Only Human: A Lyra Heartstrings Production

by Smoking Gun

Chapter 8: Meet The Fans

Several months ago:

“Too heavy!”

Lauren dropped the cardboard box marked ‘P.P.F’ on the floor so hard that it kicked up the dirt on the floor that had been concealed by the rug, which was rolled up and standing up near the door next to the girl’s mattresses.

“Miss Heartstrings!” called Lauren. “Would you please take a break from your busy schedule to help us move out!”

Lauren could see Lyra lying against the end of the bunk bed, facing away from her. In Lyra’s hooves, Lauren could see a lined notebook with several pencils and erasers floating around it thanks to Lyra’s magic.

“I’m talking to you!” Lauren trotted over to Lyra’s side. “What are you... what?”

Gazing down at Lyra’s book, she saw several sketches that didn’t resemble anything she was familiar with. The first was a sphere with lands that didn’t look anything like Equestria. Surrounding it where random objects, including: what looked like a carriage, except with no pony at the front. A large, vaguely bird-shaped object with windows down the side. Moving to the next page, Lauren found six stick figures, three of which had additional circles around what she assumed was the chest area. Each of them had their own names: Sarah, Clark, Diane, Justin, Clair and Peter.

“What’s all this?” Lauren asked.

Lyra turned away from her pad, looking up at Luren with a beaming smile, her eyes were practically sparkling with excitement.

“Hope.”

“Hope she knows how to read,” Synergy scoffed as she watched the paper emerge from the printer next to her desk.

“I’m certain she does,” returned Bon Bon as she grabbed the paper from the printer, taking a moment to examine it. “Press responses look good.”

“But?” Synergy asked, eyes looked straight at Bon Bon.

Bon Bon returned the look. “But I’m not a hundred percent certain that Lyra will agree.”

“Good,” Synergy returned as she slumped back into her chair. “About time something happened she didn’t like.”

Bon Bon glared at Synergy, ignoring the beautiful morning canterlot skyline behind her. “You’re starting to sound bitter in your old age.”

“No, I’m just anxious.”

“About what?”

Synergy sighed. “The premier’s in a week. So far, the production staff has consisted of a college graduate, a country hick, a pompous chain smoker, wannabe animators and D.J. I’m certain whose blood-alcohol level is 90%.” Her sight was fixed on Bon Bon again. “And then there’s you. You’ve made every conceivable bad decision ever since Heartstrings walked through the door.”

Bon Bon scoffed. “She’s a better leader than you give her credit for. She’s pretty human when it comes down to it.

Synergy was frozen in place. “I’m not sure if I can form a response to that... You’re telling me that she’s a better leader than me because she’s ‘human?’”

Bon Bon tucked the press paper into her saddle bag before turning for the door. Before walking, she looked back over her shoulder. “I’d rather be human than whatever you are.”

With the door shut, Synergy was left alone, staring blankly in the direction of the door. Sighing, she laid back into her chair, her face gazing up at the ceiling. The peaceful silence was broken by the sound of Structuring pushing his way through the same door that Bon Bon had just left through.

“Miss Synergy, are you alright,” Structuring asked.

Synergy didn’t respond, she just kept gazing upwards, breathing deeply. Structuring took his normal seat by her side.

“Karen, is everything OK?”

Synergy’s head dropped down to normal level. A few more seconds and she was facing Structuring. “What time is Heartstrings’ interview scheduled for?”

“I believe around one... ish?”

Synergy smiled. “Would you be a dear and bring it up when it’s being broadcasted?”

“Sure,” said Structuring. “May I ask why?”

Structuring felt a tingle down his spine when he took a moment to absorb the sight in front of him. Synergy, with a faint smile, and a small shadow cover part of her face.

“Moral support.”

“Thanks for the moral support, everybody,” Lyra said as she waved bye to her writing staff.

Please don’t correct me. Please don’t correct me.

Vinyl enthusiastically waved back. “Go kick some flank, filly!”

Oh thank goodness.

“You’ll do wonderfully, deer,” said Feather Quill, sitting next to her husband as usual. “Just stay on script and keep that beautiful smile up.”

With half a hoof out the door, Lyra paused and turned back to Feather. “Script?”

Feather nodded. “Oh yes. Whenever show producers do any kind of promotion for shows, they’re given a very... specific set of things they’re allowed to say.”

“You won’t be able to say anything,” interjected Short Hoof. “If you’re doing something awesome, you can say it’s awesome. If you’re being forced to do something crappy, you can say it’s awesome.”

Lyra turned her attention to Short Hoof. “How do you—”

“Heartstrings, I’ve been in this industry longer than you think. I’ve developed three screenplay’s and a coke addiction. I know what I’m talking about.”

Lyra looked to the floor, but nodded anyway. “Right, I’ll keep that in mind.”

Short continued. “It’s fine, kid. Trust me, it’ll be over before you know it. Then you can kick back until the premiere airs.”

Lyra kept nodding, feeling little droplets of sweat run down her forehead, brushing past her horn. Her breathing grew heavier and heavier, her heartbeat joining in on the fun. Lyra jolted a little when she felt a white hoof being laid on her shoulder.

“Lyra?” asked a worried Vinyl. “You OK?”

One deep breath later, Lyra smiled at her DJ friend. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just stage fright I guess.” Lyra looked around, seeing worried expression on her staff members. “Hey, there’s a reason I’m not on camera.”

“Darling, you really should be on camera more!” the makeup artist said as she applied the copious amount of blush to Lyra.

Yeah? Then why am I looking like a clown right now?

The incredibly strong lights around Lyra’s mirror felt like they were going to burn her flesh off, or at the very least melt off the makeup. The light made it near impossible for her to keep her eyes open, but the few times she could peek at her mirror, she looked almost like Ponyacci, who she saw a couple months ago.

“All done!” said the makeup artist with a chirpy tone. “I’ll go check what time you’re on.” The artist left the room, turning off the lights on Lyra’s mirror.

Now alone, Lyra finally soaked in the reflection in the mirror.

I look like a slutty cupcake.

“Knock Knock!”

Lyra looked over her shoulder spotting Bon Bon by the already open door, slightly smirking. She was quick to throw her hooves in front of her face. “Go! I’m hideous!”

Bon Bon chuckled as she trotted into the room, bringing herself right behind Lyra. She wrapped her forelegs around her, making Lyra drop her hooves. “Nonesense! You look stunning.”

In the reflection of the mirror, Bon Bon was grinning ear to ear while Lyra looked like somepony had just died.

Bon Bon continued. “You look as colourful as Rainbow Dash!”

“And about as elegant,” Lyra added.

“Oh shush,” said Bon Bon.

The moment of silence that followed gave Lyra a chance to soak in the reflection: Bon Bon, with her hooves wrapped around her, tightly, but still warm and welcome. Bon Bon looked flawless, her eyes shimmering beautifully in the mirror.

She’s the one that needs to be on TV... but right here is good too.

Bon Bon cleared her throat with a cough. “I have something for you to skim over before you go on.” Reaching down, she pulled out a piece of paper. “It’s a list of things you can and can’t say.”

Lyra levitated the paper out of Bon Bon’s hoof, holding it in front of her face, reading every word as quickly as she could.

Looking down at Lyra, Bon Bon noticed her left hoof shake a little it. Looking back at the mirror, she saw Lyra’s breathing picking up speed. Her chest was growing in size with each breath. Moving her eyes to Lyra’s face, she saw little drops of sweat start to run over her makeup.

Bon Bon moved to Lyra’s side, lowering herself to her level. “Lyra? Honey? What’s wrong?”

“I... Iackktck.” Lyra quickly covered her mouth to keep any phlegm from hitting Bon Bon. “Ikkt.... I’m fine,” she said, trying to keep her brave face up.

“No, you’re not!” returned Bon Bon.

Well, so much for her not worrying.

Bon Bon continued. “What’s wrong? You know I’m not Synergy. I’m actually here to help.”

Closing her eyes, Lyra slowed her breathing down, keeping her heart from punching it’s way out her chest. Opening her eyes, she saw nothing but her friend, her hoof laying on hers, with ears perked, ready to listen.

“It’s not stage fright,” said Lyra. “It’s the pitch. I don’t know if you know this, but Pub wasn’t the first place I went with Only Human. Each one I was shot down. The only reason I’m in this chair is because of you.”

Bon Bon saw a small tear trickle out of Lyra’s eye, she opted to ignore it. “Go on.”

Lyra sniffled before continuing. “One of the...” Lyra swallowed some phlegm build up. “The key themes of the show, is hope. Hope for the future, for the goodness in other people, for the will to defend yourself, for the right to make your voice heard, the right to—”

“Lyra,” interrupted Bon Bon. “I understand,” she said with a warm smile, tapping Lyra’s hoof.

“Sorry,” Lyra continued. “I went through four other studios before I came to the Pub. That might not sound like much, but there were at least a handful—”

Don’t correct me!

“Of executives. Each and everyone of them said no. No, after no, after no.” A few tears were running down Lyra’s face, it was obvious the makeup had dried. “You were the only yes I ever got. And at the time, that was all I needed. It was all I wanted.”

Bon Bon smiled. “I said yes because I believe in this. I believe in you.”

“What about them?” Lyra said, gesturing towards the door. “What about the millions and millions of ponies that may or may not be watching me?”

More and more tears ran down Lyra’s face, dripping off her chin and onto the floor. “I nearly gave up hope after a few no’s. What’s gonna happen after a few million?”

Bon Bon brought herself in closer. “Lyra, you’re not going to get millions of no! It’s just a little promotional work. Just smile, and say what’s on the paper.”

“That’s the thing,” said Lyra. “I can’t.” Lyra held up the paper to Bon Bon. “Have you actually read this?”

Bon Bon sighed. “Yeah, I admit—”

“It’s crap!” Lyra turned the paper so that she could read off it. “Fun for girls demographic 5-13! Enjoyable for parents! Fun toys! What the hell is this?!”

Lyra’s heavy breathing returned, but feeling Bon Bon’s hoof on her gave her the strength to calm down. “I’m sorry Bon Bon... but I can’t deliver this garbage. That means I have to deliver the same pitch, the same way I gave it to you.”

“And?” Bon Bon asked, trepidatiously.

“The same pitch that only got one yes.”

Lyra laid back in her chair, letting her tears roll down the side of her face, her heart was still racing, almost loud enough for Bon Bon to hear it. “I can’t put myself out there again. I just can’t.”

Lyra felt herself being pulled forward as two forelegs were being wrapped around her back. Eventually, she found herself resting her torso and head on Bon Bon, who was holding her tightly. She raised a hoof to Lyra’s head and brushed her mane up and down, each stroke slowing Lyra’s heart. Bon Bon pulled herself away just far enough so that she and Lyra were eye to eye. Bon Bon looked deep into Lyra’s eyes and smiled.

“Hope for me.”

The make up artist returned, tapping on the door. “Five minutes, Miss Heartstrings!”

Bon Bon tried to pull herself away, only to feel Lyra grab hold and pull her back in so tight it was starting to hurt Bon Bon.

“Don’t go, please,” Lyra squeaked out.

“Why?” asked Bon Bon.

Lyra tilted her head so that her mouth was right next to her ear. “I’ve never felt so calm in my life.”

“Aren’t you excited!” chirped the Stage Director as she led Lyra down the corridor.

“Oh, my heart’s racing!” Lyra responded, keeping up a giant, forced smile.

Good thing Bon Bon cleaned my tears.

Pushing through a large door, Lyra found herself in what looked like the sets they would record late night talk shows in. A large set with a desk and a few chairs was surrounded by expensive looking cameras, huge lights hanging from the ceiling. The only thing that seemed off to Lyra was the distinct lack of chairs for an audience, as well as the small size of the room that the stage was in. Looking at the stage, Lyra saw a large white and red sign that had the logo of her interviews...

‘IPN.COM’

The Stage Director pointed Lyra towards one of the chairs at the far end of the desk. “Take a seat right there and we’ll start shortly.”

Lyra took her seat on the stage whilst the other ponies in the studio continued to set up for the interview. Lyra noticed that her red chair was rotating slowly, smirking slightly at the sight. Putting her hoof on the table, she spun herself around as fast as she can, giggling herself stupid, not noticing several of the work ponies looking at her. Once she slowed down, Lyra noticed Bon Bon in the shadows, laughing at the sight of Lyra smiling ear to ear.

Who would’ve thought an executive and a spinny-chair would make my day?

Lyra saw a unicorn stallion approach the stage. He was wearing a navy blue blazer, a slicked back mane, and hipster specs. He took a seat on the opposite end of the desk and offered his hoof to Lyra.

“Name’s Chatter Box,” he said. “How are you doing?”

Lyra shook his hoof. “Much better now, thanks.”

“Let me guess: our makeup artist?” Chatter Box said with a chuckle. “I feel like I’m made of clay after dealing with her for so long.”

The laugh the two ponies shared was cut short by a loud ringing sound and the Stage DIrector returning. “Live stream starting in thirty seconds, everypony!”

Glancing back at Bon Bon, Lyra took one more deep breath, smiled...

And have hope.

“Quiet on the set!” called the Stage Director. “Three! Two! One!”

Lyra remained silent, so did everypony. Everypony except Chatter Box, who allowed for a few seconds of dead air at the beginning.

“What is up, everypony?!”

Why would he bother asking if he knows they won’t answer?

Chatter Box continued. “We are here with the creator of the upcoming Pub show, Only Human, we’ve got an exclusive look at it later. Joining me, in the studio, the show’s creator: Lyra Heartstrings!”

Heh... that’s got a ring to it.

Lyra nodded and smiled. “Thanks for having me, Chatter.”

“No problem at all, Lyra. So, Only Human, I have no idea what it is!” Chatter said with a laugh. “What is a human, exactly?”

He better be playing it up for the camera.

“Well, no one does really, apart from me, so you don’t have to feel so bad,” Lyra returned, mimicking Chatter’s laugh. “Humans are these creatures I created. They’re bipedal, mostly hairless, and some of them go on crazy adventures.”

“So why not ponies?” asked Chatter. “Why did you have to create these new creatures?”

“Why create Transmorphers?” retorted Lyra. “I made humans because I felt like I could really use a blank slate, new creatures that weren’t familiar and played out. Something everybody can get on the ground floor with.”

Chatter paused for a moment, looking confused. “Everybody?”

“Sorry,” said Lyra. “It’s another way of saying human.” Lyra started laughing. “I’ve been writing my show and immersing myself in this world for so long that... I’ve gone to far! Go on without me!”

Bon Bon breathed a sigh of relief, watching Lyra and Chatter have a ball up on the stage.

“What about your audience?” Chatter asked, continuing the interview. “Some of the promotional stuff that I’ve seen, which has just been a few posters from Pub, the show looks like it’s going for more of a little girl audience. Is that who you’re writing through?”

Smiling, Lyra shrugged. “Why do I have to narrow it down to just one group?”

Bon Bon stood in the corner, wide-eyed. “Oh crap.”

The Stage Director was quick to shush her.

Lyra continued. “I know the danger of being all-things-to-all-ponies, but I didn’t want to make a ‘boys show’ or a ‘girls show.’ I wanted to make something everyone can enjoy. There’s a stigma out there that shows for younger audiences, especially girls, have to be dumbed-down so that they can understand. I didn’t need a show to be dumbed-down when I was a kid, and kids nowadays certainly don’t need it either.”

Chatter Box was silenced for a moment. Eventually, he chuckled and nodded. “I can’t begin to tell you how much I love hearing that. Me and the guys at the site love watching shows that are typically aimed at younger audiences, but are actually really good. I’m really happy to see that continue.”

Bon Bon felt like she could breathe easy again. She watched the interview continue, Lyra smiling the whole time as she elaborated on the universe she had made, a smile that only grew larger and larger.

“Atta girl.”

“What is this girl doing?!” shouted Structuring from his chair. “She just completely ignored what we printed!”

Structuring and Synergy had the boardroom all to themselves, the lights had been turned off, darkening the room to allow for a better view of the monitor in front of them. Structuring was sitting forward in his chair, resting one of his forelegs on the table. Synergy was laying back in seat, calm and silent.

“You might have been right, Karen,” continued Structuring. “This girl might do more harm than... Karen?”

Structuring noticed his colleague, sitting silently in her seat. She showed no sign of frustration, distress, anger, no emotion at all.

“Mister Structuring, would you be able to do me a small favor?” she asked, keeping her gaze away from him.

“What is it?” he asked.

Shifting in her seat, Synergy turned herself towards Structuring. “I’d like you to write up some invitations for me.”

One Week Later:

“Welcome to the party!” Lyra shouted, throwing her forelegs around Feather Quill and Ink Splash. “Come on in, we have muffins, muffins, and more muffins!”

The three ponies stepped inside Ditzy’s Muffins, which was already packed with customers. Turning their attention to the side, they found a red couch positioned in front of the wall-mounted television. Sitting on the couch was Short Hoof and Vinyl Scratch.

“Take a seat!” insisted Lyra. “Get comfy!”

Taking a seat on the couch, Quill and Ink noticed a giant platter of muffins on Vinyl’s lap. “Hope you guys didn’t eat. We’ve got free muffins all night!” she said as she stuff banana berry muffins into her mouth.

Turning to her side, Vinyl saw Ditzy, hovering about her, crossing her forelegs. “I didn’t say they were free.”

“You didn’t say they weren’t.”

“Ditzy, can you help me with something,” Lyra called from the main entrance of the restaurant.

Ditzy touched down in front of her friends. “Vinyl be ready to cough up the bits this time.”

“I’ve seen how much she gets paid,” said Lyra. “Trust me, she can afford it.”

“So what’s up?” asked Ditzy.

Lyra sighed. “I’m not going to be here for the premier. I have to watch it somewhere else.”

“What? Why?” Ditzy asked with shock.

Lyra levitated a letter in front of her friend. “The Pub invited me and Bon Bon to their big theatre room to watch the premier. I’m on rough terms with them as it is, so I may as well go. I have to be there in, like, twenty minutes. I’ll be home soon.”

Lyra pulled in Ditzy for a quick hug before dashing out the door. Ditzy approached the window, watching Lyra run to the closest taxi.

“Be quick, Lyra.”

“Wow you got here, quick!”

“Yeah, I guess I did,” Lyra said as she stepped into the Pub theatre.

The theatre was a lot bigger than she thought it would be. It was giant, predominately purple in color, and was covered with posters of other shows and movies they had produced.

Maybe Only Human will be up there.

The secretary, who was sitting behind what would have been the box office, pointed Lyra towards a giant door off to the side. “The showing will be in that theatre right there. Just step in and the others will be with you shortly.”

Lyra gave the secretary a friendly nod as she entered the theatre. It looked a lot like the main hall, except there were hundreds of comfy looking seats and a giant screen at the end. Lyra stepped down to the gap between the front row of seats and the screen, seeing a single table near the wall.

“It’s rather large, isn’t it?”

That voice...

Lyra slowly turned her head, seeing a middle-aged mare in a suit standing by the main entrance. Carrying an expensive looking saddle bag over her back. She was smiling down at her like nothing was wrong. Nothing at all.

“Nice to see you again, Lyra,” Synergy said as she trotted down to the front.

“Hey, Synergy. Long time no see.”

Lyra gulped as Synergy stepped down the final step, bringing her and Lyra eye-to-eye.

Synergy nodded towards her saddle bag. “Would you be a dear and empty my bag?”

Using her magic, Lyra pulled out an expensive bottle of liquor and three glasses. Lyra wasn’t sure what it was, but it looked far too blue for her blood.

“Put it down on the table for me, dear.”

With the glasses and drink on the table, Synergy uncorked the bottle and started pouring them. “It’s an old tradition that the producers and creators of the show watch the premier together, sharing a bottle of refined apple cider. One of the most expensive drinks available... at least legally.”

Lyra’s heart rate started to pick up again as she glanced back at the door, seeing no other pony follow Synergy in. “Miss Synergy, I don’t suppose you know where Bon Bon is?”

“Running a little late, I suppose,” Synergy retorted as she poured the first glass of cider. “There might have been a mistake on her invitation.”

Lyra slowly took a step back. “Why would there be a mistake on her invitation?”

“Because...” Synergy slowly turned her head, staring over her shoulder, straight at Lyra. “You and I are long overdue for a talk.”

Next: Original Air Date!