ARIA

Saying "nice to meet you" to someone becomes a sort of pact between you, doesn't it?

People meeting other people is a wonderful miracle.

That's why you treasure that moment and never let it fade.

No sappy lines allowed!

Huh?

The window... When did that get opened?

President Aria.

Good morning.

My, my, what is it?

When you hear all these little sounds,

it really feels like the day's getting started, doesn't it?

It really does.

Yeah!

Take care of things, Akari.

Okay.

Take care, see you later.

I'm off.

Hello, you've reached the Aria Company. Thank you for-

Hello! Thank you for calling-

Hey.

Akatsuki.

When someone calls specifically to hear Miss Alicia's voice message...

...why do you have to butt in, Sideburns?

My name isn't Sideburns...

Yes, it is, as long as you have those sideburns.

I keep telling you, they're not sideburns.

If you want to schedule a gondola ride, I can-

I'm a busy man.

I don't have time to talk to you, Sideburns. Bye.

Spring is nearly over here in Neo-Venezia.

Twenty months have flown by since the day I first arrived on Aqua.

Going by the Aquan calendar, in another four months, I'll have been here for one year.

My second summer here will soon arrive.

"Don't worry about me."

"A-ka-ri."

I wonder if this is how birds feel when they leave the nest.

This is Aqua... This city is Neo-Venezia.

It's a new world!

It's just like I pictured it, but even better!

Is this love at first sight?

This city is where... I'm going to test my skill!

I'm going to become a Prima Undine!

Hello, thank you for calling! You've reached the Aria Company.

Um, I'd like a ride in Miss Alicia's gondola, please.

I'm afraid she's busy today. I'm very sorry.

I really want to ride with her.

We're booked solid. I'm sorry.

I see. Well, I guess someone else would do.

I'm afraid I'm the only one here.

Then you can take me.

I'm still only a journeyman. I'm not allowed to take out customers by myself.

I see. Thanks.

Um...

If only I were a Prima...

Still, the customer might not be satisfied unless Alicia came along.

Oh, Mr. President.

Okay, then, let's go practice!

Um... Excuse me...

Here.

Huh?

You're going to practice, right?

Yeah, I guess.

Then let's get going. Here.

But, I'm only a journeyman. I can't take on customers.

I know. From now on, I'm your friend.

What?!

I'm not a customer, so...

Um... Well...

I'll scream.

Scream what?

Kidnapper.

Somebody.

Help me.

Stuff like that.

Friend?

Right...

Um, so, this is how I practice how to row without rocking the gondola.

It's rocking, though.

Ah...

Do you like gondolas?

It doesn't seem like it. They're kinda slow.

I see.

Wait... Is this the girl who called before?

I bet you're from Manhome, right?

Yes.

I thought so! I used to live on Manhome, too.

Did you come here on your own? No, wait. That can't be.

I came with my dad and mom.

And how do you like Neo-Venezia?

It's inconvenient.

Yeah, I suppose it is inconvenient compared to Manhome.

You have to walk a lot because there are no cars.

I have to buy ingredients for food and make it myself, too,

and I even have to maintain this gondola myself.

It's a lot of trouble, huh?

Still, it makes me happy to know I can do all that on my own.

You can't get that feeling on Manhome, right?

May I ask you your name? I'm Akari Mizunashi.

Ai.

Ai, huh?

Why did you get into my gondola?

Is this an interrogation?

Uh... No.

I knew it... It's nothing like how I heard it would be.

Aika!

Um, Aika?

I'm taking this girl along as a friend, not a customer. Her name's Ai.

She just came from Manhome-

So she's a freeloader.

Um... Yeah. I suppose you could say that.

Come on, hurry up and get off.

Which of you is better?

Huh?!

Huh?!

Which one of us? That'd be me.

Uh-huh!

Then would you row, please?

Huh?!

Why should I?!

Because you're my friend.

No I'm not.

Um, Aika? It's okay, isn't it? To be her friend.

Huh? Hold on, what's the big idea?

Well, after all, she's already an acquaintance.

Right?

I know! Aika, let's go see Alicia!

You really love Alicia, don't you, Aika?

Yes!

You rock the boat, too.

The Himeya Company's motto is "Punctual, with pleasant talk!" So, uh...

Let's see... it's been 150 years since Aqua was terraformed to allow people to live here.

It's now known as the Planet of Water.

Neo-Venezia is modeled after the city of Venice, which originally existed on Manhome...

What's with you?

Um... I thought this would be more fun with a guide.

Your delivery's way too stiff.

Oh.

Besides, a freeloader shouldn't get that much service.

But, after coming all this way, I was hoping she'd go home liking Neo-Venezia.

You like this city?

Yeah. I love it!

At first, I came here because I dreamed of being a great Undine.

That was the only reason. But...

...now I love Aqua and Neo-Venezia.

All its inconveniences, how slowly things happen... Everything.

This whole city is made of miracles.

Miracles?

Yeah. A city born from the wishes...

...of those who wanted to build it, on a world without water or air.

A wonderful miracle.

Maybe us meeting each other was another one of those miracles.

No sappy lines allowed!

Huh?!

It's the baked potato stand.

"Baked potato"?

Wanna eat one?

Not really. I've eaten one at home before, but I didn't really like it.

Really?

These are a lot different from the ones you eat on Manhome.

I should have one, then.

Right!

I thought you didn't have any money.

I have some.

So, how is it fair to give her a ride for free when she has money?

But neither of us can accept her money.

Aren't you going to eat?

This potato's so big.

Oh?

Is it?

On Manhome, they usually come all cut up.

Oh.

It looks hard to eat.

We're all finished!

Sure thing! Thanks!

It tasted really good!

Oh, you think so? Thank you.

Well, shall we get going?

Mr. President? We're leaving.