After parking Bumblebee next to my house, I took the suitcase off and opened the doors. Just as I was going in, I heard a familiar voice behind me. "Yang, where have you been? We missed you!"

I looked back and smiled at the familiar griffon. "Just a surprise trip to Appleloosa, Gilda. How have things been without me?"

"Not bad at all. We can actually do pretty well without you, all things considered."

My mood dropped a bit at that. "Ah. I see."

"N-not that we don't appreciate. . . I messed up there, didn't I?"

"Yeah, you goofed. But tell me about Friday."

"Pinkie took over the grill," Gilda said as we walked in. "And I don't know how she did it, but she managed to top the smoked ice Gavan made."

"Do I even. . ? Just tell me what she did."

"Grilled water. It didn't taste good, but she did it, and I don't know how!"

I tried to imagine what such a thing would look like, and just came up with grill marks on a glass of water. "Best to just leave it at that. It's Pinkie Pie. Anything else I missed?"

"I took care of all the business mail. There's a stack of other mail for you in the office."

"Thanks. Hey, I'm going to be taking today to wrap up a few things, like laundry. And probably drag Rarity to the spa. I think I can get my laundry done there, so that can be done there. Oh, and if I can get Twilight and Rainbow there, that would make things go even faster. I've got things for all three of them."

"Nothing for me?" Gilda teased. "I'm wounded."

"I couldn't find anything for you. Sorry.”

“Eh, I’m over it already. Probably just some lame trinkets of some kind. By the way, you look great. Killer style there.”

“Thanks, though I don’t think my hair goes with it that well. Anyways, I’ll be back down in a bit to take care of the mail.”

After going upstairs, I went into my room and took a moment to bask in its familiarity before getting to work, starting by setting the backpack and suitcase on my bed, going over to the wardrobe, picking out a few clothes, and heading over to the bathroom to take the first scalding hot shower I’d had in a week.

With the plans I’d made in mind, I kept the shower brief. Once I was done and dried off, I put my swimsuit on, followed by Burning Time and the footwear associated with it, happy to be back in heelless shoes. After the Barmaid ensemble, I didn’t mind the dress. Glamour was another story, though.

After gathering up the dirty clothes, I went back to my room and opened up the suitcase to put Sunflower in there. Once the suitcase was closed up, I went through the backpack and started taking things out. The computer, TV, chair, pillows, and blankets were all set on my bed to be organized later. With them out, it looked like I’d have enough space for my cleaned clothes.

After putting more bits into the bag with my pay from the Rusty Horseshoe, which had barely been tapped into, I put it in the backpack, gathered it and the suitcase, and went back downstairs. Gilda noticed my choice of attire immediately. “You’re really going out with a dress on? And here I never thought I’d see the day.”

“After the past week, I'm not as, well, scared isn't quite the word. . ."

"Nervous?"

"Yeah, that. I'll just check the mail and be on my way then." I went into the office, set my things down, and started going through the mail. There was junk, a magazine, a LOT of fan mail, and one letter that caught my attention.

Dear Yang Xiao Long,

I've told my family about you, and they really seem to like you, though they're happier to see me. They’re also glad to know that Ironbeak is the king now. Most of the griffons here are glad Gaston’s gone, but are still a bit wary of Ironbeak. I can understand where they’re coming from, but I guess all we can do is wait to see what he does.

The story of how you fed us and the Princess’s guards when Gaston came to visit you truly impressed them, especially when you literally threw him out. My great-uncle Blade called it a brave, heroic, and stupid thing to do, just like how he fought in the Griffon army before Gaston took over. I think he admires you for that. It’s hard to tell with him.

All of us have also started working on my grandfather’s old skyship, The Hacksaw. To this day, none of us know why he named it that. It’s been sitting around for a few years and needs quite a few repairs. At the rate we’re going, we might be able to fly out to see you during winter, which sounds a lot better than using my own wings to catch a long train ride. Plus, we can all come out together, maybe even go on an expedition. There's one place that I really want to show you.

Anyways, things are going well over here, so I guess there's not much else to say. How have things been for you?

Sincerely, Shamrock Blackbeak.

I was smiling at the end of the letter and quickly started writing up my own letter in response.

Dear Shamrock,

Things have been good here. Business is as busy as usual at the Carne Den. I also fought a mad scientist and destroyed his giant weather machine, then spent a week in Appleloosa as a barmaid. By the time you read this, you may have already read about it in the paper.

I always hope for boring times ahead, but I always seem to get dragged into stuff. Well, if nothing else, it keeps things from getting too dull. Ponyville's a very interesting place, to say the least. Especially with Pinkie Pie around. She apparently made grilled water, and I have no idea how.

That's about all the interesting stuff that's happened since you left.

Sincerely, Yang Xiao Long

I folded up the letter, put in an envelope, and amended my plans to include a stop at the post office. After saying bye to Gilda and a few other employees that had shown up, I loaded Bumblebee up, adjusted my dress so the skirt wouldn't blow everywhere, and took off.

"That will be five bits, please."

I paid the stallion for the postage and delivery, tossed in another bit because I could, and went on my way.

"I'm sorry Yang, but Twilight's got too much to do today," Spike said. "I know she would like to join you, but, well, nobles."

"Oh. Send her my condolences.”

There was a flash of lavender magic and Twilight was there. “Yang, I will make room in my schedule for you if you can make room for Fancy and Fleur,” she quickly said. “It’s a technicality that I can get away with to say that the meeting happened without having to actually talk with the rest of them, not that they've been contributing anything lately anyways. What’s the occasion?”

“Spa trip. I also have some things to share. Can you get them and Rainbow while I get Rarity?”

“Sure thing.” With another flash of magic, she was gone.

I looked down at the dragon. “You know what, you can come too, Spike.”

“Eh, I’ll pass on the offer.”

“Even though Rarity’s likely going to be there?”

Spike took a moment to collect himself and think the offer over. “As much as I’d like to see her, I think I’d just distract from whatever you have to share with her. I’ll probably visit her later to find out what it is. Besides, I feel like organizing a few things around here.”

I briefly shrugged. “Fair enough. I’ll see you later.”

“A spa trip? Ooh, I could bring Fluttershy along! It’s a bit early in the week for our regular trip, but I don’t see why that would be a problem. I’ll go talk to her after I close up.”

I couldn’t say no to Fluttershy joining if she wanted. “How about I give you a ride to her place instead? It would be faster.”

“Only to the bridge. I don’t want the sound of that bike spooking her animals. Or her.”

“Fair enough.”

I sat on Bumblebee, enjoying the weather and patiently waiting. “I hope they’re not chatting and having tea.” Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait for too long before I saw Fluttershy fly by overhead, giving me a wave on the way over, which I returned.

Rarity came up a minute later and got back on Bumblebee. “Apologies for the wait. I just had to try this new tea blend that Fluttershy came up with. It was okay.”

“It wasn’t much of a wait. I guess she’s flying to avoid the engine sounds?”

“Yes, she is. No offense meant, of course. She’s just sensitive.”

“I understand.” Cutting off all further discussion, I revved Bumblebee up and went to the spa.

Rarity and I arrived at the spa after Twilight, Rainbow, Fancy, and Fleur, who were waiting just outside the spa. Fluttershy arrived seconds later. After parking Bumblebee and getting the suitcase, I followed them all into the lobby.

Fancy was the first to talk to me. “It’s been a while, Yang. How have you been?”

“Not bad, Fancy,” I answered. “Business is great, I just got back from an unplanned vacation, and I’m ready to relax. You?”

“Honestly? I’m happy to be here.”

“He just wanted to get away from the other nobles,” Fleur added, both serious and playful. “I don’t blame him at all.”

“I hope you don’t mind that I brought a bit of our work here, Yang,” Twilight said, a hefty manilla folder in her telekinesis. “Part of the technicality I told you about.”

“Let’s get that out of the way first.” As I looked around the group for objections, I noticed Rainbow’s wings twitching and she was looking away from me. “Is something wrong with Rainbow?”

“I think she can’t help but see you in that dress Silk made for you,” Rarity answered with a hint of teasing towards the blue pegasus. “She did react to it rather. . . positively.”

“Oh don’t remind me about that now, Rarity!” Rainbow sharply said. “It’s not like I. . . Gah!”

“Party of seven?” Lotus asked from the desk, interrupting our discussion.

“Ah, yes,” I said as I went up to the desk. “And I have some clothes that need to be cleaned, too.”

“In your backpack?”

“Nope. In here.” I held up the suitcase for her to see. “Where should I put it?”

“Behind the desk will be fine.” At Lotus’ words, Rarity floated the suitcase over to the spa pony’s side of the desk. “And if you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to our largest pool.”

We followed her through the spa, and we were soon in a large room with a large pool. The mares were quick to slide into the water, while Fancy excused himself to go take off his clothes in the attached bathroom. While he was doing that, I took my backpack, shoes, and socks off, setting them aside. After taking a breath to work up a bit of courage, I took Burning Time off on the spot, revealing the swimsuit underneath.

A sound like something coming out of the water caught my attention. “Not again!” I looked over to the pool and saw Rainbow sitting there, face in her hooves and wings straight up. Twilight and Fleur were sitting on either side of her, and both of their heads soaked.

“Rainbow, you are going to have to calm down before we get started,” Twilight said in a level tone.

“I know, but, Yang!” Rainbow nearly exclaimed as she gestured to me with her forehooves. “Why is this happening?”

As Twilight did her best to console Rainbow, I slid into the pool next to Rarity. “So, am I missing something or is that what I think it is?” I quietly asked her.

“I’m not sure,” Rarity responded. “What do you think it is?”

“Hmm. . . Wait a minute. . ." The realization of what the upright wings meant slowly dawned on me. "Eww."

The sound of Fancy's hooves signaled his exit from the bathroom. "Dare I ask what I missed? Or is it a mare thing?"

"I think it's just a Rainbow thing," Fluttershy said. "Um, Twilight, is there anything you can do for her?"

"Well, there is a spell to fix the symptom," Twilight said as Fancy slid into the water next to Fleur. "But it has the side effect of basically making her drunk." A few eyebrows were raised at her explanation, including mine. "Look, the spell comes from the era of the three tribes and was used during wars by some unicorn spies who entertained high ranking pegasi before killing them. I have not had the time or conditions to modify and test it, and this is not the right place for it." Silence reigned and Rainbow's wings started going down as Twilight's brief history lesson sank in. "Anyways, let's get the legal stuff done. Rainbow, Fluttershy, Rarity, Yang, feel free to join in."

"Alright." I got ready to think critically.

Twilight pulled a thick bundle of paper out of her folder. "First, we have a proposal from Fancy to change the train line going from Horseshoe Bay to Canterlot, making it straighter, and incorporating tunnels and bridges as necessary. Estimated cost is 400 million bits over two years. The end goal is a sharp decrease in travel time from a week to no more than three days, and faster movement of various goods. Hmm. Any objections?"

"None from me." Everyone else shared my sentiments, the benefits being clear as day.

"Then, I'll approve it." Twilight set to signing every page, since it was more than five pages, most of them being simple schematics and calculations from what I could see. Once she was done, she pulled out the other papers. "Lastly, there's a proposal from Fleur for a ten bit coin, similar to the five bit piece that's recently been instated."

"It would make things even easier for everyone," Fleur said. "The five bit piece is already a hit with the ponies I've talked to about it."

"I understand your reasoning, and while I do agree with it, I think it's too soon to introduce another new coin. Maybe in a few years."

"Oh." Fleur deflated a bit as Twilight marked the proposal. "I guess I got a bit too excited about the idea, then."

"Everyone else?" The rest of us sided with Twilight on the proposal, and she marked the papers accordingly. "And with that, the legal stuff is done."

A moment after Twilight teleported the folder away, Aloe came in, and after setting a few things up with us, we had a very nice bubble bath going on, and I could just feel the tension flowing out. "So, there's a reason I invited half of you here today," I said.

"Yeah, why did you invite me?" Rainbow asked. "Spa trips are nice, but it's a bit random coming from you, you know?"

"Well, I have a few things to share from my recent trip. Twilight, could you float my backpack over here?"

"Sure," Twilight said as she did what I'd asked.

After heat drying my arms off, I started going through it. "The backpack is one of the things I got. It’s very nice and shrinks stuff that’s put in it.”

“How much smaller?"

"There was a paper with it that said it had a shrink factor of three. Its words, not mine. And it works, too." I pulled out the many magazines I'd picked up. "I think you and Rainbow will like these."

Twilight levitated the magazines over the water and set them on a seat behind her before taking a random one out to look at. She scrutinized the cover for a bit before her eyes widened. "Yang, these letters-"

"Yes, they are the same as the ones I knew before coming here. Big coincidence, I know."

"So what's this one?" Rainbow asked as she looked it over. "That thing on the cover looks really cool!"

"Aviation Monthly," Twilight read out loud before opening it, letting me see what looked like a stealth bomber flying with maximum thrust on the cover. "These machines are fascinating. . ."

"I know! They look like they can almost go as fast as me!" Rainbow and Twilight were soon lost in the depths of the magazine.

"And I have something for you, Rarity," I told the white mare.

"Is it a fashion magazine?" she excitedly asked.

"I think there's a few in that stack. But no, I have these." I started pulling out the containers with clothes in them. "Actual clothes from a mare that lived on that weather machine."

Twilight was next to Rarity so fast, it could have been mistaken for a teleport, if not for the waves in the bubbles. The magazine stayed in place for Rainbow. "Actual clothes from that time? And they're in good condition too? Just think of all we could learn!"

"And think of the designs I could come up with!" Rarity exclaimed as she floated a container over, opened it, and carefully pulled the dress within out. "Hmm, a pegasus. Fluttershy, do you think you could model these for me?"

"Do you promise not to make it a repeat of that time with Photo Finish?" Fluttershy sternly asked.

"Of course. That wasn't a good time for either of us. If she shows up while you're helping, I'll show her the door."

"Thank you, Rarity." Fluttershy started looking the dress over with Rarity while Twilight went back to Rainbow to look over the aviation magazine.

Fancy came over to me while Fleur joined Fluttershy and Rarity. "So, are you planning on getting your name on these things?"

I gave him a sideways glance. "Why?"

"Not to advocate greed or anything like that, but think of all the bits you could make off of this. Claim it, license it out, and you'd likely make enough to stand with our fellow nobles in a matter of weeks, months at most. Unfortunately, the way the rules are set up, we would need their consent to allow you in, even with the approval of every princess."

"I think I'd just settle with the bits. I don't want to join in on the political stuff more than I already have. They'll probably just pile up, and then I'd go and spend it on spa trips and clothes." I blinked a bit at that sentence. "I am really becoming a girl," I said under my breath.

Rarity slid over next to me. "Yang, if these designs work out spectacularly, you won't have to pay a single bit for anything from me again."

"It looks like there's more to it than mere sewing, Rarity," Twilight chimed in from behind an issue of Enchanted Weaving. "It seems they also incorporated a lot of illusion and light charms into the clothing as well. Whole bolts of material were enchanted with the effects ahead of time, and they figured out how to make it tap into the wearer's own magic without draining or tiring them. As soon as I can replicate those charms, I'll give you the diagrams."

"Why, thank you Twilight. I'll be sure to make something for you in return."

"You don't have to, Rarity."

"Hm, I suppose you're right. I'll do it anyways!"

As Rarity went back to looking over the dresses with an even closer eye than before, I turned back to Fancy. "Well, I like your idea now. I have no idea how it'll work, though."

"Just leave it to me, Yang," he assured. "I swear upon my title of nobility that I will make it as easy for you as possible."

I shot the stallion a smile. "If it were anyone other than you and Fleur, I'd say that wouldn't mean anything."

"I can't fault you for that. That being said, I think some of them might be seeing how petty their efforts against you are, and may be thinking about dropping their quest for vengeance. For their sake, I hope they do."

We all continued talking in our own groups for a while before the spa sisters came in with a cart loaded with various cleaning products. "Who will we start with?" Lotus asked.

As tended to happen, I dozed off while my hair got washed. Even without horns, those two earth ponies really knew how to work some serious magic. And, as tended to happen, I went from treatment to treatment in a bit of a daze, going back to napping when the mares went back to treating me.

Some time later, I felt a light pull on my hair, waking me up. "Hmm?"

"I believe we're done here, dear," Rarity said, out of the water, dry, and coat glossy. "Everypony else has left already."

"Oh." I stood up and stretched as I got out of the water. "Did Twilight take the magazines already?"

"She did, except for the fashion ones. Fancy and Fleur started writing something as they were leaving, Rainbow and Fluttershy left after they did. I put the clothes we looked at back in your backpack, along with the magazines Twilight didn't take. Towel?"

"Not this time." I started heat drying myself and my swimsuit as I wrung out my hair, and in a couple of minutes, I was dry from head to toe. I picked up Burning Time and noticed how soft it was. "Did they wash this too?"

"I asked them to. Don't worry, I paid for your laundry."

"Well, I guess I won't complain." After putting the dress back on, I noticed the look Rarity was giving me. "What?"

"You just, well, you took the dress off in front of us earlier and put it on with me right here. I thought that was something you didn't want to do?"

"I have a swimsuit on, so I think it's okay. I mean. . . After a week of that barmaid dress, I guess I got over some things? I don't know."

Rarity seemed like she was getting distracted by an idea. "A swimsuit under a dress. . . Sweet Celestia, you've just given me a new idea!"

"Dare I ask?"

As I started putting on my socks and shoes, Rarity explained. "It's quite simple, really. A dress with well placed cuts showing the swimsuit underneath. And it would also be easy to put on and take off as well. Just think of the combinations!"

I nodded in thought. It sounded like a good idea. "And if it's a bikini instead?"

"If you're wearing one of those, you're showing off your body anyways, so it would go along with it as well. In theory. I wonder if I can talk Fluttershy into being a personal model for me? Maybe I could start up my own fashion magazine with her as the model? No, that would just cause a repeat of Photo Finish."

"What happened with Photo Finish?"

We started walking to the front as Rarity explained. "Photo Finish visited once while Fluttershy was over. Instead of noticing my dresses, she noticed Fluttershy and made her a model. I got jealous, Fluttershy got overwhelmed, and it turned into a mess. We talked it out in the end, and we're not doing anything like that again. Not without talking it out."

"So many things could be sorted out that way."

"Unfortunately, it isn't that way. Still, talk out what you can, and the world will be that much better.”

“Yeah, that sounds good.” Soon, we were at the desk, Lotus there again. “How much do I owe?” Instead of answering, she simply slid me a piece of paper. After wincing at the number at the end, I pulled out the bag of bits and set it on the desk. “Does that sound like enough?”

“Allow me to help.” Rarity opened up the bag with her magic and the golden bits started flowing out, soon being organized in layers of ten. We watched as the money piled up, and I stopped counting after twelve or so layers.

When the bits stopped flowing, the stack was nearly a foot tall, and there were a few leftover bits on the side. “I didn’t realize how much I had.”

Lotus went to work counting the thin layers, stopping just past a third of the way down. “This will do.”

I stacked the loose bits on top. “Rarity, could you give her the whole top half?”

“Of course.” Rarity floated the top half of the bits over to Lotus and the bottom half into the bag.

“Thank you!” Lotus happily said before taking the payment and bring out the suitcase. “I hope the rest of your day goes well.”

“Thanks.” I accepted the suitcase and left with Rarity. “You want a ride home? I believe this is your suitcase, too.”

“I’ll take up you up on that offer,” Rarity said. “I actually kind of like it, even though it’s really loud.”

I went into Rarity’s inspiration room and went to work on the simple task of taking the items for her out of my backpack and putting my clothes into the backpack. The way everything changed size going in and out of the backpack was still fascinating, and I played with it a few times before calling it done.

Rarity stopped me on the way out with a question. “Yang, if I may have a moment?”

“Sure, what’s up?”

“I'd like an opinion on this design.” She floated a dress over to me. “It’s just a quick mockup.”

I held up the black article, which was clearly too small for me. The skirt was short with a loose flare, the sides of the waist were absent, the chest was open, and the collar looked like it was made to zip up, though there was no zipper. “This is one of those swimsuit dresses?”

“Yes. I left the chest open so that more of the swimsuit is visible. Not a design choice I’d have considered for you before, but considering recent developments. . .”

“Maybe later. I do like the openings on the waist, though." I turned the draft around and thought for a bit on it before coming to a decision. "How about I come back on Sunday and see what you come up with?"

Rarity brightened at the suggestion. "With an offer like that, how could I refuse? I'll get started on something immediately!"

As the mare was rushing to the inspiration room, I caught her tail and stopped her. "Promise me you won't forget to sleep this time?"

"Yes, I promise to sleep as normal. Will you let me go now?"

"Sure." I let go of the purple tail and made my way back outside. As I adjusted the dress before driving back home, a thought crossed my mind. "If anyone can make a dress suitable for a motorcycle, it would be Rarity."

Author's Notes:

Before anyone asks, yes, I have seen the Volume 7 outfit for Yang. I'm not really a fan of it, but that's just my opinion.