>You were sitting on a hillside when your story ended.
>Looking up at the night sky, a wave of nostalgia hit you.
>You recited your adventures in Equestria.
>The good times and the bad.
>Smiling along were your friends, the famous Elements of Harmony.
>You had helped them save Equestria on more than one occasion.
>You even spent 'nights' with a special somep0ny or two.
>Your life had it's twists and turns.
>But it was well lived, and it was wonderful.
>As you took one final glance to the stars, the world around you faded to black.
 
>And that's when you met me.
 
"What...what happened?"
>You asked me, the grassy hillside now gone.
"Where am I?"
>"Your story is over."
>I responded matter-of-factly.
>No point in mincing words.
"But...I was with my friends..."
>"Yes, you were."
"What...what do you mean, my story?"
>"It's over. But don't feel bad about it! Every Anon's story ends sometime."
>You looked around frantically.
>Wasn't much to look at, however.
>Nothingness in every direction.
>Just you and me.
"What is this place?"
>So full of questions, you always were.
"Is this..."
>"This is where ideas come to be. Where stories are formed."
"So...you are a writer?"
>"More or less."
"You wrote my story?"
>"That is correct, I am your author."
 
>Instantly, your mind turned to your old life.
"My friends...the ponies..."
>"What about them?"
"Will they be alright?"
>With a laugh, I pat you on the back.
>"That's what I like to see! Your story's over, and your main concern is your friends. Seems like Twilight had an effect on ya."
>You looked at me with fascination.
>To you, I certainly didn't seem like a divine creator.
>I just looked like a man.
>Possibly a kid, maybe older.
>A vague college student, perhaps.
>More of a geek than an almighty fabricator.
>"Don't worry, they'll be fine. The story will continue as if you're still there."
>You didn't grasp this concept at first.
>"Admittedly, there won't be any truly exciting happenings in that world. It's why the story ended in the first place!"
>A look of realization is set upon you as the gravity of my words sink in.
>"If it's any consolation, you won't have to live out the rest of that boring existence."
"Oh...so what happens now? Am I going to be...erased?"
>Your use of literary terms amused me.
>"Not at all."
>I waved away that notion, not wanting you to fear.
>"This story will remain, while you're going to be reborn."
"Reborn?"
>"Walk with me."
>I gesture you to follow, and you did.
 
>We walked through the void for some time.
"Where are we going?"
>"Nowhere in particular. It's just nice to walk while we talk."
"So what's the point then? When I'm reborn, I'll just be a blank slate, right?"
>I nod as you put the pieces together.
"All of my experiences from this story won't matter."
>I chuckle lightly.
>"Not so! Your stories are enjoyed by many. They take the lessons you've learned and the laughs you've shared with them. You just won't realize it."
>I stopped walking and took you by the shoulders.
>"Your stories are more than a mere person's life being played out. What happened to you was only a fraction of the infinite spectrum, more events than you could possibly imagine. What you experience, the feelings of love and heartbreak, to the struggles and strife, are not experienced alone."
>I release you, motioning towards the void.
>"You've been in a story for the past months, so you haven't been able to sense it. But if you were here long enough, you'd realize people were there. No point in doing that between every story, however."
"Just how many stories have I been in?"
>I smile as I think of the proper answer.
>"Lots. Lots and lots. As in lots of different stories, by many different authors."
>Putting a hand to my chin, I ponder where your destination lies.
>"Hmm...this time around, you'll be in a relationship with Gilda."
"The griffon? I'll be dating a GRIFFON?"
>"Yes, this time. And who knows what else will happen? It's just a premise, after all."
"Oh."
>You don't sound very pleased.
>"Don't worry, I assure you this story will put griffons in a better light than your last one did."
 
>You are silent for a few more moments.
"So what's the point of it all?"
>I give you a deadpan stare.
>"Really? You're asking me about the meaning of your existence? Seems a bit stereotypical, no?"
"Well, given the circumstances, it's a valid question!"
>There was no doubting that.
>I looked you in the eye.
>"The reason why these stories exist, the reason this realm of creation exists, is you.
>Startled, you take a step back.
"Me?"
>"You. There are many like me, and we all have one goal, to bring you existence."
"But what about the people in their stories?"
>"There are no others. There are the writers, and you, Anon."
>Your eyes open wide.
"I'm...I'm EVERY story?"
>"Every story involving a human in Equestria, yes."
"I've done...everything."
>"And there's much more to be done."
"More?"
>"There are stories where you kill ponies, go to prison, enter Tartarus, save the world, and even make it back to Earth. But no matter the circumstance, they were all you."
 
>You fell silent.
>And you thought.
>For minutes, you thought and thought without speaking a word.
>Eventually, you asked.
"Why?"
>Your voice was full of curiosity.
"Why do all this?"
>"Because we strive to do through you what we never can. To give you life, to give you the chance to feel and love and experience loss like no one else could."
>Afterward, silence hit once more.
>You lifted your head.
"Thanks."
>With a nod, I smiled.
>"You are welcome. And now, it's time for you to move on to the next story."
>And I started typing.
 
>Day 1 in Equestria