“Fluttershy, this is my pet phoenix, Philomena.”

“Oh, my goodness—I never saw a phoenix before!”

“A phoenix is a very special kind of bird. It’s beautiful when all of its feathers are present. It can even burst into flame without feeling pain!”

“Erm—Your Highness, do I need extra-special instructions to take care of your phoenix? I don’t want her to burn me!”

“Don’t worry, Fluttershy; she won’t burn you. She won’t burn until she loses all of her feathers.”

“I’ll try my best, Your Highness.”

---

“Dear Twilight Sparkle.

“The princess has summoned me to the Canterlot Royal Gardens!

“She’s letting me take care of her pet phoenix, Philomena!

“I can’t believe that the princess would ask me—of all ponies—to go with her to Canterlot!

“Did I mention that Philomena was a beautiful bird?

“The princess expects me to take extra-special care of Philomena.

“I promised the princess that I’d do my very best—and I will!

“Would you like to see Philomena someday?

“I’ll be back in Ponyville as soon as the princess dismisses me.

“Love, Fluttershy.”

---

All was well at the Canterlot Royal Gardens—until…

“Philomena! Your feathers!”

I picked up all the feathers that Philomena had shed, and then, I galloped toward the palace.

“Your Highness, please come quickly! Philomena’s getting sick!”

“Fluttershy, the princess isn’t here.”

“Oh, dear!”

“I told Twilight where you were—remember?”

“Yes, but…”

---

“Halt! State your business!”

“Sir, my name is Twilight Sparkle. Fluttershy sent me a letter telling me where she was.”

“We’re her friends—especially me!”

“Our darling Fluttershy needs us!”

“Pretty please—with icing on top?”

“We’re telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”

“Right this way, mares.”

“Thank you, sir!”

---

“But Your Highness, I failed you!”

“No, you didn’t. You were in the right to ask for help.”

Now, Philomena had shed all her feathers.

“When Philomena shed her first feather, I started to panic!”

“It’s all right, Fluttershy. I know you can’t help it.”

Applejack turned to face me.

“Say, Fluttershy, do you want to help me on the farm?”

“Oh, my goodness—would I ever!”

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