//------------------------------// // 9: How Equestria was Unmade // Story: My Little World // by CrackedInkWell //------------------------------// “Are you sure you want to go through with this?” Luna asked. Lauren was no stranger to interviews. She had gone on podcasts, made a documentary, and even gone to the press to discuss her works. Not to mention the Q and A sessions she did in past conventions to legions of fans, the pitches in front of executives for TV shows, movies, toy and video game companies. Nor did she have a problem of releasing Tweets and posts on the internet to express her thoughts about this or that. However, a press conference wasn’t something that she looked forward to. Being to face a firing squad of cameras and reporters that interrogate you from every angle, risking saying the wrong thing or being tricked into a question that might make you look bad was another thing. Princess Celestia had called for a surprise press conference in front of Baltimare’s city hall. At noon, on the stone steps, a herd of ponies was waiting before a podium. For a while, they were engaged in small talk. The reporters turned to the photographers, asking one another if the other had any idea what this was about. It was one thing if it was the mayor or some other influential individual, at least they could make some guesses as to what was happening. But since it was Celestia who called them in, it could be anything for all they knew. So, whatever it was, they reasoned, it must be important. Behind the heavy doors right behind the podium, Lauren waited for her cue to enter. Celestia was talking to the press, giving them a story that a new creature from another dimension had come here with her child. She assures the press that the creatures didn’t come here for any sinister reasons but simply to explore. Lauren took in a deep breath. “I’ll be fine, just… it’s not often I do anything like this. That I’m the alien that came down from some other place to tell them ‘I come in peace.’” Luna chuckled. “As humorous as that is, it is understandable. I remember my first press conference.” The creator raised an eyebrow, “Funny, I don’t recall that.” “Thank goodness,” the Night Princess sighed in relief, “It was horrible.” “Gee, thanks.” Lauren deadpanned. “I feel so much better now.” After folding her arms, she remarked, “At least Alice is having fun.” “She shall have plenty of amusement with Twilight and Spike on the ship’s swimming pool. Don’t worry, she shall keep an eye to make sure that she’s safe. But for now,” Luna’s ears perked up, “It’s almost time to face the firing squad.” “You know, you have a dark sense of humor when you want to show it.” “Forgive me, I was trying to lighten the mood.” Celestia opened the heavy door and peeked her head through, “Mother, they’re ready.” Lauren took a moment to breathe in, preparing herself for what might be the weirdest press conference in human history. She followed the Day Princess and immediately she was nearly blinded by the barrage of flashing bulbs taking her picture. Reporters talked at once, a sound as chaotic as an out-of-tune orchestra. At the podium, she held a hand over her eyes so she could at least catch a real glimpse of the audience that had more questions than stars in the heavens. “Lauren Faust will now be asking questions,” Celestia told the press. “Do keep in mind to be respectful and try to keep your questions to a minimum. Oh! And one at a time, please.” Hooves went straight up, trying to get Lauren’s attention. “Uh… you there.” She pointed to a mare with glasses and a notepad. “Speculate, for the Baltimare Journal. Where do you come from and how long are you planning to stay in Equestria?” “Well… I was thinking of spending a few days at most. As to where I come from… That’s a bit difficult to explain. You might say, I’m from another reality where the rules are pretty different. Now uh… You.” She pointed to a Pegasus stallion with a microphone. “Print Cover for the Equestrian Report. Did you come to our world willingly?” Lauren paused for a moment. “Not at first. I didn’t know there was a way into Equestria until recently, and that was because my three-year-old daughter had fallen in. So being the mom that I am, I went after her to make sure she’s safe.” “Is your foal safe?” A reporter somewhere asked. “Thankfully yes. So, any other questions?” Hooves waved around her like grass in the wind. “How about you in the back?” “Me?” A pegasus mare in a yellow jacket asked. “Yeah, you have a question?” She nodded, “I’m with the Daylight Telegram. Have you known about our world before you came here?” For a moment, Lauren looked over to Celestia. Both of them know perfectly well that if there was any question that would start a domino effect that could bring her creation into a crisis – this would have been it. She knew that this was a tough decision if she should lie and spare the chaos or give her world some explanation of the truth. And she had to decide fast as the reporters were waiting for her response. “Well… Kind of.” Flashes of light and a confusion of questions rang out on the steps. Celestia stomped her hoof. “Please, everypony! One question at a time. Let her speak.” Lauren had to think about her next words very carefully. “Well, where I come from, this world to me was just… a story. One that wasn’t real, and it was made up. However, I was surprised to find that it wasn’t the case. For a long time, I thought Equestria was a fantasy and didn’t know until now that it was very much as real as I am. But before you say anything, we still don’t know all the details about this land, rather the stories that help inspire the people where I come from. Stories that were smart and thought-provoking. That taught me about kindness and how much to use it for what kind of people. Sure, to most this land is a fairytale, but even if Equestria isn’t real, this has earned a place in our culture.” “You think we’re just a story?” another voice in the mob asked. “Up until now, yeah.” Lauren nodded. “I mean with the final season going on and…” She stopped as she realized a little too late what just come out of her mouth. For a moment, it was as if the whole world was shocked into silence. Faces froze as they digested what was mentioned. A shaky hoof roused up. “Final… season? What do you mean final season?” “U-Uh…” “If to you, Equestria is just a story? Are you saying that ours is coming to an end?” “W-Well…” “Do you mean that as stories about Equestria will be discontinued or just…?” No one wanted to finish that question, as hundreds of panicked ponies suddenly screamed all at once. Among this chaos, while Celestia was trying and failing to calm them down, one word rang in Lauren’s head as ponies were running about screaming about the End of the World. ‘Crap…’