S1 E22 Everypony! The Cutie Mark Chronicles are up next!

On a bright day in Ponyville there was an important day to be had where Princess Celestia comes to visit to have brunch with the ponies there. Malibu was anxious to see his mother again after so long so he could tell her in full detail about their Appleloosan adventure.

He was helping Applejack bring some pre made food to Sugarcube corner though some would still be made there. They suddenly heard the carriage landing, and Malibu could see his mom in it.

She stepped off the carriage with a regal smile. Malibu ran out the door of the bakery, his eyes shining with love for his mom. "Oh, my colt!" Exclaimed Celestia as she hugged him tight in her arms and wings. Malibu snuggled into her chest. "I missed you, momma," He said. "And I you. I am happy to be able to spend some time with your friends at this banquet."

Other ponies that have been invited were now going in but made room for Celestia and Malibu when the two walked indoors. Malibu could smell all that wonderful food at the banquet. Twilight was there, looking rather anxious and making sure everything ran smoothly. His other 4 friends were there too except Fluttershy. He hoped she wouldn't be late as there were now two guards outside blocking the entrance.

Right as the clock rang for noon, it was time for the brunch to begin. The Cakes laid out all the food for everypony and Malibu found his seat next to his mom, gathering up his food to eat, smiling at Celestia who ruffled his mane. It had been a long time since he got to spend quality time with her, even if it was just for the day.

Meanwhile Fluttershy had arrived right as the brunch had begun but was halted by the guards. "Halt! Who goes there?" Malibu heard one of them ask. He saw Flutter backing away in fear, Twilight walking up to the doorway. "It's alright sirs, she's on the list," She proclaimed, allowing her friend inside. Malibu got up from his chair to say hi.

"So happy to see you here, Fluttershy," Malibu greeted. Fluttershy nodded shyly. "Me too," Twilight said. "It wouldn't have been the same without you." He watched how everypony enjoyed each other's company. Malibu saw Mr. Cake bringing out some pies that Spike had baked.

Mrs. Cake brought a cupcake to Celestia as Malibu sat down in his chair again with Twilight next to him. "Anything else we can get for you, dearies? Ooh, I-I mean, esteemed guest." She asked. Celestia shook her head. "Everything is fine, Mr. and Mrs. Cake."

Fluttershy glanced at Twilight. "Sorry I'm late, I had to finish taking care of a patient first." Twilight sighed. "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!"

Malibu chuckled. "Twi, I haven't seen you this nervous since one of your exams at the School of Magic," He teased, making her glare. Fluttershy shrugged. "Well, I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. Besides, it's just a casual get-together, right?"

Rarity's voice was suddenly heard. "Don't touch me! Watch the dress! Careful, you're gonna spill that on me!" She was struggling not to let them ruin her gala dress that she had made that one time ago though Malibu wondered why she bothered to wear it when she could be saving it for the night of the Gala. A pony offered her a cupcake too. "Oh, oh, that looks delicious. What is it? Oh, does it stain?! Keep it away from me!" She then cowered and shook, making him roll his eyes.

"Not casual then," Malibu stated, Fluttershy nodding. He glanced over to Applejack who was struggling to find the first thing to eat. "Uh... which is the salad and which is the appetizer again? And which am I supposed to eat first?" She tried three different foods, nearly eating them then avoiding it. "Oh, never mind, I'm not hungry." AJ pushed her plates away, ears lowered.

Twilight looked nervous, having Malibu pat her shoulder. "It's ok, Twilight." Fluttershy assured. "So our friends' manners aren't perfect. I doubt the Princess will even notice." She spoke too soon when Malibu watched Pinkie Pie jumping about, eyes bright at all the food in front of her.

"Woo hoo! Cupcakes, candies and pies, oh my!" She splatted a pie into her face, making Malibu's eyes widen slightly. Pinkie went over to a chocolate fountain. "Oooh! Chocolate fountainy goodness!" And then Pinkie did something unexpected; by thrusting her face into the fountain.

She's crazy... the teal alicorn thought, as the chocolate hardened around her head, then somehow breaking out of it and eating the chocolate. Suddenly Pinkie zipped up to Celestia. "You gonna eat that?" And instantly ate the cupcake.

"Pinkie!" Malibu snapped while the Cakes gasped and pulled Pinkie Pie off the table. "Hey!" She shouted. The couple gave Celestia another cupcake and refilled her tea. "A thousand pardons, your majesty."

Celestia bowed. "That's quite alright, thank you." She sipped her tea. Once it was empty Mrs. Cake pointed. "Empty tea cup at 4:00!"

Mr. Cake nodded. "I see it, honey bun!" Malibu's ears fell slightly at their stress mode, pouring more tea in. His mom smiled as her tea cup was filled. "Oh um, thank you."

Mrs. Cake bowed. "Not at all, your Highness." But as Celestia took a sip again, they filled it once more. It happened four times until Malibu saw his mom pretend to sip and Mrs. Cake poured one but it overflowed.

"Gotcha!" She teased, winking at Malibu who chuckled. Twilight however looked rather nervous still, cowering. Celestia turned to Fluttershy. "And what about you dear, Fluttershy is it?"

Fluttershy jumped. "Me? Oh, yes, your Highness." Malibu saw his mother smile. "I understand from Twilight and Malibu's letters that you enjoy tending to the needs of woodland creatures."

His pegasus friend blushes. "I love to take care of animals," She replied in a shy tone. Celestia then put a wing around Malibu, nuzzling him. "Mom... not in front of everypony," Malibu mumbled though he loved her hugs. "As do I. As Princess, I care deeply about all creatures, great and small."

Malibu jerked a bit in surprise when he heard a hacking coughing noise. He turned to a covered cage. The cover fell off, revealing a disheveled looking bird that looked somewhat familiar. Fluttershy's ears lowered. "Oh... my..." The teal alicorn went up to the cage and looked at the bird. The bird tilted its head, squawking.

Celestia saw this. "Ah, Philomena, you're awake. Do say hello to our gracious hosts." Malibu was surprised that this was Philomena right now; the majestic phoenix he met those years ago was now all shriveled and hacking. "She's quite a sight, isn't she?" Celestia asked. Fluttershy however never met a phoenix. "I...I... I've never seen anything like it."

Malibu nudged her. "It is momma's Phoenix. I'll tell you more about her later." Fluttershy nodded, as a guard whispered to the Princess. "Really? Well, if I must..." She stood up. "I'm sorry, everypony, I'm afraid I have to cut the party short. The mayor has reqested an audience with me. Royal duty calls." Malibu saw everypony else looking upset.'

"Thank you for a wonderful time. It's been a joy getting to know you all better." Celestia walked outside, Malibu following his mom out while Fluttershy glanced at Philomena in concern, thinking about trying to help the bird out.

Outside mother and adopted son looked at each other. "Do you really have to leave, mom?" Malibu asked, a hoof on her chest. Celestia nodded, stroking her son's cheek. "I do dear. But I still look forward to other letters from you and Twilight." The two nuzzled each other and Celestia left to meet the mayor.

When Malibu went back inside he saw that the food was cleared out but something was different. He looked at Philomena's cage and to his surprise; the Phoenix was missing! Who would take her? That was when a certain pegasus came to his head, making him groan, running to Fluttershy's cottage.

Inside Fluttershy was doing her best to make Philomena feel better but nothing she tried was working, not having researched about Phoenixes. Malibu looked inside on time to see her trying to put Philomena's feathers back on, and ran inside. "Fluttershy!" He shouted out loud, making her jump and shriek. "What are you doing? Why did you take Philomena?"

The yellow pegasus's ears fell. "She looked so sick, I couldn't leave her like that," She whimpered, making Malibu face palm himself again. "You don't understand, Fluttershy. Philomena is a Phoenix, a firebird. If you would just listen to what I have to—." He was interrupted when the door was knocked upon, and it was Twilight.

"Hi, Fluttershy! I just wanted to drop by and say thank you so very much for making an impression on the princess today..." She had gasped when spotting Philomena. "M-Malibu? Fluttershy? What is Celestia's pet doing here?!"

Malibu raised his hoof. "I had no part in this, Twilight. Fluttershy had been trying to heal her and I was about to explain..." Twilight went into panic mode like she sometimes did. "Oh no. Nononononono! This is bad."

Fluttershy tilted her head. "How could I just walk away and not do anything?" Malibu stuttered, trying to speak but was overtalked again, so he just decided to stay put near Philomena, ears flat, a frown on his face. The two talked back and forth about Philomena until eventually Fluttershy agreed to return Philomena to his mom.

The three got a basket to put the phoenix in and covered it up, placing it on Twilight's back. "C'mon," Malibu said. "We can get her back before anypony else—!" He froze in place at the sight of the two unicorn guards at the entrance, having frowns on their faces, Twilight squeaking in fear. "We were told we could find Twilight Sparkle and Prince Malibu here." Malibu gulped. If his mom thought he was involved with taking her, this was bad.

"We regret to inform you two that the royal pet has gone missing." The second guard said. Malibu smiled nervously. "Really? You don't say?" Twilight said in a nerved voice, right as Philomena coughed. Malibu faked his coughing, smiling innocently. "Just a cough..." He coughed again as Philomena did a second time, Twilight and Fluttershy joining in.

The guards glanced at each other with raised brows. Twilght hacked as she spoke. "It's that dry night air?" Malibu nudged her, shaking his head. "Daytime, Twi," He corrected. Twilight flushed. "Well... day air's even drier. 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 had shoved the two guards out the door and closed it sharply, breathing a sigh of relief.

Malibu saw Fluttershy going to return Philomena. "What are you doing?!" Twilight exclaimed. Fluttershy looked at her. "Going to return Philomena, remember?" Malibu shook his head. "Not while the guards are trying to find her. And my mom would think I had a hand on this!" He said, feeling his own nerves panicking too. "And you have no idea what the Princess is gonna do if she finds out you're the one who took her pet, do you?!" Twilight yelped.

Fluttershy shook her head. "Do you?"

Twilight comprehended that. "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... Malibu?" For her alicorn friend was stock still, eyes round at the idea of it happening to him, shaking.

Fluttershy put a hoof on his shoulder, rubbing it. "You really think Malibu's mother would do that to him, or any of us?" Twilight had to agree, while Malibu did his best to calm down. He was certain his adopted mom wouldn't throw him in the gutter like that. "Ok, granted that probably won't happen, but do you wanna take any chances?"

Malibu glared. "Not helping," He snapped, swishing his tail. "Sorry," The mulberry unicorn apologized. "All that really matters to me is that Philomena gets well," Fluttershy stated. That made Malibu speak again. "Fluttershy, you really should read on these birds. This is supposed to happen to them." He explained, gesturing to the hacking Philomena. Fluttershy looked devastated at what he said but then agreed. "Can I at least give her this?"

She looked at the bowl of soup. Twilight smelled it. "It looks delicious." Fluttershy. "Yes but she wouldn't eat it." Twilight groaned. "You have to make her eat it, you can't be a pushover, Fluttershy. You want Philomena to get well?"

Fluttershy nodded. "Yes, but..." Twilight lifted up the bowl, a smirk on her face, holding it to Phlomena. The Phoenix saw Twilight's scary face and the soup, giving a shriek and running out the door. Malibu ran out after her. "You shouldn't have scared her!" He shouted, the other two running out with him.

They chased Philomena all around town and out near the Everfree Forest, the phoenix squawking in fear as Malibu cornered her.

"Alright, Philomena. My mom is missing you. You have to come back with us. His magic in his horn lit up to carry her back but suddenly heard low growling from the trees. He glanced up in fear, recognizing those growls. Glowing eyes came out of the gloom, revealing a pack of fierce Timber Wolves, literally made of wood.

Philomena squawked in fear as one tried to snap at her, running out of the way, the others going for Malibu. He shot his magic at one knocking one down, but more kept coming, smelling the Phoenix and wanting to make a meal out of her. "Malibu, watch out! The leader's claws are poison!" Twilight screamed, Malibu finding himself face to face with the bigger Timberwolf.

The pack leader roared, raising it's claws and brought them down, but too fast for Malibu to dodge. It scratched his chest badly, making the gargoyle clone yelp in agony, feeling his chest in fiery pain, falling to the ground, looking up weakly and fearfully as the pack surrounded him. Twilight and Fluttershy wanted to help but there were too many of the Timberwolves.

Malibu wealky glanced through their legs at Philomena who was tilting her head, chirping in fear for her owner's son, before eventually one more feather fell off her head and she fell into dust. Fluttershy and Twilight both gasped in sadness at what had happened but Malibu knew what was gonna come next, flinching as the leader Timberwolf leaned in to kill, it's breath awful, closing his eyes, chest buring in pain from the poison.

Fluttershy was in tears for both Malibu and Philomena but as for Philomena; the dust began to swirl, and spin around, causing the pack to look up in surprise, until soon, it transformed into the more majestic form of Philomena that Malibu remembered her as, a smile on his face.

The now reborn Phoenix turned to the pack, her face all fierce, flapping her wings, squawking ferociously. One wolf tried to bite at her feathers, but she dodged it, lifting her wings, and displaying a bright flash from them, making the Timberwolves whimper from how bright it was, rubbing their eyes and retreating into the Everfree Forest.

Malibu remained lying there on the ground, groaning weakly in agony as he vaguely heard more hoofsteps as his other friends had heard the commotion, and the voice of his mom. "My son!" She sobbed, running to her fallen adopted colt, seeing those horrible scratches on his chest. "M-momma?" Malibu mumbled, trying to get up but falling down with a whimper of pain. Philomena saw, squawking sadly.

She rested her head near his wounds. "Philomena, please heal my son," Celestia begged tearfully, shaking. The phoenix chirped then began to cry. Everypony else watched in confusion as the tears hit Malibu's chest wounds. Malibu winced painfully from the feeling but could eventually feel the poison going away, the tears working their spell on him.

Philomena cried one last tear and soon the three scratches were finally gone for good, leaving the chest like it wasn't wounded at all. Malibu looked at Philomena, then down at where his wounds had been. "P-Philomena... y-you saved me..." Malibu murmured, reaching to pet her, causing the bird to trill in happiness, his other friends cheering in the background. Celestia went to give her son a wing hug.

"You scared me, Malibu. What happened to lead you into facing off with Timberwolves?" Malibu felt his face burn in shame, looking down, knowing he had to tell. But Fluttershy rescued him. "It was my fault, Princess." Twilight shook her head. "No, Fluttershy didn't know any better. It was my fault."

Fluttershy stomped her hoof. "I'm the one who did it! I caused Malibu to be hurt!" Twilight tried to smile. "But you were only trying to help Philomena." The pegasus huffed. "Some help I was. And we ignored Malibu trying to tell us how Phoenixes worked."

"Guys..." Malibu said softly while remaining in his mom's hold, feeling tired after having poison in him. "Will ya let me do this? She'll go easier on me!" Twilight snipped, the two continuing to say whose fault it was. "No, it's my fault! Wait, what are we talking about?" Pinkie said randomly, everypony else glaring at her before she went to stand a bit further away.

Fluttershy stepped up to Celestia who now had Malibu on her back to bring to the hospital. "Thanks for trying to protect me, Twilight, but... 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 after having it hurt Malibu, then that's what I deserve." She lowered herself to the ground in shame.

Celestia next smiled, a hoof under Fluttershy's head. "Phoenixes always turn to ash when they have to rejuvinate themselves. All in their normal life cycle. A bit melodramatic if you ask me," She said softly to both her and Malibu who chuckled. "And their tears can help heal wounds as well, which is what makes them special besides their fire." Celestia added much to Twilight's interest.

"So you aren't 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?" Malibu rolled his eyes at that question as his mom shook her head. "Of course not, my little pony. Where on earth would you get such an idea?" She asked. Fluttershy gazed at Twilight who blushed. "I guess I have some imagination." The yellow pony replied.

Celestia giggled. "And I do appreciate that your heart was in the right place, child. But all you had to do was asked me first hand when I showed her to you that Philomena was a phoenix and saved all this trouble." Fluttershy looked guilty again, but didn't feel as bad as she did before. "I know. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. Next time I'll ask before taking matters into my own hooves." She said like how Twilight would've written a letter.

Twilight glanced expectantly at her tutor. "Should I write you a letter about that lesson, Princess?" Philomena landed on Celestia's shoulder, nuzzling Malibu who laughed, knowing now he owed the phoenix his life. "No, that's quite alright, I think I can remember. And my son needs to rest." She flew Malibu to the Ponyville hospital to ensure he got the rest he needed.

While laying in his bed Malibu noticed his mom crying softly. "Mom?" She stroked his forehead. "I don't want to see you get hurt like that ever again. I love you too much." The two hugged one another. "Me too." The love between mother and son grew even stronger that day.

.....

Decided to add a more climatic ending so Philomena could get some action in since she didn't have much of that in the original episode. Plus we never see much of her again in the rest of the series if you haven't noticed.

Just three episodes left before The Best Night Ever!