//------------------------------//
// Prologue 
// Story: PonyProse II - Winds of Change 
// by PonyProse 
//------------------------------//

There were dozens of thoughts and feelings streaming around her brain, too many to come from one pony simultaneously. When the hubbub died down, she could indeed feel six separate minds nestled in her head, crowded around her own but not restricting it. She turned her attention to each of them, one by one, forming six gentle bonds. They probed her in return, gently testing the bonds one at a time.

"W-what are you?" she tried to say out loud, but her mouth would not move and the question instead echoed within her consciousness. The six alien minds shifted slightly, and she could sense muffled thoughts passing between them. Finally they all replied together; their combined six-layer voice was unnerving to begin with, but after a few syllables it became smooth and the layers meshed in perfect harmony.

"We are your guides; we are the paragon of Equestria."

"W-where did you all come from?"

"We've always been right here inside you, waiting for this moment. You have faithfully been our vessel since you were born and we thank you." Suddenly the combined alien presence swelled in her head and their collective voice grew louder. "Now is your time; this is the moment we've been waiting for, the moment your life has been leading you to all along."

"You've been controlling my life?"

"No, only guiding you to ensure your safe arrival here, now." A distressed voice unexpectedly rang out, but it did not come from within. Somepony was in trouble. The voice called again and this time she heard it clearly:

"I can't do this alone! Do you think you can help me?"

"Who is that?" she asked the six strange minds. "It sounds like they need help!"

"Relax," came the soothing reply, "we can handle things from here." Taking a gamble, she surrendered her conscience to the six. They assumed full control of her body and opened her eyes once more. A second distressed voice, deeper than the first, called out from somewhere to the left.

"I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do! I can't help you!" The six channelled their thoughts through their host's mouth and spoke aloud:

"But we can."