“The boats are available for a small payment, but for the first-time clients, we offer free access as part of the trip.” - The hostess informed, inviting her group of tourists to sit down and relax.

“It's very thoughtful of you.” - Charlotte said as she and Nicolas moved to the front seats.

When Avi and her friends joined, the hostess inputted navigational data into the side touch panel and the boats slowly began to circle around the island in the center of the lake.

“Everything that's above us is our commercial zone.” - The hostess described, pointing at the slabs with waterfalls. - “There, you'll find a variety of wares and services, starting with simple snack booths, and ending with advanced practical technology.” - The hostess moved away from the panel to make place for guests. - “Here, in the virtual catalogue, you'll find the map and access the offer. Please, pick a type of shop that interests you, and I'll head there.”

Charlotte leaned over the screen, scrolling through the pages with her finger. - “Ooo... there's a barber and even a tattoo parlour... oh, Avi, look!”

Avi, with a curious gaze, looked at the screen, which displayed a few humanoids in futuristic outfits with levitating accessories. Some elements had a silver-blue afterglow parallel to miniature stars, others were like long fluctuating ribbons of silk, and others were like beads or small cubes suspended in the air. On top of that, all of it was enhanced by the headpieces, which resembled angelic halos, holographic non-permanent tattoos, or fabulous hairstyles adorned with steel clasps and clips, floral wreaths, and butterfly hairpins.

Luna peeked at it with one of her eyes, she wasn't sure. - “Don't you have enough clothes after our last purchases?”

“...Luna, but this is completely different!” - Avi protested. - “Just look at all these otherworldly add-ons! No chance I'm missing an opportunity like this!”

Luna looked at the prices. - “Well, we can afford it... but they're quite expensive, even for premium goods. Is there a reason for it?” - She asked the hostess.

“Of course.” - The robot stated. - “They're not your standard clothes, but expertly crafted multitasking suits, equipped with protective forcefields, fall and shock absorbers, close-to-partless communication devices, and life support systems. We import them from the farthest Goliath's sectors, and I can assure that you won't find a better technology here.”

“Did you hear!?” - Avi exclaimed. - “They'll surely be useful!”

Luna read the details. - “Avi, the spacesuits that I gave you are still a far better alternative.”

“...but ...but...” - Avi made a puppy face.

“Ehh...” - Luna sighed. - “I understand, you just want to go shopping again. Fine, fine... I'll pay... but please, limit it to one outfit per person.”

Avi hopped happily and asked their hostess. - “To boutiques, please!”

“As you wish.” - The robot confirmed.

---

The boat stopped next to a smooth, glass shore. Avi and her companions climbed the levitating stairs to the highest platform, on which stood a spacious pavilion, operated by machines of the same model as the hostess. The major difference between her and them was their long, elegant, pearl-like chains that concealed their levitating modules like a dress. Similarly, their torsos were covered in shawl-like cloth, and their faces hidden behind a veil.

Avi quickly ran to the displays and gazed at mannequins, which were wearing flame-like, constantly changing dresses, or outfits from deep-blue honeycombs, or cloaks from shadow-like feathers, or bodysuits from orange-black scales.

“Luna, do you want to pick something!? Which one do you like the most!?” - Avi called her friend zestfully.

“I already like my own clothes the most.” - Luna replied.

Avi pouted. - “I have no words for you, Luna.” - She approached her friend, then, by force, started to push her in the direction of the changing room. - “Tell them to pick something for you! We are having fun together!”

Luna, in silence, accepted it.

---

When Avi's parents still examined the outfits, Luna was already outside the changing room. Avi heard her quiet steps and hurriedly turned to look at her.

“Luna!” - Avi shouted. - “You look delightful!”

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Luna didn't hide her embarrassment. - “I'm not sure if it's my style.”

A long, white-gold dress loosely draped over Luna's figure. Only a triangular section of fabric was attached at the neck, leaving her shoulders exposed, but there were also separate sleeves that covered only her forearms. Above her head, a golden sun-shaped halo levitated, and she had similarly styled earrings. At the hips, she had a wide belt adorned with three sun-shaped pendants hanging from it.

“Please, turn around!” - Avi requested.

Luna did as she was asked, her golden scales woven into the white fabric shimmered like morning sun's rays shining through the dew.

Avi added with a happy smile. - “You look like a goddess.”

Luna partially hid her face in her sleeves, blushing.

Seeing how cute Luna's embarrassment is, Avi also added casually. - “As sweet as a drop of honey.”

“Stop, please.” - Luna asked, still concealing her face.

Seeing her this embarrassed, Avi could feel a strange, yet pleasant warmth. - “I can't, you make me go crazy.”

Luna flushed even redder.

“I can't fathom how you do it. You look more beautiful with each passing day.” - Avi added. - “Please, stay here. Caleb will take a photo!”

Luna wasn't given a chance to recollect herself, and Avi managed to eternize her moment of weakness.

“Mmmmm!!!” - Avi was beyond pleased when she looked at the result. - “I have to print this and put it on my desk!”

“Do I have to keep wearing this?” - Luna asked. - “I don't know if I want to.”

“I won't force you, Luna, but please, stay like this for today!” - Avi requested.

“Okay, I'll do it for you...” - Luna replied. - “...but just today, right?”

“Mm... we'll see.” - Avi said enigmatically. - “Do you want to help me pick something?”

“No, I believe you'll handle it on your own.” - Luna responded. - “You're better at this anyway.”

“Uhm... yes... but I thought that maybe you'll find something that you'll like to see me in.” - Avi uttered.

“No matter what you choose, you will always be the most beautiful person to me.” - Luna assured.

“That's not what was on my mind, Luna.” - Avi added in a quiet tone. - “Do you really have no preferences when it comes to clothes?”

“Um, I like practical equipment, like your protective spacesuit.” - Luna added.

Avi sighed. - “Eh, forget that I've asked.” - She studied at the shop's display - “I think... I have an idea.” - then giggled mysteriously.

---

Seeing the new Avi, Luna immediately fell silent. She didn't expect her to choose exactly this outfit and felt even more embarrassed by this.

Avi's dress was almost the exact copy of Luna's, except her scales were silver and the central theme was the moon. Above her two hair buns, she had a crescent halo, and between her levitating earrings, Luna could notice a wide grin when Avi asked. - “And? Did I surprise you?”

Luna couldn't utter a single word.

“Ohh, that's so sweet it might give me diabetes!” - Charlotte joked. - “Please, stand next to yourselves. Caleb must take a photo!”

Avi ran up to embarrassed Luna and hugged her, then kissed her cheek, and Caleb immortalized it.

A tear welled up in Charlotte's eyes from emotion. - “You don't even realize how much I dreamt of experiencing moments like this. I feel like we are making up for a part of your childhood that we were never able to give you.”

“Mom!” - Avi freed Luna. - “You did more for me than I'll ever be able to repay you for! Please, don't have any regrets!”

“That's so kind of you. I'm glad to hear this...” - Charlotte replied. - “....but I've just never had the chance to watch our little, lively Avi running enthusiastically among friends. Everyone deserves that kind of happiness.”

Avi added with a sad smile. - “I agree. That's why we must do everything we can for it to happen.”

Luna took Avi's hand, and she quickly turned her eyes. Still red, Luna uttered quietly. - “I promised you a happy ending for everyone, and I will keep that promise.”

Avi smiled and nodded. - “I know. When you're next to me, I feel everything is possible.”

Charlotte, touched, didn't interrupt these small, intimate moments between Avi and Luna. Instead, she looked at Nicolas, who nodded with understanding and said. - “It's time for us to find some clothes too.”

“Wait!” - Avi exclaimed. - “We are coming with you.” - After a pause, she added to Virka. - “You didn't find anything you like yet, too?”

“I wasn't searching.” - Virka replied.

“Shall we try a few outfits on together?” - Avi suggested with a heartfelt smile.

“When you ask like this, it's hard to refuse.” - Virka answered. - “Although I doubt that these local fabrics could match the quality of Khazan's silk.”

“...but ...these are the best and most expensive clothes on Goliath.” - Avi uttered.

“The world has much more to offer, once you reach a little further than what's within the grasp of your hands...” - Virka replied mysteriously. - “...but while we are here, I think it would be appropriate of me to adjust my appearance to fit the fashion here.”

Hearing this, Avi smiled and nodded.

---

After a long digging, Virka finally picked a desert outfit. It was nothing too sophisticated or as eye-catching as Luna's and Avi's dresses. She had baggy, black trousers with a wide, white shawl on her hips, and a two-piece shirt that revealed her belly. Its first white piece was strapless and covered her arms, the second black, hooded piece was wrapped around her neck and held her chest like a bodice.

Charlotte decided to wear brown trousers and a long, azure, sleeveless tunic with six straps of fabric behind her back, and one wider in front of her. Everything was fastened with yellow buckles and belts. Other than that, she had long boots and fingerless gloves, both from black leather. There were also two non-permanent holographic tattoo-stripes on her cheeks.

Nicolas simply chose white cargo pants, a tight t-shirt, and a heavy jacket with zippered pockets.

When Luna confirmed the payment, the hostess thanked them for the purchase and suggested visiting a few different shops. Avi, overjoyed, visited one booth after another, pulling Luna behind her, while her parents were gazing at them with smiles.

Their short journey was finalized after Luna purchased a few mechanical butterflies for her garden, then they all traveled to the Oil Boiler.