There was a knock on the door before they swung open and the unicorn with a white coat came in. He was holding a newspaper as he turned towards the princess and said, "Good morning, Princess Celestia. How are you feeling today?"

"I feel much better than yesterday, thank you for your concern doctor Hooves," Celestia answered. Hearing her answer, he smiled and took a look at the instruments. Everything was working just fine so he didn't need to worry, at least for now.

Then he turned towards princess as he unfolded the newspaper. "Your majesty, May I suggest reading this newspaper? I found an interesting article about a particular phoenix that might interest you." Celestia nodded and was about to levitate the newspaper to herself when suddenly Luna teleported inside, startling both of them.

The newspaper hit the ground as the princess of the night turned towards Celestia and asked, "Sister, did you read today's newspaper?"

"I was about to do that before you came in," Celestia answered and smiled. She was really happy to have Luna back, although sometimes she tended to overreact. Hearing her answer Luna flushed red before she opened the newspaper and levitated it to Celestia. Celestia's horn shone brightly as she grabbed it and started reading. With each line her eyes were getting wider and wider until she finally reached the photo. The photo showed the same phoenix that had attacked her before and the ship it rescued. For a few seconds she just stared at it before she folded the newspaper and turned towards the doctor. "Could you leave us alone for a few seconds, doctor? I need to discuss a couple of things of a royal matter."

"Yes, your majesty," the doctor answered before he left the room.

At the same time Celestia turned towards Luna and asked, "Is this confirmed?"

"Unfortunately yes, sister. We have investigated this accident earlier this morning and all the passengers spoke the same thing. That they were rescued by the phoenix which then flew away. What do you think it means, sister?" Luna asked.

"I am not certain. All I know is that this creature is different than I initially thought. On one hoof it attacked and tried to kill me but then on the other hoof it rescued my loyal subjects. Why would it do that? Unless... It's a trap to lure me out," Celestia answered as she thought deeply.

"Hmm... it certainly is a possibility. We need to be cautious for now. We won't rest until we capture that phoenix!" Luna said in the Royal Canterlot Voice before she teleported out.

Celestia sighed as she looked at the article again."What is it up to?"

***

I immediately regret my decision! For the last few hours Phoenix studied with Twilight Sparkle learning the basics of their language. It wouldn't be that bad, if said unicorn did not try to ask about pretty much everything. Luckily for him, he couldn't speak yet, so he could not answer her questions even if he wanted. Fortunately enough she gave up after he had ignored her twentieth attempt. Still he had to admit it was surely refreshing to study something that was not connected to killing others.

"And this is how you write in past simple, do you understand?" Phoenix nodded as he stored all that valuable knowledge in his core. Their letters are unlike anything I have ever seen so far, but it seems like I am getting better at this. Twilight smiled as she watched her guest.

It was hard early on when she tried teaching him but she enjoyed this activity a lot. It reminded her of her studies with Princess Celestia. Then the phoenix summoned a flame that enveloped one of her quills before it rose into the air and wrote down the letters on a single scroll. When he showed her this ability the first time she almost screamed and tried to put it down. After that incident she understood how it worked more or less. It was similar to wool in touch and it did not burn anything yet no matter how flammable the object was. She took a look around and noticed that it was already dark. She glanced at the clock which showed that it was half past eleven.

Her stomach rumbled as she blushed furiously before she said, "I'm going to take a shower and get something to eat. Would you like something yourself?" Phoenix shook his head and continued writing all the letters again along with the words he has learned so far. Twilight turned off her spell that surrounded both of them in close proximity. It made her stagger a bit before she went to her bathroom, took a quick shower with warm water that made her moan a little before she went to the kitchen. There she ate some juicy apples, drank some tea and returned to her guest before she summoned the translation bubble once more.

"Phoenix?" He turned his head towards her. "Let's call it a day. We have made an excellent progress and if we force ourselves through the night we won't achieve anything. So I'm going to sleep. If you need anything I will be upstairs, okay?" He nodded before the bubble disappeared. The sudden shook made Twilight a bit wobbly but she regained her composure. She was about to go when suddenly Phoenix made her squeak from the surprise as he lifted her using his flames before he put Twilight on his back and went upstairs. Twilight was definitely all red on her face as he laid her softly on the bed and covered her with a sheet. Twilight smiled and said, "Thank you, Phoenix". He did not answer, instead he simply nodded and went downstairs. She felt really tired and it didn't take long before she fell asleep.

In the meantime Phoenix sat down next to the table and opened another book using his flames. He started reading but his mind was busy on the other matters as he thought about everything that had happened. It seems like I'm finally getting somewhere but at the same time I have caused too much trouble to be able to fly around unnoticed. Sure I have helped those ponies but their princess is still probably quite mad. I wonder ... what should I do now? It took him just a couple of minutes before he came up with a perfect solution to his problem.

Smiling, he closed the book, opened the door, went outside, made sure nobody was watching, spread out his wings and flew to the Everfree forest. There he landed on the battlefield and calmed himself down. He took a deep breath before everything started. Slowly but surely multiple flames started to envelop his entire body, covering every little part of it. The air temperature began to increase, causing the surrounding area to shimmer from the heat. He gritted his beak as he prepared for the inevitable. Seconds later a wave of pain passed through his body. The flames were shining brightly as his body changed its shape. He could feel his claws disappearing as they were being replaced with hooves, his beak with a pony's head and so on, until it finally finished.

Where once stood a huge flaming fire bird now stood a pegasus pony in its place. He had grey draconic eyes, huge feathered wings colored red and orange, a tail similar to that of a lion and a fiery fur and mane that seemed like it could be set on fire any moment. He also had a pair of brown bracers attached to his hind legs and the white breastplate that changed its size to suit that of his user. Phoenix had no idea how this worked but he appreciated that fact nevertheless. Another benefit of participating in battle of the ancients. Although I always wonder how the hell all the items stay on you when you get turned into a sheep?

It took him a couple of seconds to catch his breath before he looked at his body. He was impressed that it worked so well but he had to make sure that it didn't hinder him in any way. He spread out his wings, jumped into the air and started his maneuvers. After a couple of rounds he was fairly certain that this body didn't limit him at all. In fact an additional pair of limbs could be useful. Phoenix smiled before he landed on the ground and started walking towards the Ponyville. He needed some fresh air and besides the night was beautiful. The silence around him was a nice change of pace. After a couple of minutes he finally arrived at the edge of the town. He was about to go to the library but then he noticed the same blue equine he had fought earlier. What is she doing here? Oh yeah, she is probably manipulating the dreams or something. Phoenix compelled the thought as he watched the princess. It could be dangerous if she realized who he was, especially if she noticed him with his armor. Then again meeting with her was inevitable. The sooner he got over it, the better it would be and that way he wouldn't risk Twilight and others.

Phoenix made up his mind, took off his armor, hid it in the barrel behind one of the houses and started walking towards the town's square. It didn't take long until the mare noticed him. He knew she was watching him but made absolutely nothing to make her realize that fact. What he did not expect was the invisibility. He could still hear her hair waving, her heart beating and her face frowning, not to mention she emitted heat making it easy to find her even when she landed in a dark alley on his left. Once he passed her, she started following him silently. After a couple of minutes he reached the town's square and stopped with the princess mimicking him.

Then he sighed, smiled, sat down and started watching the sky. It had to look weird. A lone stallion, sitting on a dirt, in the middle of the night, starring at the stars. I could have came up with something better now that I think about it. Whatever, what is done is done. He sat there silently and the only indicator that he was still alive was his slightly moving chest. A couple of minutes later the princess finally decided to act.

She turned off her invisibility, cleared her throat and asked, “Who are thou and what are thou doing here so late?”

Phoenix turned his head around and then he immediately got up and stared surprised at the princess of the night. He then opened his mouth but nothing came out. He then shook his head as he pointed at his throat.

“Can't thou speak?” Luna asked as she cocked her eyebrows. Her eyes widened when she noticed that the stallion nodded. She then bit her lip and said, “We are sorry, we didn't mean to offend you.” Phoenix smiled and nodded. Seeing this Luna smiled herself as she took step forward and asked, “Thou can write, isn't that right?” Once again Phoenix nodded and then the princess of the night summoned a quill and a parchment before she levitated them in front of the phoenix. She pointed the tools and said, “Please use this tools and answer our questions. What are thou doing here at such time?”

Phoenix sat down, grabbed the quill and the parchment and wrote down, “It is a beautiful night and I wanted to see it.” The princess looked a bit surprised by the simplicity of the reason and the terrible style of writing but she didn't show it in the slightest. I don't know who that pony is but I have never seen anyone like him. Could he be somehow connected to that phoenix? And why is he as tall as I am? She bit her lip as she pondered her questions. Then again that phoenix also wore an armor and the stallion in front of her had nothing like this.

She shook her head as she glanced at the stallion and asked, “What is thine name?”

Well shit. I completely forgot that she might ask about such a trivial thing like a name. Think Phoenix think what is a name that you can use? Hmmm…. I got it! Phoenix grabbed the quill a bit tighter as he wrote down, “My name is Xin.”

Luna raised her eyebrow as she read the letter before she said,”That is a unique name, Xin. Did your parents give to you?”

“My parents left me for my own many years ago,” Phoenix wrote as he glanced at the princess. She seemed surprised to say the least as she took in all that information. She took a look at the stallion who seemed unfazed by the answer. It was like it didn't bother him at all. Still it made her feel bad.

Then she bit her lip and said, “We are sorry, again. We hope thou don't mind our questions.”

Phoenix shook his head as he wrote down, “It is okay. However, may I ask what is your name?”

“You mean you don't know us?” Princess Luna exclaimed as she widened her eyes. I didn't expect that. But this would explain why he did not seem bothered by our presence. “My name is Luna and I am a princess of Equestria.”

“Princess?” Phoenix wrote down as he cocked his head. “I don't know what that title means, but it is a pleasure meeting you, Princess Luna.” Then he smiled making the princess flush red. How many years has it been since someone addressed me like this? Then Phoenix grabbed the quill again and wrote down, “I am sorry as it may seem rude but I need to go. I hope you don't mind, Princess Luna?”

“Please just call me Luna and that is fully understandable. We have taken much of thine time and we would like to apologize for that,” Princess agreed and smiled slightly.

At this point Phoenix was getting a bit anxious. This mare has got some serious communication issues. Hmm… I wonder if this will work? Phoenix stood up, grabbed both the quill and the parchment using his wings before he took a few steps towards the princess and handed them over. She smiled as she made the tools disappear. She was about to say something when the stallion came closer and patted her head. She was so shocked that she didn't say a thing until it was over. She was about to use her royal canterlot voice to lecture the stallion but then he spread out his wings and jumped into the air causing the dirt around to move.

She quickly teleported out into the air but when she took a look around the stallion was gone. Who was that and why did he pat my hair? Doesn't he know who I am? Oh, that's right he doesn't. The way he acted towards me reminds of my loyal subject many years ago. Hmm … Xin, thou really are mysterious. Then she smiled and got down to work. She could not see Phoenix who was watching her from the shadows wearing his breastplate and his bracers. Well, that went okay, I guess? In any case now I have to hide and make sure that she doesn't see me at least for now. Still that felt nice, I didn't know that you could take so much pleasure from patting someone's head. Although now that I think about this it was quite dumb to say the least. I wonder if patting the princess on her head is a crime? I need to read some books. Phoenix silently moved behind princess' back until he was right in front of Twilight's library. Then he slowly opened the door, making sure that it didn't squeak as he entered the building.

Once he was inside he closed the door, breathed out, sat down next to the table, opened the book titled “Equestrian Gentleman” with his flames and started to read.

***

Twilight was sleeping peacefully in her bed when suddenly Spike's scream woke her up. She jumped out of her bed and teleported downstairs. There she noticed Spike who was pushed against the wall his mouth covered by a hoof of a red Pegasus. He was bigger than her, probably as big as Princess Luna and once he turned towards her she saw his eyes. They similar to that of a dragon and above everything else creepy. Without a second though she fired off a wave of energy, sending the stallion tumbling on the floor. Spike did not waste any time as he hid behind her and before stallion got up she yelled, “Who are you and what are you doing in my house?!” The stallion looked confused as it stood up.

Then he summoned fire letters out of thin air which said, “What was that for, Twilight Sparkle? Can't you recognize me?”

“No, I am certain that I have never seen anyone like you!” She shouted.

“But you were teaching how to write just an hours ago,” the letters spoke as the stallion raised his hoof and put his on his breastplate before he smirked and wrote, “It hurts, you know?”

“Wait a second,” Twilight said as she eyed the breastplate then the realization hit her and asked, “Phoenix, is that really you?”

“Finally, took you long enough,” Phoenix wrote and smiled.

“But what happened? Why are you a pony?” She questioned and began circling the stallion.

“It occurred to me that some of the inhabitants of this world are still afraid of me so I decided to change my form in order to avoid commotion,” Phoenix answered.

“That is ... unexpected,” admitted Twilight before she summoned her quill and notepad and wrote down another piece of information about Phoenix. Then she took a look at him. Now that she looked at him she had to admit he did look similar. Fiery feathers, white breastplate, bushy tail and draconic eyes. It looked similar but different at the same time. No wonder she did not recognize him in the first place. However that brought another question. “When did you do that?”

“Around midnight. I left your house, transformed, met princess Luna on the way here and got down to reading,” He wrote in the air.

“I see, wait a second. Did you you just say you met princess Luna? How come she did not recognize you?” She asked, her eyes narrowed.

“Well, I might as well tell you, although I have got a question. Can you pat a princess on her head?” He asked.

“You did what now?! You patted princess on her head?! What in the name of Celestia were you thinking?” She questioned, her voice raised.

“Nothing particular, I just felt like it,” Phoenix answered and smirked. Seeing this Twilight facehoofed and shook her head.

“In any case patting princess on her head is not a crime but I think you might have made her your enemy,” She answered.

“Hmm… I see. Well then would you like to listen exactly how it went?” He asked.

“How exactly do you mean by that?” She asked, her eyes narrowed.

“Each word and the expression of the princess along with mine,” He explained.

Twilight's eyes widened when she said, “You can't be serious.”

“Watch me,” Phoenix said as he told Twilight about everything that happened when he left the library. As he expected she was taking notes from the entire story and once he finished she just stared blankly at him for a few seconds.

“Okay let me get this straight. Sometime during midnight you went outside and changed your form so that you would look less like a phoenix, even though you still look like you came from a different world. Then you went on hoof to Ponyville where you met Princess Luna who asked you a few simple questions and you answered them with lies. After that you were supposed to leave but instead you patted princess Luna on her head before escaping to my library and reading almost all of my books. Is that correct?” She asked

“One hundred percent accurate sum up, good job,” Phoenix said and smiled.

“Are you crazy?! Have you even thought for a second what would have happened, if something went wrong?!” She asked.

“You make it sound like I made no precautions what so ever. Trust me, Twilight if I wanted to reveal myself I would just put myself on fire and stroll through the town or just blow up your library.” Phoenix deadpanned as he stared at the unicorn before he continued, “I made sure nobody was around when I left your library and I met princess Luna so she would not meet me here with you.”

“I can understand that, but why didn't you ask me about it? I could have helped you,” She asked.

“This is why, Twilight Sparkle, and I hate putting others in danger,” He explained.

“I see, that is... good to know. Now if you excuse me I need to take a bath and eat something, thanks to you I didn't have time to do it. Can you stay here while I do that?” Phoenix nodded and sat down next to the table before Twilight left. In the meantime Spike's stomach grumbled. The little dragon excused himself and left Phoenix all by himself. Meanwhile inside the kitchen Twilight ate her breakfast before she turned her attention towards Spike who was munching on gems.

“Could you do something for me, Spike?” Twilight asked.

“Sure thing, Twilight, what do you need?” Spike asked.

“I want you to go gather Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash and then bring them here, is that clear?” She asked, while putting some butter on a piece of bread.

“Sure thing, but don't you think it is a bit too fast for our “guest”?” He questioned.

“Maybe a little but the faster we know why he attacked Princess Celestia the faster we will be able to act according to what he says and of course to study him,” Twilight said and squealed.

“I guess that makes sense. Alright then, I will go and get them,” Spike said before he ran out of the library. In the meantime Twilight went to the bathroom, took a quick shower, dried her hair and went to her guest. He sat there, reading books. She took a deep breath before she walked up to him.

She was about to say something when suddenly Phoenix asked, “So how long is it going to take before your friends arrive?”

“How do you know about that? Did you eavesdrop?” Twilight countered as she glared at her guest.

“In fact I did. However It is not my fault that I have got an above average hearing sense that allows me to hear for example other inhabitants at the other end of your town.” Twilight just stared at him with her eyes wide open as he continued, “In any case I think we need to talk. I have been watching you for a bit and especially when you were taking notes of me. Now I have got a question. What do you plan on doing with this knowledge? Do you plan on betraying me as soon as you get to know all my strengths and weaknesses?”

“No I would never do something like that,” Twilight sputtered as she glanced at the Phoenix, who was still glaring at her. She cleared her throat and said, “I don't plan on betraying you. It is just a fact that you are unlike anything I have seen in my life and this strikes my curiosity. I hope you don't mind?”

“Normally I wouldn't but unfortunately I have been to your laboratory and some of the objects in there bother me a lot. Especially that one with a tons of saws, drills and such,” Phoenix said.

“Wait, what? I don't have anything like that!” She shouted.

“Of course you don't, I was just teasing you,” Phoenix said and smirked. Twilight on the other hand twitched a bit before she calmed down.

“When did you start to act like this? When we studied you have never been like this,” She muttered.

“I didn't change a lot. This is me normally,” Phoenix said but Twilight just stared at him for a few seconds before he admitted, “Okay, I did act differently but that's because I was rather wary of you and I didn't want to either scare or disappoint you. I like having fun and I have not had much lately, so I guess it must seem weird to you.”

“It is. Well if this is how you really are then I can't really help it,” Twilight admitted and smiled before she continued, “Still, that brings another question. Why didn't you have a lot of fun before?”

“Because I was trying to survive in the battle of the ancients,” Phoenix explained.

“A battle of the ancients? What is that supposed to be?" She asked.

“It is a long story. I will explain everything once the rest of your friends arrive, okay?” Phoenix said before Twilight nodded and situated herself on the opposite side of the table. For a couple of minutes silence reigned the library before the door swung open. Phoenix and Twilight turned their head towards the door and watched as the five mares and small dragon walked in. Once they noticed their eyes widened as they stared at the Phoenix.

It didn't take long until Rainbow Dash said, “What is that thing supposed to be?”

“Yeah, it is nice to see you too, Rainbow Dash. I am so delighted,” Phoenix wrote as he rolled his eyes.

“Hey, you got a problem pal?!” Rainbow Dash asked, her voice raised.

Phoenix glanced at the mare who was hovering right in front of him with her hooves crossed. Then he smirked, stood up, looked into her eyes and said, “You look kind of cute with that angry expression.” As he expected the mare reacted in the most predictable manner. She flushed red and tried to punch him but unfortunately he was too fast for that. He quickly dodged to the left and grabbed the pegassus making her fall on the floor. She quickly regained her footing and was about to charge him again before a certain orange pony with a stetson grabbed her tail and kept her in place.

She sent a death glare towards Phoenix before Twilight cut in and said, “Enough! Rainbow Dash calm down this instant. And you Phoenix, why did you do that?!”

“Oh come on! Don't admit it wasn't fun or at least unexpected,” Phoenix and smirked again. This time Twilight twitched even more but luckily managed to calm down. In the meantime her friends whispered among each other as they discussed the things she just said.

She took a deep breath and said, “Okay everypony. I think you deserve an explanation. This pony here is the same Phoenix that we have recently fought.” The mares looked at each other but said nothing and let her continue. “So Phoenix, why don't you tell us why did you attack princess Celestia?”

“As I was about to say … Wait. Oh hell no. Princess Luna is coming here and if she notices she me then ... well, I hope you got your house insured, Twilight,” Phoenix said, a cold sweat coming down his face.

“Wait how do you know about that?” She asked.

“I can sense all types of heat around me that includes heat signatures, especially if it something I have met before. Also, I have got my super hearing. In any case I need to hide or she might get suspicious, I will be back once you finish talking with her,” Phoenix wrote, smirked and quickly opened the hatch in the library. There he jumped in and closed the hatch. In the meantime Twilight and the rest of the mares quickly sat down along with small dragon. Just as everyone was getting comfortable the door swung open. Ponies eyes went wide as they noticed Princess Luna and immediately bowed.

“Twilight Sparkle, we are here to investigate certain rumors about a phoenix that was seen around here,” Princess Luna said as she and two bat ponies went inside and closed the door.

The ponies stood up and glanced at each other before Twilight said, “Princess Luna, I am surprised to see you here. May I ask what caused this sudden visit?”

“We have received several letters that told us that you and your friends have recently met our infamous phoenix. We would like to clarify it as soon as possible,” The princess explained.

“Well it is true that it came here, princess Luna. However, it left after it had saved Cutie Mark Crusaders,” Twilight said. It wasn't entirely true but she had to lie otherwise things could get ugly.

“We know that it saved your relatives but the reports indicate that you brought it here and we would like to know why?” She asked.

“Well, we tried to communicate with it in order to understand why did it attack princess Celestia,” Twilight said.

“We see now. Please tell us the whole story,” Princess Luna said. Without further ado Twilight told what they were able to find out, although she stopped before she got to the teaching part and altered the history a bit. “We see. So the creature answered the questions and then it left without a warning? That seems like something it would do. We would like to thank you for your cooperation. Unfortunately we need to ask thou to do something for us. If you ever spot that phoenix please report it immediately as it still needs to pay for all its crimes. Now then we bid thee farewell,” Princess Luna said before she turned around and walked outside. There she entered her carriage. We have to report our findings to our sister as soon as possible, maybe she will be able to explain what the elements have just said. The guards spread out their wings before they accelerated and took off into the air.

***

Twilight sighed deeply before she turned her head towards her friends, “So what do we do now?”

“Well, I don't think we should report that Phoenix is here otherwise...,” Rarity said before the hatch was opened again and Phoenix walked out from it.

“She will come here and try to capture me, won't she?” Phoenix wrote in the air as he glanced at the ponies.

“Exactly,” Rarity admitted as she took a look at the being. She bit her lip, frowned and said, “I don't want to be rude or anything, darling. However don't you think that the way you look is a bit weird?”

“It probably is, but at this point is doesn't really matter as I have already met Princess Luna,” Phoenix said, causing all the ponies, except Twilight, to widen their eyes from the information they just heard. Rarity was about to say something but he interrupted her and said, “In any case. Now that you have all gathered here it is time for me to explain why I attacked your beloved Princess Celestia.” The mares nodded their heads before he continued, “As you already know I am different than an ordinary phoenix you can meet in your world and that is because I am a sun.”

“A sun? What do you mean by that?” Twilight asked as she wrote another piece of information in her notepad. “Is that some sort of title or something like that?”

Phoenix shook his head and said, “No, by a sun I mean the same kind of sun that Celestia raises and lowers each and everyday.”

Twilight's jaw dropped to the ground along with other mares as she finally understood what was going on. She gulped and asked, “Applejack, is it true?” The mare nodded her head as she stared at the phoenix. Twilight slowly inhaled and then breathed out the air.

She was about to ask another question, when suddenly Pinkie Pie jumped into the air and then landed right in front of the phoenix and asked, “So can I throw you “Welcome to Equestria, please do not burn us” party?”

Phoenix starred dumbfound at the mare, who was just a few inches away from his face, with his eyes spread wide open and slightly open jaw. He took a step back and asked, “May I ask what is that “party” that you speak of?”

The mare's eyes went even wider to a point where Phoenix had to question the possibility of such feat before she said, “Don't tell me you have never been to a party?!” Phoenix simply nodded before the mare hugged him before he could react, told him she would throw him the best party ever and then she zipped through the door leaving a pink dust behind her.

Phoenix turned his head towards the door and stared at them for a few seconds before he asked, “Could somebody explain to me, what has just happened?”

“It is just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie,” Twilight answered before she closed the door, “Now that we know who are you, could you explain why did you attack Princess Celestia?”

“Isn't that obvious? She can control the sun, that is the only reason I needed to attack her,” He explained.

“But why did you try to kill her?” She asked.

“I thought that if I got rid of her nobody would rise and lower the sun and the natural cycle would continue on its own. However, a couple of days ago I met another phoenix who explained to me why she does that and I felt bad for causing all the trouble and acting based on my own emotions. Since then I have been trying my hardest to prove that I am not an enemy and repay all the trouble I have caused so far,” Phoenix admitted and watched as the mares frowned. It was pretty obvious that they had to comprehend all that information before they could form a conclusion.

"There definitely was a mention in newspapers that a ship was saved by a phoenix...," Rarity said, while the rest of the mares glanced towards her.

Twilight bit her lip, before she asked, “So, what are you going to do now?”

Phoenix shrugged and said, “I don't know. I have nowhere to go so I thought about staying here.”

“I see … still, do you know you are considered a criminal in entire Equestria?” She asked.

“I am fully aware of this. This is why I would like to ask you for a piece of advice. What should I do to be accepted into your society?” Phoenix asked.

“Um … it is hard to say. The simplest solution would be if you apologized to Princess Celestia in front of everyone,” Twilight said.

“Hmm… considering the fact that your princess could not defeat me I suppose I could do that, although I thought there would be more subtle way,” Phoenix said, while scratching his chin.

“I think I might have an idea,” Rarity exclaimed with gleaming eyes, “How about we get Princess Luna to fall in love with Phoenix? That way once he reveals his identity she would not attack him?”

“Rarity, do you honestly expect this to work? It isn't one of your romantic books,” Twilight deadpanned.

“I know, I know it is way too farfetched, but I couldn't help myself,” Rarity admitted with a smile.

“May I ask why is miss Rarity's plan bad? I find it hard to believe it would be worse than apologizing to your princess?” Phoenix said and the mares turned towards him with a surprised look on their faces but above everything else a flush of red on their cheeks.

Twilight cleared her throat and said, “It is not exactly a bad idea, It is just the fact that princess Luna isn't the most social pony and I don't know if it would make things better or worse, but at the same time, you have already spoken with her so I guess it would work.”

Phoenix raised his brow before he shook his head and said, “Okay then. Have you got a better idea, Twilight Sparkle?”

“I am afraid not but for the time being I think that you should stay low and ...,” She started.

“No,” Phoenix interrupted and then he continued, “If I did that it wouldn't help at all. So what I am going to do is help around the village until I come up with a better plan.”

“Wait a second. Have you already had the plan? Then why did you ask about it in the first place?” She asked.

“It is simple, really. I wanted to hear your opinions and start a conversation. One of your books said that asking others about their point of view may rise their opinion about you,” He admitted.

“I see… Well then, why don't you help Applejack first? Her orchard certainly wouldn't mind another pair of hooves,” Twilight proposed.

“Now hold there, Sugar cube. I don't want to be rude or anything but are you certain that he won't burn any of the trees?” Applejack questioned, her eyes narrowed.

“I understand your concerns, miss Applejack. However I want to assure you that no harm shall be done to your orchard and to further prove my point I will give you this and my promise,” Phoenix said as he raised his left wing. Then of the bigger feathers started to glow and after a few seconds, it uncoupled and then flew towards Applejack before landing in her mane. The mare shone for a few seconds before the glow disappeared.

She blinked a few times and asked, “What the hay was that?”

“First of all, please answer one question. Do you feel refreshed?” He asked.

Applejack blinked her eyes before she felt surge of energy rushing through her body. It felt similar to having a good long rest along with a healthy breakfast. She turned towards the phoenix and said, ” Now that you mention it, I feel like a have just had a good long sleep. How did you do that?”

“I have simply transferred a bit of my energy into that feather. So, whenever you feel tired you can touch it with your hoof and then it will work. It can also heal you and others, even from diseases so feel free to use it in any way you want. However, please remember it has got a limited supply of energy, so it would be better if you kept it for emergencies,” Phoenix explained.

“I see. Thank you, partner.” Applejack said and smiled.

“Don't mention it. Now then, shall we get going?” Phoenix asked.

Applejack nodded her head and they were about to leave when suddenly Twilight said, “Wait!” Everyone's eyes turned towards Twilight before she continued, “Could I have one feather myself?”

“I am afraid I can not do that right now,” Phoenix answered.

“May I ask, darling. Why would it be a problem if you gave more than one feather?” Rarity asked as she turned towards Phoenix. She wanted a feather like this herself. It looked beautiful and the way Phoenix described it made her a bit jealous.

“Well how should I explain it? My feathers don't grow back as fast as other birds do. For a feather like this to regrow I need to wait a week before it grows back and I would rather not look like a plucked chicken by fulfilling your request,” Phoenix answered with a small smile before he continued, “That is one of the reasons. The second reason is that this is my way to say a thank you for trusting me.”

“I see. Well in that case I will not inquire about it until you want to give me one from your own free will,” Rarity said.

“Thank you, miss Rarity.” Phoenix bowed and then turned towards Twilight. “Do you understand that now Miss Sparkle? I am grateful for all you have done for me so far and I will give you another feather but I would be more content if you could wait a bit until my first feather regrows. Is that all right with you?”

Twilight nodded with a smile and said, “I understand that. If this is how you want to do it then I will wait. However, don't expect I will forget about it.”

Phoenix shook his head and said, “It has never been my intention. Now then I will take my leave with Miss Applejack. Is that alright with you?”

“Hold on a second, how can we know that he won't try anything funny?” Rainbow Dash asked as she crossed her hoofs and glared at the phoenix.

“If you don't trust me then you are free to come along, as long as Miss Applejack is fine with this,” Phoenix proposed.

“Please call me Applejack, I feel a bit weird when somepony calls me miss,” Applejack said as she scratched a back of her head.

“I am sorry…Applejack. I hope you don't mind? “Phoenix asked and smiled.

“It is alright. Now then shall we get going?” Applejack asked and passed through the door.

“Ladies first,” Phoenix said as the group looked surprised at him before they took his offer and went outside with Spike on Twilight's back. Once they were outside he closed the door using his tail before Twilight locked the door with her key and then they stared walking towards the orchard. Phoenix looked at the group and noticed that they were smiling themselves. He didn't know why but once again he could feel a different type of warmth circling in his core. Somehow this whole atmosphere was unlike anything he has experienced so far. Even at radiant's camp when heroes celebrated their victory it has never felt this good. Huh this is funny. Here I am, a living manifestation of a sun speaking with ordinary creatures instead of fighting for the ancients and somehow I like it much more than a thrill of the battle. I think I am going to enjoy staying in Equestria.

Author's Note

IMPORTANT: PHOENIX WILL NOT STAY IN THE PONY FORM FOREVER!
First of all, I would like to thank you, Drakalian for your astounding work. I appreciate it and thanks to you the chapter is released much faster. And now:

I AM BACK !!! Probably, maybe?

Just kidding. In any case I am sorry it took so long to post another chapter. However I had a couple of hectic months when I had to prepare for the exams. On the upside I have already started working on another chapter and so far I have astounding amount of 300 words!

That sounded better in my head. Now onto the important stuff. As you may have noticed that the story took a turn towards different direction. I wonder what is going to happen? See you in the next chapter!