Author's Note

I really need to stop posting here what my plans are and what's gonna happen next. This was supposed to be the big reveal chapter but then a comment was made how this story is funny. That word: funny. It inspired this chapter and I just had to write it out. Also, the intended chapter was DARK. Too dark, so I scrapped it. I’m keeping the plot line just not the gruesome details.

Apologies. And see ya next week.

Dressing in Style

A full week had passed since Rainbow Dash reconnected with Fluttershy. A whole week and the only couple of times she was able to see her again was when Scootaloo was walking near her cottage. Scootaloo wasn’t keen on walking by every time to see Fluttershy but Storm had been rather insistent. Every time it was the same thing: Rainbow would ask hopefully if they could finally have their private talk, Fluttershy would only discreetly shake her head as she whispered back, ‘Soon.’ or ‘Just a little longer.’

Now Rainbow was getting seriously impatient. She couldn’t shake the feeling she was being toyed with. Why wouldn’t Fluttershy just tell her what she wanted her to know so they could then get Twilight to put everything right? Just what was the holdup? That outburst Rainbow unleashed on Fluttershy had broken both their hearts but the temptation to lash out again was beginning to grow. While she was happy to see Scootaloo happy, Applejack had informed them both yesterday she was able to pull out all the necessary equipment for exhibition training and they could start tomorrow. In a way Rainbow was glad she could have something other to do with Scootaloo other than walk, cuddle and catch frisbees (something she was terrible at). The problem was she had no intention of entering this dog show. She was not going to spend the next four months as a pet. Over my dead body, Rainbow told herself. I’ll be back in the skies by then… Right?

Yesterday’s day on the farm had Rainbow feeling ragged. She slept through the night and didn’t wake up until it was nearly noon. She would have stayed asleep longer if Scootaloo hadn’t forced her to get up for their daily walk. This Doberman puppy body getting its mandatory exercise was still something Rainbow was adjusting too.

Whilst on their walk Sweetie Belle and Applebloom ran into them asking Scootalo if she wanted to have lunch at Sugarcube Corner. Rainbow thought how great it would be to possibly run into Pinkie Pie. No doubt Pinkie would say or do something that would make her laugh. What fond memories she had of her hyperactive friend. Even if Pinkie wasn’t there right now the smell of the bakery would be a treat to her sense of smell. Yeah, Scoots! Let’s go to Sugarcube Corner!

“I’d love to join you guys, but…”

But what?

Scootaloo unnecessarily tightened Storm’s leash. It was as if she thought Storm was gonna try and run away from what she was going to say next. Was she?

“I don’t want to make Storm wait outside too long. She’s still new to Ponyville after all. I should really take her home first.”

What? Take me back home to the cootie demon?

“Aw, but y’all live across town and Ah gotta get back to the stall soon. My lunch break is only for an hour!” Applebloom whined.

Sweet Celestia, help these poor foals! My weather job only gave me a half hour break. Then only a twenty minute break during a show with the Bolts. I know it’s a lot coming from me but kids these days are lazy!

“Ooh! I got an idea! We can drop off Storm at my sister’s!” Sweetie Belle said excitedly. “It’s not far from Sugarcube Corner!”

Rainbow made a huff that almost sounded like a laugh. Rarity was absolutely terrified of mean-looking dog breeds. As much as it would be cool to see Rare’s, there is no way in Tartarus she’ll let me hang out in her shop. I bet she’ll take one look at me and scream ‘Rabid dog!’ Heh, I remember that one time when she told the story of a customer that thought it would be okay to bring their Pitbull in the shop. Classic Rarity!

“Um… isn’t Rarity scared of dogs like Storm?” Scootaloo asked, giving her a concerned look.

“She’s up in Canterlot right now. Something about business or whatnot,” Sweetie Bell said with a wave of her hoof. “We all know how well behaved Storm is so I see no reason she can’t wait there for a little while.”

“I guess that’ll be okay then. Let’s go!”

Saved from the cootie demon to be sent to the frilly dungeon. Yay me.

And that was how Rainbow ended up napping on Rarity’s drama couch. It would have been nice to see Pinkie but on the bright side she did need to catch up on her sleep. When she woke up, however, she found herself alone surrounded by frou frou dresses. Not knowing how long she slept made her more frustrated. At least Scootaloo had the decency to leave the radio on for her so it wasn’t dead quiet.

But the music was doing little to ease her mind. Rainbow’s eyes scanned the room, looking for any sign of distraction. That’s when she saw it. The mannequin in the corner dressed in a tacky pink ball gown. Rainbow Dash had to admit that even though it was a bit extra it was pretty. It reminded her of the days when she and the rest of the Mane 6 would go all out to the Gala. Rainbow took an uncertain step closer to the mannequin, her curiosity creeping up on her. It had been a long time since she wore clothes, her Wonderbolts bomber jacket especially. It was her favourite thing to wear. It had to be the coolest thing she ever wore in her life, and it kept her warm during the winter practices.

It is rather cold in here… I mean it’s not like I want to wear the dress. It wouldn’t fit me properly anyway. An icy chill ran down Rainbow’s spine that had nothing to do with the temperature. She immediately backed away from the dress. No way! Uh-uh! I am not putting on that frilly pink nightmare! … Smells nice, though.

The smell of an elegant perfume was wafting off the dress. Rainbow took this as an excuse for herself to return to the dress. It smelt just like the roses fans would throw to the team during Wonderbolt performances. Those sure were the days.

Giving a nervous glance left and right several times over, Rainbow brought her front paws on the mannequin and gently used her teeth to pull the dress off. I’m only doing this because it’s cold and it smells of better times, Rainbow told herself but she couldn’t exactly convince herself of that statement. It took a couple tries to navigate her way into the dress. It was three times as big as her and the silky fabric kept sliding off her paws.

Finally, after a few moments of struggle, Rainbow managed to pull the dress over her head. The fabric was heavier than she thought it would be and it was surprisingly warm. The material clung to her fur in places it shouldn’t. Rainbow took a couple steps back and looked into the full-length mirror across the room.

Seeing the Doberman puppy in the mirror wearing an oversized dress Rainbow actually forgot it was her for the moment. At first she saw a little sadness in the puppy’s eyes that made her feel bad for the poor girl. Those adorable brown eyes had no business looking like that. She wanted to comfort the puppy. Tell her she was a good dog and there was no reason to be scared. Then her eyes locked onto the pink abomination she was wearing and Rainbow made a barking laugh. The sight of the big bad Doberman puppy wearing such a horrid dress was so hilarious! No wonder that pup is sad! I would feel the same way in her situation!

Rainbow’s laugh turned into a full-blown roll on the floor laugh fest. Her body was shaking as she couldn’t believe she was doing this. The dress was so big it looked like a pink blob that swallowed a puppy whole. Her paws flailed about in the air as she rolled around on the floor. It was like she was a pony again. Free to laugh without a care in the world. Free from the worries of being stuck in a dog’s body and free from the stress of it all.

The boutique’s door suddenly swung open and Rainbow’s laughter abruptly stopped. She saw an all too familiar pair of piercing blue eyes staring directly at her.

Rarity stared at the Doberman puppy completely speechless. Rainbow stared back at the unicorn rooted to the spot suddenly feeling the weight of being a dog brought back onto her. A dog that was wearing one of Rarity’s dresses, getting dog hair all over it.

The white unicorn’s eye twitched.

“Just. What. Do. You. Think. You’re. Doing? In my dress!?”

Rarity’s voice was a mix of shock and horror. Rainbow Dash, retreated into the oversized pink dress, scrambling to hide underneath its folds. Oh my gosh! Rarity is going to skin me alive! Save me, Scootaloo!

“Oh, no, you don't!” Rarity stomped over to the cowering puppy. “I demand you come out of there this instant! While I’m pleased to see a brute such as yourself taking an interest in fashion, this dress is simply not for you! I would need your measurements first before we even begin fitting a dress on you!”

Say what now?

Rarity grabbed the dress with both her magic and began to shake it vigorously. Rainbow’s eyes went wide and she braced herself for the worst. She had seen Rarity in a tizzy before but she had never been the direct cause of it. Rainbow felt the fabric loosen around her and began to slide out of the dress.

Catching Rainbow with a hoof before she hit the floor, Rarity stretched her hooves out with Rainbow trapped between them. Now face to face with the furious Fashionista, Rainbow struggled to keep her bladder in check, unlike the other night when she snuck out of the house to ‘visit’ AJ in her sleep. The little Doberman was more than ‘good’ at holding it and was born ‘ready’ to let it all go. Now she’d be lucky to keep her other assets from breaching.

“Well?” Rarity exclaimed, bringing Rainbow close to her muzzle. “What do you have to say for yourself?”

Before she knew what she was doing Rainbow found herself licking Rarity’s nose. She didn’t know why was doing it. Only that something told her it might get her out of this mess and her body went with it.

Rarity’s eyes went wide with shock, the dress momentarily forgotten. Then against all odds, Rarity cracked a tiny smile.

Wait, is this whole licking thing working?

Then Rarity’s cross look resumed as she held Rainbow away from her again.

“Ooooh no! Don’t you try and butter me up now! I’m afraid you’re still in big trouble for your little shopping spree!” Rarity set Rainbow down on the floor and picked up the now wrinkled dress. “This is going straight to dry cleaning.”

Rainbow’s ears drooped. She had no idea how she was getting out of this without Scootaloo. She just wanted to get warm. Rainbow looked up at Rarity with her puppy dog eyes hoping she’d show some leniency. Rarity’s expression softened slightly but she was still clearly upset. Rainbow felt a pang of regret. It wasn’t like her to upset other ponies, especially for someone she cared about. But how could she explain she was actually Rainbow Dash? There was no way.

With a heavy sigh Rarity tossed the dress into a laundry chute and came straight back to Rainbow Dash.

“Now let’s see who I have to thank for the trouble.”

Rainbow Dash winced as Rarity flung out a hoof. At first Rainbow believed Rarity was going to strike her but it turned out she was studying the tag she bore on her collar.

“Of course!” Rarity scoffed, letting the tag drop. “Who else would think it would be appropriate to turn my home into a dog pound? Sweetie Belle, you and I are going to have words!”

Rainbow was a little relieved to know she wasn’t going to get the sharp end of the stick in this situation. She could only hope Scootaloo would get back soon before Rarity called the pound to come take her away. Rainbow couldn’t comprehend the idea of going back to a shelter. She knew Scootaloo would be there in a wingbeat to bail her out but she couldn’t face such a place again. Never again.

For the next several minutes Rarity paced back and forth sweeping all the dog hair and dirt Rainbow tracked on the floor. At least that’s what she thought she was doing. Maybe Rarity had bionic sight because Rainbow was positive she didn’t shed that much to warrant a deep clean. All she could do now was sit tight and try not to give Rarity a reason to snap.

By the time Rarity brought out the mop and bucket, still muttering to herself, she suddenly stopped as she saw something out the window. Or someone. Rarity gasped and ran out the door calling out, ”Fluttershy! Fluttershy, will you please come here, darling? I’m in dire need of your help!”

Rainbow Dash was saved! She didn’t dare move as Rarity left the door open for Fluttershy to trot in, looking around the room before spotting Rainbow sitting by the mirrors.

“Oh! I see you met, Storm.” Fluttershy’s gentle voice was music to Rainbow’s ears.

“A ‘Storm’ of trouble is what she is! I just arrived home from a long journey and I came back to find this ruffian wearing one of my dresses!”

Fluttershy gave Rainbow Dash a confused look that easily said, ‘You were doing what?’ Rainbow could only look away in shame. She did not want to talk about it. If Rainbow had her way they would never speak of this again.

“Well, I’m sure she didn’t mean any harm,” Fluttershy said, patting Rainbow on the head, giving her a knowing look. “After all, what good girl doesn’t want to look pretty now and then?”

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow snapped, still refusing to look at her. “Can we just go?”

Rainbow would rather have Fluttershy tell Rarity the truth about who she really was but under these circumstances, all Rainbow wanted was to forget this ever happened.

“She can dress up herself in all the dresses I have as long as it’s bought and paid for. Now seeing she doesn’t have the necessary funds I’d really appreciate if she were removed from my shop. I’ll be sure to let Scootaloo know where this ‘Storm’ is when she comes back.”

“Rarity, I know you just met her but don't be too hard on Storm,” Fluttershy spoke with a bit of a bite in her voice. “She’s been through a lot. Now would you please say something nice to her before she goes? I know she would greatly appreciate it.”

Rarity looked a little surprised on how much Fluttershy seemed to care for Storm. Everyone knew all animals were loved by the Pegasus but there was something about Storm that made Fluttershy more protective over her.

“Oh… I’m sorry, darling. I didn’t mean any offense to Storm. It’s just been a long day for me.”

“Tell that to Storm,” Fluttershy said assertively, pointing at Rainbow. “Not me.”

Another flicker of surprise crossed Rarity’s face. She looked down at Storm, who had her head down, and Rarity’s heart ached for the poor thing. There was something different about this puppy. It was like Storm could understand their conversation. Swallowing hard, Rarity leaned down and gently guided Storm’s muzzle to face her, but she kept her eyes averted.

“I’m sorry for my little outburst, Storm. I have had quite a long journey and to come home finding a dog of all things wearing one of my dresses was a bit more than I could handle. And I suppose you could have done a lot worse to my shop than trying on a dress. And you were quite the lady waiting as I cleaned up. You really are a good girl.”

Rarity’s words were intended for a dog she had just met but to Rainbow it meant so much to hear that from her. She may have never had a strong bond with Rarity. They were complete opposites after all. But Rarity was and always will be her best friend.

Unable to stop herself, Storm stepped forward and laid her head against Rarity’s. She tried to show a lot of meaning to the gesture and hoped Rarity would understand one day when she was Rainbow Dash again.

Rarity may not have fully understood Storm's plight but she could understand this puppy was in need of the love it desired. She gently stroked her back as Storm nuzzled her.

“I suppose this mishap can be our little secret,” Rarity straightened up, smiling. “Just make an appointment next time you want to spruce yourself up. I’m sure I can make you something more fitting to your size.”

Thanks, Rares.

Fluttershy nodded in understanding, clipping the leash onto Storm’s collar. Rainbow, still feeling a few shades embarrassed, followed her out of the boutique. The fresh air outside was a welcome change from the tension in Rarity's shop. They didn’t get far before Rainbow managed to gather up the courage to speak.

“Fluttershy, please. I can’t go on like this. I need to know. What happened to me? What happened to Scootaloo? Why can’t our friends know it’s me in here?”

Fluttershy showed no signs of hearing Rainbow Dash, and for a moment, she thought she was being ignored. Then Fluttershy took a deep breath and nodded.

“Okay. I’ll tell you.”