My Own Style
Kolulu decides to head to a clothing store by herself for the first time, in hopes of dressing up to cheer up her friend Lamouralla. Luckily, Io is also at the store and happens to see Kolulu. Io helps Kolulu put together a meaningful outfit that's reminiscent of the many friends Kolulu has met up until now.
Kolulu's relatively new interest in fashion had kicked off from spending time with Manamel.
As Kolulu continues to find her own style, she encounters a free-spirited girl named Lamouralla.
Joined shortly after by Mahira and Chloe, the four young women work to understand one another's values.
Chloe: Operation Cutie-Up Our BFF is a success! Great job, team!
Lamouralla: Yes! I couldn't have come up with such a splendid outfit idea by myself.
Kolulu: Thanks to our teamwork...
Kolulu: (That's it! That's the answer I've been looking for!)
But one day, Lilico decides to leave the group behind. Lamouralla, who sees Lilico as an older sister, is devastated.
Lamouralla: Oh, what have I done... It's all my fault! Her life is ruined now because of me!
Mahira: Lamouralla...
At Lamouralla's clear distress, the others are unsure of what to do.
Kolulu: ...!
Chloe: Wha? Kolulun! Where are you going?
Kolulu: Wait for me here! I won't be long!
Leaving the others behind at Cafe Flip-Flop, Kolulu runs out the door.
Kolulu: I don't want Lams to think that she's ruined anyone's life!
Kolulu: It's thanks to Lams and the others that I've been having so much fun here...
Kolulu: My own style of fashion...
Kolulu: I'll make sure to find it while we're staying on this island!
Kolulu: Maybe instead of saying it, I need to show it to Lams through my own style!
Kolulu: It's time for a visit to the clothing store!
Her excitement palpable, Kolulu dashes down the street.
Kolulu: Hm?
Suddenly, she stops in the middle of the bustle.
Kolulu: Wait... Is this going to be my first time going to a clothing store alone?
Kolulu: Here I am, at the store I visited with the others before...
Kolulu: Now... Where should I start, and how should I choose what's right for me?
Kolulu: If only this was a buffet, then I'd be a natural...
As she timidly wanders up and down the aisles lined with display cases, she catches sight of her reflection in the glass and chuckles.
Kolulu: Maybe doing this by myself wasn't a good idea after all...
Io: Kolulu?
Io: Wow! You're shopping alone today? What're you doing there anyway, smiling like that to yourself?
Kolulu: Huh?
Kolulu: No way... Is that really you, Io?
Io: What do you mean! I could ask the same about you. Couldn't be more surprised to bump into you here...
Kolulu: Oh, Io! I was feeling so helpless, I thought I was hallucinating for a second!
Io: Huh? Um, Kolulu? How about we calm down and let go for a second, okay? People are looking at us!
Io: I see... So you wanted to get some new clothes and help your friend feel better about herself.
Kolulu: Yeah. I want to show Lams that meeting her has been a really great thing in my life!
Io: Right... And that's how you came running here. That's totally something you would do, Kolulu.
Io: So you want to take inspiration from each person and incorporate it into a single outfit, right?
Kolulu: Huh? Um, yes. Like Lams's ability to charm others, Mahira's functional innovation, stuff like that...
Io: Why do you look so surprised? I thought you were in a hurry to do this.
Kolulu: I am, but I guess I'm just taken aback by how fast you managed to grasp the situation.
Io: Well, there's a lot of things I wanna say... but in the end, the fact that you're taking an interest in fashion makes me really happy!
Kolulu: Oh, Io!
Io: I'll help you, but only with showing you around the store and styling things. You need to choose the items yourself, okay?
Kolulu: Of course!
Io acts as a guide around the store while Kolulu picks out clothing items that suit her style.
Kolulu: This piece is quite girly, while the shoes earlier were more on the sporty side... Hmm, I don't think they'd match very well...
Io: Look at you go, Kolulu! You can tell what goes and what doesn't now... You learned so fast.
Io: Back when we picked out swimsuits before, you were like a doll playing dress-up. You've come so far!
Kolulu: I learned from Manamel, and La Coiffe taught me a few things too.
Kolulu: I've also been reading up on fashion, though I'm nowhere close to being an expert!
Io: Oho. So you've been too busy to hang out with me 'cause you were off making some new friends, huh?
Kolulu: Wha!
When Kolulu starts to panic at Io's dramatic pouting, Io can't help but burst out laughing.
Io: Hehe... Sorry, I was just messing around! It has been a while since we've hung out, so I couldn't help but tease you a bit.
Io: Do you remember when we first met though?
Kolulu: Simply put, I eat in order to live.
Kolulu: That, to me, is true happiness!
Io: Hm, that's what happiness means to you, eh?
Io: My goal is to become a proper lady.
Io: I get to fly all over the place with everyone in the crew.
Io: I've met so many different people, and I've experienced so much...
Io: Um, anyway!
Io: After everything you've been through, I can see why eating makes you so happy.
Io: I know this is going to sound like me being nosy, but there's so much more to this world that I want you to see!
Io: That's how you'll find it, you know?
Io: That's how you'll find that really special something close to your heart.
Kolulu: ...
Kolulu: That special something?
Kolulu: That was a while ago, huh? Back then, I didn't think anything that wasn't eating could be fun...
Kolulu: I didn't know what it was like to have friends.
Kolulu: The thing is, I've never had a friend before...
Io: So does that make me your first friend?
Io: Haha, that's a big responsibility.
Io: Put it there!
Kolulu: Huh?
Io: Come on. Let's shake hands to seal the deal!
Io: From now on you're not just a crew member. You're a good friend.
Kolulu: Okay! Here's to getting off on the right foot!
Io: And now, you've got so many friends with you, and you've grown so much since.
Io: As your first friend, I can't be more proud of you!
Kolulu: All of that's really thanks to you, Io.
Io: Wh-wha... Why'd you get all serious on me like that? Now I don't know what to say!
Kolulu: But it's true. Fashion was something you were interested in first.
Kolulu: You said you wanted to become a proper lady, but to me, you were way past that already.
Io: Okay, stop! I got it! It's embarrassing so let's move on!
Kolulu looks puzzledly at Io, whose cheeks are now bright red.
Io: Anyway, have you decided on your outfit yet?
Kolulu: Oh, yes! Thanks for taking me around the store. I think I've got pretty much everything!
Io: All right, then here's something from me to top it off.
Io hands her friend a hair clip.
Io: Your eyes are always so sparkly, like jewels. I thought it'd be nice if we could see them without your hair getting in the way.
Io: The clip's just one of my spares, so it's not anything to gush over, but...
Kolulu: Wow! Are you sure I can have it?
Io: That's it! Those sparkly eyes! You should show them off more often.
At Io's encouraging smile, Kolulu can't help but smile back and nod.
Kolulu's Voice: Thanks for waiting!
Kolulu: What do you think?
Io: It's cute!
Io: You look totally different! Everyone in the crew is going to be so surprised when they see you!
Kolulu: Hehe. Hearing you say that gives me that much more confidence!
She catches sight of herself reflected in the window glass.
Kolulu: I've really come a long way. Meeting all of you kicked everything off...
Io: I'm the same, you know.
Io: I've gotten to meet so many different people and spend time with them. Getting thrown in the mix has brought out new sides to all of us.
Kolulu: Thrown in... and mixed to bring out... more flavor?
Io: Hey, I'm not talking about food here!
I guess that's one aspect of you that'll never change.
Io lets out a sigh before extending her right hand.
Io: Here. Let's shake hands.
Kolulu: Huh?
Io: Come on, this is where we shake hands and agree to keep growing together.
Io: I really am happy to see that you're making so many new friends. But don't forget about me, okay?
And just like the day they first met, Kolulu grasps Io's hand firmly.
Kolulu: Of course I won't! I'll be sure to invite you out right away!
Io: Great! Well, off you go then! Be careful not to trip!
Kolulu: Thanks! See you!
Kolulu: I'd gone with the intention of putting together an outfit all by myself...
Kolulu: But I ended up relying on Io to help me through it.
Scratching her cheek sheepishly, Kolulu puts on a contented smile.
Kolulu: Still, I'm a little proud of myself for having made such wonderful friends.
Kolulu: And now, here I am like this...
Donning an outfit very much in her own style, Kolulu skips down the road.
The sunbeams light the path in front of her as she soaks in the warmth of this glorious spring day.
Picnic under the Blossoms
One spring day, Kolulu is told by Manamel that there is a cherry tree with violet blossoms nearby that can grant a year of good health to those who find it. Excited, Kolulu invites Io out to search for the violet blossoms. Manamel overhears the two and is horrified, as she had remembered wrong and given Kolulu false information. Not wanting Kolulu and Io to be disappointed, Manamel comes up with a plan.
On another spring day, a short while after the events at Port Breeze and the fashion fiasco...
Kolulu pounds loudly on Io's door.
Kolulu: Io! Are you there?
Io: I'm here! You can stop knocking now!
Kolulu: Oh! Sorry about that.
Io: Geez, Kolulu! If you want to become a lady too, then you have to remember to mind your manners.
Kolulu: Ahaha, oops. Looks like I got ahead of myself.
Io: Got ahead of yourself? About what? Have you got some sort of good news?
Kolulu: I certainly do!
Kolulu grins, and Io leans closer, curious.
Kolulu: Let's go out to see the cherry blossoms!
Io: Cherry blossoms?
Kolulu: Yes! The cherry blossoms in the spring are beautiful, so I thought they'd be perfect for a lady like you!
Kolulu: Manamel was kind enough to tell me a good spot to see them, and I just couldn't contain myself!
Io: Cherry blossoms... That's a good idea. Should we get everyone together then?
Kolulu: I'm sure that'd be fun too, but I was thinking of making it a day out with just you and me.
Io: Just us?
Kolulu: That's right! With everything that's happened over the past month, we haven't been able to see each other much...
Kolulu: So I thought we could make up for that and spend some time together!
Io: Whoa... Erm, I'm happy to hear that, but you're really making me blush when you put it that directly...
Kolulu: ...?
There's nothing to be embarrassed about!
Io: I guess so... I have to say, that's definitely one of your strengths.
Io regains herself and clears her throat.
Io: So, where's the place Manamel told you about?
Kolulu: She says the island we're docked at right now has a hill where lots of cherry blossom trees are in bloom!
Kolulu: What's more, there's a legend surrounding that cherry blossom hill too.
Io: A legend?
Kolulu: Apparently there's a single tree with violet flowers that blooms there. They say that whoever finds it will have good health this year!
Io: Wow, violet cherry blossoms?
Io: But wouldn't that be really easy to spot? Someone's probably found it already—I bet there's a ton of people there now.
Kolulu: Actually... From what I hear, nobody's found the violet blooms yet.
Io: Oh?
Io: In that case, I suppose we can go search for it if we're going to be there to look at the cherry blossoms anyway.
Kolulu: It'd be nice if we could spend a fun day together and be blessed with an entire year of good health!
As the two talk excitedly, Kolulu's stomach suddenly lets out a loud rumble.
Kolulu: Heheh. If we're going to visit the cherry blossom hill, we'll need to bring some lunch boxes, huh?
Io: Hehe, I knew you'd say that!
Io: We're going to appreciate the blooms like proper ladies, of course, but even ladies need to eat.
Io: So it's important we prepare some food for our trip! We can pack our lunch boxes with all our favorite dishes...
Kolulu: And drinks! We need to bring drinks too!
Io: Looking at the Grandcypher's departure schedule, it seems tomorrow might be the best day to go see the cherry blossoms.
Kolulu: Okay! Then let's go buy some ingredients and a picnic blanket!
Kolulu and Io rush out of the room eagerly and immediately head for town.
Manamel: ...
Manamel: ...
Uh oh. This is not good.
Manamel is hidden behind Io's room door, unnoticed by the two. She sinks down to the floor.
Manamel: Oh no... What should I do? I can't tell them now that there aren't actually any violet cherry blossoms!
Vegalta: ...!
Manamel: I was so wrapped up in looking for my sister-boo that I got confused about the legend... and ended up telling Kolulu the wrong thing!
Manamel: I rushed here to Io's room, thinking to tell Kolulu that it was all a mistake...
Manamel: But when I heard them getting excited, it was so endearing that I couldn't just barge in and ruin everything!
Vegalta: ...!
Manamel: Wait, Vega! Don't go!
Vegalta makes to catch up to Kolulu and Io, intent on clearing up the confusion about the cherry blossoms, but Manamel stops it.
Manamel: I may care only about myself like 98% of the time, but that smile on Kolulu is something I have to protect!
Manamel: Luckily the cherry blossom hill does actually exist, so...
Manamel: Vega. I've got an idea.
Motivated by an idea that's come to mind, Manamel goes on to tell Vegalta of her plan.
Picnic under the Blossoms: Scene 2
The next day, Kolulu and Io prepare their lunch boxes and take them to a hill of cherry blossoms, where they enjoy a picnic under the beautiful blooms. Meanwhile, Manamel secretly follows them, after having stayed up the entire night making preparations. Kolulu and Io spend their time leisurely before going to search for the violet blossoms.
The next morning, Kolulu and Io are up bright and early, working hard in the kitchen of the Grandcypher.
Kolulu: Mmm, the meat's simmering nicely... It smells delicious!
Io: I love stew, but how're we going to bring it out with us?
Kolulu: Hehe. I'm going to put it into this flask here!
Io: Okay, then what're we going to use for the mixed juice I made earlier?
Kolulu: This flask, of course—oh!
Io: See? We're making way too much. We don't even have enough containers to put everything in!
Io: I'm pretty sure we've got a lidded container somewhere... Maybe we can put the stew in there.
Kolulu: Ooh! Great idea, Io!
Despite the various obstacles, Kolulu and Io happily continue making their lunches.
Kolulu: Do you know the difference between pasta and ramen, Io?
Io: Hm, I think I've heard something about that before. Something about whether lye water is used or not, right?
Kolulu: So you know! Wouldn't have expected any less from you!
Io: Yeah? Well, an accomplished lady has to be knowledgeable to an extent!
Kolulu: I'm going to pack some pasta into the corner of my lunch box!
Io: Hehe. You can probably fit quite a lot into those corners!
After some time, the two finally put their boxes of food into their backpacks.
Kolulu: All right! See you later!
Io: Are you saying bye to the Grandcypher?
Kolulu: Yep! It's our home, after all!
Io: You've got a point. I should do that too!
I'll see you later!
Manamel: What the heck was that?
Manamel: They're so adorable, waving to the G. Cyph like that...
Manamel peeks out from the shadows of the deck as she watches Kolulu and Io leave the ship.
Manamel: Yaaawn...
Vegalta: ...!
Manamel: Are you kidding me? No way I stayed up all night just to go to sleep now!
Manamel: I'm gonna tail those two and—
Io: Is someone there?
Kolulu: Io? Did you forget something?
Io: Oh, no. I'm okay!
Manamel: Phew... That was close.
Kolulu and Io eagerly trek across grassy fields until they reach the hill of cherry blossom trees.
Kolulu: Whoa! I've never seen so many cherry blossoms in bloom!
Io: Me neither! Other people are here too, but there's plenty of space so it doesn't feel crowded at all!
Kolulu: Now, time for lunch! Why don't we put our picnic blanket under that large cherry tree over there?
The two sit under the shade of the tree. They begin to feast on their lunches, enjoying the petals dancing around them.
Io: Mmm, this stew is so creamy! It tastes really good!
Kolulu: Oh, good... It's my first time making it, so I'm glad to hear that you like it!
Io: Come to think of it, this might be my first time eating something you made! I've seen you eat plenty of times, of course.
Kolulu: Oh yeah, you have! You helped out a lot at the summer eating contest!
Io: The bonito we had at the party after was so good!
Kolulu: It was, but this juice you made can rival the bonito, I think!
Io: You think so? I can't believe you're comparing fish and juice though.
Kolulu: Hm? Well, actually, I think the juice wins since we get to drink it while looking at all these beautiful cherry blossoms!
Io: Haha! The cherry blossoms are definitely a bonus!
Io laughs before straightening up.
Io: Oops, but you just reminded me that I should be focusing on the cherry blossoms. I was too wrapped up in the food and conversation.
Io: If Rosetta was here, she'd be looking at the petals quietly like an elegant lady.
Kolulu: Yes. She'd definitely eat the rice ball slowly, bite by bite!
Io: Exactly. Bite by bite... Wait, you're steering it back to food!
Kolulu: Hehe. Why not? As long as we're having fun, right?
Io: That's true. Since it's just the two of us, I guess we can just relax and not worry about the little things.
Io stretches before turning back to Kolulu with a smile.
Io: After we finish eating, do you want to race before we start looking for the violet cherry blosoms?
Kolulu: A race! Is that a challenge?
Io: I just thought you'd like racing. You were nice enough to invite me out today, so I wanted to suggest something too.
Io: I won't be holding back, of course!
Kolulu: Neither will I! I've run around an entire mountain of garbage, so you bet I can put up a good fight!
The content of their lunch boxes soon disappear into their stomachs.
The two promptly get up to run around the hill of cherry blossoms, laughing without a worry in the skies.
Picnic under the Blossoms: Scene 3
Kolulu and Io manage to find the violet cherry blossoms. Io detects magic from the petals and realizes that Manamel had dyed them purple; however, she decides to keep it a secret from Kolulu, who's having a great time. Manamel is satisfied that her mission is a success—until that night, when Kolulu reveals she knows Manamel was behind it. Manamel apologizes, but Kolulu thanks Manamel for all the work she's put in. The two continue talking happily into the night.
For a while, Kolulu and Io race each other, play hide-and-seek, climb trees, and enjoy themselves to their hearts' content.
Finally, satisfied with their afternoon of fun, they ascend the hill to look for the violet cherry blossoms.
Kolulu: Hm... The cherry blossoms are rather sparse here, but there's still no sign of the violet ones.
Io: You said we'll have a full year of good health if we find the violet blooms, right?
Io: I'm still kind of skeptical about whether the legend's real or not.
Kolulu: I did ask Manamel about it again last night...
Manamel: The violet cherry blossoms? I'll make som—um, I mean... I've made sure there's some!
Manamel: Once you get close to them, you'll hear a clanging sound!
Kolulu: She was telling me about it in great detail, so there's no doubt about it!
Io: A clanging sound? But they're flowers...
Io frowns, suspicious of the whole story.
Kolulu: Wait, I hear it! A clang!
Io: It's coming from over there! Let's go take a look!
The pair rushes over to where the sound is coming from.
Kolulu: Wooow!
In front of them is a cherry tree, covered with petals in a deep purple color.
Kolulu: Amazing! It really exists!
Io: Right... So it seems...
Io: (These petals... I'm feeling a magic reaction from them.)
Io: (It's most likely a magical dye... The kind you'd use on hair.)
Io: ...!
Io abruptly turns to look behind her. A figure hastily retreats into the shade of a tree—but Io spots a frilly hem peeking out.
Io: Aha... I get it now.
Kolulu: Io! This means we're going to be healthy and full of energy for a whole year, doesn't it?
Kolulu: If we come here again next year, and the year after that... maybe it can help us stay healthy all the time!
Io: Kolulu...
Io: Yeah! We'll always be healthy and well.
Despite having seen through the situation, Io keeps quiet as Kolulu steps closer to the violet blooms.
Kolulu: It's not always fun and games while traveling across the skies. Sometimes there are tough battles we have to fight too.
Kolulu: You've been with (Captain) for a long time too, Io. I bet you've been through a lot.
Kolulu: That's why I really hope that you can stay healthy and safe, now and forever!
Io: Oh, Kolulu...
Kolulu rubs her nose and smiles.
Io: You too, you hear? I know you've been involved in some dangerous battles recently...
Io: So we both need to pay extra attention to taking care of ourselves!
Io: Otherwise we'll never make it to being proper ladies. Isn't that right?
Kolulu: Yeah! Let's live a long life, be proper ladies, and become the most elegant old ladies we can be!
Io: Ahaha! We've got a long way to go then.
Letting out a small sigh, Io looks up at the violet blossoms.
Io: (I can't believe Manamel would go as far as to prepare an entire fake tree...)
Io: (But... I guess I'll let it slide this time.)
There is no doubt that many trials and hardships await Kolulu and Io on their journey.
But as they gaze at the blooming miracle in front of them, the two are confident that they will be able to conquer anything.
Manamel: I'm so glad both of them are happy with it!
Vegalta: ...!
Manamel: Vega, thanks for helping me paint the tree all through the night and for guiding them to it! I'll leave the cleaning to you too then!
Vegalta: ...
That night, Manamel is in her own room on the Grandcypher, feeling proud of herself, when she receives a visitor.
Kolulu: Good evening, Manamel!
Manamel: Kolulu! Are you here to tell me how it went today?
Manamel puts on a big smile when she sees a happy-looking Kolulu at her door.
Manamel: How was it? Did you manage to find the violet cherry blossoms?
Kolulu: Yes, they were so beautiful!
Kolulu: Did you prepare it all for us?
Manamel: ...
Huh?
Kolulu: When we found the violet blooms, I immediately thought about how it was similar to your hair.
Kolulu: Then I thought I felt Vegalta's presence nearby... and realized that the clanging sound must've been Vegalta!
Manamel: Huh? Um, what?
Kolulu: You were watching out for us the whole day, since the early morning...
Manamel: W-wait a sec!
Manamel: You mean... you knew this whole time?
Kolulu: Yep!
Manamel: ...
Manamel: I'm so sorry!
When Manamel lowers her head in apology, Kolulu shakes her head, her smile unwavering.
Kolulu: There's no need to apologize! I came to say thank you!
Kolulu: Rather than a legend passed down from someone I don't know, I'm much happier knowing you've been so thoughtful and kind to us!
Manamel: Kolulu...
Manamel: Hngh... Oh em gee, how can you be so pure? I just can't!
Manamel: I still want to apologize though. Is there anything you want me to do? I'll do anything, so let me make it up to you, okay?
Kolulu: A-anything?
Kolulu: Hmm, then... I do have one thing.
Kolulu takes out a pillow that she had been holding behind her.
Kolulu: Would it be all right if I slept over in your room?
Manamel: Say wha!
Kolulu: You see, when we shared rooms while I was sorting out my things before... it was so fun, I just can't stop thinking about it.
Kolulu: If you don't mind, do you think I could sleep over from time to time? That's actually what I came to ask you about...
Kolulu: I hope... it's not too much of a bother.
Manamel: Not at all! You're welcome to stay!
Manamel: I do sneak into (Captain)'s room sometimes, but you're welcome to come sleep over on nights when I'm not doing that!
Kolulu: Yay, I'm so glad! I'm really looking forward to learning more about fashion from you!
When Manamel pulls up a cushion, Kolulu slowly lowers herself down onto it.
Their conversation continues through the night, from food to fashion, until drowsiness finally overtakes them.
Kolulu: Today was such a fun day...
Kolulu: As always, I'm sure tomorrow... will be even more fun...
