Twilight paced back and forth in the map room as she thought about how to explain what she was told. Mere minutes ago the train arrived and she told everyone to come to an emergency meeting. And now she was lost for words. She knew what had to be said. But the question was. Did she have the heart to tell them.

"Well?" Rarity asked. "What is it?"

"It's not easy to say." She sighed. "I believe the one responsible for the events of the past few days was the same one that came to Ponyville. He said his master wanted to reward us for our quick work."

"Which master?" Phoenix asked.

"He didn't say." She replied, turning to Phoenix. "He said that we have two options. One you take a mate and have a child. Her or a willing female may look after the child. Or…"

"Or?" Applejack asked.

"Within two days we send a female member of our team into the EverfreeForest." Twilight sighed. "No substitution."

The girls looked at each other for a moment before Rainbow steps forward. "I don't know about the rest of you. But I'm willing to go into the woods."

"But there's no guarantee that you'll return. Or that it'll help with the coming war." Rarity countered. "And while we're on the topic of our choices. Why would we be given the option?"

"His… master enjoys crushing hope." Twilight shuttered. "I… don't see many options."

"So… what should we do?" Fluttershy asked nervously.

Phoenix sighed and walked to the back door. "Us guys will be in the other room while you girls talk it over."

Once the guys were gone, Twilight spoke. "Our only helpful option is for one of us to offer ourselves as Phoenix's mate. And possibly for the others to start a family. In case the worst happens."

Silence followed for a few moments before Applejack asked. "No offense. But who's gonna be nuts enough to be his mate? Not that he's a bad guy. But…"

"I know dear." Rarity sighed. "We don't even know how it's even possible or what will happen to the mare he's with."

The girls looked at each other before Scootaloo asked. "Who picked which clan?" All eyes turned to her as she added. "I mean. The spirits said that his queen would be of the dragon clan."

Rainbow bit her lip and stepped forward. "I picked dragon."

"I did too." Gilda huffed.

"Me three!" Pinkie giggled.

Strongheart and Applejack lifted their hooves. After a moment Silverstream and Sweetie Belle smiled sheepishly, lifting their hooves. With a sigh Smolder held up her claws. "It should go without saying that I picked it." She huffed.

"Then the question is. Which of you are willing to be his mate?" The girls looked at each other before Rarity stepped up.

"My little sister is too young to-" Rarity started before Sweetie snapped.

"I'm old enough! And I already entered my heat cycle." Sweetie snapped. "And I'm not the only mare that is in heat in our group."

The girls looked at each other for a few moments before spitting into groups to talk about why they should or shouldn't take the offer.

In the other room Spike sat with Phoenix and the other guys. "So… are females the only ones you can have as a mate?"

"Technically no." Phoenix replied. "But that would require a bit of help from whoever is the intended mate… and only lasts for a day or till I give birth. Whichever comes first."

"So… if I was to offer myself as your mate?" Terramar asked.

"I think we should wait to see what the girls decide first. Then you guys can talk to her about who should do it." Phoenix replied.

Short chapter. Let's see what you think the choices should be. Or should only a female or male take the role of mate? What should be the roles?