow Dash.
" Uh, yeah you do", said Rolling Thunder.
" Yeah, you expect anyone to take your word for it, just because you say so, with the lack of proof", said Short Fuse.
" There's ten girls next to me, plus a dog, all of them can tell you the exact same thing, even if it makes sense for one of us to lie, do you really expect all twelve of us to tell you the same lies", said Rainbow Dash.
" Yeah", said Lightning.
" This is ridiculous, we've been through a lot this whole day, what have we got to gain for lying", said Rainbow Dash.
" Fame, glory", said Lightning Dust.
" Clout", said Short Fuse.
" I'm afraid Lightning Dust is right, Rainbow Dash, the least one of you could've tried to do is use your phone to take pictures", said Shining.
" Wait, the journal", said Sunset, pulling out her notebook and pen, " I've been using this journal to write down everything regarding the treasure hunt, I've used it to covert the symbols into letters, we were able to crack the code".
" You could've made that up", said Lightning Dust.
" Okay then, since you don't believe us, why don't you try and go in yourself, the mineshaft is over there, that's the entrance to the tomb", said Rainbow Dash, pointing at the mineshaft.
The eleven girls were then covered in jackets and blankets as Cinch was placed on a stretcher, Twilight and Sunset watched Cinch as she was carried into an ambulance, along with Flim and Flam.
Cinch looked at Twilight one last time, not out of malice, or hatred, or joy, just a plain expression, and the doors closed before the ambulances drove off.
" Will they be alright", said Sunset to Shining Armor.
" No doubt that they will, the worst Flim and Flam got is probably a concussion, but we'll have them checked in, in case of severe trauma, as for Cinch, whoever it was that applied pressure the the wound, to stop the bleeding, their actions are heroic, she would've instantly died from blood loss before you had the chance to leave the cave", said Shining Armor.
Twilight then blushed from the praise.
" Wait, it was you", said Shining Armor, surprised.
" I mean, it was true that Cinch was awful to me, especially during the friendship games, but she saved me today, that and I couldn't just let her die, knowing I have the chance to save her", said Twilight.
" And what will happen to them then", said Sunset.
" Can't say for certain, if you're wondering if they'll face prison, then no, according to what some of your friends have said, this was all Spoiled Riches doing, before she confronted you, the worst they did was follow you all around, and Spoiled Rich did betray them, by the way I see it, Cinch, Flim and Flam were nothing more than pawns, while Spoiled Rich was the real mastermind", said Shining Armor.
" Will you be able to catch Spoiled Rich and make her pay", said Rainbow Dash.
" I wouldn't know Rainbow Dash, since it would've been a while since she drove off, she could be anywhere by now, I wouldn't be surprise if she has left the city already", said Shining Armor.
" I wouldn't you my hopes up if I were you Rainbow Dash, even if the cops do find her and detain her, they won't even keep her in for an hour before they let her off with a slap on the wrist, knowing how privileged she is", said Applejack.
" So you're saying she got away with it, who am I kidding, since when was the last time a villain in this city, got held accountable for it, and didn't get away with their crap, and most of the ones we dealt with are either privileged, or have some sob story, what else is new", said Rainbow Dash.
" What about the heirloom she stole", said Pinkie Pie.
" Well, there is one thing I forgot to mention about Tokamak's sacred possession, which of course, is the vase, it was said that he placed a curse on it so that anyone who makes off with it, even if they escape the tomb, will suffer a terrible curse for the rest of their lives", said Sunset.
" HA", shouted Rainbow Dash in laughter, " And to think, somewhere out there, any minute, something bad will happen to Spoiled Rich, now that's what I call Karma, whatever happens to her, she truly deserves it".
" By the way", said Fluttershy, " Has there been any updates on those escaped apes, I do hope those poor things are alright".
Meanwhile down the highway, Spoiled Rich was driving down as far as she could, hoping to get away.
It was then she realizes the car was stopping, she looked to see the fuel going low.
" Oh great", said Spoiled Rich.
But then she turned to see a gas station.
" Hopefully I have enough fuel to reach the station, before I run out", said Spoiled Rich.
And to her luck, she did, and she got out of the car, and it was then she noticed a black car next to her, the window opened, and to Spoiled Riches shock, she see two apes on the front seat, one behind the steering wheel.
Before she could scream, the nearest ape grabbed her, and dragged her into the car, through the window, and it drove off into the horizon.
" I have no idea Fluttershy", said Shining Armor, regarding the two missing apes, " We've searched the whole city, and no sign of them, we know they're no longer in the city, and are probably down the highway, but, chances are we've lost sight of them completely".
" Wait, what time is it", said Applebloom.
" 6:14 PM", said Filthy Rich.
" Granny", said Applebloom to her grandmother, " You haven't signed that contract have you".
" No, I haven't, after hearing you were all missing, I didn't even think about the contract", said Granny Smith.
" Well", said Filthy Rich as he steps forward, " It looks like there's no better time than now".
" I'm sorry Granny Smith, I had the chance to save our farm, and I screwed up", said Applebloom.
" It's not your fault Sugarcube", said Applejack, placing a comforting hand on her sisters shoulder.
" What's with the hold up red neck", shouted a voice, the group turned to see Lightning Dust, " There's still over half a dozen other homes to tear down, after yours".
" I'm gonna kill her", snapped Applejack as she lunged at Lightning, only to be held back by her friends.
" Let it go Applejack, she's not worth it", said Rarity.
" Although I would like to beat the hell out of her myself", said Rainbow Dash.
Granny Smith then turned to Applebloom.
" I'm just to see the both of you okay", said Granny Smith.
She then sighed as she held the papers, " I can't sign anything without a pen".
" I have one", said Filthy Rich, holding out a pen, Granny Smith then took it.
Applebloom stuffed her hands in her pockets, only for her eyes to widen as she realized she was holding a bag, she pulled it out.
" WAIT", shouted Applebloom, " DON'T SIGN ANYTHING".
" What's wrong Applebloom", said Applejack, as she along with her friends gathered next to Applebloom.
" Look", said Applebloom, she approached Celestia, and asked her to hold out her hand, as the Principal did so, Applebloom emptied out her bag.
Everyone looked in shock as they discovered Rubies, Emeralds, Diamonds, and gold coins land onto Celestia's hand.
The Rainbooms, Spike, the CMC's and Babs Seed surrounded Celestia in a semi circle as they looked at the treasure that was laying on Celestia's hand.
" I traded my marbles for those treasure pieces, Spoiled Rich forget to search me as she forced us to empty our pockets, there's enough in there worth enough money to pay off all the debts, we don't have to leave Sweet Apple Acres", said Applebloom.
" Plus, since we saved Flim and Flams lives, and they were part of trying to get us to sell our farm, I'd say those two owe us big time", said Applejack.
" Spoiled Rich appointed them, now that she's been exposed, they're no longer part of her scheme", said Applebloom.
" Be as it may Applebloom, I'm afraid I won't be able to keep the farm running", said Granny Smith.
" What, but I...", Applebloom was cut off as Granny Smith held a finger to silence her.
" I'm getting old dear, too old I won't be able to continue working at Sweet Apple Acres, which is why I decided to give my farm to someone else", said Granny Smith, she then turned to Applejack, who the latter's eyes widened in shock.
" Me", said Applejack.
" Ever since I was youngin, I have owned Sweet Apple Acres, for over 50 years, and since I had your father, Bright Mac, I had hoped he would be the new owner, and would run the farm in my place, even after he met and fell in love with your mother, Pear Butter, even after they had the three of you, but then tragedy happened", said Granny Smith.
She turned away for a moment, in sadness, before she continued after maintaining her composure.
" After taking care of you three, you have shown a lot of hard work, but I know in the future, Applebloom will go to college, and do her own thing, and Big Macintosh, I could've chosen you, in fact I would've left the both of you in charge, but I would know in the future, Big Mac, you might finally find a special someone of you're own, and move out to live with that someone, which leaves you Applejack, whenever I see you, I see myself many years ago, always harvesting the orchard everyday, I also see a bit of Pear Bear within you, and Bright Mac", said Granny.
She then takes off her orange spotted Bandana that she usually wears.
" Applejack, will you accept being the new owner of Sweet Apple Acres", said Granny Smith, offering the Bandana to Applejack.
Applejack turned to the others, who gave her the thumbs up, she also turned to Applebloom and Big Mac, who nodded at her, she then turned to Granny Smith.
" I accept", said Applejack.
" Then it's settled, Applejack, you are officially inherited to Sweet Apple Acres", said Granny Smith, before wrapping the bandana around her neck.
" Well then I guess there's one thing left to do", said Granny Smith, she then began tearing down the papers she almost signed.
" We are not going anywhere", said Granny Smith.
The girls cheered as they congratulated Applejack on being the new owner.
" There should also be enough money from these gems to pay off Fluttershy's debt in the animal shelter, and the cakes debt in sugarcube corner, even Rarity's boutique, and DJPON3's music shop", said Pinkie Pie.
" And that is proof that we've been down there, still don't believe us", said Rainbow Dash, mockingly to Lightning Dust.
" Those gems are probably fake", said Lightning Dust, while Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse nodded in agreement.
" Oh for the love of", groaned Rainbow Dash, " We give decent enough proof, and they're still skeptic, either they're stupid, or they're just taking the piss out of us".
" Or maybe both", said Pinkie Pie.
" Ignore them Rainbow", said Applejack, " They're just sore losers, and a looking for any way to try and take the piss out of you".
It was then, a blue glow began to form from inside the mine.
" What is that", said Fluttershy, pointing at the glow.
" Is it a gem", said Rarity.
" Wait, look", said Sunset.
Everyone around stood silent, and watched as the bright blue light leave the mine, and began to approach the crowd, slowly.
Soon, the light dims, and underneath reveals an Aztec man, wearing his Aztec attire, along with a spear.
" Is that who I think it is", said Scootaloo.
" It is", said Twilight.
" Priest Tokamak", said Applebloom.
The Aztec Priest then approached Applebloom, " So, you must be Applebloom". he said.
" Y-yes", said Applebloom, about to kneel when the priest stopped her.
" No need for that", said Tokamak, helping her up on her feet.
Applebloom was about to open her mouth, when once again, Priest Tokamak stopped her.
" I know what you're about to say, and don't apologize for you or your friends entering my tomb", said Tokamak.
" It's not their fault, I persuaded them all to come, if anyone is blame, it's me, it's also my fault the heirloom was stolen", said Applebloom.
" You mustn't blame yourself, it was the one they call Spoiled Rich who stole the heirloom, in fact, she used a very vile weapon in which to do so, and although the one they called Cinch was the one who knocked the heirloom off the pedestal by the weapon, she didn't do so intentionally, it was by accident, as she left without it, Spoiled Rich however went back for the heirloom, as a means of keeping it, and judging by her character, I supposed she would've made off with it, even if she knew about the curse", said Tokamak.
" The reason, why I approached you, was to congratulate you all", said Tokamak.
" Congratulate", said Twilight.
" Centuries ago, when my land was invaded by intruders, and my people were killed, me, and a few of my men escaped with some treasure, including the heirloom, after the way we were treated, we vowed never to hand any of our remaining possessions to anyone else, but as time went by, more outsiders came in, and compared to those who were ruthless, there were some who were kind, and generous, which shows, not everyone is bad, and we learned, that it was easier to someone than it is to be trusted", said Tokamak.
" Soon, we all started getting older, and knew at some point we won't be able to take care of the treasure anymore, and we decided, instead of handing it to some rich person, we decided, whoever the treasure will be given to, will have to earn it", said Tokamak.
" Was that why you set up those traps", said Applebloom.
" Indeed so, in order to get my treasure, you needed to rely more than strength alone, or you're guaranteed to fail, but then came the first clue, I knew that unless you cracked the code, you won't be able to even know the entrance to the tomb, the one they call Nigel Bellsworth figured out my clue already, using this technique they call, an algorithm, he figured out, and left a clue of his own, so you also needed to be smart, not just to solve riddles, or crack codes, but also to think before you act", Tokamak.
" You also needed to remain vigilant, constantly on your feet, no slacking, and finally, and this was most important, you needed to trust one another, which I see isn't a problem for you, but, I've seen incidents where people would betray one another, for the sake of greed", said Tokamak.
" Despite everything my traps have put you through, you all managed to overcome them, and reached my treasure, you have all proven yourselves worthy of them, and I sensed you left with some of my treasure, enough to pay off a debt you owe", said Tokamak.
" So, what now, now that your tomb has been conquered, what happens to you", said Applebloom.
" Our spirits will part, and return to the afterlife, but for you, you must continue this path you have started taking the second you were born, the path, called life", said Tokamak, he then begins to vanish.
" Farewell Applebloom, and farewell Sunset, farewell to all of you", said Tokamak, as he vanishes completely.
" Did we just get lectured a bunch of philosophical poetic metaphors from a dead guy", said Pinkie Pie.
Rainbow Dash then turned smugly to Lightning Dust, who, along with Short Fuse and Rolling Thunder were gawking at what they just witnessed.
" Still think we're making it up, try and explain that", said Rainbow Dash, gesturing to the ghost that had just vanished.
Lightning Dust then snapped out of her shock, then turned to Rainbow Dash, " He could've been a hologram".
" Alright, that's it", snapped Rainbow Dash as she tackled Lightning Dust to the ground, it took all of her friends to pry her off.
The next day, everyone gathered at Sweet Apple Acres for a barbecue, to celebrate the recent events that have unfolded, the debts being paid off, Applejack being to the new owner of Sweet Apple Acres, and one of the ancient legends being solved.
Applebloom stood outside the field as she watched the sun set on the horizon.
Applejack then approached her.
" Hey sugarcube, what are you standing around here for, the foods running out fast", said Applejack.
" I know, I'm just looking at the sunset", said Applebloom.
" Sugarcube, you can do that here any afternoon", said Applejack.
" I know, if only Ma and Pa were here to celebrate you taking over the farm", said Applebloom.
" Yeah, and they'll be proud of you for saving it", said Applejack, taking off her Stetson, and placing it onto Applebloom's head.
" Now come on, those burgers are running out fast", said Applejack as she and Applebloom rejoined the others.
THE END.
And that's it, the story is officially finished, I hope you've enjoyed the story, and until next time, that's all for now.