And so… just how exactly had things come to this?
Gotham Song couldn't make heads or tails of it. She lay sprawled on Daiichi Ruby's enormous bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, her thoughts tangled in bewilderment.
Just yesterday, in the student council room at Japan Central Tracen Academy, an incident occurred—one which probably hadn't made waves around the world, but nonetheless was extremely serious.
Well, extremely serious for Gotham Song, at least.
And how exactly had things ended up?
Mejiro Ramonu suffered a total defeat!
Once all the Uma Musume had joined forces, who in the world could possibly resist? Who could withstand such pressure? Certainly not Mejiro Ramonu.
Hmm… When faced with sheer persistence that was monstrous in its determination, Mejiro Ramonu fought bravely until the bitter end. But Symboli Rudolf, watching clearly from the sidelines, knew from the start that her old friend stood no chance. Unable to stomach watching any longer, Rudolf finally stepped in, joining forces with Daiichi's representative to decisively quash Ramonu's last futile resistance.
In short, Mejiro Ramonu had utterly lost—but she still made one final condition:
Every day, someone from the Mejiro family must visit Daiichi Ruby's home to check on Gotham Song.
Honestly speaking, Rudolf and Daiichi's representative had been momentarily frozen in confusion by this strange demand. Actually… they'd never understood Ramonu's intentions or logic from the start.
But the moment they recalled the person in question was Gotham Song, someone whose potential seemed boundless, everything suddenly appeared strangely reasonable.
And so, just a short while after sending off a brightly smiling Mejiro Bright—who had cheerfully visited earlier—Gotham Song had completely collapsed onto the bed in exhaustion.
In truth, yesterday's outcome hadn't ended quite so simply. What baffled her most—and left her both amused and exasperated—was that the "participants" had unanimously chosen to stay overnight.
Honestly, was Ruby's home really that unsafe?
Gotham Song just couldn't grasp what everyone was thinking. Their relationships were already this good; was there anything left to worry about?
Unable to solve this puzzle, she'd given up thinking about it entirely, accepting that everyone was simply concerned for her well-being. Thankfully, a few Uma Musume who showed immense interest had been unable to remain.
The first was Tokai Teio, who'd eagerly planned to follow Song to Ruby's place. But before she could even voice her enthusiasm, Rudolf had calmly placed a hand on her shoulder, arranging subsequent tasks, completely robbing her of any chance to protest or reason to argue.
And the other…
…Was Mejiro Ardan, dragged away by Mejiro Ramonu at the last second in a spectacular act of self-sacrifice.
Despite the deep divide still existing between the Mejiro siblings, inexplicably, Ramonu had used a half-forceful, half-threatening tone that made it impossible for Ardan to refuse, whisking her sister away and thus depriving her of an overnight stay at Ruby's.
Therefore, the only Uma Musume who actually accompanied Gotham Song here were Neo Universe, Manhattan Cafe, and—
Daiichi Ruby, their host, who was treating them graciously.
However… though it was true that Daiichi Ruby was the host, Gotham Song couldn't help feeling something was a little off. Ruby, aren't you being a bit too enthusiastic?
Glancing over, Gotham Song caught Daiichi Ruby, who was seated at her bedside, supposedly absorbed in a book, sneaking—no, openly casting—a sideways look her way.
"Is there something you'd like to do, Song?" Ruby asked gently.
"No, no, it's nothing…" Gotham Song stammered awkwardly.
Why had Ruby even asked such a question? Well, the blame actually fell squarely on Symboli Rudolf.
Yesterday, just as Gotham Song had felt immensely grateful to Rudolf—thinking the matter was about to be neatly wrapped up—the Emperor had suddenly thrown out her final words with terrifying casualness:
"Oh, by the way, Daiichi Ruby-san—please ensure Song doesn't push herself if she tries to move about."
Rudolf's smile was gentle, but Gotham Song felt her heart go ice-cold.
"What I mean to say is, for an Uma Musume, anything involving their legs is no trivial matter. Isn't that right?"
Rudolf, you villain! I preferred the indifferent you from before!
Gotham Song silently fumed, recalling how the Rudolf she first met—or rather, the Rudolf who knew Twilight Song—might have acted in a situation like this.
That Rudolf… probably would've wordlessly grabbed Twilight Song by the wrist, hoisted her off the ground, then firmly locked her in a room until she'd fully recovered!
Gotham Song had no idea why such a bizarre thought crossed her mind. But come to think of it, given Rudolf's hidden concern for Uma Musume's futures, maybe she really would've done something like that?
Suddenly, Gotham Song felt strangely reconciled, as if a window had opened in her mind.
Alright then, Rudolf. Stay this way forever.
Be an oblivious blockhead your whole life!
Anyway, the moment Rudolf had openly issued that statement, Daiichi Ruby—as host—had essentially gained a special privilege.
The right to determine when Gotham Song could freely get out of bed was now firmly under her supervision—or perhaps it was more accurate to say, at her mercy!
Daiichi Ruby smiled warmly, not entirely sure herself why her spirits were soaring. Perhaps it was simply the joy of having Gotham Song entirely under her watchful gaze.
Hmm… speaking of which, Song still hasn't caught on to anyone else's feelings yet, has she? Then… does that mean I'm actually the first one to clearly show my intentions? What an unexpectedly wonderful opportunity.
Daiichi Ruby remained serene—perhaps a little too serene. After all, precisely because the circumstances were so incredibly favorable right now, she had to carefully and steadily advance her plans.
After all… at this moment, no one else was competing with her along this particular path. The stage was wide open, giving Daiichi Ruby free rein to sprint as fast as she pleased, wasn't it?
Actually, everyone around Gotham Song was quite aware of Daiichi Ruby's intentions, but oddly enough, they'd reached an unspoken consensus.
Under these specific circumstances, Daiichi Ruby was simply the most suitable person to remain by Gotham Song's side.
After all, she had come forward for the sake of her "family." There couldn't possibly be any personal feelings involved right now, could there?
This was undeniably a swift, well-timed assault by Daiichi Ruby!
"Oh, I see. Well, Song, whatever you wish to do is fine with me. I won't object."
Daiichi Ruby's smile deepened, her words carrying hidden meanings that were almost frightening.
This was her home—Daiichi Ruby's territory. In other words…
In Daiichi Ruby's home court, why shouldn't she charge forward at full speed, given the perfect opportunity?
"I—I understand, Ruby. Really, I do," Gotham Song replied softly, her voice barely audible.
How could I not know? You already confessed to me!
In truth, when Gotham Song faced Daiichi Ruby's feelings, she was rather at a loss.
It was different from her interactions with those from the Mejiro family. They were kin, people with whom she already shared deep, unbreakable bonds. Gotham Song couldn't—and wouldn't—run away from them. No matter what, she was resolved to face them head-on.
But facing Daiichi Ruby's gentle yet steadfast confession—one that was even so generous as to suggest, "I'm all yours; do whatever you wish"—left her completely unsure of how to respond.
In fact, the suddenness of it had left her head spinning, a rare occurrence.
Well, why wouldn't it?
Hadn't Daiichi Ruby already done so much to help her? Plus, she was the first Uma Musume to directly confess her feelings, and… well, even among Uma Musume, Ruby was certainly the kind of beauty who could effortlessly make anyone's heart skip a beat…!
Under the emotional barrage from every angle, Gotham Song found herself having thoughts that seldom crossed her mind.
Anyway, Ruby already said she wouldn't demand an immediate response, right?
Sorry, Ruby. I still don't know how to answer you just yet.
Thinking this, Gotham Song's ears drooped softly, and she slumped onto the plush bed, sinking deeply into its comforting embrace.
Dealing with Bright-san's enthusiastic goodwill had drained quite a bit of her energy as well. Viewed that way, she really was feeling a bit exhausted…
As Gotham Song pondered this, she glanced sideways at Daiichi Ruby and then let out a long, drawn-out sigh.
"I just… feel a bit… sleepy…"
Almost as soon as her words faded, Gotham Song lost consciousness, drifting gently into sleep.
Daiichi Ruby wasn't surprised by this at all. In fact, it wasn't as though she'd anticipated anything else. Perhaps this was what people called slowly boiling a frog? Or was it simply being confident enough not to rush things?
In any case, Ruby was exceptionally patient—or rather, supremely confident.
She felt certain that Gotham Song accepting her was only a matter of time. After all, wasn't Song already beginning to accept her through her actions? Even if she hadn't responded immediately, the mere fact they could stay so comfortably close after a confession surely meant some sparks were inevitable. No one would believe otherwise, right?
At the very least, Daiichi Ruby found Gotham Song's reaction undeniably adorable—the kind of adorable a "lover" would treasure forever.
Of course, they weren't officially in that sort of relationship yet, but Daiichi Ruby had patience… She had plenty of patience.
Just like right now—though still clad in comfortable home clothes, Daiichi Ruby quietly climbed onto Gotham Song's bed. Leaning close, she gazed tenderly at Gotham Song, whose eyelashes fluttered softly in the warm sunlight. She settled beside her beloved, slowly and carefully.
What exactly was noble elegance? Perhaps it meant bearing the weight of responsibility. As the eldest daughter of a prestigious noble family, part of Daiichi Ruby's responsibilities naturally included the continuation of the family lineage. Under such immense pressure, she usually exercised significant restraint over her personal feelings.
However, after meeting someone as powerful yet gentle as Gotham Song, Ruby could no longer suppress her emotions at all.
Or perhaps… if her goal was Gotham Song, then maybe duty and personal desire had already become one and the same?
Gotham Song was strong, brilliant, and fiercely reckless on the racetrack—but away from it, she was soft-hearted and adorably awkward, the type who would only grumble slightly if someone pinched her cheeks.
Honestly speaking, Daiichi Ruby saw Gotham Song as a bottomless abyss. The moment she'd gazed into her depths—or perhaps, the moment she'd firmly resolved to reach out—she was already destined to fall. From there, it was only a matter of time.
But if indulging herself this way was what others called "falling," Daiichi Ruby finally understood why those seemingly lazy hedonists she'd once disdained had chosen lives of such indulgent abandon.
Because perhaps in this "fall," she had found something she considered the most beautiful in her entire life. And if the abyss luring her downward was Gotham Song herself?
Daiichi Ruby thought it wouldn't be strange at all if she willingly became someone pitiful and utterly hopeless.
Gotham Song's snow-white skin seemed to radiate a sacred glow in the sunlight. Daiichi Ruby curled up beside her, hugging her own arms, and watched her intently. Slowly, very slowly… Ruby's eyes drifted closed as well.
If it was Gotham Song's temptation—her invitation—then Daiichi Ruby simply couldn't resist.
Just for a moment, why not rest together? To indulge in a little selfish greediness… wouldn't that be alright?
Meanwhile, Gotham Song drifted into a strange dream. It felt like she was back at Longchamp, that wild, burning run at the Arc's finale.
But this time, in her dream, she stood in the audience, not back on the rain-soaked turf.
She watched firsthand as Twilight Song crossed the finish line—watched as that petite figure, covered in mud and blood, collapsed into Mejiro Ramonu's arms, then… closed her eyes forever.
The rain cleared, but the dream continued, making Gotham Song struggle to maintain her composure. Clearly visible before her eyes was her own funeral, and—
A familiar black phantom.
"Oh, you're awake now, little one?"
"So, just what is going on here?"
Sunday Silence wore a peculiar smile—one she typically displayed only when something intriguing caught her attention.
"It's nothing much. Just that Daiichi Ruby was called away for a bit, and someone else took over watching your body."
Sunday Silence gestured toward herself, then pointed toward the distant coffin and the grieving figure of Mejiro Ramonu.
"You should already know who she is, right? And this… this is the moment that one was born."
Who could it be? Someone whose presence summoned Sunday Silence… could it really be McQueen?
Wait—"the moment that one was born"?
Could she be referring to the phantom behind Mejiro McQueen?
Gotham Song looked around incredulously, then turned sharply back to Sunday Silence.
"Hey, don't stare at me like that. Even I'm curious about why she was born at your funeral. But honestly… that one's existence is pretty fascinating, isn't it? Why would she attach herself to Mejiro McQueen, of all Uma Musume?"
"When you fell asleep just now, that child sat beside you for a while. Right afterward, you slipped into this dream."
In fact, Sunday Silence herself had a hunch: such a state might activate simply when two beings were close enough for long enough. Perhaps it hadn't triggered earlier simply because the distance or duration was never quite enough?
As she spoke, the dark phantom gazed at Mejiro McQueen, cloaked in shadow.
"You've felt it yourself, haven't you? That one's existence—it's quite similar to yours, isn't it? Or rather, similar to how you felt during that rainy night at the Arc—but also completely different…"
Is this truly a dream? No. Perhaps this is something you've lost—now impatiently eager to return, to prove something, to communicate with you.
After all, this was once part of you, too.