//------------------------------// // (1) Regret // Story: The Phoenix's Father // by Script Singer //------------------------------// Philomena returned to her mother and her sister. "I'm sorry, but I think I need to stay with Celestia. She needs me right now more than ever." She said when she arrived. "We will miss you." Philomena's mother said, tears welling up in her eyes. "If you find dad, tell him I said thanks." After one final hug, Philomena flew back to the castle. "Are you ready, Celestia?" Philomena said as she flew to Celestia. The alicorn sighed. "Ready as I'll ever be..." she muttered. They both flew out of the castle and into the forest on their way to Canterlot. --- Philomena stared out the window, watching the moon. It had been a long few years since they had moved to Canterlot. Philomena had wished she went with her family and she wanted to know where her father was. On the other side of the room, Celestia got into her bed. She got under the covers and closed her eyes. --- Celestia stood at the old castle. It was falling apart. Nightmare Moon threw herself at Celestia, causing her to fall to the ground. She could hear Luna's voice. Tia, Tia help me! I'm scared! When she looked back up, instead of seeing Nightmare Moon, she saw her sister. "Luna..." Celestia whispered. Tia, it's dark... help... Nightmare Moon struck again, taking the opportunity in stride. Celestia was thrown back from the force of the impact, landing her next to the elements of harmony. "I'm so sorry Luna..." she whispered. She powered the elements with her magic as Nightmare Moon began moving for another attack. As she came close, a beam of light shot out of the elements and hit her directly. TIA!!!! NO! The beam flew toward the moon. Sister, help! Celestia watched as her sister was carried to the moon with the beam. The cries echoed in her head. - - - Celestia woke up in a shock. She sighed when she realized it was just a dream. Quickly recovering, She looked over at Philomena. --- Flames surrounded Philomena. She watched in horror as the forest that carried her old family nest burned. She heard a cry in the distance, pulling her out of the daze she had entered. Looking in the direction of the cry, she began to fly towards it, hoping to find its source. She saw her family, watching them burn to flames. She hovered in the air, waiting for them to arise from the ash. Nothing happened. Another phoenix flew in beside them. Father! Philomena tried to cry out, but words couldn't escape her mouth. Seeing that she couldn't communicate, she landed next to him. She watched her father as tears streamed down his face, crying for her and the family. She watched her father turn to ash. - - - Philomena woke up, flapping her wings frantically. Celestia quickly walked over to her. She stared at her pet in confusion when tears streamed down her face. "Philomena, what's wrong?" she asked. "Father... father..." Philomena squawked repeatedly, trying to communicate. Celestia brought her pet close and hugged her. - - - Celestia just sat with her pet for a while, holding her. Thoughts came into Philomena's mind as she rested in Celestia's embrace. She decided to say what she had wanted to say since the day of Luna's Banishment. "I want to find my father." Philomena uttered. Celestia looked at her. "I know you need me, but I need to find him. I can't let this thought control me any longer..." "Go." Celestia said. "And I don't want to take 'no' for an answer... Wait, what?" "Go." Celestia repeated. "You feel like this is what you are supposed to do, then go." "But, what about you?" "I'll be fine, Philomena." Celestia looked up at the moon, and with a small smile, she got up and went outside to bring forth the sun. Philomena flew to her side and embraced her after she raised the sun. "Thank you, Celestia." she chirped. They decided that Philomena would not leave right away. So she was able to eat first so she could have her strength. After she ate, she was on her way. Philomena said her goodbyes and flew out of the window. She looked over the city of Canterlot as she flew before making her way to the Everfree Forest, to find her family.