Collision Zone

Chapter Three: Royals and Rituals

Ponyville slumbered beneath Luna's moon, the quiet sound of sleeping ponies drifting up into the night. Ponyville library on the other hand was still very much awake, to Spike's lingering irritation.

“No, no, no! That won't work!” Twilight threw the book down on the desk with a hard 'thump', then began to pace. Her mane spread out like a dark cloud, twitching and squirming with agitation.

“Twilight, can't this wait until morning? I-” Spike yawned, “I need to sleep, this is getting ridiculous.”

“It is morning!” Twilight yelled, her temper getting the better of her. “... I'm sorry, Spike, I just... I don't know what to do. Ponies could die over this, I have to do something.”

“Driving both of us insane through lack of sleep won't help anypony!” Spike retorted, huffing and crossing his tiny arms. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take a nap. Later Twi.”
A door slam echoed through the library, and Twilight was alone in the study.

He just... ugh! So immature! Well, he is a baby, but honestly, this is important!

“He does have a point, although his reasoning is questionable. This line of research does not seem an efficient use of time, dear one.”

I know. I just don't know what to do! I can't stop a timberwolf migration by myself, but telling the princesses would lead them here... and I'm not ready for them to know about us, Terminus. They'd... I don't know what they'd do. I really, really don't want to find out.

Twilight glared at the library shelves, only to hear a faint 'crunch'. She whirled, to find her tail had just crushed a mug from her desk. Snorting with irritation, she vanished the pottery shards with a burst of magic.

An efficient use of my time... that ritual you mentioned, does it require any particular conditions?

“Only that it be in a verdant area, with the stars visible overhead. It is not a... complicated ritual.”

Verdant... right. I have an idea. She visualised a glade in the Whitetail Woods. Will this be sufficient to meet your needs?

“Well that general area, yes... I will guide you, and we will find a place that is adequate. Do not worry, dear one.”

The library door creaked open, and a dark purple shape crept out, locking it swiftly behind her. She trotted west towards the woods, the Everfree looming in the moonlight.

All right... can you show me the way? An bizarre sensation, like ice being poured over her forehead, answered her question. She shuddered, her vision blurring. Sun and moon... Terminus, what did you do to me? She shook her head to clear the sensation, then blearily looked around. She stopped dead. The sky had come alive; great silver lines, pulsing with energy, bridging the constellations. The grass, the trees, glowed a brilliant green, as if lit from within. The town behind her had become a conflagration; the sleeping ponies each alight with emerald fire. She stood, and stared at the wonder of it all. ...Terminus... It's beautiful.

“Such is the way of the mage-eye, dear one. In time, you will learn to do this for yourself, but until then, I will aid you. Come, the way is not far. I can feel it.” Terminus's voice shifted, becoming eerily hollow; the leaden tones it had used in her dreams. Twilight shivered, staring up at the great roads in the stars, suddenly feeling very small indeed. Mechanically, she put one hoof forward, then the other, walking unsteadily into the west.

Terminus! I can't feel my legs! What are you doing!?

“Very simple, dear one. The way is not far, and I am guiding you.” Twilight was brought up to a canter, running towards the treeline. She felt her mane stream out behind her, reaching up towards the night sky in fierce exaltation, and an indescribable sense of wonder filled her. She was the grass, the trees, the life... she felt connected. A great light built on the horizon, amongst the trees, and she galloped towards it, excitement welling up inside her. This is the place. She was in control of her legs once more, but the strange feeling drove her eagerly onward.

The earth beneath her hooves thrummed with magic, suddenly perceptible, the great white light blinding in its intensity.

“There. The ley line.”

This place... I have heard of them. Great energy currents beneath Equestria...

She came to a stop before the geyser of magic, staring upwards at the magical flame shooting hundreds of feet into the air, before plunging down into the ground near the Fillydelphian coastline. I understand now... what must I do!? She stared at the ley line, shivering with anticipation. All that magic...

And then she knew. She took one step towards the geyser, crouching low, her horn pointed straight at it. Her hair swirled, before lashing out, anchoring her to the ground with root-like tendrils. This is it...Her magic touched the ley line.

Oh! Oh sun... yes!
The sensation was incredible, a torrent of energy coursing through her, setting her nerves alight. A delicious sense of fullness, spreading down from her horn. It hurts... so good! Her body convulsed, her tongue lolling out as a warm pressure filled her forehead. More! More! Oh, sun and moon! Purple energy burst from her skin, her eyes rolling back as her wish was granted. So much magic filling her... the pressure mounted, and she whinnied softly, needfully, leaning into the light. It pulsed, her horn pushing through some kind of barrier. The heat on her forehead doubled, pressure inside her becoming unbearable. Her thighs were slick with need, her breath coming out in gasping pants... ah! Terminus... help me! Something soft nestled between her lips, gently stroking her sensitive nub, and that was all it took. With a last desperate gasp, Twilight exploded.

~~~

A dainty white hoof gently spread marmalade over a piece of toast, making a scraping noise. To Celestia, it was the sound of her eardrums being lovingly rubbed with a cheesegrater, and she winced, flicking her ears in irritation. It almost felt as if she had not slept at all, despite the perfectly clear memory of singing her sister to sleep. Which was of course impossible, since sleep was a luxury she didn't actually need... which meant something was awry. She narrowed her tired eyes, glaring intensely at the offending slice of toast. It shuddered slightly, then evaporated in a gout of white flame. That... was not nearly as cathartic as I had hoped.

“More coffee, please,” She said, as kindly as she could, to the guard who hovered at her side. He saluted, doing an about face before marching off in the direction of the kitchens. Celestia sighed. Rock Steady was as good a guardspony as anypony could ask for, but he didn't seem to understand the idea that she could take care of herself. He had an annoying tendency to hover around her, as if at any moment she would fall gravely ill. She snorted tiredly at that. This mare has stood the test of millennia, and he thinks a stiff breeze will knock her over? Please...

A faint tingle on the breeze heralded an incoming message from her student, and Celestia blearily watched the dragonfire take form in front of her, dropping a small bundle of paper onto her thankfully clear plate. She realised with a pang that it had been over a month since she had last heard from Twilight. The peace talks with the Griffon Kingdoms... She eagerly tore the note off of the packaged essay, holding it up to eye level. It seemed to have been written as a stream of consciousness, probably dictated. Classic Twilight material in other words.

Dear Princess Celestia,
Please find enclosed, one essay On the Particulars of Timberwolf Biology. Fluttershy and I have taken to travelling into the outskirts of the Everfree in an attempt to study the animals in the wild, although results have been mixed. Work at the library proceeds apace, with the help of my able bodied assistant, though he's been a little snarky lately. I'm worried, though. This research is keeping me away from my friends (Well, except Fluttershy), and it hurts, Princess. What should I do? This work is really important, but I can't just ignore them, after all we've done together. How are things proceeding in Canterlot, if it's not too intrusive of me?

The next few lines looked as if they had been rehashed multiple times, from the small ink blots on the page. Twilight had been hesitant... why?

I miss Canterlot, you know, since you sent me away. My friends are amazing, and I couldn't ask for a better place to live than Ponyville, but I miss the times we spent together, when I was studying. It probably sounds silly. I hope this letter reaches you safely,

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle

As she had thought. Classic Twilight. Somewhat scattered, and more emotional than she first appeared. Celestia sat, thinking it over.

I miss the times we spent together...

“Coffee, your highness.”

It was an enormous, baroque construction larger than her head. The royal cafetiere, made by the griffons as part of a peace offering after their initial truce at the battle of Stalliongrad. It made an impressive 'thunk' on the table, effectively startling her out of her thoughts.

“Thank you, Rock Steady, but I'm afraid we have work to do. Take the coffee to my study, and await further instruction.”

“Aye, your highness,” He bowed, then hefted the thing easily, despite it resembling a primitive steam engine. Once she was sure he was gone, Celestia crouched, her magic bursting out from her horn. In a few seconds, two Celestias stood where one had previously. One looked serene and unruffled, while the other was knelt on the flagstones, panting.

“Go... take morning court... you know what to do,” The panting one said to her doppelganger. The
secondary avatar nodded, trotting out in the direction of the audience hall. The real Celestia headed for the castle gates.

I think I'll take the scenic route for a change.

Celestia launched herself out of the castle doors, startling the guards posted on either side, easily gaining altitude. The kingdom stretched out before her, wreathed in low lying cloud, and for a moment Celestia just wanted to fly, as far and as fast as this body would allow. She reigned it in, but took a moment to just enjoy the sensation of flight. Wind on her feathers, her mane streaming out behind her like a living rainbow...

'I miss the times we spent together'... that is remarkably close to 'I miss you'... no, probably just Twilight being unaware of social context... but she's clever, maybe she...

Celestia mulled it over, then put a lid on the whole thing. It was a silly line of thought which should be reserved for schoolyard fillies, not rulers. A tendril of magic opened the shutters easily, and she landed in front of a wide eyed Rock Steady, who was still holding the coffee decanter.

“I trust my coffee remains secure?” She raised a sardonic eyebrow.

“Aye, highness,” He gave no indication of acknowledging the jibe, his eyes focused dead ahead. Celestia would have sighed, but held it in.

“Then guard the door. I don't want to be disturbed needlessly,” She turned to her desk, dropping Twilight's paper onto it. It looked detailed, that was for certain. Dissections? Her eyebrows raised at that. To think, little Twilight... She has come a long way, hasn't she? Not so little anymore. She settled down to read the paper, delicately sipping her coffee. Wait a minute, the only pony who can hear me is Rock Steady... she chugged the coffee, all pretence of social graces momentarily put aside in the need for caffeine. Much better.

The paper was scrupulously detailed, despite the evidence that Twilight had been extremely tired while writing some parts of it. She never did like going to bed. Celestia tittered at the thought of Twilight asleep at her desk one night, her head pillowed by the Encyclopaedia Equestria, when she had intended to finish an essay on apple farming. Celestia had left a cup of cocoa with a preservation spell for when she woke up, and tried to ensure the purple filly was warm.

'I miss the times we spent together'...

“I also, Twilight Sparkle,” she whispered. It was surprisingly hard to admit. She missed her student, more than she could put into words. Her previous students had been older and more serious. The purple filly had been a welcome change, and she had grown fond of her presence. Not a filly, not any longer. She reminded herself.

A plan began to form in her head. She smiled. Not the gentle, vacant smile of a ruler to her subjects, but the wicked grin of a 'plotting' Celestia.

I hope you can forgive my selfishness just this once, my faithful student.

A quill levitated, and without hesitation, she began to write.

~~~

A bird chirped incessantly in her ear, causing Twilight Sparkle to groan and shift uncomfortably on the dry ground. She stretched, a chill wind on her back. She felt oddly... satisfied. What did I do last night? It was then that she became acutely aware of a stickiness between her legs, and the pervasive musk of a mare who'd enjoyed herself a little too much. Oh... oh my... the ritual...
She shivered. Her body felt incredibly sensitive. So... so good. Hugging herself a little, she sat up. The Whitetail Woods... I ran here, didn't I? Terminus?

“I am here, dear one,” the voice was soft and feminine as before, but seemed to resonate a little.

So it was a success? You are... ah... 'sustained'?

“More than you can imagine, Twilight Sparkle. I am eternally in your debt.”

No, no... fresh air, exercise, right? Roads in the stars... Her eyes glazed over at that, remembering.

“The conduit network... this world has yet to be connected.”

That would be... how you arrived here, wouldn't it?

“After a fashion. Manual space travel is draining, but it was only for a short time. Conduits are much more efficient.”

So you're from out there, among the stars? What... what was it like?

“My existence before you was... I cannot adequately describe it in this language. Suffice to say, I governed over a wide demesne, as your princesses do Equestria. Perhaps, with your permission... I could show you, when you dream.”

I... would that affect me, in any way? We are... linked. I can feel you, through my magic... you are much stronger than before.

“The magic of the ley line. If I had taken this much from you, you would not have survived, dear one. As to your question, I believe not. I have never experienced a bond such as this, but mere mental projection should not be harmful for you.”

I am curious... we are in this together, like it or not... please, show me.

“Very well, it shall be as you ask, the next time you sleep.”

Twilight twitched, realising she had been staring into space for an indeterminate timespan. The sky was overcast, darkening as the pegasi added more storm clouds to the mix. Her hair detached itself from its anchoring points in the soil as she got up. Her coat felt like a mess of dirt and twigs, but it seemed to have been worth it. The experience had been incredible.

Flicking her tail, it seemed curiously clean, considering last night's escapades. Her mane, as well, was completely smooth, coiling and writhing in the wind. Magic collected around her horn, the illusion coming together with startling ease. The force which usually guided her was strangely absent, but the magic simply did as commanded this time.

Terminus, did yo-?

“It is natural that your own magic would be bolstered after tapping a ley line, dear one.”

The personal illusion spell in place, Twilight gathered magic around her, picturing the library clearly in her head. She had never made a jump this far, but the gate opened, hurling her across the country directly into her bedroom. Phew... wow, if I can teleport this far, who knows what else I might be able to do!? Oh, this is wonderful!

Spike's plaintive voice interrupted her before she could get overly excited at the prospect, “Hey, Twilight, you're back! When I saw you were gone, I'd assumed you'd gone to talk to Fluttershy, but with the storm and everything, we couldn't find you...”

“Um... I took a walk, to clear my head... going-to-take-a-bath-bye!” She dashed in the direction of the bathroom, leaving a bewildered Spike standing in the doorway.

“Weird... geez, what is that smell!?”

~~~

The bath felt heavenly, after sleeping in the woods. Glad I woke up before the storm hit, actually.
Her coat was covered in dirt, grass stains and loose twigs. Twilight lay back, relaxing after a stressful night. Timberwolf migration. Friends' lives. Longevity!

“Bwah!” Twilight flailed, falling back into the water. So much to do! Research, solutions, now!

She leapt out of the bath, hurriedly towelling herself dry. Hurling the bathroom door open, Twilight ran towards the study as if pursued by a flight of dragons.

“Twi! Mail!”

“Yes, yes, put it in the mailbox, I'll look at it in a moment,” Twilight began rifling through her research papers, trying to find the detailed transcript of a timberwolf dissection. Oh no! I sent it to Princess Celestia!

“But Twilight, it's from the Princess!”

Without any further quibbling from Spike, she summoned the letter directly to her, ignoring his surprised yell. Oh, not now... I'm right in the middle of...The note looked short and hurried, but held a certain sense of formality. Twilight read it over, skimming the text, then went back to shuffling her papers for the missing texts. She stopped, then read the note again. A soft whimper escaped her lips.

Dear Twilight Sparkle,
You are cordially invited to attend a dinner at the Canterlot Royal Hall, celebrating fifty years of scientific brilliance among our populace, which will take place two days hence. Bring formal attire. Seating has already been booked in advance. The hall will open at six o'clock, on the dot. It will be good to see you once more, my little pony.

Travel safely,
Princess Celestia