That White Morning…

Synopsis

For New Year's, Akari goes with Alicia to Piazza San Marco, where she meets Ai who is making a surprise visit. Ai meets several of Akari's friends, including Akatsuki and his brother, Woody, Aika, Akira, Grandma Akino, Alice, and Athena, all of whom she has only known from their correspondence, but embarrasses Akari by disclosing personal gossip she had included. When President Aria runs off into the crowd, Ai and Akari give chase, following his footprints through the snow. They reach an old canal and see on the other side the snow-free buildings of Akiko's time (from episode 12) and several cats, including Ami (from episode 4). When a bell rings, the city of their own time appears, and they interpret the vision as Aqua's acceptance of Ai. They return to the Piazza, where Aria has already come back, in time for the midnight celebrations and stay until sunrise. As Akari and Alicia row home, they wish each other a happy new year, and Akari silently wishes all residents of the 'beautiful planet', past and present, a new year filled with happiness. (Source: Wikipedia)