The gentle roar of the oceans. A wild mixture of tunes filled the air, cacophonous yet harmonious in the mood they added. The singing of the seagulls that circled above could not contest the sounds of chatter and laughter in the festivities down below.

Inspired by the sight upon arrival, Cleveland, Helena, Montpellier, Denver, and Columbia all breathed in collective awe. Accompanying them, Tea Time could only smile at their reactions.

"Welcome to Tyler Island!"

Denver, still in astonishment, boldly took the first steps, daring to venture onto the pristine cobblestone pavement. "Man, hard to believe a place like this was around!"

"Well, it's not that surprising if you're from around here." Taking the lead, Tea Time continued. "Tyler Island, as its own sovereign state, has always kept mostly to itself whenever it could, distancing from conflict and trouble with its neutrality. Even now, it seems that has not changed. Perhaps it is fortunate that this island had evaded the Rose Kingdom's attention throughout the war - I would deplore the absence of the Tyler Island Shopping Mall."

"Which is where we are for our vacation!" Cleveland boomed before she ran off, her destination already known as all eyes looked forward: a grand building, seemingly grandiose and larger than life, with almost porcelain skin and chiseled decorations; a marvel that captured the attention of everything around, recognizable even before the guests had arrived at the Island. It dominated the mind and seaside town, almost as if they were about to step inside not the shopping mall of Tyler Island, but an icon in which the entire island had been dedicated to.

And step inside they all did, through the gaping maw that welcomed all into an exhilarating world. Inside, a grand atrium with stories that towered like walls, bathed in light that came not from sweeping overhead fixtures but from the very sun itself. Light and warmth - a double helping of a cheery ambience like no other.

The group was brought to stop in awe for the second time. Denver couldn't restrain herself from a wide grin. "Where should we start? Oh! Maybe the clothing store? The confection shop? Is there a recreation center here?"

A playful ruffling of her hair from Columbia brought her sister to a giggling stop. "Slow down there, sis. We've got all day to explore and have fun."

"Right you are," Tea Time said. "According to the map, the clothing store is actually very close by. We can start there."

"Okay!" the Eagle ships cheered.

The decorative eyes seemed to stare back at Montpelier as she looked with skepticism.

"This manjuu T-shirt isn't bad… But I think it's still a little bland."

"I dunno, looks comfy," Denver replied. "We never get much in the way of casual outfits back at base."

"Ooh, how about this? There's an entire section for team icons!" Leaning over, Montpelier and Denver were presented with the unveiling of a hoodie jacket, Columbia's choice. A stylish profile image of a knight's helmet was stenciled proudly like an emblem. "What better way for us to show that we're the 'knights of the sea' than this?"

The two frowned. "I don't mind the emblem but the indigo color doesn't suit us."
"Yeah, me neither."

"Okay, how about this?" Another jacket, this time of a more pleasing blue and with a dog's head circumscribed by a roundel.

"Hmm, color's better but we're only getting warmer."
"Only issue I see is having us all represented by the dog. I wouldn't quite call ourselves wardogs."

Columbia pouted. "Ya'll are no fun. How about you come over here and try picking out a design yourself?"

Stepping over to their sister's side, Montpelier and Denver found the aisle, a showcase of sample designs that hung over the racks like celebratory coat of arms, all adorned to the bright flashy sign that revealed this to be an advertisement of the "GenResApparel Team Brands (Show Off What Team You'd Be On!)". Icons and symbols of all sorts jumped out to the two as they looked over, from simple but meaningful shapes to the stylish and artistic; from a snarling face of a lion to a cartoon bird, from chained hellhounds to mythical sorcerors and mages. All of which would not look out of place from a heated sports culture - or even personalized military squadrons.

Though the choices were varied, Montpelier still found herself dissatisfied. "I can't find any that really fit all of us. Is there nothing else?"

Columbia shrugged in conceded defeat. "Nope. Just those. And here I'd hoped that there'd be somethin'..."

As the two talked, Denver's gaze and attention drifted towards the other part of the store, where her eyes sought out the others, embroiled in their own shopping ventures.

The curtain was drawn aside and upon its unveiling, both Helena and Cleveland voiced their approval. "It really suits you, Tea Time."
"Yeah, you're really rocking that outfit."

Tea Time giggled as she twirled, showing off her new sundress of creamy-yellow, the tunic and the flaps of her wide-brimmed ribbon-tied sun hat swishing like ocean waves. She stepped out of the fitting room with a smile as bright as her outfit.

"I must say, this dress was an excellent pick. I will make this my purchase, no doubt about it!"

As the maid stepped away, Helena stepped forward to take her place in the fitting room where she disappeared behind the curtains. Left to themselves, Tea Time stood beside Cleveland, waiting. As she did, the maid caught a sneaky glance from the light cruiser, who jumped at her noticing.

Tea Time put on a smile. "Is something bothering you?"

"N-not really," Cleveland answered. "It's just… how do you get to be so lady-like?"

"How?" Tea Time stroked her chin at the inquiry. "Well, there's no easy way to answer this for you. A choice in dress and manners are a start."

"Hmm, don't know how to feel about the 'manners' part… No way I can just switch myself so easily."

"True." Tea Time continued to think. "How about refining your tastes? An elegant lady requires elegant preferences. Something 'refined' will help."

"Refined, huh..." Cleveland pondered. She was onto something; she needed to invest further. "I guess there's one thing I do that I can consider refined. Have I ever mention that I do some bonsai in my spare time?"

"I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with that word. Is it some sort of practice or discipline?"

"I basically take care of and trim little trees," Cleveland answered.

Tea Time continued to look perplexed. "Is it like… gardening?"

Cleveland chuckled with laughter. "When you put it that way, it does sound like gardening. But yeah, it's a hobby of mine that not many do (now that I thought about it, I hope the trees are okay...)."

The maid nodded approvingly. "That is a good step in the right direction. But to further hone yourself you may need another avenue of development. Perhaps something that speaks of one's maturity will work."

Cleveland was sent back into thought. "Maturity now, huh. Now what's something 'mature'...?"

"Try this, big sis."

Cleveland whirled around to find herself suddenly face to face with Montpelier and her siblings. Or, more accurately, Cleveland found herself face to face with a lacey black lingerie in full display in Montpelier's hands. Mere strips of silk that would have left very little to the imagination...

"I heard these things are very mature and would really suit you, big sis-"

A fist brought an abrupt end to the younger sister's plan, sending the undergarment flying past Cleveland's burning red face. Montpelier was instantly knocked out cold, with nothing but a lump on top of her head to show for it. Her fellow sisters winced at the knock out.

The curtains slid open as Helena peered out, confused by what she heard and even more confused by what she saw.

"D-did something happen?!"

The food court, as magnanimous as it was, found itself packed tight with activity. Even with the open roof it seemed barely contained. No amount of brand adverts or grand names of chain establishments emitted on neon signs or holograms could divert the truth of how crowded the area was, a product of its own success as feet found themselves standing still more than they could shuffle in the gridlock.

But as daunting as the conditions were, the allied ships were fortunate enough to finally find an accommodating spot. Protected from the hustle and bustle, they found refuge in their trip. Brief as it may be, it was bliss.

Cleveland practically collapsed in her seat. "Whew! I thought we'd never ever find a table. Should've known that our vacation day coincided with rush hour!"

"You… said it… sis," Denver wheezed. "Oh… Oh I'm so pooped out from all the walking and waiting."

Sitting beside her, with the lump from earlier still on her head, Montpelier grumbled at the blank table. "Problem is, that was just from finding a table for us all. We still got to find something to eat."

"Great. More walking and waiting," Columbia remarked dryly. With a sigh, she heaved herself back to her feet. "Well, there was that burger joint I wanted to try out. I can bring back enough for all of us."

Denver's hand energetically shot up, her fatigue forgotten in light of lunch. "Ooh, count me in! I want to see what they have!"

"I'll go as well," Helena added.

The arrangement was approved with a nod from Cleveland. "Alright. The rest of us will hold the fort. Try to bring back something big!"

As they waved away to the "foraging party", Cleveland, Montpelier, and Tea Time were left by themselves to wait. In lieu of the idleness, the Cleveland looked for a topic to latch onto.

"Hey Tea Time, I gotta ask. Is there something you want to grab a bite of? I'm not sure if you're totally okay with whatever my sisters bring."

"Oh, I do have preferences but this won't be a problem," Tea Time waved away with an understanding smile. "To be honest, I have always found the taste of 'fast foods' to be intriguing."

Both Cleveland and Montpelier looked at her in surprise. "Really?"

"Oh yes. Such culinary items had the notion that they were unhealthy scraps for the peasantry, but there's just something about their flavor that I can't help but admit is rather pleasing to the senses. Particularly the- what were they called, pickled potato slices?"

"French fries," Montpelier corrected.

"Yes, those! Their unique ingredient is certainly makes for a memorable experience." Tea Time clasped her cheeks in her hands, happily reminiscing the moment as Cleveland and her sister looked on with quizzical expressions.

"Uh, yeah. Guess they are really tasty..."

It wasn't long until Tea Time cleared her throat that another topic of discussion had arrived. "Say, there is something that I had wanted to ask from you, Miss Cleveland. Something that I hope that you would be able to deliver thanks to your expertise."

The blonde was taken aback. "Er, sure, shoot. What do you need me to do?"

Tea Time response did not come immediately. Her hands slowly retracted almost defensively. Cleveland and Montpelier held their breaths in anticipation.

And then, Tea Time was unable to hold it back any longer. Her head suddenly bowed forward, presenting her tan-blonde scalp to Cleveland.

"I would like… for you to hit me!"

Cleveland blinked. Then blinked twice. "... Say what?"

"Please, hit me like you did with Montpelier last time!"

The two sisters shared an incredulous look. "... Why?"

"As a faithful maid, I have been closely involved in the affairs of others," Tea Time began, raising her head to meet them at eye level. "As such, whenever I see you and your sisters, I couldn't help but take notice to how you interact. Sometimes you play together, and other times you come to blows. Yet despite this, any transgressions made are so easily forgotten, as if they had never happened in the first place."

"Er, I wouldn't quite call those incidents 'trading blows'," Cleveland nervously corrected. "Yeah we play pranks on each other from time to time and hit each other but that comes with having close siblings. No matter how heated things get, we're family in the end. A-and besides, I know my little sisters, they'd never take their little shenanigans so seriously. And they know I wouldn't mean them any harm. True family means that even if you smack each other you still love each other!"

Montpelier gave her impromptu ovation. "Well said, big sister."

Tea Time frowned. "I see… You must understand that for ships such as myself, sisterhood is possessed more in name than in your world. Ship classes are often shared between nations in our world. True familial ties are rather rare so I couldn't help but be so curious about it. But..."

A bead of sweat crept down Cleveland's temple. 'Oh boy, here's that "but"...'

"... Even if we are just allies and friends, I would still like to receive the complete sisterly experience! So please, hit me on the head exactly as you did with Montpelier earlier!" And with that, Tea Time presented the top of her head to Cleveland again.

"W-wouldn't this be more appropriate with, um, Fort Grace? I'd say she's the closest you ever had to a family."

"She is, but she's too nice to even hit me," Tea Time asserted. "For this to succeed, it must be done by someone who I know is able. So please!"

The light cruiser sighed. "Well, if you insist..." She raised her hand, eyes locked to the top of the anxious maid's head. Just a bed of luxurious hair, a familiar target to head-smacks, karate chops, and noogies that Cleveland had shared with her sisters for as long as she could recall. But as simple the request was, her hand found itself unable to move. It wasn't that she was afraid to hurt her, it was just...

Cleveland exhaled, her hand deflating on the maid's head with a limp. "Hey, uh, on second thought, mind if we revisit this topic later? I think these sort of things don't work when someone asks for them."

The maid looked up in surprise. "Pardon?"

"This sort of stuff isn't genuine when one of us has to do it. It has to be… spontaneous. Out of reflex, you know?"

Tea Time began to nod as it dawned on her. "I see! Just as how love needs to naturally grow and develop, so does this sisterly affection." She sat back up straight, her posture recovered like nothing had transpired. "Very well, Miss Cleveland. I shall think about this topic at a later date. I thank you for being informative about sisterly bonds."

"S-sure," Cleveland smiled nervously. In the back of her mind, she had a hunch that this was far from over.

A moment later, their sisters and Helena returned with hands full of trays which in turn, were full of wrapped and packaged fares that stacked high. "Hey ya'll! We're back!"

"Mmm. Man, that lunch felt good!"

"Us walking up and about feels even better now that we're fully refreshed." Having put their lunch behind them, the party made their way to another part of the mall. The departure of the congested area welcomed them into a great artery where the traffic flowed much smoother. Dizzying lights, signs, and displays surrounded them, beckoning them.

Denver almost found herself lost in excitement at the sights and sounds. "Hey, what's that!"

"That is an omni-router, supposed to an all-in-one home improvement system that house all the convenient accommodations such as wi-fi, voice-activated temperature and light control, a VI for simulated home interactions, and more," explained Tea Time. "Hm, looks to be a newer GenResort model."

Denver's eyes found themselves drawn to another eye-catching display. "Hey isn't that some kind of VR headset? Why aren't they moving?"

"You are correct in that they are for virtual reality. But what you may not realize is that the headset now projects the simulated reality directly into their minds. Full-immersion had already been perfected some years ago and have already been proven completely safe."

Columbia looked impressed. "Well I'll be. Who knows what sorta trouble there'd be if they weren't?"

"Indeed. Such eye for care as expected of their makers."

The group continued their walk through the venue as Denver took the lead, giddy as a child at the commercial marvels of the Strangereal. So many wonders, so many questions. Her curiosity was unending. As they neared a corner, she caught a glimpse of more to come. She hastened her pace to meet them.

"Don't rush out too far ahead, Denver!"

"C'mon you guys!" she pressed.

"W-watch out!"

The brief moment Denver had chosen to turn away from where she went proved to be a miscalculation as she found herself colliding with someone. She fell to the floor with a grunt, sorely regretting her carelessness.

A tender voice was heard. "Hm? Oh dear, are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?"

"Um, n-no I'm okay!" Denver sheepishly answered. "So sorry to run into you." Looking up, Denver realized the woman she bumped into was well-dressed, almost high-class, with silky long white hair that for some reason almost looked-

Denver froze in astonishment. "H-huh?!"

Likewise, do did Condor as she recognized the young cruiser. "Huh?!"

As Denver's friends showed up, so too did Condor's - Eagle Union's knights found themselves facing off against the Aquila Vanguard yet again. Expressions of surprise were abound between the two. But it was only a matter of time before it wore off.

Cleveland knew that when that happened, there could be trouble. She acted quickly. "Everyone, relax. We shouldn't start a fight here. We're here on vacation after all."

"As are we." Heads turned to the familiar voice, finding Raven emerging from the rear of her group, Sparrow by her side as usual. Like everyone else, she was in her casual clothes but the full sight of her boyish dark hair in the absence of her characteristic hood caught the allied ships off-guard. A tall black case was slung to her back.

As Raven stepped forward, her eyes zeroed in on Cleveland. "... Didn't expect to find you here today," she remarked, her tone devoid of hostile intent.

Cleveland gave a friendly smile. "Likewise. Guess we both had the same idea for where to spend our days off… So hey, what's in that case?"

Raven turned to the conspicuous item, unsurprised by its notice. "... It's something of mine that I brought here. It needed maintenance." She paused. "... Do you want to see what's inside? We know a place."

The bold proposal took Cleveland aback as did her sisters. But a grin broke through the bewilderment. This was, after all, their day off away from war - what harm was there in kicking back and having fun?

"Sure."

The "Sea-Whiz" bar: tucked to the side of a busy corridor, Cleveland and the others found themselves in a secluded but comfortable place. With the niche choice of wooden furniture, stools, leather-lined seats, and dartboard-ridden walls, the bar exuded a classic homely air. Somehow having eluded being choked by tides of shoppers that roamed immediately outside, Cleveland and her friends had discovered a sanctum not unlike a personal hideout, with the only one outside their group present being a sleepy manjuu behind the counter. So sleepy was he that Condor took it upon herself to play bartender.

Glass in hand, Condor helped herself to the contents of a bottle. Maroon flowed from its head in thick purity and at this, she licked her lips in anticipation. An odor exuded from its thickness, moreso when the cruiser aroused the drink with graceful shaking.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the captive glance from Helena. With a smile, Condor motioned the chalice toward her. "Care a taste?"

Caught in the act, Helena tried to turn away. But the aegis cruiser continued to beckon her. "Just one sip, if you'd like. A quick peck of an adult's drink never hurt."

Seated away from the counter, Cleveland looked at the scene with some worry. '"An adult's drink?" It's just like… smelly grape juice.' Motion drew her eyes elsewhere as her sisters contended with Finch and Magpie.

Nearby, Magpie remained busy unpacking his purchases today, the table surface having transformed into something more akin to a wild bazaar. "All the latest finds here! Got all sorts of goodies, from diamond accessories to bubblegum-extract soap bars; from holo-assisted smart glasses to lavender dragon-scale handbags! This haul was worth its weight in gold!"

Columbia and Tea Time couldn't help but marvel at the sheer weight of what had been presented. "Oh jeez, just how pricey were all of this?" Columbia asked, picking up whatever looked shiny, wondering just what it was. Tea Time did likewise, recognizing a boxed set of the finest china she had ever seen.

"Oh my! I've never seen a tea set as grand as this! Just how much was this worth?"

"Eh, not much in my opinion," answered Magpie. "Close to a million zollars for the entire kit to be precise."

The two were stunned. "... A million isn't much?!"

"I mean, it's chump change to me so- hey, hey! Don't just drop 'em on the floor!"

As this went on, Denver found herself engrossed by the arcade cabinet commandeered by Finch. Flashing lights popped and excitedly danced about on the monitor as Denver watched with fascination, understanding nothing save that it was some sort of frantic action game that the Aquila cruiser was proving quite adept. The action and intensity of what went on the screen was almost overwhelming to her eyes yet it didn't faze Finch's.

"Wow, how long have you been playing this?"

"Quite a lot, really! What you're seeing here is the fruits of countless practice and commitment as a gamer! Whether it be action, fighting, racing, or shooting, I can do it all! I could probably do this in my sleep."

Denver looked impressed. "That good, huh?"

"Good enough to help me make it into the ranks of the Aquila Vanguard!" Finch beamed.

A soft chuckle answered in response. "I know it's hard to believe but dear Finch here is telling the truth," explained Condor, having eavesdropped on the two. "That said, your thoughts were the same as ours way back then. You can imagine how surprised we all were at how much of a natural she was, like a fish to water."

Now Denver looked even more impressed. She eyed the arcade game but this time with anticipatory eyes. But right as she was about to ask, she found herself tugged back by Condor.

"H-hey, what-"

Condor motioned for her silence and confused, Denver complied. Now in a hushed tone, behind Finch's oblivious back, she asked again. "What was that for?"

"You were wondering if you could play alongside our dear Finch, weren't you?"

Denver blinked. She found the close presence with the cruiser to be strange… yet intimate. "E-er, yeah…?"

"Well… you see, as Finch is very passionate about games, she can be rather… spirited. Especially when it comes to cooperating with her playmate."

"I-I think you meant 'player'," Denver nervously corrected. "But a fiery spirit of competition is natural for these type of games. How bad can it be with Finch?"

Condor looked at her with concern. "Well, for starters..."

Raven concentrated. This wasn't anything she was used to but now was not the time for that weakness to get the better of them. She had been evaluating the immediate situation to the best of her understanding of this game. Despite her shortcomings Raven was a proverbial ice cube compared to Finch who occupied the Player 2 controls beside her. Even with her stoicism, she couldn't help but feel a peculiar blaze from her "copilot".

"Alright. Tracking the enemy. We'll put some distance before we-"
"GO GET 'IM!"
"... Looping around. We'll close in in a few-"
"Kill him! KILL HIM!"
"... a few seconds so-"
"KIIIIILLLLL HIIIIIM! Put the nose on him and kill him!"
"I-"
"Come on, he's out in front! Shoot him! SHOOOOT HIIIM!"
"... Okay."

The deed was done, Raven feeling underwhelmed by the ease of a button-press. An explosion played out before her eyes, spectacular but artificial. She kept the distinction in the back of her mind as Finch's maniacal laughter cemented their mutual victory over the digital foe.

It took a while for the high to wear off that Raven broke her silence, when Finch finally realized that everyone had been staring at her with awkward glances.

"... Can we do something else?"

Denver's eyes grew wide. "... Oh. Ohhhh, gotcha."

Cleveland smiled to herself before returning her attention to movement next to her. Seated at the same table as her, Raven had unzipped the black bag that stretched across the table. Cleveland and Montpelier would have edged closer were it not for the wary eyes of Sparrow that sat in their way. Regardless, the pair watched with wonder as from its canvas hide, Raven unsheathed a yellow-oaken guitar.

The light cruiser looked astonished. "Woah, you can play the guitar? I never knew that."

Raven brought the instrument to her lap, her hands gripping and tuning it with natural dexterity. She let it weigh on her with a subtle smile. "I've owned a guitar, though rarely found much time to play. Not sure if what little time spent on practice will pay off."

"Don't be a pessimist," Sparrow chided as she brought herself closer to Raven's side. "What little practice you've had, you've always put considerable effort into them. I know what your playing is like; you're nowhere as bad as you think you are."

Cleveland thought of her sister that sat beside her with a joking smirk. 'She's starting to sound like a certain someone that I know.' She refocused as Raven rested her hands on the guitar's neck and over the strings - the prelude as her fingers awaited the signal.

A first move: a gentle stroke bringing to life each of the strings. A deep harp-like melody as a simple test. Raven did not glance up to see the approving looks from those that sat around her before she took the next step. She stroked the strings again and this time all could hear from the way it struck the air differently that this was no longer another test, but a prologue. Another strum of the notes, the confidence building as the song slowly began to form.

And form it did. But Cleveland noticed that the notes came low and slow; the tempo weary. By itself, the guitar sang alone.

It was simple, yet harmonious; beautiful, yet haunting. It was a melancholic song. Listening to it, Cleveland could almost share its feeling.

Raven bore no expression as she played, her eyes closed from outside view. Was this what she felt inside?

The strumming ceased, the music dissipated into the air like birds disappearing into the sunset. When Raven opened her eyes, she was greeted to the applause of everyone: Sparrow, Cleveland, Montpelier, Condor, Helena, Denver, Finch, Magpie, Columbia, and Tea Time; friends and foes had become one in this moment.

Raven bowed her head in thanks for the ovation. "That was very good," Sparrow complimented.

"Yeah, it was," added Cleveland. "She was right: you are pretty good."

Raven's visage warmed. "Thank you… The song was something I once heard. But I was never able to find its name."

"Don't let that weigh you down," assured Sparrow, almost as if jumping to her aid. "You'll find out eventually; I know we will. But what's most important is that you find satisfaction in your ability to play. I can think of no other who are as humble and honest as you are with your playing."

Raven smiled. "... Because I'm all you've ever listened to, Sparrow. You even look bored when listening to anything else."

The revelation brought shockwaves as all eyes suddenly turned to Raven's wingman, her face now a harsh red. Her hand found itself already en route to its target that was the top of Raven's head. "I-idiot!"

Raven chuckled lightly; she knew there was no real malice - her friend would never go that far.

As Cleveland and the others found humor at the sight, Tea Time quietly took note.

Denver stretched her arms to wring them of fatigue as she and the others strolled through the atrium, returning to the open-air space once again. With hands full of bags and fulfilled smiles on their faces, the allied ships journeyed back the way they came. Spirited as they remained, it was clear that the day's climax had long come and passed. The atrium remained bright but the bright glow now seemed tired and sleepy, its vitality only thanks to artificial lights. The blue sky above had already begun losing its luster - it was now late afternoon. Their vacation was coming to an end.

"Phew, that was fun while it lasted! I'd like to come here again some time."
"Heh. Next time~. Right now I could sure use a good shower and a sack to fall into."
"I'll be fine with coming back home."
"Yeah..."

There was no mistaking it: while the day was satisfying, there was a sense of weariness in their voices. The thoughts of home and family stirred warm feelings within Cleveland, but ever since they bid their farewells to Raven and her Aquila Vanguards, she had felt it. Though they had only known each other for a relatively short time, she felt their absence leave a gaping hole in her heart. She knew that Raven must have realized the same beneath her duty-bound stoicism, when she too bid her farewells as their respective vacations neared to an end.

The very next time they meet would have to be on the battlefield. They had grown close, friendly even, but tomorrow they'd return to being enemies.

The feelings were mutual. She quietly hoped that the war would end very soon.

"Cleve…?"

The cruiser woke up at the sound of Helena's voice. She turned to see her looking at her, her eyes concerned but upon uniting with Cleveland's, they turned to understanding. The shared look buoyed the blonde's spirits. She was not alone with her thoughts, alone with worries and hopes. Looking at Helena, Cleveland was reminded of how-

She came to a stop, nearly tripping over her own feet at the sudden cessation. Her friends instantly took notice.

"What's wrong, sis?"
"You didn't forget anything, did you?"

Cleveland waved away the concerns. "Hey, gotta go to the bathroom real quick. You guys mind waiting for me here?"

Her sisters nodded. "Sure. We'll be holding the fort 'til you come back. The boat ride back home shouldn't be leaving anytime soon so take your time."

"Thanks. Hey Tea Time, mind coming with me? Gotta need someone to watch my bags."

"Certainly."

Taking the lead, Cleveland took off as the maid diligently followed. But it was not long before Tea Time suspected something was off. "Um, miss Cleveland? I don't believe it's this way."

"C'mon!" the light cruiser urged, her peculiar behavior doing nothing to assuage the question that grew in the maid's mind. Where was she taking her? Why was she speaking in urgent but hushed tones? Tea Time had no recourse but to follow as Cleveland took her back to the shopping wing of the mall, passing by familiar sights. She turned to swiftly enter the clothing store.

'It's this fashion store - the same one from before…?' Following after the knight of the sea, it quickly began to dawn on the maid where they were headed. Her memory kicked in: this was the same section where Tea Time found her dress.

Cleveland wasted no time sifting through the racks of silk and nylon dresses. "I, uh, need your help with something..."

There it was again: the tone. "What may be-" Then it struck Tea Time why they were in the dress aisle. Her eyes turned serious. "... What sort of dress do you have in mind?"

"I, uh… something nice and pretty, I guess… Something with frills, the kind that girls would be into, you know? I figured you'd know enough about grace and… elegance to help me out with this..." The light cruiser put a noticeable effort to refrain from meeting gaze, yet Tea Time could tell she was being candid with her response.

Tea Time leafed through the same rack with the criteria in mind. "Something with frills… is this for someone in particular?"

"For someone? No this is just for myse- Ohhh… Um, yeah." As she explained, Cleveland's face grew ever warmer. "It's… D-did I ever tell you that I have a special someone? Y-you might already have an idea who and… I'd like to have something nice to wear..."

Tea Time paused. This was the rare side of this bold knight that she had never seen before. Already, she considered the identity of this special someone and digging through her memories, she found the candidate. In hindsight, she wondered how such hints slipped past her.

Now with the revelation in mind, the maid returned to browsing the aisle, the honest desire from her friend spurring her search. She eyed each item with care, meticulously considering their appearance and mood. Frills? That was easy to fulfill. Color? The maid deliberated on what her friend liked and what suited her image. Size? Not a real problem for her (proportions were reluctantly provided to the maid). Ever so closely did she work with her friend, ensuring that absolutely nothing was disagreeable. Thankfully, not too long after the search began did the pair strike upon an unambivalent find.

"... Yes! This oughta do it!"

"Oh that is good to hear!" beamed Tea Time. "I am assured that everything is to your liking?"

"It… it's good enough!" Cleveland flipped the dress front and back, leaving no stone unturned with her eyes as she marveled hungrily. The more she looked, the brighter she appeared. "Girly enough for me and the white's fine… I'm sure she won't mind even if it wasn't perfect. Oh geez, no matter how much I want to keep this as a surprise, I just can't wait to show it off to her when the time comes!"

Giggling, Tea Time was pleased with the results. But suddenly, a stray thought from the past intruded her mind.

"This sort of stuff isn't genuine when one of us has to do it. It has to be… spontaneous. Out of reflex, you know?"

A mischievous idea popped in her head. She recognized an opportunity and it was now or never.

"... Miss Cleveland, does this special moment you have planned happen to be marriage?"

The cruiser froze. The fine dress slipped from her fingers, crumpling to the floor. She quickly crouched down to pick it up but never rose. Her shoulders and hands began to tremble. Tea Time wasn't sure if it was a trick of the light but she thought she could see steam venting from her ears. Although she couldn't see her face, the maid could feel the heat emanating from it.

Before Tea Time knew it, it suddenly arrived faster than she could react. "I-IT'S NOT LIKE THAT!" Cleveland squealed in embarrassment.

The maid's bright smile remained etched on her expression.

Fort Grace rose from her chair as soon as she was notified. But right as she opened the door to her office to step out, she found Tea Time already there in her maid uniform, ready to greet her.

"Your Grace, I have returned!" she reported, almost singing.

Though caught surprised by the maid's swift return and the high spirits that greeted her, Fort Grace smiled back. Perhaps the brief vacation to Tyler Island proved to be the perfect ingredient for livening her up-

Fort Grace stopped, her eyes narrowing. "Hm? Tea Time… what happened to your head?"

Tea Time met the inquiry with only a cheerful face. "It was nothing. Just a small lesson in interpersonal relationships..."

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

HistoricHippos:

I suppose it's better late than never to reveal that I had Tea Time be based on the character Mugi from K-On!, at least in terms of appearances, with the hair and eyebrows (especially the eyebrows). The scene of her wanting to be hit on the head was a reference to the one episode in season 2 where Mugi wanted the same thing so the intent was to make that connection.

Also the branded jackets that the Cleveland sisters look at in the clothing store were all based on the unit emblems of certain Ace Combat squadrons. With that in mind, you may be able to recognize some of them in that scene.

The song that Raven plays on her guitar was written with the Ace Combat 04 soundtrack "Session" in mind.

On an unrelated note, huge thank you to the readers. As of the time of this chapter being uploaded, "Azur Lane: Strange,Real Waters" has hit the 25k total view mark!