"Five minutes to spare… made it."
On her first Sunday off since joining Canopus, Rice Shower plans to meet her beloved big sis, Rampage, at the station. Red lights slowed her, sparking worry, but she arrives just in time.
"Is big sis here…?"
As Rice reaches for her phone to call, a woman in a flowing black-and-white dress, hat, and sunglasses approaches. Startled, Rice tenses until a familiar voice rings out.
"Yo, Rice."
"W-What!? Big sis!?"
"Yup. Your big sis, the Turf's Dictator… Mejiro Rampage."
Removing her sunglasses, Rampage smirks like a prankster. Known for masculine outfits, her skirt shocks Rice. They head to a café to refresh.
"Mmm, Costa Rican coffee hits… I love tea, but coffee's my jam too."
"Um, big sis… about your outfit…"
"Oh, this getup?"
Sipping coffee, Rampage senses Rice's curiosity. Her usual tomboy style makes this feminine look rare. She owns women's clothes—thanks to Ryan and Ines playing dress-up—but never wears them willingly. Today's an exception.
"Simple, Rice. I'm too famous." She points to a café TV airing a Mejiro special, showing her Oaks race. "This disguise keeps me under the radar."
"I see… but you look great!"
"Thanks, Rice. Feels weird, though. Price of being a tomboy, I guess. Whatever."
If a dress dodges the media, she's game. Reporters swarm Tracen lately, but today, none noticed her. A reminder of her public "manly" image.
"They're probably still waiting. Sucks to be them."
"You don't like reporters, big sis?"
"Hate 'em."
Reporters chase profit over truth. They vilified the real-life Rice Shower, but Rampage, from her human days, always admired Rice and her jockey, dubbed the "Hitman," as cool.
"Forget that. Let's get to it, Rice."
"Okay!"
They're out to see The Blue Rose of Happiness, Rice's favorite picture book, staged as a play. A thank-you for joining Canopus, Rice got them pair tickets. A black cat nearly swiped them, and roadwork blocked their path, but they make the show.
"Wasn't sure about a picture book play, but that was fun," Rampage says.
"Yeah! Different from the book, but the changes were great!" Rice beams.
Rice notes the play's tweaks but praises its clever arrangement. They discuss over conveyor-belt sushi.
"You sure, big sis? I'm eating so much…"
"Don't sweat it. Undefeated Double Crown champ's got savings."
Twinkle Series prize money isn't all hers, but Rampage's earnings—1.4 billion yen from the Oaks alone—dwarf normal budgets. No wonder her uncle's family had their eyes on it.
"Money's messing with my head…" Rampage mutters.
"Huh?" Rice tilts her head.
"Nothing. Here's your battleship roll."
Rice beams, devouring sushi. Rampage sips tea, grabbing her own.
"How do you want to run your Twinkle Series, Rice?"
"My Twinkle Series?"
Caught off-guard, Rice ponders briefly.
"I want my races to make people happy."
"Like The Blue Rose of Happiness?"
"Yeah. I want my runs to bring joy, energy…"
Rampage smirks at Rice's pure motive—so opposite her own revenge-driven drive.
"You'll do it. You're my little sis, after all."
"Ehehe, I'll try hard!"
"Then let's eat up!"
"Yay!!"
A tower of plates piles up at their sushi table.
"Back to work tomorrow… Rice, you'll spread happiness. Me? I'll be the big sis you're proud of."
"I'm already proud of you!"
"More proud, you cute thing!"
"Eek! Hugging me's embarrassing!!"
"Our sis… too damn cute…"
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