The Royal Bird Napper
Today was a nerve wracking day for Nova, Twilight had asked him to come to a party Celestia would be attending and he was scared of confronting her, but he wanted to try and get over his fear of princess Celestia as he has seen how his fear of her seemed to hurt her feelings and she seems so nice to him. He also wanted to do this for Twilight’s and Starburst’s sake. If he could get over his fear of Celestia, then Starburst might not be as afraid of her anymore either.
Nova and Starburst left their house and made their way into town. “Nova, are you sure this is a good idea, what about what you think will happen with the princess finding out what we are?” Starburst asked.
Nova looked down at Starburst as he answered. “It’s all right Starburst, Twilight says that the princess wouldn’t harm any pony just because they’re not from this country, and I trust her, so we’ll go to this party, meet her, and everything will be just fine, you’ll see.” Nova faced forward again.
Starburst did the same. “I hope your right big brother.”
“Hey, have I ever let you down before?” Nova asked with a smile.
Starburst smiled back. “No, I guess not.”
“Then you should believe me when I say everything will be just fine.”
Sugarcube Corner soon came into view, there were two of Celestia’s Pegasus guards standing on either side of the door. As they approached, they saw Rainbow Dash trying to speak with them. They stopped short and listened in.
“So, what do I have to do to get to be one of the princesses royal guards anyway?” The guards just stood there and said nothing. “Is the pay good?” Still no response. She put a hoof to her mouth and came up to one of the guards ear. “Hello!” She flew to the front of the guard. “Anybody home?”
She just hovered in front of one of the guards. She then tried to make funny faces as the guards just stood still and did nothing. Starburst saw the faces she made and laughed. “HA ha ha ha ha, that is so funny, ha ha ha!”
This got Dash’s attention. “Hey you two, you’re right on time, glad some pony thinks I’m funny, these guards are such stiffs.”
“I loved that last one you made, ha ha ha, it was so funny.” Starburst just giggled out.
Rainbow smiled at Starburst. “Thanks kid, come on in you two.”
Before they entered, Fluttershy came galloping up panting. “Huh, huh, made it. Oh, hello Nova, Starburst, Dash.”
Nova greeted. “Hello Fluttershy.”
“Hey Fluttershy, you’re just in time, come on in.” Dash led the three in to Sugarcube Corner.
“Ok Nova, this is it, just stay cool and relax, she won’t do anything to you. You’ll be just fine.” Nova thought to himself as he walked in.
Once inside, Dash went off on her own while Fluttershy, Nova, and Starburst were greeted by Twilight. “Hey you three, I’m so glad you could make it.”
“Hey Twilight, good to see you.” Nova was looking a little nervous.
Twilight picked up on this. Her face went from a smile to a frown. “Nova, are you sure you’ll be ok, you don’t have to be here if you don’t want to, I know how much you’re afraid of the princess.”
Fluttershy was also worried for him.
“No Twilight, I’ll be ok. I need to get over this fear and meet with her. You say she won’t do anything to us if she should find out that we aren’t originally from Equestria, and I believe you.”
Twilight’s smile returned. “I’m glad to hear it. Come on, let’s go and meet her.”
“Sorry I’m late, I was busy taking care of a patient first.” Fluttershy explained.
“Oh, you and your tender loving care of animals, I just know princess Celestia is going to love that about you. I mean I hope she will,” Twilight was starting to sweat nervously. “I mean of course she will.”
Her nervousness was starting to rub off on Nova as he followed behind. Starburst seemed to be getting nervous about this as well.
“Wow Twilight, I thought I was the only one who got nervous at social gatherings.” Fluttershy commented.
“Oh it’s not that, I just want the princess to approve of my friends.” Twilight held a hoof to her chest with a nervous smile.
“But she’s met us all before.” Fluttershy commented.
“And read about you in my letters, but this is the first time she’s spent any real time with you. I just want every pony to make a good impression.”
Fluttershy gave a reassuring smile. “Well, I’m sure you have nothing to worry about. Besides, it’s just a casual get together right?”
“Don’t touch me!” Rarity’s voice called out. The four looked over to see Rarity in a dress freaking out over ponies getting too close to her. “Watch the dress. Careful, you’re going to spill that on me.” Mrs. Cake came over with a tray of cupcakes. “Oh, ooh, that looks delicious, what is it? Oh, does it stain, keep it away from me!” Rarity cringed and shook in fear.
Nova just shook his head. “Or perhaps, not that casual.” Fluttershy stated.
They then looked over to the other side and saw Applejack at a table having trouble deciding what to eat first. “Uh, which is the salad and which is the appetizer again? And which am I supposed to eat first?”
Nova, having forgotten his fear momentarily, went over to help Applejack. “Applejack, I don’t think it matters, just pick something and eat it, it’ll be fine.”
Applejack looked to Nova. “You sure it’ll be all right? I don’t want ta offend the princess none.”
Starburst then chimed in. “Just pick something, this is supposed to be casual right?”
Applejack smiled at Starburst. “Yeah, I guess you’re right, thanks you two.” She grabbed the first thing she laid eyes on and ate up.
Nova went back to join Twilight and Fluttershy with Starburst right behind him. Pinkie suddenly hopped passed them. “Woo HOO, cupcakes candies pies oh my!” She picked up a pie and slammed it in her face. She then went up to a chocolate fountain. “Oooh, chocolate fountany goodness.” Pinkie stuck her head in it, letting it coat her entire head. She pulled out and the chocolate hardened. Pinkie managed to eat it right off her head.
“That was a neat trick.” Starburst commented.
Pinkie then hopped on the table Celestia was sitting at. “You gonna eat that?” Pinkie asked and quickly ate a cupcake the princess had in her magic grasp without giving her a chance to answer. Pinkie just happily munched away on it before Mrs. Cake rushed over and pulled her off the table.
Mr. Cake then rushed over with a tray with another cupcake and a cup of tea. “A thousand apologies your majesty.”
The four soon reached the table they would be sitting at which was right next to Celestia’s. Upon seeing the princess, Nova and Starburst grew a little frightful, Nova more than Starburst.
Celestia merely smiled as she responded to Mr. Cake. “That’s quite all right, thank you.” She levitated the cupcake up and took a small bite, set it back down, levitated the cup up and drank its contents.
“Empy teacup at four o’ clock!” Mrs. Cake exclaimed.
“I see it honey bun!” Mr. Cake answered back. He quckly rushed over with a tea kettle and refilled Celestia’s cup.
The princess was a little surprised. “Oh, uh, thank you.”
“Not at all your highness.”
The princess took another sip and emptied the cup again. This time, Mrs. Cake refilled it. “Thank you again.”
“Oh but of course your majesty.” Mrs. Cake said with a bow.
Celestia took another sip and it was refilled, another sip and again refilled. She looked side to side and faked a sip. Mr. Cake poured more tea in it causing it to overflow. “Gotcha.” She said with a smile.
Starburst couldn’t help but giggle at the sight. “Heh heh, did you see that Nova? She just played a little joke on them.”
Nova just laughed nervously. “Heh heh, yeah, she did.” “Come on, that was a little funny, if she has a sense of humor, then surely she isn’t as bad as your think.”
“Hello Nova, I’m glad you could come.” Celestia greeted Nova. She had a sad smile as she could tell he was still afraid of her.
Nova was sweating a little, he gulped, closed his eyes, gathered his courage and spoke. “Greetings princess, it is a pleasure to see you too.”
Celestia’s smile brightened at Nova’s greeting. “Well, does this mean you have gotten over your fear of me?”
“Not quite your highness, I’m still nervous about being around you, but I’m trying to get over it as I can tell it hurts your feelings to see me as such, and the last thing I want to do is hurt some pony’s feelings. I had the option to not show up but I came anyway. I want to get over this fear I have of you and I am sorry for it.”
Twilight was smiling at Nova’s interaction with the princess. Celestia continued. “I can see you have made some progress, I just wish you could tell me why you seem so afraid so I could help you get over it and assure you I am nothing to be afraid of.”
“You can’t be all bad, you managed to make my little brother laugh with that little joke you pulled with the tea.” Nova stated with a smile.
Celestia returned the smile as she gazed at starburst who wore a small smile of his own. “I’m glad I could make him laugh.” She turned her attention to Fluttershy. “And what about you….Fluttershy was it?”
Fluttershy responded. “Me? oh yes your highness.”
“I understand from Twilight Sparkle’s letters that you enjoy tending to the needs of the little woodland creatures.”
“Yes, I love to take care of animals.”
“As do I, as princess, I care about all creatures, great and small.” A cough was heard, Nova leaned over to one side and saw a cage next to the princess, a few feathers went flying out of the cage. He cocked an eyebrow at the sight. “Nothing means more to me then the well-being of all my subjects.” More coughing was heard as more feathers sprang out. An odd bird suddenly flew up and landed on the perch in the cage. “Ah, Philomena my pet, you’re awake. Do say hello to our gracious hosts.” The bird just coughed again and more feathers fell out.
Starburst whispered to Nova. “Nova, what kind of bird is that?”
“I have no idea, but it doesn’t look too good.”
“Oh, my.” Fluttershy let out.
“My sentiments exactly Fluttershy.” Nova whispered to her.
“She is quite the site isn’t she?” Celestia asked.
Fluttershy stuttred a moment. “I….I…..I…I’ve never seen anything like it.”
The bird just coughed and hacked some more.
Starburst felt a little bold and decided to ask a question. “Um, excuse me your majesty.”
Celestia looked over to Starburst with a smile. “Yes young one?”
“What kind of bird…..is that?”
“A good question Starburst. You see Philomena here is…..” A guard came up to her and cut her off as he began to whisper in her ear. “Really, well if I must, I’m terribly sorry little one, and to the rest of you, but I’m afraid I have to cut the party short.”
Twilight, who was drinking from a cup of tea, nearly spat it out in surprise before putting a hoof to her mouth to prevent it. Starburst chuckled at the scene when he saw it.
Celestia began to explain why she had to leave early. “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.” Celestia then made her way for the exit with her guards behind her.
Twilight had left the table. Nova saw Fluttershy look over to the cage. She made her way over and was about to open it until Nova stopped her in a whisper. “Fluttershy, what are you doing?”
Fluttershy answered back in a whisper. “Can’t you see how sick the bird is, I just have to help it.”
“But she isn’t your responsibility Fluttershy, I agree the bird looks sickly, but you can’t just take it.”
“Please Nova, just look at her, she looks aweful, I can’t just do nothing, maybe if you help me we can help her get better faster and get her back to the princess before she notices she’s gone.”
“Fluttershy, this is a big mistake, you can’t just…”
“Please Nova, I just have to help the poor dear.” Fluttershy gave him such a pout.
Nova favcehooved. “Ugh, fine, I’ll help, I just know this is going to bite me in the flank later on. Come on Starburst, you can help too.”
“Ok.”
Fluttershy then removed the bird from the cage and the three left through the back way so no pony would see them.
Fluttersh opened the door to her house and walked in with the bird on her back. “Oh you poor thing, how did you ever get in such bad condition?” Fluttershy set the bird on her couch. “Don’t you worry Philomena, we’ll nurse you back to health, as a favor to the princess who is far too busy to care for you properly.” The bird coughed.
“I still say this was a bad idea.” Nova commented.
Fluttershy turned to Nova. “Don’t worry Nova, I’m sure the princess will appreciate the help.”
“I hope your right.” Starburst commented.
The bird coughed as her head wobbled, then fell over. “Oh my, we’d better get you to bed.” Fluttershy picked Philomena up and took her over to a bed. Once she laid Philomena down and put a blanket over her, she placed a thermometer in the bird’s beak. Philomena quickly grew hot as indicated by the thermometer. “ Oh my, Nova, would you please go and get me a hot water bottle for Philomena and fill it with cold water please?”
“Where do you keep them?”
“In the kitchen, just under the sink.”
Nova went and got the hot water bottle and filled it up with cold water, then quickly came back and placed it on Philomena’s head as Fluttershy removed the blanket.
Philomena was no longer hot, but the liquid in the thermometer dropped down rapidly and Philomena started shaking from the cold. Nova removed the water bottle and Fluttershy placed the blanket back on. This went on a couple times with the liquid in the thermometer rising and falling as Philomena went between hot and cold until finally the thermometer broke.
“Well, that was pointless.” Starburst pointed out. Nova gave a little glare at Starburst. “What?” he asked clueless.
“This is far worse than I thought.” Fluttershy pointed out. “What you need is some medicine, stat!” The bird let out a cough in her face. “Starburst, I have some bird medicine in my closet near the kitchen entrance, could you go and get it for me, it’s clearly marked bird medicine.”
“You got it.” Starburst gave a little salute and scampered off to get it.
“Nova, could you get me a plate too please.”
Nova gave a smile. “Sure thing.”
The two brothers soon returned with the requested items. Fluttershy had Philomena sitting on the edge of the couch when they came back and Fluttershy was sitting on a chair with a table between them. “Nova, just set the plate on the table, Starburst, put the pill on the plate please.”
The two did as asked. Fluttershy pushed the plate closer to Philomena. “Here you go Philomena, this will fix you right up.” Philomena just sniffed it and gave a disgusted look. “Dr. Fluttershy expected that.” Fluttershy grabbed a bag of birdseed and dumped a bunch over the pill. Philomena took one lick at the pile, then started eating it all up fast.
“Wow, look at her go.” Starburst commented.
Fluttershy gave a proud smile as she looked over to Starburst and Nova. “Always works.” Philomena quickly finished off the bird seed but the pill was still there. “Almost always.”
“At least you tried.” Starburst commented.
“So what next?” Nova asked.
“I know, Nova, do you think you could use that scan spell of yours to tell us what’s wrong with her?”
Nova shook his head. “Sorry Fluttershy, but I don’t know anything about this bird, I have no idea what species it is or anything. I’d need to know that and what it’s like if it were healthy so I could compare it to Philomena here. I’m sorry but I can’t help there.”
Fluttershy was a little disappointed. “Oh, ok then, that’s all right, we’ll just have to keep at it the old fashion way and try what we can to make her better.” The bird let out another hacking cough. “Maybe some nice hot soup will help.” Fluttershy wen for her kitchen. “Could you two keep an eye on Philomena while I make the soup?”
Nova gave a smile as he answered. “Sure, no problem.”
“Thank you.”
Philomena sat on the floor while Nova and Starburst just watched her. “What are you staring at?” Starburst asked in a fake tough guy voice. “What, you want some of this, huh, huh?” Starburst just hopped from side to side while Philomena sat there with a blank stare.
Nova chuckled at his little brother’s antics. “Starburst, what are you doing?”
“This bird gave me the stink eye, I think she wants to rumble. Is that it birdy, you wanna go, do ya, do ya, you can’t handle none of this.” He gave a smirk. Starburst stood up on his hind legs and threw a few fake punches at the bird. “Come on, put em up, come on. You can’t beat me.”
Nova just shook his head with a smile. “Starbust, what am I going to do with you?”
Starburst got back on all fours and got up in the birds face. “Grrrr.” He let out a fake growl.
Philomena hacked in his face.
“Ewwe!” Starburst backed up.
Nova just laughed.
Fluttershy finally came back with a bowl of soup. She set it down in front of Philomena and blew on it to cool it down a bit. “Nothing like a bowl of homemade soup to cure what ails you. Philomena eyed the bowl, she crossed her wings and turned her head away. “Come on now, you’re not going to get better if you don’t cooperate.” Fluttershy took a fake sip. “Mmm, see, it’s delicious. Good and good for you.” Philomena just kept her wings crossed and her head turned.
“That is one stubborn bird.” Starburst commented.
Fluttershy picked up the bowl. “Don’t worry, I think I know what will work.” She held the bowl in front of Philomena. “Here comes the choo choo train, chugga chugga chugga chugga woo woo!” Philomena turned her head away from the bowl, Fluttershy moved the bowl to Philomena’s head again and she turned it away again, twisting her neck.
This went on for a bit before Nova finally stopped her. “Whoa there Fluttershy, Philomena’s neck is getting twisted.”
“Oh my.” Fluttershy stopped and set the bowl down. Philomena’s head spun around finally. She was very dizzy from it as she tried to stand up only to fall over with her head landing in the soup.
Nova picked Philomena up out of the soup and set her back down, she coughed out again with more feathers falling out. “Don’t worry Philomena, I know what will make you feel better, wait right here, I have just the thing.” Fluttershy trotted off, leaving Nova and Starburst alone with the bird.
Starburst cocked an eyebrow at the bird. “Nova, any idea what kind of bird this might be?”
“Not a clue, like I said, I’ve never seen a bird like this before, so I have no idea.”
Fluttershy soon returned with a humming bird with her. “Boys, this is Hummingway, I’ll bet he can become Philomena’s friend and help her get better.”
“Well good luck with that Fluttershy.” Nova said.
Fluttershy walked over to Philomena. “Look Philomena, I brought a feathered friend by to cheer you up. Hummningway was sick once too, but he let me help him, and he got better in no time, didn’t you boy?”
The bird hummed out in agreement. He flew off of Fluttershy’s hoof and over to Philomena. “Say hello to your new friend Philomena.” Hummingway flew onto Philomena’s back and the two started nuzzling each other. “Awe look, I think he likes you.” Hummingway then flew up in the air where Fluttershy joined him. Fluttershy sung out a few notes, Hummingway hummed out a few as well in response.
“Your turn now Philomena.” Fluttershy landed in front of Philomena. “Go ahead now, you can do it.” She sung out the same set of notes. Philomena just puked on Fluttershy’s face.
“EWE!” Starburst let out a disgusted look.
“Um, good try?” Fluttershy managed to wipe off most of the stuff.
“Fluttershy, are you ok?” Nova asked as he came over to her.
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Here, let me help you get cleaned up.” Nova went to the kitchen and found a wash rag, he got it wet and levitated it over to Fluttershy and cleaned off the rest of what was on her face. “There you go, better?”
Fluttershy gave a smile. “Yes, thank you for your help Nova.”
“So what next Fluttershy?” Starburst asked.
Nova proceeded to clean up the rest of the bird puke off the floor and disposed of the rag properly.
Fluttershy thought for a moment. “I think I know what will help. Come on, let’s get her into my bathroom.”
Nova used his magic to pick up Philomena and placed her on his back as he followed Fluttershy to her bathroom. Starburst followed close behind.
Once inside, Fluttershy took Philomena off Nova’s back and set her on a table, then wrapped a towel around her head and waist. “I know what will clear up that tickle in your throat, a humidifier.” Fluttershy went over to a water heater and turned it on. Soon the whole room filled with steam. Fluttershy took in a deep breath. “How’s that feeling for you Philomena? Refreshing right?”
Philomena started taking in a deep breath. Fluttershy started smiling bigger.
“I think it’s working.” Starburst suggested. Philomena just coughed again and more feathers fell out. “Or not.” Starburst said disappointedly.
Fluttershy shared in his disappointment. “Oh. Don’t worry, I know lots of other ways to take care of you. Don’t worry, you’re gonna get better.”
Nova came up to Fluttershy and put a hoof on her back. “Fluttershy, maybe we should just take her back now and ask the princess what might be wrong, let her take care of Philomena.”
“But we can’t, the princess must be too busy to care for her, which is why she’s in such a bad state, we just have to help her, please Nova.”
Nova tried to reason with her. “Fluttershy, I understand your love of animals, but….”
“Please Nova, I can’t just turn my back on poor little Philomena.”
Nova could tell she wasn’t going to budge. “*Sigh* Fine, We’ll help you try to make Philomena better.”
Fluttershy gave Nova a smile. “Thank you Nova, we just have to help her get better. I think I know what else we can try.”
Fluttershy, Nova, and Starburst set up scented candles around the living room. “I’m sure aroma therapy will help.”
Starburst didn’t like the smell in the room so he just held his nose. The scent in the air was too strong for his taste.
Philomena sniffed in the scent from the candles and sneezed, again causing more feathers to fall out.
“Warm Bath.” Fluttershy suggested as she put Philomena in a tub of warm water. Somehow, Philomena just absorbed all the water in the tub and grew in size. A few more feathers sprang out.
“WHOA, ok, that is weird. That shouldn’t even be possible.” Nova commented.
“Ointment.” Fluttershy tried putting some ointment on Philomena, it just made her break out in pimples. Still more feathers fell out.
“Scalpel.” Fluttershy asked for a scalpel, Nova passed one onto her. “Surgical tape.” Starburst gave Fluttershy a roll of the tape she asked for. “Feathers.” Angel Bunny passed on a basket of Philomena’s discarded feathers. Fluttershy was sweating as she worked. Angel bunny used a towel to wipe the sweat off of her head. Fluttershy had taped the feathers back on to Philomena.
Philomena gave a cough as she looked herself over, then her head just flopped over. “That…..doesn’t look good.” Starburst commented.
“Oh Philomena, I thought it would be easy to nurse you back to health, but I’ve tried everything I know, and look at you, you’re worse than ever.” Fluttershy picked Philomena up and let her perch on her foreleg.
There was a knocking at the door. Fluttershy placed Philomena down on a stool and rushed over to the door. She was about to open it when it flew open to reveal Twilight. “Hi Fluttershy.” She greeted as she walked in. “I just wanted to drop by and thank you so very much for making such a good impression on the princess today….*GASP*” Twilight let out a huge gasp once she saw Philomena sitting there.
“Hi Twilight.” Starburst greeted happily as he waved a hoof, totally clueless to Twilight’s distress.
Nova gave a nervous smile. “Hey Twilight, fancy meeting you here.”
Twilight rushed over to the bird. “What is Celestia’s pet doing here?!”
Fluttershy trotted up as she answered. “I couldn’t leave the poor thing there, she needed our help.”
Twilight started getting a little panicked. “oh no, nononononono. This…is bad.”
“How could I walk away and just do nothing?”
“But but, she doesn’t belong to you.” At this point, Philomena wobbled around and fell off the stool.
“I had to do something.”
“Without telling anypony?! Without asking permission?!”
Nova decided to interject. “Twilight, calm down, if you think about it, this was pretty much unavoidable.”
Twilight looked over to Nova. “Nova, I can’t believe you took part in this. I thought you were smarter than this!”
“Twilight, just hear me out, think about it for a second, think about how Fluttershy is with animals. If you were her and saw a sickly animal like Philomena here, what would you have done?”
Twilight thought for a moment. “*Sigh* I suppose your right, but we still need to return the princesses pet.”
“And I agree with you, Fluttershy tried everything she could to try and help the poor bird but nothing worked.”
Philomena finally popped her head up and started taking in a deep breath. After a moment of nothing happening, the conversation continued. Nova turned to Fluttershy. “I’m sorry Fluttershy, but Twilight is right, it’s time we take her back to Celestia.”
“Oh, you’re right, ok, let’s…”
Philomena let out another cough.
“Go.”
Fluttershy got a basket strapped to her back. Twilight placed Philomena in the basket and put the lid on. “If we hurry, we can get her back before any pony realizes she’s missing.” Twilight used her magic to open Fluttershy’s door. She was about to head out but let out a gasp as she saw two guards standing there.
Nova and Starburst grew worried at this. The two guards walked in as one of them began to speak. “We were told we could find Twilight Sparkle here.”
The other continued. “We regret to inform you miss, that the royal pet has gone missing.”
Twilight had a fake smile on as she responded. “Really, you don’t say, ha ha.” She let out a nervous fake laugh.
Philomena let out a cough from inside the basket. Twilght quickly rushed over next to Fluttershy and let out a fake cough of her own. The bird coughed again, Twilight continued with a few fake coughs and nudged Fluttershy to do the same. She also gave Nova a look suggesting that he play along. Starburst saw this too and figured he’d play along to help out. All four of them just started fake coughing to cover Philomena’s cough.
The two guards just looked at each other curiously.
Twilight started talking in a raspy voice. “It’s that dry night air.”
“But it’s daytime.” Fluttershy pointed out.
“Well……day air is even dryer.” She then started pushing the guards out the door. “You guards better be on your way if you’re going to find the princesses missing pet, Philomena was it? Thank you ever so much for keeping me in the loop, BYE!” Twilight used her magic to slam the door shut. She turned around and panted heavily. Once she caught her breath, she looked out the window to make sure the guards were gone.
Nova wiped his forehead with his foreleg. “Whew, that was a close one. Come on, we’d better get this bird back to Celestia.”
Twilight rushed over and got in front of Nova. “WHAT? We can’t now!”
“Why not?” Fluttershy asked.
“You have no idea what the princess will do if she finds out you’re the one who took her pet do you?"
Fluttershy responded with a cocked eyebrow. “Do you?”
“Well……no. But it can’t be anything good. She might banish you from Equestria.”
Nova widened his eyes in fear. “Banish?”
“Or throw you in a dungeon.”
“D-d-dungeon?” Nova was starting to shake.
“Or banish you and throw you in a dungeon in the place she banishes you to.”
“WHAT? Would she really do that to someone just for taking her pet? Oh no, maybe I do have good reason to fear her. What am I going to do if she finds us out?” Nova was stock still with fear except for the visibly shaking part.
Starburst was faring no better, he was sweating in fear as he hid under his brother at Twilight’s words.
“Do you really think she would do that?” Fluttershy asked.
“Ok, granted that probably won’t happen, but do you really want to take that chance?”
“T-T-Twilight?” Starburst called out to her in a stutter.
Twilight looked over to Starburst and saw the condition the two were in. “Oh no, Nova, are you ok?” she walked over to him. He didn’t respond.
“Twilight, would the princess really do all that horrible stuff just for some pony taking her pet?” Starburst asked.
Upon hearing Starburst’s question, she realized she may have just traumatized her friends. “Oh no, Nova, it’s all right, Celestia wouldn’t do that. Nova, say something.”
Nova snapped out of it. “Twilight?” He asked in fear.
“I’m right here Nova, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you like that.”
Fluttershy looked on in worry.
Nova asked the same question Starburst did. “Would Celestia…..really do all that?”
“Of course not Nova, I just got so worried I let my imagination get the better of me, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you two like that. I know how much you’re afraid of the princess, but she wouldn’t banish some pony for taking her pet.”
Nova and Starburst relaxed a bit. “Really?” Starburst asked.
Twilight gave a reassuring smile as she looked down at Starburst. “Really. I’m so sorry.”
Nova took a moment to collect himself. “It’s fine Twilight, I’m ok. So since we can’t return Philomena now, what should we do?”
Fluttershy made a suggestion. “Couldn’t we try to make Philomena better again? I just can’t stand to see her like this.” Philomena poked her head out of the basket with a cough. Her eyes were blood shot.
“Did you give her any kind of medicine?” Twilight asked.
“I tried to but she wouldn’t take it.”
Twilight let out a grunt. “UGH! Then you have to make her take it, you can’t be such a pushover Fluttershy! You need to show this patient who’s boss, make her straighten up and fly right.”
“She can’t fly.”
“No excusses!” Twilight held the pill Fluttershy tried to give Philomena in her hoof. Philomena was on the floor now, Twilight walked up to the bird that lay on her back and pushed her hoof down on Philomena’s feet, causing her beak to open. Twilight dropped the pill down the bird’s throat. “Done, ok, what else?”
“Well, she keeps pulling out her feathers as well as losing a few whenever she coughs.” Starburst pointed out.
Twilight just put a cone on Philomena’s neck to keep her from pulling out her feathers. “There you go.”
Philomena started trying to push it off. “I don’t think she likes it.” Fluttershy pointed out.
“Tough love baby, you want her to get well don’t you?” Twilight asked.
“Of course but…”
Twilight cut Fluttershy off. “NEXT!”
“Well, she desperately needs bed rest, but we can’t get her to stay put.”
“That bird just won’t sit still.” Nova added.
“One step ahead of you.” Twilight said with a smirk towards the bird. She picked up Philomena, placed her in a bird cage, locked the door and placed a sheet over it.
Philomena continued to squawk out in complaint at her confinement. Fluttershy walked up to the cage. “Oh, it’s for your own good Philomena, I promise. Please just try to relax and get some sleep.”
Twilight noticed the bowl of soup. “What’s this soup over here? It smells delicious.”
“Fluttershy made that soup for Philomena, but that bird refused to even touch it.” Nova explained.
Twilight grew an evil smile. “Oh she’ll eat it all right.” She levitated the bowl of soup up and made her way to the cage.
“Twilight, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” Nova tried to discourage her but it was too late.
Twilight lifted the sheet from the cage and opened the door. Philomena took this chance to make her escape from her tormentors. She jumped out of the cage and ran out the door. “Hey, where are you going?”
“After that bird!” Starburst cried out as he took off first after Philomena.
“Here we go.” Nova commented as he ran after Starburst. Fluttershy and Twilight followed close behind.
Philomena started running around a tree, the four ponies followed. They soon started running around it at a dizzying pace. Nova stopped and got back from the tree a bit and looked up to see the bird sitting on a branch. Nova put the tip of his hoof in his mouth and gave a whistle to get the others attention. They stopped and looked to where he was pointing. Philomena jumped down from the tree and ran off. The four continued the chase.
Somehow, they lost sight of their prey and ran about town. They came across a stranger sitting at a park bench reading a newspaper with a large mustache. Fluttershy and Twilight started asking if the stranger had seen Philomena. He just shook his head and went back to reading the paper. Nova lowered the paper and took off the mustache, revealing that it was Philomena. The bird gave out a squawk and took off.
They followed her as she went past a few guards on the lookout. The four did their best to sneak past them so as not to get their attention.
They found Philomena hiding in a house. A chase sequence too ridiculous for this author to get into went on through a series of four doors where the ponies and bird went in and out each one in a silly pattern. It eventually ended when all four came out of one door each and ran into each other. Philomena ran past them and they continued on after her.
The group was just running along trying desperately to find Philomena when Rainbow Dash flew up to them. “What are you four doing, are you having a race? Oh, can I play, one-two-three GO!” She spoke so excitedly and fast she didn’t give them a chance to answer.
The four came to a fountain where Pinkie, Rarity, and Applejack were gathered. Fluttershy lifted Pinkie up on her back trying to find Philomena. “Excuse me.”
“Hi.” Pinkie happily greeted.
“Beg your pardon.” Twilight said as she lifted Rarity up.
“Put me down!” Rarity cried out in response.
“What in tarnation?” Applejack asked.
Nova and Starburst just scoured the area with their eyes for any sign of the bird.
“Sorry but we gotta find…” fluttershy started before she was cut off by one of the guards.
“The princesses pet bird!” They all looked up to see Philomena sitting on top of the fountain with her feathers nearly all gone.
“Philomena, come down from there, you’ll hurt yourself!” Fluttershy called up.
Philomena looked to her backside to see her last feather fall out. In an overly dramatic way, she started clutching her neck and gave out fake coughs and gags. She flopped down onto the head of the statue dead……..or so every pony thought before she got up and started doing her act all over again. Then finally falling off the statue and plummeted to the ground.
“I’ll catch you!” Fluttershy was quick to act as she tried to place herself where Philomena would land. However, to every pony’s surprise, she burst into flames as she fell, turning into ashes, they fell into Fluttershy’s hoofs. Every pony let out a gasp. As Fluttershy gazed at the remains of the bird, her hooves started shaking and her eyes started tearing up.
Nova walked up to Fluttershy with a sad look. He placed a hoof on her back. “Fluttershy, I’m so sorry.”
“Poor Philomena.” Starburst added sadly as he started sniffling next to his big brother.
“What is going on here?” The princess’s voice sounded out as she approached the scene.
Nova quickly got up and turned around to see her approach. He started feeling that same bit of fear rise up in him. Starburst just hid a little behind Nova. “Oh no, Celestia, what will she do when she finds out her pet just died? This can’t be good, but poor Fluttershy, since she was the one to take the bird, she might receive the full force of Celestia’s wrath. No matter how scared I am of her, I can’t let anything happen to Fluttershy.”
“Twilight.” Celestia called for Twilight to come forward.
Twilight stepped forward with her head hung low. “Yes your majesty, there’s been a terrible accident.”
“It’s all my fault.” Fluttershy offered.
Twilight stepped in front of Fluttershy. “No princess, Fluttershy didn’t know any better, it was my fault.”
“What, I can’t let Twilight get punished too.” Nova thought to himself.
“I’m the one who did it.”
“But you were only trying to help.”
Nova finally stepped forward in front of them both. “Your majesty, if any punishment is to be given out, I should be the one to receive it. Fluttershy may have been the one to take your pet, but I could have stopped her, instead I helped. She was just trying to help your bird get better, me and Starburst helped. But we did it without your permission. If any punishment is to be given, then I will be the one to receive it.”
Twilight came up next to Nova. “Nova, what are you doing?”
“Sparing you and Fluttershy from having to face punishment, I’m not about to let you two get in trouble for this, so I’ll take the blame.”
“But you can’t, you…”
Nova cut her off. “It’s fine Twilight, I couldn’t bare the thought of anything bad happening to you. So I will accept full responsibility, no buts about it. I’m not budging on this.”
“Nova.” Twilight said sadly.
Fluttershy came up next to him as well. “Nova, are you sure about this?”
Nova gave a reassuring smile. “I am.”
Starburst then came up. “No princess, this is all my fautlt.”
They all looked down at Starburst as he stood in front of Nova bravely and looked up at Celestia. “Starburst, how are you at fault?” Nova asked.
“Well…….I…..uh…..I just am, that’s all.”
“Nice try Starburst, but you are not about to get punished for this.”
Starburst turned to face his brother with sad eyes. “But…”
“No buts, I’m taking responsibility for this and that’s final.”
Starburst ran up to Nova and hugged his foreleg in tears.
Nova looked over to Twilight. “Twilight, if I get banished, do me a favor and look after Starburst for me, he has a great life going for him here I don’t want him to lose it.”
“But Nova…” Twilight tried to say before Nova embraced her in a hug.
“Please look after him for me.” He released his hug and stood before Celestia. Starburst cried as Nova walked up to the princess. “Your majesty, I await my punishment.” He stood proud and closed his eyes.
After a moment, Nova craked one eye open and looked around, only to see Celestia wasn’t in front of him. He opened both his eyes and looked behind him to see her lower her head to the pile of ashes that was Philomena. “Oh stop fooling around Philomena, your scaring every pony.” Celestia said with a smile.
The ashes shook, then rose up into the air, in a brilliant flash, a large bird appeared with red and yellow feathers. Nova and Starbursts jaw dropped as every other pony oo’ed and awe’d at the bird as it flew overhead. “I don’t understand, what is that thing, what happened to Philomena?” Fluttershy asked.
The bird perched on Celestia’s foreleg. “This is Philomena, she’s quite a sight, as I said. But nothing unusual for a phoenix, isn’t that right Philomena.” The new Philomena gave out a call in confirmation.
“A…a phoenix?” Fluttershy asked again.
“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 its feathers and bursting into flames.” Philomena started flying around overhead. Celestia leaned down and whispered something to Fluttershy that Nova couldn’t hear as he and Starburst were still too awe struck at what just happened.
“It then rises from the ashes, fresh as a daisy. All just a normal life cycle for a phoenix. I’m afraid mishevious little Philomena here, took the occasion to have a little fun with you.” Philomena was shyly covering her face with a wing. “Say you’re sorry young lady.” Philomena gave a few squawks in apology.
Nova finally found his voice. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let me get this straight. You’re saying that your bird looked all sickly because it was nearing the end of one life cycle and was about to start another? And all that me, Starburst, and Fluttershy did to try and heal it was all for nothing?”
“I’m afraid so.” Celestia answered. “I hope she wasn’t too much trouble for you.”
“So does this mean you’re not going to banish me and throw me in a dungeon in the place you banish me to for what we did?”
Celestia gave a smile. “Of course not my little pony, where would you get such an idea like that?”
“Overactive imagination I guess.”
“Nova, I must say, it was very noble of you to be willing to take full responsibility like that for your friends. You really care about them don’t you?”
Nova gave a smile as he looked back at Fluttershy and Twilight who were looking at him with smiles. “I sure do.” He faced forward again and bowed. “Princess, we are very sorry for taking your bird without permission, but as you know, Fluttershy had only good intentions. I should have tried harder to talk her out of taking Philomena from you and I am sorry for that.”
“It’s all right. I see you have gotten over your fear of me quite a bit.” Celestia pointed out.
Nova raised his head again. “Not quite your majesty. I am still afraid of you, Just not as much as I used to be, but what scared me most was the thought of what would happen to Twilight or Fluttershy should they be the ones to receive the blame for Philomena being stolen, I couldn’t let anything happen to them, so I pushed my fear aside and did what I did.”
“You are very brave Nova, and I can tell you have a strong heart as well.”
“Thank you princess.”
With that mess out of the way, every pony went back to their own business after Celestia left for Canterlot to return to the castle.
Later that evening, tonight was the night Nova was to take Twilight to Vinyl’s club. He and Starburst walked over to Twilight’s after the sun had set and the moon rose. A half-moon was out tonight. Nova knocked on the door and Spike answered. “Hey Spike, is Twilight ready?”
“Yep, come on in.” Spike stepped aside to let the two in. “Twilight, Nova is here!” Spike called up to Twilight’s room.
Nova looked to Starburst. “Ok Starburst, same rules apply, you be good for Spike and do what he says.”
“Don’t worry Nova, I’ll behave.” Starburst responded with a smile.
Nova returned the smile. “Glad to hear it. Try not to stay up too late.” Nova and Starburst shared a hug.
Twilight soon came down. “Hello Nova, ready to go?”
“Sure am.”
“We’ll be back later Spike, you two behave yourselfs.” Twilight said to the two.
Twilight and Nova then made their way through the town towards the club Vinyl owned. As they drew closer, they could hear music coming from a black building with neon letters that read ‘Club DJ PON3’ (I’m not good with coming up for names for places, sue me.)
As they approached the door, there was a large muscular earth pony stallion guarding the door. “Name?” He asked the two.
Nova started. “Um, Vinyl Scratch invited me, my name is Nova, and this is my date Twilight.”
The bouncer took out a clipboard and scanned it. “Hmm, here we are, Nova plus one guest, VIP. All right, you may enter.” The bouncer held the door open for the two.
“Thank you.” Twilight said to the stallion. They walked in as their ears were filled with the sound of music and their eyes filled with flashing colorful lights. The place was packed with ponies dancing or sitting at the bar drinking. Nova started getting worried with so many ponies around. Twilight saw him growing nervous and placed a hoof on his shoulder with a smile. “Don’t worry Nova, I’m right here with you. If you want, we can go somewhere else.”
Nova shook his head. “No, it’s fine, I had to come here sometime or Vinyl will probably come looking for me. As long as your with me, I’ll be fine.” He gave a smile.
Twilight returned the smile.
Nova easily spotted Vinyl as she was on a raised platform in front of a table with two large speakers responsible for the music filling the club.
“Wow, this is some place.” Nova commented.
“I’ll say, so what should we do first, dance some or get a drink?”
“Why don’t we get a drink first.” Nova led Twilight to the bar where they found two empty stools. The bartender was a Pegasus stallion with a green coat and a white mane and tail. He had a drink shaker as a cutie mark.
“Hey there, welcome to the club, don’t think I’ve seen you two before, first time here?” He greeted cheerfully.
Nova answered. “Yes it is, I’ve never been to a club before, but Vinyl there was rather insistent I come when I met her.”
“Really? Say, you wouldn’t happen to be Nova would you?”
“I am, why?” Nova cocked an eyebrow.
“Boss said the drinks are on the house for you and your date.”
“That’s really nice of her.” Twilight commented. “So what do you have to drink here?”
“We got all kinds of juices and drinks. Milkshakes, fruit juices, vegetable juices, milk, chocolate milk, whatever you want.”
“Do you have any fruit punch?” Twilight asked.
“Sure thing, one fruit punch coming up, what about you?” The bartender asked as he looked at Nova.
“Um, I guess I’ll try the vegetable juice.”
“You got it, fruit punch and vegetable juice coming up.” The barkeep then left to fetch their drinks.
Twilight turned to face Nova. “Nova, I wanted to thank you for what you did today.”
Nova turned to meet Twilight’s eyes. “What do you mean?”
“When you were willing to take on full responsibility for what Fluttershy did, and for trying to protect her and me. I really appreciate it.”
Nova smiled. “You’re welcome, like I said, I couldn’t bare the thought of something bad happening to you, and Fluttershy is a good friend. Too bad it was all for nothing, I got off scot free.”
Twilight returned the smile. “Still, it was very brave of you to do so.” She leaned forward and kissed Nova on the cheek.
Nova’s smile grew as he started to blush a little. “Um, thanks Twilight.”
The bartender soon came back with their drinks. “Here you go, hope you like them, if you need anything, just let me know.”
“Thank you, we will.” Nova responded.
“So Nova, have you really gotten less afraid of Celestia?” Twilight asked.
“Kind of, I don’t feel as afraid of her as I did before, especially after that little joke she pulled on the cakes with the tea during that little party. Starburst really liked that.”
Twilight laughed a little herself. “Hm hm, yeah, I guess it was kinda funny. I didn’t think Celestia would do something like that.”
“What, a princess isn’t allowed to have a sense of humor?” Nova asked with a smile.
“I didn’t say that, I just never knew she had it in her.”
“Well I think, and I believe Pinkie Pie would agree with this, every pony has the potential to be funny.”
“I think she would.” Twilight laughed a little again.
Nova took a sip of his drink. “Mm, not bad.”
Twilight took a sip of her own. “Mmm, this is good.”
Nova kept his eyes on his drink as he spoke. “Twilight, I know I keep saying this and I know you keep saying the same thing in response, but I am sorry to keep you all waiting for me to tell you all this secret I have. Believe me I want to tell, but my fears of what might happen should I tell you are just too great.”
Twilight gave a reassuring smile as she spoke. “I know Nova, and your right, I will say the same thing in response, I can wait, we can all wait, just take your time. You can tell us when you’re ready, and when you do, I promise nothing will change between us. We’ll always be your friend.” Nova looked up from his drink over to Twilight with a smile.
“But what if I want to be more than a friend to her, she’s so nice, and understanding, and beautiful. I am afraid of what would happen should I tell them, but maybe I could at least see what it would be like to have a…..mare friend I believe the term is here. If I ask her now though, would it be too soon, what if she says no? Come on Nova, you’ll never know if you don’t at least try, you two have been through so much so far.”
“Nova, is something wrong?” Twilight’s voice brought him out of his thoughts.
“Huh, oh, no, I’m fine, I was just…..thinking about something.”
“Like what?”
“Come on, just ask her, the worst she can do is say no.” “Eh, Twilight…..I don’t suppose…..you would…”
“YO, Nova, what’s up, glad you made it.” A new voice called out from behind.
Twilight and Nova turned around in their seats and saw Vinyl walking up to them wearing her signature shades. “Oh, hey Vinyl.” Twilight greeted.
“Twilight, HAH, never thought I’d see you in here. Good to see you though.” Nova started drinking his juice as Vinyl then turned to him. “So this is your date huh, I thought you had a mare friend.”
Nova did a spit take upon hearing this. “Mare friend, oh no, she’s not…..I mean..we…we’re just….”
Vinyl laughed while Twilight blushed. “HA HA, relax dude, I’m just messing with you. But seriously, are you two a couple or what?”
Nova tried to answer a gain. “Well…..I’d like us to be.”
Twilight turned to Nova in surprise. “Really?”
Nova turned to face her. “Yeah, I mean, why not? I really like you Twilight, a lot, and we’ve been through so much together. You’re kind, and smart, and caring, and so many other wonderful things about you I can’t list them all.”
“Uh oh, looks like I helped start something.” Vinyl said teasingly with a smile.
Twilight was blushing more. “You…..really think so?”
“I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t think it. So what do you say Twilight, want to make it official and be my marefriend?” “Please say yes, please say yes, please say yes.”
“Nova…..I…I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes, please say yes!”
“I….ok, sure, I’d love to be your marefriend.” Twilight was blushing and smiling so big.
“YES, Oh SWEET CELSTIAL BODIES SHE SAID YES!” “Really, that’s great. You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that Twilight.”
“Ah yeah, congrats you two.” Vinyl cheered. “I’m gonna go put on some awesome music to celebrate, you two need toget on the dance floor to celebrate.”
“That’s ok, there’s no need for that, I don’t know how to dance.” Nova said with nervousness.
“Oh come on Nova, it’ll be fine, I don’t really know how to dance either, but it’s still fun. Come on.” Twilight grabbed Nova by the hoof and left their drinks at the bar. Twilight guided Nova onto the dance floor as Vinyl started up some dance music.
“What up every pony?!” Vinyl’s voice was heard over the speakers. “I got great news, a new friend of mine just got himself a marefriend, so let’s crank it up to celebrate!” The crowd of ponies cheered. The speakers started booming out music to dance to as every pony started dancing.
Nova and Twilight did their best to dance to the music. For a couple of ponies that didn’t know how to dance, they were doing all right and had fun doing it, even Nova forgot his fear of the crowd as he danced with Twilight. Nova couldn’t be happier that he had himself a mare friend.