[The following is an excerpt from an emergency news broadcast transmitted via radio to all homes in Equestria]
“Pandemonium has broken out all across Equestria in the fallout of what is being considered the single greatest catastrophe in all of Equestrian history. It all happened last Wednesday when at approximately 14:15 all living things that were caught outside spontaneously disappeared. Ponies, animals, even plants all up and vanished in the blink of an eye.”
“We broadcast this message to you now because, as many have noticed, the magical stream was disrupted at the same time the event occurred, causing widespread failure of various systems, including our broadcast equipment. It was with the utmost haste that we restored it in order to get this message out to all of you across Equestria.”
“We are getting reports from all over the world, from the Gryphon Kingdoms to the Dragon Mountains. All say the same thing: all manner of life caught outside on Wednesday had disappeared without a trace. What in the world could have caused something like this to happen?”
“Hold on a second folks, it looks like we’re receiving a message from scientists over at Canterlot University, hopefully they can explain what is… Dear Celestia, this can’t be…”
“I-I don’t know how to say this folks, but according to the data gathered by the scientists, it appears that—” [gulp] “—it appears that due to the removal of almost all photosynthetic lifeforms on the planet, in about one year the oxygen in the atmosphere will run out and… and life will no longer be sustainable…”
“Folks, I don’t know what to say… In all my years of broadcasting, never have I been presented with something like this. I just… just don’t know what to say…”
“Wait, we have a transmission coming in from Canterlot Palace. We’re saved! How could I ever forget about our wonderful, all-powerful-”
“Dear citizens of Equestria. I stand here with my sister Princess Luna and good friend Princess Cadance of the Crystal Empire to address the disastrous event that has transpired no more than a week ago. To all who are listening, you are well aware of the gravity of the situation that we now find ourselves in. Life is on the brink of extinction and as Princesses of Equestria it is our duty to ensure that that does not happen. Even now many look up to us in hope that we may prevent this once thriving world from dying out.”
“I’ll take over from here, Sister. Alas, such a task is impossible, even for Princesses such as ourselves. While it is in our power to restore the world to what it once was, to do so would take many years, even with everypony contributing in the effort. Let us silence any doubts you may have in your head: this world is doomed. That is the harsh reality that we face.”
“But that doesn’t mean that this is the end. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and myself have a way to ensure the survival of life on this planet. Using the same spell that King Sombra had cast upon the Crystal Empire many years ago, we will suspend the lives of all the creatures we can in limbo while Princess Celestia and Princess Luna go about restoring the world.”
“It pains us to rely on magic that was once used for evil, but the dire crisis that we find ourselves in leaves us no other choice. Princess Luna and I are the only creatures—save dragons—who can survive an environment with no oxygen. We must take any and every measure to prevent the end of all life as we know it. And… it’s because of that, my dear, sweet little ponies, that we have decided to… to…” [sobbing]
“There, there Sister. There is no need to force yourself. I know how much each and every single one of your subjects means to you. I’ll finish up; you go have a rest.” [throat clearing, deep breath] “Dear citizens of Equestria, it is with heavy hearts that we must tell you that not everypony will be able to be taken into the spell. Because it is powered by the Crystal Heart, it can only affect the Crystal Kingdom and the immediate areas surrounding it, and as it is our duty to help any and all who come for help, we are offering space to the other races as well as whatever wildlife remains. We will try to place as many under the spell as we can, but know that we cannot save everyone. The three of us will deliberate on the method of choosing who will be taken and who will not. For those who must remain, all that we can offer is a quick and painless end. We are sorry.”
[static]
“Fillies and gentlecolts, you’ve… you’ve heard it here first. Our world is ending, and only a few will be able to survive. I-I’m sorry, this is just too much for me right now. But know that I’ll be back and covering this until the end… one way or another. This is… this is Big Scoop, signing off.”
[static]