The new year—a literal fresh start, yet its meaning varies. For Rampage and Ikuno, it's the Classic Class, with fierce battles ahead. For Nature and Turbo, it's their long-awaited debut year, where this year's results shape their future.
"Yo~ Happy New Year!"
"Happy New Year, Ran!!"
"Sup~"
"That's my greeting, you know~"
"Don't sweat it."
Canopus gathered to visit a shrine, praying for success in the year ahead.
"Ran, didn't the Mejiros have a New Year's party?"
"Not my scene. Bigwigs everywhere—stifling. Grandma told me to skip it."
Rampage had intended to attend out of duty to the Mejiros, but Asama urged her to prioritize her team, so here she was with Canopus.
"Still, that outfit suits you. Handsome with curves~"
Nature smirked. Rampage wore brown pants, a jacket, white knit sweater, blue scarf, and stole—relaxed yet refined. Her striking looks made it heartthrob fashion.
"Still on that? Fine, I'll scatter your training pics around the shopping street."
"They'll frame 'em in shop windows—please, no!"
Nature apologized instantly; Rampage cackled. Their teasing was a sign of their bond.
"Let's head to the shrine. We'll enjoy amazake at the stalls."
"Yay!! Turbo wants carrot yakis!!"
"G1 carrot yakis for luck, maybe?"
"Let's get moving~"
Chatting about the year, the Kohaku song contest, and more, they reached the crowded shrine, buzzing even at night. Many, including other Uma Musume, shared their purpose.
"Wow, so many people."
"Don't get lost, Turbo. Stalls later—prayers first."
"Got it!"
Leading Tanhoiza and Turbo, Rampage noticed them eyeing stalls. Sighing, she pulled out her wallet.
"Here, get amazake. For everyone."
"Yay! Ran's the best!! Let's go, Machi-tan~!!"
"Woo!!"
As they dashed off, Rampage yelled, "Don't trip!" A cheery "Leave it to us!!" echoed back. Nature, Ikuno, and Minamizaka shot her warm looks.
"What's with those eyes?"
"You're like their big sis—or mom."
"So caring."
"Your charm shines, Ran-san."
"Cut it out. They're just childish."
"Got the amazake~!!"
Sipping amazake, they reached the offering box. Each tossed in coins and prayed. Rampage's wish wasn't for success but—
(May my revenge come true…)
A questionable shrine prayer, but indirectly tied to her Triple Tiara goal. Then, a bell fell, hitting Tanhoiza's face.
"Ow!! Waaah!!"
"You okay!?"
"Why'd it fall!? What'd you wish for!?"
"Someone got tissues!?"
"What a start to the year!"
Wiping Tanhoiza's nosebleed, they stepped aside. It wasn't severe, but Tanhoiza slumped, deeming it bad luck.
"Ugh, New Year's already ruined…"
"Hey, it means you're climbing up from here, probably…"
"Good follows bad, they say."
"Yeah, Machi-tan! Positive thinking!"
"You got it, Turbo."
Canopus rallied to cheer her. Unable to watch her mope, Rampage bought something from the shrine shop, stuffed it, and ruffled Tanhoiza's hair.
"Here, cheer up."
"Cheer up…? Charms?"
Safety and victory charms, plus a small bag. Told to open it, Tanhoiza found money inside.
"What!?"
"New Year's cash. Buy what you want at the stalls."
"But…!"
"Just do it. A teammate's gloom bums us out. One person's happiness lifts us all."
Her rough words carried kindness. Tanhoiza, touched, wiped a tear and stood.
"Got it! No moping! Ei, ei, mun!! Turbo, let's eat tons!!"
"For real!?"
"Go for it. I'm giving Nature and Ikuno cash too."
"Yay!!"
Nature gaped as Rampage handed them money too.
"Me too!?"
"I can't accept…"
"It's payment for babysitting these two. They'll cause trouble—keep an eye out."
"Pawning off trouble, huh? Well, Nature's dutiful, so it's a cheap job~"
"Fair. I'll enjoy it with them."
"Do it, do it. I'll chill."
They chased Turbo and Tanhoiza. Rampage waved, but Minamizaka looked apologetic.
"Sorry, that was my job."
"No biggie. I needed to spend cash anyway."
She'd tried giving race winnings to the Mejiros for tuition, but Asama insisted using it for herself honored them most. This was likely the best use.
"What'd you wish for, Nami-chan?"
"Everyone runs the Twinkle Series injury-free."
"Spoken like a Triple Tiara trainer."
She almost shared her wish, but Minamizaka stopped her, his expression saying I know.
"You know, huh?"
"I'm your trainer."
"Everything?"
"All of it."
"Impressive."
"Not really."
Their brief exchange confirmed mutual understanding. Minamizaka knew her revenge—she didn't ask how. A bigger question loomed.
"You gonna stop me?"
"No. It's your right. If needed, I'll help."
"How so?"
"Lend me your ear."
Stepping closer, he whispered his aid—shockingly bold for his usual self. Rampage stared, stunned, while he kept smiling.
"How's a pretty face like yours say stuff like that? You're a mystery."
"My honor."
"Not a compliment—I'm floored."
Who was this trainer? Would he pull a balaclava-wearing, live-jacking stunt in this world? Would she join? Lost in thought, a familiar face approached.
"Yo, Minamizaka, Happy New Year!"
"Happy New Year, Okino-san. Here's to another year."
"Still so formal~ We're trainer pals, loosen up."
It was Okino, here to pray, but Rampage eyed the Uma Musume with him.
"McQueen, no Mejiro party?"
"Grandmother said to prioritize my team. They're handling the party…"
"Hmm…"
After greetings, an Uma Musume leapt out from behind McQueen, grinning with curiosity.
"Hey, you're the Rampage McQueen mentioned?"
"Yup, Tyrant Rampage, that's me."
"Teio, sorry, Rampage-san. This is my Spica teammate."
"Tokai Teio!! My dream's to be an undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume like the President!"
Her vibrant introduction was unnecessary—Rampage knew her. The miracle Derby horse, racing to earth's end with blazing legs, a legendary champion overcoming countless trials: Tokai Teio.
Thrilled to see her as an Uma Musume, Rampage kept cool.
"You know me, but I'm Rampage. Triple Crown, huh? Funny—I'm after the Triple Tiara."
"Cool!! Let's race someday, undefeated Triple Crown vs. Triple Tiara!!"
"Think I'll lose already? Gutsy. Challenge accepted."
"Teio… Sorry, Rampage-san."
"No worries, she's lively. Great teammate, McQueen."
"Indeed."
How would this world unfold? A flicker of worry, but stronger was her desire to race the Emperor as an Uma Musume. Rampage eagerly awaited that day, vowing to answer with her best run.
Last chapter of the year, maybe? It's been eventful—here's to next year!! If time allows, I might post tonight, but please support Alto-hime next year too!!
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