Ep. 13: Alice's Shadow Walking Challenge and Athena's Supportive Allyship
Aired on June 25, 2006
Alice blames bad luck on failing a personal challenge, prompting Akari to call her behavior childish yet cute. She then attempts to walk home stepping only on shadows, nearly succeeding before Athena’s distracting song from her gondola causes her to stumble. The next day, Alice repeats the attempt and encounters Athena, who catches her after she trips over Maa. Alice initially bans assistance, declaring it her own battle, but misses a jump near Orange Planet. Athena suddenly provides a shadow for her to step on, explaining she is an ally like in a video game. Alice accepts this help, completing the walk. Akari notes Athena’s song is light-hearted, leading Alice to realize Athena cheered her up previously and has been her ally all along.
Episodes
- Ep. 9 · Akari and Alicia explore Neo-Venezia's hidden wonders and find beauty in starlight
- Ep. 10 · Aika and Alice observe Akari's friendly interactions with locals and strangers on a vaporetto.
- Ep. 11 · Akari transports glassware and defends Neo-Venezian craftsmanship against tourist prejudice.
- Ep. 12 · Akari encounters a magical cafe and participates in the Aqua nightshine windchime ritual
- Ep. 13 · Alice's Shadow Walking Challenge and Athena's Supportive Allyship
- Ep. 14 · Akari designs a palina using archival sketches and Grandma Akino's history.
- Ep. 15 · Akari reflects on friendship while Akatsuki shares a childhood story with Akira and Al.
- Ep. 16 · Akari bids farewell to her gondola through a tour of shared memories before a spiritual encounter.
- Ep. 17 · Alicia and Akari share a gondola picnic and memories of their training days.