The moment Sunday Silence disappeared before Gotham Song's eyes, the entire dream seemed to collapse into fragments.
As she slowly opened her eyes, the dark-haired Uma Musume once again took in the world around her.
Though it felt as if she'd been napping for ages, not much actual time seemed to have passed. Gotham Song could clearly see the golden sunlight filtering gently through the curtains, and also—
—the figure sitting motionlessly at her bedside.
Actually, it looked quite eerie, didn't it?
Mejiro McQueen sat silently beside Gotham Song, hands neatly folded in her lap, posture perfectly upright and still as a statue. She hadn't moved at all, merely sitting patiently.
How to put it…
McQueen appeared almost mechanical, simply sitting there, waiting because she'd been asked to, doing absolutely nothing else.
Is this really alright? Isn't it boring or something? Sitting silently like this… it's honestly a little unsettling.
Speaking of which, Gotham Song had been curious about something since yesterday:
When Mejiro Ramonu had arranged for Mejiro McQueen—someone Gotham Song barely knew—to stay permanently at Daiichi Ruby's home, why hadn't McQueen voiced even a single objection?
Could it be out of respect or obedience to Ramonu? That didn't seem quite right, yet no other explanation presented itself.
Well, now was the perfect opportunity to ask, wasn't it?
"McQueen… there's something I'd like to ask you."
"Yes. Please speak."
McQueen responded instantly, almost mechanically, giving Gotham Song a sense of… robotic obedience?
It was like pressing a button and immediately receiving a response.
"Well, then I'll just ask straight out. When Mejiro Ramonu mentioned staying here, you didn't seem opposed at all."
"Because there's no point."
No point? What does that even mean? No point to what exactly?
Gotham Song stared blankly, clearly confused. Seeing her confusion, McQueen calmly added an explanation:
"It's meaningless to say I don't want to."
Even if she'd refused, someone from the family would inevitably appear every day anyway. Staying here directly wasn't necessarily worse.
But, why had the Phantom suddenly vanished just now?
Mejiro McQueen's internal world was now extremely simple—there were few things capable of provoking genuine emotional reactions. And right now, concern for Phantom Ruka certainly wasn't one of them.
What unexpected thing could happen to that phantom who had existed within her for years? McQueen was simply puzzled by this absence of an internal element.
It wasn't significant enough to stir genuine emotion.
"In Mejiro Manor, nobody can say no to Ramonu-neesan."
Or rather, those who could were no longer around.
Neither Ardan-neesan nor… Ruka-neesan.
They'd never return to Mejiro Manor again—especially Ruka-neesan.
Even now, Mejiro McQueen hadn't found a trace of her. Phantom had clearly told her that Ruka-neesan would be reborn, and she'd even sensed Ruka's presence in the audience at last year's Kikuka Sho…
More than anything, Mejiro McQueen longed to find her—or rather, to be found by Ruka-neesan.
In an instant, Mejiro McQueen's icy demeanor shifted to intense fervor, and witnessing this clearly—especially after Sunday Silence's hints—firmly resolved Gotham Song's decision.
If it's come to this, then I definitely have to do something…
Though perhaps McQueen herself had already been considering joining the Japan Cup? After all, online, the biggest name called forth to challenge Gotham Song right now was none other than the sister sitting beside her, currently in her senior Uma year.
Gotham Song often monitored online communities closely, especially when it involved herself.
And what was the hottest current debate online regarding Gotham Song?
Who could finally stop Gotham Song's arrogant march forward?
Since Yasuda Kinen, this single discussion thread had exploded into one of Japan's most popular topics. Some had even spotted the official URA account lurking briefly in the comment section.
And the latest candidate chosen by popular consensus?
It was Mejiro McQueen herself—winner of last year's classic double crown, unofficial Kikuka Sho victor, champion of the Ruka Stakes, who'd dominated her entire classic year. Dubbed by fans as "Japan's own Twilight Song," Mejiro McQueen!
Honestly, the more Gotham Song scrolled through the comments, the more amusing she found it. Initially, people debated rationally about McQueen's odds against Gotham Song.
But as the number of commenters grew, the tone gradually became more emotional.
One particularly vivid shift came when a commenter provided detailed stats to demonstrate how, if McQueen brought her legendary runaway form from the Ruka Stakes, she'd have a real shot at defeating Gotham Song.
Immediately following that analytical post, another commenter replied dramatically:
"If even a goddess-like Uma Musume like Mejiro McQueen can't beat Gotham Song, then don't we have no hope at all?!"
Like a spark igniting a powder keg, the entire thread erupted into wild, exaggerated praise of McQueen.
The fervor reminded Gotham Song strongly of how people had spoken of Twilight Song before her Arc race—now they passionately hoped McQueen would burn herself out, taking Gotham Song down with her.
Given that atmosphere, shouldn't McQueen herself have some inclination to participate?
Tentatively, Gotham Song broached the topic.
"Participate in the Japan Cup? I've thought about it, but I don't currently intend to. There's really no need."
Eh? She really had no interest?
[Ha, didn't expect that, did you, little one?]
"Although it might indeed be good to race you there, I have nothing to gain. Besides…"
For once, Mejiro McQueen's composed face twisted into a rare expression—one of cold disdain and contempt.
"I fully support your goal."
Fully support…? Meaning destroying the internationalization of Japanese racing? It was surprising yet somehow unsurprising. Surprising, because McQueen was a Japanese Uma Musume; unsurprising, because ultimately, she was a Mejiro through and through.
Abandoning one's ideals due to public pressure would never fit her character.
Well, in that case, Gotham Song had to take more direct action.
"Is that so? I really thought you'd want to join. I was looking forward to racing against you."
Ah, that reminds me—we once promised each other that if the opportunity ever arose, we'd run together again. Isn't this the perfect time to honor that promise?
Gotham Song considered carefully, then smiled mysteriously at McQueen. Leaning closer, she softly whispered into her ear:
"What if I said… participating in the Japan Cup and beating me could earn you information about what you most desire? Would you race then?"
McQueen probably wouldn't believe Gotham Song if she directly revealed herself as Ruka—but offering a hint, just a tiny piece, would be different.
Show me how you've grown, McQueen. Let your big sister see clearly.
Gotham Song couldn't see it, but McQueen's eyes widened dramatically at those whispered words, fists clenching tightly.
"If you're joking, Gotham Song-san, this is in extremely poor taste. Do you truly know what I want to know most?"
Of course she knew. Before, Gotham Song might've guessed—but after witnessing Phantom Ruka's memories, now she was absolutely certain!
Because Phantom Ruka grew from McQueen's obsession.
Meeting McQueen's intense gaze calmly, Gotham Song blinked lightly.
"What if I say yes, I do know exactly what you wish to learn? How would you react?"
This was how she reacted—
Immediately, Mejiro McQueen leaned in aggressively, firmly grabbing Gotham Song's wrist, pinning her down on the opposite side, and casting a shadow over her.
"In that case, it seems I have no choice but to join the Japan Cup. Gotham Song-san, you'd better not disappoint me—or break your promise."
Otherwise, I'll never approach you again.
After a tense silence, Gotham Song gave a slight nod, inches from McQueen's face.
How could she disappoint her? If McQueen truly could defeat her…
Perhaps she'd underestimated McQueen's intense fixation.
Initially, Gotham Song merely intended to motivate McQueen—but just a few words had awakened fierce intensity in her sister.
Not that McQueen's actions frightened Gotham Song; rather, she deeply felt McQueen's emotional turmoil.
Why has McQueen become like this?
It was simple: she'd never moved past that rainy night at Longchamp.
Having finally found a way out, Mejiro McQueen reacted as someone drowning desperately grasping at a lifeline.
"I certainly won't disappoint you, Mejiro McQueen."
If McQueen was this serious, Gotham Song couldn't hold anything back, even if it meant revealing herself.
She'd give it her all, regardless of consequences.
If racing Astronomer was about challenge and response, racing Mejiro McQueen was about bonds and constraints.
Yet Gotham Song willingly embraced these bonds—because they were hers to bear.
Satisfied, McQueen rose and exited the room.
But immediately afterward, Neo Universe stepped inside.
Gotham Song felt oddly absurd:
Why's there always someone by my bedside?
"Song, did you make your promise?"
"Yes. Sorry, Neo. But if McQueen continues like this, I'll feel awful."
Neo Universe shook her head, warmly leaning closer.
"Do whatever you wish, Song. I'll always support you."
They held each other tightly, Gotham Song relieved at Neo's dependable warmth.
"But Neo—did you…wait outside this whole time?"
Neo quickly avoided eye contact, confirming Gotham Song's suspicion.
Well, there was nothing more to say about that.