It was a bright sunny day at Fluttershy's cottage. The animals were playing in the garden, and roaming throughout the house. Fluttershy in the mean time was just getting finish tending to a mouse that had an injuried leg.
"There you go Mr. Mousey." She said as she pushed the mouse to his realived family. "Now you stay off that leg and do everything I told you. And it will be just like new in no time at all." The mice family squeaked in gradituted as Fluttershy blushed.
"Oh, you're welcome. Happy to be able to help." She said. All of a sudden Angel came running into the room with a panicked look on his face. He pulled out a stop watch, and began to pick up to pace running stright into Fluttershy's back leg. The pegagus gave out a small yelp, and looked down to see what Angel Wanted. The bunny immedidtly started to wave the watch around, but this only confused Fluttershy. Angel wasn't to keen on actually talking, preffering to play charades instead, that however made it more difficult for Fluttershy to be able to understand him.
"You found a watch"? She asked. Angel frowned, and shook his head. He then started to mimic the watch hoping Fluttershy would understand, but that only confused her even more.
"You wanted to be a watch"? She guessed. Angel frowned again, and then began to run in place as Fluttershy watched, and tried to guess what he was trying to say.
"You're running! Running out of time? No. You're... late?" She guessed. Angel Smiled, that told Fluttersh she was getting close. All of a sudden the clock tower in Ponyville struck four. That was when Fluttershy finally realized what Angel was trying to say. She gasped in shock.
"I'm late for a very important date! The big brunch for Princess Celestia at Sugarcube Corner." A millon thought then began to run through Fluttershy's head. "Oh, the princess is here in Ponyville for a party, and we all promised we'd be there. But I'm not there! Oh, do I look all right? Do I need to bring anything? Maybe I shouldn't go. Suddenly a trumpet sounded.
"Ahh it's starting, and I'm not there". Fluttershy exclaimed as she ran out of the house. Angel sighed in relief when Fluttershy came back in.
"Oh, thanks, Angel". She said before leaving again, but then she came back again "I mean, if you hadn't reminded me, I might have not remembered, and then I wouldn't be there, and everypony would be wondering where I was and... " Before she could finish Angel started to stomp on her hoof. "Oh right, I'm late". Fluttershy realized as she left once more. This time to make sure she wouldn't come back Angel locked the door. Of course as he predicted Fluttershy tried to get back in. Seeing the door was locked Fluttershy just decieded to go. "Oh okay then. See you later". she said, and Angel smiled.
At sugarcube corner where the party was happening two royal guards were stationed outside. Rainbow Dash peering out the door decieded to have a little fun with them.
"So what do you have to do to be one of the Princesses royal guards anyway"? She asked. However the guards didn't reply.
"Is the pay good"? She asked but again got no response. Now Rainbow Dash was getting annoyed.
"Hellooo? Anybody home?" But again she got no response. So she started to make a bunch of faces. She tried everything to get a reaction, but got nothing at all. Finally Rainbow Dash had enough.
"Ooh, you're good. Too good. I'm bored." She said as she went back into the party just as Fluttershy arrived.
"Phew made it". She sighed in relief. However just as she was about to enter the guards suddenly blocked her way, and stared intimidatingly.
"Halt! Who goes there". They demanded. Frightened, Fluttershy began to tremble and back away.
"No one. Never mind. I'll go home.". Fourtentley for Fluttershy Twilight, and Reiner happend to walk by. Noticing what was happening They quickly moved in to descalate the situation.
"It's alright sirs she's on the list". Twilight confirmed. With that the guards removed their wings, and allowed Fluttershy inside, however she noticed one of them was still glaring at her for some reason, but she chose to ignore it.
"Thanks you two". Fluttershy said greatfully.
"I'm so glad you could make it Fluttershy". Twilight said happily.
"Yeah it wouldn't be the same without you". Reiner replied. Fluttershy smiled happy that her friends were all here. Inside the kitchen Spike was helping Mr. and Mrs. Cake with the treats by using his fire breath to heat them up.
"How's everypony doing? Good? Good." Mr. Cake said as he walked out of the kitchen with some of the snacks. Meanwhile his wife was making sure Princess Celestia was comfortable with everything.
"Anything else we can get for you, dearies...?" She asked befoe quickly correcting herself. "Ooh, I-I mean, esteemed guests."
Princess Celestia smiled. "Everything is just fine Mr. and Mrs. Cake". She replied.
"Sorry I'm late. I had to finish taking care of a patient first." Fluttershy explained to Twilight, and Reiner. That made Twilight smile.
"Oh, you and your tender loving care of little animals. I just know Princess Celestia is gonna love that about you. I mean, I hope she will... I mean, of course she will!" Twilight said, however both Fluttershy, and Reiner could tell she was getting nervous.
"Wow, Twilight. I thought I was the only one who got nervous at social gatherings" Fluttershy pointed out.
"Oh it's not that. Twilight just wants Princess Celestia to approve of all of us". Reiner explained. That confused Fluttershy a little.
"But she's met us all before". Fluttershy pointed out.
And read about you in my letters, but this is the first time she's actually sitting down to spend some real time with you all, and I just want it to go well". Twilight explained.
"Well, I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. Besides, it's just a casual get-together, right?" Fluttershy asked as she looked around, but soon began to understand why Twilight was a little worried. First Fluttershy saw Rarity, and Sweetie Belle. Rarity was wearing a very fancy gown, and was snapping at anypony who came near her.
"Don't touch me! Watch the dress! Careful, you're gonna spill that on me!" Rarity complained as Sweetie Belle groaned in embarssement just as Mrs. Cake came up to them and offered them a cupcake.
"Oh, oh, that looks delicious. What is it?" Rarity asked intriqued, but then backed away in horror. "Oh, does it stain?! Keep it away from me!" She shrieked. Rarity even pulled Sweetie Belle away before she could get a cupcake.
"Oh come on"! Sweetie Belle groaned. Seeing what happened with Sweetie Belle and Rarity, Fluttershy gave a nervous smile.
"Or... perhaps not that casual." She realized as she saw Bertholdt talking with Scootaloo which was interesting seeing as they never really hung out, but they seemed to be having a pretty interesting conversation.
"Can you tell me about what you did as a solider"? Scootaloo asked.
"I guess I could, but I don't want to go into a lot of details". Bertholdt replied.
"Oh that's okay just talk about stuff you're comfortable with". Scootaloo stated.
As Scootaloo and Bertholdt began to have their conversation Fluttershy looked over in another direction to see Applejack at the buffet table. She was having a hard time on decideing what to eat.
"Uh... which is the salad and which is the appetizer again? And which am I supposed to eat first?" She questioned. First she tried to go for a bowl of salad, then she tried to go for a sandwhich. In the end though she decieded not to eat anything.
"Oh, never mind. I'm not hungry." After seeing Applejack Fluttershy couldn't help but notice something.
"Hey Twilight"?
"Yes Fluttershy"? Twilight said turning to her friend
"Well I noticed that Sweetie belle, and Scootaloo are here, but where's Apple Bloom"? Fluttershy asked.
"Oh, she stayed home, her leg is feeling really bad today". Twilight replied.
"Oh, how bad is it"? Fluttershy asked.
"It's to the point where she can't stand for very long with being in intense pain". Reiner answered.
"Oh". Fluttershy said as she looked back at the others. She then turned to Twilight who was clearly getting more nervous. " It's okay, Twilight. So our friends' manners aren't perfect. I doubt the princess will even notice." Fluttershy said trying her best to reassure Twilight. However as if fate just wanted to be a bitch to her today Pinkie Pie came bouncing in as if right on cue.
"I could almost feel that coming, right as I finshed the sentence". Fluttershy stated as Pinkie bounced around Sugar Cube Corner.
"Whoo-hoo! Cupcakes, candies and pies, oh my!" She cheered. Then she spotted a chocolate fountain. "Oooh! Chocolate fountainy goodness!" She dove her head into the chocolate. After that she went over to the Princess who was about to eat a cup cake. "You gonna eat that"? Asked Pinkie before she striaght stole the cupcake from Celestia, and scarfed it down.
Fluttershy, Twilight, Reiner, and Mrs. Cake all gasped, but Princess Celestia just smiled as Pinkie Pie was dragged off the table.
"Hey"! Pinkie Pie protested as Celestia was giving another cupcake.
"A thousand pardons you're magiesty". Mr. Cake apologized.
"That's quite alright Mr. and Mrs. Cake Princess Celestia replied as she ate the cupcake, and drank the tea.
"Empty teacup at 4 o'clock!" Mrs. Cake exclaimed.
"I see it honey bun"! Mr. Cake replied. He went to quickly refill the tea cup suprising Princess Celestia.
"Oh um thank you". She said.
"It's no trouble at all your magesity." Mr. Cake replied.
Princess Celestia drank that tea, and it was filled up again.
"Thank you again". Princess Celestia thanked.
This happened three more times where Celestia would drink the tea, and the Cakes would refil the cup. When the force cup came Princesss Celestia deceied to have a little fun with them. She pretened to take a sip, and of course Mr. Cake poured some more tea in the cup causing it to spill.
"Gothca". Princess Celestia smirked.
Reiner snickered, Fluttershy giggled, and Twilight groaned. That's when Princess Celestia turned to the three of them, and adressed Fluttershy.
"And what about you, dear? Fluttershy, is it?" Celestia asked.
"Me"? Fluttershy gasped in shock that the Princess was adressing her, but quickly composed herself. "Yes your highness". Celestia smiled.
"I understand from Twilight Sparkle's letters that you enjoy tending to the needs of woodland creatures." Fluttershy nodded happily.
"Yes, I love to take care of animals." Fluttershy stated.
"As do I. As Princess, I care deeply about all creatures, great and small." Princess Celestia responed. All of a sudden there was the sound of a cough, it was the Fluttershy noticed the golden bird cage next to the Princess.
"Nothing means more to me than the well-being of all my subjects." Princess Celestia continued. The cough was heard again, and this time Princess Celestia noticed it.
"Ah, Philomena, my pet. You're awake. Do say hello to our gracious hosts." From inside the cage rose a very strange, and very sick looking bird. It coughed, and sputtered, and it's eyes were drooping. Fluttershy stared in shock.
"She is quite a sight, isn't she?". Princess Celestia stated.
"I've never seen anything like her". Fluttershy replied still worried about the codition the bird was in. Just then one of the guards came up to Princess Celestia, and whispered something into her ear.
"Really"? She asked. The guard nodded. "Well if we must". Princess Celestia stated before adressing everyone in the room. "I'm sorry, everypony. I'm afraid I have to cut the party short. The mayor has requested an audience with me. Royal duty calls. Thank you for a wonderful time. It's been a joy getting to know you all better." She stated as she began to live.
"Phew finally I can eat something". Applejack sighed in relief only for all the food to be taken. Fourtently Mr. Cake gave her some stuff to take home with her. Pinkie Pie happily twriled out of the cafe, while Rarity made her way out, making sure to warn anypony who dared get close to her dress to stay back.
"Stay right where you are. All I want is a clear path to the exit. Nobody move and my dress won't get hurt! Stay back! Back, I say!" She thretened. Sweetie Belle on the other hoof apologized to everypony Rarity was rude too, and followed her elder sister, with Scootaloo following close behind. As soon as everyone was gone Twilight sighed, and turned to Spike, and Reiner.
"Well you two I don't know for sure how things went with the princess, but at least no big disasters happened." She said complety unaware that someone had unlocked the bird cage, and Philomena was missing.
Fluttershy quickly and quietly made her way back to her cottage. She was beyond worried having taken Princess Celestia's pet without permission, but the poor thing was so sick that Fluttershy couldn't just sit back and do nothing.
"Oh deer, I know I'm doing something wrong, but I can't just sit and do nothing while this poor creature suffers". She thought to herself. Just then she spotted Bertholdt walking along. "Perfect, Bertholdt can help me with this". Fluttershy quickly made her way over to the pegasus stallion. "Bertholdt". She called out. Bertholdt turned around.
"Oh hey Fluttershy, what's wrong"? He asked before noticing Philomena. His eyes widened in shock. "Is that Princess Celestia's pet"? Fluttershy nodded. "Why do you have it"?! Bertholdt asked.
"She's so sick, look at her Bertholdt I can't just sit by and do nothing while an animal suffers". Fluttershy replied.
"Okay I know, but why didn't you ask the Princess for permission"? Bertholdt asked again to which Fluttershy replied.
"She was clearly busy, and had no time. Please Bertholdt I need your help.
"Woah woah woah Fluttershy do not get me involed in this." Bertholdt replied. However Fluttershy gave him her biggest sad puppy dog eyes she could make.
"Pwease". She said doing a little lip quiver as well. Bertholdt's face turned red, and he sighed,
"Fine". He replied. Almost immeiditly Fluttershy gave him a big hug.
"Oh thank you so much"! She squeeled happily making Bertholdt smile.
Currently Publicly Availble Imformation Phionex: A magical bird with beautiful red and oranges feathers. When they reach the end of their lives they loose the feathers, and burst into flames only to be reborn from the ashes.
Fluttershy, and Bertholdt arrived back at Fluttershy's cottage with Philomena.
"Oh, you poor little thing. How did you ever get in such bad condition? Don't you worry, Philomena. I'll nurse you back to health. As a favor to the princess, who's obviously just far too busy to care for you properly." Fluttershy said. Bertholdt was still nervous about the whole thing, wondering if it really was a good idea.
"Fluttershy I'm still not so sure about this, I mean what if the Princess comes looking for her pet"? He asked. Fluttershy however was too focused on making Philomena feel better, that she didn't even think about the consqunces that might await her.
"I'm sure the princess will appreciate the help." Fluttershy stated as Philomeana just gagged, and coughed.
"Oh my we better get you to bed right away". Fluttershy said as she turned to Bertholdt. "Hand me that thermometer please". she asked. Berthodlt looked to where Fluttershy was pointing and grabbed what she asked for.
"Here you are, but Fluttershy". Fluttershy didn't listen. She quickly put Philomeana into bed, but an icepack on her head, and the thermomneter in her mouth. This however coused Philomeana to overheat. Panicking Fluttershy took put the thermomenter, but now Philomeana was too cold. Fluttershy kept putting the thermomenter in and out of Philomeana's mouth until it ended up broken.
"This is far worse than I thought. What you need is some medicine. Stat!" Fluttershy stated. She turned to Bertholdt. Nurse Hoover please go into my cabient, and fetch me the pill." Bertholdt blushed in embarssment at being called Nurse, but payed no mind to it as he got what Fluttershy asked for. Fluttershy took the pill, and set it on a plate for Philomena.
"Here you go, Philomena. This will fix you right up." She said. Philomena took one snif of the pill, and gagged.
"Doctor Fluttershy expected that." Fluttershy stated.
"Well what are you gonna do now"? Asked Bertholdt.
"Don't you worry, I have a plan." Fluttershy then proceeded to pour an entire bag of bird seed onto the plat to cover the pill. Seeing the bird feed Philomena instantaly ate it all. Fluttershy turned to Bertholdt, and smirked. "Always works". She sad smugly.
"Um, are you sure about that"? Bertholdt asked.
"What do you mean"? Fluttershy questioned before gasping. Philomena had manged to eat all the bird seed, but not the pill.
"Well it almost always works. But don't worry I have another idea". She said.
"What's that"? Asked Bertholdt" But again Fluttershy ignored him, and went into the kitchen. Bertholdt just sighed, and decieded to wait. After about 25 minutes Fluttershy returned with a bowl of soup.
"There's nothing like homemade soup to cure what ails you." She said. However when she presented the soup to Philomena the bird just turned away. "Come on now. You're not gonna get better if you don't cooperate." Fluttershy stated, but no matter what Fluttershy did Philomena refused to eat the soup. But Fluttershy wasn't going to give up. "Mmm... see? It's delicious. Good and good for you." But Philomena still wouldn't eat the soup. So Fluttershy tried another tatic. "Here comes the choo-choo train. Chugga-chugga, chugga-chugga, whoo-whoo!" Pilomena kept turing away not wanting to eat the soup. Eventually she made herself so disy that her act fell into the bowl.
"Oh dear. Don't worry, Philomena. I know what'll make you feel better. Wait right here. I have just the thing." Fluttershy said as she left.
"Now where are you going"? Asked Bertholdt.
"Don't worry I'll be right back". Fluttershy stated as she went outside. A Few minutes later she returned with another small little bird.
"How is that going to help"? Asked Bertholdt.
"Just watch". Fluttershy replied as she went over to Philomena with the bird. "Look, Philomena. I brought a fellow feathered friend by to cheer you up. Hummingway here was sick once too, but he let me help him and got better in no time. Didn't you, boy"? Hummingway nodded and flew over to Philomena who actually smiled as Hummingway nuzzled up aganist Philomena's neck "Aww I think he likes you". Fluttershy stated.
"Yeah that's the first time I've seen Philomena smile today". Bertholdt replied as Hummingway flew next to Fluttershy, and the two began harmonzing.
"You're turn Philomena". Fluttershy encourged. However Philomena just threw up in Fluttershy's face.
"Oh Um... good try?" She chuckled nervously.
"Do you have any other ideas". Bertholdt asked.
"Of course I do, now follow me". Fluttershy replied. They went into the bathroom.
"What could help Philomena in here"? Bertholdt asked.
"Oh you'll see Bertholdt". Fluttershy answered as she turned to face Philomena. " I know what'll clear up that tickle in your throat. A humidifier." Fluttershy then took a deep breath. "Refresing, wouldn't you agree Bertholdt"? She asked. Bertholdt also took a deep breath in.
"Yes you're right it is". He replied. Fluttershy smiled, and turned to Philomena.
"How's that feeling now for you, Philomena? Better?" She asked. Philomena took a deep breath, but then coughed again. Bertholdt looked down in dismay as it seemed nothing was working, but Fluttershy refused to give up.
"Oh... that's okay. I know lots of other ways to take care of you. Don't worry. You're gonna get better. How about... Aromatherapy?" That didn't work. "A Warm bath"? That also failed. She even tried ointment, but nothing worked.
Later Fluttershy was attempting to reatach some of the feathers that had fallen off of Philomena with Angel Bunny assisting her.
"Scalpel. Surgical tape. Feathers." Angel gave Fluttershy all the things she asked for, and she began to put Philomena's feathers back on, but alais like all of Fluttershy's other attempts to help Celestia's pet, this one also failed.
"Oh, Philomena. I thought it would be easy to nurse you back to health. I've tried everything I know. And look at you. You're worse than ever." Fluttershy sighed.
"Maybe we should just take her to an actual vet to see if they can do anything". Bertholdt suggested. Fluttershy was about to respond when there was a knock at the door. Bertholdt peeked out the window to see who it was, and he gasped in shock, and fear.
"What's wrong"? Fluttershy asked.
"It's Twilight, and Reiner". Bertholdt stated. Fluttershy gasped. She quietly made her way next to Bertholdt, but before either of them could do anything, the door flung open, and both Reiner, and Twilight walked in.
"Hello Bertholdt". Twilight said.
"Um hi Twilight, hello Reiner". Bertholdt said nervously.
"You good man"? Reiner asked seeing that Bertholdt was nervous about someting. Bertholdt just chuckled, as Twilight looked over at Fluttershy.
"Hi, Fluttershy! Reiner, and I just wanted to drop by and say thank you so very much for making such a good impression on the princess today... However Twilight stopped, and gasped when she saw Philomena on the table.
"Twilight, are you okay"? Reiner asked. But then he saw Philomena too.
"What is Celestia's pet doing here?!" Twilight asked.
"Would you two care to explain"? Reiner inquired.
"It was my fault. I was the one who took Philomena, and I asked Bertholdt to help me". Fluttershy explained.
"But why"? Reiner asked.
"I couldn't leave the poor thing there. She needed my help." Fluttershy explained. That was when Twilight began to panic.
"Oh no. Nonononononono! This is bad". She stated.
"How could I just walk away and not do anything?" Fluttershy argued.
"But... but... she doesn't belong to you!" Twilight scolded.
"I had to do something". Fluttershy stated firmly.
"Without telling anypony?! Without asking permission?!" Twilight asked.
"Twilight calm down". Reiner stated as he looked back at Fluttershy.
"Fluttershy listen to me, I know you had good intentions, but you have got to return the princess's pet!"
"But". Fluttershy was about to argue but looked back and saw how Philomena looked. She sighed. "You're right". Reiner smiled, glad that Fluttershy was willing to listen to him. Twilight calmed down after hearing Fluttershy say that.
"If we hurry, we can put her back before anypony even realizes she's missing." Twilight said as she went to the door, however as soon as she opened it, she was faced to face with to members of the royal guard. Luckily Bertholdt had thought quickly and put Philomena in a basic, and covered her up as one of the guards began to speak.
"We were told we could find Twilight Sparkle here." The first one said. Twilight just stared at the two of them as the other began to talk.
"We regret to inform you, miss, that the royal pet has gone missing." The second one said. Twilight chuckled nervously at this.
"Really? You don't say". All of sudden from inside the box Philomena coughed. Thinking quickly Twilight coughed as well. Soon she, Fluttershy, Reiner, and Bertholdt all started coughing in an attempt to hide the fact that Philomena was there.
"Gee, the air sure is dry". Reiner stated.
"Yeah, it's that dry night air". Twilight replied.
"But it's day". Fluttershy pointed out.
"Well... day air's even drier". Twilight told her. She then turned back to the guards. "You guards better be on your way if you're gonna find the princess's missing pet. Philomena, was it? Thank you ever so much for keeping me in the loop. Bye!" She said as she closed the door.
"That was close". Bertholdt stated.
"I'll say, we're going to have to". Twilight stopped when she noticed Fluttershy heading towards the door with Philomena and Reiner. "What are you two doing"?! She demanded.
"Going to return Philomena". Fluttershy replied.
"We can't now"! Twilight stated.
"Why not"? Asked Reiner.
"You have no idea what the princess is gonna do if she finds you two are the ones who took her pet, do you?!" Twilight said pointing to Fluttershy, and Bertholdt.
"Do you"? Asked Bertholdt.
"Well... no. But it can't be anything good. She might banish you from Equestria. Or throw you in a dungeon. Or banish you and then throw you in a dungeon in the place that she banishes you to!" Twilight said.
"Do you really think she'd do that"? Fluttershy asked.
"Of course not, Twilight you're overreacting". Reiner stated.
"Am I Reiner, Am I"? Twilight asked only to recivce a glare from Reiner. "Okay maybe you're right, that probably won't happen. But still do any of you wanna take that chance"? Twilight. Reiner just sighed.
"Alright, I guess you have a point, but what are we gonna do now"? He asked.
"I.... Don't know". Twilight responed. "What do you two think"? She asked turning to Fluttershy, and Bertholdt.
"All that really matters to me is that poor little Philomena here gets well." Fluttershy replied.
"That's very noble of you. I'll write to you when you're banished. Unless I'm banished to somewhere there's no post office. Then you'll have to write to me. Deal?" Twilight replied. Reiner rolled his eyes. Fluttershy then looked at the two of them.
"Please you two You just have to help me get Philomena healthy and then we can return her to the princess. And everything will be fine." She told them. They both looked at her.
"Fluttershy". Twilight began, but stopped when she saw the puppy dog eyes Fluttershy was giving them. Twilight sighed, and stared at Philomena.
"Did you give her any kind of Medicane"? Reiner asked.
"I tried to, but she wouldn't take it." Fluttershy replied. This made Twilight groan.
"Then you have to make her take it. You can't be such a pushover, Fluttershy! You need to show this patient who's the boss. Make her straighten up and fly right!"
"She can't fly"! Fluttershy pointed out.
"No excuese"! Twilight said firmly. She then pop Philomena's mouth open, and dropped the pill inside which Philomena had no choice but to swallow. "Done, anything else"? Twilight asked.
"Well, she keeps pulling her feathers off. The ones that haven't fallen out yet from all her coughing, I mean.". Bertholdt informed. Twilight then put a cone on Philomena's head.
"There you go". She said.
"Twilight are you sure that will help"? Reiner asked.
"Oh don't worry Reiner everything's going to be fine. She said before turning back to Fluttershy, and Bertholdt. "What do you guys think"? She asked them.
"I don't think she likes the cone"? Fluttershy replied.
"Tough love, baby. You want her to get well, don't you?"
"Of course but". Fluttershy began
"Next"! Twilight intterupted.
"Well, she desperately needs some bed rest, but I can't get her to stay put." Fluttershy replied. Twilight simply tripped Philomena.
"One step ahead of you". She smirked.
Philomena was placed inside a birdcage. She had a blanket draped over her, and she was not happy.
"It's for your own good, Philomena, I promise. Please, just relax and try to get some sleep." Fluttershy begged. Meanwhile Twilight was over by the soup that Fluttershy had made eariler.
"What's this soup over here? Smells delicious." Twilight stated.
"I made it for Philomena, but she wouldn't eat it". Fluttershy replied.
"Oh she's defenitly going to eat it". Twilight stated. She then walked over to the cage, pulled off the cover, opened , and presented the bowl to Philomena. However as soon as Philomena saw the soup, she scremed, and ran out of the cage. "Hey where are you going"?! Twilight shouted. Philomena just ran out the door.
"No Philoeman come back"! Fluttershy shouted as she, Twilight, and Reiner ran after her.
"Come on Bertholdt"! Reiner called out.
"Oh um right"! Bertholdt replied as he follwed.
Philomean ran past Sweet Apple Acres. Then around a tree. She moved a cross some clothelines as two memebers of the Royal Guard were asking a stalion if he had seen her, to which he shook his head no. She even disgued herself by putting on a mustache and reading a newspaper. Twilight, Reiner, Bertholdt, and Fluttershy came up to her. Twilight and Fluttershy were fooled by the disguse and asked Philomena if she had seen herself, to which she shurgged. The chase went on for a few more moments until Rainbow Dash noticed what was happening. Curious she flew after them.
"What are you guys doing? She asked.
"What does it look like"? Reiner asked in return. Rainbow Dash thought for a moment.
"Are you having a race? Oh, can I play? One, two, three, go!" She exclaimed. Reiner just groaned as they met up with Pinkie Pie, Sweetie Belle, Applejack, Scootaloo, and Rarity. Fluttershy then lifted Pinkie Pie off the ground.
"Excuse me". She said.
"Hiya"! Pinkie Pie replied chipperly.
Twilight, Reiner, and Bertholdt did the same thing to Rarity, and Applejack.
"Beg your pardon". Twilight apologized.
"Put me down". Rarity demanded.
"Sorry". Reiner said.
"What in tarnation"? Asked Applejack. They all looked at Fluttershy, Reiner, Twilight, and Bertholdt in confusion.
"What are you doing"? Asked Sweetie Belle.
"Yeah ya'll are acting crazier then a bronking bull with a hernia". Applejack stated only for her to recive puzzled looks from the others.
"If Granny Smith said that you all would have lost your minds laughing". She pointed out. Fluttershy then spoke up.
"Sorry, but we've gotta find..." But she was intterupted by the voice of one of the Royal Guard Members.
"The Princess pet bird"! He exclaimed. Everyone looked up to see Philomean on top of the fountain.
"Philomena, come down from there! You'll hurt yourself!" Fluttershy exclaimed. And like Fluttershy feared Philoeman fell off the fountain. Fluttershy gasped in horror. "I'll catch you"! She shouted as she rushed over to try and stop Philomena from falling. Unfourntenly before Fluttershy could catch Philomean the bird bursted into flames. Everyone gasped in horror, as Fluttershy caught the ashes. Her eyes filled with tears.
"Oh no". Bertholdt muttered just as Princess Celestia arrived.
"What's going on here"? She demanded. "Twilight"? Twilight sighed.
"Yes Princess there's been a terrible accident.
"It was my fault". Fluttershy stated only for Twilight to intterupt.
"No, Princess. Fluttershy didn't know any better. It was my fault." She said.
"But I'm the one who did it". Fluttershy pointed out.
"But you were only trying to help". Twilight remided her.
"Some help I was". Fluttershy stated.
"Will ya let me do this? She'll go easier on me." Twilight begged.
"But it's my fault". Fluttershy argued.
"No it's my fault"! Twilight argued back.
"No it's my fault". Pinkie Pie suddendly exclaimed before looking at everyone in confusion. "Wait what are we talking about again?"
"I honestly have no idea". Scootaloo stated. Finally Fluttershy sighed.
"Thanks for trying to protect me, Twilight, but..." Fluttershy walked up to Princess Celestia. "Princess Celestia, I'm the one who took your pet bird. I really was only trying to help the poor little thing. Then I was gonna bring it right back to you, honest. So, if you wanna banish me and then throw me in a dungeon in the place that you banish me to, then that's what I deserve." She said sadly.
"I helped her, so punish me too". Bertholdt pointed out. Fluttershy gasped. She was about to say something when Reiner spoke up as well.
"So did I".
"And me". Twilight responed sadly. Princess Celestia didn't say anything. She walked over to the ashes, and looke down. Then a small smile spread across her face.
"Oh, stop fooling around, Philomena. You're scaring everypony." She said. All of a sudden sparks flew around the ashes as the floated up into the air, the was a burst, and out of the ashes came a new bird. This one was different from Philomena it was covered in beautiful orange and red feathers, and was clearly very healthy. The other poines looked on in shock, and cofusion, espsecaily Fluttershy.
"I don't understand! What is that thing? What happened to Philomena?" She asked.
"This is Philomena. She's quite a sight, as I said. But nothing unusual for a phoenix" Celestia said. "Isn't that right, Philomena?
"What's a phoenix"? Fluttershy asked.
" A phoenix is a majestic and magical bird. While it appears healthy and happy most of the time, every so often it must renew itself by shedding all of its feathers and bursting into flame." Rather melodramatic, if you ask me." Celestia whispered before continung. "It then rises from the ashes, fresh as a daisy. All just a normal part of the life cycle of a phoenix. I'm afraid mischievous little Philomena here took the occasion to have a little fun with you, Fluttershy." Celestia said before turning to her pet. Say you're sorry young lady".
Philomena squaked an apolgy. Fluttershy smiled before looking back up at Princess Celestia.
" So... aren't you gonna banish me? Or throw me in a dungeon? Or banish me and then throw me in a dungeon in the place that you banish me to?" She asked.
"Of course not, my little pony". Princess Celestia stated. "Where on Earth would you get such an idea"?
Fluttershy looked at Twilight.
"I guess I have quite the imagantion". Fluttershy replied.
"Fluttershy really did do everything she could to try to take care of Philomena for you." Twilight said.
"And I do appreciate that your heart was in the right place, child. But all you had to do was ask me and I could have told you Philomena was a phoenix and saved you all this trouble." Celestia reminded them
" I know. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. Next time I'll ask before taking matters into my own hooves." Fluttershy replied.
"Should I write you a letter on that"? Twilight asked.
"No that's qutie all right, I think I'll remember that one". Princess Celestia said as the guards brought Philomena's cage. Philomena then gave Fluttershy one of her feathers as a way to apolgize.
"It's beautiful Thank you, Philomena. No hard feelings." She said. Meanwhile Rainbow Dash still wanted to make the guards laugh. Then she got an Idea. She flew up to Philomena.
"Hey, you know what you should do? You should go over there and tickle them!" Philomena nodded her head, and did just that. And it worked. The guards bursted out laughing.
"Yes"! Rainbow Dash Cheered.
While thinking of ways to get their cutie marks, the CMCs decied to go around and ask their friends how they got theirs. There they learn a heartwarming story about friendship and how the bounds of it carry out even before said friends meet.
Next Episode.
The Cutie Mark Chronicles
