It’s often an association for anime with the word “entertainment”. It does not attempt to propagate any values, but instead provides themes and stories that will be forgotten after a while because it has nothing to do with real life. One anime that often break this mold is Aria, a beautiful and slice of life series that often captures life’s simplest lessons. In the current episode, there is an event that leaves me with a lot of after thoughts due to how it relates to my personal experience. It’s very wonderful how anime can sometimes reflect life. Minor spoilers lie after the “read more” if you hate to be even spoiled a little.

In this episode, Akira talks to Aika about her past experience, as well as being surrounded by two geniuses in Alicia and Athena. It is definitely suffocating to say the very least to be surrounded by close friends or neighbors who are much better than you. You always start to define your own self-worth and wonders if you are never going to make it. We can always say that we do not care about what others do, but we always compare because we are humans. That is exactly how Akira feels, but she eventually finds out that it is not only life that dictates your worth, but what you do in order to control your own destiny.

I always remember from young how hard it is to break against people who pick things up faster than me. I was extremely slow in learning, and I often curse in my head how people are better than me. To many of us, we might not really care that much but I was a child who never has much confidence in the first place. It does not help when everyone around you tells you that you are not good enough compared to others. Aika represents the normal population, people who are not blessed with any talents against people with true talent.

However, Aika has not noted her own talent of hard work and energy. Many people are unable to notice the talent that they possess. As Nick Naylor in the movie Thank you for smoking once said, “Michael Jordan plays ball, Charles Manson kills people, I talk. Everyone has a talent.” Many of us possess talent that you never notice until some major experience. I never knew that I have this vindicative behavior that just cannot say no when I am challenged on my incompetency. I generally work insanely hard to prove people wrong.

I am not sure if my audience comprises of many people in the student population or working force, but I have one word to say. Do not let your early development in life dictate your future. Akira is just a single then, but she blooms into a beautiful prima right now that everyone respects. I was considered to be below average in academic ability during my younger days but I am currently on a scholarship to study my Masters. So, just like Aika realizes at the end, compensate your lack of “genius talents” with the talent of working harder than everyone else. Cheers.

Ok, even though Aria the Natural is over, that does not mean that I cannot blog about it. In fact, I will like to comment on one of my favorite characters in Aria, Alice Carroll, the cute pair Undine from Orange Planet.

To me, she is really the most interesting character in the series. She tends to have old man habits such as roaming around the alleyways to simply find out silly bits of information that are generally unimportant. Alice also has that cynical, grumpy look about her when she is in her chibi mode. That, to me, is one of the funniest faces I have ever seen from a chibi. Generally, chibis tend to make the character only extremely cute. However, that sarcasm that she has and the complete nonchalant behavior of hers is completely absorbed in the SD version.

That said, she also has that innocence in her. I cannot remember the exact episode for this, but there is one episode where she forces herself on a mission (i think it’s episode 6) to avoid all the sun areas. This means that she can only walk around shadows from her school all the way back to Orange Planet. When i saw that episode, I laughed my head off because I almost forget that she is just 14, with a rather childish behavior sometimes. The words that she says sometimes can be so mature that you will forget the fact that she’s in fact the youngest.

That is probably her charm. She is also easily embarrassed by public affection, especially with Athena when Athena showers her with praise. She is actually quite pretty and I think that being green haired makes her even prettier.

Impzie, Impy and the 997 clones also agree on this fact that green haired anime gals = +10 points.

What if Alice is in wonderland? I think the first thing she will do is go….”Dekkai mu ri des”. Or Really impossible in english. She just feels that way to me to be the anti thesis of Alice in wonderland.

Anyway, this is in fact just a swooning post about Alice (disguised as a normal random post) and some pictures. So I will simply leave you with more pictures grabbed from Danbooru of the wonderful Alice!

What can i say more about this anime, expanding up to 26 episodes of grace?

It is a relaxing, invigorating and powerful ride to the world of Neo-Venezia. A show that will probably not hit a great fanbase like Naruto or Bleach, it is something special, hidden quietly among the gentle sea of anime. It does not try to impress, nor does it try to make itself look great or wonderful.

Yet, its brightness lits up beautifully as the idyllic environment, scenery and music brings you into the world of Neo-Venezia, a place filled with love, care and beauty.

This is Aria the Natural, a show that is unassuming.

It is like fine wine. You never know how good it is, until you have a sip of it. With wine and anything in excess, it will not taste good. However, with a gentle sip to this great series, you learn how to appreciate it. Quality can never be replaced by quantity. That is how good things can be appreciated, only in small doses.

This is a show that teaches, yet never presses you to follow it. It simply guides you quietly toward various messages in life. Sometimes, the most simple things are the most beautiful. Things that seem to be small and insignificant are in fact significant things in this world. Without this show, these things will be simply quiet and never be seen in our lives.

This is Aria the Natural, a show of brilliance.

Image from Danbooru

After finishing this wonderful piece of art, I only know that it is hard for any series to emulate it. It is perhaps one of its kind. It will never be prominent in most people, simply because it is an acquired taste. A slice-of-series always have this niggling problem of not being exciting, nor having the action that most people wish for.

It never has much going on, yet the nature of the show simply makes you want to watch it. It is just that tranquil style of portrayal that will always stick to your heart, making you think about it slowly. You will never rush to watch the next episode eagerly, but when you watch it, it will fill that void, in which you can destress after a heavy day of schooling or work. I will miss it much, since there has not been a show that makes me feel good that much. It is simply one that touches the heart gently with its angelic mastery, without ever intruding.

This is Aria the Natural, a show that fills the heart.

I do not think that Aria is an intellectual show, nor is it assuming to be one. It is never one considering that it is simply the lives of 6 beautiful and wonderful ladies that drive a Gondola. They are Undines, the guide to the peaceful water town known as Neo-Venezia, in the planet Aqua.

That’s all. Yet, it is the simple things in life that charms them on. The OST for this show is simply brilliant. With the start of the OP, the slow and soothing mood of Makino Yui’s voice will bring you in to the musical attraction of Undines. Slowly but surely, there is this small and mysterious force being moving in the animation. There is nothing shocking. Yet, every recital of Akari’s story as an Undine is beautifully intrinsic, showing the change of seasons as she continued to be a professional Undine one day.

This is Aria the Natural, a musical tranquility of life.

Her friends, Aika and Alice, play important parts of her life. At every step of her life, Aika and Alice stay as support as the friendship of the three as they go on training together everyday. It is a bond that can never be separated and the dynamics of their lives are so simple. Sometimes, I wish I am staying there myself, relaxing in the clear river.

In all, Aria the Natural is not something I will recommend to everyone. I will not press or judge. However, watch it and see if you can derive that beauty in it. If you can, I wish you to follow this journey of discovery toward this anime that I considered to be the best in 2006.

This is Aria the Natural, a brilliant anime of its time..

This, to me, is the true epitome of Anime viewing.

Rating: A+

Art taken from Deviantart

I am going to miss Aria the Natural a lot.

So anyway, I stumbled upon the quiz and found it fascinating. If you watch Aria, do the quiz, it’s funny for the moment you do it.

Do the quiz here

And no, I didn’t manipulate my results just because I want to get Alice. Mu Ri, I am very partial in what I do.

Seriously ^_^

Seeing Alice so sad makes me sad too.

She should always be happy, smiling with that delicate mouth and saying “DEKKAI!”

Sigh, I have finally hit the stage where Crystalnova has subbed up to. I probably will have to wait for ages before the next subbed series of Aria comes out, but I guess it at least clears all my backlog for now. It is pretty good that I have clear just at the end of a Alice-centric episode. Alice is so cute in this episode, especially her childlish resolutions for the day. Even though she is very knowledgable and critical sometimes, she is but a kid. That really boosts her attractive meter by a lot.

Alice, you are the greatest!

I know I should be studying but I am bored stiff in schoolwork, hence I sneaked to finish this. Tee hee..

This episode started with the season being in the center of summer, where the heat was starting to shine brightly. However, it was also the best time for training as the three girls toiled on today, with Alice on the gondola today.

Episode summary

They then went through a tough obstacle, with Alice skilfully swerving the Gondola through the obstacle. However, due to her soft voice while going toward a main waterway, she nearly crashed onto another Gondola. Alice then blamed it on the fact that she did not fulfil her resolution yesterday, which was why the accident happened.

The scene changed to Alice in school and her talking about the resolution. It was in fact a resolution to travel back to Orange Planet only under shadows. She had various rules for herself, like she would lose if she landed on anywhere without shadows and the likes. It was really cute. As she trekked across the various streets, she reached a place where there was no safety of shadows. She was starting to wonder how she could get through, as she simply stood there figuring it out. This place could be called the “Courtyard” for easier reference.

An airship then moved past in the sky, creating a shadow as Alice went along with it, passing this obstacle effectively. She was about to reach Orange Planet and she had to go pass the last obstacle. However, while jumping around the small shadows, she slipped and dropped onto an area without a shadow. Her rule #1 was that if she ever stepped onto an area without shadows, she had failed her resolution. Disappointed, she was close to tears.

Athena was driving her Gondola pass a bridge when she saw that Alice was looking pretty depressed walking through it. She then started to sing another song, one that was more uplifting in order to make Alice feel slightly better. Alice was walking toward the back alley leading to Orange Planet and she heard the voice of Athena as she stood surprised and felt better with the soothing voice.

Alice was now back in her room at night, with Athena reading a book once again. Alice asked her why Athena was singing that song she sang quite a bit recently and whether it was because Athena liked the song. Athena simply smiled and said yes. The next day at school, she actually had another resolution but decided against it and returned to the shadows resolution. She was really cute when she said it was not good to change one because she failed in it. I wonder how Alice’s mind works sometimes.

Akari, while driving the Gondola across the bridge, saw that Alice was skipping around (she was probably jumping on shadows). Aika then looked up, seeing nothing at all. As Alice went through a shadowed alley, Athena appeared and said that she was free as the appointment for the afternoon was cancelled. Athena then looked at Alice, as Alice asked her why Athena was in such a good mood. Athena said it was because Alice was in a good mood, causing Alice to look at her with the strange look again.

Athena then went on to follow Alice, with Maa-kun on her arms. As they followed through, Maa suddenly jumped down from the arms of Athena, blocking the way of Alice and causing Alice to trip. Athena reached forward and supported Alice before she fell, hence saving her from her resolution. However, Alice said that she would not get any help from Athena as a new rule in her resolution is that she could not seek help from anyone. She then said she would repeat this part of the journey as punishment since Athena helped her.

It was once again the Courtyard, where there were no shadows for Alice to move on. Athena then stepped out, using her own shadow and creating a place for Alice to jump. However, Alice was annoyed and told Athena that she was not supposed to help. She then told Athena not to follow her anymore and she was going to redo this until the point where she first met Athena. Athena looked really sad as Athena left her, with Aika and Akari driving their Gondola and noticing Athena looking lonely on the bridge (or is that her dopey mode).

Alice was wondering why Athena kept worrying about her and felt that Athena should be more concerned with her clumsiness. It was back to the last danger zone as Alice got ready. Akari then called out, with Athena teaching the two undine apprentices since they found Athena alone. Alice then shouted out and told them not to interfere with her resolution. As she skipped past, she bounced but tripped along the mid way. Athena immediately drove her Gondola rapidly to use the shadows to cover Alice.

Alice asked why Athena did it and asked if she was an ally of justice. Athena smiled and simply said that she’s an ally of Alice. Alice then mentioned that she created a rule that she doesn’t mind Athena helping because she isn’t just anyone as they moved together, with the Gondola’s shadow covering her tracks.

Athena would be her ally and a true, special one.

Alice never smiled that brilliantly before and will continue to do so…

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Thoughts

Is there any more doubt among you all that Alice is just the cutest Undine out there? If you have, get lost! No, no, i am just kidding but her innocent and cute side is really something that is just so adorable. I just want to pinch her cheeks and scream out “so cuteeeeeeeeeeeeee”. Oh well.

I really find the bond between Alice and Athena to be really beautiful. Athena is seriously the best senpai for Alice, because she is not only very caring but is very sensitive toward her. I keep remembering about the words of Alicia, “The pupil is just like her master.” It is so true in this situation. In a way, they are different yet similiar. It is a very complex thing for me to explain but yea, I just wanted to say it before I forget.

It is really naive of her too with the resolution. I found myself laughing since there was a time that I was very young and I had that resolution as well (unlike her, i am lucky cos there are tons of trees). So I can kind of understand her mentality and that she is only 14 meant that her maturity must be balanced with some childlish thoughts as well. A very cute and Alice-centric episode. They really need more such episodes…

GO ALICE GO!!!

* 「ARIA The NATURAL ～

For this, I decided to do a little review of this compilation of songs from Aria the Natural OST. Aria, as you know, is one of the anime that I seriously fanboy a lot. The songs are generally calming to the nerves, giving that strong feeling of tranquility and comfort that the anime brings. The songs in anime often reflected the mood which the series was aiming to portray and that airy feeling, the kind of music aimed to do what the anime does: to give you that dreamlike imaginery that makes you feel good.

The cover is of Athena singing her canzone (italian for song) while the three juniors (Akari, Aika and Alice) looked on as she sang. The cover clearly portrays how the anime is taken. It is definitely a relaxing, chilling effect that Aria is trying to put forth to the audience of this OST.

They are so many good songs, like how Undine portrayed that soothing, calming feeling that we all learned to relate about Aria. Dekkai Shiawase Desu was one of the most amusing songs that I had ever heard in my life. Listening to Aria doing his little cute voice and the “day kai” (really) that Alice always say is inside. It is so cute, with the “day kai, day kai”. I really loved the cute song, cos the song is in fact swimming in my head like right now.

A really nice album and I love it much. There is no one song that I dislike at all. Just great

Rating: A++++++ (I AM SO UNBIASED!)

With that, I leave you with the back cover of the album. Ja ne ~

I know i am focusing on the wrong thing but Alice in swimsuit is so cute! I can’t wait for the wonderful episode 13, set to be a Alice-centric episode. Oh god, maybe i should watch it before I have my 1 week break due to coming mid-terms. She also looks rather hot. No, i am not having an old’s man fetish. It’s true, i ain’t!

This episode contains two mini-episodes. One was the venture to the mysterious world of the cats and the second part was a meaningful festival revolving around the nightshine charm. The first part of the episode was probably something that I did not really enjoy, as it was just mystery. The second part was beautiful. It almost felt like thanksgiving, except that it was a much more beautiful ceremony. I really thought that feeling captured the essence of giving thanks to everything that had worked for you.

Without further ado, episode summary + thoughts~

Episode summary

It was the hottest summer period, with everyone feeling the effects of the heat. Akari was initially dazing around, trying to hide fron the sun until she saw something that she had never seen before. Akari panicked and dragged Alicia, who just came back from taking some customers. Alicia noted that what Akari saw was in fact a mirage, created by the heat and hence it seemed as though there was another town that was floating in the water.

As Akari wanted to bring Aria to look at this view, they noticed that Aria had in fact hid under a bench, trying to find a cool spot. Alicia mentioned that cats often knew instinctingly about cool places and hid well in such places. Feeling slightly hot and light-headed, Akari set out with Aria to buy ingredients for dinner. It was two pm, the hottest period in the afternoon.

Akari was starting to feel the effects of the heat as she felt dizzy and there was this feeling that she was in a mirage. She continued to stagger forward until she heard the sound of a wind chime. She then noticed that Aria was missing as she continued to be in a completely dazed mood. There was no one around in her view and she was questioning why this was happening.

She then saw Aria running along one of the stalls and started to follow Aria, as she knew that cats often could find cool places. As she continued to give chase, she realised no matter how much she ran, she was unable to catch up with Aria. Then a wind chime rang and she found herself in front of a cafe with the signboard having a symbol of a cat.

As she entered the cafe, she noticed that Aria was there sipping milk and she ordered iced tea, only to note that the cafe only had iced milk. The bartender of the cafe told Akari that what she had saw was in fact a heatwave that was similiar to a mirage. The owner of the cafe then rambled that the heatwave was like a dreamlike illusion that you could never catch up. However, he questioned how exactly happened if you caught up with it. She then noted that the time in the cafe was 2 o’clock. In shock, she turned and saw that there were tons of cats staring at Akari.

It was in fact the secret hideout of the cats when it got so hot. With that, the owner said that the other customer had offered another drink and told her that humans were not able to stay in this place usually. As she left the cafe, she turned back to see that the giant cat had removed its hood. It was Cait Sith. She wondered whether it was all a dream as she looked up at the clock.

Time did pass…

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2nd part

The nightshine charm was a special stone in the sea that glowed in the dark and Alicia had received a charm from her customer. There was a market starting to sell these charms, as there was a festival coming soon revolving around these charms. As she visited the market, there were many stalls as she met up with Aika. As they passed past, a pink charm suddenly whistled in the wind, as though calling out to Akari. She bought it and Alice came over as they each bought a charm for themselves. They were then invited to Aria company for chilled watermelon.

The charm was always around where Akari was. The summer nights were spent with Aria, eating summer teabreaks in the night while enjoying the cool soothing environment. The night had come for Akari to go on with the festival. As the light of the charm did not last forever, there was a moment where the light would start to flicker, indicating that it was going to disappear. The festival was one where people would say goodbye to the light, as they threw the stones back to where they belonged to: into the ocean. As the stone fell in, the customary words to speak would be “Tante Grazie” or thanks for everything.

As they boated out in the ocean, everyone was there as the stones fell one by one, with “Tante Grazie” being sounded out. Akari’s charm was the last one to fall and as it fell, there was a beautiful nightshine stone crystal. Tears started to fall, even though she had no idea why it fell.

After that, we had the ending scene where Aika and Alice brought some frappe for Alicia and Akari. The crystal was visible as Akari’s gondola was in the river…It continues to bless her in every way possible.

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Episode thoughts

I didn’t really like the cat part for this episode. Usually, it was ok to good for me, but this one just felt a bit strange for me. I do not know why too. I was just like ermm, ok. It was just a little out of place for me in an Aria episode. Maybe it was just a misconception or something that I could not understand.

Why did Akari cry? I do not know how to put it in words for the explaination. If Anga or Enz would delight me with an explaination (or anyone at all), i would love to hear it. The explaination that was inside the interaction of Ai and Akari clearly confused me. If you ask me to interpret, it was probably that lingering feeling that Akari had with the charm, as it had always been with her and that the crystal had stayed, as though it did not bear to leave her. Inside of her, she was touched and hence tears started flowing.

I repeated this earlier but I really love this festival that was portrayed. The feeling of thanksgiving was something that I always wished to appreciate but never had a chance to experience in Singapore. The beautiful lights made me feel warm and that is probably why I like Aria. It is the kind of anime you watch when you are stressed and angry. The feel-good factor.

If you haven’t watched this anime before, I urge you to. You will not regret it.

I have to retrace my words that I think that Akari is annoying. She is starting to really be awfully cool now for some reason, because I can feel that easiness of her being rather appealing now. Strange huh? The fact that she talks about loving and having something for what it is, and not that it should be. Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder and there is no such thing as a “fake”.

Even if it seems to be made the same way, the interaction and life of everything surrounding it is different. It is the same with places. Construction and architecture is dead. However, it is the people that lived in a place…

That is the difference…People make the difference of places. They bring experiences…

I have been in fact delaying my watching of Aria the natural because I realise that I am close to reaching episode 13 that crystalnova has just fansubbed. Hence, if I hit that episode, I will have Aria withdrawal symptoms. This is why I haven’t blogged about Aria in ages but I could not resist anymore!

Episode summary as usual…

Episode summary

Akatsuki’s brother had arrived at Aria company for an assignment. He was actually involved in foreign trade, transfering goods from Neo-Venezia to Man-home. He had came under the recommendation of Akatsuki to nominate Akari for a job. Akari was very excited, even though the reason was because Akatsuki said that Akari was the slowest Gondola undine he had seen ever and would be suited to ship glass that was so fragile. Still, Akari was happy as it was the first time she was nominated. Alicia said that she would join her as well.

Akari was extremely excited as she went to bed, excited about the transport of glass. The next day, Alicia left to Murano Island in order to retreive the glass. Alicia then mentioned about the history of glass, where the glassmakers in Man-home used to make glass in this way and they continued to follow the tradition here. They were then on the lookout for the workshop, where they would receive their glass shipment.

As they went into the shop, Akari saw that two people were criticizing that the glasses made were not traditional and were merely fake. She did not know what it meant, only appreciating the beauty in the shop. With that, they walked to the workshop where they met up with Maestro and the other apprentices. They were busy making glass and it seemed that they still had to pack another box. Alicia told Akari that it would be good if they went on to check for the boxes that were already packed.

Aria on the other hand was looking at Maestro and admiring his handiwork at glass as Maestro made an Aria look-a-like. Maestro then gestured for a young man to accompany the two Undines as the observer as he carried the glass boxes. He did not want Akari to take it as they might pick on it and speak bad of it. The observer seemed to hate people criticizing the hard work of Maestro.

As they boated off, Alicia told the slightly gloomy Akari to smile as Akari made small talk with the observer. She was mentioning about the beauty of glass, finally making the observer comment on the different colors of glass. It was due to the usage of soda-lime without lead. Akari and Alicia smiled as they finally got the observer to slightly open up. Alicia looked at the time and said that they still had time, as they invited the observer for tea break.

As they had their tea break, the observer said that people usually judge on tradition and there was a time when the glasses were made in Man-home. However, as Venice was submerged in water, the succession was interrupted as the various craftsman moved to different parts of the world. When the people in Aqua decided to have a Neo-Venezia and started the glass work once again, they were forced to start from the beginning. They have moved on til now but many still dissed them.

With that, they finished their conversation and was about to move on. However, a boat was moving toward them, with the driver of the boat dozing off, forcing Akari to make an emergency move to evade the nod. She did it skilfully (you go, Akari!). As they moved to their destination, the observer asked Akari for forgiveness as he was angry at the people who said such stuff that their work was fake when Maestro worked his sweat out for it.

Akari said it was all right and it was natural to be angry because that meant that making glass was important and true for them. The fact that he felt anger meant that the passion of making glass was real and not fake at all. She never believed that there was anything in the world that was “fake”. The observer was entranced by the way Akari purely talked about it. As they arrived at the dock, they were just in time as Akatsuki’s brother came over. The brother praised Akari for her professionalism, even though she was officially an apprentice. The observer was also praising Akari, with the brother stating that both him and Akatsuki were fanboys of Akari now.

A simple closing end…

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Thoughts

I thought the message was very meaningful this time around. The message of the same place but different feeling was definitely a deep meaning that many did not understand. Often, it was not the place that made the place. Architecture could be different or not. However, people were never the same. This was why that the experiences that were felt in a place should never be compared that way.

There was no such thing as tradition and being a copy. Venice was Venice. Even if Neo-Venezia was shaped as Venice, it brought about a completely different environment, with the difference in time flow as well as the people living there. There was no such thing as a fake because it was just special the way it was. It was the same with how we lived our lifes.

How many times we kept thinking that going anywhere but your home country was the greatest thing? Whenever you aspire to leave and was saying everything bad about your host country, how do you feel? When you finally leave and started to miss home, how do you feel? How does it feel to have lack of friends and people that you know? It’s lonely.

Anyway, i am digressing…2 more episodes to Alice-centric EPISODE 13!!! Woohoo!

Akari can be cute sometimes, especially when you see her from the eyes of Alice and Aika. This is a really strange episode, as you see Akari through the prespective of the two gals who were following her every move. I must say that this is a really interesting take on Aria, and I am continously amazed how they can make this episode as beautiful as it is.

Episode summary and some thoughts =/

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Episode summary

It was the time for summer, as the three gals continued on their training session in the morning. Along the way, Akari was oarring the Gondola while chatting with a lot of people. She seemed to know many of these people as Alice and Aika wondered how Akari knew so much about Aqua compared to them who were locals of this place. Akari, not noticing the two gals thinking about it, was happily chatting with the old man with the bad ache as well as talking to various other common people in the streets.

They then sat down in a cafe, where the waitress serving them started to thank Akari for some advice that she gave previously and offered a free salad for Akari’s help. Alice and Aika then questioned Akari whether she knew the waitress and it seemed that they were merely acquaintances, even though Akari was so friendly. Akari then mentioned that she had to go to Burano Island for some shopping and would not be able to join them for the afternoon training session.

The two gals nodded and was curious about this mysterious part about Akari being able to associate with other so freely. They wanted to know how Akari got to know friends outside them. They decided to follow Akari as Akari walked over to a water bus pier where they could ride the Vaporetto. It was a huge ship that Aika had never travelled before as they spied on Akari in their hidden position.

As they looked at her through the window, they saw that Akari was talking to a woman that was carrying some flowers called Cornus Florida. They were shocked as it was probably the first time that she had met the people in the Vaporetto. As someone left the seat, Akari and the woman was letting each other have the seat until two other gals asked Akari and Aria to sit with them.

As the two spies were outside, there was suddenly a huge bump as the Vaporetto jerked slightly, making Aika all nervous until Alice mentioned that it was just the indication of the next stop. They then looked on as Akari continued to chat, and they felt drowsy until yet another bump came to wake them up. Alice was still looking at Akari when a man suddenly appeared, wearing a dark coat that reminded Alice about the corpse killer in the detective novel she was reading the day before.

They did not think about it seriously until they noticed that Akari was even able to talk to his mysterious man that looked rather suspicious, as Akari was like gesturing about the case that the man was carrying. They wanted to go in as they were worried for Akari. As they continued to observe and wanted to enter, a lady opened the door that they were spying from. The lady had a basket of oranges and she spilled it, with Alice and Aika saying sorry and picking them up. After they picked up the oranges, they noticed that Akari was missing and had left the boat with the mysterious man.

They were now worried that Akari, with her innocent and easily accepting self, would be in trouble. However, the Vaporetto had already left the dock as they tried to rush back to the stop once they landed. As they rushed over to the place, they were about to spilt up when they heard the voice of Aria. They chased the voice and were lost in the myriad of corridors until they heard Aria’s voice once again. They had reached a little plaza where the mysterious man and Akari were standing there. The man was holding some instruments and he was in fact a travelling puppet performer.

Aika and Alice seemed to have seen the doll before but they could not remember how they did it. The man was moving the doll flawlessly and then invited Akari to take out a doll and play with him. Aria also joined in the fun when he danced along with the dolls. As Akari played happily, amidst a bit flustered since it was her first time trying, Alice and Aika remembered that they had seen this traveler when they were young, going with the kids in the neighbourhood. They were shocked that by following Akari and seeing the world through her eyes, they were able to discover lost memories that they would not see at all. It was like seeing a totally different world.

In a way, they could understand how Akari was able to talk to others so easily and making friends, as they met her, saying that it was just a coincidence to meet. They then waved to the traveling man as he held his puppet up, waving goodbye to the Undines.

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Episode thoughts

A really good episode that really is making standards of Aria higher than it can already be realistically. I really like the part of the two following Akari and being so clueless about the various things that are happening. Akari really showed this side of her that was more pleasing, as I had often thought of her as a bit too naive for my liking. In this portrayal of the episode, she seemed to be able to somehow sense the goodness in every person, not having any pre-misconceptions of anyone.

This meant that she could literally be nice to everybody, due to the fact that she do not have any bias in her group. Hence, this allowed her to enjoy everything that life has present to her. With an open heart, she accepts. There is no prejudice, no despising of anyone, simply the action to experience the fullest of her life. This is Akari, a truly open-minded person about life.

Alice and Aika were also cute this episode, with them chasing their friend around, acting like really bad spies all around. A fun and enjoyable episode, keeping with the feel-good factor.

Alicia is so cute, no matter whether she’s older or younger. She just has that quality in her that makes her just so angelic. Maybe it is that smile or simply her character that embodies that feeling in us. Aria really brings out the best in the character called Alicia. A pity she does not have green hair. Lol, but I guess that is also a reason why we have so many Alicia fanboys out there.

Finally back to Aria after rotation of series (have been crashing eyeshield 21 from episode 1-48, H & C first season and the likes). This episode is back to Akari and Alicia, where Akari was being the tourist guide, with Alicia as supervisor. There is a little bit of humor but the message this episode was very interesting. I will cover that and talk about my little experiences with the message that I gathered in this episode.

Episode summary + thoughts coming right up!

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Episode summary

As Akari finally picked up her first customer today, with Alicia on board as an instructor, she seemed to do quite well. She went around the waterways that she was traveling often with her customers and was doing a good job of explaining why daisies, the flower that Marco Polo brought back from China, was displayed everywhere in the town. As Akari continued to tell the customers, she was asked to stop, with the customer seeing a garden of flowers.

The customer asked Akari whether it was a garden of sorts, but Akari had never seen it. It was up to Alicia to explain that it was in fact a private residence with the flowers, as it was done by the person staying there to present the beauty to represent the beauty of his wife. Akari was surprised as the customer had not seen the waterway before and yet could pick it out when she travelled in this waterway so many times.

After the customer guide was over, Akari was going around, trying to find more unknown places. It was then that Alice and Aika came over as they joined her to show some of the special places that they know in the area. The first spot was Aika as she brought them to a tree whose unique shape meant that there was a beautiful calming sound when the wind passed through. Aika could not explain the reason though, and Alice said that it was how the shape of the tree acted like a whistle to the wind.

It was Alice’s turn as she brought them to a blue wall that belonged to a place called the House of despair. It was so called because the blue wall reflected the depression of the owner who lived in this place. However, Alice did not notice that there was a red tile that was bright Aika said that it was also to represent how the owner had a passionate heart and laughed at Alice for not knowing such a famous fact. With that, they started to bring Akari around, dissing each other in a competition of unknown places.

As they came to a rest, they met Alicia. As Akari was mentioning that she wanted to search more, the three said that they could continue the search after dinner. However, Alicia said that it was going to be hard to do it today because there would be a power outage for the night, meaning that everywhere would be pitch dark. Akari and Alicia were back at Aria company and after several questioning, Akari finally mentioned that she was scared of pitch dark areas and she was unable to fall asleep.

It was night time and the power failure had appeared. Akari was worried sick as she sat down with Aria, only to notice that there was a shadow that passed by the window. As the door opened, she was already in a panic until she realised that the shadow (ghost) was in fact Alicia who had came over to pay her a visit in the night. She had brought candles along as she lined them around and lit up the whole place. They both felt that they were like in a different world completely.

Alicia then went for a bath, followed by Akari as she noticed that the candles were also in the bathroom, like flames floating in the water. Alicia then prepared a tea party for the two of them, as she had various fusion of drinks to meet the ambience of the different environment. A long talk resumed about the significance of candles and how the world looked different in different times.

Akari and Alice went up the bedroom and noticed that there was light in the bedroom. The stars have lit up the sky as there was a complete blackout. They slept under the soft light of the stars, enjoying the view that was special to the both of them.

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Episode thoughts

What a strong message. In the episode, two messages came forth. One was the story about the flame, and using candles as an analogy. The flame of a candle was weak but it was enduring and never failed in its leisurely pace. It was a clear symbolisation of the spirit in which of us. Sometimes, we have so many burdens that we lose the thing that is in us: that warm, little flame in us to enjoy every single thing that was presented to us.

There are so many times that we often see the obvious, but never see the subtle things. It was like how Alicia first saw only the fallen flowers as it had just rained but not the significance and beauty of it as well. Everything can be a good thing, as long as we keep that warm flame (positivism) alive.

The second thing was the line by Alicia once again.

“Depending on the flow of time, things can look different…”

Isn’t it so true? Things that are seen in daybreak look completely different in the dark. Things that appeared once, according to your heart, the time and the feelings in you will appear totally different the next time you see it. The thing is, we can often see things that were the same yet different in our eyes. Let us open our hearts, just like how akari and Alicia did, in order to see a whole new world in our eyes.

Beautiful episode and soothing. Time to watch another aria later =/

Aika is just so cute when she’s blushing. Of course, she can’t beat the lovely Alice when it comes to uber sweetness but she is definitely a very close second. I love this episode a lot because it was a beautiful adaptation of Valentine’s day. It really feels a lot of love in the air and we not only see the improving relationship between Athena and Alice, but also a small but significant romance factor in Aika and Al.

Al seems rather thick-skulled and oblivious to Aika’s interest in him though. It is really sad, poor Aika, liking such an insensitive guy. Still, you go, Aika!

It was the time of summer and Acqua Alta (the flooding) was here again, hence the Undines were taking a little break from their usual routine. Alicia was going to the Gondola Society meeting once again. With that, the day they called Bocolo was coming. A beautiful meeting awaited all the Undines.

Episode summary + thoughts ahead

As Alicia left the area, the phone rang and it was Akatsuki who had called. Without giving Akari the time to reply, he simply asked her to come over and help him to carry some stuff. She then went over, realising that everyone had a red rose around them. It was Bocolo Day and the single rose was a symbolisation of the little holiday.

Akatsuki in fact had a huge basket of roses for Alicia and the rose symbolises the love that the man had to the girl. Hence, with a huge basket, it was to represent his great love for Alicia (don’t we know that already). As Alicia had her trolley-like equipment, Akatsuki took over and placed the roses in the trolley, helping her pull as it was rather heavy. It was there that they met Alice and it seemed that Alice had a courtesy rose from the old baker. However, she did say that Athena got a lot of roses from her juniors and fans.

Akari asked if Alice had given any roses to Athena but she said she did not give courtesy flowers and it made no difference whether she gave one or not. However, Akari said that it was not that and urged her to give Athena at least a flower. They then parted as Akari and Akatsuki continued on their journey to pass Alicia the flowers. As Akari dropped her boot in the water, she decided to remove the other pair, feeling the cold chilling floor on her feet.

As they walked, Akari reflected that the sky was reflected from the water, as though there was a different world. She felt that it was really beautiful. It was then that a booming “Embarrassing remarks are not allowed” came from who else but Aika. However, once Aika and Akatsuki met, they started to call each other names. Aika in fact had a rose in her hand, and Akari asked if it was Al who gave her that rose. She said it was not and it was in fact for Alicia as she went over to the Gondola meeting to find Alicia.

Woody then flew down from the sky, with a huge bunch of flowers all around him. It seemed that Woody was in fact sending a lot of flowers that were addressed to Akira, who was very popular as well. He then passed a huge basket of roses to Akatsuki and asked for the fee. However, Akatsuki used a threat that had something to do with their childhood, something to the extent that he gave something to Woody when he was very young to prevent young Woody from crying. He hence said that he would not mind reaccounting the story to Akari.

With that threat, Woody could not reply and flew off with great sadness since the loan was going to be piling up once again. Akatsuki was clearly a person that had difficulties returning any form of money. They finally got to a marketplace where there were many roses waiting to be sold. As Akatsuki was bargaining about the price, a lady was standing with her basket of flowers, explaining the history of Bocolo day.

It was a story that was in Man-home, where a lower-status young man fell in love with a girl that was of rich status. Due to the fact that he wanted to prove his worth, he went on to the battlefield but he was seriously hurt until he was no longer able to come back. It was said that he fell in a thicket of white roses and he passed to his comrade one of the roses and asked him to give it to the girl. As the battle ended, the comrade gave the girl the white rose that was dyed red by the blood of the young man. It was then that the girl realised that the man she loved had died in the field. It was hence representing the red rose as a fulfillment of promise to the girl that loved the man a lot. It was then that a red rose was given by a man to the girl that he loved.

We changed scenes and saw Aika trying to find Alicia at the Gondola society meeting but realised that she had left already. As she was about to walk back to Aria company to find Aria there, she met up with Al. Al was asking about flowers and Aika said it was not a gift from someone but she was in fact giving the rose to Alicia. In her mind though, she wondered how Al would feel if she said it was a gift from a guy. Al then took out an uncut eye of the rose and gave it to Aika.

Aika was wondering what it meant as it was a symbolisation of a rose. Did that mean that Al actually was professing his love or simply giving it as a gift? She did not know and she wanted to ask Al about it. It was then that Akari came over with Akatsuki and Aika was not paying attention at all to whatever Akari was saying to her. Aika was clearly still thinking about the gift. Akari then left when she was chased by Akatsuki.

Al then mentioned that Aika’s cheeks were very red and was worried that she might have a fever (man, is he really that thick). She was wanting to ask him about the gift again but she was way too shy and said nothing at all. The scene changed as we see Akari and Akatsuki rehearsing about how Akatsuki was going to present the flowers to Alicia. Akari really was amusing as she made a really good impersonation of Alicia (the my my!) and Akatsuki was way too nervous. As they continued to rehearse, Alicia passed by and heard it. Akatsuki, of course, was way too nervous and started stammering. However, Alicia got the wrong idea, thinking that Akatsuki was giving the flowers to Akari and moved away, not wanting to disturb the “couple”.

As Akatsuki was disappointed, he tripped and fell, with all the roses starting to float in the river surface. Akari said that his feelings would somehow be sent to Alicia as the feelings of him as the roses spread in the water would bring that message to Alicia as well. Even though sometimes, a message was tender and painful, the rose was something that would always bring a smile to someone.

A few scenes changed as we first see Alice giving a rose to Athena. Then we saw Al and Aika and he said that the gem when cut would look very beautiful on her. She blushed instanteously until Al made another horrible pun. Lastly, we see Akatsuki picking up a single rose from the water and gave it to Akari for helping him the whole day.

It was the first time that Akari had ever received a rose from a man and she smiled beautifully, with the Bocolo Day coming to a close.

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Episode thoughts

What can i say? I have Akari, Aika and Alice all three blushing in this episode. Any normal heterosexual male will go all swooning at the cute girls. In fact, I must say that Aika was extremely cute with her interactions with Al. It was definitely much more than a crush now, and the fact that the two seemed to be rather compatible made it even more interesting. I really hope that they have more chances of blossoming, even though this series’s focus does not seem to be on romantic relationships.

After watching an episode with Akatsuki, I must say that he is like the glue to this series. The fact that he brought out the prime characteristics of the main characters meant that he was really good at small dosages. It was probably why it seemed that the characters interacted much more beautifully. He was perhaps the refreshing change from all the pretty, cute and lovely ladies who were Undines, making the anime even more beautiful in color than it already was.

The whole story of Bocolo was also really beautiful. I liked the scenery of the shots, as it really gave that romantic feeling, especially when the roses started to spread along the water. It was a really beautiful scene and one that might be in my head for quite a while.

Anyway, this is really a nice episode, up with the standards of Aria was one of the best feel-good/slice of life anime for the past few years. Woohoo~

The first series of Aria often did not bother about the supernatural aspect, but in Natural, I noticed that it had been rather persasive. We already had (including this) two episodes about the cats and I would say that it was definitely a little different. I found the change rather interesting, but it did not really affect my viewing since Aria was still a very feel-good anime to watch. It is just about the best anime to watch when you are feeling down, low, or simply want to have a good day to relax.

This episode concentrated on the lands of the cats and I quite enjoyed it, even though there was no real lesson learnt. It was just beautiful but I wished that there was a deeper meaning from this episode. In a way, there might be but it was too subtle until I was unable to capture. There were some thoughts still when I watched this though.

Without further ado, my summary + thoughts!

It was summer time as Akari changed into the short sleeves clothes of summer time. Akari was about to bring Aria for training but she noticed that Aria was not around. After searching for a bit, she left as she met up with Alice and Aika for their joint training session. Aika asked Alice about the pair party and she said that it was good to be considerate once in a while. Aika took it to mean that she was not considerate with them. Alice also mentioned that she was going to train with her company people as well, and said that she might be a prima faster than all of them.

Aika, with her competitive spirit, went down to a very difficult waterway. As they went through with relative ease, Akari noticed that Aria was on a Gondola, going on another waterway. She pointed it out, asking Aika to follow Aria. However, She was not interested until Alice mentioned that it was also another difficult waterway. With that, they gave chase as Aika wanted to prove herself.

As they followed Aria around the narrow waterway, they reached the point where there was a giant gate that was usually closed. That was why they were surprised it was open but Akari and Alice felt that there was this presence that felt dangerous, as though there was someone who did not want them to come. Since Alice had to leave for school soon, they gave up on the idea and went back. When Akari went back to Aria company, she noticed that President Aria was not around still, and Alicia hinted that Aria might have gone for a cat’s meeting. However, Cait Sith had cast black magic so that humans would not be allowed into the place. As Akari went up the room, Aria finally came back and immediately fell asleep. Aria seemed exhausted.

The next day, Akari noticed that Aria was not around once again and they decided to give chase, both Aika and Akari. However, Akari let Aika do the oarring as it was a very narrow waterway to navigate. Aika noted that there was no branching, which made that it was a direct route at the very least. They had then passed back a house of windmills, as Akari stared aimlessly as the windmills turned.

They lost Aria but Aika noted there were no intersections so they would probably be able to find Aria soon ahead. They then went past a narrow pathway, where an old building that looked like an immigration faculty was left abandoned. They then caught the sight of Aria as they continued to give chase. As they continued to find Aria, we could see tons of cats in the background, watching the two.

Time seemed to freeze as the two of them tried to find their way, only to find themselves in a loop, reaching the same place over and over again. Aika thought Akari was just being paranoid as she suggested to Akari to change positions. Still, they continued to do so and Akari said that it must be punishment for trying to enter a place that they should not go. Both of them started to panic as they were worried that they could not get back anymore. That was when Aria came and showed them a path that both of them did not see until now. They then went through the waterway. As Akari looked back at the exit, an image of Cait Sith and the cats was shown as they waved at her.

They finally got out, with Akari feeling a bit out of sorts. The next day, the three continued to train and realised that the gate was closed. Alice wondered what was happening with them and they shrugged it off, saying there was nothing at all.

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Episode thoughts

A very interesting episode. I cannot find the moral or message in this story, but if i was to think of one, it would be this. I felt that what Ai-chan in her email said was right. It seemed that even though the cats did not want humans to come in, they probably wanted the company of Akari in this.

Sometimes, we were curious and wanted something very badly. However, it was not the right time or right place to demand for it. It was the same case here. Akari wanted so badly to see the cat’s meeting but sometimes, there were some things that we just cannot get because we want it. Everything needs time and the timing was not right. That was a rather derived message I had gotten from this episode.

From the warning of enz and anga, it seemed that the next episode is Valentine. Gonna watch it now!~

See, Alice is so beautiful!! Yes, i will follow you to your school and worship you completely! Ermm, I sound like a stalker.

OMG, THIS IS FINALLY IT!! I have reached the Alice-centric episode after the gnashing of teeth and the unscathed anger that I was unable to reach the holy land. To be honest, I realise that I cannot be objective with this episode as the whole story was all about Alice. In fact, I am putting this as my favorite episode ever. See the beauty! See the elegance! See what is called a true Undine beauty!

*man, i sound scary. I swear it is the symptons of being a greenophile

Without further ado, episode summary and more swooning below =/

Alice woke up from her bed, only to see that everyone (Maa and Athena) were still sleeping happily. She looked out the window, as it was yet another start of the day. They went off, as the whole Orange Planet went out for their training together. Athena was finally up as well, but she noticed that Alice had left the group, training together with Aika and Akari instead.

They went on yet another training session, as they went past various waterways before Alice asked whether the two seniors wanted to come over to her place, rather than training. They said it was good and we see them going into the room. It was there where Maa found its favorite flabby belly of Aria, but Aria climbed up the bed and Maa could not deal its attack at all. Alice was explaining that Maa was too small to climb up and her back was turned when she was playing a card game with Aika. Aika took the chance to complete the game and won it.

Alice, of course, was not happy but used the reasoning that only kids would bother to play card games, making Aika annoyed as she made a lot of noise about it. Of course, Alice hated to lose but she was just acting cool as usual. Alice then used her “you’re really nosy”, “Aika-senpai is really really acting like a child”.

I laughed my head off since it’s one of the best scenes for this episode. Akari then noticed the time on the clock and said that they had to leave. However, Athena had already talked with the dorm and said that they were allowed to go. Alice also urged them to stay, especially Aika, because it was bad form to run after winning a game. She really hated to lose.

It was then that they went for dinner. We see the normal antics of Athena nearly dropping her noodles. As they finished their dinner, they went off to the beautiful garden, and even Aika was impressed and jealous that Orange Planet had so much quality in their dorms. Of course, Aika would never admit it, considering her headstrong attitude. They were happily looking around as Alice sat down along the pond. Athena came over and placed a flower on the hair of Alice and they remarked that it made her very cute, like a princess (OF COURSE!). Alice asked why Athena did that and Athena simply answered that she felt like it.

They left the garden and went over to the letter box but Athena went the wrong way as usual, climbing the stairs when it was not there. She was really dopey, even though she was in the company for a long time. Alice noted that Athena was always clumsy when she was happy and she asked why. Athena said she was happy because it seemed like Alice was enjoying herself with Akari and Aika. They went over to the letterbox and found an invitation to join an in-house pair party.

However, Alice circled that she was not going as she disliked the pretence. They then went over to bathe, with the whole giant bath empty. Alice noted that she always came at this time as there were no people. She felt that the people here disliked her as Akari and Aika did not know how to response. Athena noted earlier in fact to Akari and Aika that everyone here respected her but Alice sees it as a form of hostility when they envy her. She never did realise how special she was and in a way, Alice was still a child at heart.

With that, Alice said that it was really ok to miss the party as the others were much older and she had nothing to say as she went to the dressing room to dry her hair. It was then that Athena came over to help her and told her that a mirror reflected how a person was. Alice mentioned that she enjoyed the company of Akari because she was always happy and smiling, while Aika spoke her mind. That was why she felt comfortable with them. Athena then added that Athena felt nervous because others reflected from their lack of confidence. She hinted that it was perhaps that you feel that people hate you, you also start to hate others as well.

As Alice went back to her room, she saw Maa trying to bite Aria again but failed as it smacked right at the bed. However, Maa did not give up as it climbed steadily up before reaching the bed and ambushing Aria finally. Alice was urging Maa as she decided that she would try harder as well. With that thing settled, Alice fell asleep as Athena hushed the two who had finished their bathe.

The next day, we see an extremely genki Alice, determined to change herself. She decided that she would attend the party.

YOU GO, ALICE-CHAN!

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Episode thoughts

Did i say this episode rocks my socks off? I did? Well, it did rocks my socks off because it is Alice-centric. This is really Alice at her best, as she had her sarcastic yet pure moments, making it impossible for anyone to hate her. I mean seriously, any idiot who can hate Alice, is clearly an idiot (wow, i am so not objective here).

The theme of this episode was reflection. It was really clear that Alice always had the misconception that others dislike her, simply because she was reflecting that view to her outer side. It is very hard to interact with someone if all she does was to look coldly at anyone. To accept others, you have to reflect how you deal with things, and I am very glad that Alice had found that out. She got to have more self-confidence sometimes.

Athena’s antics never failed to make me laugh. However, Athena felt less of a senior to me. She seemed more like a big sister to Alice and that was why I think among the three senior-junior relationships, this one is just about the most beautiful. I really like how they compliment each other and Athena is always doing the right things at the right time to guide her junior. She was just about the best person to train Alice, to break that ice in her.

To add lastly, Alice rocks! (i think i said that too many times)

Sometimes, when we go on a journey, we might realise that we make the wrong turns and mistakes. However, without these mistakes, we will never be able to see the sights that we see due to the mistakes. In fact, most of the time, because of the wrong turn, we can experience something that is even greater than what we wanted to see in the first place. We might get disappointed along the way, but it is often not the end product that is the most important, it is the sights and sounds of the journey that leads us along.

This is why life is like a journey. We often walk in different roads, finding and getting lost. However, we all reach the end and experience different things in life that are enjoyable.

This is what I was taught by this episode.

There are 2 mini episodes within this episode, so onwards!

1st story

Spring had arrived and Akari and Alicia went out together as it was a public holiday. Akari was driving her gondola along the sea, as she observed a lot of Torii on one of the islands, who was their destination. When they landed, they saw a lot of torii lining up, as it was the shrine of Okitsune-sama, a fox messenger for the god of rice, Inari). Akari was shocked at the two statues, as the statues were often in pairs, and it was the statue of Okitsune-sama.

They then went into the temple, passing through a lot of torii as they hit the tea house. There, they sold fried tofu as it was Okitsune-sama’s favorite dish. The old lady in the shop also re-accounted the tale about Okitsune in a child human form to interact with the people here sometimes. She did warn that the god was mischeivous and whatever you do, never follow him back to the god’s realm because you would not be able to come back. Alicia smiled as she said the old lady loved to scare people with that tale but Akari was geniunely scared, of course, considering her being rather naive.

As they walked around the big temple, Akari could feel that there was someone following them but whatever she turned, she saw no one. There was in fact a little boy wearing a mask following them. The rain then came into the middle of the sunshine and it was the first time that Akari had seen a sunshower. Alicia mentioned that there was another name for sunshower but she could not remember. With that, both of them hunted for shelter in order to escape the rain.

It was then when they hunted for shelter that they seperated, with Aria and Akari not finding Alicia. The rain had stopped and they tried to track the way back to the tea house and could not, as they kept moving around in circles. It was as though they had reached another dimension. On the other hand, they eventually knew that there was indeed someone following them. It was then that a fog started to build up and there was a form of marriage procession going on, with a bride under an umbrella. Akari was shocked as the procession stopped right where she was standing.

They looked at her, while a little boy (the one following them all along) extended his hands to Akari. However, Akari remembered the tale of the old lady but the boy only wanted the fried tofu (he’s the messenger). As the procession continued, Akari found herself back to reality as she rushed back to a worried Alicia at the teahouse. She had met with Okitsune-sama.

As they left the temple, Akari noticed that her fried tofu was on one of the statues. Okitsune-sama simply wanted some of his favorite food as she moved off. It was then that the symoblism of the marriage procession was revealed as the other name for sunshower was “Fox’s wedding” as it was reputed that marriages of animals were carried out in a sunshower).

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2nd story

It was their second journey as Alicia had a day off. Alicia actually wanted to bring Akari to a place in search for spring, as they drove off once again with their gondola. Alicia had prepared some bento for a nice picnic as they arrived at a forested area. It was the first time that Akari had seen such a giant forest as she was overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of butterflies and beautiful flowers in the region. Aria, who was carrying the bento, was getting hungry, as they sat down in the middle of the forest and started to eat. After getting their full, Aria was chasing a bee and they found a path filled with flowers in the distance.

They followed it, as they saw a stone structure that was in fact an old railroad station. It was used to transport timber and stone to build roads in the earlier days of Aqua. However, it was abandoned already. Akari thought that it was the special place that Alicia wanted to show her, but Alicia simply prodded her to go on. It was then that Aria went to chase a grasshopper and tripped.

As they rushed over, there was a stretch of the old railway as they followed it. As they walked, they found themselves in a track branch, as Akari used the walking branch to decide the path. As they walked on, they were about to give up as it was coming to evening until they saw a tree in the distance. They went over and found a really beautiful cherry blossom tree with an abandoned train. The top of the ceiling had came off and they observed as the cherry blossoms fell down slowly onto our two leads.

Aria then caught itself in the wires, before dropping down, snapping the wires and returning the lights in the train. A beautiful scene appeared as their journey for today ended.

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Episode thoughts

A really beautiful episode, especially after a hell lot of emo-scenes from Honey and clover that forced me to delete it from my hard disk. That is what I always like about Aria: The feel-good factor. There are very few series that I had watched that gives you this warm-hearted feeling and yet not be so cliche in which there is nothing you can learn. There is no fanservice, no serious plot or anything out of the ordinary, but still, it just charms.

This episode clearly indicates why Aria is so powerful, due to its simplistic messages to the viewer. Both the mini-episodes mentioned about travelling and the journey to look for something beautiful. This reminded me of how it parallels life. Sometimes, we were so caught up in life, moving up the corporate leader and gunning for success that we forget that we might already went past the stage where we wanted.

Sometimes, we fear to go forward, for we have heard tales of horror from others, just like Akari who was told the tale of Okitsune. However, sometimes, what the others want was something very simple and easy. All of us just needs a bit more courage, a bit more strength to go on to do what we want. Yes?

I guess the next episode is finally ALICE-CENTRIC!!! I can’t wait to watch it =/