//------------------------------//
// “It’s only the beginning.” 
// Story: It’s (Not) The End 
// by Inactive Pone 
//------------------------------//

”Season 9 will be the last season of Friendship is Magic.”

You sit on your bed at night, gasping as you read the post on Facebook. You have read through the post several times already- But you can’t possibly believe it one bit.

My Little Pony, Generation Four, is ending.

You drop your phone on your bed with an audible thud. You have nothing to say- Your jaw drops open. You slowly drop your arms and lay back against the backing of your bed, trying to reprocess what the post just said. For a die-hard pony fan like you, you can’t possibly believe it was true. You mutter the words again, “The last season.” But you can’t find yourself to admit it.

You start sniffing. You frown, you cover your face. Your eyes grow moist as tears form to no end, trickling down your cheeks. A minute later and you start to sob. The show meant the world to you- Something more influential than anything you’ve seen. The attachment it had on your heart was indescribable. It was something that changed you, and you watched as you grew up.

You remind yourself of all the things it has given you. Friendships, passions, morals, happiness... All sorts of things that kept you so happy every day. You start wondering, ”Where would I be without Pony?” What would my life have been, if I hadn’t stumbled upon this pleasant surprise?”

You momentarily get up from your bed. Looking at the clock, it’s midnight, and you have school tomorrow.

But this time, you weren’t going to go there in a happy state of mind, knowing you can catch the newest content once you reach home when the season ends.

You step over to your wardrobe, filled with pony merchandise you’ve been collecting as an ultra fan. Seeing she’s the main character, you lightly grab your Twilight Seapony plush and tuck yourself back in. As you lightly brush and tickle it, you imagine her speaking- Worrying that her world will be forgotten and perish with no one remembering it. Just this makes you cry too. You tightly hug it close to your chest and pull the covers over your head.

You don’t want her to go. You don’t want all of them to go. It’s too soon.

”It’s too soon...” You think. Despite it lasting for nearly a decade, you still thought an end to it would be far too early. It was a magical show. A fairytale you wished that would be last for an eternity of happiness. But alas, a Story always has an ending. And the ending is coming.

There’s not a lot you know about season 9 and what comes after. You’re scared- Will they screw up this last chance? Will they mess up the series in the next reboot? Will it kill your love for the series, just as many other things have for you when they started over?

Your tears slowly drip onto your plush toy. Unable to control your emotions, you eventually cry to sleep.



**************



”Hello?”

“Excuse me, are you there?”

You merely open your eyes to the sound. You were lying down- And the first thing you see is an endless field of darkness. When you get up, you’re greeted by a familiar face.

A pony.

She is no ordinary pony- She’s Twilight Sparkle. By first sight, you recognize the purple pony, with her tri-colored mane and tail of navy, lavender, and pink. Her glistening lavender eyes mesmerize you, and you just about see her famous six-pointed star cutie mark on her flank.

“Wh-Where am I?” You ask.

“You’re dreaming,” Twilight replies. “Let me explain. Feel free to sit and let’s talk.”

You do as you’re told, sitting beside one of your favorite characters.

“I-I know this is a dream, but... It’s nice to meet you.”

Twilight smiles and nods.

“Mhmm, me too. What’s your name?”

You tell her your name.

“That’s a great name. I suppose you know who I am?”

“Yes, your highness.”

Twilight lets out a chuckle. “Everyone seems to call me that when I meet them, haha. Please, just call me by my name.”

“Okay, Twilight.”

“Now, let me explain why I’m here in your dream. It’s a very long story. First, some things I wish to tell you to give you a good idea of what I’ll be talking about. You see, my friends and I have always been working hard in our world, filming the episodes of a show for you all on Planet Earth.”

“You actually act out everything?”

“Pretty much. We got into the whole thing when this Alicorn showed up in our world, other than Celestia and Luna, of course. She’s colored white, had a mane of between maroon and red color, and a very gentle voice. She was able to transfer our footage back and forth between your world and our world, in some way. It was never clarified. A while later she said she wanted to stop working for the crew who made the show what it is but said for the sake of filming she will still transfer the videos.”

“Are you talking about Lauren Faust?”

“Oh? How did you know?”

“Lauren Faust is the creator of the series I believe you’re filming. She created you all, per se. *sigh* It’ s a beautiful show- My Little Pony Friendship is Magic. And I just got the news that...”

You sigh.

“This is why I’m here,” Twilight says.

“Huh?”

“When Lauren told us about this, we were just as shocked as probably all of you. Care for me to go in depth?”

“No problem.”



*****************



“Cut! And that’s a wrap, everypony!”

Lauren Faust said in her pony self after the cast had finished making the final shot of the final episode. She gives them big applause for all the hard work that they have done.

But amidst the joy, was a secret that she has kept to herself for far too long.

She invites Twilight and the princesses to meet up with her after the shoot.


**door opens**

Twilight enters the conference room at Canterlot Castle. She sits at her seat, closest to the door. On her right was Princess Celestia. On her left, Princess Luna. And right opposite her was Lauren Faust. The Alicorn was already frowning and sighing before she spoke a word. Twilight knows- This isn’t good news she’s going to hear.

“Princesses,” Lauren says, “You have any idea why I called you all tonight?”

The three all shake their heads.

“Well...” Lauren sighs. “I’ve been keeping this secret for far too long from you all. And... Since we finished shooting the final episode of this season, I thought it’ll be a good time to come clean about it.”

“What’s special about this season?” Twilight asks.

Lauren stays silent for a good minute, shivering and clearly holding back some tears, given by how in vain she looked. Twilight shoots Celestia a look- Celestia just cocks her head in the same curiosity.

“Lauren,” Celestia says, “You’re our creator. Kind of our parent, even. Is there ever a secret you told us that made us doubt you or hate you?”

Luna nods. “Tell us, please.”

Lauren looks at the ground and sheds a tear.

“This is the final episode.”

Twilight gasps. “What?”

“It’s over. This is the last season.”

Celestia and Luna both gasp.

“So you’re not coming over anymore?” Luna says in disbelief.

“That’s not the only problem, Luna,” Lauren says, patting Luna’s head as she comes close. “It’s much more terrible. Something that can threaten your world from mine.”

“Tell us,” Celestia begs.

“Wait,” Twilight interrupts, “I don’t mean to cut you off, but didn’t you say you were talking with the crew a while ago about possibly continuing-“

“It failed.”

Twilight gasps again.

“There’s Nothing I can do,” Lauren sighs, looking at the three. “I begged the showrunners of the next season- The one we just finished, to make a tenth season. And I really hoped that my creation wouldn’t end so soon- But... Since I wasn’t part of the crew anymore, they wouldn’t let me make the decision. They said it was for... *Disgusted sigh* More merchandise campaigns and they wanted to do a new generation that can pull in more viewers. They wanted more attention and revenue from the series, and deemed you guys weren’t enough.”

“But we put everything we’ve got into acting out the scenes exactly as they wanted!” Twilight says.

“Remember, Twilight, that even I did not approve of quite a number of episodes that they’ve written recently. I just did so because I was the one keeping the series alive. I can’t leave- The show can’t progress without you all acting out their stories. I guess it’s just preferences of the fans.”

Lauren sighs and stands up.

“Now, let me tell you all the irony about all of this- Why it pains me to talk about it.”

Celestia and Luna go into full focus. Twilight flies over to the empty area, too.

“*sigh* Because all this is kind of my imagination- The series I created, your world’s existence is dependent on whether people remember about your world. When I first started making My Little Pony, this generation- That’s when you all were made.”

“That’s when you appeared and told us what to do,” Celestia says.

“Yes. Actually, I am only just a character, like you all. The real Lauren Faust is somewhere out in the world, that isn’t even the production crew anymore. But I’m here to stay because I am the creator of your world. All of the things you guys went through were animations made by people who make the show.”

“So we’ve always been controlled by someone?”

“Kind of. Now, here’s the important part- The show is ending. That’s it. It’s not continuing, and you all will be free from our animators’ hands. But, the problem with this is that because everyone will switch to watching the next reboot, over time, people won’t remember you all when the final episode ends. I won’t last forever, either- I’m not immortal. The fewer the amount of people that remembers your imaginary world, the more blurry the imagination gets- And if so, this world will start to crumble.”

Everyone gasps.

“So our world will...?” Twilight stops, knowing full well where it’s going.

Lauren nods. “Sadly, yes. If no one remembers you all, the imagination that fuelled the existence of this world will disappear. Then... Poof.”

The three all gasp louder.

“W-We will...?”

“Yes, Twilight,” Lauren says, looking down. “I’m sorry I waited so long to tell you this. But, now that I have, I want to give you all a mission.”

“Anything,” Celestia replies.

“Like Luna, I also possess the ability to enter the dream realm. And since I originally come from the human world, this means I can enter dreams of humans, too. I wish to use this to allow the ponies to connect with the fans- To comfort them about the fact everything’s ending. But I can’t do this on my own, and I need the magic from you all.”

Luna put her hoof to her heart and bowed. “We shall assist you and give it our all.”

Twilight and Celestia did the same. Lauren smiles.

“Again, I’m sorry that I hid all of this from your nation,” She says. “The death of your dimension really is imminent if we do not leave the fans with a memory of it to cherish. Now, I must return back to my world.”

“W-Wait!”

Lauren looks back at Twilight as she created the portal back home.

“Don’t worry. This isn’t the last time we’ll meet. I’ll come to help you all while I can.”

The Alicorn lets out a sigh of relief and nods.




*******************



“So, here I am now.”

Twilight finishes explaining everything. You want to ask her several questions about her relationship with Lauren Faust, but you know this isn’t the time for that. What matters is what she's come to talk about.

‘Death’.

You let out a depressed sigh.

“You... You will...”

Twilight nods.

“Yes. If our existence is not remembered, our dimension will cease to exist.”

You can’t help but curl into a ball in sorrow and fear. You cover your face in an attempt to stop yourself from crying again. Twilight turns to you fully. She shuffles herself closer to you to try an comfort you.

“The reason I’m here is to connect with our supporters,” Twilight says. “Please, if there’s anything you wish to tell, let it all out. I’ll be here.”

You slightly look up at her.

“Twilight... Do you realize how many hearts you and your friends have touched?”

“I do.”

“And you’re just going to give up on us like that?”

You expect Twilight to be confused. But surprisingly, she just says, “Just like the others, hm? Go on.”

You sigh and stand up.

“Your generation of the series has been the most widespread version of the past three decades,” You say. “You all represent the fact anyone can relive being a child by watching the show. You are the one to defy gender stereotyping- opening our eyes to a whole other level of Cartoon shows. I loved every episode you all were a part of. These few years, I’ve always been anticipating for what’s coming next- What will you have to offer after a long week. Not to mention the crazy amount of love we all have when we buy merchandise dedicated to you girls.”

“And now you’re stopping? At the height of your popularity?”

Twilight stands up as you turn your back against her. You slowly walk away, starting your long, emotional ride.

“Your producers don’t understand what the fans wanted,” You sigh, “Ending the series when it still had so much potential. Why? There's so much about your world we've never seen... So many stories to touch upon... And seeing you and your friends brings such a warm smile to our faces in even the saddest of times. You've brought such joy into our lives through the magic of friendship. It's... Amazing, seeing how much we can relate, how much we care about your show, and how lives are changed because of you."

"You know? My Little Pony has brought so much more to me- To us fans. So many people were able to connect through the same passion of your stories. And the fan creations- Many draw, write, and sing about you all on a daily basis. The countless amounts of people you've inspired to show their talent through their love for Pony... It's unbelievable. I'm one of those people. I wouldn't have met some of my closest friends today without watching this show. As I said, you brought me a smile when I'm all down and out- In my most grueling challenges and struggles. The support you gave us is real. And we hold all out conventions to express our thanks and dedication."

"And after all of that, what we've been through for almost a decade, what this community has built... Despite all we've done to show you how much we're grateful that you all exist..."

You cry.

"You weren't listening?"

Twilight gasps and doesn't even care about anything anymore. She dashes over and holds your hand.

"That's not what we're doing! Not at all!"

You turn back and flinched her hoof off.

"We wouldn't have wanted it to go like this. No one would've wanted it to end," She explains.

"But the crew did," You say. "Why would they end it if they know we wouldn't want it to?"

Twilight smiles.

"Everything ends," She says, hiding the disappointment in her heart. "I'm sad too that all of this is ending. I don't want to be forgotten. I don't know what exactly would our future be, either. The crew hasn't told us yet. But... Truthfully, haven't you gone through these moments, filled with goodbyes before?"

You nod with a frown.

"Sometimes, there are dreams that unfortunately cannot be. I wished to keep doing this with my friends- It was fun. And you all in your world, you wanted to see more of us. The interest you have for us... It makes us feel so overwhelmed, yet so excited, because we can see so many people care for us. We love you too, you know that. There's a bond hidden, deep within the fandom you're in about us- An unseen connection of friendship."

Twilight holds her hoof out high. You press your hand against it.

"Each other?"

"Mhmm. You all love us. You all sympathize with what happens with us, you care, you support, and you're proud of our successes when you watch us. Isn't that what friends do? Don't you see? You know we're not actually real. It's in your imagination. But, it's this sense of imagination you have that our friendship is built upon. You connect with us the same way you would with real friends. Instead of calling the shots right away, you pretend we are real. That's why you care so much.”

“When we are on break, and Lauren tells us all about the things you’ve all done, all the stories you’ve all written about us, even though some of them were... *Gags* Weird... We felt so overjoyed. It feels... Really fascinating, that so many people that we’ve never met can just... Like us all of a sudden. Over time, we’ve got to know more about the community dedicated to us as a whole. From what we know, you’re a great group of people. Everyone’s taking away a lot from what message we’re displaying each episode. A lot of you admire us so much, to the point you buy these... I don’t know how to put my hoof on it...”

“Merchandise?” You guess.

“Ah, yes. Plush toys get us the most excited- I couldn’t ever imagine myself being snuggled up like that, hahaha. The point is... We hear you. We know you’re happy to see us every weekend. That’s why we kept on going. It’s the goal of entertaining all of you loyal and wonderful fans that helped give us the motivation to keep doing this. We’ve never met, but every time we finish a shoot, we know that one day, you’ll watch the episode, and hopefully feel the effort we pour into everything.”

“This last season will not be an exception.”

“Oh?”

You and Twilight’s eyes meet.

“We finished the shoot for season nine a while ago. If you ask me, I think it’s brilliant. I had a lot of fun with my friends- One last time. Some people in the community, despite how amazing you all are, have judged us countless times about episode quality. This time, we are sure to prevent that from happening. It’s our last chance to prove ourselves- And we have given it our all.”

“I’ll be looking forward to it, then. Do you know when it will release?”

“April. I overheard the crew. Although, they’re planning to release the trailer sometime soon.”

“I see. So... Twilight?”

“Yes?”

You give a slight smile, with a tear running down your eye.

“Thanks.”

“Hm?”

“Thanks for your comfort. I needed it.”

Twilight titters. “Anytime for our fans.”

“You know... I was getting so worried. When I first saw you a few minutes ago, in this dream, I suppose- I panicked. I was so ready to start yelling and whining about you guys ending the show all of a sudden. I’m sorry.”

“Oh, it’s fine. This isn’t my first fan I’m visiting, anyway. I’ve gotten used to people reacting like this countless times. We feel you- You don’t want to see us go. You don’t want our series to end. But... have you heard the saying, ‘Endings are also beginnings’? There’s a whole new generation of ponies that we’re passing the torch to. A whole other dimension- New worlds to explore, and a new meaning in life waiting to be found. Maybe it’ll be friendship again, who knows. And from what I’ve been hearing from the crew, they seem to be reprising most of our roles with a different trait. Sounds interesting.”

“I’ve heard about that,” You reply.

Twilight walks closer towards you.

“You don’t have to feel sad that it’s the end for us. There’s a new series waiting for you to dig into- And I have no idea how it would go, but I’m sure it’ll be just as awesome as our generation had been. Even if it isn’t, the end of our show’s production doesn’t stop you all from doing what you love and it definitely doesn’t stop your willingness to create more to dedicate the show either. The memory from the community of us is our only hope for survival. So please... Don’t forget about us. As long as you remember we are here, our friendship will last. Because friends just don’t split apart- Ever. Even if there’s countless obstacles blocking us from ever reaching out to each other... Friendship doesn’t depend on direct interactions. It depends on the heart. Your kindness... Your care... Your sympathy... True friends never change.”

You nod. “Very wise.”

Twilight smiles. “Don’t cry, my friend. I will be okay. We’ll all be. I just want you to move on from all this.”

She opens her hooves wide for a hug. You beam gladly and try to receive the embrace. However, to your absolute surprise, it feels as if she was, indeed, just your imagination- You went right through her imaginary self.

“*gasp* Oh! I’m so sorry!” Twilight covers her mouth.

You get up, trying to touch her.

“I’m sorry. I can’t stay in this dream for too long. Forgot that I need to spread the news to other dreams as well.”

She cries a single tear before slowly heading away.

“W-Wait! But...”

“Uh Huh?”

You blush.

“I-I... *sigh* I don’t want you to go. Stay with me, just a little longer? Please?”

She turns back, grinning.

“I’d love to, but I really can’t. Just... Remember what I said, my friend. We’re friends- Separated far apart. But we’ll remember your support like how you’ll remember us as being an important part of your life.”

“N-No... Please...”

Twilight comes to pat your head as you’re about to cry again.

“What a crybaby, you are.”

“Twilight!”

She giggles. “Don’t worry. I will never forget you. All of you, in fact. You’ve been such a wonderful audience.”

You look up at her, still crying.

“Will... *sniff* Will I see you again?”

“One day, buddy. Someday... Maybe you’ll see me again. I’ll meet you when it’s time. Now... *sigh* I have to go, really.”

You nod and let go.

“Okay... *sigh*”

Twilight turns back into real form for a second, and in those brief seconds, she gives you a hug. You hold on to her tightly- As a promise that you’ll never forget her.

“*cries* I’ll miss you, Twilight...”

“I’ll miss you all supporting us, too,” She says, letting go. “I have to go now. My time’s running out.”

As soon she said something, her imaginary self took over, and she starts fading.

“You’ll remember us... Won’t you?”



**Months Later.**



The credits on the last episode rolls.

It's over.

You stretch yourself, let out a large sigh, and slump back on your chair. The series has finally ended. You were recording- And because you can, you leave it on to capture some additional commentary.

But, as soon as the footage ended, you take off your headphones, and eyeball the Twilight plushie on your desk, next to your computer. You grab it and start hugging it tightly, breaking into tears. You remember the words Twilight has spoken to you a few moths ago. "Friendship depends on the heart..." "Endings are also beginnings..." "We hear you..." Twilight really wanted to comfort you, and possibly countless other fans through the same words.

The more you recall her words, the calmer you feel. You know that neither the fans nor the characters could have ever prepared themselves for this day prior to the news broadcast- The day where, to you as a fan, the series ends, but to the characters, the start of a new era. A dark period of time, struggling to be remembered, and not let their world fall just for the fact no one remembers who they are. Yet, Twilight did not show any sign of being nervous when she talked to you. She's aware. She's prepared. She's ready to accept her, and her world's fate- Forgotten, deceased, missing, forever, in the progression of time.

If she could acknowledge the end, why couldn't you?

Twilight’s right- Everything comes to an end at some point. Despite knowing this, however, you can’t help but feel worried as a witness of her end. She made it look like common sense, but to you, it looked so scary, to know you’re about to disappear. You’re willing to bet she doesn’t know what’s going to happen when the show really does get forgotten in the end, even- What will become of the world they have worked so hard to shape? What will happen to them in their afterlife? What happens after death?

You contemplate the subject.

Disappearance from the world- Something everyone fears. No one knows what lies in front of us the moment we take our last breath, because no one will be able to tell us about it. Is death really the end of everything? Or... Is Twilight right, that all ends are beginnings? For her case, her assumption would be, to an extent, correct- It would seem she’ll be reborn in the next generation- In the next dimension, in a new show. But you can’t say the same for yourself and the ones around you.

You stop crying when you realize the next generation will be around the corner before you know it. Besides, it’s only about a year later. You wish to do something, to raise the morale for the Pony fandom, and continue expressing the love for the series in the next reboot. Even one simple message will do to influence in this modern world. By doing so, you’re keeping the show noticed- Admired, loved. You want your favorite characters to live on in generations after. You want them to be happy- Like any friend would.

So that’s what you’re going to do.

You close your eyes, let out a sigh, and start giving your thoughts on the final episode. When that was all done and over, you hold your plush in your arms, looking at your face cam attached to your monitor.

“Pony has changed me,” You say. “And it’s end doesn’t mean the changes will disappear, now does it?”

You giggle.

“Thank you, Twilight Sparkle.”

You lightly kiss the horn of your toy, despite it being weird. You receive a text from your friend.

”Hey! Wanna go watch that new season of that cartoon I told you?”

You smile and reply, ”Yep! Will do!”

You look back at the camera, and dry a tear coming out of your eye. Once you end this recording, all is over. Generation Four is over. Something that you grew up with, is over. Though it leaves such a big hole in your heart, you knew it was coming. You enjoyed every last bit of happiness and joy in watching the newest season. It was fantastic- Just As Twilight promised you.

You realize- Because Everything ends, it’s more important than anything- That you have fun while it lasted. You had times in the past where you critiqued the show a lot. You were taking it for granted despite seeing great episodes. There were good and bad episodes, but sometimes, you were never satisfied by the quality. Now, you feel naive for thinking that way- Having fun watching a show is why you watch it in the first place. The showrunners would never pump out episodes that are bad. Every one is great in their own way objectively. You just had to feel the effort put in to making them.

Time flies. And it’s been a great 9 years. This show was absolutely amazing and life-changing, even. But alas, it has ended. And you acknowledge there’s nothing you could do about it. In times like these, you know it’s time to move on. You can’t lament forever. You knew to let go- Find something else. Time is precious, and you want to have fun- Go read a book, watch other shows, continuing what you like most... All sorts of things, while you’re still here. Twilight would’ve wanted you to do so from the day she talked to you anyhow.

You settle down your plush once more and think about all the times you’ve watched My Little Pony. It was a fun ride.

And you wouldn’t have wanted the experience to go any other way.



**Recording stops**




”Endings are also beginnings. We just don’t know it at the time.”
~Mitch Albom