Many of the water touring companies in Neo-Venezia have their own palina - a tall, decorated pole used to hitch gondolas. But strangely, the Aria Company doesn't have one. When Akari asks Alicia about it, Alicia gives her full permission to make a palina of her own! It's tough work building something from scratch, but Akari is determined to make the best palina possible.

Even though Akari is relatively new to Neo-Venezia, most of her friends have lived in the quiet island town all their lives. One sunny afternoon, as Akari, Akatsuki, Akria and Al are all eating lunch together, Al tells a story about when they were children, and the mysterious young boy who put Akatsuki squarely in his place.

On the night before her old gondola is set to be taken away, Akari and Alicia decide to have an evening picnic out on the water. As they laugh and talk, Alicia tells her stories of the gondola, and how it was an important part of her life as an apprentice, as well.

As summer begins to wane, Alicia and Akari give a tour to an elderly couple who have come to Neo-Venezia to celebrate their anniversary. Although the woman is sweet and charming, the man is a bit of a grump. He orders her around, doesn't seem interested in sightseeing with his wife, and just acts cranky in general. But things aren't always as they appear... Even though he's tough on the outside, he still wants what's best for his wife, and it's up to the girls to help him set up a celebration that she'll remember always.

As winter melts into spring, Akari, Aika and Alice all continue to practice and set new goals for themselves. But Akari still feels like she isn't good enough to become a Prima. Will she or any of the girls ever be truly satisfied with their talents?

Akari and Alicia are going to visit Anna, the woman who trained with Alicia in the early days of the Aria Company! Many memories will be shared on this visit, including how the Aria Company itself was first founded.