"Ugh, Monsigny's got it out for me," Rampage groaned. "It's not my fault Shin showed up, so why's she putting me through the wringer? It's not even training anymore—it's a beatdown!"
Summoned back to the Mejiro estate on short notice, Rampage had braced for Monsigny's grueling regimen. But Shinzan joining in? That was a curveball. Whether Minami had called her in or she'd caught wind of the situation, the legendary Shinzan was here, piling on new drills. Even Monsigny seemed thrown, taking it out on Rampage with a touch of spite. Still, it was all calculated—pushing her to sharpen her edge.
"It's not like she's freaking out over Teio's run," Rampage muttered. "She just wants mine to be perfect, huh?"
Teio's Kikka Sho performance—mimicking Rampage's full-body form—was a makeshift imitation in Monsigny's eyes. But losing to it? Unacceptable. Rampage had no intention of falling short, but complacency could creep in. Shinzan's arrival had thrown her rhythm off, and the pressure was mounting.
"What a mess," she sighed.
In the Mejiro estate's garden, Rampage skipped the benches and flopped onto the grass. It felt right—sprawling out, letting the earth soak up her fatigue. This rough-and-tumble rest suited her. She was about to drift off when—
"Wow, could it be… Big Sis Rampage?" a voice chirped.
"Big Sis?" Rampage blinked, reflexively responding to the familiar title. She'd grown used to it at the academy, but this voice was new. Turning, she saw a horse girl she'd never met in person, though she knew her instantly. A Mejiro, like her.
"You're Bright, right?" Rampage said.
"Yes, Mejiro Bright!" the girl replied with a slow, cheerful nod. "This is our first time meeting like this. Pleased to make your acquaintance!"
Bright's languid tone, drawn-out words, and serene expression radiated calm. Another Mejiro daughter, she was the picture of tranquility.
Bright was a stayer type, weak on starts and burst speed, often underestimated. Yet she'd conquered the Tenno Sho (Spring), a feat unseen since McQueen. Known for her docile nature, she'd been called cow-like—supposedly so tame during grooming that she seemed asleep.
"I've been wanting to meet you," Bright said dreamily. "The first Triple Tiara since Big Sis Ramone!"
"Yeah, I haven't been around much, so we never got the chance. My bad."
"Oh, no, no!" Bright waved it off. "I've watched all your races, so please don't worry!"
"That's a relief," Rampage said, grinning.
Bright's leisurely speech and unhurried cadence were oddly soothing, like sinking into a warm bath. Rampage felt herself relax.
"Still, my running's probably not much use to you," Rampage said.
"Oh, not at all!" Bright protested, her eyes sparkling. "Your form is so gallant! Strong yet fierce, so valiant—it always makes me go 'wow'!"
"Geez, you're gonna make me blush," Rampage chuckled, scratching her head.
Bright's vibe was unique—Rampage couldn't recall meeting anyone so laid-back. Her steady, endurance-driven style was the polar opposite of Rampage's explosive sprints, their lifestyles just as divergent. Yet, talking to her was calming, even fun.
"No need to call me Big Sis, though," Rampage said. "I'm kinda an outsider anyway."
"No, no, you're Big Sis!" Bright insisted with a soft giggle. "I can't wait to tell Dober about today!"
Right—Bright and Mejiro Dober were in the same class. What did Dober think of her? Hopefully nothing bad…
"Dober's always talking about you," Bright said. "When we watch your races, we're always together. Her eyes light up, saying she wants to be like you!"
"Really?" Rampage laughed. Dober wasn't just okay with her—she was a fan, gazing at Rampage like a dazzling star. Bright said Dober dreamed of running the Tiara route one day, inspired by Rampage's dominance.
"Guess I owe her an apology for not swinging by sooner," Rampage said. "Tell her we'll grab a meal together next time. You too, Bright."
"That's an honor!" Bright beamed. "Dober will be thrilled!"
Her gentle smile widened, but a small yawn slipped out, which she tried to hide with a shy laugh.
"Sorry, I came here to take a nap…"
"Same here," Rampage said. "Wanna borrow my lap? Go ahead and crash."
"Really? Is that okay?" Bright's eyes lit up.
"'Course. Here."
Rampage stretched out her legs, and Bright, practically bouncing, nestled her head onto Rampage's lap. Her thighs weren't exactly soft—muscled, tough, built for power. Hardly pillow material, Rampage thought.
"It's so soft and comfy…" Bright murmured.
"Soft? Nah, it's pretty hard," Rampage said, puzzled.
"No, it's warm and gentle," Bright insisted. "Mother always said kind hearts make for comforting embraces, and you're so kind, Big Sis…"
"Bright?" Rampage said softly.
"Suu… suu…" Bright was already out, her breathing soft and steady.
"She's gone," Rampage chuckled.
Bright had mentioned napping, so she must've been sleepy. Stroking her head, Rampage felt a strange nostalgia. She'd never lent her lap like this, so why did it feel so familiar?
"Oh…"
"Hehe, you love Mom's lap, don't you, Ran-chan? Mom loves yours too, so let's take turns after this, okay?"
"That's it," Rampage whispered. "Thanks, Bright."
The memory flooded back—her mother's lap, a cherished haven. Rampage had loved it, and she'd loved returning the favor. She'd thought those days were lost to time, but Bright had sparked the recollection. She owed her for that.
"There you are, Ran," Monsigny called, approaching. "About the next session—oh, should I come back?"
"Just a bit longer," Rampage said softly, still stroking Bright's hair. "Just a little more…"
Monsigny had come to discuss training, but she held off. Rampage, cradling Bright's head like a protective mother, and Bright, sleeping peacefully in her lap—it was too tender to interrupt. The break stretched on, with Rampage tending to Bright's nap until the last moment. Yet her spirit was brimming, and she channeled that fire toward the Tenno Sho.
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