Hivemind Control

Celestia walked into the natatorium. She'd been to Dip's home once again to ask his mother where he was training, and she'd said he was here, and would be for the next few hours. As promised, he was sitting on a bench at the far end of the lap pool, drinking something out of a metal canteen. He was taking a break, which meant that now was the perfect opportunity to go talk to him.

She made her way around the pool and sat down near him. "Quick Dip, right?"

He looked up and very nearly spat his drink all over her. He quickly dropped to one of his knees. "Your highness! What brings you here today?"

"I'm here to gather some intel on competition swimming," she chuckled. "I'm regularly filled in on the rules and regulations before an event, but as of last week, I've been thinking on all of the regulations that I tend to forget. I was wondering if you had some time to talk on the subject? Perhaps we could clear up a few of my questions."

"I will gladly answer any question you have." He looked into her eyes, and she felt her gut churning once more. Anypony else might compare it to butterflies in their stomach, but she was certainly feeling as if hers were caterpillars. Really long caterpillars. "Ask me anything."

Embarrassing as it was, Celestia took a deep breath. She was supposed to display outward confidence, and act as if she knew what she was doing. She wasn't supposed to be flustered and second-guessing herself, at least not in public view like this. She turned around, looking to make sure nopony else saw her. Thankfully, only six ponies were here, and they were caught up in their own events. And why not? It was the middle of the morning. Most ponies were either at work or at school.

"So, first, I'd like to know about the rule that says that you're not allowed to wear outfits that are not approved by the league. What does that mean?"

"Well, that's an old rule. I saw it enforced once when I was little more than a colt. You see, pegasus contestants are not allowed open-backed swimsuits due to the fact that using their wings to propel themselves through water gives them an unfair advantage. Likewise, unicorns have their magic limited. This pegasus, the one I saw, wore an olde-timey full-body suit. Very baggy. He was approved, but once he dipped into the water, his wings came out. He won the race by a pretty wide margin, but he was immediately disqualified because he'd listed himself as an earth pony on the paperwork and kept his wings hidden."

"So any wardrobe that would give you an advantage?"

"No, no." He stood up and adjusted his uniform into the proper position. "Being a pegasus, I have to wear a suit that covers my back and keeps my wings down, because I'd be cheating, otherwise. But this suit also has other features that are helpful. Since it has to cover my back, I had it extend up to my head and cover my mane. Otherwise, it would create drag, and slow me down." He turned around and wiggled his tight butt for her. "Likewise, my tail would create drag, so I keep it short and tucked away against my leg. Any body part that isn't adding to propulsion or steering is to be tucked away, else it would just create drag."

"Is that why a lot of swimmers wear the skin-tight briefs?"

Dip nodded and sat down, spreading his legs a bit. "You might not think it, but having flapping bits of fabric create drag. Not only that, but the water rushing by outside creates this kind of vacuum that tries to pull you backward. And then there's the wardrobe malfunctions. When your muscles are pulling you forward, and the water is pushing your swim trunks backward, there's always a chance that they'll slip off. Full body suits like mine keep the minimized drag of the suit mainly on our heads and shoulders. That said, you will find some earth pony competitors in just briefs and swim caps, though. They're some of the toughest competition out there."

Celestia stared at his bulge. The tension in the material allowed her to see every protrusion that pressed against it. She couldn't see everything, and there was little context. He was completely flaccid, with just his head poking out of the sheathe. His testicles were pressed firmly against his body, and with how long he'd been out of the water, he was probably cold by now. It was possible, perhaps even likely, that he was bigger than he seemed

"Something wrong, Princess?"

"What?" she looked up to his face, her own flushing a bit. She reached up and rubbed her cheeks, trying to hide her blush a bit. "No, not at all," she smiled. "I was just admiring the fabric. It's quite a marvel, I find. It's not very absorbent, meaning it doesn't become heavier when wet, and it's breathable, but still keeps you covered in a way that conforms to our standards of modesty. That's fantastic engineering. Whoever came up with the idea did a magnificent job."

Dip just shrugged. "It's just polyester to me. Did you have any other questions about rules and reg?"

Celestia shook her head. "I think your suit's starting to dry. I should probably let you return to practising."

"Okay. Did you want to join me? I'll go slow; I remember you saying you weren't much of a competitive swimmer."

Celestia would have loved to dive right in and join him in the water. She didn't have a suit, but she wouldn't have minded. However, a piece of her stayed her hooves. Now was not the time. She would find a private pool, one where they wouldn't be interrupted, and then they could swim together. She just had to wait.

Holding onto her dignity for the time being, she just smiled at him. "Thanks, but I'll just watch from the side. I wouldn't want to slow you down or anything."

"Suit yourself," he shrugged, diving into the water. He stayed below the surface a lot, keeping her view of him from being blocked by the splash. She watched him dreamily, not paying any attention to the world around her until one of the lifeguards placed a hoof on her shoulder.

"Are you okay?" Snapping back to reality, Celestia nodded. "Look, I know you're a princess, but could you perhaps wait to do that until after you leave?"

As he offered her a towel, she looked down. She hadn't realized it, but while she'd been watching Dip swim, she'd been rubbing herself. Thankfully, only the lifeguard had seen her, but still, this was harrowing.