Brand New Year

Subordinate. It's been a while.

I came to give you a party invitation.

Since the new year is coming, I'm planning on hosting a party on the Admire.

Something like a New Year's celebration.

I think it would be good if you participated.

Okay, but don't feel like you have to go out of your way to attend.

No, that won't be necessary.

... But if you did, I certainly wouldn't turn it down.

It's going to be quite a fancy soiree.

Hope to see you there.

Oh, right...

I just wanted to say that...

I'm excited to continue working with you this year.

Vrrrooom! Full steam ahead, Black Typhoon!

That motorcycle seems to be well taken care of.

But... are you allowed to bring a motorcycle on board?

It must be okay since no one is stopping her.

My musical muse is escaping me...

Hey!

Thanks for coming.

What do you think? I spent a lot of time decorating.

I was talking about the Admire, not me.

I appreciate you saying that.

I can't believe the year is nearly over.

It all went by so quickly.

What's your New Year's resolution?

I really hope you will be able to do that.

... Money?

I do suppose that's important.

I hope it will become a reality for you.

I...

I've always had the same goal every year.

To recapture the surface and let the Admire sail the open seas.

That's what I want the most.

... But will it ever come true?

Oh, I didn't mean it like that.

I need to try harder too.

I think so too.

Oh, I prepared a bunch of hors d'oeuvres.

Would you like to try some?

I'm sure you'll find something that you like.

How does the violin sound?

There are a lot of distinguished guests here tonight,

so I invited Julia to come play for us.

And above all, the first day of the new year...

Agh! My ears!

It's like nails on a chalkboard.

...

She should be fine. This is still just the rehearsal.

What do you think the main course would be?

... I'm sorry, but I don't think I'll be able to live up to that.

It may not be up to your usual standard,

but the food here is quite good, honestly.

Thank you for saying that.

Eat as much as you please.

Hey buddy!

Mast?

It's been ages.

Hi.

What's wrong?

Burningum was looking for you, Helm. I'd get over there if I were you.

Is it urgent?

Dunno.

Nobody tells me nothin'.

My only orders were to bring you over to him, and to make it snappy.

Okay.

*sniff* What is that? *sniff sniff* I thought something smelled heavenly on the way here.

Helm, can we eat this?

Today is a special occasion, so yes. You won't have to scrounge for leftovers.

You can eat as much as you like.

All right!

Anchor, make sure to grab some extra for the starfish.

I already did.

... Mast. You can eat your fill, but go easy on the drinks.

Ha, don't you worry.

I've got it under control.

Yeah, right.

If you'll excuse me...

I'll see you later.

Hmm...

What kind of coffee do you think goes best with a party?

You've got three choices: Milk, Sugar, and Cream.

Well,

I think Milk Coffee with a splash of Cream coffee tastes the best, so...

Please, don't insult me.

The flavor can't possibly compare to Sugar Coffee.

Add about 15 spoonfuls of brown sugar, and then we can talk.

Oh, hey Partner.

I was trying to enlighten my friend here on how coffee should be served.

They're hopeless.

I'm glad you're here.

What kind of coffee do you think best goes with this party, Partner?

Are you saying Sugar coffee isn't fancy?

Oh, sorry for interrupting. Should've let you finish.

I knew I could count on you.

Sure am, as you can see.

They're probably at the cafe.

We were only able to get one invitation to the party.

While the two of them were arguing, I secretly grabbed it and came here.

Not really.

It may be an opportunity, actually.

I'll have all the eyes of these highfalutin rich types on me.

It'll be fine. If I'm busy, then the other guests will go find Milk and Frima.

But of course.

Anyway...

I see you cleaned up nicely for this shindig.

You look sharp, I like it.

!!

... Is this the part where we kiss?

All right, later then.

How about you have a cup of coffee with me instead?

I saw a barista making coffee at the other end of the hall.

If it's any good, maybe I can use their beans for my Sugar Coffee blend.

Here's your coffee, miss.

Well, right off the bat, they get a pass for the scent.

Now, for the taste.

Blech, no good.

Do you prefer this, or Sugar Coffee?

...

Are you kidding?

I knew you'd feel the same way I do.

I knew you'd feel the same way I do.

No surprises there.

I'll be sure to make you plenty of Sugar Coffee this year.

You can visit the cafe anytime you want a cup.

You can have unlimited refills!

... But you'll have to pay, of course.

Hmm...

Something's missing.

It might be a good idea to add some sugar.

What?

Speak up. I didn't quite hear that.

That's what I thought.

I better have a word with that barista.

Conductor?

I don't think the tuning is the issue.

All my performances went splendidly until yesterday.

I think it's because I haven't found anything here that inspires me.

No. It's my first time.

But the winds have carried many of my notes here in the past.

*sigh* If only I could find some form of inspiration.

The performance is going to start soon. I don't have any time to waste.

!!

Why didn't I think of that?

I must hurry.

Could you accompany me when I start?

It's all thanks to you.

Once I immersed myself in the music and connected with it, I found my inspiration in no time.

It told me... to let my melodies flow naturally and fill this room.

That was the answer.

Before that, I was so eager about wanting to try all sorts of different musical styles for my audience.

I was lost at sea, unable to find my muse.

Very much so. It's thanks to you that my performance went as well as it did.

I realize now that being open to new experiences and communication are key to overcoming life's hurdles.

It was an absolute brainwave you had

to come up with this idea, Conductor.

It's nearly time for the next performance.

I'll see you in a bit.

What a beautiful melody.

Really tugs at the heartstrings.

I feel her music speaking directly to me.

It complements the atmosphere perfectly as well.

I appreciate you saying that.

I'm glad I'm able to start the new year in such a good mood.

I will perform even better music going forward.

To have even more meaningful conversations with music

while I'm up on the surface.

There's still so much more I want to discuss.

Not necessarily. I do have a purpose.

I want to search for sheet music.

It's been far too long since I last had such a deep connection with music.

I'm sure that this will make for a most excellent muse.

If I do come across good sheet music, I will definitely perform it for you, Conductor.

I hope you enjoy the rest of the party.

Oh, you're still here! That's good.

I couldn't find you and thought that you'd left.

... I would appreciate it if you wouldn't engage in such frivolous flirtation in the coming year.

The Deputy Chief is asking for you.

This way.

That's right.

I arranged for a supply shipment to be sent there as a gesture of goodwill for the new year.

But we sent the wrong products.

Now they've gone missing. They must be up there somewhere.

A figurine.

It was very difficult to obtain.

The one and the same.

It was meant to be a present for my youngest daughter.

She's wanted one for ages.

If you can help me, I'd be incredibly grateful.

I gave Helm the coordinates.

I'm sorry.

I invited you to the party, and you got roped into an operation.

Thanks for understanding.

I'll try to join you.

To be honest, I'm a little worried.

Anchor and Mast are probably our best bet...

Try adding 20 spoonfuls of sugar and selling it then.

You'd make a fortune.

I'm not so sure about that...

We'll split the profits 70:30.

I'll be getting the lion's share, of course.

What?

Let's write up a contract.

This place is teeming with musical inspiration...

What's happening?

I feel like my ears are bleeding.

Can someone please get her to stop?

Good idea.

The surface?

If we're going, we might as well take the long way 'round.

That way I can really cut loose with Black Typhoon.

I'll be more likely to find musical inspiration there as well.

No.

You don't have a say in this matter.

We're not going on a field trip. This is an official operation.

Yeesh, who pissed in your cereal this morning?

Fine, I'm not going.

But...

I agree with Partner.

They're sending us out on an operation on our day off. We should at least try and squeeze some fun out of it.

...

... Fine.

As long as we complete the operation,

it shouldn't be a problem.

If there are any sights you wish to see along the way, I will allow us to stop momentarily.

Thanks... I think.

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Fair enough. All right, thanks.

May the wind and waves carry us to our destination.

The rest, we shall leave to them.

Did you mention waves?

!!

Would we really?

... No.

Living underground like we do, it's obviously not a common sight.

All I can do is imagine the Admire sailing on the open seas in my dreams.

The same goes for me too.

I always envision Black Typhoon tearing down a stretch of road that goes on into infinity.

Vrooooom!

Most certainly.

Then should we leave?

...

... Vr.

Vrrrrroooom.

Black Typhoon,

full speed ahead!

Sugar sure is revved up.

I don't think I've ever seen her so excited.

Vrrroooooom!

Vrrroooommmm!

She looks really happy.

I don't mind it. It actually goes quite nicely with some violin accompaniment.

Her dreams are now a reality. Can't imagine how delighted she must be...

If we end up seeing the ocean,

I'm not sure I'd be able to contain my emotions either.

I hope so.

No, I still haven't found my muse yet.

But I'm sure it's here. I can sense it.

The new year has only just begun,

and my greatest wish already came true.

I've never been able to reach speeds like this in the Ark.

My heart was racing the entire time.

Oh, Helm.

According to the coordinates you sent, this is the way we should be headed.

I passed by a stack of boxes on the side of the road.

Really? That's a relief.

Then let's get a move on.

We need to arrive before it gets dark.

You okay? You sound like you're having a tough time.

How about we take a short rest?

That's a good idea.

Sit down here.

*Inhale* Haaah!

What are you doing?

I was just taking in the winter air.

It's so different than what you normally breathe in the Ark.

Oh, yeah. Makes sense.

I'll give it a try too, then.

*Inhale* Haaah!

The air always smells nice in winter.

Pray tell, what exactly does winter smell like?

It's hard to explain... there's something unique about the cold in the air during winter.

Like you're standing in a beautiful field of snow. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Wait, you're in the middle of a snowfield, and you feel warm inside? What a contradiction.

...!

Helm's words just gave me a burst of inspiration.

It's unlike anything I've ever felt before.

My heart is racing.

Can I perform while we rest?

Thank you.

Thank you, Conductor.

Thanks to you guys, I was able to find a particularly lovely muse.

I can see now that the surface is a place

in which music and melodies thrive.

My music seems to motivate you.

I'll continue playing while we're moving.

Hmm... it seems that my muse has left me.

Perhaps I haven't taken in enough of the winter air.

*Inhale* Haaah!

*Inhale* Haaah!

*gasp*

Is this it?

According to the coordinates, yes.

Seems a bit strange, doesn't it?

These boxes are out here in the middle of nowhere.

Are they safe to touch?

Yes, we're here under orders from the Deputy Commander-in-Chief.

Let's find the figurine quickly and get out of here.

Okay.

Guys, I found it.

An Ark Ranger figurine. Is this the one?

The packaging is all bent out of shape.

I doubt the person it was meant for will appreciate that.

When it comes to presents, it's the thought that counts.

I guess you're right.

But what are they doing here?

I'm sure for some reason that only the higher-ups know.

We did what we were sent to do. Let's head back.

Why not?

Roger that.

I'll take a look around on Black Typhoon.

No, that's not necessary.

Our primary reason for coming here was to secure this package.

Nothing else matters.

Besides, it doesn't seem like you can see the ocean from here.

It's okay. To be honest, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to it.

But you don't have to go out of your way for me. One day, I will see the ocean with my own eyes. I know it.

Please, let's just give this matter a rest.

Right now, carrying out the mission trumps everything else, including the ocean.

Are you okay?

Please, don't be melodramatic.

I'd like to know what possibly could be making you so emotional.

...

Well, if Helm feels that way, then there's nothing we can do.

Precisely. Let's go back.

Hmm... I don't think this is the place.

We turned around and retraced our steps, didn't we? How did we get so lost?

We didn't expect it to be dark so quickly.

I guess you're right. The sun was already setting when we were looking for that figurine.

I'll take Black Typhoon out for a spin.

I'll go find a cave or somewhere we can shack up for the night.

I can hold my own,

but two people riding a motorcycle together on a cold, dark night...

Sounds like the perfect time for a kiss!

Right. I'll take a rain check.

Be right back.

Seems we went further off track than we thought. Sugar still isn't back.

I'll go look for her.

Speak of the devil.

Whoo!

Nothing beats tearing it up on a long stretch of straight road.

Did you find the road?

Yeah. Somehow, we got completely lost. We were totally in the wrong direction.

Should be easy enough to correct.

Good. We can't waste any more time. Let's go.

Before that...

The sea.

I found it.

!!

!!

It's just behind a hill, through a grass field.

It's not that out of the way. We could stop by on the way back.

The sea...

So this is what it looks like.

Certainly feels refreshing!

It's so beautiful.

Yes... it... it's amazing.

Huh? The sun is rising.

Never thought I'd get the chance to see a sunrise up on the surface.

It's my first time seeing one as well.

... Me too.

It's magnificent.

... Hmm?

Partner, what are you doing?

Ah-ha. I see.

Maybe I'll do the same.

I will make a wish too.

... Then so will I.

Subordinate,

what did you wish for?

A fine wish.

There's not much more important than that.

What about you guys? What'd you wish for?

I wished that... one day I would be somewhere on this sea.

My wish was to find more musical inspiration.

Man, all of your wishes are so boring.

Me?

I wished that I'd get more orders than Milk and Frima.

For every order they get, I want to get 100.

...

...

Thanks!

You do realize that's not a compliment, right?

It'll be easy going from here on out.

Well... now that we've seen the ocean...

should we head back?

Is today the last day of the party?

Yes.

I want to hurry back and enjoy the rest of the party.

This operation wasn't so bad after all.

Yes, it was a lovely start to the new year.

It would have been even better if Mast and Anchor had been here to see it.

Well done.

Finding some new packaging shouldn't be a problem.

My youngest daughter will be ecstatic.

Helm,

please see to our guests for the remainder of the party.

Yes, sir.

That is all.

Happy New Year.

Helm, Partner, hurry up!

They're setting off fireworks for the end of the party.

Just look at them light up the night sky. They remind me of neon flowers.

What a lovely ending to the day.

I feel like this year will be a good one.

Happy New Year.

Happy New Year.

I wouldn't want to spend it with anyone else.