No Suffering, No Summer
Charlotta is brimming with excitement for the crew's upcoming vacation. She recruits Chloe and Korwa to help pick out the perfect swimsuit. Several days later, she sinks her toes into the Auguste sands, slathers herself with sunscreen, and skips off to a fun time at the beach. Or so she expects.
Charlotta: A retreat to Auguste?
Charlotta: And at Venera Beach at that! Are we really going? Really, really, really?
With sparkling eyes and mouth agape, Charlotta asks the captain over and over.
Caught off-guard by Charlotta's sudden excitement, (Captain) smiles wryly and nods.
Charlotta: A real grown-up vacation! At a real resort! I can't wait!
Lyria: A grown-up vacation? Sounds exciting when you put it that way!
Vyrn: Uhh. What's that mean though, exactly? You're still playing at the beach all the same, aren't ya?
Charlotta: Vyrn, Vyrn. The ways of adults far differ from that of children!
Charlotta: From what I've read, grown-ups lie in the soft sand under the shade of a parasol, basking in the warm sea breeze, sipping cool tropical punch.
Charlotta: All while reading a book and being lulled to sleep by the sound of waves.
Charlotta: And as the sun sets and the beach is soaked in rays of gold, they stare into the horizon and ponder the beauty of life.
Vyrn: Oh. I just like to make sandcastles and play in the water!
Charlotta: And that's perfectly fitting for a child, Vyrn. A grown-up like me, however, has more mature tastes.
Lyria: Wow. Being a grown-up sounds hard.
Charlotta: And this year I'm going to use this vacation as an opportunity to prove to you all that I'm up to that challenge!
Charlotta: Just because I like Little Skyfarer Lunches doesn't mean I'm a child! You'll see!
With a huff and puff, the little commander asserts her claim.
Suddenly, her ears prick up. She hears a group of crew members chatting not too far off.
Korwa: Ahh, Auguste! It's been forever! Gotta finish this project so I can hit the beach and really relax!
Carren: The sun, the sea, the beach. You know what that means! New swimsuits! I wanna get a bikini!
Izmir: Auguste... Swimsuits?
Carren: Yeah! It's what people wear when they go to the beach! I guess this'll be your first time wearing one, Izmir.
Korwa: Hmm. You know what, Carren? I think I've got just the palette for you. Some warm, cheerful colors should be perfect!
Izmir: Warm... Cheerful? That sounds... interesting.
Korwa: Don't worry, Izmir. I'll whip up a little something for you too! You're going to love it.
Lyria: Hear that, Charlotta? They're talking about swimsuits!
Charlotta: Swimsuits?
Charlotta: Oh! Swimsuits!
Charlotta: That's right! I need one myself.
Charlotta: However, a swimsuit for grown-ups...
Charlotta: Hmm, what would that be like I wonder...
Chloe: Hey, guys! What's up? (^_^)
Lyria: Oh, Chloe! Charlotta was just saying she needs to get a swimsuit.
Charlotta: Chloe! Excellent timing!
Chloe: ಠ_ಠ
lolwut? What's going on?
Charlotta: You see, I don't quite know what makes a swimsuit look... grown-up.
Charlotta: I'd be much obliged if you could help me find a swimsuit fit for a lady!
Chloe: Say no more, chickadee. I'm your girl. \ (•◡•) /
Charlotta: Really? Oh, thank you so much! I am in your debt!
Lyria: I'm sure that with Chloe around you're bound to find a great swimsuit!
Charlotta: Without a doubt! Onward, Chloe! Today we quest for swimwear!
Chloe: kk
Let's go see what's hot in 'Guste rite now! ᕕ(ᐛ)ᕗ
Korwa: Did someone say swimsuit? Charlotta, are you looking for one?
Chloe: Korwa! Wanna come with? =D
Charlotta: Gasp! Two
swimsuit advisors? And one's a fashion designer at that!
Korwa: Oh, I hope I'm not intruding.
Korwa: It's just that I happen to be going to town to get some fabric. I was thinking we might as well all go together.
Charlotta: No, no, please! I'd like nothing more! Let's go!
Chloe: Hrm... One-pieces and tankinis are cute and all, but nothing says fun in the sun like a bikini, amirite? (*´ω`*)
Charlotta: A bikini!
Charlotta: Well, I... I'm not sure if I can wear something like that.
Korwa: Hmm. Something that's mature while still a little cute. If that's the case...
Korwa: Ah, how's this?
Charlotta: Korwa! That's a little too daring, don't you think? It's more like a... a bunch of strings rather than a swimsuit.
Chloe: ROFL! Isn't showing some skin the whole point tho? xD
Charlotta: I... I'm not too sure if I can do that...
Korwa: Well, you can't be walking around in layers of cloth, either. Not if you want to stay cool enough to enjoy your vacation.
Chloe: Gotta look hot if you wanna stay cool. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Charlotta: Is that so...
To avoid the crowd, Vyrn, Lyria, and (Captain) are watching the girls from a slight distance away.
Vyrn: Haven't seen Charlotta panicking like that in a while.
Lyria: Hehe, I'm looking forward to seeing her in her swimsuit!
As if on cue, she appears.
Charlotta: Whew...
Charlotta: Ah, there you three are.
Lyria: Charlotta? You're done already?
Charlotta: Not yet. Chloe and Korwa are still picking out a few more items for me.
Vyrn: Uhh, shouldn't you be part of that conversation?
Charlotta: No. I'll be trying out their current batch of suggestions for now.
The group's eyes fall to the tangle of swimsuits in Charlotta's hands.
Lyria: Are you sure you're all right? You seem tired.
Charlotta: I... I'm fine. I've been through times more trying than this.
Charlotta: It's just that I've never been out shopping with other girls before. I still need time to get used to it.
Vyrn: Well, if you say so. As long as you're okay.
Charlotta: All my life I've been so focused on training and growing stronger.
Charlotta: And now, for the first time ever, I'm shopping with friends like a normal girl. It's... It's fun.
Charlotta: They've gone out of their way to help me look as grown-up as I can be. I can't let their efforts be for naught.
Korwa's Voice: Charlotta! Could you come here for a minute! I found a good one!
Charlotta: Coming!
Chloe: OMG! This! So perfect for you! (♡ ◡ ♡)
Chloe: And you've got to accessorize it with this. Totes. Adorbs.
Korwa: I like it! Maybe add a little bit of ribbon over here... Switch it up a little over there...
Korwa: Mhmm. Yep, this is it. This is the one!
Vyrn: Whoa, whoa. Wait a sec. Shouldn't Charlotta be the one to decide? It's her swimsuit, right?
Korwa: But it's perfect for her!
Chloe: It's perfect. Trust us. (⌐■_■)
Charlotta: I... I trust you!
Charlotta: If the both of you say it's perfect, then it's perfect!
Lyria: I agree! I'm sure you'll look great in it, Charlotta!
Vyrn: If you say so.
Several days later the crew sets foot on the softest sands in Auguste:
Venera Beach.
???: (Captain)!
Charlotta: So? What do you think?
- Adorable!
- Beautiful!
Choose: Adorable!Charlotta: Wha! A-adorable?
Charlotta: D-don't baby me! I-I'm not a child!
Charlotta: But I... Well, thank you. I'll take that as a compliment. Ahem... N-no, I'm not blushing.
Choose: Beautiful!Charlotta: Oho! (Captain) You really think so, do you now?
Charlotta: I never thought the day would come when I'd hear you say that to me.
Charlotta: Thank you! I'm very glad to hear that! It seems my grown-uptitude is indeed growing higher by the day!
Continue 1Charlotta: I must say I'm quite fond of it myself! And I owe it all Korwa and Chloe!
Lyria: Hehe! You look wonderful!
Charlotta: You're too kind!
Charlotta: But the battle has only just begun. This summer vacation I shall reach heights of grown-uptitude never before attained!
Lyria: Oh, y-you will?
Charlotta: Indeed. I've overcome the trial of shopping and have thus obtained my first bikini.
Charlotta: And this being my very first holiday with the crew...
Charlotta: I'll be sure to impress upon all of you just how much of a grown-up I really am!
Vyrn: Sigh. Again with all this I'm a grown-up stuff. Anyway, are we all set? Let's get going!
Charlotta: Ah! Wait!
Charlotta: I need to put on my sunblock first!
Charlotta takes out a bottle from her bag.
Charlotta: Chloe might want a tan, but my skin's far too sensitive for that. It gets red and starts to sting if I try to sunbathe.
Lyria: Sounds painful! We wouldn't want that to happen!
Charlotta: Indeed we don't. I hope you won't mind waiting a moment while I apply it.
As they wait for Charlotta to finish, Lyria hums a tune while (Captain) and Vyrn play a game of tic-tac-toe in the sand.
Charlotta: Right! All set and ready for a grown-up vacation!
Vyrn: That's the spirit! Now let's go have some fun!
Having completed her preparations, Charlotta skips off to the beach.
But she is unaware of the grave mistake she has just committed...
Sun Scream
It's Charlotta's very first day at the beach. The sun, the sea, the sand, all the grown-up crew members—everything is new and exciting. Lessons on how to increase one's grown-uptitude abound.
(Captain), Charlotta and the crew are on vacation in Auguste.
For Charlotta, having lived with snow for most of her life, everything is new and exciting under the warm Auguste sun.
Charlotta: Now, where shall I start. Hmm, how about some tropical punch!
With a hand shading her eyes, she scans the beach for a place to get a drink.
Charlotta: Hm? Who's that?
She spies Izmir staring at the waves a short way off.
Izmir: So this... is the sea... Curious.
Charlotta: Izmir. She's from a rather snowy land as well, if memory serves...
Izmir: I never imaged such a place could exist. Not even in my dreams.
In stark contrast to the excited Charlotta, a serene Izmir ponders the scene quietly.
The queen of ice, fair as snow, stares into the distance. The air around her seems cool, still, and mysterious.
Charlotta: Wow! She's like a real grown-up!
Charlotta: Oh! I need to calm down, wouldn't want to seem childish. Good thing no one saw that.
Just as Charlotta recovers from her outburst of childlike excitement, she spots someone else.
Lyrn: Gwaar!
Dyrn: ...!
Lyrn: ...!
Charlotta: Zooey?
The maiden and her dragons splash around in the sea, the brilliant sun making her smooth skin glisten.
Charlotta: What a wonderful skin tone she has!
Charlotta: I wish I could have a suntan like that!
Lyria: Charlotta! What's wrong? You're not going in for a dip?
Charlotta: Oh. Well, um... You see...
Charlotta: Ah, yes! I almost forgot! All of you, wait just a moment!
Lyria: Hm? What for?
Charlotta: One must always be sure to stretch before swimming!
Charlotta: Wouldn't want to get a cramp, now would we? Especially not while we're in the water!
Charlotta: That's what I thought! Now, let's start warming up!
Vyrn: Well, if you put it that way! Sure!
After (Captain) and the company finish some light aerobics, they set off for the sea.
Vyrn: C'mon, Charlotta! What're you waitin' for!
Charlotta: Y-you can't just dive in! You have to go in slowly. To get your body used to the temperature of the water.
Lyria: I see! All right, we'll go in slowly then! Nice and slow... Baby steps—
Lyria: Eek! There's something squishy in the water!
Jellyfish Monster: ...
Lyria: Aah!
Vyrn: Ack! A jellyfish monster! What's it doing this close to the shore!
Charlotta: Careful! It's poisonous!
Vyrn: We gotta take that thing out before it stings someone!
Charlotta: At the ready, (Captain)!
Sun Scream: Scene 2
Charlotta reveals that, although she's been looking forward to this vacation, she feels intimidated by the waves. She resolves to overcome her fears, and tries to do so by charging headfirst at the sea. The endeavor ends in her defeat at the wrath of a large wave, leaving her in tears.
Charlotta: Lyria, are you all right? Did the jellyfish sting you at all?
Lyria: No, I'm fine. Luckily I didn't step on its tentacles.
Vyrn: Whew. All's well that ends well. Now, let's get in the water already.
Charlotta: Ah. Um...
Lyria: Charlotta?
Charlotta: Y-you're right... L-let's go then..
Charlotta: Eep!
Vyrn: Hm? Something wrong?
Lyria: Charlotta... Could it be that you're afraid of the water?
Vyrn: What? I thought you were looking forward to it!
Charlotta: ...
Charlotta: It's true... It'd be a lie if I said those waves weren't somewhat intimidating...
Never before had Charlotta seen an ocean up close.
Though fascinated by it, her knowledge of the sea has been accumulated solely through reading and study.
This is a piece of the world she has never imagined. She stands still, daunted by the vastness of it all.
Vyrn: Heh! Never thought I'd see you afraid of something!
Charlotta: It's still too early to say that!
Charlotta: To fear the unknown is nothing out of the ordinary.
Charlotta: However, to overcome that fear is what it means to grow up!
Vyrn: Whoa, hey. You don't push yourself, okay? Wouldn't want you drowning out there.
Charlotta: No. This is a path I must walk if I am to ascend the steps of maturity.
Charlotta: Have at you, sea!
She dashes toward the sea with all her might.
However, a large wave moves to oppose her, and it soon towers above her head.
Lyria: Wait! Charlotta! Come back!
Charlotta: Wha?
Charlotta: Blgluglgulug!
Lyria: Charlotta!
Vyrn: Whoa! She okay?
Charlotta: Cough, cough!
Charlotta: Cough!
Charlotta: Achoo!
Charlotta: Waaah! My nose hurts!
Sun Scream: Scene 3
Ocean, meet your match! Charlotta dons a suit of swim rings and challenges the waves to an epic duel. After hours of playing in the water, Charlotta realizes she's been thoroughly baked by the sun. It seems what she slathered on herself this morning was not sunscreen but tanning oil. Deep in the throes of her first sunburn, Korwa and Izmir help relieve her pain.
Charlotta: I can see it clearly now.
Charlotta: If I can just get the timing right, I'll be able to overcome them. They won't get the best of me next time.
Charlotta is planning out her strategy against the waves as she enjoys some grilled squid at the beach house.
Lyria: Well, the waves aren't always that large. You just happened to get a really big one. If you stay at the edge of the water, it won't be that bad—
Charlotta: No, Lyria. The waves are not to be underestimated.
Charlotta: One wrong step and it can suck you right in and wash you away.
Charlotta: A plan! That's what I need!
Just then they hear other crew members enjoying their time at the beach.
Danua: Floaty...
Danua: Water... donut...
Hansel: Yes... Yes, yes... Danua says she wants to floaty float on the waves with a water donut.
Charlotta: Water donut?
Sara: Graphos, once we're done with the castle, how about we go play in the water? We'll use the floaty!
Graphos: ...!
Sara:
Charlotta: That's it... Floaty rings!
Lyria: Pardon?
Charlotta: Oh ho ho! Lyria, (Captain), I've got it!
Vyrn: Huh? Got what?
Charlotta: Tell the cook that the squid was delicious! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have preparations to make!
Charlotta: Go ahead into the water without me. I'll join you later!
Vyrn: Hm? Uhh, okay. See you later then, I guess.
Lyria: All right! We'll be playing around there!
Charlotta: Understood! Until then!
Charlotta: (Captain)! Lyria! Vyrn!
Vyrn: Hm? Sounds like Charlotta's—
Vyrn: Wha! What is that?
Charlotta: Apologies for the wait. It took some time to get my floaty just right.
Lyria: Oh my gosh! It's like a floaty dress!
Charlotta: Mwahaha. Waves, prepare to be conquered.
Vyrn: Hey, you sure that's gonna work?
Charlotta: Only one way to find out! Chaaarge!
With her "floaty ring" donned, Charlotta charges at the sea once again.
Charlotta: Yes! This is going to—
Charlotta: Aaah!
Lyria: Oh no ! She's toppled over!
Vyrn: I knew this would happen!
Charlotta: I'm not giving up that easily! One more time! Hrraaagh!
...!
An incoming wave washes over the little conqueror and pulls the floaty off and away from her with a pop.
Charlotta: No! My floaty!
Charlotta: Oh! I see! The water pushes lighter things away but leaves heavier things behind!
Charlotta: Then all I have to do next is...
Vyrn: Haha! Looks like Charlotta's having fun!
Lyria: Looks like it!
Vyrn: Doesn't seem like she's gonna stop any time soon though.
Lyria: How about we get some drinks while she's at it?
Lyria: Good idea! I'm sure she'll be thirsty too once she's done!
Vyrn: Hey! Charlotta! Ready for a break?
Charlotta: Oh! I didn't realize I'd been at it for so long! Coming!
When she emerges from the water, however, the group gasps.
Vyrn: What!
Charlotta: Ahhh! That certainly was fun! My body feels all hot for some reason though.
Charlotta: I conquered the waves, (Captain)! I really did!
Lyria: Char... Charlotta!
Charlotta: Hm? What's the matter? Why's everyone looking at me like that?
Lyria: Y-your skin!
Charlotta: My skin? What's wrong with it? Let me have a look...
The thoroughly baked potato pulls out a mirror from her bag.
Charlotta: Egad! My skin! I... I...
I love it! I've always wanted a tan!
Charlotta: But how? I even made sure to put on sunblock. And lots of it at that.
After rummaging around her bag, she fishes out the bottle she used earlier and stares at the label: Auguste Tropic Dark Tanning Oil.
Charlotta: Tanning oil? This is Chloe's!
Charlotta: I must have put her bottle in my bag by accident!
Korwa: Oh, there you all are. I've been...
Charlotta, is that you?
Charlotta: Korwa. I've made a very big mistake... I only wanted to achieve new heights of maturity, but...
Izmir: My, what a beautiful tan you have.
Korwa: This is serious though. She's basically been roasting her skin all day.
Korwa: You'll have to take good care of your skin if you don't want it to start hurting. This is your first time, isn't it?
Korwa: Your skin needs to cool off and stay moist right now. Or else...
Charlotta: Actually... I have been feeling a sort of burning sensation... And it's getting stronger.
Lyria: Oh dear!
Charlotta: My... My whole body is starting to hurt.
Korwa: Mmm... Looks like she's sunburnt, all right. Whenever you wear your clothes, sleep, or even move, it's going to hurt.
Charlotta: Gasp! Oh no!
Izmir: Charlotta. Here, I can cool you down. Come closer.
Charlotta: Izmir! Thank you so much!
With a wave of her hand, Izmir summons snow to fall on their little corner of the beach.
Korwa: Wow! Snow in Auguste. You don't see this every day.
Charlotta: Ahhh. It feels great, Izmir.
Izmir: Oh? Would you like me to freeze you then?
Lyria: I-Izmir! You can't!
Vyrn: Hey, hey! No freezin' crewmates on the beach! Or anywhere else!
Izmir: Calm down. I'm only joking. I wouldn't do something like that.
Korwa: You know, sometimes it's really hard to tell when it comes to you.
Charlotta: Owwie... My body feels like it's burning up!
Charlotta: I think I might actually be better off frozen...
Izmir: Hehe. Let me turn up the cold.
Korwa: And let's get some moisturizer on you.
Charlotta: Owwie!
Korwa: Sorry! I was trying to be gentle!
Charlotta: No, no! I should be thanking all of you for helping me.
Charlotta: And here all I wanted was to have a grown-up's vacation. Oh, morning me was such a fool...
With aching pains and burning skin, Charlotta's very first day of vacation comes to an end.