“How are you feeling, sister?” Luna asked. She currently stood by the white bed, where Celestia laid. She was still covered in bandages but at least she was conscious.

“I have been better. More importantly, can you tell me what exactly happened after you struck me with a lighting bolt?” Celestia asked and watched Luna's pained expression. She didn't hold any grudge for it but Luna was still disappointed with herself.

Luna shook her head and said, “After you fainted, we teleported you to our tower and then we engaged that phoenix in combat. It seemed upset after it had noticed that you were gone, so it attacked us instead. Sister that creature is one of the strongest foes we have ever battled. It shrugged off our lightening bolt, survived being soaked in cold water and defeated squadron of our finest guards in mere seconds. Those are astonishing feats by themselves but the creature was strong to fight the Elements of Harmony and overpower them!”

“Wait a second. What do you mean by that? Did it resist the attack?” Celestia asked. She was getting really worried. How could that phoenix fight the Elements of Harmony and even stand its ground? Then again, it has defeated her, but the Elements too?

“It didn't exactly take the blow, instead it countered the elements with … we don't even know what it was. This spell looked like a beam similar to yours sister but much stronger and more dangerous. It was strong enough to overpower the elements, put the trees on fire and even melt the ground!” Luna exclaimed as she looked at Celestia. The look of utter shock and disbelief was written all over her face. Celestia bit her lip and tried to comprehend all the information.

“If that phoenix is strong enough to defeat the Elements of Harmony, then we have to capture it as soon as possible. You need to make an announcement, Luna. If anyone sees that creature, then they need to report it immediately. Hopefully we will find it before it hurts anyone else,” Celestia ordered, her eyes narrowed.

***

“I saved the ponies, saved the ponies. Hell yeah!” Phoenix screeched happily as he soared in the sky. With this I should be able to redeem myself at least partially. Although one more good deed wouldn't hurt, right? If I remember correctly, there was a village near to the battlefield. If I helped some ponies around there then it would boost my chances of getting friendly with them. He flapped his wings and flew towards the village. A few minutes later he was already there.

All the ponies living there attended their own business instead of hiding in their houses and that was definitely a good sign. He focused his sight and noticed an equine he had met before. She wore the same stetson as the last time and she was selling apples with a smile on her face. Well hell, her presence in the village means that other ponies are not far away. If I showed up I would be attacked on sight and then they would use their crazy beam again. I would rather not tempt fate. He decided to stay in the air for the next few hours because sooner or later something bad was bound to happen, at least he hoped so. It didn't take long until he spotted a peculiar sight.

Three little ponies walked to the same forest, where he had fought Celestia. That is not a bright idea. I'd better make sure nothing bad happens to them. He lowered both his core's temperature and the amount of light he was expelling. It certainly was an odd feeling even though he got used to it. It was like all the warmth and heat suddenly flushed into his core leaving rest of his body a bit chilling and a bit weaker. Still considering that he didn't burn everything in close proximity it was a good trade off.

Phoenix sighed before he silently glided behind them. Once or twice they looked behind them, like they were aware of his presence. Fortunately they never bothered to look at the sky, which he was grateful for. When they entered the forest he followed them inside as he stayed out of sight but close enough to be able to interfere if something went wrong. One of the advantages of being a star, was his sight and hearing which allowed him to “see” even if he was somehow blinded. That and the ability to detect any type of heat even if it was very far away.

The ponies were following a beaten path for a couple of minutes before he heard a quiet growl. Why I am not surprised? He heard paws hitting the ground and rattling of wood as the creatures that made them came closer. He silently took into the air and watched the ponies who were unaware of the danger. If I go in and safe them before those wolves or whatever they are arrive then they might think that I am dangerous and we can't have that happen, so let's see how it goes. The noise got louder before he heard a loud roar and a pack of monsters jumped onto the road. They resembled ordinary wolves except the fact they were completely made out of timber. They had sharp claws, viscous jaws and a desire to kill in their eyes. The ponies screamed, before they started running away with wolves on their tail.

Phoenix wasted no time. He quickly took off and followed them as he stayed right behind the ponies. The wolves were surprised when they noticed him but they paid him no attention and focused on the prey in front of them. Suddenly one of the wolves jumped, jaw spread open, claws extended. It probably would have succeeded, if it weren't for Phoenix who grabbed the wolf in the mid air and tore him apart with his talons. Seeing this the wolves growled but they continued their chase nevertheless. After a minute or so the ponies escaped the forest and arrived at a small meadow before they suddenly stopped. There were even more of those monsters in front of them and no less behind them. They turned around expecting to see more of them. However, what they saw instead made their jaws drop to the ground. A huge Phoenix was hovering right in front of them, slowly flapping its wings. It was at least three times as tall as they were with its wingspan five times bigger than that of a Rainbow Dash. The ponies hugged each other uncertain what to do with a look of fear on their faces.

Seeing this Phoenix could sense anger building up in his core. “How dare you attack them?!” He screeched before he landed right in front of the ponies and glared at the wolves.

He could hear the other other wolves coming closer so he quickly set up a firewall circling him and the ponies, leaving only a small passage between him and the wolves in front of him. The ponies screamed as the fire raged but they didn't know it wouldn't hurt them unless he ordered it to do so. Phoenix continued watching the wolves as they gathered in front of him and then they they started to howl. One by one their bodies started to glow before they fell apart and formed into one giant wolf. It was huge, its' paws that were as big as he was and a single claws was about as big as half of his wing. It's head was at least twice bigger than him with a single tooth as big as he was. Not to mention that it was as long as a big whale.

Phoenix sighed before he gathered all the flames that circled around him into a single fireball which he sent towards the monster. The monster swung its paw against the fireball with the intent of deflecting it . What it did not expect was the power of the attack. A huge inferno of flames twice the size of the claw burst out where the fireball hit, leaving only a scorched stump. The monster looked dumbfound at the remains of his limb before it turned towards Phoenix. There it noticed several more fireballs circling around the phoenix, all bigger than the first one. Seeing the wolf yelped in fear before it ran back into the forest.

Phoenix sighed with relief before he absorbed all the fireballs, put out all the flames on his body and looked at the ponies right in front of him. They shivered in fear as they watched him. He didn't mean to hurt them so he decided to let them calm down and took a few steps back. They looked a bit surprised before they started talking among each other. I wonder what are they talking about?

***

“What just happened?” Sweetie Belle asked. She was still a bit anxious though with her eyes spread wide open and limbs locked up around Apple Bloom's neck.

“I don't know, Sweetie Belle but I think that this fellow isn't evil,” Apple Bloom said.

“Of course he is not! He just beat that giant timber wolf in no time!” Scootaloo exclaimed. She stared at the phoenix with a smile on her face. “It's almost as cool as Rainbow Dash!” Hearing this Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle glanced at each other before they turned towards Scootaloo.

“Okay then, let's assume that it's not evil. However, can we trust it?” Sweetie Belle asked. She still didn't trust that creature, especially after seeing its power. With just one attack it was capable of chasing off that timber wolf with ease. Of course, she wouldn't trust it just like that.

“I really don't know, Sweetie Belle,” Apple Bloom answered as she took a good look at the creature. It had two bracers attached to its legs and a white breastplate, protecting it. The breastplate had multiple items engraved in it. In the middle of it there was a golden cross like object with two red eyes sticking out. Then on the right side there was a weird ruby like shape shining brightly. On its left side there was a scythe like object. The last two items were directly below the cross. The first one resembled a sapphire while the other looked similar to a pipe. She had no idea why was it wearing so many items but it certainly struck her curiosity.

“Does it really matter? Because it was really awesome! Hey do you think it will let us ride on its back?” Scootaloo asked.

“I don't think it will...” Sweetie Belle answered but then the creature laid down on its armor, put out the flames all over its body and gestured them to hop on. Scootaloo squeaked from happiness before she hopped on the phoenix and found a comfortable spot. It was warm, cosy and she could grab its beautiful feathers. She looked at her friends and noticed that they were starring at her with surprised look on their faces. Then she remembered the girly sound she had made and flushed red.

Scootaloo cleared her throat and said, ”Come on girls what are you waiting for?” Both Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom reluctantly climbed up and found a spot for themselves. Suddenly all the ponies felt a pull towards the Phoenix. They were about to ask what had happened when suddenly Phoenix spread out his wings and jumped into the air. They screamed in unison as they felt sudden change of pressure which lasted for several seconds. The Cutie Mark Crusaders slowly opened their eyes and took a look around.

They gasped from the view before them. Ponyville was similar to a shape of a huge wheel, then right above it was Cloudsville although they were too far away to notice pegasi. Then there was Everfree forest below them two huge craters in the middle of it separated by a distance. They admired the scenery for a couple of seconds before Phoenix started to flap his wings and flew towards the town. I really don't like the idea of going into that town, mostly because those crazy ponies live there. However, I have to bring them back to safety otherwise this whole rescuing them wouldn't make a lot of sense. Ah damn it all! I don't care anymore. I will bring you back safe and sound even if I have to fight again! And with renewed determination he flew towards the village.

***

Rainbow Dash loved flying more than everything else. She spent almost every part of her life either flying or practicing to become to the fastest flier in entire Equestria. However, every once in a while she appreciated taking a short nap during the day. All she had to do is to make that damn cloud comfortable enough. She already beat it up, all that was left to do was to find a cosy position. It didn't take long until she managed to do so and closed her eyes. She was on the edge of falling asleep when suddenly she heard a scream and immediately woke up.

She frantically looked around and spotted the same phoenix which she had met before. What shocked her was the presence of Cutie Mark Crusaders on its back. She remembered how it had humiliated her last time and could feel burning, impulsive anger building up in her body, but above everything else the desire to save Scootaloo and the others. She took off into the air and flew behind the phoenix. The creature turned its head slightly before it screeched and sped up.

“Oh you want to race?! Then let's see how good you are!” Rainbow Dash yelled before she quickened up her pace. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were unaware of her presence as they held on tight, their eyes closed. She gritted her teeth as she closed the distance. She was about to grab its tail when suddenly the phoenix dove towards the earth. She quickly followed it coming closer and closer until she was just a few inches away from it when suddenly the phoenix slowed down. Rainbow Dash barely avoided it and almost collided with it before she took a few turns and found herself in the midair. She took a look around and then noticed that the creature landed right in the middle of the Ponyville.

Most of the ponies formed a circle around the creature before she landed in front of it and glared at the phoenix. The phoenix either didn't care or it didn't notice and just stood there with CMC on its back. Then Scootaloo raised her head and her eyes went wide. Somehow she was already in Ponyville, faster than she could possibly imagine. She was about to shake her friends when she noticed that they were as surprised as she was. Then suddenly the phoenix laid down and let them go. They didn't waste any time and climbed down before Scootaloo rushed to Rainbow Dash with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle next to her.

“Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo cried as she hugged the pegasus. She returned the hug before she looked at the phoenix. It sat down and just watched them and didn't move an inch. It made her anxious but for now she focused her attention on Cutie Mark Crusaders.

“Are you girls all right?” Rainbow Dash asked and inspected whether something happened to them. She didn't spot any wounds or bruises so she assumed they were safe and sound but that didn't make her any less angry towards the phoenix.

“Yeah, yeah we are fine. That phoenix over there.” Scootaloo pointed her hoof at Phoenix. “It saved us from a big bad timberwolf! And then it brought us here,” Scootaloo answered before smiling.

“Wait what? It saved you?“ Rainbow Dash asked, her eyes wide from the information. She was about to ask the details when she noticed her friends standing at the opposite side of the circle.

“Apple Bloom!”Applejack said and ran towards her little sister.

“Applejack!”Apple Bloom cried as she hugged her sister back. She was relieved to see her sister and her smile. In the meantime similar scene happened next to her as Sweetie Belle and Rarity embraced each other. Once everypony calmed down a bit they turned their attention towards the phoenix which sat there all that time.

Suddenly Twilight spoke, ”Can somebody explain to me what is going on?”

“That phoenix saved us from big bad timber wolf and brought us here,” Sweetie Belle answered. Hearing this ponies started to whisper among each other. Twilight on the other hoof bit her lip and thought deeply for a second before she came up with a plan. We cannot just attack it or tell what it has done to Princess Celestia otherwise we will cause fear and commotion. We have to take it somewhere else and communicate with it. I hope Fluttershy can do it.
“Fluttershy,” Twilight said and the pegasus squeaked before she hid behind Pinkie Pie. Twilight sighed before she continued, ”Could you communicate somehow with that phoenix?”

“I … um I guess I could try,” Fluttershy answered timidly before she slowly approached Phoenix. Its head following her all that time until she stopped right in front of it. She gulped and slowly raised her head and soon she could see its head. “Um... my name is Fluttershy and I am an animal caretaker. What is your name?”

“Holy hell, I can understand you!” Phoenix screeched. He wanted to say something else but his sudden outburst must have startled the mare and she hid behind her hooves. He didn't mean to do that and did the first thing that came to his mind. He apologized, “I am sorry I didn't mean to scare you.” He was surprised himself that he did that but it seemed like it worked. She slowly stood up and smiled. It was one of the most caring and beautiful smiles he has ever seen and he couldn't help but smile himself although it looked like he just pouted. “My name is Phoenix and it is a pleasure meeting you.”

“It is alright, it is nice to meet you too Phoenix,” Fluttershy said.

“Pleasure is all mine. Now then can you understand everything I say?” He questioned.

She shook her head and said, “Just simple things.”

“I see. I would like to thank you for that, miss Fluttershy. And I would like to assure you that I mean no harm,” Phoenix said and begun waiting for a reaction.

She titled her head and asked, “You mean to hurt us?” He could see fear in her eyes as she took a step back.

“No, no, no you got it all wrong! I am not your enemy... “Phoenix answered . He really messed that up, again. She looked at him with those puppy eyes and he didn't know why but it felt like he was about to hit Enchantress which was one of the worst things he has ever experienced. Luckily he managed to control himself and sighed. If I knew these ponies could be so damn cute I wouldn't let my guard down. In any case let's hope that she was able to understand what I had just said to her.

In the meantime Fluttershy turned towards her friends and said, “Um... he says that he is not an enemy.”

“Yeah right,” Rainbow Dash said to express her skepticism.

“But why then did it att... umf,” Applejack said before Rarity pushed her hoof into Applejack's mouth.

“I think questions can wait darling,” Rarity said and Applejack nodded before she continued, ”Twilight darling, do you think we could invite our guest here to your library? From what I have heard it should be more or less fireproof, isn't that right?”

“Well I guess you are right, Rarity,” Twilight admiited, while taking a look at a Phoenix. He certainly is bigger than Big Macintosh and a bit wider but he should be able to pass through the door rather easily. “However first of all, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle I want you to go home right now.”

“But, but … Twilight! We can get our Cutie Marks if we stay with it!” Scootaloo cried.

“No buts! I can understand your intentions but for now let us take care of this. We will let you meet it soon enough and then you will tell us the entire story,” Twilight said and teleported the ponies to their club house.

“Okay then Fluttershy please tell him to follow us. We will bring him to the library,” Twilight said.

Fluttershy nodded before she turned her head towards the phoenix and said, ”Umm... Could you follow us to the library?” Phoenix nodded and then Fluttershy smiled before she nodded towards her friends.

“Okay then let's head out to the library,” Twilight Sparkle said before they started walking towards the building with Phoenix following them. The crowd watched the entire spectacle for a few minutes but soon enough ponies returned back to their business.

As Twilight and her friends walked Phoenix couldn't help but notice the tension surrounding him. He wasn't surprised though. After all the trouble he caused it was only natural to be afraid of him. Well I just hope that I can explain everything and with a stroke of luck they will forgive me. After a couple of minutes of walking they have finally arrived at their destination. It was a huge tree with several windows and doors big enough for him to pass through. Once they were inside he noticed a small purple like creature with scales. It was similar to a dragon in ways but unlike Jakiro or even Dragon Knight.

“Hey Twilight, who is it?” Spike asked as he took a look at the phoenix. Twilight didn't answer and instead she locked the door, summoned her quill and notepad before she circled the creature and stopped right in front of it.

“His name is Phoenix and he is the one responsible for the recent trouble. Now then please listen everypony,” Twilight said and all of her friends turned their heads towards her, “I am going to cast a universal translation spell that will allow us to understand him. However the spell takes more energy if there are multiple users so we need to be fast and precise. Is that clear? “

The ponies nodded in unison before Applejack raised her hoof and asked, “I have got a question Twilight. What are we going to ask it about?”

“Well most importantly we need to know why it attacked Princess Celestia. After that we will see,” Twilight answered and focused her magic. Her horn started to glow before she casted her spell. A big sphere similar to that of a bubble appeared right in the middle of the room spreading over everyone. Once it finished expanding Twilight asked, “Can you understand me?” Phoenix turned his head towards source of the voice. He could somehow understand her, most likely due to that sphere. It surely made his life easier.

“Yes I can understand you,” Phoenix answered. However instead of a voice he could hear himself screeching. What the …? Why didn't it work?

“Did anypony understand what he had just said?” Twilight asked as she looked at her friends who shook their heads. Why didn't my spell work? She looked at the phoenix and repeated her question. Her eyes went wide when she noticed that the creature nodded its head. “Did you just nod?” Phoenix repeated the gesture and Twilight squealed in glee. She was worried for a second there. She turned off the spell before she turned her attention towards her friends and said, ”It looks like that he can understand us but it doesn’t work the other way around. So that means we can only ask questions that can be answered by simple “yes” and “no”. Now that we know that, could you do something for me Applejack?”

"Sure Twilight. What do ya need?” The farmer asked.

“Can you give us a sign whenever Phoenix tells a lie?” Twilight asked.

“I guess I can but don't cha think it would be insulting? He did save Apple Bloom and others,” She questioned.

“I know that but we need to absolutely certain that it means no harm. Otherwise it might turn out to be nothing more than an act. Okay then, is everypony ready?” All the other mares nodded their heads in unison before Twilight renewed her spell. “Okay then, Mr. Phoenix I am going to ask you a couple of questions and I would like you to nod or shake your head depending on the question. Is that alright with you?” Phoenix nodded, Twilight took a deep breath and asked, “Did you attack Princess Celestia with the intent of harming her?” Once again Phoenix nodded.

Twilight bit her lip before she wrote down the answer in her notepad. In the meantime her friends glanced at each other and the dialogue continued. “Did Princess Celestia harm you in any sort of way?” Phoenix wanted to nod but it wasn't entirely true, so he shook his head instead. He could see all the ponies staring at him. It seemed like he had confused them with his answer. Hopefully next question will clear everything up.

“Okay then another question. Do you intend to harm anypony else?” asked Twilight and watched as Phoenix shook his head energetically. She was confused. Why did he attack Princess Celestia if she didn't harm him? And why he doesn't want to hurt anypony else? It makes no sense, unless... “Did Princess Celestia hurt any of your kind?” This time Phoenix nodded. Twilight looked at Applejack but she shook her head which meant that the creature didn't lie even once. She had a hard time believing the fact that the Princess would hurt one of the phoenixes. Why would she do so in the first place? I have to ask her about this. She turned off her spell, looked at her friends and asked, “So what do we do now? We can't really threaten him so any ideas?”

“Who cares? Let's just beat it up and bring it to Princess Celestia,” Rainbow Dash said as she punched the air.

“Last time you fought him he was able to to beat you in mere seconds and don't tell me you let him do that because I know for certain that you never hold back. Now then are there any other ideas?” Twilight said while Rainbow Dash flushed red before she crossed her front hooves.

“I know, I know. Let's throw him a “Welcome to Equestria, please don't burn us!” party!” Pinkie Pie said cheerfully as she bounced off from the floor.

“Oh Pinkie...” Everyone said in the unison. Hearing all that commotion Phoenix wondered whether it was a good idea to come here. Sure I can run away but what is the point? It is not like they can threaten me even with that crazy beam. Sure it is powerful but it takes way to long to prepare and this time I know exactly what to expect.

“Um... maybe we could teach him how to communicate with us, Twilight?” Fluttershy proposed.

“That is ... a great idea, Fluttershy! I can't believe I didn't think of it in the first place,” Twilight admitted and both mares smiled. She could feel that she she used a bit of her magic and broke a sweat so she whipped it with her hoof and turned towards her friends. “Okay then, I think it is settled for now. I can't really use this spell for long periods of time with so many ponies.”

“I have to agree with you, darling. It is time to call it a day and get back home. I have got several new designs in my mind and I would like to see them in real. Besides I would like to know what exactly happened in Everfree forest so I hope you don't mind Twilight,” Rarity said. She didn't like the creature yet but it certainly was unique and struck her imagination.

“It is okay, Rarity. I think I can handle it myself,” Twilight answered. Soon all the mares bid their farewell before they departed leaving Twilight, Spike and Phoenix all by themselves. Then Twilight sighed and turned towards Phoenix with a grin on her face. Phoenix didn't know why but suddenly he felt an urge to run away from that mare. I don't know why, but I have a feeling that I am going to regret this.

Author's Note

THAT TOOK SO DAMN LONG!

I really wish I could just write a chapter every week but I just can't because there are too many things to deal with.

In any case I hope you like it so far and if you spot any errors please give me a sign.