The next morning Scootaloo groaned as she slowly opened her eyes before slowly looking around. She didn't know how she got to the library. But she was happy to see her friends where waiting for her to wake up. As she looked at Phoenix she let out a soft gasp as she blushed. Before today she had continued him like a father figure. And even though a part of her still did she couldn't help but to blush as a part of her saw him as something... more. "Hay Scoot." Spike whispered from her side. Looking over she saw the smiling face of the yong dragon. "How you feeling?" He asked as she replied with a smile. "Good. Like the new look."

At that Scootaloo gasped and sprang up to look herself over. Her wings have grown to a generous amount with read tips at the end of her feathers which got her exited on its own. However that wasn't the end of her surprises. Along with her wings growing. She herself had grown several inches. Looking over her stomach she saw a jagged strip of furr that went down her stomach. A harsh reminder of what she had recently gone through. As she looked at her flank her eyes widened at the sight that met her eyes. She had her cutie mark. It was a red feather covered in a blue flame. A squeal of excitement escaped her as she pranced in place causing the others to wake in a jolt.

As soon as they looked at Scootaloo each pony quickly relaxed and smiled seeing how happy and healthy she was. It didn't take long for them to notice the source of her joy as they too were swept into the excitement of her new cutie mark. Phoenix sat back and smiled at what he saw. Not only had Scootaloo been excepted. But she had made her first steps on the path she had wanted.

"So. How how are you feeling?" Phoenix asked softly. In response Scootaloo tackled him into a deep hug. "Well. I'm glad you're OK. But we should talk about what happened." He said as Twilight and Spike got breakfast ready.

The group sat and explained to Scootaloo what they learned up to that morning. Then froze when they noticed she wasn't eating her oats. "Is something wrong?" Applejack asked. A shared look of concern crossed the ponies faces as Scootaloo looked to her bowl then at Phoenix who rolled his eyes before motioning for her to eat.

"Let's hope her stomach can still handle a plant based diet." Phoenix sighed as the watched. Thankfully there fears where proven unnecessary as she quickly downed the bowl and was eager for more. "Well at least that hasn't changed." He laughed quickly joined by the others.

After a few minutes everyone settled down as Twilight asked. "Now what? I mean. Is she a part of your family? Or..." She hesitated for a moment seeing the somber expression on Phoenix's face. "There's more to it... isn't there?"

Taking a deep breath he nodded. "Yes... for my people. There is a... ceremony that needs to be done..." He paused looking at Scootaloo. "Though something tells me she may not have been as yong as we thought."

This caught the six friends off gaurd as all eyes turned to the sheepish Scootaloo who gave a weak smile. "Surprise?" After a moment she turned back to Phoenix. "How did you know?"

It took a moment before realization dawned on Twilight. "Reberth." At her outburst everyone turned to Twilight as she explained. "Phoenix said the fire cleansed him. So maybe it removed any magic that was put on Scootaloo." Seeing a nod of agreement from Phoenix she went on. "And seeing Scootaloo only grew a little. I'm willing to guess... you're in your late teens." She finished looking at the pony in question.

Scootaloo shrugged. "Technically I'm twenty. I'm sorry for tricking all of you. I just wanted to feel like I had a family."

"Did our sisters know, dear?" Rarity asked putting a comforting hoof on Scootaloo's shoulder.

"Ya... it was a shock to them at first. But they didn't mind. We were having fun." She turned to Phoenix. "Dose this mean I can't be your daughter?" She asked as Phoenix looked away thoughtfully.

"Well?" The others asked in unison.

"Technically... I was the one that gave her life." He replied as he went over the details in his head. "However... That was before we knew her real age..."

"Why would that matter?" Rainbow interrupted.

"She's an adult." A still silence filled the room after his answer as the girls thought about what he said. "I can still act as guide. Only because Scootaloo will need my guidance. However... if we where to go beyond the roles of teacher and student... things might get awkward."

"Because ponies might think you put a spell on her or that you're dating? Is it because we all look around the same age?" Pinkie chimed as Applejack put a hoof over her mouth to stop the oncoming wave of questions.

"Yes actually. And unless you're country is ok with a male like me..." Phoenix started before seeing the blushes on everypony's face. "I see... wel..." He cleared his throat before continuing. "I suggest we... take some time to consider where we go from here... go over the lessons I taught you..." With a nod he got up and started to walk out. Stopping at the door long enough to say. "I'll be at the park... if you need me."

A few minutes passed as the girls sat quietly thinking about what they were told. It wasn't that he didn't want to get close to any of them. It was clear that he was doing this more for there protection. After a moment of looking at each other they nodded. If they were going to learn about him and the spirits. It was only fair they teach him about themselves and Equestria.

Ok... this one was hard to title. But I thought of adding a twist to Scootaloo's past. And ya. I know she has a family. But even the show said that the town was more of a family. I just ran with the idea a bit more.

Next: maybe a few chapters of shipping fuel.