The final chapter and conclusion of The Bachelor (The past two years have been extremely complicated and stressful and I deeply apologize for the lateness of my response and posting. I appreciate and thank each and every person who took their time to write a review, they really helped in the dark times.)

Disclaimer: I don't own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.

While Zecora stormed towards the startled and wavering Trixie, and all the mares were transfixed on the rising storm of magic that was starting to curl around their hooves, Applejack nudged Big Mac and nodded towards the orchard.

"C'mon," Applejack hissed. "While they ain't looking, let's go!"

Slowly backing up so not to draw the surrounding mares attention, Applejack and Big Mac eased their way out of the crowd just as a rumble of thunder filled the air.

"Oh oh oh! No magic can compete against mine!" Trixie bellowed, raising her wand above her head, and Zecora flashed a grin.

"You are right my dear for my magic is my own, and unless you know who you are, your magic is as dull as a faded winter cloud!" Zecora yelled as a bolt of lightning came from the sky and struck Trixie. Well, technically speaking it struck Trixie's wand which acted as a lightning rod and an amplifier, which sent out a wave of lightning soaring through the sky in all directions and would have been noticed throughout the land from the Crystal Empire to Hay Seeds swamps1.

"What are those two up to?" Applejack yelled as she ran side by side with Big Mac. "We need to get somewhere safe!"

Big Mac narrowed his eyes. He knew the perfect place.

ooooooo

Tending to bunnies and birds is not an easy job. No matter what Rainbow Dash or Applejack said. It required patience, and calmness, and ease, and most of all: love. Especially when the thunder shook Fluttershy's house and literally every adorable woodland creature decided the safest place was in her home. This left her outside her crowded home, hovering anxiously at the bulging windows as Angle waved at her from the inside.

"Oh my," Fluttershy sighed.

"Fluttershy! We need someplace to hide!" Applejack yelled as she and Big Mac approached the house.

Fluttershy blinked and flew down to the ground, landing as Applejack and Big Mac stopped.

"Applejack? Big Mac?" Fluttershy asked curiously. "I thought the rent was due next week."

"Rent? What rent?" Applejack asked confused and Big Mac cleared his throat.

"We need somewhere to hide," Big Mac said grimacing. His shoulder would just not heal and that run had not been good for it!

"Hide? Whatever for?" Fluttershy said as a rising dust cloud appeared over the horizon.

"Haven't you read the papers today? Granny Smith put out an ad saying Big Mac was lookin' for a wife!" Applejack said.

Fluttershy blinked slowly as she looked at Big Mac.

"Ummmm... you... um, you're looking for a wife?" Fluttershy asked nervously.

"Nnnope," Big Mac said and frowned. Was it his imagination or did Fluttershy's wings just sag?

"Well, um, that storm that just happened, um, it kind of scared everybody so their hiding in my home, and it's so crowded even I can't get in, but I would help you if I could," Fluttershy explained, pointing to the packed house. "Ah, maybe you could hide with Rainbow Dash? Or, or Twilight or, um, Rarity?" She suggested as the ground began to tremble.

"Good idea Fluttershy!" Applejack said grinning. "We'll head straight for 'em! C'mon Big Mac, them fillies are catching up quick!" She said before starting to run down the road.

Big Mac hesitated and Fluttershy smiled nervously.

"Um, I-I'll try and hold them off, you get somewhere safe," Fluttershy said and Big Mac smiled.

"Thanks Fluttershy," Big Mac said before running after Applejack.

Fluttershy watched as Big Mac raced down the road. The thought of Big Mac getting married left a flutter in her throat and made her knees feel weak. Maybe... maybe when he came next time for the rent, she would offer him something a little more. But for the moment, when the pebbles on the ground started shaking and Fluttershy could hear the loud squealing and yelling, she went to her front door and with determination and strength, she pulled open her front door and released all animals from within like an avalanche onto the rising tide of hopeful mares.

Fluttershy hovered into the air, watching Big Mac and Applejack run, and hoping he would be safe.

ooooooo

"Oh and this is just marvellous, but you know to catch a certain stallions eye, may I suggest you go with this colour?"

"Really? Are you sure?"

"Darling, we at the Carousel Boutique are always thinking of every fabric, colour, texture and style of fashion that can be combined in a tasteful yet delightful and splendid manner. I can assure you, your fashion and style are our top priorities," Rarity cooed as a white mare with powder blue hooves and a blue mane wearing a corn silk gold cloak examined herself in a mirror.

"Oh Rarity, you're right. This is just perfect and I'm sure I'll catch his eye, don't you?"

"Of course darling! Now, please allow Sweetie Belle to see to the bill while I check with my next appointment," Rarity drawled as she elegantly left the change room and walked through the packed building and spied Sweetie Belle ringing up the register at a frenzied pace. She stopped for a moment to glance outside and with a moment of pure and utter glee, noticed that the line to her shop went around the building and all the way through town. Today was a going to be a very, very good day. Rarity thought as she smiled and greeted her next customer before leading her to an empty change room, and she would have gone in too, had it not been for the knocking on the window and Applejack's desperate face.

"Applejack?" Rarity asked, opening the window. "Whatever is the problem?"

"Problem? Problem!?" Applejack hissed. "My problem is that every damn mare this side of Equestria has their intentions on marrying Big Mac!"

"Oh? Well, as long as he stays indoors, it shouldn't be that big a problem." Rarity said.

"That's the problem: Zecora and Trixie are battling it out at the farm, and there is a horde of mares coming here!"

"Here? Why here?" Rarity asked confused.

Big Mac poked his head up.

"Hi,"

"We were hoping we could hide here," Applejack sighed.

The blood drained from Rarity's face.

"Here? Here?! Are you mad! I can't have him here! My shop will be destroyed not to mention people will think it's all a publicity stunt for me to sell my designs! Oh no, no, no! You simply cannot stay here! I have a business to run!" Rarity said before slamming the window and walking into the changing room.

Applejack glanced worriedly at Big Mac.

"Don't you worry, we'll find someplace safe yet!"

ooooooo

"All the candy you need! Candy everyday! Oooh, and don't forget party celebrations for the big day! Sugarcube Corner has all you need for your wedding day!" Pinkie Pie yelled from the bullhorn at the throng of mares standing outside. She was standing on a wooden crate and surrounded by musical instruments. "Not only that, but if you come in within the next ten minutes, there is a special deal for an all in one musical band!"

Big Mac and Applejack glanced at each other before slowly creeping away. This was not turning out as well as they had hope.

"Don't worry—"

"Eeyup," Big Mac sighed. This was a disaster.

"Big Mac..." Applejack said, patting his arm. "We'll get this figured out—"

"B-Big Mac?"

Big Mac and Applejack froze before looking over their shoulder.

The mares that had been in front of Sugarcube Corner had noticed him. The mares that had been lined up outside of Rarity's were staring at him. And the horde of ponies from the farm had finally arrived in town.

Big Mac swallowed.

"Run!" Applejack yelled as the three groups joined together to form a massive herd of ponies as Big Mac and Applejack ran through the streets of Ponyville. Well, make that struggle. Big Mac shoulder finally gave out as they turned a corner on one of the streets and he collapsed, grunting in pain.

"Big Mac you need to get up!" Applejack yelled as she struggled to lift him. He was far heavier then she had realised.

"Quickly! In here!" Twilight Sparkle yelled from the entrance of Golden Oak library.

Struggling to stand, Big Mac, with the help of Applejack managed to limp his way into the library just as the vast herd of mares caught up to them. Twilight Sparkle slammed the door shut and muttered something under her breathe, magically locking the door shut.

"Oh Twilight, you have no idea how good it is to see you," Applejack heaved as Big Mac struggled to the center of the room before finally collapsing. "Fluttershy tried to help, but Rarity and Pinkie Pie, those ponies are just too busy working with the enemy to help us out!"

"Well, you can rest assure, you are safe in here," Twilight Sparkle said. "Spike, could you bring us out some cider while I see to Big Mac's wound?"

Spike eyed Big Mac, who stared back.

"I don't quite see what's so special about you, and what is it you got that makes all those female ponies go crazy?" Spike grumped, crossing his arms.

"Spike, Please!" Twilight Sparkle snapped and Spike rolled his eyes.

"Fine, fine, I'm getting the cider."

"Big Mac, where does it hurt?" Twilight Sparkle asked as she kneeled next to him. Big Mac nodded to his shoulder and Twilight Sparkle began chanting softly.

"It's been hurtin' since last night, when I took the yoke off," Big Mac explained as a pale purple light extended from Twilight's horn to his shoulder.

Applejack sighed and threw herself in a nearby chair, pulling off her hat and rubbing her forehead. "You would not believe the craziness happening. It's like a spell or something happened and made all 'em ponies want to marry Big Mac! Hey, do you think it's a spell? Like the Cutie Pox? Or someone dumped some love potion in the water supply?"

"Well, I doubt it's like the Cutie Pox or else all the males of Ponyville would be in love with Big Mac too, and I locked away that book that Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo used so that's not possible," Twilight Sparkle explained as she sat back. "Big Mac, try moving your shoulder."

Big Mac sighed and rolled his shoulder, surprised that it didn't hurt. He grinned at Twilight Sparkle.

"Thank ya kindly," He said and Twilight Sparkle beamed with pride as Spike returned with several cups of cider on serving plate. As soon as he had placed it on a nearby table Twilight Sparkle turned to him.

"I am not exactly sure what is going on, and I think we need to talk to someone more experienced than us. Spike, take a note." Twilight Sparkle said as a Spike grabbed a nearby quill and parchment.

"Dear Princess Celestia, as you may not be aware, there was a newspaper published today that had Big Mac, Applejack's brother, seeking a wife. Well, apparently every female pony in the land is seeking his hand in marriage but the attraction and attention is causing some disturbing events such as—"

"Zecora and Trixie attacking each other with magic," Applejack interjected.

"Zecora and Trixie attack each other with magic," Twilight Sparkle added. "Please, can you give us some advice? You're faithful student, Twilight Sparkle. Okay Spike, send it off." Twilight Sparkle said and with a puff of green fire, the letter disappeared.

"Well, what do we do now?" Applejack asked as Big Mac stood up and went to one of the windows. He peeked through and paled at the throngs of ponies calling for him.

"I guess we wait until the attention has died down or they all leave," Twilight Sparkle said as she reached for the cider Spike had brought.

But the crowd didn't die down or leave. In fact throughout the next few days a campsite was erected outside of the library, songs were written in Big Mac's name, letters were shoved through the mail slot with the promise of eternal love and companionship. Of course, when one mare in the crowd suggested that Big Mac cut his hair and maybe move to the city so they could be closer to one another, this caused a separation within the mares and led to two different campsites. One dedicated to living with Big Mac on the farm, and the other to bringing Big Mac to Ponyville or even Manehattan! When they started flinging rotten apples and tomatoes at each other and calling names, and then Zecora and Trixie finally appeared in town (and both of whom looked like they'd been sticking the other with lightning for hours on end), and Big Mac was wondering if maybe he should just marry someone so this would all end because he just wanted to get back to work, silence emerged on the morning of the fourth day with a trumpet and someone yelling: "Make way for Princess Celestia!"

"The Princess? The Princess came here?" Applejack, who had been sound asleep until the trumpet sounded, asked as she pushed up her hat.

"Oh thank the elements!" Twilight Sparkle sighed as she magically unlocked the door and Princess Celestia walked inside.

"Why Twilight Sparkle, when you sent me that letter, I had no idea that Big Mac would bring the entire kingdom to a standstill!" Princess Celestia smiled. Big Mac stood speechless, stunned silent before he remember himself and bowed. "Oh Big Mac, please, no need. I do not believe we have not seen each other since the arm wrestling bout,"

"Yes Princess," Big Mac said clearing his throat.

"Now... what is this about marriage?" Princess Celestia asked.

ooooooo

"...aaand that's what happened," Applejack sighed. It was late into the evening now and Princess Celestia had only asked a few questions but listened attentively.

"I see, I see... Big Mac. May I speak to you privately?" Princess Celestia asked.

"Eeyup," Big Mac said as Applejack, Twilight Sparkle and Spike slipped out of the room, leaving the two of them alone together.

"So... this was brought about by Granny Smith?"

"Eeyup,"

"Big Mac... what did you want to be when you were a little pony?" She asked curiously.

Big Mac stopped, swallowing nervously. He bowed his head, sighing.

"I... I wanted to be a member of your royal guards. Even though I'm an earth pony, I wanted to stand and protect you." Big Mac admitted. He was never one to lie, or speak in riddles. Big Mac was plain spoken.

"Hmm, I suppose if I married you, there could still be a chance of that," Princess Celestia mused and Big Mac almost fell over.

"P-Princess?!"

Princess Celestia giggled. "Would it be so bad to be married to me?"

Big Mac was speechless and Princess Celestia laughed.

"Oh don't look so scared Big Mac, I am only teasing." She said, smiling gently. "But it looks like the only way out of this problem is to pick a bride, and I do not think you are ready to settle down, are you?"

"Nnoope," Big Mac said, finally after he could remember how to use his tongue. "I wish all this could go back to normal," he sighed.

Princess Celestia smiled, a glint forming in her eye even as thunder rumbled outside.

"I think we can do something about that, but in exchange, one thing."

"Anything Princess!" Big Mac said, standing tall, eyes narrowed.

"A kiss."

Big Mac blinked.

"A kiss?"

"Close your eyes Big Mac," Princess Celestia said as she leaned forward and Big Mac's eyes fluttered shut as Princess Celestia brushed her lips against his and suddenly the world became dizzy and he thought he would faint! All that from just a kiss!

"What'cha been doin' out here sweetie?" Granny smith asked, making his eyes snap open. He blinked, looking around.

Big Mac wasn't at the library, he wasn't in front of Princess Celestia, instead he was back at the farm standing at the door of the house with Granny Smith watching him with kind eyes. He felt a cold shiver race up his spine. He was back, back right where it all started.

"Thinkin' is all," Big Mac said, walking into the house as Granny stepped aside. The kettle was on the stove, screaming at the top of its lungs. Big Mac tensed as Granny Smith clucked her tongue and closed the door behind them and walked over to the stove.

"Thinkin' can be dangerous," Granny Smith said, wrapping a towel around the handles and bringing them to the metallic bathtub that she had dragged into the middle of the kitchen.

"Eeyup,"

"Were you thinkin' about a girl?" Granny Smith asked, pouring a second kettle of water into the bathtub. Steam was filling the air. It made Big Mac's throat tickle.

"Eeyup,"

Granny Smith gasped, turning to Big Mac.

"You were!? You tell me who this filly is, right this moment!" Granny Smith demanded and Big Mac smiled.

"You," Big Mac said as he kissed her forehead. "With you Granny Smith, you're all I be needin," Big Mac said and Granny Smith beamed.

Okay, so here's the map I used to try and figure out where everything is: . /_cb20130403195245/mlp/images/c/cb/Map_of_Equestria_April_

I never thought I would be able to finish this, but I thank each and everyone of you who reviewed! Thank you!