OFIMEËTREËLICIAby KhampostelChaptersChristmas is short and forgettableDescent days before the meteor showerRainbow Dash goes to The Averages Tower (Epilogo v0)Drygut solitary IMigratory Chaos (crossover)La gran y poderosa Trixie en el Exordio bajo las piramides - Epilogo IIChristmas is short and forgettable"IS IT A GIFT?! FOR ME?!" "Yes, Yoselin, it's a present for you." "SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!" Yoselin began to jump for joy in the middle of the room. Next to her, her older brother, Paco, smiled, although his enthusiasm seemed more restrained. Across from them, next to the magnificent Christmas tree in the living room, stood Ram. Although he experienced no emotion in handing over that blissful gift, he understood the importance of this gesture in the annual ritual called 'Christmas'. Without rushing, Ram pulled out a gift-wrapped package from his backpack and handed it to Yoselin. The girl, without wasting a second, took it immediately. The next thing that happened puzzled Paco and Ram. Yoselin, who until a few seconds before had been euphoric, suddenly adopted a serious expression and began to study the package with a coldness that was rare for her. Shaking it and measuring its volume with the palms of her hands, she continued to analyze every detail and even sniffed the loose ends of the wrapping several times. Then, Yoselin lifted the package high up and dropped it to the ground. He repeated this action over and over again. "Huh?" muttered Ram, unable to understand what the girl was doing. Paco opened his mouth to reprimand his sister, but before he could say a single word, Yoselin turned and asked Ram, "Is it magic?" Ram finally understood. "No, Yoselin, it's not magic." Yoselin's stern expression changed to one of obvious sadness. Paco looked worriedly at his friend; Ram hadn't expected things to escalate this way, but he already had a few lines of what to say next thought out. "Yoselin, I know I promised you 'magic' gifts before, but I don't think it would be appropriate to give you gifts like that at this time," Ram said, taking on a serious countenance like that of an adult, although he clearly wasn't, just like his brother. "Then when?" protested the girl. "Be patient, you'll get them soon enough." "Next year?" asked Yoselin with a cold stare. "Definitely ... yes." Yoselin looked uncomfortable at this answer and looked down at the floor. Paco and Ram then prepared themselves for the worst; they both knew too well the prolonged tantrums of that hyperactive little girl. After a few seconds of silence, Yoselin finally looked up and said, "Okay, I'll wait." Her older brother, Paco, was surprised, while Ram, on the other hand, showed no expression. "That's fine with me. I'll keep my word, don't doubt it," Ram said with a slight smile. "Ah, maybe you should open your gift at once. I think you'll like it anyway." Yoselin, without wasting any more time, unwrapped her present: a colorful pink box filled with drawings of fantastic creatures dazzled before her. "IT'S PONIS TOYS!" the little girl exclaimed in surprise. "Yes, the entire collection," Ram confirmed. Indeed, inside the box were six pony figures of different colors and manes, along with an eye-catching glass tree. "YEEEE, HOW CUTE! I LOVE PONIES," Yoselin said excitedly as she looked through the laminated box and the pony figures inside. But suddenly, her joy faded, and again Yoselin's countenance fell again. "Now what's wrong?" "It's just...I'm getting too old for these toys," Yoselin muttered crestfallen, fingering the age label on the pony box. Ram grimaced crookedly. He hadn't anticipated this. Getting these pony toys hadn't been a problem, and he didn't mind trading them in for others. However, he had promised his friend Paco that he would bring him a special gift for his sister for Christmas. Given the time he had had and Yoselin's character, he should have assumed that she would not be pleased. This was his mistake. "I'm sorry, maybe I should..." said Ram. "Yoselin, don't be like that. Ram is giving you these toys as a gift, you should accept it," said Paco, supporting his friend. "Well, yes they are nice, I think... I can put them on top of my closet together with my stuffed animals," said Yoselin little excited, turning the box around several times. Ram looked at the girl a little worried. Not because Yoselin didn't like the gift, but because of the changes he was beginning to notice in her. How had he not noticed it before? Yoselin was growing up, and he was just beginning to understand that she was no longer the screaming little girl he remembered. Yoselin was entering a new stage in her life, a stage in which he definitely shouldn't get involved.... Maybe he shouldn't keep his promise to her. "Hey, come on, take a picture of it and send it to mom. She's going to love that you have these toys," Paco said. "Really?" replied Yoselin in surprise. "Yes, really. She likes these things, and so does my aunt. Come on, take a picture of her by the Christmas tree." "Okay," Yoselin replied again cheerfully. Both brothers approached the Christmas tree, and with their phones began to take pictures. On the other side, Ram watched the scene with a blank stare. "Hey, Ram, is something wrong?" asked Paco, noticing his friend's dark countenance. Ram was startled. "No, nothing, I just thought you could sell them if you want. They're collectibles; I'm sure you'd get a good sum of money for them," Ram said trying to sound casual and calm. Yoselin's eyes instantly sparkled, and Ram understood that he had made a mistake. But before he said anything else, Yoselin stood up, grabbed the box of toys and headed for the door of the house. "Hey, where are you going! You're not seriously thinking about..." her brother yelled at her. "THANK YOU, UNCLE RAM! I REALLY LIKED YOUR GIFT, BUT I HAVE TO GO TO MY FRIEND'S HOUSE WHO IS CALLING ME. I'LL BE BACK, PACO, SEE YOU..." left Yoselin from the living room straight to the entrance of the house. Shortly after, the door was heard opening and the sound of a bicycle bell in the distance. Yoselin was gone. Next to the Christmas tree, Paco and Ram stood in silence. Paco just shook his head. He got up and offered his friend a cup of hot chocolate and cookies. Ram readily accepted them, as well as Paco's apology for his sister's behavior. Both friends sat down and drank from their hot beverages. Then, at last, Ram noticed the obvious. "Uncle Ram?" repeated Ram belatedly. Paco shrugged his shoulders. Descent days before the meteor shower"This is a disaster!" exclaimed Apple Bloom, disheartened, as she crushed her face onto the scattered papers on the table. "It could be worse; at least we have the complete dresses for the play. I'm sure the audience will love the designs you made..." Sweetie Belle tried to console, sensing her friend's despair. "That's not enough!" reproached Apple Bloom with fury, making Sweetie Belle step back. "Calm down, Apple Bloom. We gave it our all..." interjected Scootaloo, trying to soothe the situation. "Giving it our all isn't enough!... We should never have... should never have accepted that gift..." Apple Bloom finally expressed with dismay. None of her friends said more. The papers piled up in front of them were the tangible proof of their failure. Days after days of trying to fix their disaster only deepened the misery the three friends felt. How had they come to this? A week ago, the 'Cutie Mark Crusaders' were visited by their new friend 'Antenna,' who was excited to invite them to her first theatrical production within the Great Changeling Hive. "The Prince Belen and the King of the Stars" was the title of her play, the first entirely original children's theatrical production in the history of changelings. Also a changeling herself, despite her youth, Antenna showcased significant talent in scriptwriting and was deeply committed to the success of her work. For this reason, she sought the support of the Cutie Mark Crusaders for the final adjustments to her play. With smiles and enthusiasm, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo accepted the proposal. Days later, they headed to the hive, where their tasks were simple yet crucial: selecting actors, organizing costumes, preparing the stage, among other things. Although they weren't in charge of directing everything, there were adults present for that task. However, Antenna always insisted that her friends have the final say. In a few days, practically all the tasks scheduled for that week were completed. "Are you going to Manehattan?" exclaimed the Cutie Mark Crusaders in unison. "Yes, it will be for a few days. My parents want to enroll me in the Royal Academy of Writers in Manehattan. I really don't want to go, but they insist so much. I know it's very good for me, but... just now?! Right before the start of the meteor shower! Ahhh..." sighed Antenna with regret. "The Manehattan Writers Academy only opens its enrollment once a year," reminded Sweetie Belle, recalling her sister's advice. "That's unfortunate. Couldn't they reserve your spot or something?" added Scootaloo. "Yes, it can be done, but that's only for those residing in the city," replied Antenna. "Wow, what an inconvenience," added Sweetie Belle also with regret. A sense of sadness enveloped the friends, but one of them remained undeterred. "Well, you shouldn't distress yourself. We are here, and while you're away, we'll make sure everything is as ready and prepared as you left it," exclaimed Apple Bloom with absolute confidence, garnering strong nods from Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo instantly. "Yes, don't worry. Trust us, everything will be fine," added Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo in unison, conveying the same assurance. "Really! Thank you, you are truly great friends," said Antenna, embracing her friends. A warm moment of friendship unfolded in the small room of the young 'changeling' writer. "Uhmm, wait. I have something for you!" exclaimed joyful Antenna, separating from her friends. Quickly, she went to her bamboo bed and began rummaging in its depths. After a moment, she returned with a large key and handed it to Apple Bloom. "Haa, thanks, Antenna. It's very cute and shiny... What is it?" asked Apple Bloom. "It's a key," replied Antenna with a smile. "Oh, right! A key, but what's it for...?" Apple Bloom asked again. But Antenna didn't respond this time; instead, she began making gestures with her mouth pointing to a corner of the room. There, a large brown chest sat with a voluminous lock where a large key should fit. The three friends opened their eyes wide. They immediately guessed what this gift was about. "Are you really allowing us to read your complete work before its premiere?" exclaimed Sweetie Belle, barely containing her excitement. "Yep, you are my best friends, and I know you'll keep the secret, right?" replied Antenna with a big conspiratorial smile. "Of course! As loyal friends that we are, we will never reveal this secret to anyone. No spoilers will escape our lips, or we'll stop calling ourselves Cutie Mark Crusaders," proudly declared Scootaloo, flapping her wings. Beside her, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were already jumping for joy. All the friends embraced once again and soon erupted in laughter and excitement. Questions hung in the air, accompanied by evasive responses. After the commotion and further details to consider during her absence, Antenna withdrew. The Cutie Mark Crusaders anxiously observed Antenna's large chest. They were unfamiliar with the play their friend had written, and throughout their entire stay in the changeling hive, they had wondered repeatedly about its content. Now, they would be the first to know. The answer to this constant question was within their reach! Apple Bloom took the first step. "It's time, girls. We are about to access ultra-secret information that no pony, changeling, or any other creature should know. Is everything ready?" asked Apple Bloom in a solemn tone. "Doors and windows closed, ready!" responded Scootaloo, confident that no one would spy on them. "Lights off and candles lit, ready!" replied Sweetie Belle, confident that she had set the right atmosphere for the marathon reading they were about to embark on. "Very well, all set, let's begin!" announced Apple Bloom, raising the key high and inserting it into the chest. After the cold creaking of the lock, the darkness inside the chest began to be illuminated by the candlelight, filtering into a curious and restless world as it opened. "Who would have thought that paper in the changeling realm could be so flammable?" lamented Sweetie Belle. "It was me who fell asleep," added Scootaloo. "We all fell asleep," declared Apple Bloom. On one side of a table piled high with papers containing poorly written script copies, there was a chest filled with charred and unreadable documents that just days ago held a magnificent theatrical work. Rainbow Dash goes to The Averages Tower (Epilogo v0)Author's Note This is one of the versions that I discarded as an epilogue for the fanfic Rainbow Dash goes to The Averages Tower Rainbow Dash goes to The Averages Tower (Epilogo v0) In the Averages Tower, just before sunset. "Well, Miss Dash, I believe I speak for both of us when I say that this meeting has been more productive than expected," said Magi, leaning back in her seat. "I'm quite certain you'll enjoy all the benefits our Premium package offers, and don't worry about the paperwork. The contract you just signed covers all the costs of..." "Uh-huh... yeah, sure," Dash paid her no attention whatsoever. She was completely captivated by the literary treasure she held between her hooves. They were the thick pages of the original draft of 'Daring Do and the Unfinished Journeys', the latest and most recently published book by the writer A.K. Yearling. In her mind, the Pegasus could already envision Twilight's face when she found out about the great gift she would give her. She also imagined how impressed her other friends would be with her discovery. And above all, how Applejack would react when she saw that she had outdone her by just a 'bit'. "You did well, Applejack... but I think I've outdone you this time," Dash whispered to herself with a smug smile. "Is something wrong?" Magi asked, puzzled by Dash's childish behavior. "Huh?" Dash responded awkwardly. But she soon realized she had been lost in thought. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, she quickly composed herself. "No, it's nothing. Just remembered something... funny." Magi raised an eyebrow but didn't dwell on it and immediately continued. "Well, Miss Dash, I believe I speak for both of us when I say that this meeting has been more productive than expected," said Magi, leaning back in her seat. "I'm quite certain you'll enjoy all the benefits our Premium package offers, and don't worry about the paperwork. The contract you just signed covers all the costs of..." "Huh?" "Is something wrong?" "Did she just say that... again?" Dash said, confused. "What are you talking about?" Magi responded, now also confused. Dash wasn't sure; she hadn't paid attention to what Magi had said before. But she felt the uneasy sensation of déjà vu. "I think it's nothing..." Dash said, still puzzled, as she began to rise from her seat. "You know, all this talk about being a Premium client sounds good, but I'll review it later. It's getting late, so I better be going..." Without warning and with a swiftness only a keen eye could catch, seatbelt-like restraints shot out from both sides of Dash's seat, wrapping around the Pegasus's body and holding her firmly to prevent her departure. "WHAT! WHAT ARE YOU DOING! LET ME GO!" indignantly whinnied Rainbow Dash. Foolishly, she had let her guard down while trying to protect the book between her hooves. "Well, I'm afraid you can't leave so soon, Miss Dash. There's much to learn about our consortium, not to mention the non-optional services you must now fulfill. I suggest you calm down and enjoy the experience," Magi replied calmly as she rose from her seat with a malicious smile. The Pegasus's gaze was shrouded in shadows. "THIS WASN'T PART OF THE DEAL!..." Dash's rage-filled cry was muffled by another restraint that covered her mouth. "Yes, it's part of the deal, Miss Dash. I mentioned it to you a moment ago," Magi responded indifferently while pointing out with a pen the part of the contract that referenced Dash's current situation. Not far from where Dash was seated, a section of the floor sank, and from it emerged a thick column of white gas. Soon, the gas dissipated, revealing the figure of a machine Dash had never seen before. More than a white box with strobe lights, it resembled a sinister mechanical caterpillar. The surface of this machine, mostly smooth, displayed a panel covered with buttons and screens with incomprehensible diagrams. However, the most unsettling aspect of the apparatus was the thin metal appendages protruding from its sides. Their erratic movement evoked the image of the antennas of some monstrous insect. Dash's fur bristled nervously at the sight of the terrifying machine. "This marvel of Averages mechanical engineering is the 'EQ2050 Facial Fixer.' It's highly effective in revealing a lady's inner beauty to other ponies, but we still need to improve its presentation," Magi said as she turned Dash's seat toward the slithering contraption. "Please, don't be alarmed. It's all part of the process." Dash struggled as much as she could, but it was futile. Desperate, she couldn't understand why her body wasn't responding as it usually did. Soon, the aberrant machine approached Dash and enveloped her in a white gas that clouded her vision. It was vapor mixed with a floral scent she couldn't identify. Relentlessly, the machine's appendages covered the Pegasus's face, tapping lightly all over. After a few minutes, Dash felt her entire face growing numb. Then, without warning, a large white tube engulfed her head and began to spray water at her as if she were in a giant washing machine. At that point, Dash no longer knew what was happening; she had lost her sense of orientation and time. Finally, the noisy rinse ended with a quick drying. The restraints covering Dash's body were removed. The shaken Pegasus was free again. But she didn't go anywhere. Despite being an experienced flier, the vertigo she felt was unlike anything she had experienced before. Clumsily, she fell from her seat with her face covered by her newly reformed mane. "Don't worry, the dizziness you're feeling is only temporary..." Magi said, approaching Dash from behind and patting her on the back. "On the other hand, the changes to your face are something you'll surely want to keep." "My face...! What did you do to my face?" Dash said, beginning to recover and feeling that something wasn't right. Her face felt so fresh and sensitive that she could feel her own breath. "Now behold your new and improved image!" Magi exclaimed, extending her right hoof toward the screen emerging from the strange beauty machine. Dash lifted her head and saw the image on the screen. It was a face that seemed to shine with its own light, like a rainbow. Yes, that was Dash's face at that moment. Not only had her mane changed, but also her facial features, making her look younger than she was. She still retained her colors, but now they had a hue that bordered on the perfect brilliance of light reflected by a prism. Any pony who saw her at that moment could only conclude one thing... "You are beautiful," said Magi, who had positioned herself next to Dash, suddenly with a wicked smile. "No," said Dash, denying the image her eyes saw. "You are beautiful," Magi repeated. Three stone orbs marked with runes rotated above them with a hypnotic gleam. "NO!" Dash shouted. "Yes, you are the first... soon the rest of your friends will join you," said Magi, who was distractedly observing somewhere in the room. "I have big plans for you and the rest of Equestria... but let's not get ahead of ourselves. For now, just tell me: Are you beautiful?" Dash stood up completely and extended her right hoof to slap Magi's face. But nothing happened. Unable to understand what was happening, the Pegasus tried again. However, the muscles of her limbs did not obey. Magi watched her playfully as if she were a mischievous pet. The executive Pegasus simply shook her hoof, and immediately Dash's body obediently sat on the floor. Dash was afraid. She couldn't move her wings, limbs, mouth, or eyelids. She was completely paralyzed. And yet, she was aware of what was happening to her. "Good girl. Now answer me: Are you beautiful?" "I am beautiful," Dash replied with a childish voice and a eerie smile. Magi returned the response with her own smile, shining brightly but shrouded in darkness. Deep inside, the rainbow Pegasus begged for someone to wake her from this nightmare. Drygut solitary IBetween the mountains of a deep valley, the light of dawn broke through, illuminating the dense forest that surrounded the rushing river descending from its peaks. In the middle of that river, just before a great waterfall, there was an island where a small but very populated town stood. More modern than rural, that town, isolated from everything else, was inhabited by a peaceful and agrarian community living in constant harmony. Or at least, it was until that morning. The bells began to ring intensely in the town, waking everyone up. It was not the usual call to start the day but the alarm of an imminent attack. Indeed, that was the case. The early-rising farmers were met with the unpleasant surprise of an unprecedented event in that place. Their large food storage bins, those they relied on in times of need, had been destroyed and looted. Dismayed by the possible presence of a large monster, the entire community descended into chaos. The intense cries rising from the town could be heard all around. Even in the sky, where the local birds took to vigilant flight. But high above them all, another figure glided imperceptibly, watching them. It was a large bird with the combined features of a turkey and a hawk. It had black plumage, its neck and head red as a tomato, bluish eye bags, and eyebrows so pronounced they bordered on the ridiculous. Indeed, it was a turkey-hawk. This was Drygut, the turkey-hawk, who effortlessly glided carelessly over the town, listening to the commotion of its inhabitants. In response to those voices, the bird laughed heartily, letting out a mocking gobble. Better than anyone, he knew who had attacked that town at dawn. He had done it. Without looking back, his chest puffed with food and pride, Drygut disappeared into the clouds. Turkey-hawks were opportunistic and predatory birds with migratory habits between the south and north of this world. Capable of crossing oceans in their long flights, they always left behind a trail of desolation similar to that of locusts. For all farmers, they were considered a living natural disaster. Although their normal diet consisted of vegetables and grains, they often preferred livelier food. Drygut, the turkey-hawk, was no different. Not satisfied with the feast he had indulged in hours earlier, he now watched the river, looking for unsuspecting prey. He didn't take long to find it. In the middle of a ruined bridge, a colorful horned creature was struggling. From that distance, he couldn't see it clearly. It could be a poisonous needle-nosed snake or a dangerous baby hydra. But if it was a delicious bullfrog, the risk would be well worth it. Without a single thought of prudence, Drygut descended from the sky and snatched the creature clinging to the bridge with his enormous claws. In a short flight, he reached the riverbank, tossed it onto the sand, and prepared to devour it. He stopped short. It wasn't a bullfrog... it was something else... "Cough, cough, thank heavens I've been saved!" cried the excited Kirin lying on the beach. "But who saved me...?" The Kirin turned and, shocked, locked eyes with the fierce Drygut. "Aah, no, please don't eat me! I don't taste good! I haven't bathed! I eat fish! I swear!" Drygut did not respond. "Please, no, nooo!" continued the Kirin, crying in desperation, which seemed more like exaggerated theatrics. Drygut did not move. "Ughhh... Huh?" The Kirin, who had her eyes closed awaiting her end, stopped and cautiously opened one eye to see her potential executioner. Drygut was still standing there, indifferent. No, he had stopped looking at her and now seemed to have his gaze lost somewhere else. "You're not going to eat me? I do taste good. You know? I mean, you don't need to check... Uhm, wait, if you don't want to eat me then... Did you really want to save me?!" exclaimed the Kirin suddenly, surprised and with a radiant smile. "Wow, I didn't know your kind cared about doing that sort of thing! This is incredible, my friends in the tribe won't believe it, no one will believe it, I still can't believe it, no offense, of course..." The Kirin continued talking non-stop to a Drygut who was no longer listening... Suddenly, the turkey-hawk spread his enormous wings and with an intense flap rose into the air. "Wait, friend, don't go! I'm a bit lost! Friend!" Drygut, leaving behind the talkative Kirin, disappeared into the valley fog. On a high rocky hill, sitting on a nest made of rotten trees, Drygut watched the cloudy expanse of the valley. He didn't feel well, and it wasn't because of the intense cold around him. "Pur, pur, pur..." he began to hum sadly. The recent incident with the Kirin had taken away all the good mood he had managed to gain that morning. Overeating always helped him forget his problems. But now that didn't seem to be working. "Pur, pur, pur..." Drygut lamented. Dark clouds moved heavily across the sky. A sudden rain began to fall. Drygut hid within his plumage. He really felt very bad. Someone with enough knowledge about turkey-hawks, upon seeing him, would know what his problem was. Drygut was lonely. Birds like turkey-hawks lived in very large and sociable clans. Of course, there were hierarchies and occasional violent interactions, but generally, there was a good atmosphere among them. Seeing a lone turkey-hawk was a rarity. The downcast Drygut knew very well why he was in this situation. Weeks ago, he had been separated from the clan due to his own negligence. Disoriented, he ended up in a very dangerous situation where, for many reasons, he ended up being helped by creatures much smaller than him. Although he was able to return to his clan after recovering, they greeted him with hostility because rumors had spread that he had received help from others and, even worse, that he had become friends with the creatures that had helped him. For turkey-hawks, that kind of conduct toward other creatures was unacceptable. Turkey-hawks were a proud race that did not need help from other species. Drygut tried to convince his kin that it was all a misunderstanding. However, the clan leader, the terrible Fathungry, was not present, so the punishment he received was decided by others who didn't know him and disliked him. His sentence was exile. Unable to accept it, Drygut caused a commotion. But it was of no use. The only thing he received from his brothers, who bore him no ill will, was a small bag of supplies and the merciful opportunity to leave without broken wings. With deep pain, Drygut left his kin and the undeserved death sentence if he returned. Drygut didn't believe in that last part. The clan leader had not given the sentence, so he could still contest it. However, how could he prove his innocence? How could he regain his pride before his kin? The rain began to fall heavily on Drygut, hiding the small tears falling from his eyes. The little heart of that great bird was aching from the loneliness; even worse, he felt abandoned. "Pur, pur, pur..." Drygut's hum was lost in the rain. A long time ago, in a faraway place... He flapped his wings as hard as he could, but barely managed to stay in flight. Ahead of him, a great turkey-hawk flew effortlessly across a cloudless, completely blue sky. "My son, look," he heard his father's voice. Young Drygut lifted his gaze and in that mystical sky, an object similar to the sun floated on the horizon. "What is that, father? Is it the sun?" asked Drygut, amazed, observing that mysterious yellow sphere. "No, son. It is the false sun that the ancient gods placed to govern the world..." "Oh," responded Drygut, unable to comprehend his father's words. Father and son continued flying together in the sky. They were not alone; beside them, more turkey-hawks flew in formation. All the clans were gathered in an extraordinary migration that only occurred once every 175 moons. An unprecedented journey to an unprecedented place. Then all the turkey-hawks reached the gigantic yellow sphere and began circling it. Gradually, they formed a huge ascending spiral, resembling a black staircase that took them higher into the sky. Drygut felt the oxygen escaping his lungs. The air was becoming colder; it was painful to breathe... "Hang on," his father ordered firmly. Drygut continued flying exhausted, following his father. He could only see below them as they left the great sphere behind and continued ascending. The pain grew more intense. Drygut felt he was fading; his vision blurred. He could hear the screeches of other young turkey-hawks around him. "Father!" screeched Drygut, now unable to see. "Just a little more, hold on!" his father ordered again. Drygut continued flapping his wings desperately until... It was sudden. What had been white in his vision turned black. Everything felt light; the pain disappeared. He could breathe again. "I'm dead..." he said to himself incredulously, still disoriented. "No, son. You are alive..." his father responded proudly beside him. Drygut tried to respond but couldn't. All his attention was captured by the fascinating place that surrounded him. There, at the top of the world, existed a hidden sky above the remote North Pole. Above the false sun, once every equinox, a door opened to a forgotten place. A surprised young Drygut found himself right there, on an infinite white ground, under a purple sky. Around him, all the adult turkey-hawks stood, staring absorbedly in the same direction. His father was also looking in that direction. Intrigued, young Drygut lifted his gaze and observed what everyone was seeing. "The god of the skies..." his father said. Drygut began to tremble at the presence descending toward them. A black throne rose above everything, of titanic proportions, made of a single stone, undoubtedly magical. But that wasn't the important thing; it was the one sitting on it. It was an avian creature never seen before, completely white, with four limbs, four wings, two heads, and atop them rested a crown of fire. In each of its claws, it held a different weapon. It looked powerful to Drygut's eyes, but also... unsettling. Sinister... "Do not fear, son... it will not harm you," said his father, seeing the fear in Drygut, who was hiding under his wing. "Really?" responded young Drygut, his voice trembling. "The god of the skies flew away from this world a long time ago, leaving only this shell behind..." "Shell?" repeated Drygut, confused. Then he looked again at the terrible figure sitting on the throne and understood. It was true. That powerful body, whose mere presence radiated immense power, was... empty. The eyes of that bird-like being were black, cracked, hollow. Not only that, various parts of its body had fissures, and some seemed missing or floated around it like fragments. Moreover, thin golden chains bound it to its throne, incapacitating it should it ever awaken again. "The god of the skies ruled the firmament in the past. So powerful was he that he took control of the sun and the moon. He even waged war against the third heaven. But he was defeated. The ancient eagles and dragons chained and banished him. Of his empire in the clouds, only his throne and his empty body remained." Drygut didn't understand any of what his father was saying... Gods? Ancient dragons? Eagles? Confused, he moved away from his father and tried to rise for a better view of that dead titan. But his wings failed to lift him; he clumsily stumbled and fell to the ground. "Tch," he huffed annoyed, but he wasn't the only one. Not far off, a young Fathungry jumped rebelliously, trying to fly ahead of the other adults, seeking to impress them. Time passed until the gigantic black throne finally touched the white ground and began to sink slowly. No turkey-hawk dared to touch or approach that body. In fact, no one could, for a powerful magical wind surrounded it, making it impossible to reach. "Where is it going, father?" asked Drygut, watching as that forgotten god disappeared. "It is heading to the South Pole. It will stay there until the next cycle. And then it will return here. When you are older, you must bring your son and show him this as well." "Oh, sure..." replied Drygut, somewhat nervously. Talking about these topics with his father made him uncomfortable. Soon, as the black throne was about to disappear, all the turkey-hawks began to stretch their wings in unison, preparing for flight. Drygut immediately understood that it was time to depart. But then something else caught his attention. From the purple sky, white shimmering feathers began to fall. "What is this, father?" he asked, but... his father had moved away; he was with other adults, conversing. The special moment for the turkey-hawks had passed. Feeling ignored, Drygut wandered off. "It must be magical..." young Drygut thought. He knew nothing about magic but was starting to guess. Without asking, he began to pick up several feathers with his beak and tuck them between his wings. "Haha, fool, fool, that's useless," someone spoke behind him. Drygut stood on guard. He recognized the voice immediately; it was unmistakable. Behind him was Fathungry. "None of your business," Drygut responded harshly, continuing to gather the feathers. "It is my business. 'The divine feathers' are only for the clan leader. That will be me." "Oh, yeah? Well, you're not the leader yet. You won't be. Draga will be the leader," replied Drygut, though he didn't know what Fathungry meant by 'the divine feathers.' "Draga? Haha, that lame leg? He is nothing! I'll kill him and eat his heart. Everyone will see!" "Then do it, he's right there," replied Drygut, pointing to the other side of the group, where a brawny young turkey-hawk was surrounded by several adults. "No, that coward is always with his hens. I'll wait until he's alone..." "Oh, yeah? But if he's alone, how will they see that it was you? Umph," Drygut replied mockingly. "They'll see. Believe me, everyone will see... haha," Fathungry laughed with a sinister cackle. Drygut didn't like Fathungry; his laugh unsettled him, and besides, he was a meddler. However, because of this, he knew everyone and was very cunning. He knew many things that others didn't, and even the adults often consulted him. "Maybe he will become the clan leader in the future..." his father had mentioned. "Hey, Fathungry..." Drygut began to say, hesitantly. "When you become the clan leader, what will you do with these feathers?" Fathungry looked at him in silence for a moment with those sharp eyes. Just as Drygut was about to ask why he was staring, Fathungry burst into laughter. "What's so funny?" Drygut demanded. "You know nothing, you're a fool. Hahaha, for a moment I thought your father had told you something interesting, but no, hahaha." "Hey!" Drygut was starting to get annoyed and spread his wings. "Okay, okay, don't get like that. Those feathers are useless, they only exist in this sky. When we leave here, they'll disappear." "Really?" Drygut replied, surprised and also a bit disappointed. "Yesss... Hey... I like you, Drygut. I'll tell you a secret. Did you see that dead monster everyone worships? These are its feathers." "What!" Drygut's eyes widened, looking at the feathers he had collected. "Yesss, and if you manage to set one of those feathers on fire and scatter the ashes on your body, you'll become the most powerful bird in the world!" Fathungry exclaimed excitedly, spreading his wings and letting some green snot drip from his nose. It was unpleasant to see him like that, but Drygut didn't protest. He just noted those words deep in his mind. "But how? There doesn't seem to be any air here..." Drygut responded, intrigued. "Ahhh yes... that's the mystery. It's said that the ancestor of the turkey-hawks managed it somehow. Did he kidnap a dragon? Who knows... I've heard many stories about it," Fathungry murmured, suddenly as if pondering something. A silence rose between the two thoughtful turkey-hawks. "Yyyyyyyyyyyyhh," a cry echoed, the clan leader announcing their departure from that place. "It's time to..." Drygut began to say, but when he turned, Fathungry was no longer there. In the distance, he walked away with his characteristic fake limp. His father called him, and he immediately joined him. The god of the skies had already disappeared into the ground. In the place where it had fallen, the white ground began to disintegrate, revealing the true world below. Still amazed by all these visions, Drygut watched his father looking into the distance. He looked thoughtful. "What did you think, son?" he suddenly asked. "It was an incredible journey, father, but... why do we do this?" "It's tradition... it has been so, and it will be so afterward," his father replied solemnly. "Oh... Will we eat when we return?" "Yes... we will eat a lot," his father replied cheerfully. His father was very wise among the turkey-hawks. Many sought his counsel. It pained Drygut not to be as wise as his father. It was very painful, but he always forgot after dinner with him. Thus, one by one, the turkey-hawks began to descend into the real world, leaving behind that mysterious sky. During the descent, Drygut never lost sight of his father. They continued descending until... he noticed it. On one of his father's wings, stuck there, was the unmistakable 'divine feather.' It hadn't disappeared. "Father!" Drygut suddenly exclaimed. "What is it?" "A divine feather!" "Oh, that. It's a sign of good luck. It will disappear in a moment. Didn't you take some?" "Yes, but... they're gone," Drygut looked under his chest. All the feathers had disappeared. "It always happens, but not all of them... it's complicated. I'll explain at dinner." "Yes, father!" Drygut exclaimed excitedly at the possible secret he might learn. Thus, under the golden glow of a false sun and a real one rising on the horizon, father and son disappeared into the clouds. Migratory Chaos (crossover)[09:30 am] Minutes before the incident... "I don't know what Mayor Mare is thinking! Holding a referendum to limit the number of new non-pony residents in Ponyville and establish a new set of coexistence rules? That's not very friendly! I mean it!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie, waving the wooden spoon with which she was mixing cake batter. On the other side of the Sugarcube Corner counter, her customer (one of Ponyville's most notorious visitors) didn't seem impressed. "Uh-huh. Are you going to give me my muffins now?" replied Discord, indifferent. "Give me a few seconds," Pinkie replied quickly, adding some crushed crayons to the mix. Discord wasn't alone; beside him was Fluttershy, also listening to her friend. "I'm sorry to hear that, Pinkie. But I think the mayor is doing the right thing..." "You too, Fluttershy!" Pinkie suddenly shouted between tears, stretching her neck from the counter to get her face almost in front of her friend's. Of course, Pinkie wasn't crying because of Fluttershy's words, but because of the onions she was chopping to add to her strange mix. "Fluttershy is right, dear Pinkie. Maybe you haven't noticed because you're so busy making smiles here and there, but the latest statistics show that Ponyville has been alarmingly overpopulated in the past few months. I think there are too many 'others' in this pie," pointed out a scholarly Discord, magically making a large pie chart appear. The chart was divided into proportions showing the number of ponies in Ponyville by race (earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns), plus a large segment (almost a third of the pie) titled 'others.' But to Pinkie Pie, that pie didn't taste good. "Huff! Maybe that chart shows something, Discord. But when it comes to friends, I think more is always better. Besides, all the new residents who have come have been super friendly and none of them have caused any trouble so far," Pinkie replied, determined and proud, while mixing the strange cake batter with a spiked war mace. "Until 'this' moment..." murmured Discord, making his academic attire and the charts disappear in an instant. "Pinkie, what you're saying is true, everyone has been very good to us and they've adapted very well, but... I think it's just a matter of time before some 'incident' happens. The mayor is just taking appropriate measures as the authority she is," said Fluttershy in a soft but serious tone. Meanwhile, Pinkie was pouring the foamy mixture into muffin molds made of newspaper. "They still are! The elections are very soon. Don't be so naive, Fluttershy," Pinkie corrected, quickly shoving the unsupportable muffins into the oven. However, not even five seconds had passed when she took them out immediately. Serving them quickly on the counter, on a silver tray, Pinkie placed a folded napkin next to each muffin before declaring her eccentric creation finished. "Here they are, just for my best friend Discord! THE IMPURE MUFFINS!" Pinkie announced, lifting the muffins to the sky in an exaggeratedly dramatic gesture. "IT'S ABOUT TIME! I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR HOURS!" Discord replied, indignant (he had only been waiting for 3 minutes). With great delicacy, the Draconequus extended his right claw, took one of the muffins, and with the concentration of a true connoisseur, brought it to his nose to catch the imperceptible aroma of those infamous snacks. A moment later, he threw it in the trash and began eating the accompanying napkin with excitement. "UHMMM! YES! DELICIOUS! YOU REALLY KNOW HOW TO MAKE THEM THE WAY I LIKE, DEAR APPLEJACK!" exclaimed Discord excitedly between spasms of pleasure. Beside him, a cheerful Pinkie Pie watched as her hard work was 'consumed' satisfactorily. On the other hand, Fluttershy looked worried about her friend. "Pinkie Pie, what are you going to do then?" "Easy, I'll just convince all my friends in Ponyville not to attend the referendum tomorrow. Starting with you, Fluttershy, my friend!" said the pink pony cheerfully, hopping to the other side of the counter and swishing her tail. "Wait, Pinkie, that's not right. You can't just convince everyone not to vote for something just because they're your friends and you don't agree. Besides, this is something serious that each one should decide for themselves." "I understand... I respect that you have your own point of view, Fluttershy. And yes, I fully grasp the seriousness of this election. But if I really want them to consider my viewpoint that we're making a huge mistake by excluding a large number of potential new friends from our lives, then I must seriously answer you that I will do it anyway," said Pinkie Pie, determined, leaving Fluttershy behind and heading towards the exit. However, halfway there, before Fluttershy could try to stop her again, someone else did. With a snap of his fingers, Discord appeared in front of Pinkie Pie, blocking her path. He immediately took the pink pony and gave her a warm hug. "Haaa, dear Pinkie Pie, your muffins were delicious, I mean it. On the other hand, as a good friend, I think you're making a small error in perspective by trying to do this whole boycott thing." "Thanks, Discord, and it's not a boycott, it's a 'silent protest of friends,'" replied Pinkie, swiftly escaping Discord's hug and resuming her path. "Ah yes, whatever you say, but I think you could demonstrate your point of view better by being a bit less 'boring'..." said Discord in his characteristic subtle and dark tone. Immediately, Pinkie stopped in her tracks and reversed back to face Discord. "Boring? What are you insinuating, Discord?" asked Pinkie with a critical look. "Nothing... just that I think there are better ways than going door to door to share an idea. How about that idea comes to each of their homes by itself...?" "Uhmmm," intrigued, Pinkie raised an eyebrow. "...since your problem is this fear that these 'non-ponies' could cause a problem in the future. How about bringing that problem now? Solve it as you always do and, at the end of the day, laugh together thinking about how silly it was to believe they really had to worry about it in the first place." With a deeply reflective expression, Pinkie began to look at the ceiling, pondering Discord's idea. Fluttershy, however, didn't think it over and immediately confronted her Draconequus friend. "Discord! Bringing problems to others just to show we can solve them is reckless and..." Fluttershy didn't finish her words; a zipper magically appeared over her mouth, sealing it completely. Discord paid her no attention and turned back to Pinkie, who had already made a decision. "Done! Wait... you don't plan to turn all the 'non-pony' residents into monsters, right?" asked Pinkie with a sharp look. "Ahhh, of course not! I'll just bring two new neighbors, a bit difficult, to the neighborhood... nothing that you, my cheerful and super-friendly Pinkie Pie, can't handle," replied Discord while observing his sharp claws. Looking up at him, Pinkie was still wary of what Discord might be planning. But she set it aside and soon thought about the possibilities... If two problematic visitors came to town and, despite their differences, could live amicably among the ponies, wouldn't that be proof enough that anyone could do it, no matter how many and what they were like? "Oki doki, Discord! Bring those new neighbors, I'm ready!" proclaimed Pinkie, defiantly. "That's the spirit!" exclaimed Discord happily with a snap of his fingers. A mute and anguished Fluttershy watched Discord's back as he bid farewell to a hurried Pinkie Pie, who was rushing to the town entrance, eager to meet her new neighbors and potential friends... [09:50 am] Outside Ponyville, at the beginning of the incident... In the middle of the road leading to the town's entrance, the shadow of two unknown figures appeared out of nowhere. Both entities were bewildered by the sudden change from the place they had previously been. "This doesn't look like the entrance to the military school, Chum Chum..." "Haa... I'm not sure, Fanboy, but judging by the confusing responses from my phone, it could be that we've been transported to another universe different from our own." "Or... we're suffering a collective hallucination due to the psychic attack of a brain eater!" exploded Fanboy in panic, grabbing his head in despair. "Well, that too... Ahhh!" Both Fanboy and Chum Chum ducked as a creature quickly flew over their heads. Neither could believe what their eyes had just seen. "Was that a brain eater?" "I think it was more like a... Pony!" exclaimed Chum Chum excitedly. "And it was flying! Fanboy, we're in a universe of magical ponies! Yesss!" Chum Chum started jumping up and down in excitement at the discovery. But for Fanboy, this was not a good sign. "SPLATT!" In a swift movement, Fanboy slapped Chum Chum, abruptly cutting off his enthusiasm. "Control yourself, Chum Chum! Maybe that's what the brain eaters want you to think." "Ouch... but what if there are no brain eaters, Fanboy?" "Uhmm... in any case, we must be extremely careful and thoroughly investigate each one of those supposed ponies," replied Fanboy with a sharp look, observing the nearby town. "Thoroughly investigate..." Chum Chum repeated, drooling as he imagined the tests he would have to conduct to prove the innocence of those ponies. "Very thoroughly..." Fanboy repeated, putting on a pair of elastic surgical gloves over the gloves he was already wearing. Thus, both entities began to move down the road, like midnight emissaries, towards the unsuspecting town of Ponyville, which would soon be plunged into a day of chaos and infamy. [10:00 am] The Day After the Incident at the Town Hall Mayor Mare was in her office, quietly enjoying her favorite coffee while reading the morning newspaper. Nothing in the headline surprised her... "TERROR IN PONYVILLE! - TESTIMONIES FROM RESIDENTS ATTACKED BY UNKNOWN MONSTERS - LORD OF CHAOS SAVES THE DAY!" The mayor finished her coffee and set the newspaper aside. She had more things to do that morning. She rummaged through one of her drawers in search of a blank piece of paper, setting aside Princess Twilight’s request to hold a referendum and the latest polls showing a 100% approval rating for the new cohabitation regulations. Finally, Mayor Mare found some clean sheets of paper. But when she took out her pen to write, she paused. "Ju, ju. Good job, Mayor Mare, always making Equestria great as ever..." she said to herself with a smile before starting to write. La gran y poderosa Trixie en el Exordio bajo las piramides - Epilogo II "He terminado", dijo Summermoon con frialdad, incorporándose del suelo. Ahí, tirada frente a ella, en medio de un mar de rosas, yacía el cuerpo inconsciente de Trixie Lulamoon, a quien acababa de manipular la mente. "Excelente", respondió Dhona Oleg-Nar Dhazer, unos pasos detrás. "Será un magnífico peón." "Jjjsjsj, debo reconocer que esta vez sí has montado un teatro muy difícil de desmontar, mi querido Doni", dijo Summermoon, volviendo su mirada pícara hacia Dhona. "Y, sin embargo, podría no ser suficiente. Este mundo maldito siempre encuentra la manera de arruinar la voluntad de la oscuridad. La intromisión de esta patética criatura es prueba de eso." "¡Ohhh! No me digas que aún te sientes mal porque esta 'gran y poderosa unicornio' arruinó tu mas aburrido y estúpidamente largo plan de destrucción absoluta mundial." El sarcasmo en la voz de Summermoon era evidente. "Hmm..." Dhona no le respondió y, en su lugar, le dio la espalda, alejándose. De inmediato, Summermoon soltó una carcajada. "Tendré que decirle todo esto a mi señor Kal-Arth, Dhona", dijo en voz alta Summermoon con repentina seriedad, observando cómo Dhona subía por unas escalinatas de piedra blanca. "Hazlo. Has obrado bien hoy. Serás recompensada en el futuro." respondio sin voltearse o detenerse "¿En el futuro? Hoy somos aliados, Doni. Mañana no lo sé." "Volverás. He visto el futuro." "Tú solo has visto tu futuro." "Sí... será grandioso", respondió Dhona, ya muy lejos, arriba de ella. Summermoon mostraba un rostro severo mientras Dhona continuaba alejándose, ascendiendo por las escalinatas de piedra. Sin embargo, había una sonrisa sutil y oscura en su interior. ¿Acaso Dhona realmente creía que ella no se atrevería a hacer nada, o que si lo hacía, no tendría importancia en el futuro que él había preparado? Había manipulado la mente de ese poni según sus instrucciones, pero había añadido algunas cosas más, cortesía suya. Ella era la tercera estrella oscura, Summermoon Darkstar, y tenía sus propios objetivos a futuro. Dhona era un activo muy importante para alcanzarlos, pero nada más. "Nos vemos luego, Doni." Sin nada más que hacer allí, Summermoon comenzó a descender por las escaleras. Las emociones que llenaban a Summermoon eran muy distintas a las que había tenido al subir a aquel lugar cargando a Trixie. Ahora se marchaba con la frente en alto, muy satisfecha. No solo había encontrado un chivo expiatorio para contrarrestar las acusaciones de sus hermanas cuando volviera con ellas, sino que ahora también tenía información vital para su amo, lo que sin duda sería recompensado. Además, había asegurado su propio futuro pactando con el señor oscuro Pit Prompt un posible acuerdo de servidumbre en caso de que eventualmente todo le fuera mal. "Un ganar y ganar, más postre", pensaba. Summermoon sonreía mientras saltaba escaleras abajo. El camino descendente se hacía más empinado a cada momento. Los peldaños, cada vez más estrechos, pronto desaparecieron, dando paso a un precipicio luminoso lleno de blancura. Divertida, Summermoon saltó sobre las rocas que flotaban en forma de puente hacia el otro extremo del abismo. Ya en terreno más firme, se encontró en medio de un largo camino blanco que conducía a un inmenso castillo cuya forma se asemejaba a un árbol de pino. Sobre aquel castillo, en un cielo blanco que no era cielo, una inmensa pirámide invertida apuntaba su afilado vértice atravesando las nubes espesas de aquella enorme caverna subterránea en la que estaban. Bajo las tierras del olvidado continente de Eufalia, bajo las piramides ... Silbando, Summermoon continuó su marcha. A ambos lados del camino, decenas de inmensos monstruos observaban atentos sus movimientos, pero ella no les prestó atención. "Es un día maravilloso", susurró alegre Summermoon, dando cabriolas mientras seguía el camino. Muy lejos, desde lo alto, en la cima del zigurat de siete niveles, Dhona Oleg-Nar Dhazer la observó ingresar al castillo. La atención de aquel ser oscuro se centró entonces en la inconsciente Trixie, que se encontraba un nivel debajo de él. La unicornio seguía dormida, envuelta en un plácido sueño rodeada de rosas rojas de esperanza y desesperacion. "Todo sea para alcanzar la meta...", murmuró Dhona desde el nivel más elevado del zigurat. "Aquí estarás a salvo de la medianoche, pequeño poni. Mientras el destino de tus aliados aún es incierto, ten por seguro que pagarás con creces todo lo que me has costado." La sonrisa de Dhona se extendía, y sus ojos esmeralda fulguraban. Perder un súbdito (como YRAG) no importaba, aliarse con Summermoon (una peligrosa rival) tampoco. Todo sacrificio era aceptable si la meta, aquel destino... el objetivo final de su existencia, por fin era alcanzado. Aquel dulce y hermoso final. Dhona, en la cima del zigurat, se dio la vuelta y contempló entonces aquello por lo que estaba dispuesto a hacer cualquier sacrificio. El éxtasis llenaba su ser al ver aquel rostro. Sin hacer ruido, dejó caer la capa que lo envolvía en secretos y avanzó hacia él. Desnudo, mostrando su verdadera forma (una vista que casi nadie había presenciado), avanzaba con sus extremidades abiertas sobre un suelo cubierto de sal. Cada paso resonaba en el vasto vacío, como si el silencio del lugar amplificara su peso. Extendía los brazos, como un hijo que se aproxima a su madre, buscando un consuelo antiguo y primordial. Y, en efecto, eso era lo que tenía delante. Su madre... Lo que quedaba de ella. Sobre el inmenso zigurat de colores verde y azul, una cabeza colosal, decapitada y descompuesta por el tiempo, descansaba en la cima. El rostro, inclinado hacia un lado, mostraba una expresión que no parecía de este mundo: blanco, huesudo, y con las cuencas de los ojos vacías, que habían perdido su contenido hacía incontables milenios. De aquellos vacíos, ríos de sal descendían en cascadas por las laderas del zigurat, creando una corriente interminable. La boca, cosida y seca, formaba una mueca grotesca, un gesto torcido que evocaba tanto desprecio como pena. No había rastro de nariz en ese rostro olvidado, solo la cabellera, roja y negra como cuerdas desgastadas, que caía como cicatrices sobre la piel blanca del cráneo. Dhona avanzó, hasta que pudo tocar la piel fría de aquel cadáver titánico. Con reverencia, como si cada contacto fuese sagrado, se inclinó ante ella. Sus gemidos de infante se entremezclaban con susurros de adoración, reverberando en el aire espeso como una musica funebre. Rezaba. Rezaba a las estrellas, al vacío de la noche, al olvido mismo. Su voz, arrastrada por el viento, se convertía en un eco fantasmal, una plegaria viviente que se extendía por todo el zigurat. Sus oraciones, en un aire convertido en prosopeya, como un velo sombrio, descendieron hasta lo más bajo del templo. Allí, un nivel por debajo, Trixie Lulamoon yacía dormida entre flores, mientras mariposas negras revoloteaban sobre su nariz. Las orejas de la unicornio se movieron de un lado a otro, como si las palabras del viento le susurraran en sus sueños. "Shhhh... No hagan ruido. El show apenas empieza..." murmuró entre sueños, moviendo las patas en sincronía con los escenarios oníricos en los que su mente danzaba. Sin nada extraordinario mas que añadir, finalmente, de un extremo a otro ... el día más largo había llegado a su fin. Por ahora, el telón rojo caía para la gran y poderosa Trixie.
Christmas is short and forgettable"IS IT A GIFT?! FOR ME?!" "Yes, Yoselin, it's a present for you." "SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!" Yoselin began to jump for joy in the middle of the room. Next to her, her older brother, Paco, smiled, although his enthusiasm seemed more restrained. Across from them, next to the magnificent Christmas tree in the living room, stood Ram. Although he experienced no emotion in handing over that blissful gift, he understood the importance of this gesture in the annual ritual called 'Christmas'. Without rushing, Ram pulled out a gift-wrapped package from his backpack and handed it to Yoselin. The girl, without wasting a second, took it immediately. The next thing that happened puzzled Paco and Ram. Yoselin, who until a few seconds before had been euphoric, suddenly adopted a serious expression and began to study the package with a coldness that was rare for her. Shaking it and measuring its volume with the palms of her hands, she continued to analyze every detail and even sniffed the loose ends of the wrapping several times. Then, Yoselin lifted the package high up and dropped it to the ground. He repeated this action over and over again. "Huh?" muttered Ram, unable to understand what the girl was doing. Paco opened his mouth to reprimand his sister, but before he could say a single word, Yoselin turned and asked Ram, "Is it magic?" Ram finally understood. "No, Yoselin, it's not magic." Yoselin's stern expression changed to one of obvious sadness. Paco looked worriedly at his friend; Ram hadn't expected things to escalate this way, but he already had a few lines of what to say next thought out. "Yoselin, I know I promised you 'magic' gifts before, but I don't think it would be appropriate to give you gifts like that at this time," Ram said, taking on a serious countenance like that of an adult, although he clearly wasn't, just like his brother. "Then when?" protested the girl. "Be patient, you'll get them soon enough." "Next year?" asked Yoselin with a cold stare. "Definitely ... yes." Yoselin looked uncomfortable at this answer and looked down at the floor. Paco and Ram then prepared themselves for the worst; they both knew too well the prolonged tantrums of that hyperactive little girl. After a few seconds of silence, Yoselin finally looked up and said, "Okay, I'll wait." Her older brother, Paco, was surprised, while Ram, on the other hand, showed no expression. "That's fine with me. I'll keep my word, don't doubt it," Ram said with a slight smile. "Ah, maybe you should open your gift at once. I think you'll like it anyway." Yoselin, without wasting any more time, unwrapped her present: a colorful pink box filled with drawings of fantastic creatures dazzled before her. "IT'S PONIS TOYS!" the little girl exclaimed in surprise. "Yes, the entire collection," Ram confirmed. Indeed, inside the box were six pony figures of different colors and manes, along with an eye-catching glass tree. "YEEEE, HOW CUTE! I LOVE PONIES," Yoselin said excitedly as she looked through the laminated box and the pony figures inside. But suddenly, her joy faded, and again Yoselin's countenance fell again. "Now what's wrong?" "It's just...I'm getting too old for these toys," Yoselin muttered crestfallen, fingering the age label on the pony box. Ram grimaced crookedly. He hadn't anticipated this. Getting these pony toys hadn't been a problem, and he didn't mind trading them in for others. However, he had promised his friend Paco that he would bring him a special gift for his sister for Christmas. Given the time he had had and Yoselin's character, he should have assumed that she would not be pleased. This was his mistake. "I'm sorry, maybe I should..." said Ram. "Yoselin, don't be like that. Ram is giving you these toys as a gift, you should accept it," said Paco, supporting his friend. "Well, yes they are nice, I think... I can put them on top of my closet together with my stuffed animals," said Yoselin little excited, turning the box around several times. Ram looked at the girl a little worried. Not because Yoselin didn't like the gift, but because of the changes he was beginning to notice in her. How had he not noticed it before? Yoselin was growing up, and he was just beginning to understand that she was no longer the screaming little girl he remembered. Yoselin was entering a new stage in her life, a stage in which he definitely shouldn't get involved.... Maybe he shouldn't keep his promise to her. "Hey, come on, take a picture of it and send it to mom. She's going to love that you have these toys," Paco said. "Really?" replied Yoselin in surprise. "Yes, really. She likes these things, and so does my aunt. Come on, take a picture of her by the Christmas tree." "Okay," Yoselin replied again cheerfully. Both brothers approached the Christmas tree, and with their phones began to take pictures. On the other side, Ram watched the scene with a blank stare. "Hey, Ram, is something wrong?" asked Paco, noticing his friend's dark countenance. Ram was startled. "No, nothing, I just thought you could sell them if you want. They're collectibles; I'm sure you'd get a good sum of money for them," Ram said trying to sound casual and calm. Yoselin's eyes instantly sparkled, and Ram understood that he had made a mistake. But before he said anything else, Yoselin stood up, grabbed the box of toys and headed for the door of the house. "Hey, where are you going! You're not seriously thinking about..." her brother yelled at her. "THANK YOU, UNCLE RAM! I REALLY LIKED YOUR GIFT, BUT I HAVE TO GO TO MY FRIEND'S HOUSE WHO IS CALLING ME. I'LL BE BACK, PACO, SEE YOU..." left Yoselin from the living room straight to the entrance of the house. Shortly after, the door was heard opening and the sound of a bicycle bell in the distance. Yoselin was gone. Next to the Christmas tree, Paco and Ram stood in silence. Paco just shook his head. He got up and offered his friend a cup of hot chocolate and cookies. Ram readily accepted them, as well as Paco's apology for his sister's behavior. Both friends sat down and drank from their hot beverages. Then, at last, Ram noticed the obvious. "Uncle Ram?" repeated Ram belatedly. Paco shrugged his shoulders.
Descent days before the meteor shower"This is a disaster!" exclaimed Apple Bloom, disheartened, as she crushed her face onto the scattered papers on the table. "It could be worse; at least we have the complete dresses for the play. I'm sure the audience will love the designs you made..." Sweetie Belle tried to console, sensing her friend's despair. "That's not enough!" reproached Apple Bloom with fury, making Sweetie Belle step back. "Calm down, Apple Bloom. We gave it our all..." interjected Scootaloo, trying to soothe the situation. "Giving it our all isn't enough!... We should never have... should never have accepted that gift..." Apple Bloom finally expressed with dismay. None of her friends said more. The papers piled up in front of them were the tangible proof of their failure. Days after days of trying to fix their disaster only deepened the misery the three friends felt. How had they come to this? A week ago, the 'Cutie Mark Crusaders' were visited by their new friend 'Antenna,' who was excited to invite them to her first theatrical production within the Great Changeling Hive. "The Prince Belen and the King of the Stars" was the title of her play, the first entirely original children's theatrical production in the history of changelings. Also a changeling herself, despite her youth, Antenna showcased significant talent in scriptwriting and was deeply committed to the success of her work. For this reason, she sought the support of the Cutie Mark Crusaders for the final adjustments to her play. With smiles and enthusiasm, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo accepted the proposal. Days later, they headed to the hive, where their tasks were simple yet crucial: selecting actors, organizing costumes, preparing the stage, among other things. Although they weren't in charge of directing everything, there were adults present for that task. However, Antenna always insisted that her friends have the final say. In a few days, practically all the tasks scheduled for that week were completed. "Are you going to Manehattan?" exclaimed the Cutie Mark Crusaders in unison. "Yes, it will be for a few days. My parents want to enroll me in the Royal Academy of Writers in Manehattan. I really don't want to go, but they insist so much. I know it's very good for me, but... just now?! Right before the start of the meteor shower! Ahhh..." sighed Antenna with regret. "The Manehattan Writers Academy only opens its enrollment once a year," reminded Sweetie Belle, recalling her sister's advice. "That's unfortunate. Couldn't they reserve your spot or something?" added Scootaloo. "Yes, it can be done, but that's only for those residing in the city," replied Antenna. "Wow, what an inconvenience," added Sweetie Belle also with regret. A sense of sadness enveloped the friends, but one of them remained undeterred. "Well, you shouldn't distress yourself. We are here, and while you're away, we'll make sure everything is as ready and prepared as you left it," exclaimed Apple Bloom with absolute confidence, garnering strong nods from Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo instantly. "Yes, don't worry. Trust us, everything will be fine," added Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo in unison, conveying the same assurance. "Really! Thank you, you are truly great friends," said Antenna, embracing her friends. A warm moment of friendship unfolded in the small room of the young 'changeling' writer. "Uhmm, wait. I have something for you!" exclaimed joyful Antenna, separating from her friends. Quickly, she went to her bamboo bed and began rummaging in its depths. After a moment, she returned with a large key and handed it to Apple Bloom. "Haa, thanks, Antenna. It's very cute and shiny... What is it?" asked Apple Bloom. "It's a key," replied Antenna with a smile. "Oh, right! A key, but what's it for...?" Apple Bloom asked again. But Antenna didn't respond this time; instead, she began making gestures with her mouth pointing to a corner of the room. There, a large brown chest sat with a voluminous lock where a large key should fit. The three friends opened their eyes wide. They immediately guessed what this gift was about. "Are you really allowing us to read your complete work before its premiere?" exclaimed Sweetie Belle, barely containing her excitement. "Yep, you are my best friends, and I know you'll keep the secret, right?" replied Antenna with a big conspiratorial smile. "Of course! As loyal friends that we are, we will never reveal this secret to anyone. No spoilers will escape our lips, or we'll stop calling ourselves Cutie Mark Crusaders," proudly declared Scootaloo, flapping her wings. Beside her, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were already jumping for joy. All the friends embraced once again and soon erupted in laughter and excitement. Questions hung in the air, accompanied by evasive responses. After the commotion and further details to consider during her absence, Antenna withdrew. The Cutie Mark Crusaders anxiously observed Antenna's large chest. They were unfamiliar with the play their friend had written, and throughout their entire stay in the changeling hive, they had wondered repeatedly about its content. Now, they would be the first to know. The answer to this constant question was within their reach! Apple Bloom took the first step. "It's time, girls. We are about to access ultra-secret information that no pony, changeling, or any other creature should know. Is everything ready?" asked Apple Bloom in a solemn tone. "Doors and windows closed, ready!" responded Scootaloo, confident that no one would spy on them. "Lights off and candles lit, ready!" replied Sweetie Belle, confident that she had set the right atmosphere for the marathon reading they were about to embark on. "Very well, all set, let's begin!" announced Apple Bloom, raising the key high and inserting it into the chest. After the cold creaking of the lock, the darkness inside the chest began to be illuminated by the candlelight, filtering into a curious and restless world as it opened. "Who would have thought that paper in the changeling realm could be so flammable?" lamented Sweetie Belle. "It was me who fell asleep," added Scootaloo. "We all fell asleep," declared Apple Bloom. On one side of a table piled high with papers containing poorly written script copies, there was a chest filled with charred and unreadable documents that just days ago held a magnificent theatrical work.
Rainbow Dash goes to The Averages Tower (Epilogo v0)Author's Note This is one of the versions that I discarded as an epilogue for the fanfic Rainbow Dash goes to The Averages Tower Rainbow Dash goes to The Averages Tower (Epilogo v0) In the Averages Tower, just before sunset. "Well, Miss Dash, I believe I speak for both of us when I say that this meeting has been more productive than expected," said Magi, leaning back in her seat. "I'm quite certain you'll enjoy all the benefits our Premium package offers, and don't worry about the paperwork. The contract you just signed covers all the costs of..." "Uh-huh... yeah, sure," Dash paid her no attention whatsoever. She was completely captivated by the literary treasure she held between her hooves. They were the thick pages of the original draft of 'Daring Do and the Unfinished Journeys', the latest and most recently published book by the writer A.K. Yearling. In her mind, the Pegasus could already envision Twilight's face when she found out about the great gift she would give her. She also imagined how impressed her other friends would be with her discovery. And above all, how Applejack would react when she saw that she had outdone her by just a 'bit'. "You did well, Applejack... but I think I've outdone you this time," Dash whispered to herself with a smug smile. "Is something wrong?" Magi asked, puzzled by Dash's childish behavior. "Huh?" Dash responded awkwardly. But she soon realized she had been lost in thought. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, she quickly composed herself. "No, it's nothing. Just remembered something... funny." Magi raised an eyebrow but didn't dwell on it and immediately continued. "Well, Miss Dash, I believe I speak for both of us when I say that this meeting has been more productive than expected," said Magi, leaning back in her seat. "I'm quite certain you'll enjoy all the benefits our Premium package offers, and don't worry about the paperwork. The contract you just signed covers all the costs of..." "Huh?" "Is something wrong?" "Did she just say that... again?" Dash said, confused. "What are you talking about?" Magi responded, now also confused. Dash wasn't sure; she hadn't paid attention to what Magi had said before. But she felt the uneasy sensation of déjà vu. "I think it's nothing..." Dash said, still puzzled, as she began to rise from her seat. "You know, all this talk about being a Premium client sounds good, but I'll review it later. It's getting late, so I better be going..." Without warning and with a swiftness only a keen eye could catch, seatbelt-like restraints shot out from both sides of Dash's seat, wrapping around the Pegasus's body and holding her firmly to prevent her departure. "WHAT! WHAT ARE YOU DOING! LET ME GO!" indignantly whinnied Rainbow Dash. Foolishly, she had let her guard down while trying to protect the book between her hooves. "Well, I'm afraid you can't leave so soon, Miss Dash. There's much to learn about our consortium, not to mention the non-optional services you must now fulfill. I suggest you calm down and enjoy the experience," Magi replied calmly as she rose from her seat with a malicious smile. The Pegasus's gaze was shrouded in shadows. "THIS WASN'T PART OF THE DEAL!..." Dash's rage-filled cry was muffled by another restraint that covered her mouth. "Yes, it's part of the deal, Miss Dash. I mentioned it to you a moment ago," Magi responded indifferently while pointing out with a pen the part of the contract that referenced Dash's current situation. Not far from where Dash was seated, a section of the floor sank, and from it emerged a thick column of white gas. Soon, the gas dissipated, revealing the figure of a machine Dash had never seen before. More than a white box with strobe lights, it resembled a sinister mechanical caterpillar. The surface of this machine, mostly smooth, displayed a panel covered with buttons and screens with incomprehensible diagrams. However, the most unsettling aspect of the apparatus was the thin metal appendages protruding from its sides. Their erratic movement evoked the image of the antennas of some monstrous insect. Dash's fur bristled nervously at the sight of the terrifying machine. "This marvel of Averages mechanical engineering is the 'EQ2050 Facial Fixer.' It's highly effective in revealing a lady's inner beauty to other ponies, but we still need to improve its presentation," Magi said as she turned Dash's seat toward the slithering contraption. "Please, don't be alarmed. It's all part of the process." Dash struggled as much as she could, but it was futile. Desperate, she couldn't understand why her body wasn't responding as it usually did. Soon, the aberrant machine approached Dash and enveloped her in a white gas that clouded her vision. It was vapor mixed with a floral scent she couldn't identify. Relentlessly, the machine's appendages covered the Pegasus's face, tapping lightly all over. After a few minutes, Dash felt her entire face growing numb. Then, without warning, a large white tube engulfed her head and began to spray water at her as if she were in a giant washing machine. At that point, Dash no longer knew what was happening; she had lost her sense of orientation and time. Finally, the noisy rinse ended with a quick drying. The restraints covering Dash's body were removed. The shaken Pegasus was free again. But she didn't go anywhere. Despite being an experienced flier, the vertigo she felt was unlike anything she had experienced before. Clumsily, she fell from her seat with her face covered by her newly reformed mane. "Don't worry, the dizziness you're feeling is only temporary..." Magi said, approaching Dash from behind and patting her on the back. "On the other hand, the changes to your face are something you'll surely want to keep." "My face...! What did you do to my face?" Dash said, beginning to recover and feeling that something wasn't right. Her face felt so fresh and sensitive that she could feel her own breath. "Now behold your new and improved image!" Magi exclaimed, extending her right hoof toward the screen emerging from the strange beauty machine. Dash lifted her head and saw the image on the screen. It was a face that seemed to shine with its own light, like a rainbow. Yes, that was Dash's face at that moment. Not only had her mane changed, but also her facial features, making her look younger than she was. She still retained her colors, but now they had a hue that bordered on the perfect brilliance of light reflected by a prism. Any pony who saw her at that moment could only conclude one thing... "You are beautiful," said Magi, who had positioned herself next to Dash, suddenly with a wicked smile. "No," said Dash, denying the image her eyes saw. "You are beautiful," Magi repeated. Three stone orbs marked with runes rotated above them with a hypnotic gleam. "NO!" Dash shouted. "Yes, you are the first... soon the rest of your friends will join you," said Magi, who was distractedly observing somewhere in the room. "I have big plans for you and the rest of Equestria... but let's not get ahead of ourselves. For now, just tell me: Are you beautiful?" Dash stood up completely and extended her right hoof to slap Magi's face. But nothing happened. Unable to understand what was happening, the Pegasus tried again. However, the muscles of her limbs did not obey. Magi watched her playfully as if she were a mischievous pet. The executive Pegasus simply shook her hoof, and immediately Dash's body obediently sat on the floor. Dash was afraid. She couldn't move her wings, limbs, mouth, or eyelids. She was completely paralyzed. And yet, she was aware of what was happening to her. "Good girl. Now answer me: Are you beautiful?" "I am beautiful," Dash replied with a childish voice and a eerie smile. Magi returned the response with her own smile, shining brightly but shrouded in darkness. Deep inside, the rainbow Pegasus begged for someone to wake her from this nightmare.
Drygut solitary IBetween the mountains of a deep valley, the light of dawn broke through, illuminating the dense forest that surrounded the rushing river descending from its peaks. In the middle of that river, just before a great waterfall, there was an island where a small but very populated town stood. More modern than rural, that town, isolated from everything else, was inhabited by a peaceful and agrarian community living in constant harmony. Or at least, it was until that morning. The bells began to ring intensely in the town, waking everyone up. It was not the usual call to start the day but the alarm of an imminent attack. Indeed, that was the case. The early-rising farmers were met with the unpleasant surprise of an unprecedented event in that place. Their large food storage bins, those they relied on in times of need, had been destroyed and looted. Dismayed by the possible presence of a large monster, the entire community descended into chaos. The intense cries rising from the town could be heard all around. Even in the sky, where the local birds took to vigilant flight. But high above them all, another figure glided imperceptibly, watching them. It was a large bird with the combined features of a turkey and a hawk. It had black plumage, its neck and head red as a tomato, bluish eye bags, and eyebrows so pronounced they bordered on the ridiculous. Indeed, it was a turkey-hawk. This was Drygut, the turkey-hawk, who effortlessly glided carelessly over the town, listening to the commotion of its inhabitants. In response to those voices, the bird laughed heartily, letting out a mocking gobble. Better than anyone, he knew who had attacked that town at dawn. He had done it. Without looking back, his chest puffed with food and pride, Drygut disappeared into the clouds. Turkey-hawks were opportunistic and predatory birds with migratory habits between the south and north of this world. Capable of crossing oceans in their long flights, they always left behind a trail of desolation similar to that of locusts. For all farmers, they were considered a living natural disaster. Although their normal diet consisted of vegetables and grains, they often preferred livelier food. Drygut, the turkey-hawk, was no different. Not satisfied with the feast he had indulged in hours earlier, he now watched the river, looking for unsuspecting prey. He didn't take long to find it. In the middle of a ruined bridge, a colorful horned creature was struggling. From that distance, he couldn't see it clearly. It could be a poisonous needle-nosed snake or a dangerous baby hydra. But if it was a delicious bullfrog, the risk would be well worth it. Without a single thought of prudence, Drygut descended from the sky and snatched the creature clinging to the bridge with his enormous claws. In a short flight, he reached the riverbank, tossed it onto the sand, and prepared to devour it. He stopped short. It wasn't a bullfrog... it was something else... "Cough, cough, thank heavens I've been saved!" cried the excited Kirin lying on the beach. "But who saved me...?" The Kirin turned and, shocked, locked eyes with the fierce Drygut. "Aah, no, please don't eat me! I don't taste good! I haven't bathed! I eat fish! I swear!" Drygut did not respond. "Please, no, nooo!" continued the Kirin, crying in desperation, which seemed more like exaggerated theatrics. Drygut did not move. "Ughhh... Huh?" The Kirin, who had her eyes closed awaiting her end, stopped and cautiously opened one eye to see her potential executioner. Drygut was still standing there, indifferent. No, he had stopped looking at her and now seemed to have his gaze lost somewhere else. "You're not going to eat me? I do taste good. You know? I mean, you don't need to check... Uhm, wait, if you don't want to eat me then... Did you really want to save me?!" exclaimed the Kirin suddenly, surprised and with a radiant smile. "Wow, I didn't know your kind cared about doing that sort of thing! This is incredible, my friends in the tribe won't believe it, no one will believe it, I still can't believe it, no offense, of course..." The Kirin continued talking non-stop to a Drygut who was no longer listening... Suddenly, the turkey-hawk spread his enormous wings and with an intense flap rose into the air. "Wait, friend, don't go! I'm a bit lost! Friend!" Drygut, leaving behind the talkative Kirin, disappeared into the valley fog. On a high rocky hill, sitting on a nest made of rotten trees, Drygut watched the cloudy expanse of the valley. He didn't feel well, and it wasn't because of the intense cold around him. "Pur, pur, pur..." he began to hum sadly. The recent incident with the Kirin had taken away all the good mood he had managed to gain that morning. Overeating always helped him forget his problems. But now that didn't seem to be working. "Pur, pur, pur..." Drygut lamented. Dark clouds moved heavily across the sky. A sudden rain began to fall. Drygut hid within his plumage. He really felt very bad. Someone with enough knowledge about turkey-hawks, upon seeing him, would know what his problem was. Drygut was lonely. Birds like turkey-hawks lived in very large and sociable clans. Of course, there were hierarchies and occasional violent interactions, but generally, there was a good atmosphere among them. Seeing a lone turkey-hawk was a rarity. The downcast Drygut knew very well why he was in this situation. Weeks ago, he had been separated from the clan due to his own negligence. Disoriented, he ended up in a very dangerous situation where, for many reasons, he ended up being helped by creatures much smaller than him. Although he was able to return to his clan after recovering, they greeted him with hostility because rumors had spread that he had received help from others and, even worse, that he had become friends with the creatures that had helped him. For turkey-hawks, that kind of conduct toward other creatures was unacceptable. Turkey-hawks were a proud race that did not need help from other species. Drygut tried to convince his kin that it was all a misunderstanding. However, the clan leader, the terrible Fathungry, was not present, so the punishment he received was decided by others who didn't know him and disliked him. His sentence was exile. Unable to accept it, Drygut caused a commotion. But it was of no use. The only thing he received from his brothers, who bore him no ill will, was a small bag of supplies and the merciful opportunity to leave without broken wings. With deep pain, Drygut left his kin and the undeserved death sentence if he returned. Drygut didn't believe in that last part. The clan leader had not given the sentence, so he could still contest it. However, how could he prove his innocence? How could he regain his pride before his kin? The rain began to fall heavily on Drygut, hiding the small tears falling from his eyes. The little heart of that great bird was aching from the loneliness; even worse, he felt abandoned. "Pur, pur, pur..." Drygut's hum was lost in the rain. A long time ago, in a faraway place... He flapped his wings as hard as he could, but barely managed to stay in flight. Ahead of him, a great turkey-hawk flew effortlessly across a cloudless, completely blue sky. "My son, look," he heard his father's voice. Young Drygut lifted his gaze and in that mystical sky, an object similar to the sun floated on the horizon. "What is that, father? Is it the sun?" asked Drygut, amazed, observing that mysterious yellow sphere. "No, son. It is the false sun that the ancient gods placed to govern the world..." "Oh," responded Drygut, unable to comprehend his father's words. Father and son continued flying together in the sky. They were not alone; beside them, more turkey-hawks flew in formation. All the clans were gathered in an extraordinary migration that only occurred once every 175 moons. An unprecedented journey to an unprecedented place. Then all the turkey-hawks reached the gigantic yellow sphere and began circling it. Gradually, they formed a huge ascending spiral, resembling a black staircase that took them higher into the sky. Drygut felt the oxygen escaping his lungs. The air was becoming colder; it was painful to breathe... "Hang on," his father ordered firmly. Drygut continued flying exhausted, following his father. He could only see below them as they left the great sphere behind and continued ascending. The pain grew more intense. Drygut felt he was fading; his vision blurred. He could hear the screeches of other young turkey-hawks around him. "Father!" screeched Drygut, now unable to see. "Just a little more, hold on!" his father ordered again. Drygut continued flapping his wings desperately until... It was sudden. What had been white in his vision turned black. Everything felt light; the pain disappeared. He could breathe again. "I'm dead..." he said to himself incredulously, still disoriented. "No, son. You are alive..." his father responded proudly beside him. Drygut tried to respond but couldn't. All his attention was captured by the fascinating place that surrounded him. There, at the top of the world, existed a hidden sky above the remote North Pole. Above the false sun, once every equinox, a door opened to a forgotten place. A surprised young Drygut found himself right there, on an infinite white ground, under a purple sky. Around him, all the adult turkey-hawks stood, staring absorbedly in the same direction. His father was also looking in that direction. Intrigued, young Drygut lifted his gaze and observed what everyone was seeing. "The god of the skies..." his father said. Drygut began to tremble at the presence descending toward them. A black throne rose above everything, of titanic proportions, made of a single stone, undoubtedly magical. But that wasn't the important thing; it was the one sitting on it. It was an avian creature never seen before, completely white, with four limbs, four wings, two heads, and atop them rested a crown of fire. In each of its claws, it held a different weapon. It looked powerful to Drygut's eyes, but also... unsettling. Sinister... "Do not fear, son... it will not harm you," said his father, seeing the fear in Drygut, who was hiding under his wing. "Really?" responded young Drygut, his voice trembling. "The god of the skies flew away from this world a long time ago, leaving only this shell behind..." "Shell?" repeated Drygut, confused. Then he looked again at the terrible figure sitting on the throne and understood. It was true. That powerful body, whose mere presence radiated immense power, was... empty. The eyes of that bird-like being were black, cracked, hollow. Not only that, various parts of its body had fissures, and some seemed missing or floated around it like fragments. Moreover, thin golden chains bound it to its throne, incapacitating it should it ever awaken again. "The god of the skies ruled the firmament in the past. So powerful was he that he took control of the sun and the moon. He even waged war against the third heaven. But he was defeated. The ancient eagles and dragons chained and banished him. Of his empire in the clouds, only his throne and his empty body remained." Drygut didn't understand any of what his father was saying... Gods? Ancient dragons? Eagles? Confused, he moved away from his father and tried to rise for a better view of that dead titan. But his wings failed to lift him; he clumsily stumbled and fell to the ground. "Tch," he huffed annoyed, but he wasn't the only one. Not far off, a young Fathungry jumped rebelliously, trying to fly ahead of the other adults, seeking to impress them. Time passed until the gigantic black throne finally touched the white ground and began to sink slowly. No turkey-hawk dared to touch or approach that body. In fact, no one could, for a powerful magical wind surrounded it, making it impossible to reach. "Where is it going, father?" asked Drygut, watching as that forgotten god disappeared. "It is heading to the South Pole. It will stay there until the next cycle. And then it will return here. When you are older, you must bring your son and show him this as well." "Oh, sure..." replied Drygut, somewhat nervously. Talking about these topics with his father made him uncomfortable. Soon, as the black throne was about to disappear, all the turkey-hawks began to stretch their wings in unison, preparing for flight. Drygut immediately understood that it was time to depart. But then something else caught his attention. From the purple sky, white shimmering feathers began to fall. "What is this, father?" he asked, but... his father had moved away; he was with other adults, conversing. The special moment for the turkey-hawks had passed. Feeling ignored, Drygut wandered off. "It must be magical..." young Drygut thought. He knew nothing about magic but was starting to guess. Without asking, he began to pick up several feathers with his beak and tuck them between his wings. "Haha, fool, fool, that's useless," someone spoke behind him. Drygut stood on guard. He recognized the voice immediately; it was unmistakable. Behind him was Fathungry. "None of your business," Drygut responded harshly, continuing to gather the feathers. "It is my business. 'The divine feathers' are only for the clan leader. That will be me." "Oh, yeah? Well, you're not the leader yet. You won't be. Draga will be the leader," replied Drygut, though he didn't know what Fathungry meant by 'the divine feathers.' "Draga? Haha, that lame leg? He is nothing! I'll kill him and eat his heart. Everyone will see!" "Then do it, he's right there," replied Drygut, pointing to the other side of the group, where a brawny young turkey-hawk was surrounded by several adults. "No, that coward is always with his hens. I'll wait until he's alone..." "Oh, yeah? But if he's alone, how will they see that it was you? Umph," Drygut replied mockingly. "They'll see. Believe me, everyone will see... haha," Fathungry laughed with a sinister cackle. Drygut didn't like Fathungry; his laugh unsettled him, and besides, he was a meddler. However, because of this, he knew everyone and was very cunning. He knew many things that others didn't, and even the adults often consulted him. "Maybe he will become the clan leader in the future..." his father had mentioned. "Hey, Fathungry..." Drygut began to say, hesitantly. "When you become the clan leader, what will you do with these feathers?" Fathungry looked at him in silence for a moment with those sharp eyes. Just as Drygut was about to ask why he was staring, Fathungry burst into laughter. "What's so funny?" Drygut demanded. "You know nothing, you're a fool. Hahaha, for a moment I thought your father had told you something interesting, but no, hahaha." "Hey!" Drygut was starting to get annoyed and spread his wings. "Okay, okay, don't get like that. Those feathers are useless, they only exist in this sky. When we leave here, they'll disappear." "Really?" Drygut replied, surprised and also a bit disappointed. "Yesss... Hey... I like you, Drygut. I'll tell you a secret. Did you see that dead monster everyone worships? These are its feathers." "What!" Drygut's eyes widened, looking at the feathers he had collected. "Yesss, and if you manage to set one of those feathers on fire and scatter the ashes on your body, you'll become the most powerful bird in the world!" Fathungry exclaimed excitedly, spreading his wings and letting some green snot drip from his nose. It was unpleasant to see him like that, but Drygut didn't protest. He just noted those words deep in his mind. "But how? There doesn't seem to be any air here..." Drygut responded, intrigued. "Ahhh yes... that's the mystery. It's said that the ancestor of the turkey-hawks managed it somehow. Did he kidnap a dragon? Who knows... I've heard many stories about it," Fathungry murmured, suddenly as if pondering something. A silence rose between the two thoughtful turkey-hawks. "Yyyyyyyyyyyyhh," a cry echoed, the clan leader announcing their departure from that place. "It's time to..." Drygut began to say, but when he turned, Fathungry was no longer there. In the distance, he walked away with his characteristic fake limp. His father called him, and he immediately joined him. The god of the skies had already disappeared into the ground. In the place where it had fallen, the white ground began to disintegrate, revealing the true world below. Still amazed by all these visions, Drygut watched his father looking into the distance. He looked thoughtful. "What did you think, son?" he suddenly asked. "It was an incredible journey, father, but... why do we do this?" "It's tradition... it has been so, and it will be so afterward," his father replied solemnly. "Oh... Will we eat when we return?" "Yes... we will eat a lot," his father replied cheerfully. His father was very wise among the turkey-hawks. Many sought his counsel. It pained Drygut not to be as wise as his father. It was very painful, but he always forgot after dinner with him. Thus, one by one, the turkey-hawks began to descend into the real world, leaving behind that mysterious sky. During the descent, Drygut never lost sight of his father. They continued descending until... he noticed it. On one of his father's wings, stuck there, was the unmistakable 'divine feather.' It hadn't disappeared. "Father!" Drygut suddenly exclaimed. "What is it?" "A divine feather!" "Oh, that. It's a sign of good luck. It will disappear in a moment. Didn't you take some?" "Yes, but... they're gone," Drygut looked under his chest. All the feathers had disappeared. "It always happens, but not all of them... it's complicated. I'll explain at dinner." "Yes, father!" Drygut exclaimed excitedly at the possible secret he might learn. Thus, under the golden glow of a false sun and a real one rising on the horizon, father and son disappeared into the clouds.
Migratory Chaos (crossover)[09:30 am] Minutes before the incident... "I don't know what Mayor Mare is thinking! Holding a referendum to limit the number of new non-pony residents in Ponyville and establish a new set of coexistence rules? That's not very friendly! I mean it!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie, waving the wooden spoon with which she was mixing cake batter. On the other side of the Sugarcube Corner counter, her customer (one of Ponyville's most notorious visitors) didn't seem impressed. "Uh-huh. Are you going to give me my muffins now?" replied Discord, indifferent. "Give me a few seconds," Pinkie replied quickly, adding some crushed crayons to the mix. Discord wasn't alone; beside him was Fluttershy, also listening to her friend. "I'm sorry to hear that, Pinkie. But I think the mayor is doing the right thing..." "You too, Fluttershy!" Pinkie suddenly shouted between tears, stretching her neck from the counter to get her face almost in front of her friend's. Of course, Pinkie wasn't crying because of Fluttershy's words, but because of the onions she was chopping to add to her strange mix. "Fluttershy is right, dear Pinkie. Maybe you haven't noticed because you're so busy making smiles here and there, but the latest statistics show that Ponyville has been alarmingly overpopulated in the past few months. I think there are too many 'others' in this pie," pointed out a scholarly Discord, magically making a large pie chart appear. The chart was divided into proportions showing the number of ponies in Ponyville by race (earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns), plus a large segment (almost a third of the pie) titled 'others.' But to Pinkie Pie, that pie didn't taste good. "Huff! Maybe that chart shows something, Discord. But when it comes to friends, I think more is always better. Besides, all the new residents who have come have been super friendly and none of them have caused any trouble so far," Pinkie replied, determined and proud, while mixing the strange cake batter with a spiked war mace. "Until 'this' moment..." murmured Discord, making his academic attire and the charts disappear in an instant. "Pinkie, what you're saying is true, everyone has been very good to us and they've adapted very well, but... I think it's just a matter of time before some 'incident' happens. The mayor is just taking appropriate measures as the authority she is," said Fluttershy in a soft but serious tone. Meanwhile, Pinkie was pouring the foamy mixture into muffin molds made of newspaper. "They still are! The elections are very soon. Don't be so naive, Fluttershy," Pinkie corrected, quickly shoving the unsupportable muffins into the oven. However, not even five seconds had passed when she took them out immediately. Serving them quickly on the counter, on a silver tray, Pinkie placed a folded napkin next to each muffin before declaring her eccentric creation finished. "Here they are, just for my best friend Discord! THE IMPURE MUFFINS!" Pinkie announced, lifting the muffins to the sky in an exaggeratedly dramatic gesture. "IT'S ABOUT TIME! I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR HOURS!" Discord replied, indignant (he had only been waiting for 3 minutes). With great delicacy, the Draconequus extended his right claw, took one of the muffins, and with the concentration of a true connoisseur, brought it to his nose to catch the imperceptible aroma of those infamous snacks. A moment later, he threw it in the trash and began eating the accompanying napkin with excitement. "UHMMM! YES! DELICIOUS! YOU REALLY KNOW HOW TO MAKE THEM THE WAY I LIKE, DEAR APPLEJACK!" exclaimed Discord excitedly between spasms of pleasure. Beside him, a cheerful Pinkie Pie watched as her hard work was 'consumed' satisfactorily. On the other hand, Fluttershy looked worried about her friend. "Pinkie Pie, what are you going to do then?" "Easy, I'll just convince all my friends in Ponyville not to attend the referendum tomorrow. Starting with you, Fluttershy, my friend!" said the pink pony cheerfully, hopping to the other side of the counter and swishing her tail. "Wait, Pinkie, that's not right. You can't just convince everyone not to vote for something just because they're your friends and you don't agree. Besides, this is something serious that each one should decide for themselves." "I understand... I respect that you have your own point of view, Fluttershy. And yes, I fully grasp the seriousness of this election. But if I really want them to consider my viewpoint that we're making a huge mistake by excluding a large number of potential new friends from our lives, then I must seriously answer you that I will do it anyway," said Pinkie Pie, determined, leaving Fluttershy behind and heading towards the exit. However, halfway there, before Fluttershy could try to stop her again, someone else did. With a snap of his fingers, Discord appeared in front of Pinkie Pie, blocking her path. He immediately took the pink pony and gave her a warm hug. "Haaa, dear Pinkie Pie, your muffins were delicious, I mean it. On the other hand, as a good friend, I think you're making a small error in perspective by trying to do this whole boycott thing." "Thanks, Discord, and it's not a boycott, it's a 'silent protest of friends,'" replied Pinkie, swiftly escaping Discord's hug and resuming her path. "Ah yes, whatever you say, but I think you could demonstrate your point of view better by being a bit less 'boring'..." said Discord in his characteristic subtle and dark tone. Immediately, Pinkie stopped in her tracks and reversed back to face Discord. "Boring? What are you insinuating, Discord?" asked Pinkie with a critical look. "Nothing... just that I think there are better ways than going door to door to share an idea. How about that idea comes to each of their homes by itself...?" "Uhmmm," intrigued, Pinkie raised an eyebrow. "...since your problem is this fear that these 'non-ponies' could cause a problem in the future. How about bringing that problem now? Solve it as you always do and, at the end of the day, laugh together thinking about how silly it was to believe they really had to worry about it in the first place." With a deeply reflective expression, Pinkie began to look at the ceiling, pondering Discord's idea. Fluttershy, however, didn't think it over and immediately confronted her Draconequus friend. "Discord! Bringing problems to others just to show we can solve them is reckless and..." Fluttershy didn't finish her words; a zipper magically appeared over her mouth, sealing it completely. Discord paid her no attention and turned back to Pinkie, who had already made a decision. "Done! Wait... you don't plan to turn all the 'non-pony' residents into monsters, right?" asked Pinkie with a sharp look. "Ahhh, of course not! I'll just bring two new neighbors, a bit difficult, to the neighborhood... nothing that you, my cheerful and super-friendly Pinkie Pie, can't handle," replied Discord while observing his sharp claws. Looking up at him, Pinkie was still wary of what Discord might be planning. But she set it aside and soon thought about the possibilities... If two problematic visitors came to town and, despite their differences, could live amicably among the ponies, wouldn't that be proof enough that anyone could do it, no matter how many and what they were like? "Oki doki, Discord! Bring those new neighbors, I'm ready!" proclaimed Pinkie, defiantly. "That's the spirit!" exclaimed Discord happily with a snap of his fingers. A mute and anguished Fluttershy watched Discord's back as he bid farewell to a hurried Pinkie Pie, who was rushing to the town entrance, eager to meet her new neighbors and potential friends... [09:50 am] Outside Ponyville, at the beginning of the incident... In the middle of the road leading to the town's entrance, the shadow of two unknown figures appeared out of nowhere. Both entities were bewildered by the sudden change from the place they had previously been. "This doesn't look like the entrance to the military school, Chum Chum..." "Haa... I'm not sure, Fanboy, but judging by the confusing responses from my phone, it could be that we've been transported to another universe different from our own." "Or... we're suffering a collective hallucination due to the psychic attack of a brain eater!" exploded Fanboy in panic, grabbing his head in despair. "Well, that too... Ahhh!" Both Fanboy and Chum Chum ducked as a creature quickly flew over their heads. Neither could believe what their eyes had just seen. "Was that a brain eater?" "I think it was more like a... Pony!" exclaimed Chum Chum excitedly. "And it was flying! Fanboy, we're in a universe of magical ponies! Yesss!" Chum Chum started jumping up and down in excitement at the discovery. But for Fanboy, this was not a good sign. "SPLATT!" In a swift movement, Fanboy slapped Chum Chum, abruptly cutting off his enthusiasm. "Control yourself, Chum Chum! Maybe that's what the brain eaters want you to think." "Ouch... but what if there are no brain eaters, Fanboy?" "Uhmm... in any case, we must be extremely careful and thoroughly investigate each one of those supposed ponies," replied Fanboy with a sharp look, observing the nearby town. "Thoroughly investigate..." Chum Chum repeated, drooling as he imagined the tests he would have to conduct to prove the innocence of those ponies. "Very thoroughly..." Fanboy repeated, putting on a pair of elastic surgical gloves over the gloves he was already wearing. Thus, both entities began to move down the road, like midnight emissaries, towards the unsuspecting town of Ponyville, which would soon be plunged into a day of chaos and infamy. [10:00 am] The Day After the Incident at the Town Hall Mayor Mare was in her office, quietly enjoying her favorite coffee while reading the morning newspaper. Nothing in the headline surprised her... "TERROR IN PONYVILLE! - TESTIMONIES FROM RESIDENTS ATTACKED BY UNKNOWN MONSTERS - LORD OF CHAOS SAVES THE DAY!" The mayor finished her coffee and set the newspaper aside. She had more things to do that morning. She rummaged through one of her drawers in search of a blank piece of paper, setting aside Princess Twilight’s request to hold a referendum and the latest polls showing a 100% approval rating for the new cohabitation regulations. Finally, Mayor Mare found some clean sheets of paper. But when she took out her pen to write, she paused. "Ju, ju. Good job, Mayor Mare, always making Equestria great as ever..." she said to herself with a smile before starting to write.
La gran y poderosa Trixie en el Exordio bajo las piramides - Epilogo II "He terminado", dijo Summermoon con frialdad, incorporándose del suelo. Ahí, tirada frente a ella, en medio de un mar de rosas, yacía el cuerpo inconsciente de Trixie Lulamoon, a quien acababa de manipular la mente. "Excelente", respondió Dhona Oleg-Nar Dhazer, unos pasos detrás. "Será un magnífico peón." "Jjjsjsj, debo reconocer que esta vez sí has montado un teatro muy difícil de desmontar, mi querido Doni", dijo Summermoon, volviendo su mirada pícara hacia Dhona. "Y, sin embargo, podría no ser suficiente. Este mundo maldito siempre encuentra la manera de arruinar la voluntad de la oscuridad. La intromisión de esta patética criatura es prueba de eso." "¡Ohhh! No me digas que aún te sientes mal porque esta 'gran y poderosa unicornio' arruinó tu mas aburrido y estúpidamente largo plan de destrucción absoluta mundial." El sarcasmo en la voz de Summermoon era evidente. "Hmm..." Dhona no le respondió y, en su lugar, le dio la espalda, alejándose. De inmediato, Summermoon soltó una carcajada. "Tendré que decirle todo esto a mi señor Kal-Arth, Dhona", dijo en voz alta Summermoon con repentina seriedad, observando cómo Dhona subía por unas escalinatas de piedra blanca. "Hazlo. Has obrado bien hoy. Serás recompensada en el futuro." respondio sin voltearse o detenerse "¿En el futuro? Hoy somos aliados, Doni. Mañana no lo sé." "Volverás. He visto el futuro." "Tú solo has visto tu futuro." "Sí... será grandioso", respondió Dhona, ya muy lejos, arriba de ella. Summermoon mostraba un rostro severo mientras Dhona continuaba alejándose, ascendiendo por las escalinatas de piedra. Sin embargo, había una sonrisa sutil y oscura en su interior. ¿Acaso Dhona realmente creía que ella no se atrevería a hacer nada, o que si lo hacía, no tendría importancia en el futuro que él había preparado? Había manipulado la mente de ese poni según sus instrucciones, pero había añadido algunas cosas más, cortesía suya. Ella era la tercera estrella oscura, Summermoon Darkstar, y tenía sus propios objetivos a futuro. Dhona era un activo muy importante para alcanzarlos, pero nada más. "Nos vemos luego, Doni." Sin nada más que hacer allí, Summermoon comenzó a descender por las escaleras. Las emociones que llenaban a Summermoon eran muy distintas a las que había tenido al subir a aquel lugar cargando a Trixie. Ahora se marchaba con la frente en alto, muy satisfecha. No solo había encontrado un chivo expiatorio para contrarrestar las acusaciones de sus hermanas cuando volviera con ellas, sino que ahora también tenía información vital para su amo, lo que sin duda sería recompensado. Además, había asegurado su propio futuro pactando con el señor oscuro Pit Prompt un posible acuerdo de servidumbre en caso de que eventualmente todo le fuera mal. "Un ganar y ganar, más postre", pensaba. Summermoon sonreía mientras saltaba escaleras abajo. El camino descendente se hacía más empinado a cada momento. Los peldaños, cada vez más estrechos, pronto desaparecieron, dando paso a un precipicio luminoso lleno de blancura. Divertida, Summermoon saltó sobre las rocas que flotaban en forma de puente hacia el otro extremo del abismo. Ya en terreno más firme, se encontró en medio de un largo camino blanco que conducía a un inmenso castillo cuya forma se asemejaba a un árbol de pino. Sobre aquel castillo, en un cielo blanco que no era cielo, una inmensa pirámide invertida apuntaba su afilado vértice atravesando las nubes espesas de aquella enorme caverna subterránea en la que estaban. Bajo las tierras del olvidado continente de Eufalia, bajo las piramides ... Silbando, Summermoon continuó su marcha. A ambos lados del camino, decenas de inmensos monstruos observaban atentos sus movimientos, pero ella no les prestó atención. "Es un día maravilloso", susurró alegre Summermoon, dando cabriolas mientras seguía el camino. Muy lejos, desde lo alto, en la cima del zigurat de siete niveles, Dhona Oleg-Nar Dhazer la observó ingresar al castillo. La atención de aquel ser oscuro se centró entonces en la inconsciente Trixie, que se encontraba un nivel debajo de él. La unicornio seguía dormida, envuelta en un plácido sueño rodeada de rosas rojas de esperanza y desesperacion. "Todo sea para alcanzar la meta...", murmuró Dhona desde el nivel más elevado del zigurat. "Aquí estarás a salvo de la medianoche, pequeño poni. Mientras el destino de tus aliados aún es incierto, ten por seguro que pagarás con creces todo lo que me has costado." La sonrisa de Dhona se extendía, y sus ojos esmeralda fulguraban. Perder un súbdito (como YRAG) no importaba, aliarse con Summermoon (una peligrosa rival) tampoco. Todo sacrificio era aceptable si la meta, aquel destino... el objetivo final de su existencia, por fin era alcanzado. Aquel dulce y hermoso final. Dhona, en la cima del zigurat, se dio la vuelta y contempló entonces aquello por lo que estaba dispuesto a hacer cualquier sacrificio. El éxtasis llenaba su ser al ver aquel rostro. Sin hacer ruido, dejó caer la capa que lo envolvía en secretos y avanzó hacia él. Desnudo, mostrando su verdadera forma (una vista que casi nadie había presenciado), avanzaba con sus extremidades abiertas sobre un suelo cubierto de sal. Cada paso resonaba en el vasto vacío, como si el silencio del lugar amplificara su peso. Extendía los brazos, como un hijo que se aproxima a su madre, buscando un consuelo antiguo y primordial. Y, en efecto, eso era lo que tenía delante. Su madre... Lo que quedaba de ella. Sobre el inmenso zigurat de colores verde y azul, una cabeza colosal, decapitada y descompuesta por el tiempo, descansaba en la cima. El rostro, inclinado hacia un lado, mostraba una expresión que no parecía de este mundo: blanco, huesudo, y con las cuencas de los ojos vacías, que habían perdido su contenido hacía incontables milenios. De aquellos vacíos, ríos de sal descendían en cascadas por las laderas del zigurat, creando una corriente interminable. La boca, cosida y seca, formaba una mueca grotesca, un gesto torcido que evocaba tanto desprecio como pena. No había rastro de nariz en ese rostro olvidado, solo la cabellera, roja y negra como cuerdas desgastadas, que caía como cicatrices sobre la piel blanca del cráneo. Dhona avanzó, hasta que pudo tocar la piel fría de aquel cadáver titánico. Con reverencia, como si cada contacto fuese sagrado, se inclinó ante ella. Sus gemidos de infante se entremezclaban con susurros de adoración, reverberando en el aire espeso como una musica funebre. Rezaba. Rezaba a las estrellas, al vacío de la noche, al olvido mismo. Su voz, arrastrada por el viento, se convertía en un eco fantasmal, una plegaria viviente que se extendía por todo el zigurat. Sus oraciones, en un aire convertido en prosopeya, como un velo sombrio, descendieron hasta lo más bajo del templo. Allí, un nivel por debajo, Trixie Lulamoon yacía dormida entre flores, mientras mariposas negras revoloteaban sobre su nariz. Las orejas de la unicornio se movieron de un lado a otro, como si las palabras del viento le susurraran en sus sueños. "Shhhh... No hagan ruido. El show apenas empieza..." murmuró entre sueños, moviendo las patas en sincronía con los escenarios oníricos en los que su mente danzaba. Sin nada extraordinario mas que añadir, finalmente, de un extremo a otro ... el día más largo había llegado a su fin. Por ahora, el telón rojo caía para la gran y poderosa Trixie.
