VOLUME FINALE - Chapter 16 - Like a Phoenix
Sorry for the delay in uploading chapters, but I believe it was worth the wait. The holdup was... well... you'll find out if you read this chapter 
Lots of catching up to do, so expect a bit of extra reading to become available over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. 
The sound of something small rustling quickly through the grass can be heard. A split second later Shadow drops his knife and looks down to see a blade sunk deep into his chest. He looks to Arc, clearly amazed.
“H-how…?”
Snowflake looks to her father sadly from across the way. “I slid Big Brother’s knife over to him. He did the rest.”
Arc cracks a weak smile. “Y-yeah…”
Shadow falls backwards and looks up at the moon as Arc’s hand falls to the ground with the knife still in it. Snowflake walks over to her mortally wounded father and looks into his face as he puts a hoof over his injury.
“Snowflake… had you… been the one… to do this… to me… I would have been… the proudest father… ever.”
“I just couldn’t, dad. But I knew Big Brother could.”
“You’re still a coward.”
Snowflake sniffles. “I know, dad.”
“Take care of yourself, Snowflake. Big Brother and I will… keep your mother company for you.”
Shadow gasps as his eyes roll into the back of his head.
“Dad? DAD!!!”
She sobs uncontrollably for a time before looking over to Arc.
“I failed you too. Why do I let everypony around me down?!”
Arc raises his head, weakly.
“You… didn’t.”
“Big Brother?!”
She runs over to him.
“You’re alive!”
“Not… for long… I think.”
He coughs up a mouthful of blood before continuing.
“You’re… a really brave… filly. But… now you’ll… have to be… on your own.”
“I’ll get you back to town! See to it the doctor treats you!”
Arc shakes his head. “I don’t think… I’d make it. Getting hard… to breath.”
“Big Brother, just hang on!”
“Run… back to town. Stay there. Stay… safe.”
Arc passes out from his injuries and blood loss. Snowflake gasps.
“What do I do?! What do I DO?!”
She stands there for a few moments considering her options.
“There’s only one thing I can do. Save Big Brother.”
Taking a deep breath, she throws back the hood of her cloak. Raising her head skyward, she looks up at the moon. Snowflake’s breath quickens and her heart pounds.
“ARGH!!!”
Her mane grows in length as leathery wings tear through the back of her cloak. Two fangs spring forth from the roof of Snowflake’s mouth as her eyes turn blood red. Turning her gaze back toward Arc, she sighs.
“I’m sorry. Please forgive me for what I do now, Big Brother.”
Kneeling down next to Arc, Snowflake reaches for his head. Putting her hooves gently on either side of his face, she turns it away from her. Taking a deep breath, she lowers her head and sinks her fangs into Arc’s neck. Blood flows from the wound and into Snowflake’s mouth. She gags in disgust but does not pull away. Several moments later she makes a strange sound as a dark liquid oozes out around her fangs and into the wound. Tears flow down Snowflake’s cheeks as she continues. Arc writhes in pain.
“I know this hurts a lot. But… but I have to save you, Big Brother! Please don’t resist! It’ll all be over in a few moments!”
Pulling her fangs out of Arc’s neck, she licks the wound carefully.
“That’ll stop the bleeding and dull the pain. I wish I could do more for you, but…”
A voice rings out nearby.
“Stop!”
The mayor and a large contingent of guards rushes toward them. They tackle Snowflake and slam her to the ground.
“What happened here?!”
“B-Big Brother tried to stop my dad! He wanted to kill all of us!”
The mayor points a hoof to the pair lying on the ground across from each other. “Check them!”
A guard walks over to Shadow and looks him over.
“Dead, sir.”
“And what of the beast?”
“He’s… alive! Somehow his wounds appear to be closing on their own!”
The mayor looks to Snowflake, angrily. “What have you DONE?!”
“I… I bit him.”
“You did WHAT?!”
“It was the only way to save him! Big Brother would have died without my help!”
“So your plan was to take advantage of him and make him your slave?!”
Snowflake shakes her head vehemently. “NO! I only wanted to save his life!”
One of the guards turns to the mayor. “Sir, we should take care of both of them here and now.”
The mayor sighs. “We can’t kill a filly though. Can we?”
“It’s not a filly, sir. This is a Crimson.”
“I know, but…”
Snowflake squeezes her eyes shut. “Do whatever you want with me! But please… don’t hurt Big Brother! Let him go, and I’ll come quietly!”
The mayor sighs. “Very well. We’ll take you back to town and put you in the cage until we decide what to do about… all of this.”
He looks to the guards.
“Tie her up.”
They nod and do so. Snowflake shakes fearfully as she looks to Arc lying on the ground nearby.
“You’ll be okay. Just… just forget about me and get to safety when you wake up.”
“What about the beast, Mayor?”
“Let me take a look.”
The mayor walks over to Arc. Looking him over, he sees Arc’s skin is cold and clammy along with being very pale. Putting a hoof to Arc’s chin, he pulls his mouth open and looks inside.
“Fangs?”
The guards gasp. “That can’t be!”
Sighing, the mayor steps back. “It is. This beast has become a Crimson just like Snowflake.”
“He won’t hurt anypony though! I’ll see to that! Believe me!”
“What should we do, sir?”
“We can’t leave him here. He’ll just follow us back to town to retrieve his mistress.”
Snowflake gasps. “But I won’t let him hurt any of you!”
The mayor feels a hand on his shoulder.
“Right.”
Snowflake gasps happily. “Big Brother!”
Arc sits up and puts a hand to his temples. “My head. What… happened?”
“I… um…”
The mayor frowns at Arc. “Your friend here is a Crimson just like Shadow apparently was.”
Arc frowns. “That isn’t…!”
Snowflake looks away. “It’s true.”
“What?!”
“Yes. My dad turned me into one during a foraging trip. I was badly injured by a Timberwolf and bleeding badly. He did what I just did to save you.”
“Wait! So I’m…!”
Snowflake nods sadly. “Yes. A Crimson just like me.”
“I… I don’t…”
“Sorry. You were dying, and this was all I could do!”
Arc grunts as he stands. “We’ll… talk about this in the morning. Let’s go home, Snowflake.”
The guards aim their spears at the pair. “No! For the safety of the village you both need to be locked up!”
Arc narrows his eyes. “Who says?”
“The law! Crimsons are not permitted within the town limits!”
“What about my parent’s house?! It’s not in town!”
The mayor shakes his head. “I… can’t allow that.”
Arc frowns. “What are we supposed to do then?!”
“Let’s go to my office. We need to talk.”
Arc and Snowflake walk back to town with the mayor under escort. Entering the office, he turns to the guards.
“Leave us.”
“But sir…!”
“I will handle this myself. Return to your duties.”
Sighing, the guards leave the room. The mayor looks Arc up and down.
“It would appear the process is complete. You’re now a creature of the night like the other Crimsons.”
Arc looks down at his hands. “What can I do to be cured of this?”
Snowflake shakes her head. “There isn’t a cure. My mom was working on one, of course. But nothing ever came from it.”
“Correct.”
Arc turns to the mayor. “Wait a minute! You knew about this, didn’t you?!”
“Yes. Snowflake and her father’s… condition were always known to me.”
Snowflake gasps. “It was?!”
“Why do you think your parents lived outside of town?”
“I just thought it was because my dad didn’t like other ponies.”
“True. But it was one condition of allowing him and you to stay. But now I see that isn’t an option.”
Arc frowns. “What are you saying?”
“The guards will tell their families about what happened here tonight. They’ll never let you two stay after this.”
Snowflake’s lower lip trembles. “But… but we don’t have any place else to GO!”
The mayor points out the window. “You could try to find the Crimson’ village. It’s somewhere to the west of here. However they might not be too accepting of newcomers.”
Arc sighs. “Anywhere else?”
“Not in this area, no.”
He looks to Snowflake.
“That makes this especially difficult.”
Snowflake takes a step back. “Wha-what do you mean?”
“With both of your parents dead, you’re now an orphan. However, given that you’re a Crimson, nopony here will let you stay in town. Much less take you in.”
Arc glares at him. “But what’s she supposed to do?!”
“Can’t I live with Big Brother?! We’d stay at our cottage! You’ll never even hear from us!”
“The law says that an orphan foal must stay with a suitable guardian. Big Brother, as you call him, is an animal.”
“But he can do it! He’s already been taking care of me!”
Arc sighs. “Snowflake… I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
“But… but why not?!”
“Because I still don’t remember who I am. For all we know I could be a terrible creature.”
“But you’ve always been so nice to me! I REALLY want you as my guardian!”
Arc shakes his head. “No, Snowflake. I can’t.”
“Don’t you care about me?!”
“Yes. And that’s why I can’t. When my memories do come back, if I’m a bad creature… I just don’t want to hurt you.”
Snowflake takes a deep breath and looks Arc in the eye soberly.
“You WILL become my guardian!”
Arc shakes his head. “I already said no.”
Snowflake steps toward him and grits her teeth as if concentrating. “YOU WILL BECOME MY GUARDIAN!!!”
“No, I can’t! What’s with you all of a sudden?!”
The mayor looks to Arc. “She turned you into a Crimson, so she’s your mistress. You should have to do what she says.”
Arc raises an eyebrow. “Um… no, I don’t think so.”
Snowflake stomps the floor angrily. “But… but you shouldn’t be able to resist!”
The mayor sighs. “That explains a few things.”
Arc appears confused. “It does?”
“Yes. Remember when you let the Crimson out of your father’s basement, Snowflake?”
“But I didn’t…!”
“Your father turned you, which made him your master. He must’ve ordered you to do what you did.”
Arc frowns. “But why doesn’t she remember it then?”
“A master controls their thrall, both mind and body. Shadow must’ve commanded her to forget the events of that night.”
Snowflake grimaces. “What?! That… he wouldn’t DO that! Would he?!”
Arc nods. “Considering what he’s done, I wouldn’t put it past him.”
“Indeed. But that doesn’t explain why you’re able to resist Snowflake’s orders.”
“Maybe it’s because I’m older than her.”
Snowflake appears exasperated as she tugs angrily on Arc’s tunic. “Come on! You HAVE to stay with me!”
Arc frowns. “Calm down, Snowflake.”
“Yes, master.”
She gasps.
“I… I mean…!”
The mayor turns to Arc. “That explains it. You must have a significantly stronger will than Snowflake does.”
Snowflake jumps on top of the desk. “That can’t be right! I…!”
Arc points to the floor. “Snowflake, get off the desk and sit down.”
“Yes, master.”
Snowflake immediately does as she is told. The mayor frowns.
“It appears I have no choice in this matter. Snowflake will stay under your command for the rest of her life.”
Arc gasps. “What?! But… but that’s impossible!”
Snowflake sighs. “It’s true.”
The mayor clears his throat. “Now then, I have a request of you… Big Brother.”
“What is it?”
“As I said before… the two of you can’t stay here. I’m asking both you and Snowflake to leave town tonight.”
Snowflake sulks. “Do we have to?!”
“For your own safety, yes. If you don’t I believe the rest of the townsponies may riot. Capable as you are, Big Brother, I don’t believe you could take everypony on all at once.”
Arc bows his head. “Nor would I want to.”
“So you’re agreeing to take the filly and leave?”
Arc sighs and nods. “I have no choice. But where could I take Snowflake?”
The mayor stands and lowers his voice.
“There is a place far from here where she would be safe.”
Snowflake shudders. “Where would that be?”
“I will tell you. But only if what is said here remains a secret.”
Arc shrugs. “Fine. It’s not like anyone would listen to us anyways.”
“The townsponies believe the war over a thousand years ago destroyed everything and that we are all that’s left.”
Snowflake gasps. “You mean we’re not?”
“No. The world survived and rebuilt. Shadow used to travel there every year or so to gather items we could not make ourselves. If you go through his things I’m certain you’ll find a map of our land showing a town named ‘Vanhoover’.”
Arc frowns. “What’s so special about that town?”
“He once told me it houses the land’s orphans. It’s known as the ‘New Beginnings Orphanage’. Take Snowflake there.”
“I will.”
“But…!”
Arc turns to her. “Let’s go back to the cottage and see if we can find that map.”
The mayor appear hopeful. “Can I assume you’ll be gone by first light?”
Arc nods. “Yes. You’ll never see us again after tonight.”
Snowflake sighs. “Do I really have to go to that orphanage?”
“Yes, Snowflake. I’m really sorry, but you’ll be safe and cared for there. Now let’s go.”
“Yes, master.”
Arc sighs as he stands up. “You don’t need to say that.”
“My mind keeps telling me to.”
The pair leave the office. The mayor looks out his window and watches them head for the path out of town toward the cottage.
“I wish you both well.”
Arriving back at the cottage Arc turns to Snowflake.
“Where did you dad keep his stuff?”
“A large chest in the basement.”
“Are you sure?”
Snowflake nods. “Yes. But I was never allowed down there.”
“Let’s take a look.”
She points a hoof. “The trapdoor is in the corner next to the fireplace.”
Arc walks over to the spot. Reaching down he finds a latch and gives it a tug. A trapdoor opens neatly. Hopping down he looks up to Snowflake.
“Come on, I’ll catch you.”
“But I’m not allowed down there.”
“Given the circumstances, I don’t think your parents would mind.”
“O-okay.”
Hopping down into Arc’s arms, he sets her down on the earthen floor and looks around at the various supplies strewn around the room. Snowflake points a hoof.
“That should be it.”
Arc walks over to the chest. Opening it, he rummages around for a few moments before pulling out a map.
“Here we go. Now then, let’s see here… we’re here, and Vanhoover is… all the way over there.”
Snowflake gasps. “That’ll be quite the trip!”
“Yeah. So we’d best get started. How much longer until winter?”
“A few months. Why?”
Arc shivers involuntarily. “Because I don’t want to have to trudge through the snow.”
“You really think it’ll take that long?!”
“Maybe. I don’t know how far that really is.”
Snowflake peers into the chest. “This must be where my dad kept his traveling gear.”
“Like for traveling outside the forest?”
“Yeah. The mayor said he used to do that. Let’s see…”
She pulls out an old backpack and opens it.
“There’s a compass in here along with a tent, sleeping bag, canteen, first aid kit, a pot, and a few utensils.”
“It’s enough to get started. You go fill up the canteen while I fill the rest of this bag with food.”
“Okay.”
She takes the canteen and hurries up the ladder ahead of Arc. He grabs several bags of oats and preserves as Snowflake returns.
“Filled to the top.”
“Good. Now, head up to your room and fill your saddlebags with anything you think you might need. Just remember we have to carry everything we bring though.”
“I think I’ll just bring a couple spare cloaks.”
“Oh! About that…”
Arc holds up a large, black cloak.
“I found this at the bottom of the chest. Now we’ll match.”
Snowflake gasps. “That’s my dad’s magic cloak!”
“What’s it do?”
“Let’s you turn invisible.”
“How’s it work?”
“Just put it on and concentrate really hard.”
Arc slips into the cloak. “Let me try.”
Doing as Snowflake suggests, Arc vanishes from sight. Snowflake grins.
“Looks like it still works.”
“Good. We might need to keep a low profile.”
“Why? You’re stronger and smarter than anypony I’ve ever met!”
Arc sighs as he reappears. “Sometimes it’s best to go around trouble. But is there anything else you’d like to do before we leave?”
“Um… actually, yes.”
Snowflake motions to Arc to kneel down. Nervously she whispers something into his ear before stepping back.
“Would that be okay, Big Brother?”
Arc nods soberly. “Of course. You take care of things on this end and I’ll head back into town to take care of… my part of your plan.”
“Thanks.”
Two hours later Arc and Snowflake stand in her parent’s room in foot of the bed. Sunshine and Shadow’s bodies lay next to one another on their backs with their hooves over their bellies. Snowflake pulls the covers over both of them.
“Goodnight mom… goodnight dad.”
She gently kisses each of them on the forehead sadly before stepping back.
“The mayor said we have to leave town. He told us about an orphanage far to the northwest. I really don’t want to go, of course. But my master… Big Brother says it’s for the best.”
Arc nods. “I’ll see to it she gets there safely. You have my word.”
“We need to get moving now. Dad… please keep mom company until Big Brother and I join you in the afterlife.”
She bows her head sadly.
“I’ll… I’ll make you both proud. Promise.”
Arc smiles and puts a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sure they already are, Snowflake. You’re very brave to do something no one other than your father has ever done. Leave the safety of the village.”
“Thanks. I’ll do my best to serve you as your thrall.”
Arc shakes his head. “I don’t really need a slave.”
“Then what am I?”
“How about a friend?”
Snowflake smiles nervously. “I’d like that. After all, I’ve never had a friend before. But I don’t really know what to do. How to be a good friend.”
“We’ll figure it out together.”
“Okay.”
“Shall we be off?”
“One last thing.”
She runs to her room and returns with a picture. Snowflake turns to the bed as she holds it up.
“Mom, dad… I drew this a few days ago. It’s the four of us in front of our cottage… smiling. You see, I was hoping someday that this would be us. You two, me, and Big Brother. I think he really made our family complete.”
She sighs before continuing.
“But… now this’ll never come to pass. I suppose I’ll leave it behind with you two and everything else. Um… I guess that’s all there is to say. Goodbye.”
Snowflake sets the picture on the nightstand before walking into the kitchen with Arc. They grab their bags, take a final look around, and head out the door. Looking back, Snowflake whispers.
“Goodbye home. I wish I could say I’ll miss you. But I don’t think I will.”
They step out onto the porch together. Arc picks up the lantern from the steps and turns to Snowflake.
“Do you want me to do it?”
Snowflake shakes her head. “No. This is my job to finish.”
Nodding, Arc hands her the lantern. She looks to him a bit worried before taking a deep breath and throwing it through the open cottage door. The glass shatters and the oil within splatters across the floor. It spreads like lightning through the thick layer of straw strewn about the floor. In a few moments the sticks around the perimeter of the bedroom begin to burn, helping ignite the walls. The flames snake their way toward the oil soaked wood stacked under the bed. Snowflake turns to Arc as she hops up onto a large rock next to him to watch it burn.
“This just feels right somehow.”
Arc nods. “Yes. Your parents deserve to be properly laid to rest before we leave. But this serves two purposes.”
“It does?”
“Oh, yes. It also means we don’t have any place to come back to. Whatever happens now… it just means we have to start fresh somewhere else.”
“I’d like that.”
“Me too.”
“Big Brother?”
“Hm?”
“Years ago when I was born my mom was the one whom named me. My dad didn’t like what she picked out though, and started calling me ‘Snowflake’ because I was always whining and crying about everything. If it’s okay with you, I think I’d like to go back to my original name now.”
“If you want to, sure. What was it?”
The filly sighs and pulls back her hood. As it falls to the ground Arc sees her head for the first time in the light from the flames. She looks sadly at the cottage, her mane understandably unkempt, and forces a small smile.
“Scootaloo.”
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Never go back for the cat, but shouldve kept the picture.
Wow
I KNEW IT
11060037
I remember you asking when that was coming. It's been almost exactly one year since that question was raised.
11060021
She left it to burn along with their bodies and her home. A bit of symbolism there, as she's literally leaving behind everything she's ever known as well as any chance of them becoming a happy family.
wait what ?
i never noticed it, some filly was missing with the crusaders xD
I am literally like no, it cant be. When you revealed that, I was like.. But I thought Scootaloo was already with the crusaders. You are very clever. very clever indeed. I really appreciate this twist, though I still dont quite understand crimsons. Are they supposed to be another form of Thestrals? (bat Ponys) Still as always an excellent chapter. I am curious though how much farther until the end of the story. I can't wait to find out what is Arc's full ending and whether or not he finally gets the happy ending He truly deserves.
11060026
11060251
That's the mindset behind the next couple of volumes. I always felt that she was overlooked in most episodes featuring her and her friends.
11060525
Nope, no mention of her until now.
As for how much longer until the end of the story... I'm curious about that too.
Currently writing volume 41, but am switching over to getting everything in place for the Christmas specials.
i was wondering when Scootaloo was going to join I knew it would take a little bit and I am glad it did it made a perfect
11186727
She was always taking a back seat to the other Cutie Mark Crusaders, so I wanted to give her a bigger role for a while.
Was wondering when that dang chicken was gonna pop up
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And thus begins a whole new adventure!