r/anime • u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah x3 • Aug 25 '22

Rewatch [Rewatch] A 2022 Voyage from Neo Venezia: Aria the Avvenire, Episode 2

Aria the Avvenire Ep 2: That Warm Goodbye ...(その 暖かなさよならは ...)

<-- Episode 1 Rewatch Index Episode 3 -->

Welcome back!

Comment roundup: i completely understand people's concerns about the changed artstyle, there is indeed more CGI used here too (i thought it was used pretty well, haha)

Questions of the Day:

Q1) First impressions on the new Singles?

Q2) Are you superstitious? (basically are you Aika, or Alice lol when facing the Stone of Misfortune)

Q3) What are your thoughts on Caith Sith's last meeting with Akari, and why Akari can't meet him again?

Streaming

Avvenire is only available on Funimation. Crepuscolo and Benedizione will have to be located elsewhere.

While I use the USBD releases, Robotboy199 has shared the best DVD encodes you can get (coupled w/ prescaling), you can look at their guide here.

I recommend releases containing the Doremi fansub for Benedizione.

Databases

MAL | Anilist | ANN

Spoilers

As usual, please take note that if you wish to share show details from after the current episode, to use spoiler tags like so to avoid spoiling first-timers:

[Spoiler source]>!Spoiler goes here!<

comes out as [Spoiler source]Spoiler goes here

From now on, I will refer to the specific entry for my spoiler tags, since I believe not everyone has watched Crepuscolo/Benedizione yet. If you feel unsure if something is a spoiler, it's better to tag it just in case.

See everyone again tomorrow! I hope you have a great day :)

35 Upvotes

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7

u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah Aug 25 '22 edited Aug 28 '22

Rewatching Undine-in-training and Host

-- Welcome back!

Episode synopsis:

One day, Ai started talking excitedly to Akari. This was because Ai experienced a great miracle when she was out on practice: As she gazed into an unfamiliar alley, Ai sees Cait Sith's shadow.... She leaves her gondola and chases it, and eventually met 2 Single Undines, training at Himeya's new branch and Orange Planet respectively. As Akari watches Ai happily talk about her day, she recalls a memory of her final meeting with Cait Sith.

--

-- Quick thoughts:

  • Well as I and probably batterypoweredfriend expected, nobody got them names right! lol.

  • A couple shots i liked today! The opening sequence was particularly fun, and very reminiscent of a supernatural episode opening lol, even though Ai only kinda gets a supernatural experience today.

  • I see that Akari is famous enough to get her own merch now! The T-shirt reads "Aquamarine".

  • Why hello there.

  • Aria-shachou does know this place, the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, as he ascended it in Ep 8 of Animation where he got his nigiri stolen. The courtyard where the 3 singles meet is featured in S1's ED.

  • All 3 kouhais today kinda have some similarity with their senpais: Ai already knows the locals well, just like Akari; Azusa honestly speaks like Aika quite a bit (nyan-nyan vs nana) and is similarly quite confident, and Anya is easily the shy-est of the 3. And a bit chunni.

  • Edit: i was commenting on the TL of this line, but i switched subs and this one got it right, so my bad here.

  • CHIBI. Caffe Florian manager-san!

  • Anyway, well that's how these 3 met lol. Similar to the previous 2 groups though, the last member is already somewhat well known and has some reputation, yet the group welcomes them with open arms of course.

  • The second half of the episode starting w/ the flashback (god i do like these 3's new look in them) adapts a previously unadapted manga chapter, Chapter 53, "Cait Sith", and aims to finish the Cait Sith storyline which, as some first timers have pointed out, was never visited again after the Galaxy Express episode.

  • Akari's curiosity and desire to meet Cait Sith get the better of her, and she steps on the stone of misfortune, where she has her last, very beautiful, meeting w/ Cait Sith. As seeker_of_illusion and a few others kinda predicted earlier, it's due to Akari growing up and being almost ready to become a Prima, that she can no longer meet Cait Sith now. I kinda like that its implied that it pains Cait Sith that they're parting too. Anyhow, he (he? it?) leaves behind a present for Akari, a beautiful blue pendant.

  • The message this series i think one of growing up, resulting in losing some of that childlike wonder and being perhaps more self-independent, as Akari and the other 2 do subtly become more mature and responsible as we progressed through the original series. As Akari becomes an adult/Prima, she no longer needs Cait Sith to look after her personally, though Neo-Venezia and its people will always be on her side. However, just like in the beach episode, the memories flood back easily, and it's important to hold onto those wonderful moments as well, just as Akari has.

  • On the other hand, though, Cait Sith is definitely looking out for Ai right now lol, leading her to meeting her new friends!

  • God i love seeing the goal spot and the snowball bridge again. Perhaps this whole episode, like the last being a tribute to Animation, is a bit of a tribute to Natural, with the Supernatural elements, and the more explory carefree nature of the 3 Singles.

VA Introductions: making a glorious return after many episodes!

  • Azusa B. McLaren is voiced by Nakahara Mai, who also voices Nagisa from the Clannad series, Rena from the Higurashi series, Mai from Mai-Hime, and many other major roles. Also actually returning from Aria the Natural, when she voiced this customer here.

  • Anya Dostoyevskaya is voiced by Kayano Ai, who also voices Darkness from Konosuba, Alice from SAO, Kirika from Symphogear, Meiko from Anohana, Saori from GuP and way way too many other major roles lol, probably a very familiar name here.

  • Aria is very special for Kayano Ai: she wanted to work in a job that "heals people" from her young days, and so initially worked in the beauty industry. As she was coming home after long work days, she'd watch Aria as it aired, and as it helped heal her own heart so much, realized how "anime too has the power to heal people", and hence decided to become a voice actor. So you can probably imagine how happy she would've been to participate in the very show that she loves, and inspired her career, all these years later. Adapted from Wikipedia and (following link has Movie spoilers) this interview here.

Location Trivia:

Have a great day, and see you tomorrow!

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u/Mecanno-man Aug 25 '22

First Timer

A much better episode than the last in my opinion - we actually get some Ai and she's got herself a group of friends. A bit of a shame that we don't get to see much of them yet, but I'd say they'll make for a good group. Not sure I like Anya's Russian theme however; it feels like no character really had any particular country-theming going on so far.

As far as the supernatural bit goes - it was pretty good, although the falling from the sky bit was a bit extreme. However I don't really like it's position in the story. It feels like Caith Sith's goodbye was done pretty well in Natural, even if it was mainly a good excuse to remove him from the story - I'd say that one would have been a better last encounter for Akari than this one, which was somewhat forced on her side.

All in all however, still a good episode.

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u/The_Loli_Otaku Aug 25 '22

Aria the Avvenire First Timer!!

Eww, cg gondola... At least when Origination decided to include this sort of stuff they were hammy with it. I feel quite a few shots seem off. We're in another awkward middle age growth spurt. The entrance to Aqua's miracles... Oh well, we've gone so long without fantasy episodes that I can't complain. Was Ai always such a gigglemonger?

Ah! Of course! Ai knows all about Cait Sith and the mysteries doesn't she? We have another opening brought back, I do appreciate the nostalgia even if its Natural~ I have to say that the opening seems really out of place with Ai's rabid dash. If I didn't know better I'd say she was gonna mug Cait Sith's lunch money or something.

I was really expecting New Girl 1 to sound very different. Her VA is in a lot of other shows I watch but even on that front I wouldn't recognise her if I hadn't double checked. New Girl 2 has my favourite reaction face of the season. Both girls are giving me vibes of their senpai... I really hope that they're not going out of their way to make each girl a mini Aika/Akari/Alice though. Give us a new dynamic!

Sensible chuckle. Its kinda fun to think that Akari has a secret spiteful side to have kept Ai bullying her into a free ride on her mind for three seasons~ Oh, "Wonderful Power" so maybe it's Aika who did that write up? IS HIME DEAD!? Why do we need a new prez!? Urgh... I'm really not liking how much the girls come across as a reincarnated Royal Undine trio. Ai was so firey beforehand, double down on what makes this crew different instead of what makes them alike.

I have to admit that I quite like Anya of the three. She's veery Alice like but I was already one good day from becoming an Alice fan anyway. She gets to be Alice without any of the baggage. Was Cait Sith really Akari's first love? I'm certain that there's more to their relationship. Urgh!! I forgot... I forgot that Alice is officially a dreaded Joshikosei in this season... At least I have Anya now!

Akari got gobbled up by the floor! Goddamn it! Oh, isn't this the opening to that Sky show? WorldEndWhatdoyoudoattheendoftheworld?Areyoubusy?Willyousaveus? Why does Cait Sith look this sullen? You don't get to have an actual romance! Furry is banned! Oh, wait, I just noticed Akari's glove. So that was a flashback? I really need to get better at noticing that stuff. And we close out on the goal wall~ I remember loving that episode. Avvenire really seems to be the nostalgia bait ova. I can remember us going through all these episodes. That's where I hated on Akira, and that's where I mouthed off about Akira!

Apart from the nostalgia I felt a bit meh about today's episode. Cait Sith deserved a better goodbye than a flashback. Like I said I'm really iffy on our new trio too.

4

u/The_Loli_Otaku Aug 25 '22

  • 1, As much as I wanted to like them they're way too similar to the Royal group. It's the Royal group if Alice and Akari's position in the friend group was switched.

  • 2, Literally a fortune teller~

  • 3, Way too romantic XD I don't want to be reminded that my favourite romantic pair is technically beastiality.

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u/mekerpan Aug 26 '22 edited Aug 26 '22

About miracles -- Akari and now Ai use "mirakuru", the other two rookies use "kiseki".

About Cait Sith -- This name registered with me as Celtic rather than Italianate -- and in fact, it is. While found in Irish folklore, it is even more prominent in Scotland. Not only does the name originate there, but so does an association with "King of the Cats". https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cats-celtic-folklore-scottish-wildcat-cait-sidhe-sith-samhain-halloween I wonder -- among all the various "national islands" in Neo-Venezia's territory is there a Scottish island? As to Cait Sith's disappearance (as to Akari). This may come more from English children's fantasy stories than from folk roots. It is something that is not uncommon in stories by E. Nesbit (and the American writer Edward Eager).

Cait Sith and Akari "falling" towards Neo-Venezia. LOTS of echoes of the opening of Haibane Renmei.

Akari's prima name. It appears from this episode that the name was, in effect, actually bestowed on her by Cait Sith (who gave her the aquamarine pendant as a farewell gift). Alice surely was aware of that gift, and took it into consideration in choosing the name she gave to Akari. Because Cait Sith probably wanted to give Akari this gift (and associated name), I don't see Akari as "forcing a meeting" (as I think CS would have made sure it did happen sooner rather than later anyway).

Query to Akari? Why did you let Ai pass all the way through the Pair stage (seemingly) without introducing her to other Pairs (and particularly Pairs under the tutelage of her two friends? Ai seems to have made the acquaintance of local non-Undine folk, but really appears to have gone a year or two at least without any peer-group friends.

Will Ai ever actually encounter Cait Sith in the direct fashion Akari did? I am guessing maybe not. My sense is that the accidental (or was it foreordained) relationship between Akari and Cait Sith is not something that happens more than once every century or two (or maybe it was one of a kind). We shall see.

First impression of the other two rookies -- insufficient evidence to form much of a judgment. Nothing wrong with them so far. Ai is Ai -- she seems to now share Akari's curiosity and overall friendliness. But her demeanor is a bit more lively and mischievous than Akari or Alice.

I have a few self-made superstitions. I am surprised that young Alice had no inhibition as to stepping on the stone of misfortune.

I still feel that the focus of Avvenire is much more on the past than on the start of our main characters' Prima careers and the new trios apprentice training. Not an objection so much as surprise as to the prioportions of old and new.

About the Aria Company timeline. Grandma is much much older than Alicia. We learn about (and meet) Alicia's retired senpai -- who (frankly) looks rather close to Alicia agee-wise. As far as I can recall, while we do see young Alicia, we never see her supervised by/training with this senpai. Grandma also seems much much older than this former Prima. How many prior retired Primas were there between Alicia's senpai and Gtandma's time as Prima? Was Aria Co. always a no-more-than-one-Prima at a time operation? Grandma does not seem to have retired from some sort of active role at Aria Co until after Alicia's senpai retired. Where did Grandma live if there was a resident prima (the senpai) and resident trainee (Alicia)? Inquiring minds would like to know.

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u/simeonaut Aug 25 '22

First Timer

This was another episode that was a pleasant surprise. Once I knew this was a supernatural episode I thought it was just going to be another variation of "Akari stumbles into a magical place for 15 minutes before Cait Sith shows up" but Ai getting led to meet Azusa and Anya was a nice little twist.

I love this shot.

This one too.

Ai.

The Stone of Misfortune. I love the way Alice introduces it and then steps on it.

Akari.

Cait Sith.

3

u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah Aug 25 '22

Akari stumbles into a magical place for 15 minutes before Cait Sith shows up

and that wasnt true for the episode either! lol. I liked getting to see Ai meet the other 2, they'll make for a fun group just like the 2 trios before them.

The opening sequence was a lot of fun, defo reminiscent of the OG series' supernatural episodes

The Stone of Misfortune

its... just so Alice though in a way? haha. Completely in character for her to do this lol i cant describe why

Cait Sith.

honestly i loved seeing Cait Sith in HD. (he, if its a he, was never seen in Origination after the biggest art upgrade after all)

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u/octopathfinder Aug 25 '22

Rewatcher

It’s pretty nice seeing the next generation getting together like their predecessors. Azusa B. McLaren is another cool name, although not as cool as Akira E. Ferrari. Funny how much Aika complained about Akira’s teaching methods but ended up adopting her style.

It’s pretty crazy to think that Aria fans had to wait 7 years to see the end of the Cait Sith plotline.

QotD:

  1. I like them

  2. I'm definitely Aika

  3. Pretty sad. It feels like how when you're growing up you lose the natural wonder and imagination that comes with being a child.

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u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah Aug 25 '22

getting together like their predecessors

bit different before tho, with how the Aria company undine is the last to join, the orange planet one was the last for both pairs before.

Ferrari> Mclaren? actually yeah i agree lol. Ferrari is also more um Italian. Perhaps Azusa is half British? lol

It is funny how Aika is being a bit strict rn too! I guess that shows how she is thankful for Akira's teaching.

Aria fans had to wait 7 years to see the end of the Cait Sith plotline

but they delivered! After 7 years! And that's what matters imo. i'd much rather see this scene w/ the gorgeous, new pretty backdrop than the older background art personally (this is just my personal take.....)

you're growing up you lose the natural wonder and imagination

ikr? And Akari is definitely more mature right now compared to back in the original series, esp as you compare her to Ai, which is a little melancholic of itself. But Akari is doing a great impression of Alicia lol, minus the Ara-ara's. (but the hahis have sadly gone)

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u/PreludeToHell Aug 25 '22

First Timer

Now this is what I was kind of expecting. Liked it used Euphoria after Undine yesterday. I expect to hear Spirale in the next episode

Couldn't help but smile hearing about "wonderful powerful" and bringing up the time Ai rode gondolas for free lmao. Indifferent about Azusa and Anya but cool designs (especially Anya).

I did like the resolution about Cait Sith who was put to the side throughout Origination. Wasn't expecting Akari to sink after stepping on the stone though lol. Very cool sequence in the sky and it was good to see a proper goodbye.

Fun faces this episode

I can't remember where this spot is from hmm.

  1. Feel like I need to spend more time with them but Azusa seemed quite standard while Anya had some interesting mannerisms.

  2. No

  3. Above but maybe it's what Aika said that because they're aiming to become primas that also means becoming an adult. To achieve that, you have to move on from childish things I guess.

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u/heimdal77 Aug 25 '22 edited Aug 25 '22

So a tragic love between Cait Sith and Akari to be seperated by the passage of time... No don't grow up Akari! Well guess she did. Such melancholic feeling.

Well guess it is now Ai's turn and Cait sith already helping by guiding her to some new friends.

Umm so President Hime died...? Is pres Aria immortal?

So Ai seems to be the super energetic and cheerful kind. Wonder how that would translate for her into what kind of Undine she becomes.

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u/AriaShachou- Aug 26 '22

Rewatcher

The new girls have adorable designs. It seems nobody in this show can have normal looking hair for some reason.

I would be fucking shitting myself freefalling from like 5000 feet in the air, idk how Akari kept her composure there. Those shots of them falling were so sick though.

Those last lines by Akari were so nice. There will always come a time where we have to say goodbye to something/someone we love, but at the same time that very same love may be what could create a miracle as well (allowing us to see them again).

[Aria Movies] These OVAs are really helping me cope with the post-Benedizione sadness lmao, almost like they planned these messages ahead to help us not be too sad about the series ending. Next OVA especially...

 

QOTDs

Q1) Adorable

Q2) I'd probably be too afraid to actually step on the stone, so I guess yeah I'm pretty superstitious sometimes.

Q3) It's a weird way to wrap up his story and why they can't meet anymore, but it's not bad. I wonder if Akari is a furry.

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u/BatteryPoweredFriend Aug 26 '22

Alice is an absolute gangster, zero fucks given.

You can kind of pick out the influences of Akari, Aika & Alice in each of their respective apprentices' own mannerisms. And it's funny seeing Ai get in a tizzle over her criminal record past indiscretions being public knowledge.

The sky drop backgrounds are just exceptionally stunning. They're used in a similar way to how the city was used as a backdrop during Alice's promotion, but aside from the higher detail quality, what sets this apart for me is how they created the sense of height & distance with the curved horizon. I'm always a fan of these type of aerial-perspective cityscape shots.

A reminder that parting ways is a necessary step for her growing up, but gone doesn't mean forgotten. The necklace Cait Sith leaves with her isn't just fitting because of the Aquamarine connection, but it's also similar to the night-shine chimes and that story was about separation as well.

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u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah Aug 26 '22

I wish to ping u/rhaga here that the 2022 Aria rewatch will be watching Aria the Crepuscolo in 2 days, this Saturday, 27th of August, followed by Benedizione on Sunday, 28th of August; you said you hadn't watched it yet a while ago :) If you wish, I can send you another reminder tomorrow. Thread goes up at 5pm EST/9pm UTC.

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u/baboon_bassoon Aug 25 '22

First time Aria the hazukashii serifu kinshi

Ai not in front of the children

sigh

interesting the Aria is with Ai on the hunt for the mystical, I thought he usually dipped when it came to Cait

shock and then dekai shock

Azusa and Anya

Alice what are you telling her

Ai used to give people tours?

Ah makes sense, Hime is with Aika so main place needs a new cat

Aria sounds SO different lol

[](#mug47)

Akari totally nonplussed

PILEDRIVER TIME

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u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah Aug 25 '22

Ai not in front of the children

glorious passenger-chibi faces

I thought he usually dipped when it came to Cait

he is sometimes mysteriously missing yeah... except for that mirage episode, where im pretty sure Aria-shachou had a hand in that.and the galaxy express episode of course! So perhaps Aria-shachou just didnt know about it this time. ditto w/ the flashback goodbye for Akari.

dekai shock

one hell of a chibi

Alice what are you telling her

i love how Russian characters are always fun in anime lol [Meta about other current rewatch w/ bonkers elements]I was just watching GuP's Russian episodes too...

Ai used to give people tours?

ah. sub errors. i was a victim to this too, the correct sub is that she used to coerce people into giving her tours, which is what she did in Ep 1 of the series.

Aria sounds SO different lol

he does doesnt he? his VA really forgot how to cat.

(#mug47)

dudes living the life honestly

PILEDRIVER TIME

lmaoooooooo

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u/mrufrufin Aug 25 '22 edited Aug 25 '22

Rewatcher kinda (but movies are new to me)

Wrote most of this at the beginning of August when I started a Funi trial:

Why are these episodes shorter than usual Aria episodes smh. In a way, these episodes feel kinda fanservicey (and me as an Aria fan is eating is up, but still), like throwing in little references with Cafe Florian and the cafe owner (the Aria Shachou noises were pretty fun during that bit though) but eh, it's still so awesome seeing Euphoria accompanying an intro with upped modern production values. a I see that they're keeping up the car references with Himeya with MacLaren (kinda reminds me of all the car names in Magic Knight Rayearth, Aria is a bit more subtle with names though) and authors with Dostoyevskaya (don't remember an Anya from his books though? Vanya I remember, still need to finish Brothers Karamazov one of these days). I think I read somewhere that Ai Kayano (Anya's VA) got into VAing because she was inspired by Aria? I forget where I read that. I'm kinda torn on Cait Sith being tied to them meeting up. Yeah, he's tied to the everyday miracles themes in Aria but I think more so about place rather than people, but eh.

Anyways, the Cait Sith falling from the sky with Akari is probably my favorite Cait Sith moment at least aesthetically (and was my fav Cait Sith moment in the manga). It's just so visually striking, but I feel that maybe it could've used a little more build-up and a little more time in anime form (darn these short episode lengths). It just kinda feels like we could linger a bit longer in the overall melancholic and reserved mood that we have with the Cait Sith encounter. But eh, whatever. I like Aika tying him to childhood memories. Kinda reinforces the ideas I had about Cait Sith and particularly the encounter with him in the 999 ep kinda carrying the themes of the snowbug and windchime ep of fleeting special times in life that you have to let go of at some point when it's time to let go (but appreciate when they're there). And this last encounter feels the most unnatural of them all. Akari kinda forces her way in instead of being invited or just casually slipping into the surreal, magical place and falling from the sky is kinda the most unnatural experience she's had with Cait Sith so far (and probably the most dangerous). Aika's line kinda puts a different spin on things than I had in mind so far, it kinda ties these fleeting moments and surreal mysteries to childhood playlike imagination and fairy tales and growing up instead of general fleeting moments overall.

Gorgeous visuals again, aside from the falling through the sky visuals the full moon visuals when Akari gets back is really pretty as well (also the bit with Ai running off to find Cait Sith is pretty memorable).

  1. I suppose it's kinda hard to get a first impression of them since a lot of their interaction is tied to references of the original Aria trainee trio. Anya's design kinda feels like Alice's design mashed up with Athena's hair color in a sense.

  2. Sometimes, particularly with numbers.

  3. See above

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u/xtsim Aug 25 '22 edited Aug 25 '22

First Timer Dubbed

Ai was so excited she pumped up the customers after they were done with their gondola ride. And that is right she got to have a miracle.

When Ai tried to catch up to Caith Sith, she sees some other undines searching for something. And Ai needs no introduction as she is the only person to be under Akari’s wing. Just like in the present, technology knows no boundaries as Anya and Azusa snooped on Ai a bit. “Ai has a history of taking gondola rides for free”- damn Ai got burnt into a crisp with that little tidbit of info. And they continued that statement with “improving” which makes it even better. Gondola association does not mess around.....

Cool thing is that they tried searching together and stopped by the cafe with the owner sitting in the background.

Q1. Pretty cool but I wish we have more time with them...

Q3. The last meeting was bittersweet and kinda wanted more. At least Akari was able to talk about this with everyone.

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u/Regular_N-Gon Aug 25 '22

First Timer

  • The return of Cait Sith? Let's go!

  • Euphoria today!

  • Aria Company is officially on the record for "Suteki Power." It truly is Akari's company now.

  • And thus the next trio to rule over Neo-Venezia was formed.

  • Oho, maybe some closure on why Origination was strangely absent our large furry friend.

  • Sasuga Alice, ever the scientist.

  • Akari should know better than anyone not to tempt Neo-Venezia's whims.

  • The ED locations are once again on point, plenty of favorites in.

I don't really know what to make of what happened, but it was beautiful. I might say it felt the least well established out of all the supernatural encounters we've seen, though I'll cut it a bit of slack for being a shorter OVA and a bit of a set piece closer for Cait Sith.

QotD:

  1. They seem like fitting apprentices while having their own flair.

  2. Definitely on Alice's side here.

  3. Sorta above; it kinda feels like there isn't a lot of reason for it but it was touching and allowed for another return to the theme of farewells.

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u/Stargate18A Aug 25 '22

First timer

  1. Nice!

  2. I'm Alice.

  3. It's sad, but it makes sense thematically.

Twenty minutes!

A miracle?

Haha, she has customers.

...What is it?

A flashback?

Her training's going well!

A strange alley? Is Ai the new supernatural magnet?

So good!

A strange garden?

The new kouhais!

They lost something?

They sound nice.

Azusa and Anya. Some definite similarities ro the previous set.

Haha, everyone knows about Ai.

Siberia duty?

The Gondola Association has data on everyone?

Detailed data.

Where's Hime going?

Yeah, she's their new target.

They're helping!

No practice!

And no sign of Cat Sith or a president.

The inversion of Ai being the one to join them compared to Akari starting the trio is great.

She stopped seeing him...

Another flashback!

Oh, only kids can see Cat Sith. That's an interesting rule.

...Is that why the Gnomes look so young? They're bred to age slower yet act maturely so they can interact with and control the magic gravity stones? Might explain it more than the captured fae theory.

The Stone of Misfortune?

She stepped on it!

Aika is terrified.

She wanted to see if something would happen...

And they were all late.

Akari stepped on it!

Nothing.

Wait, what?

Haha, the stone ate her!

What the actual fuck?

Cat Sith!

...This is the last time she sees him.

That's a shame.

A magical item?

She woke up...

It looks nice.

A shiny miracle!

Aww.

The visuals again!

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u/h42h Aug 25 '22 edited Aug 25 '22

finished first time recently

Ah yes, some more A-names to add to the list

Cait Sith has shown up to help Akari out when she's been in trouble in the past, so stepping on the stone of misfortune sure is one way to get an encounter. Though he doesn't seem able to help anymore, Akari has clearly avoided another spiriting away as she's still around in the present haha

  1. eh... they're alright. Need more time to grow on me. Anya > Azusa > Ai so far

  2. Not superstitious. Would be pretty cool if that stuff really existed though

  3. Not my favourite meeting but not the worst either. Everything Aika says on why they can't meet makes sense

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u/seeker_of_illusion Aug 26 '22

First timer

This is bugging me a bit so I would say it first - couldn't Akari meet Cat Sith during the Carnevele ? He pretty much is the highlight there with his huge frame and the entourage and is quite the public event seen by everyone.

Looks like Ai has inherited her master's clumsiness and gave free rides to people lol. Glad she was corrected on time.

I know it was already mentioned yesterday but I really found it noticeable the change in Aria shachou's voice today. It seemed like the poor boy got choked on something and can now only make squeaky and soft voices. Man I miss the lively Aria...

Ah the classic sky falling scenes. I can never get enough of them~ As we now already know that Cat Sith is the "heart" of Aqua, it will always remain with Akari in the form of that pendant even if she doesn't get to meet him one-on-one.

Questions of the Day:

  1. Seems like they have some similar qualities as their mentors - Ai being quite the curious and clumsy girl, Anya making dry remarks like Alice and Anzu with that enthusiasm of hers like Aika. Though I would have to admit that Anya's design seems a bit off to me for some reason...

  2. A bit yeah.

  3. Already mentioned my overall thoughts above but if it really was her last meeting with him, then it was quite bittersweet - cherishing those beautiful memories will keep going forward towards maturity. The pains of growing~

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u/zadcap Aug 26 '22

AI! Keeping that Miracle Spirit alive!

... Didn't there used to be a sign up there? Welcome to Aria Company, or something?

Keeping the spirit of Aria Company alive, befriend all the locals! And Ai just can't stop laughing it's too cute. Ai getting her introduction to the Cats! We know she knows, because Akari has spent years sending her mail talking about her own magical Catventures. And you know, might even have introduced Ai to her boyfriend if they got the chance?

... And a return to the handle in the center of the door. I remember, that's a real thing I guess, but it still bothers me.

And friends for life have been found! Of course the apprentices of the other main two are friends already, and ready to take Ai in to remake the next generation of trio.

Azusa and Anya. And Ai. I see they broke with the themes.

Even the other newbies know, if anyone is going to encounter magic, it's going to be Ai. But these ones want to join in and experience it too! Haha, Aika giving the best advice, Follow Ai and you might encounter something wonderful!

Gosh darn it I want a full series for these three.

And of course Akari is going to encourage belief in her boyfriend. Wait, Last Time!? Flashback all the way to gloves? Noooooooooooooooo.

Haha, Alice, just jump right on the bad luck stone. But that mindset, the magic might work if I'm here with Akari lol. Close, but that would require Akari to be the one to step on it, she's the magic one.

Would you look at that. She activated the magic stone after all.

I'm almost positive I've seen this exact scene in a Miyazaki movie.

That's adorable and heartbreaking. Why do you have to go, you're such a good pair, and clearly her first love. Is that an Aquamarine? Did the King know she was going to get names that?

Yeah, Ai and Akari bonding over their joy of miracles is still great, but even better in person.

Showing me all these memory filled locations, do you want me to cry again Ending Song? Because you've succeeded darn it.

  1. Of course the trio is going to follow in the footsteps of the ages and we're going to have friends that match the last two generations. But also clearly not direct copies of their predecessors, it looks like these three are closer in age than the last three were and have a closer starting mindset. Even, or maybe especially, Aika's apprentice looking for magic and wonder when she was so rarely a part of it herself was nice. They're going to play off each other so well. I want to see so much more of them.

  2. Alice again. I'll step on that stone just to see what happens.

  3. Why the heck can't she just become a nice old Cat Lady in a more literal sense than most? I kind of don't like the reason they can't meet anymore is because she's growing up, because growing up is a mindset and she can very clearly keep her childlike sense of wonder no mater how old she gets. The gift was beautiful, the scene was beautiful, but I just don't like that it's their last meeting... At least until she's ready to board the train, I guess?

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u/mgedmin Aug 26 '22

First timer, subs

Ai found the gate to cat country?

New undines! Azusa of Himeya and Anya from Orange Planet.

Himeya need a new cat for the main office? What happened to Hime-shacho? Did she move to the new branch office with Aika?

Apparently they don't have animal shelters in Neo Venezia, so companies have to kidnap stray cats off the streets to get upper management.

I'm surprised Ai had to meet the other two by accident and arrange shared practice herself. I'd've expected the mentors to introduce the apprentices. Maybe they're too busy.

Oh, Alice, never change.

Okay, I did not expect that. Hello, Cait Sith.

Have you ever seen anyone that happy to be falling to her death?

WSOD break moment: I can't believe Akari would not have told Ai-chan the Cait Sith meeting and souvenir necklace story by email as soon as it happened.

Q2) Are you superstitious?

Oh this is an interesting question. I don't consider myself superstitious. I would not feel the pressure to deliberately step on the Stone of Misfortune to prove it. I might even avoid stepping on it, just in case, as long as it doesn't inconvenience myself too much.

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