*Giggle* And then what happened?

We were all worn out! Honestly, it was a big shocker that Odaiba could have some place that covered in weeds.

There were grass seeds all over our uniforms, so we picked them off each other.

Now that you mention it, I recall us doing that too when were small. Do you remember?

Huh?

Oh yeah! That was when we'd go to the vacant lot to have adventures.

That sure takes me back. You don't get vacant lots like that anymore these days.

Well, there's still one in Odaiba, isn't there? I'd like to see it for myself. Once I'm out of the hospital, you should take me.

Yeah, I'd love to! I'll be sure to take some photos of it later so you can see what it's like and send them to you.

Oh, and speaking of photos, I got this amazing one of Fishpuff!

Doing what?

So after we got all scuffed up, to make a long story short, Fishpuff caught a train into town. And—

Hold on, Ai. You can't just breeze past that “catching a train” part like it's no big deal.

…Yeah, I guess. But what happened afterward was so huge that the shock of Fishpuff taking a train kind of wore off.

See, she caught a train all on her own. Plus, she even switched trains like a total pro.

What?!

It was like she knew where she was going, y'know? And wherever she went, people called her by different names, petted her, and gave her treats.

Wait…is Fishpuff some sort of robotic kitty? Like Rina's Alan?

Huh? Ha ha ha! Not at all, Misato!

…Well, I guess I can't say that with absolute certainty. Wait. Huh?!

Hey, Misato—

Oh, I'm sorry. I think it's time for lights-out now.

Ah…

We'll continue this conversation later, okay? I look forward to hearing the rest of your story.

Okay. Goodnight, Misato! Rest up now.

*Sigh*

I didn't get to tell her the whole story. I left off right at the good bit…

Urrgh! I know it's only a short stay in the hospital for some tests, but it seems plenty long to ME.

[Fade in/out.]

Hmmm… I guess this makes for a nice summary of chord progressions. I bet Ai can pick it up from here.

It'd probably be better to explain it all at once out loud rather than send her a bunch of random messages. Let me call her.

[Taking out phone.]

Hey, what's shakin'?

Hey, Ai. Is now a good time to chat?

Yeah, for sure. What's on your mind?

You told me a bit ago you wanted to learn more about composition, right?

So I put together all the chord progressions that weren't covered in class.

I put together some data of songs with all the same chord progressions played back-to-back on the piano so you can learn them by ear. Want to give it a listen?

Oh! Did you really?! Thank you so much!

You're the best. Yeah, I'll listen to it right now!

Oh shoot, I completely forgot to tell Misato about my class in the music department. I only told her about Fishpuff, and I couldn't even finish that. Next time for sure!

A-Ai?

Oops, sorry for getting sidetracked.

Wait, am I interrupting a call with Misato?

No, don't worry. I was talking with her a few minutes ago, but it's already time for her to turn her light off and go to bed.

Oh, okay. So you were telling her about Fishpuff's big adventure?

Yeah. But I really wanted to talk about all the things I tried in that program too. I mean, music was a new discovery for me.

It's like I found a whole new calling that wasn't even on my radar prior to this. And that's always so fun!

Ha ha. You're pretty incredible if you can find a new calling right off the bat.

Nah, there's nothing incredible about it. It's more like… Mmm, I'm just good at picking up new things, I guess.

That made me a real problem child back when I was little, you know.

Misato and I would both be really into something, and then I'd be the only one who'd jet off immediately to get caught up in some whole other thing.

Misato could never keep up with me…

And is that why you tell Misato about all the fun new things you find?

Yeah.

I've listened to a lot of your conversations with Misato.

I feel like, when you talk, you make it so vivid that Misato can imagine herself going on all those adventures too.

…That'd be nice, huh?

Knowing that there are things she and I can't do together's made me slow down on the rate I fly from one new interest to another.

I wanted to tell her more about each thing, so I changed my world view. And that's when I realized the world's full of puzzles.

Solving those puzzles excites me. They're so fun, and they make me realize that the world's bursting with mysteries.

And now music's like that for you too?

Yeah! I want to shine at least a little light on the puzzle of music too! Really, thanks a bunch for the chord progression data.