Dad!
Dad! Dad!
"Music is the light that shines upon people's hearts."
A wonderful quote from Maestro Asahina.
Music provides people with comfort, hope, and richness.
He did not want to see it taken from this world.
What a proud and beautiful ideal.
But the D2s ruthlessly tore those ideals apart.
We must never forget his will,
but we must learn from his death.
Music has the brilliant power to strike down the D2s,
but it is a double-edged sword that will also bring destruction.
The only ones properly able to control that power right now
are the Musicarts that we, the Symphonica, created.
My fellow citizens...
Until the threat of the D2s no longer exists,
I ask that you abstain from playing music.
Let us never repeat the awful tragedy that occurred today.
Music is a poison far too potent for our current world.
Morning, Takt!
I can see you're having tons of fun,
but now it's the time of the week when I clean your room!
I didn't ask you to come here. Just leave.
Seriously? Again?
How do you destroy this place so much in just a week every time?
I made sure the place was spotless just last week!
I just gathered everything I would possibly need to survive.
This is the ultimate space where I can give my all without a lot of distractions.
The term you're looking for is "lazy pack rat."
I mean, look over there. You've got little critters scuttling around having a party.
Leave them be.
They may look unpleasant, but at least they don't get in the way of my piano playing.
Unlike someone else I know.
Well, I'm not here to get in your way, either.
I'm only here so you can at least live like a human being.
Whatever. Do as you please.
I don't have time for this.
Yes, Maestro!
Cosette! Are you done over...
I know you haven't taken a bath. You haven't even changed your shirt!
Did you come here to clean or to get in my way?!
Well, I need to start with the dirtiest part and work my way down, or I'll never be done.
I thought you weren't going to get in the way of my piano playing!
You said that yourself, didn't you, Cosette?!
Oh, whoops. My bad.
I forgot that you'd be the one to get in the way of my cleaning.
I see.
So you're here again today to waste what little time I have with my piano!
Cosette! Takt! That's enough!
Music
So, Takt. How long do you plan on living like this?
You should at least stop holing up in that dark, dreary garage.
Maybe go for a walk in the park on a nice day.
There's no point. It's just a waste of time.
If we didn't stop by, you'd either die buried in garbage
or die from whatever disease you'd get from not bathing.
Rubbish.
How can I get dirty if I never set foot outside my house?
Uh, what? I'm sorry, are you serious?
It's probably far more likely that you two are bringing filth into my house.
Unbelievable. That poor thing!
I feel so bad for the poor piano that's being played day in and day out by this loser.
You feel bad? For a piano? What are you talking about?
I'm sure the piano is honored to have someone like me play it.
Shut up! That's enough, Cosette.
You, too, Takt. We're eating right now.
I know Cosette always goes too far,
but we're just worried about you.
It wouldn't hurt you to at least try.
What are you getting at?
We're saying, wouldn't you like trying to play the piano outside?
I'm sure everyone would love to hear you play the piano.
I can only play here.
Besides, there are no pianos left outside anymore.
Quit saying nonsense.
You're always talking back.
And so, this pie is mine.
My parents, as well as our sister, Lotte,
said they could never face your late father if anything were to happen to you.
But eventually, Cosette and I might also have to move to New York.
It's just a possibility.
What are you going to do then, Takt?
Nothing.
I'm just going to stay here and protect my music.
Thank you for the food.
Ta-da! Look at this!
Apparently the Symphonica Party is coming to our town, too.
Wait, hold up. Hear me out.
This is your chance to play your heart out on the piano, but outside!
The Symphonica Party is a traveling festival
that the Symphonica holds in various places.
It's been four years since the Sagan Declaration.
Everyone's been holding back,
so this is a day when we can all let loose and be happy again.
There'll be a traveling carnival, food stalls, dancing, and plays!
Locals are welcome to come perform, too!
You won't get yelled at for playing music in the middle of town at this festival!
You can even play all night... maybe.
Maybe?
I'm sure we can work that part out.
Let's perform, Takt!
I want everyone to hear your music!
You've been practicing so hard every single day.
You don't want to let the rest of your life go by without anyone else hearing you play, do you?
I'm not sure.
You'll be fine! I'll figure out how to enter you—
The only ones who have ever heard me play piano are you and Anna.
There's no guarantee
that my music is at a level that can reach the hearts of others.
You're really good, though.
It's not just about technique.
I can't see it reaching anyone in a world that has abandoned music.
So... I don't want to play.
I see... But I think your music will touch others.
I know there are even people waiting for it.
I love your music.
Aw, it's no use. That's as far as I had memorized.
You can play?
My late mother taught me.
We were still allowed to play music in France.
So it's been three years since you played?
Nope. I've still played every now and then.
Where?!
Right here. While you were in the bath.
Look, I'm sorry...
Why are you playing "Pathétique"?
There are plenty of other songs.
It's what I felt like playing.
Honestly, I think now I know how Beethoven felt when he wrote this song.
What are you talking about?
Well, they said anything would be fine,
but changed their tune as soon as I mentioned the piano.
You're not making any sense. What are you going on about?
The festival!
Apparently we're not allowed to play any music other than what the Symphonica has prepared.
Even if it's all music in the end!
You're still talking about that?
I never agreed to enter.
Oh, come on! Let's do it! Let's go out with a bang!
Takt Asahina makes his shocking street piano debut!
There's no way we'd be approved if we dropped the name "Asahina" there.
What?
The first movement in "Pathétique" is the current despair we live in.
The third movement gives us a little bit of hope.
And the second movement that ties them both together is love.
Huh?
That's what my mother used to say.
I'll come by to play again sometime.
We can even play some four hands next time.
Absolutely not.
Oh hey, Sis. Sorry.
Are you done cleaning? What about the trash?
I gathered it all up.
You knew, didn't you?
Huh?
That Cosette could play.
Oh, so you finally figured it out.
What's the deal with your little sister?
Isn't she great?
She's always cheerful and positive.
She may be a bit pushy, but she's caring and kind.
And she's got a cute smile.
Honestly, I'm jealous.
About what?
She'll want my attention sometimes, but it's not the same.
The only one who can make her smile so naturally
like that, without a care in the world, is you.
She's nothing but a nuisance.
She's always fussing.
Now she's playing my piano.
Your brain might as well be a piano.
What?
When there's truly no one left to hear you play,
will you still be able to continue the piano?
It has been four years since GM Sagan called a truce.
The threat of the D2s is not completely gone,
but we are still heading toward restoration without fail.
We hope that today's festival will help give you all hope for the future.
He's probably in complete shock right now.
I would've loved to have seen Takt in a panic.
You got permission to perform, right?
Yeah.
I wasn't getting anywhere with the town's executive committee,
so I went directly to the Symphonica, and they instantly gave me the OK.
Hey, it's a grand piano.
Whoa, there's still one left.
Are they going to play something?
The best pianist in the world will perform here at 6 PM!
Make sure you come watch!
Do you think he'll actually show up?
He will. No matter what.
Sir, there's trouble.
I'm glad things seem to be going well, Branch Manager.
G-Grand Maestro Sagan!
I wasn't told that you'd be making a personal appearance.
Get him a drink immediately!
Oh, I was just in the area, so I stopped by.
I still have my mission.
It's truly a marvelous sight
when people are enjoying their peace.
Indeed.
Please be extra careful to make sure that the citizens here are safe.
Yes, sir! Of course.
Cosette, I'll go snag him real quick.
I'll drag him out here even if I have to throw a collar on him.
Don't worry. I'll hold things down for now.
You can just stay here and watch.
I know that Takt will show up.
Takt...
Seriously...
That's obviously not a song you play at a festival.
I knew you would come.
Well, have at it,
Maestro!
I'll show you what real music is.
Oh, for crying out loud.
He shows up late and who does he think he is?
I was so nervous.
What the?
Run!
Hey! Cosette!
Takt?
Cosette!
You know, I was right...
I really do love the way you play the piano, Takt.
Cosette, Takt...
Cosette?
Cosette... This isn't right.
Music should be more comforting, and overflowing with joy.
You said that we would sing together...
I won't let this end. You can hear me, can't you?!
Stand up! Open your eyes, Cosette!
Maestro...
Take this.
I have confirmed D2 activity.
I will now eliminate them.
Please give me your orders.