September. Summer's gone, but the heat lingers. Rampage, unbothered by the swelter—thanks to her Hitosoul roots—sips a cold drink, gazing skyward.
"Sapporo Memorial, well done. How'd it feel?" Minamisaka asks. "No big thoughts. Turf felt fine." "So, your European turf adaptability is high."
In the clubroom, they review the race footage. Other Uma Musume seem sluggish in comparison.
"Palmer's got solid adaptability too, huh?" "Definitely high." "Hm… Compared to mountains, it was a breeze. Normal hooves helped."
The mountain training forged her legs and adaptability to heavy turf. She'd likely thrive in Europe.
"Schedule: Emperor's Cup (Autumn), Elizabeth Cup, Japan Cup. Good?" "Fine. Gotta show I'm a Mejiro for the Emperor's Cup. Shin-san never got I'm a Mejiro."
Shinzan, who trained her at camp, left when Rampage headed to Sapporo. Minamisaka called her for Rampage, so her exit made sense. Rudolf was bummed. Shinzan promised to visit Tresen with "friends"—likely TTG for the stream. Only Rampage and Minamisaka know.
"Speaking of—" "Sorry, Minami. Japan Cup's off." "Canceled? We haven't applied yet… Saving energy for Arima?" "Nah, I'm running Champions Cup."
Champions Cup: a new dirt race rivaling Japan Cup's international prestige. As last year's Japan Cup champ, she was expected there but had considered dirt.
"No issue, but… why?" "Just felt like running dirt." "That's it? Plenty of time if you change your mind. I'll plan for this." "Not changing, but thanks. Gonna take a walk." "No running."
She winks, stepping out. Autumn's heat clings, odd for an Uma Musume body she's used to. Still, she's heat-resistant.
"Rampage-san!" "Yo, Dragun Lance. Running?"
At a vending machine, buying iced coffee, she spots her junior friend, Dragun Lance.
"Sapporo was amazing!" "Thanks. How's your form?" "Great! Topped a 1400m mock race under Coach!" "Hell yeah! Proud friend here."
Dragun's got talent—Triple Crown potential. But she's Brian's peer. Bad timing.
"I'll throw you a party later." "No way! I'd be partying non-stop for you, senpai!" "Cheeky, huh?" "Not like you." "Lost that fresh vibe, eh? Here."
She buys a sports drink, tossing it to Dragun.
"Keep it up. From the undefeated champ." "Hehe, Dragun Lance, charging forward!"
Dragun dashes off, tangled with Bakushin-O but thriving. As Rampage sips, a shadow approaches—Flora. She tries to flee but gets cornered.
"No running. You're on rest." "Says the one making me run…"
Flora's a tough one to face, especially after that comment. But she wants to talk, so Rampage listens.
"Next race, Emperor's Cup?" "Mejiro pride. Gotta shut up the snobs." "(Snobs?) Undefeated ten-crown, and you think you haven't contributed? Anyone saying that's clueless." "Plenty of clueless out there. You?" "Japan Cup." "…Huh?"
Japan Cup in November, skipping Emperor's Cup and Elizabeth?
"You're ditching Emperor's and Elizabeth?" "Camp showed my stamina's lacking. I'm building for Japan Cup." "…"
Tough to say—she's not running Japan Cup. Should she clarify now?
"Flora—" "Run Champions Cup." "…That love talk again?" "No love needed. It's you." "…" "Don't back off!" "You're scary! Not gonna creep into my room, right?" "Who'd do that!? What do you take me for?" "A weirdo spouting love talk!"
Rampage looks away, hiding her unease. She regrets her words but lacks better ones. Flora's "love" is just… unique.
"Anyway! I'll challenge your world record. Test how I measure up." "That's it?" "…I don't want to reject your run. And I want to prove we're strong too." "That trashy magazine article bugging you?"
The article—one outlet she refused—called her a blinding light casting shadows, cursing her peers with defeat. Minamisaka scolded her for the face she made reading it.
"Before I could speak, it got banned, and the company's drowning in hate. Don't sweat it." "Can't help it. As a peer who keeps losing."
Flora averts her gaze but corrects herself.
"We're strong. I grew vowing not to lose under your light. I want to say I grew with you. I'll win Japan Cup to protect the pride you've upheld." "Not an easy race." "I know. That's why it's worth it. Watch my race, Ran."
Flora leaves. Rampage downs her coffee, tosses the can—perfect shot—and stands.
"Only Mejiro Rampage is strong? Blind fools. Flora, Ikuno—everyone's strong."
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/Greyhounds
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