Irwin Goodall walked down the Ponyville street, waving occasionally to the now-familiar faces of many ponies. He paused at an intersection to look up the bisecting road toward the hills that featured on that side of town. He could see the construction work in progress there. Land had been cleared and foundations were already in place for the new School of Friendship. It always fascinated the minotaur by how fast ponies could go from conceiving a project to actually building it. While he was sure that the relevant persons were still working out the fine details, once the basic plan had been approved, the project had moved forward with amazing speed.
Irwin chuckled as he resumed his walk. He figured that he should not be so surprised, considering the number of times this town was damaged by some disaster and was repaired so quickly. These ponies were alicorn-level experts at construction. They even kept a warehouse of materials for such eventualities.
The minotaur reached the marketplace which was his destination. He had a lot of shopping to do today, which is why he had brought his cart along. He worked his way from stall to stall through the unusually large crowd until he reached the Apple Family Produce stand. Two people always manned it, but which two constantly varied. Either Pear Butter or Gilda was there for the baked goods side of business, while the apples and other vegetables were attended by Bright Mac, Applejack, or occasionally, Big Mac. Between the latter’s work on the farm and his new duties, it was rare for the alicorn stallion to work the market nowadays, so it came as a surprise to Irwin to see his best male friend behind the counter with Gilda.
“Hi, Macintosh! Hi, Gilda!” the minotaur greeted them when they finished attending to their current customers.
“Hey there, Irwin!” Big Mac replied.
“Good to see you, Beefy!” Gilda said.
Irwin stuck his tongue out at the griffon. The nickname had come up as a joke at one of the meetings of the Element Bearers and had stuck. It was a good-natured jest and the two were firm friends. “I’ve got a big shopping list to fill,” he said while holding it up. “Seems like everyone has had the same idea today.”
“Well, yeah,” Gilda replied. “Everypony is stocking up for the Season.”
Irwin blinked uncomprehendingly. “What season?”
Big Mac chuckled. “Minotaurs don’t have that season, Gil.”
The griffon’s eyes widened, then she grinned. “Mating Season, my naïve friend. Much of Equestria is going to practically shut down while ponies everywhere make whoopee.”
Big Mac snorted and shook his head. “Don’t go exaggerating things, love.”
Gilda smirked back at him. “Why not? I plan to.”
The alicorn stallion might have been blushing but it was difficult to tell from his normal red coat. He turned his attention back to the minotaur. “This time of year, the mares go into heat and the stallions into rut, and we get a very strong urge to mate. That might be fine for ponies who have partners that want to have a foal, but for everypony else, it’s a problem. Resisting the urge to have sex is almost impossible and unwanted foals would be the unintended consequence. So, for two weeks, virtually everything shuts down while males and females isolate from each other to prevent unplanned pregnancies. And that’s why everypony is stocking up on essentials.”
“Oh. I see now. That’s why you’re here today too, I guess. Everyone is preparing for this Season.”
“Eeyup!”
Irwin pursed his lips and his eyes focused on the stand while looking at nothing in particular. “Hmm… that might explain why Zecora and Fluttershy have been acting a bit unusual the last couple of days.”
Gilda’s eyebrows rose and she looked at the minotaur keenly. “How so?”
“Well… they’ve always been very kind to me. Fluttershy makes breakfast and dinner for us, and Zecora provides lunch when I’m at her place to learn potion-making. But lately, both have been doing a lot of little extra things for me. It’s a bit embarrassing because I don’t feel I deserve it.”
Gilda face-palmed and shook her head. She said, “Mac, honey, would you take care of Irwin’s shopping list? He and I need to have a talk.”
“Eeyup,” the stallion replied, taking the minotaur’s list with his magic.
Gilda came out from behind the stand, took one of Irwin’s strong hands into her talons, and drew him away to somewhere at least semi-private. The minotaur looked at her with a befuddled expression. That made the griffon sigh and shake her head once more.
“Irwin, my dear friend, I wanted to keep my beak out of your private life, but you’re such a sweet and innocent bull calf that I’ve changed my mind. Both Flutters and Zecora have the hots for you. There’s something about you that strongly attracts that painfully shy pegasus, so much so that she’s almost the pillar of confidence in comparison when it comes to you. And the zebra liked your personality and matching interests ever since we quested together to defeat Nightmare Moon. Why do you think she offered to take you as her apprentice? And why does Fluttershy find any excuse to spend time with you? Both mares want you badly, but they’ve been waiting for you to make a move. Mating Season is just about here and neither is going to restrain themselves when the urge hits. So, you’ve got a decision to make. Are you going to be a big bull and accept the advances of one of them? Or will you chicken out and let them deal with their hormones by themselves for two weeks?”
Irwin gaped at Gilda, stunned by the revelation. Looking back, he now recognized some of the mares’ actions for what they were. He was indeed naïve. “But… I’m a minotaur and they’re ponies… well near enough in Zecora’s case. Why would they want me?”
“Does Big Mac look like a griffon to you? No? We love each other despite being different species. We haven’t spread the word yet because we want to wait until after the royal weddings, but Macintosh and I are going to get hitched. We don’t need a big fancy wedding, but I’ve been warned that a lot of the Apple side of the family will want to attend. You’re invited, by the way. The point is – they love you for you, not your species. The question is – can you do the same? Spoiler – I think you can. You’re an awesome bull and you could hardly do better. Now, we better get back to the stand.”
Gilda led the stunned minotaur back to the stall. Big Mac was busy attending to other customers, but he had piled Irwin’s order onto his cart. The bewildered bull finished his shopping in a daze before heading home. He walked slowly, spending the time thinking hard about what Gilda had said and examining his feelings about it. By the time he reached the cottage, he had made a decision. He unloaded his cart before heading into the forest to see Zecora, but not for a lesson. He would bring the zebra back to his cabin where he would ask Fluttershy to join them. The three needed to have a serious talk.
Everyone expected the dual royal wedding to be an exciting affair, but nobody expected the drama. The six Element Bearers glared at the defeated changeling queen who lay on the floor where they encircled her.
“How did you expect to get away with impersonating Cadance?” Gilda spat. “She’s one of our best friends, not to mention Shiny. Of course, we’d notice anything wrong about them!”
Chrysalis reached a hoof to her horn, feeling the nullstone band locked there. She dropped her hoof and glared at the griffoness. “Only Shining Armor’s sister grew suspicious before you lot turned up. Her friends were all too easy to distract.”
Big Mac said, “You didn’t think Captain Penumbra would see a problem?”
“I avoided the Night Guard completely. I saw no reason to complicate my plans by dealing with them. I didn’t expect to see batponies out in the daylight!”
Penumbra said, “Except, Shining Armor is not just my colleague but also one of my dearest friends. As Royal Guards, we’re supposed to be always alert for problems. And when my friend starts acting out of character, then I’m going to act on that.”
“You and your damn thestrals ruined everything. And what did that cursed rainbow beam do to me? I feel so… apathetic.”
Irwin answered. “The Power of Harmony brings balance. Your extreme desires were neutralized and your hostility ameliorated. So, now that you aren’t trying to be a megalomaniacal conqueror, tell us why you did it?”
The changeling queen narrowed her eyes and pressed her lips into a thin line. Moments later, perhaps due to the influence of the Elements, she relented. “I wanted to gain control of Equestria so that my hive might prosper once more.”
The six friends looked blankly at each other. None of the bearers expected that answer.
“What do you mean by that?” Trixie finally asked.
“Since the Night Guard was established, the Royal Guards have made it too difficult for my infiltrators to return love to feed the hive. We were living on the edge before then, but now we’re slowly starving.”
Princess Celestia had recovered from Chrysalis’ attack but had not joined the Bearers until then. “If your hive exists within Equestria’s borders, then your welfare is of concern to the Crown. If your situation is as perilous as you describe it to be, then you should have approached me about it.”
“If it helps,” Gilda said, “She’s told nothing but the truth so far.”
Celestia nodded. “Thank you, Lady Gilda.”
“Why should I trust you to help?” snarled Chrysalis. “You ponies have never been kind to changelings in all the centuries we’ve shared the world. Whenever an undisguised drone is found, it is chased away with torches and pitchforks.”
“When was the last time that happened? Times change, Queen Chrysalis, and so do ponies.” Celestia exchanged glances with Luna before returning her attention to the changeling. “It is time that we talk, royal to royal. But after the wedding ceremony. Captain Penumbra – please take Her Majesty to confinement and have her needs seen to until my sister and I can have a conversation with her.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“And Prince Macintosh,” Celestia added, “please join Luna and me then. I believe this is the perfect opportunity for the Alicorn of Friendship to show what he can do.”
Big Mac bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment. “As you wish, Princess.”
As Penumbra directed a couple of Royal Guards to assist Chrysalis to her hooves and escort her away, Trixie grinned and said, “Now, aren’t you all glad that Trixie insisted that we all wear our Elements to the wedding?”
Zecora replied, “You can’t fool me, my showmare friend. Their use was a means to an end.”
The unicorn smiled unrepentantly. “Trixie knows when it’s time to make an impression, and a double royal wedding is certainly one of them.”
Gilda chuckled. “Don’t argue with success, Zecora. I’m glad I wore mine.”
Irwin said, “Speaking of weddings, they’re trying to restart this one. I suggest we go help.”
“Why? Want to learn more about them, Beefy?” Gilda asked with a smirk.
The minotaur blushed and left without answering the griffon.
“Goldspur Apple – haven’t you finished your breakfast yet? We have to get going!” Gilda called out.
“Coming, Mom!” the young hippogriff colt replied as he hurried out of the kitchen, shrugging on his backpack. “Bye, Grandma!” he said with a wave.
Gilda lowered herself to the floor. “Hop on,” she told her son.
Goldspur eagerly climbed aboard his mother. He loved it when she gave him rides. As soon as they emerged from the house, Gilda spread her wings and took off.
“Wheee!” the colt cried.
Gilda smiled, enjoying this bonding moment with her son. Soon, he would be going to flight school and he would start taking long flights on his own, but for now, she would take delight in these opportunities.
They came in for a landing near the Apple’s produce stand, but before the griffon’s feet hit the ground, Goldspur leaped off her back and glided toward the large alicorn stallion there.
“Daddy!”
Big Mac caught the colt in his magic and pulled him into a hug. “Mornin’, Spur.”
“Watcha doin’, Dad?”
“Your grandpa and I are getting some things ready for the Summer Sun Celebration that starts tomorrow. Gotta do that before I head off to the School of Friendship.”
“Ooh! Can I go too? Everypony else is!”
“Sure thing, son. You and all your friends will get to go. Aunties Celestia and Luna will both be there and want to see you. Speaking of friends, here are some of them.” Big Mac smiled at the approaching minotaur and zebra with two youngsters in tow.
Both the children were bipeds like their father and had their sire’s strong upper body build with dark blue fur. Unlike him though, they had pony hooves rather than his cloven ones. They also had pony heads although they possessed a pair of small horns. Where they differed was that the female had a pair of wings and a pink mane while the male had white stripes and a mohawk-style mane.
Goldspur raced over to meet his friends while the adults greeted each other.
“Good morning!” Gilda said. “Where’s Flutters?”
Irwin replied, “She’s got a very sick skunk to nurse. She apologizes for not coming today.”
“Too bad. At least there’s nothing wrong with her.”
“Nothing but a little morning sickness,” the minotaur replied.
Gilda grinned. “You’re having another? Good on you! What about you, Zecora?”
The zebra shook her head. “Don’t look at this cow. One’s enough for now.”
The griffon chuckled. She still remembered the incident where Zecora’s young son got into her potions which she had thought were safely out of reach. Fun times! “Don’t speak so hastily. Fluttershy obviously got in the mood for another, and I’m looking forward to this one.” She stroked her gravid belly.
“How long before the foal is due?” Irwin asked.
“Less than a month now, judging by when Goldspur popped out.”
“Who’s popping out?” came a familiar voice.
Everyone turned to see a blue unicorn walking up to them with a colt by her side.
“Trixie!” Gilda cried out. “Good to see you and Spotlight. When did you arrive?”
“Dowser and Trixie hastened to get to Ponyville before dark yesterday, but we were too late to come visiting. But at least Spotlight can have some playmates today.” She looked around for her colt, but he had already joined the other children. She smiled indulgently before turning back to the griffon. “No need to answer Trixie’s question – she can see who will be popping out soon. She’s only surprised you didn’t have another cub sooner.”
Gilda shrugged. “Mac and I were both very busy. Now that things have settled down since the School of Friendship opened, we’ve been making time for our son and ourselves. Particularly in the bedroom,” she added.
“Gil was most insistent on the latter,” Big Mac said with a grin.
“You’re the one who said you’d like a big family,” Gilda retorted with a matching smile.
Zecora, Trixie, and Irwin laughed. Just then, a bat-winged pony swooped down and landed next to them.
“Good morning, everyone! You too, Most Dread Imperator!”
“No, I’m not that either … How do you keep coming up with these titles?”
The thestral strode up to Gilda and patted her distended belly. “You’re right. Most Potent Potentate is more appropriate given the state of your wife.”
Big Mac grumbled, “That’s it. I give up trying to get in the last word.”
Penumbra chuckled. She loved teasing her friend with new titles which, while semi-legitimate, weren’t required for a non-coronated prince.
“How come you’re here?” Irwin asked.
“I’m in charge of security for the Summer Sun Celebration, and because Princess Celestia insisted on holding it in Ponyville again this year, that means I have a lot to prepare ahead of the event. But that can wait for the moment. Seeing as we’re all together again, what’s the news?”
Gilda said, “Irwin’s having another child with Fluttershy, mine’s due in a few weeks, and we’re all wondering when you and Luna are going to have one.”
“Funny that you should mention that. Luna plans to ask Macintosh to sire a foal in her.”
“What?!” squawked Big Mac.
The griffon laughed. “Oh, come on, hot stuff! It was obvious that you’d be a perfect target for both the princesses. If Celestia was married to a mare, I’d expect her to come knocking too.”
“Doesn’t it bother you though?” he asked.
“Why? You know I’m more like a pony when it comes to social mores, and this is something I absolutely expected. It’s totally up to you if you want to do it, Love. Just remember that Luna is our good friend, not just any mare looking for an alicorn foal. And she’s your size too,” Gilda added with a smirk.
For reasons unknown to his friends, his face turned a slightly darker shade of red and he clammed up.
“And what about you, Penny?” Trixie asked. “Feeling the urge yet?”
“Nope, but I’m not saying that’s a permanent thing. I might prefer mares, but I can appreciate a handsome stallion. Someday, I might feel like it’s time to be a mother and go looking for a good prospect. Don’t worry, Macintosh – it won’t be you. I like the smaller, cuter stallions. Someone like Trixie’s husband, perhaps.”
The blue unicorn said, “While Mark Wells is small in stature, he is a Great and Powerful Stallion where it counts. If Dowser is amenable to the idea, Trixie will not object.”
Irwin said, “Aside from all this foal talk, any other news from Canterlot?”
Penumbra nodded. “Yes, actually. Queen Chrysalis petitioned the Crown for permission to travel to the Crystal Kingdom. She intends to ask Princess Cadance for the right to establish another hive there.”
“So, the reforms that were put into place after Chrysalis’ attempted coup have been working out for her. That’s good to hear.”
“Yep. And she’s been a surprising breath of fresh air too. I love her snarkiness. It’s a pleasant change from the obsequious nobles. Being a princess’ wife means you have to put up with a lot of horsesapples. At least, because I’m still Captain of the Night Guard, I get to yell at thick-headed recruits to let off steam. Anyway, I’ll be heading the security detail that will be accompanying Chrysalis to the Crystal Kingdom, so we’ll have plenty of time to chat if she’s in the mood.”
Big Mac said, “I never thought I would see the day that changelings would become a common sight, but now I have one going to my school.”
“How’s that working out?” Trixie asked.
“She’s made several friends already. It just proves that if you give a creature a chance, they will usually prefer to make a friend than an enemy,” the stallion said proudly.
“Thus spoke the Alicorn of Friendship!” the showmare declared.
“Oh, hush up,” Big Mac said. “Seeing as you’re here today, you can give a friendship class.”
“The Amazing Trixie anticipated your request and has prepared materials. There will be much joy and laughter!”
“Talking about school,” Irwin interjected, “it’s about time we dropped off our foals with Cheerilee so that we can get on with our day.”
Big Mac said, “I’m just waiting for Pa to return from the fairgrounds so that I can head off to my school. Lots for me to get done today before the holiday tomorrow.”
“And I’ve got to get back to my job,” Penumbra said.
Zecora said, “It’s good that we’re all gathered here this way. Can we meet up for dinner to end the day?”
“Great idea, Zecora,” Gilda said. “Come on around to Sweet Apple Acres. I’ll let Ma know to expect guests.”
“It’s a date!” Trixie declared.
Gilda, Irwin, and Zecora headed off to Cheerilee’s schoolhouse with their children, and Trixie came along to keep them company. Penumbra moved over next to Big Mac and gave him a surprise kiss on the cheek.
“That’s from Luna,” she said. “She also said that she hopes you say ‘yes’.” She grinned, spread her wings, and departed.
The alicorn stallion watched them all leave and shook his head with a lopsided smile. “I have the weirdest and best friends in Equestria,” he murmured before turning his attention back to the produce stand. An alicorn prince’s job was never done.
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