"So, are you going to go to the Grand Galloping Gala?" Mei asked as I looked over the invitation that had arrived in the mail.

"I really don't want to," I said. "I've had enough travel for a while with the trip where I got you. I'm happy being back here with everyone. It's chaotic, but it's a good kind of chaos. The colder weather sucks and the grill's closed because of it, which is no fun, but it's better than freezing out there. And on the mountain, it'll be even colder. Almost a health hazard for me."

"I can imagine. Can you think of any reasons to go?"

"I'm a noble and a celebrity, so it's kind of expected, I think. I don't need any new business connections, though I was thinking the same thing before Marey made her offer. The best reason I can think of to go is that I've got some friends who will be there. Can you look up who's going to be there?"

"Yang, I don't have any access points," Mei pointed out with an empty wi-fi symbol. "The only one I can access, and I still don't know why, is Twilight's castle, and it has no files at all."

"Hack the mainframe?"

"The only frames around here are the glasses I'm in, the ones around the windows, and the ones around the pictures on the walls."

"Upload a virus?"

"That's just sick." A moment of realization came over her face. "Your puns are a terrible influence and you should be ashamed of that."

"Hmm, nah." I set the invitation down. "I guess I could just ask Twilight and see if she knows anything."

"You're interested in going to the Grand Galloping Gala?" Twilight asked.

Rarity let out an excited gasp before composing herself. "If you do decide to go, I will make a new dress for you for the occasion."

"I just want to know what's going to happen there," I said. "I figured you would know something."

"Well, the first time my friends and I went to it, it. . . Kind of became a disaster. I didn't get to spend any quality time with Celestia, Rarity discovered how much of a snob Blueblood was, Rainbow didn't get to do anything with the Wonderbolts, Applejack's plan to sell apple products was a no-sell, Pinkie was Pinkie, and Fluttershy caused a stampede that ended the whole thing and relegated us, Celestia, and Luna to a night at Pony Joe's. Then there was the year Discord went and brought a slime along. Most of the time though, it's just an incredibly boring social gathering."

"Even if Pinkie's there?"

"Yes, dear," Rarity said. "It's so boring, Pinkie can barely improve it."

"That's bad."

Twilight resumed with a question. "Yang, can you keep something quiet? Rarity, this goes for you too."

"My lips are sealed," Rarity assured.

"I promise to know nothing about what you're going to tell me," I said.

"Celestia, Luna, and I are going to skip it this year. We're going to the Ponyville spa instead. It's already been reserved for the night."

"Ooh, spa trip! Can you work me onto the reservation list that I know nothing about?"

"If I must," Twilight answered with a smile. "It's always better with another friend, after all. Are you going to bring Mei along?"

I glanced towards the aviators on my head. "You want to come along, Mei?"

"I wouldn't object," Mei said. "Not like I could stop you from bringing me along anyways."

Rarity reminded us of her presence with a gasp. "Yang! I have to know: do you think a combination of a swimsuit and a dress is a good idea?"

I thought about it for a moment. "Hmm. No. Skirts and water don't go together."

"And why wouldn't they?"

"One: have you seen how loose fabric moves in water? It’s not elegant at all. Two: upskirt glimpses become much easier in the water. Three: it’s that much more water weight when you get out. Not that it’s an issue for me, but still. Four: going down into the water means there's a big air bubble under the skirt, and that's far from elegant when the bubble escapes the skirt.”

"Those. . . Are all very good points. I will come up with a design that works."

I scoffed at the idea. "With all those things in the way? Well, if you do come up with a design that works, I'll wear it."

Rarity got a playful look on her face. "Really? Well, I can't help but notice you didn't give me a time frame."

"You know I'll wear it no matter when you finish it."

"Then I'll have the swimsuit dress done before it happens. Twilight, when does it happen?"

"In twelve days," Twilight answered. "I'll send you the finer details later."

"I accept this challenge. Yang, come see me on Friday."

"Sounds good," I agreed. "I'll see both of you later." With plans made, I wished them a good day and went back home. I had no idea what Rarity would come up with, but I was ready for the results of her work.

A few days later, I went to Carousel Boutique. "Hey Rarity. Did you figure it out?"

"As a matter of fact, I did." The fashionista floated a small box over to me.

I opened the box and pulled out the skirted swimsuit. It was all black, and while the top half was normal, the lower half was obviously different. The attached miniskirt had a crescent shaped cut on top of each hip, likely to let air and water pass through without bubbles. Inside were legs, coming down to just a bit below the skirt. The short legs were attached to the skirt as well.

The air bubble problem was solved. The awkwardly flowing fabric problem was solved. The upskirt problem was technically solved. The water weight was no problem at all with the small skirt. She had done it. "Kudos to you, Rarity. I would not have thought of this."

"Why thank you. It was a challenge, but it was worth it. I may even be able to make swimsuits and skirts for mares with that design. Speaking of which, I could give it a fancier look and deliver it to you tonight."

"Hmm. . ." I turned the article around a bit. "That sounds nice, but basic black looks pretty good as is. Although. . ." As I looked at the hip cuts, ideas started forming, and I started talking them out.

Later that night, I opened the box Rarity delivered, and she had delivered. The hip cuts had been filled in with a yellow mesh, and the pattern repeated along the sides, even sneaking a little bit onto the chest. The modestly revealing neckline was highlighted with a ring of purple that matched my eyes quite well, but knowing Rarity, it was more likely a perfect match.

Naturally, I decided to try it on. It fit perfectly, as I'd come to expect. It also looked really good. It even looked like it could pass for a casual dress, though it could possibly work in nicer events too. "This one deserves a name. . . The yellow looks like gills, so something that swims. Or maybe stripes? Stripes that swim? Swimstripes? Nah. Tiger Shark! It's perfect. In water or on land, it's a dress for all occasions."

After spending some time enjoying Tiger Shark, I changed to my sleepwear and went to bed with a smile. My dreams were going to be happy and fashionable.

Author's Notes:

Short chapter is not very tall.