Collision Zone

Chapter Four: A Conspicuous Lack of Dignity

“Spike? I'm... going to Carousel Boutique,” Twilight managed to keep her voice mostly level, through the time-honoured tradition of 'deep breaths, it will all get better eventually'. The personal illusion of her old mane formed with a thought, wavering into existence across her body. She blinked, and smaller fields covered her eyes, masking their eerie glow.

“Oh, don't forget to say hi to Rarity for me! She's going to fall for my dragonish charm one of these days,” Spike said, oblivious to her plight.

Her eyelid twitched. “Bye Spike.”

Twilight stepped backwards, disappearing in a flash of purple magic. An instant later, she was standing before Rarity's pride and joy, the Carousel Boutique, home to elaborate fashion statements for all sizes of Equestrian. She looked at it warily, ignoring the gusts of wind that buffeted her, steeling herself for Rarity's dramatics. With a sigh, she walked in, almost expecting to be pounced by an uncomfortable outfit the moment she arrived, but the shop seemed deserted.

No, no, no... Rarity, you can't be gone, I need you to make me a dress!

She hurried into the back room, hoping to find the elegant unicorn simply asleep at her desk, but the room was dark and empty.

“We could use the mage-eye to determine her presence, dear one.”

Oh, right! You said you'd teach me how to do that myself, didn't you?

“Yes... in time. We do not have the luxury, for the moment, so I will aid you. Gather your magic, and concentrate on the sensation of moving your mane. That is the first step.”

Twilight did as she was told, and was rewarded with a sensation like ice being pressed against her horn, still sensitive from the night before. She shuddered, but maintained the flow of magic. When she opened her eyes, the world had changed. Over a hundred ponies were visible, through the walls of the boutique, going about their routines, their life-force fluorescing a brilliant green. Her mane was a great dark cloud on either side of her vision, coiling and waving. A mouse slept in a nest inside the ceiling of the shop. But no Rarity.

Ponyfeathers! She's not here!

“Perhaps it would be possible to find a dress that suits you, then pay her later?”

Ohdear ohdear ohdear... find a dress, two days... got it!

She dashed around the shop, trying on dresses haphazardly. Most clashed horribly with her coat, and some were obviously made for a larger mare. Some did not accommodate her new mane. One had pinched her in a place she hadn't known was part of equine anatomy. Eventually Twilight stopped, leaning on a box and rubbing her temples with a hoof.

Urgh... this is hopeless... I don't know the first thing about Canterlot fashion, Terminus! I'm a librarian, not a dressmaker!

“I am sorry, dear one. I am unfamiliar with this culture, which limits my ability to aid you. Perhaps she keeps additional clothing in the back room?”

Well it can't hurt to look, I guess.

The light to the storage area clicked on with but a thought, illuminating a small room filled to the brim with clothing racks, loaded with unsold dresses, some of which Twilight recognised as exceedingly antiquated.

Wow. I think that one was patterned after Starswirl the Bearded's court finery!

Twilight rummaged between the dusty relics of fashions gone by, thoroughly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of bizarre costumes. And there it was. The perfect dress, folded neatly inside a wire framed ball gown. Hidden, but excellent. Without further ado, she grabbed it in her magic and went to find a mirror.

Slightly frilly, tight fitting, the shine of the black material matched her new hair perfectly. It grabbed attention, and it made her feel... sexy. A mousy librarian like her didn't get the chance to feel that too often, and she laughed aloud. The Twilight in the mirror looked gorgeous, and it felt good.

“Hello? Is anyone there? I warn you, I'm armed!” Rarity's cultured tones drifted in from the front of the boutique.

Wait, if she's here now... she must only have been out for lunch! Sun and Moon, this was a stupid plan!

“Perhaps if you explain the situation, dear one?” Terminus whispered.

She peeked around the door frame, spying the white unicorn. Twilight noted, not without guilt, that her friend looked terrified, although she put on a brave face.

“Rarity, it's me,” she said gently, gingerly stepping out onto the shop floor, the dress' short skirt swishing with her. Rarity whirled, brandishing a letter opener, before her eyes widened, and she dropped it to the floor with a clatter.

“I'm sorry about the mess, I... it's silly. I really needed a dress, and you weren't in, an-and, I... well, I panicked.”

A fierce blush bloomed across Rarity's cheeks, and she stared speechless at the purple mare.

“The door wasn't locked or anything, but I found this in the back room! It's so swishy, I love it!”

The white unicorn gulped, then finally said in a weak little voice.

“Twilight darling... w-what on Equestria are you d-doing wearing my lingerie?”

There was a rather awkward silence as Twilight stared, her mouth open ever so slightly, and a dark purple blush across her nose.

I... uh... what!?

“L-l-l-lingerie!?” she squeaked, cringing backward.

“But... how did you... I thought I hid that so well!” Rarity muttered to herself, then yelled in frustration.

Please, Equestria, swallow me now, so I can die with some shreds of my dignity.

“It... uh... it was hidden really well, nopony would look at that ball gown,” Twilight brightened up considerably, “But it was just so fascinating, I mean, that must have so much history to it!”

“I'm sure it is, darling. Those clothes were there when I bought the shop... ghastly, dusty old things. A lady simply wouldn't be caught dead in them, these days!” Rarity puffed out her chest indignantly.

“Y-yes, I suppose. I'm so sorry about the mess though. I'll tidy it up, I swear.”

Rarity waved her off, smiling “No, no, I can have things sparkling in no time at all darling. I understand, I think. You just put those back where you found them, please,”

It was a while before either talked again, Rarity busying herself with straightening the mannequins while Twilight returned her 'dress' to its hiding spot. They were halfway through clearing up the scattered clothing when the white unicorn finally spoke up.

“So, Twilight, what in the name of the Sun made you need a dress so badly?” she blurted, pausing in the midst of hanging an errant skirt.

“Well... I got a letter from the princess, Celestia that is, and she invited me to a formal banquet. I don't really wear clothes usually, but she specifically said I need formal attire. In two days!” Rarity made calming motions to her, and she realised she had unconsciously began to pace.

“Ssssh... darling, you're talking to Ponyville's premier fashionista, if you'll excuse me blowing my own trumpet. If I can't fix you up something in two days, nopony here can!” Rarity declared, a determined gleam in her eye.

“You'd do that for me, after I wrecked your shop?” Twilight said, her eyes wide, and a nagging feeling of guilt settling in her stomach.

“Pish posh. After all we've been through, a little mess is nothing to worry about!” Rarity smiled warmly at her.

She... even after I... she's too good to me!

Twilight felt her eyes grow wet, and impulsively hugged the mare before her. Rarity held her gently, but Twilight quickly let go. She sniffed a little, but smiled.

“Fine, but I'm paying for this one.”

“Bu-” Rarity began.

“No buts. Not this time. I owe you.”

Things might be a bit tight for a while, but I think we can afford it this once.

“You could conjure the funds, dear one,” Terminus suggested dryly.

What!? Do you have any idea what effect that would have on the economy?

“Considering this civilisation uses a token based bartering system...” the soft voice was silent for a moment, “This injection of currency would have negligible effect on the country, assuming Equestria is as large as you believe it to be.”

“Twilight?” A white hoof waved in front of her face, “Are you okay? You got the strangest look on your face, then just tuned me out completely. Honestly, some mares!” Rarity huffed indignantly, but her eyes glinted with mirth.

“Bwuh? Yes, fine, sorry!” She hurried back to tidying, and they rapidly got the store back into shape. When they were done, Rarity ushered her over to her desk.

“So, we know you like lace, so let's start with that,” Rarity said with a wicked smile.

~~~

After an exhaustive design session with Rarity, Twilight was finally allowed to leave the Boutique for the night. Terminus had interjected at various points, but for the most part seemed content to observe its surroundings. She found its quietness worrisome. It was probably plotting something. Or she was getting paranoid from the stress, it was hard to say. Now, she lay on the balcony of the library looking up at the Moon, her telescope perched next to her.

Terminus, where did you come from? I mean, I was thinking... you spoke of 'manual space travel', this morning.

“A place far from here. It was once a world as green and lush as this, perhaps even more so. It is dead now, destroyed by its enemies. I am the last.”

An entire world!?

“There are many races out amongst the stars, dear Twilight. Pray you never encounter the ones who call themselves 'human'.”

So extraequestrians really exist? Sun and Moon! This could be the biggest breakthrough in astronomy since Heaven Gazer mapped Seren!

“Most ponies would think you mad. The princesses would already be aware. Such is the way of things.”

They... already know? B-but why would they keep something like that to themselves!?

“I do not know their reasons, merely that they would have to be blind to remain unaware of the other races. You have seen the conduits. The mage-eye is not restricted to us, dear one.”

She rolled over onto her back, scratching a little at the downy fur of her belly. The moon was bright and full. The image of Luna had faded with her release, much to the concern of the Canterlot Astronomical Society, who woke up the next day to find that centuries of lunar maps had been made obsolete in the space of a few seconds.

“So, the day after tomorrow, I'm going to see the Princess at a banquet...” she said aloud, mulling the idea over. It still seemed crazy, to be so suddenly involved in court life, but if the princess wanted her to be there, she would not be one to disappoint.

Maybe it'll be just like old times?

She remembered running through the Canterlot archive, leaving a trail of ink and loose papers, pursued by a laughing Celestia, who had eventually scooped her up into her magic and tickled her silly. A gentle smile crossed Twilight's face.

Yeah, old times. It was good to see her laugh. Really smile, not... pretend.

“You might perhaps be a bit big for that game, dear one.”

The mental image returned, only this time Twilight was fully grown. Celestia pinned her down with her magic, and then mercilessly tickled her, laughing with joyous abandon. Twilight's hooves were covered with spilt ink, and left dark trails as she tried to pry her mentor off, to no avail. And then something happened she did not expect. Celestia's tickling slowly gave way to gentle caressing. Her teacher looked down at her with those beautiful pink eyes, and then very deliberately began to kiss all over her face. She stammered and blushed... at least until Celestia's lips found hers. A warm tongue worked its way into her mouth, tasting of sweet honey, and Twilight let out an unconscious groan, a comfortable warmth filling he-

Sun and Moon, what am I thinking about!?I-I‘ve never... she never...

Twilight took a shuddering breath, then struggled onto her front, suddenly keenly aware of a warm wetness on her stifles, and a sweet, almost musky smell on the air.

That... you didn't see anything. That didn't happen. I am not fantasizing about my teacher...

She repeated it like a mantra for a moment, but Terminus broke in, tone silky and almost smug,
“Denial is not healthy, dear one.”

S-shut up!

Twilight felt a hot blush creeping down her neck, and wiggled a little against the floor, trying to quell the warm feeling in her sex.

It's almost like I'm... nonononono... It's the wrong time of year, I can't be in heat...

“No, indeed you are not. It is partially my fault, I apologise.”

Can you... ah... do something about it?

“It is not within my purview, dear one. Perhaps additional stimulation would provide relief?”

You're suggesting I should... clop? Here? Spike's downstairs!

“Perhaps,” She could almost hear a smirk in that voice. The floor was smooth and cool against her slit, but that only made her want more.

No, I should just go and have a cold shower or something...

“But as you say, your companion sleeps. Surely the shower would wake him?”

Ponyfeathers! Yes, it would. Urgh, I can't think straight like this.

It was incessant, an ache in her stifles that demanded attention.

Quick, maybe we could jury rig a shower out here using a raincloud! Wait, no, that’s stupid. Why did I even... perhaps if I had some rope... no, he’d hear me and think we were being burgled... oh, this is hopeless!

“Well, there is the obvious solution, dear one.”

But Spike... ah... you know, this floor is much more accommodating than you’d think...

“I’m sure it is.”

Maybe if I... oh... had-

“No, there is no configuration of physics in which that is possible.”

But if I just had a bullwhip...

“You do not have a bullwhip, dear one.”

With a long suffering sigh, she rolled onto her side, tracing a hoof down past her stiff little nipples to gently cup herself.

Ah... so soft...

The fur felt absolutely delicious caressing her folds, and she let out a quiet sigh of contentment at the gentle pressure. She had done this before, like any healthy unicorn, but tonight she was almost painfully sensitive, her button almost aching for attention. Rolling her hips, she ground against her hoof, letting out a gasp of unsuppressed joy as she finally found relief from the burning ache. Almost unbidden, an image of the Sun Princess rose in her mind.

“Oh my! Twilight... you are quite bold, to do this before royalty.”

Ah! I’m so sorry princess, I can’t help myself!

“I didn’t say you should stop, Twilight Sparkle. You still have a lesson to learn here... besides, I’m enjoying the show.” Celestia gave her a sultry smile, her eyes half-lidded, and Twilight squirmed.

Remembering her recent experiences with magic, she brought up her other hoof and began to tweak the tip of her horn. It wasn’t quite the same overwhelming heat, but her horn felt alive, a pleasant tingling sensation shooting down from her forehead down to her sex. Growling softly, she bucked her stiff little nub against her hoof, that wonderful pressure beginning to grip her.

I wonder if she does this...

An image of the princess, neck arched gracefully over the royal armrest, her legs spread wide as she eagerly stroked her dripping plot, her cheeks a brilliant pink as she let out little squeaks of pleasure.

Oh... oh my... so good...

Panting, her horn sparking, she ground against her hoof, attempting to muffle her groans against the floor.

“Now, you know what to do, my faithful student.”

Oh Sun... yes, Princess.

With one last, needful gasp, the world became a white haze of pleasure, and beautiful pink eyes.

“Um... Twi?”

Huh? Oh buck!

Pink eyes. She recoiled away from Rainbow Dash, scrambling back from the wet patch on the balcony.

“I-it’s not w-what it looks like!” She stammered.

Dash raised an eyebrow skeptically while eyeing the wetness, uncharacteristically quiet. She grinned evilly.

“Oh, it’s totally what it looks like, you were so into it!”

Twilight cringed, blushing brightly, “H-how much did... ah... did you see?”

“Like, the whole thing! I mean, I was just going for a fly, clear my head, and I see you here on your balcony giving the whole sky a show! Didn’t know you had it in you, egghead,” She laughed at that, lazily perching on the balcony railing.

‘Didn’t know I had it...’ WHAT!?

“So you’re not... disgusted by me?” she ventured, hastily covering herself with her tail.

“What? Grossed out? Pshaw... everypony’s got needs, Twi.” Rainbow stopped and peered at her oddly. “Hey, did you dye your mane or something?”

My m- Oh Sun! The illusion! Quick, lie through your teeth! Agree blindly!

“Oh... yeah! Yeah, I totally did! Thought I’d try it in black,” she said, giving what was surely the most awkward grin in known history.

“It is likely too dark for her to see it properly, dear one,” Terminus noted from behind her ear.

“Hey, why’s it moving like that? Oh, that is so cool! How’d you get it to do that? Is it magic? That’s so awesome! I mean... for an egghead,” Dash scratched her neck and looked away.

Ohdear ohdear ohdear... wait, what? Is... is she blushing?

“Sun and Moon, you’re blushing!” Twilight pointed a trembling hoof at her friend, “Praise be to Starswirl, the heavens must be falling,” she said, laughing quietly.

“Hey, s-shut up!” Rainbow snapped back, glaring at her.

“It’s alright Rainbow, you’re just... I’ve never seen you this bashful,”

Rainbow eyed her uncertainly for a moment, then smirked, “Well, this has been a pretty weird night. I didn’t expect to fly in on one of my friends clopping, y’know.” She lay back, resting against the railing on her back, “Pinkie’ll be so happy, she thought she knew all her friends’ kinks!”

A banner appeared in Twilight’s mind, reading ‘Twilight’s First Exhibitionist Clopping Party’, followed by an egregious quantity of confetti and streamers. A miniature Pinkie Pie popped up and blew a party popper in Twilight’s face, showering her with miniature rubber stallionhoods. Twilight blinked, staring blankly for a second, before her face contracted into a rictus of terror.

Augh, Sun, why!? Brain, why must you hate me so!?

Rainbow bemusedly watched the unicorn roll around, clawing at her eyes in a futile attempt to block out the images.

“Hey, easy! I was just jokin’ around Twi. I’m not that mean.”

“Whuh?” Twilight momentarily halted her attempts to remove her own brain, looking up at Dash in with wide eyes.

Rainbow stretched like a cat, flight-toned muscles rippling, then yawned, “Nya... Don’t worry about it, I won’t tell. It’s cool. Honestly, I’m happy you’re less uptight than I thought you were, no offense,”

Twilight gingerly got to her hooves, still feeling almost weightless. Her hair twitched and wrapped itself into enormous, spring-like coils that swirled hypnotically.

Rainbow stared at the mane, her eyes wide.

“Whoa, can you show me how to do that with mine? That’d be so awesome!” she excitedly pointed at the coils with one hoof.

“S-sorry Rainbow, I made a miscalculation in a delicate magical experiment, and now my mane’s stuck like this. I could maybe try to recreate the conditions... but considering the risks, you might just end up as Earwig Dash or an animal made out of paint. Just about anything.”

“You are much better at lying than any would give you credit for, dear Twilight,” a soft voice in her ear nearly made her jump out of her skin. As it was, she merely twitched.

“Yeah, figures. Still... hey, you okay Twi?”

“I’m fine; it’s nothing, I just got a chill for a moment.”

“Much better...” Terminus whispered.

Dash snickered, “Yeah, I’ll bet. It’s always the quiet ones, right Twi?”

“Um... don’t want to think about what that means for Fluttershy,” Twilight said, shuffling her hooves nervously.

“Trust me, you don’t wanna know,” Dash said with a smirk, “Well, anyway, I’m off to bed. Later egghead!” And with that, she rolled easily off the balcony, quickly gaining altitude. Twilight just had time to yell,

“Goodbye, Rainbow Dash!”

Turning back, she remembered the small puddle which was rapidly becoming a stain on the wood.

Well Twilight, if that isn’t cleaned up, you can say goodbye to your dignity. Forever.

She began gently lifting the sweet, musky liquid out of the wood with her magic, evaporating it once it was free of the floorboards.

Oh Sun... it-it’s not going to come out, is it?

She focused more of her magic into the wood, and something about the evaporation spell changed. Instead of removing the remaining fluid, a tight cone of black energy blasted the spot. The wood creaked softly, the black magic eroding a thick groove into the floor, but the last of the slick little patch was expunged. She sniffed the air cautiously. Nothing but wood smoke. A satisfied smile crossed her face, and she let out a breath she'd unconsciously been holding. Spike would never know the reason for that small hole in the decking.

I suppose that works too!

For the second time that day, she felt uncomfortably dirty, like her fur was going to mat from her own filthiness. Shivering, she put an ear to the floor, as far away from the scorched part as possible.

Hmm... nothing. Okay, I don't think he heard me. Maybe... shower is too loud... oh dear...

“You are a unicorn, are you not?”

Yes, but cleaning spells don't work on living creatures! I'd... rip off pieces of my own skin, or something...

She shuddered at that. There was a moment of silence, before Terminus spoke again, each word seeming to drip with incredulity.

“For an element of magic, you are awfully ignorant of its finer points, dear one.”

How dare you! I-I've studied magic since I was a filly!

“And yet you cannot do what my race has done for centuries. That which your race is capable of, yet never developed. I was merely commenting that there is much you are unaware of, I meant no offence.”

Yes, well... I'm sorry I'm not developed enough for your tastes!

“I am sorry, dear one. I would not have mentioned the problem had I not intended to fix it. Starting now,” the voice was soft, contrite, “I will show you how. I promise, there will be no ripping of skin.”

I... fine, I accept the apology.

“Very well. Then we can begin. Show me a unicorn cleaning spell, please.”

Twilight nodded, channelling magic into her horn, bathing the balcony in purple light. She grasped at the burn mark on the floor with a magical appendage, then a twist. Half of the scorch mark abruptly disappeared.

“I see. Very well.” There was a moment of silence, “Thaumic torsion. An interesting solution to dirt removal. Most would weaponise it.”

Weaponry? With cleaning spells? What?

“Never mind. It is not important. Now, as for cleaning yourself, do unicorns have a unified theory of thaumic resonance?”

I haven't... no, we do not. The equations simply don't match up.

“We shall see. Would you give me control, for a moment?”

Like you did... last night? Is it safe?

“Completely. I swear upon the name of Primus, I will not harm you, nor anyone you know this night, dear Twilight.” The voice sounded tender, almost loving. At this, she felt her hair twitch violently, like something invisible was tugging on her mane.

“Ah!” she cried out aloud, barely suppressing a flinch.

Okay, what in the name of the Moon was that!?

“I just made an oath on the name of my master. Though He is gone, His name still has power over me, as I am of Him. I am bound by my word in this, dear one.”

I see... What do you need me to do? Just say 'I give you control of my body'?

“That would suffice, if you refer to me by name.”

In that case... “I give over control of my body to Terminus.”

The moment she finished the words, her body felt heavy; a warmth seemed to envelop her. It was cozy. Numbing. Like her head was stuffed with cotton wool. Her vision wavered, becoming a fuzzy blur of colour. Her hooves shuffled a little on the decking without her direction, then one raised mechanically up in front of her face, a purple lump in the dark. She realised with a jolt that she couldn't move her head, or even her eyes, as if her entire body had become numb.

Terminus?

“Here, dear one. I must say, this body is quite remarkable. Despite your quadruped form, you have evolved several ways to deal with your lack of grasping limbs... quite, quite remarkable.”

She stumbled, nearly pitching over forward.

“Some calibration issues, it seems. One moment.”

A sharp prick to what felt like the back of her neck, and the world seemed to snap into startling clarity. The conduits shone overhead like great silver streams, almost perfect in their chaotic symmetry. The pale aura of life enveloped even the air itself, and the Moon seemed to shine with an eerie blue, almost black.

Wow...

“Indeed. Please, pay attention to what I am about to do. It is easier to show you than to explain the mechanics in your mathematics. It would be torturous to do so, I fear.”

Her horn burst into life, wreathed in purple-white fire sending off tiny purple sparks in crazed yet impossibly ordered patterns. The air around her seemed to shudder, the magic somehow agitating it as it coalesced onto her horn, until a purple orb formed at the tip. The magically infused air swirled for a moment, then expanded explosively, washing over her in a wave of electrifying warmth. Her eyes closed as the wave passed, although she could still see its passage as a brilliant purple shockwave across her body, even through her eyelids. By the time her eyes opened, she could feel her fur standing on end, puffing up ridiculously.

“I relinquish control. Do you see now, dear one?”

The feeling of comfortable numbness left her immediately, banished like the wisps of a poorly remembered dream. She shook out her legs, feeling oddly stiff.

I think so. You did something to infuse the air, like it was a magical receptacle... how did you do that!?

“Resonance. The particles in the air can be infused within a very specific band of magical output.”

She took a look at her foreleg. The hair seemed to be far too puffy for its own good, but looked shiny and clean all the same. She sighed.

So... tomorrow we're going to Canterlot...

“I had been meaning to ask... how do you suspect the your princess will react to your physical changes? She will likely notice the illusion in minutes, dear one.”

Oh bu-!

~~~