I woke up the next morning and the first thing I was wanted to do was to go to Sugarcube Corner and apologize to Pinkie for getting all angry at her and that I didn't mean for it to happen. So getting dressed up straight away, I opened the door but then stopped to find a letter at my door, I opened it up and it was an invitation to a special lunch with Celestia at Sugarcube Corner. I picked it up and trotted over to the shop. Entering the store, I saw Mrs. Cupcake from behind the counter.

"Ahhh hello Mrs. Cake, you and your husband back from your vacation?"

"Yes, we got home yesterday evening. So we were here before Pinkie came in, but she didn't seem happy to see us." she answered worryingly.

"Oh...about that, is Pinkie awake, it's something that happened yesterday between her and me."

"Oh I see...yes, she'll be down shortly...Pinkie Pie!" she called. "By the way, are you here for the lunch special?"

"I am, here's my invitation which I accept." I handed it over to her by the counter.

"There we are, you're now on the guest list."

"Cool."

Soon, Pinkie came downstairs, but she seemed to be a little down...now I felt bad for the way I acted towards her.

"Morning Pinkie, can we talk?" I asked calmly.

"Okay, let's talk over here." she answered pointing to a corner.

We walked to the corner by the shelves with pots and plates.

I cleared my throat and told her, "Pinkie, I want to apologize for the way I let my anger out on you yesterday, I didn't mean it intentionally or personally. It was just a heat of the moment that I didn't see coming and not only that, you nearly kinda cost the ponies of Appleloosa the whole town with your song that did nothing to solve the issue. Just leave it to the experts in future, the ones that know what they're doing, alright?"

"Okay, I'll try not to mess things up from now on." Pinkie replied with a bit of happiness. "I just can't help with how I act, it's how I've always been."

"I know and I should've taken that into account, but I didn't, so I'm sorry for shouting at you."

"Thank you, Bond...and apology accepted." Pinkie replied

We both then smiled and went in for a forgiving hug...Pinkie felt happier now and so was I.

"With that out of the way, do you need some help with the food today?"

"Actually, we need an extra pair of hooves, Bond." Mr. Carrotcake said who appeared from the kitchen, "You've worked with Pinkie in here a lot since you've come here."

"Oh yes, this is where I can put what I've learnt to good use, I'll gladly help."

"Thank you, Bond, come on you and Pinkie, we're gonna need to get through this one as smooth as possible."

Pinkie and I walked into the kitchen and knowing where everything was, we got to work.

It was just about lunchtime when we were done with the food, I had just finished setting up the tables and right on time, I heard a carriage arriving outside.

"It's the Princess! Quick!" I exclaimed as the last of the food was placed on the table.

Soon, the Princess walked into Sugarcube Corner, with her guards stationed outside...I of course bowed in her presence.

"Princess Celestia, it is great to see you again." I greeted.

"Bond Racer, I am delighted to see you again as well." Celestia replied, "I hope Twilight and the rest of her friends will arrive soon."

"They will eventually, the lunch party is about to start...and who's that?" I asked, noticing a bird on her shoulder.

"Ohhh, this is a pet bird of mine, I'll tell you more soon."

"Okay...ah speak of the devil, here comes Twilight and Spike." I pointed, seeing Twilight enter the shop with Spike on her back.

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Twilight Sparkle, good to see you my faithful student and you too, Spike." Celestia said.

Soon, the lunch party was in full swing, most of the other ponies began to arrive...well those who sent their invitations and were on the list anyway. Fluttershy was the last one to turn up as I saw Twilight greeting her into the shop.

"Thanks, Twilight." Fluttershy said.

"I'm so glad you could make it Fluttershy, it wouldn't be the same without you." Twilight replied.

I walked on over to where the Princess was sitting.

"Anything else we can get for you, deary-I mean esteemed guest?" Cupcake asked before correcting herself.

"Everything is fine Mr. and Mrs. Cake." Celestia answered.

I saw Twilight looking quite nervous as she was walking with Fluttershy, before a loud voice got my attention.

"Don't touch me!" Rarity yelled, "Watch the dress, careful, you're gonna spill that on me."

"Oh Rarity...you and your Canterlot standards." I said to myself.

I also noticed Applejack, confused on what to eat on the table, I walked on over.

"Just start with whatever you wish to eat, don't mind what the other ponies say, just tuck in." I insisted to her, before she did start eating.

Just then Pinkie started bouncing around, I guess she's back to her old self now...ah well, it's still random but that's why we love her. She then stuck her head in a chocolate fountain which went hard instantly before breaking into pieces...but then she did the unthinkable, she then zoomed over to Celestia and ate one of her cupcakes.

The Cakes gasped and took her away...Carrotcake brought back a new cupcake for the Princess.

"A thousand pardons, your majesty." he said as he moved backwards slowly.

"That's quite alright, thank you."

I breathed a sigh of relief, looks like Celestia is more laid back about the ponies here than I thought. Soon, I took a seat by the Princess whilst Twilight sat on the opposite side of Celestia along with Fluttershy.

"Oh yes, how have you been Bond Racer?" Celestia asked me.

"Much, much better, ever since my Sister and I had the talk with your help."

"That's good to know and what about you, Fluttershy is it?" Celestia asked, turning her attention to Fluttershy.

"Me? Oh yes your highness." she replied.

"I understand from Twilight Sparkle's letters that you enjoy attending to the needs of woodland creatures."

"Yes, I love to take care of animals."

"As do I, as Princess, I care deeply about all creatures great and small."

We then heard coughing coming from the birdcage Celestia had on the table.

"Nothing means more to me than the health and well being of all of my subjects."

Soon, the bird flew up and it looked quite the worse for wear.

"Ah Philomeena, you're awake. Say hello to our gracious hosts."

The bird squawked very croaky which was odd.

"Oh...my." Fluttershy said quietly to herself, feeling shocked.

"She is quite a sight, isn't she?"

"I...I...I've never seen anything like that before."

Just then, a unicorn guard came in and whispered something to the princess.

"Really?" she asked which the guard nodded, "Well, if we must."

She then looked at all of us, "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 all for a wonderful time, it's been a joy getting to know you all better."

Celestia was about to leave but then the guard whispered something else, she then looked at me. "Bond Racer, you're also needed to speak with the Mayor."

"Alright Princess, lead the way."

She giggled, "I will."

"See you girls, later." I said to the others as Celestia and I left Sugarcube Corner, whilst being escorted by the guards.

As we walked on our way to the Town Hall, I had a question on my mind. "Princess, what about your pet bird, Philomeena? Isn't there a chance that it might get stolen or something?" I asked her.

"There is no need to worry, Bond. One of my guards will go back and then will report to me." she answered.

"Alright." I smiled.

We arrived at the Town Hall shortly and entered through the door into the main centre area where Mayor Mare was waiting.

"Greetings, Princess Celestia." the Mayor bowed as she saw us. "It is an honour to have you at this important time...and you too as well, Bond Racer."

"Hello Mayor. The feeling is mutual." Celestia winked.

"So what is it you wish to see me for, Mayor?" I asked.

"Oh yes, first of all I have received a letter from the Fillydelphia National Council that your parent's will was discovered from your late Aunt's home." The Mayor explained.

This gave me a sudden shock, "A will? They left a will?" I asked on confusion.

"Yes and I have it right here, it was said that nopony, not even your sister knew about this will, but they seemed to had it all planned and written down in advance."

"And I know why too." I added, "Because they loved me much more than my Sister, they had everything planned and what they wanted for me to do in case something happened to them...which of course, a few years ago, something DID happen to them." I sighed, feeling sad, thinking back to the tragic night.

"But you have come a long way since then, Bond, never forget that." Celestia assured me which made me smile again.

Then, we heard a guard barging in..."Pardon me, your highness!"

"Yes?" Celestia asked.

"I followed back to Sugarcube Corner as you asked and I'm here to tell you that Philomeena has gone missing."

Uh oh, this can't be good...I had an inkling on who would steal the bird but I wasn't so sure.

"Guards, both of you find Twilight Sparkle and ask if she knows where it may be gone." she then used a bit of magic as if to locate Twilight. "She is at a cottage, looking over the Everfree Forest."

"Yes, your highness." one of them replied, before they both left the town hall and galloped away.

"Ah here it is, your parent's will." the Mayor said, passing a paper to me. I read the following:

To our wonderful son Bond Racer

If you are reading this letter and will, then you will perhaps know the real story of what happened to our sister and us. For these reasons, we wanted to apologize for the way we didn't take kindly to your sister's jealousy, we tried to do what was best for the family at the time. You were more blessed and special because you were an alicorn and you deserved to be treated twice as much.

However, since we are no longer alive, we are leaving behind and passing on the following things we had planned and prepared for you.

First off, we leave you with 5,000 bits stored away in a safe that we secretly transported to Mayor Mare with the Princess's blessing.

The mayor then brought out a small safe with a padlock and a key.

Secondly, we leave a family pocket-watch which is also in the safe that has been carried throughout the family generation, do whatever you can to keep this safe and when the time comes, pass it on to your children.

Thirdly, if you have found a special pony to love, we give you our blessing and permission to marry her, no catches.

This made me thought of Trixie which no other pony still knows about...yes I love Trixie, but do I wish to marry her? That's FAR too soon to ask that question...oh well, least I'd have the bits to buy an engagement ring for her if I wanted to.

Finally, although your sister did not approve of how we behaved, we wanted to leave behind a small bag of bits to support her future education if she wishes to.

We may not be around but we will always love you, we're so proud of you and we're blessed to have raised a wonderful alicorn as our son. Don't stop for being who you are, don't stop on giving and receiving love and don't stop living the dream and what your cutie mark tells you.

Your loving parents...

After I finished reading, a small tear came down my face as I smiled.

"Mum and Dad." I sniffed, "I'll always love you too and I forgive you...thank you."

Celestia placed a hoof around me, "There's one other thing I wish to add to the will."

I looked up at her.

"Don't stop in believing the element of Faith, as it is your faith that brings the faith and hope to the other elements of harmony."

"I second that motion." the Mayor agreed.

I smiled as I brought the safe and the will paper towards me.

"Now, what is the other reason you wish to see me?" Celestia asked.

"Oh yes, I want to know how many of the Ponyville guests will you be willing to accept for the upcoming Grand Galloping Gala?"

"First of all, the seven special ponies and Spike are the top priority."

"Good, I'll be sure to notify them...well the rest of them." the mayor corrected herself, noticing I was still here.

Soon, a door opened from behind.

"Your highness, Philomeena has been found." one of the guards said.

"Show me the way."

"Yes, your highness."

Celestia and I left the Town Hall as the guards took us to the fountain where we saw the other six ponies.

"What is going on here?" Celestia asked firmly.

The others bowed as they saw her.

"Twilight!"

"Yes, your majesty?" Twilight asked, sadly. "There's been a terrible accident."

"It's all my fault." Fluttershy presented herself to the Princess.

"No, Princess. Fluttershy didn't know any better. It was my fault." Twilight intervened.

"I'm the one who did it."

"But you were only trying to help."

"Some help I was."

"Will ya let me do this? She'll go easier on me."

"But it's my fault!"

"No, it's my fault!"

"No, it's my fault!" Pinkie intervened, "Wait, what are we talking about?"

"Girls! I think that's quite enough." I said to them firmly.

"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 back to you, honest." Princess Celestia walked over to the burnt ashes. "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."

Princess Celestia looked over at Fluttershy then at the ashes. She lowered her head and remained quiet for a moment.

"Oh, stop fooling around, Philomeena. You're scaring everypony." She suddenly spoke. The ashes moved and shot upwards towards the sky. Everypony gasped. The ashes spun mid-air and formed something magnificent, causing every pony to awe in its appearance.

"I don't understand!" Fluttershy exclaimed. "What is that thing? What happened to Philomeena?"

It flew and landed on Princess Celestia's foreleg. "This is Philomeena. She's quite a sight, as I said. But nothing unusual for a phoenix. Isn't that right, Philomeena?"

Philomeena released a proud answer, no longer the naked bird she was a few minutes ago, but a majestic creature instead.

"A... A phoenix?" Fluttershy questioned.

"A phoenix is a majestic and magical bird." Princess Celestia explained. "While it appears healthy and happy most of the time…" The phoenix rose from Princess Celestia's foreleg and began flying in the air. "…every so often it must renew itself by shedding all of its feathers and bursting into flame." She lowered her head towards us and whispered. "Rather melodramatic, if you ask me." She pulled away. "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 Philomeena here took the occasion to have a little fun with you, Fluttershy." Philomeena lowered her head in embarrassment. "Say you're sorry, young lady."

Philomeena made an "I'm sorry" sound.

I guess looks can be deceiving in the world of Equestria too.

"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?"

"Of course not, my little pony! Where on Earth would you get such an idea?"

Fluttershy looked over at Twilight, who was staring towards the ground, nervously. "I guess I have some imagination."

"Fluttershy really did do everything she could to try to take care of Philomeena for you." Twilight added.

"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 Philomeena was a phoenix and saved you all this trouble."

"I know. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. Next time I'll ask before taking matters into my own hooves."

Twilight made an expression where she looked as if she just remembered something. "Should I write you a letter about that lesson, Princess?" Twilight asked.

"No, that's quite all right. I think I can remember." She responded as she looked at Philomeena standing on her back.

As the royal guards brought over Philomeena's cage, Philomeena rose in the air and flew, giving Fluttershy one of her feathers, which landed softly on her ear. Fluttershy looked back at her and smiled. "It's beautiful. Thank you, Philomeena. No hard feelings."

Rainbow Dash looked at the guards for a moment and flew up to Philomeena. She whispered something to the phoenix. Philomeena nodded and flew to the top of the cage between the guards. She spread her wings and began tickling their noses with the tip of her feathers. After a few seconds, they began snickering and soon laughing out loud. Philomeena flew over to Rainbow Dash and tapped her wings with Rainbow Dash's hooves. "Yeah!" She laughed with Philomeena.

Soon, we were all sharing the laughter...but then I remembered that I was holding onto my safe and will with my magic.

"Well then, I should get back to Canterlot." She looked over to Philomeena. "Come on, Philomeena. It's time to go home."

She returned to her birdcage and waved all of us goodbye. The royal guards had also brought a carriage to take Princess Celestia back to Canterlot. The Princess gave us one last wave and smile before she left.

Everypony sighed happily.

"Oh Bond, what is that safe and paper you're holding?" Twilight asked.

"I'll tell you another time." was all I could answer.

Heading towards and into my home, I placed the will down and stored it in one of my chest of draws and stored the safe down and unlocked it with the key, I opened it to find a huge bag which must have the 5,000 bits my parents left for me as well as the pocket watch which was in complete solid gold and it looked like brand new. I took it out of the safe and I placed it on my bedside table next to the lamp. As I got into bed, I wondered about something else...I never have told anypony about my cutie mark, maybe I'll get the chance to say something about that or maybe I won't. The other thing was what I learnt today...phoenixes are cool! Next Chapter: The Cutie Mark Chronicles Estimated time remaining: 24 Hours, 23 Minutes