Pegasus's fingers moved slightly, curling into a loose fist. His eyes narrowed a bit, analytically—a gesture he'd picked up from his grandmother, who did the same whenever she was analyzing something.
He wasn't really interested in the card game being played at that moment. That was secondary to him; it didn't benefit him in the slightest who won that round. What did matter to him was the Uma Musume who was playing. Although her face was hidden under the hood of a light blue and white sweatshirt, Pegasus could still sense this girl's potential like a dormant tide, a calm lake that could become a raging, peerless torrent.
Pegasus wasn't really concerned that this might be a retired Uma Musume; after all, he could identify them by one simple rule: their potential didn't feel like something that could grow. It was as if they were already stalled by an invisible wall.
Those Uma Musume had already reached their limit.
Generally, it was said that Uma Musume could reach their maximum potential within the first three years of their careers. After that, it was very rare for them to continue advancing; their bodies, most likely battered by invisible injuries from all their races, already prevented them from progressing further. This stage was known as the Decline.
The clearest example of this was Mr. CB, a Japanese Triple Crown-winning Uma Musume who suffered a major decline after winning the classic Triple Crown, generating an overwhelming losing streak that did no justice to the power she had shown in her classic Triple Crown races... it was as if she had reached her limit.
However, this girl he was observing was far from that. She felt like a subdued ocean, as if she herself didn't dare form the tsunami she could become, creating an invisible dam that held her back. But when she did, she would undoubtedly shake the Japanese Turf, no, perhaps even beyond that.
"I guess I'll have to wait for the game to finish."
Pegasus murmured to himself, closing his eyes and crossing his arms over his chest, causing his shirt to tighten as the muscles in his arms strained the short sleeves, drawing curious glances from more than one woman nearby.
After what seemed like an eternity, the game finally ended. The cards began to be collected; the chips were hugged almost possessively by the hooded Uma Musume, who showed great joy, evident in how her tail wagged excitedly.
She then handed the chips to the game manager, which would later be exchanged for the corresponding money and then deposited into her bank account.
That was it. The hooded horse girl turned and began to leave, and Pegasus was certainly willing to follow her, but out of the corner of his eye he saw something that should have been expected.
A furious man, teeth clenched, looking almost like a ripe tomato, the veins in his neck bulging from the pressure. It was clear the man had chosen the moment the Uma Musume turned to show his displeasure.
In general, Japan was a country where gambling could be more normalized than usual; an example was the famous gacha games, which could well be a more refined and elegant form of a slot machine.
And like any person whose gambling addiction couldn't be controlled, it was obvious the man began to act when he got up and started following the girl with little calm.
Well... I guess this benefits me more.
Pegasus thought as, after two seconds, he began to follow calmly. He certainly didn't know the gambling filly, but in general, Uma Musume tended to be very kind people with pure hearts, with very, very few who could be categorized as evil.
And although Pegasus was almost one hundred percent sure the man was no threat to the hooded Uma Musume, due to the vast difference in strength between a human and a horse girl, the image of being a savior could create a debt from the filly to him, and with that, Pegasus would take her as his disciple.
It wasn't a very morally correct plan, but at this moment, Pegasus couldn't give a damn. Time was something he no longer had. Perhaps in another circumstance he would have done this out of a genuine desire for nothing bad to happen, but now...
Pegasus's aquamarine eyes gleamed with ambition as he turned a corner, coming upon the expected scene in an alley, hiding himself in the shadows of the dark alleyway, patiently waiting for his moment to intervene in the conflict about to begin.
"What do you want, old man? The game's over," the Uma Musume said from under her hood, finally turning around, her hands in the pockets of her sweatshirt. Her tail and ears, slightly erect, denoted her growing hostility towards the person who had been following her.
"Damn brat! Do you know how many hundreds of yen you made me lose in that game?" the gambler said through gritted teeth, almost barking with fury, which seemed to increase when the hooded Uma Musume just laughed in response.
"Well, that's not how these things work, old man," the Uma Musume's shoulders shrugged with little interest as her posture leaned back slightly, showing her lack of interest in the man's words. "Winners see the gates of heaven, losers the gates of hell. That's life, isn't it?"
The gambler's teeth-grinding was so loud he could have broken them from the force with which he clenched his jaw, his knuckles turning white. His face turned red as he took a step forward, making the Uma Musume's eyes narrow, ready for a frontal attack that never came.
"Urgk!"
The girl gasped when she felt herself being choked from behind in a sleeper hold. The incredibly muscular arm of the bodyguard, while another bodyguard gently pressed a knife against her face, dangerously close to her left eyeball, causing the hooded Uma Musume to stop any attempt to free herself, as doing so risked a cut to her face.
"We've got her, Yoshida-dono!"
"Not so arrogant now, are you, you nag?" said the now-identified Yoshida, making the equine ears of the Uma Musume bristle with pure indignation and rage. In general, calling an Uma Musume a "nag" or "jackass" was an insult comparable to calling a dark-skinned person the N-word with all the intent to sound offensive.
"Now I'll make you pay for every damn yen you cost me, you damn nag!"
Yoshida's furious growl came as he approached the Uma restrained by his two bodyguards, stretching out his hand with fingers outstretched toward the one with the knife, who handed it over without a second's hesitation.
"But I won't kill you. That would be too stupid; getting my hands dirty with your disgusting blood would have no value to me," the black-haired man said while, with a signal from his hand, he had the bodyguard holding the girl remove the hood from her head to reveal her features.
The Uma has chestnut, tousled, medium-length hair. She wears a gray cap with two holes for her ears, and the cap has two golden triangles on the right brim. Around her right ear, she wears a simple brown ring. Her eyes are magenta and have flat eyelids.
"I guess you're not bad. I'm sure there will be people willing to pay a good price for you."
"Price?" the Uma Musume murmured, confused, getting an idea of what Yoshida was talking about but hoping she was wrong. There was no way this guy would do something like that.
"Oh, curiosity's killing you, isn't it, little nag? Well, since we'll probably never see each other again after this, I guess it wouldn't hurt to tell you," Yoshida moved almost like a showman, his posture almost burlesque, taking two steps back while stretching his arms, then stretching his right one to point at the restrained girl. "You see, the money you took from me was money I had to pay off a debt. But since I lost it all because of you, I guess you'd be a good replacement for it."
As the Uma had thought, this guy was trying to sell her as some kind of slave or something similar, and that was still not good, no matter how you looked at it. In general, the buying and selling of Umas had been strictly prohibited since the 1970s, as Umas were now protected by the UPA (Uma Protection Association), and in general, in countries like the United States and China, the buying and selling of Umas was a crime punishable by capital punishment.
So, for someone to openly say something like that was not only stupid but also showed a complete lack of self-preservation instinct.
Before the chestnut-haired Uma could make a biting remark, she saw a shadow move stealthily behind Yoshida. The darkness of the night and the alley made it hard to distinguish the figure exactly. For a second, she thought it was another of Yoshida's bodyguards; however, the threatening posture this one had behind the bragging man suggested otherwise, especially when she saw one of the fingers of the figure hidden in the shadows press against its lips in a silent gesture.
The chestnut-haired Uma understood immediately and decided to distract her captor just enough so he wouldn't notice who was approaching behind him.
Before Yoshida could even process what was happening, he felt someone behind him take one of his arms and twist it behind his back in an arm lock, while firmly grabbing the wrist of his other hand and, with a simple movement...
CRACK
The disgusting, chilling sound of a bone breaking echoed terrifyingly in the alley, followed by the wrenching scream of pain that erupted from Yoshida's throat. The fragile, delicate skin of the man, who had never been touched roughly even by a rose petal, turned purple as the bone in his wrist protruded unnaturally from his skin. Even the captive Uma shuddered a bit at the sight, but Pegasus's shout made her react again.
"Hey, you, Uma! Move your head to the left!"
Instinctively, the chestnut-haired Uma moved her head as best she could in the requested direction. After all, the muscular arm of the bodyguard was still holding her tightly, slowly choking her. Fortunately, the moment she moved her head, the knife Pegasus had taken from Yoshida's hands stabbed into the bodyguard's hand. It wasn't deep, but it was enough to make him let go.
The first thing the Uma did was breathe to recover the air that had been slowly leaving her from the choking. Once she regained her breath, her eyes blazed with rage and, in a quick motion, she grabbed the first bodyguard's arm and threw him forcefully against the hard ground of the alley, while punching the second one in the face with force, barely restraining herself enough to avoid causing fatal damage to the man, but strong enough to send him to the land of dreams.
"Are you okay?"
Pegasus's question was ignored as the furious Uma approached Yoshida, who was writhing on the ground with his broken hand after Pegasus had snapped it. His tear-streaked face was greeted when the chestnut-haired girl's shoe kicked him hard in the face. And then another, and another.
Pegasus grimaced seeing the man being beaten so brutally. It was clear the Uma was venting all her anger on the guy, though he certainly deserved it after what he had tried to do.
The chestnut-haired Uma panted heavily after delivering a final kick to the unconscious Yoshida on the ground, then spat on the man.
"I guess... thanks, uh..." The Uma Musume with the cap on her head said after taking a deep breath to calm her emotions, looking at the man in front of her. She certainly didn't know him, so she didn't know what to say after thanking him.
"Pegasus... Pegasus, a trainer from Central Tracen Academy... and you are?"
The chestnut-haired Uma Musume almost choked on her own saliva upon hearing the last part, sweating slightly nervously. After all, technically she had sneaked out of the academy past curfew to come to the gambling house, so her first thought upon hearing Pegasus was a Tracen trainer was that he had been sent here for her.
"N-Nakayama Festa," the girl said her name while crossing her arms over her chest and looking away, trying to find any believable excuse she could give so this trainer wouldn't report her to the academy. After all, lying and saying she wasn't from Tracen would be useless, as her skirt was the distinctive academy one. However, she then blinked upon remembering this trainer's name and a certain rumor that had been circulating since his arrival. "Aren't you the trainer who insulted the ancestors of the Rigel team leader?"
Pegasus groaned with a mix of discomfort and annoyance at the memory. Honestly, why did every Uma Musume he interacted with have to remind him of that every time he talked to them, initially to ask them to become his apprentices before, obviously, being rejected due to his bad reputation?
As the old saying goes, first impressions are the most important...
"I don't think that's relevant here, Festa-san," the teenager crossed his arms over his chest while looking at the shorter girl. "You've broken the academy's curfew."
The horse ears on the girl's head drooped in embarrassment upon seeing that trying to change the subject hadn't worked as she anticipated.
"Anyway, it would be insensitive of me to scold you after what just happened. So just give me a moment: I'll call the police to take these idiots away, and then we'll go to the academy."
Pegasus took out his phone and dialed the emergency number. A few minutes later, police patrol cars arrived at their location. Fortunately, they were let go without much trouble while Yoshida and his bodyguards were taken away, although, of course, Pegasus had to show his identification to the officers, who were skeptical that such a young guy could be a Central trainer.
And now, the two teenagers walked at a relaxed pace towards the academy in an awkward silence that neither seemed to want to break.
"Hey... thanks again for earlier."
"No problem."
The chat ended as quickly as it seemed to begin, making Nakayama Festa sweat a little. The young trainer didn't seem to be much of a talker, at least not in conversations that weren't essential or important.
On the other hand, Pegasus had his own thoughts at this moment.
Nakayama Festa.
A member of the recent Gold Family.
A family relatively new to Japanese Uma Musume racing, but one that had gained growing popularity.
The reason.
The first member of this family, Stay Gold, an Uma Musume who had enjoyed great popularity, not for having a spectacular career in Japan, as her win count here was very humble, even forming a streak of 27 losses, earning her the nickname "Silver and Bronze Collector" for generally placing second and third in her races.
However, her career abroad was another story, winning the prestigious international race, the Dubai Sheema Classic. And after that great victory, she ran races like the Japan Cup, the Arima Kinen, and the Tokyo Daishoten, although after an incident with Narita Top Road she ended up being disqualified despite finishing first.
And due to her great performance in the Dubai Sheema Classic, Stay Gold's trainer entered her in an international race of the highest level, the Hong Kong Vase, where she emerged victorious, winning by a neck against the American Uma Musume Ekraar after coming from more than five lengths behind, catching her with a powerful final kick and surpassing her, thus winning the race and having a more than glorious retirement.
Thus becoming the first Uma Musume born in Japan to win an international race of that caliber.
So, of course, the younger members of that golden lineage were now under the watchful eye of the Japanese, hoping another champion equal to or even better than her might emerge.
While Pegasus was lost in his thoughts, he hadn't realized that he and Nakayama Festa had finally arrived at the entrance of Central Tracen Academy, where a certain green-clad woman was waiting for them with a look both stern and worried.
It was Tazuna Hayakawa, the secretary and assistant to the director of Tracen Academy.
Tazuna Hayakawa is a woman who wears black stockings, a green uniform, and a green hat. She has dark brown hair (short in front and long in back, with a yellow bow tied in the center) and green eyes.
The green-hatted woman moved towards Festa and Pegasus, closing the distance in a surprisingly short time, so much so that Pegasus blinked, somewhat surprised, as in less than a second Tazuna was already in front of him and Festa.
Nakayama Festa swallowed hard upon seeing Tazuna before her; she could almost swear she saw a dark aura promising suffering. The much-feared "Green Demon" seemed like a monstrous beast with sharp fangs ready to tear her apart.
And before Festa could flee or beg for even a little mercy, the scolding began.
"Miss Nakayama! How could you go out so late? Do you know the dangers? Something could have happened to you. You are in serious trouble now—"
Pegasus grimaced as he watched the poor chestnut-haired Uma Musume shrink back in fear. He was certainly tempted to walk away, but he didn't; after all, there were still things to do.
So, after a few minutes and seeing that the green-clad woman's scolding wasn't even close to ending, he decided to intervene.
"Tazuna-san, as much as I agree that Festa should be scolded, I think that's enough now. I've already given her a talking-to on the way here, so I think that's sufficient," the young trainer explained. Of course, it was a half-truth, as he had indeed had to pretend to scold Nakayama Festa when they explained things to the authorities. "I think it's best to let her go to her room."
At the rookie trainer's request, Tazuna finally stopped her scolding of the poor cap-wearing Uma Musume.
Tazuna's body turned to look at the bicolored-haired teenager, light chestnut and white, and then she bowed, which made Pegasus blink in confusion.
"Let me thank you, Pegasus-san, for bringing this student back. I apologize for any trouble she may have caused you," the beautiful dark-haired woman said while still maintaining her bowed posture.
—N-No problem with that, Tazuna-san. There's no need to thank me — Pegasus's voice came out more nervously than he initially would have liked, raising his hands and waving them in front of him with a certain nervousness, trying to get Tazuna to stop her kind thanks.
For someone accustomed to the roughness of the slums and clandestine places, and then relegated to a certain level of ostracism at the academy due to his unique arrival method and a rather unfavorable first impression, receiving fair and kind treatment was... refreshing, in a way. It made the soft interior of the boy's heart fill with embarrassment over a treatment he wasn't used to.
Nakayama Festa, after regaining her color following Tazuna's scolding, watched the scene with a dry and slightly incredulous expression, feeling genuinely tempted to let out an amused laugh. After all, seeing a boy who displayed a rough and intimidating demeanor be reduced to a blushing face, waving his hands in embarrassment as if trying to hide his own shame—like a teenager receiving a greeting from the girl he liked—was rather funny.
Though Festa wisely decided to hold back her laughter; after all, she didn't want Tazuna to take it out on her again.
—Even so, it wasn't your responsibility, but you took the trouble to bring her here. For that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart — said Tazuna, finally straightening her back to her natural posture, with a look of slight anguish as she brought her hands to her chest. — I truly appreciate all of them. If something happened to any of them because of my negligence, I... I just couldn't bear it.
Both Pegasus and Nakayama Festa winced at the pained expression on the face of the woman in green attire.
—Anyway, I don't think it's fair for me to ruin the mood with my worries — Tazuna said, shaking her head to erase the trace of sadness that had decorated her beautiful face just seconds before. — And I think Pegasus-san must be tired now, so I'll guide Festa-chan to her dormitory.
—That's not necessary, Tazuna-san. I'll do it — said Pegasus, watching as the face of the woman in green turned reproachful. But before she could scold him, Pegasus decided to explain his reasons. — I brought her, so I feel responsible for properly fulfilling my duty. Besides, I need to talk to Festa about something, so it's convenient for me to take her personally.
The secretary to the director of Tracen Central Academy fell silent for a moment, as if considering the words of the young trainer before her, until finally her face lit up with understanding as she realized what Pegasus might want to talk to Nakayama Festa about.
—Oh, so that's it. Well then, I won't interrupt any further, Pegasus-san. Though I'm sorry to say that the school bus to the trainers' dormitories is no longer running, so you'll have to take a taxi.
—That's no problem at all, Tazuna-san. I already knew that, so there's no need to apologize.
With nothing more to say, the conversation ended. After a final farewell, Pegasus began to accompany Nakayama Festa.
An awkward silence settled between them again, but this time there was a marked difference compared to last time: uncertainty.
—So, what do you want? — The question from the chestnut-haired Uma wasn't particularly friendly, but it couldn't be considered hostile either; it was just demanding. After walking for a few minutes, the silence was becoming suffocating.
—I want you to be my assigned Uma Musume.
The response was simple, without pretty words. There were no promises or much persuasion, just the declaration of someone who wanted something.
One of the cap-wearing Uma's eyebrows rose with a hint of disbelief.
—Wow, at least promise me glory and fame, you know? — The comment was more of a jab than a statement.
—If that's what you want, I can do it.
—Has anyone ever told you that you're irritatingly sarcastic?
—I call it being honest. If you want something, why not just ask for it instead of spouting sweet nothings and promises you don't even know if you can keep, filling your student's head with lies that break like a bone in a fracture?
—You know, now I'm seriously wondering how someone like you managed to become a trainer — Nakayama Festa asked honestly, looking at the teenager walking beside her. After all, this boy broke the mold of everything Tracen wanted to show about what trainers were like. — ...Though I guess you have a point... — In the end, Festa ended up agreeing, at least for the most part.
—So, do you accept?
—...Hmmmm... Give me one reason why I should accept, and maybe I'll consider it.
—...
—Heh, you really have nothing to say, do you, buddy? — Festa shot an amused look at Pegasus, making him click his tongue, which only seemed to amuse the chestnut-haired Uma even more. — Well, I guess I'll leave it as homework for you. Although, of course, don't be too pushy; after all, I might get tired and simply not accept you.
After those words and a few pats on the shoulder from Festa to Pegasus, the girl opened the door to her room, closing it once her body passed through the threshold.
Pegasus let out a tired sigh as he raised his head to look at the starry sky, as if searching for some answer.
—Of course it wouldn't be that easy.
---
Time Skip: 8 Days Later
Time was running out.
That was something Pegasus knew.
And he still hadn't found anything that could convince Nakayama Festa to become his assigned Uma Musume, though he hadn't really made a recruitment attempt since that night. He also didn't want to seem like a desperate stalker.
However, he had made a discovery that might help.
—Wow, who would've thought someone like you would invite me for drinks? I have to say, kid: thank you, though I'm sorry for your wallet.
—It's not like it bothers me, Okino. I was the one who invited, after all. Feel free to order.
—Well, since you say so, then I won't hold back. WAITER, BRING ME YOUR MOST EXPENSIVE WHISKEY!
The cheerful tone of Team Spica's trainer rang out as he ordered the drink from the waiter at the private tavern within Tracen Academy, exclusive to trainers.
—You bastard! I didn't mean it that literally.
—Hey, what's that rude behavior towards me? I'm still your senpai, you know?
Despite his words, Okino didn't seem angry; in fact, he seemed much more focused on drinking the delicious glass of whiskey the waiter gave him. After all, drinking such a treat wasn't something he could afford often, so he would undoubtedly enjoy it a lot.
—Anyway, Okino-senpai, I have something to ask you.
—Oh, so we're getting down to business already? Well, since you were kind enough to invite me to that delicious drink, I guess I have to listen.
The chemistry between these two was seen as strange throughout Tracen Academy. Okino's relaxed and overly calm demeanor was a stark contrast to Pegasus's intimidating air, though, in a way, it was Okino's naturally kind and relaxed personality that led Pegasus to form a sort of friendship with him. He was the only veteran trainer Pegasus usually referred to as "senpai"; with the others he used the "-san" suffix with their names, while with Hana... well, he simply called her by her name, not because there was any form of trust between them, but rather as a way for Pegasus to show his dislike for the woman after that disastrous first meeting.
—From what I understand, you're the trainer of the one they call the Alien Uma, the member of the Gold Family: Gold Ship.
—I'm not lending you Gold Ship, kid.
—I wasn't asking for that, Okino-senpai.
—I just wanted to put it out there, just in case.
Pegasus's shoulders slumped at the words of the man with the lollipop in his mouth.
—Do I really look that desperate? — Pegasus said, his tone revealing how mentally tired he was.
—Yeah, I get it, kid. It's been a really tough time for you — said the veteran trainer while giving his junior some comforting pats on the shoulder.
—Anyway, if I'm asking about Gold Ship, it's because I want her help with something.
—And that would be?
—Does the name Nakayama Festa ring a bell, Okino-senpai?
The chestnut-haired man set the shot glass down on the table as his hand rubbed his chin in a thoughtful pose.
—...Yes, I think I've heard about her. As far as I know, like Gold Ship, she's a member of the Gold family... Are you planning to recruit her?
Pegasus nodded at his senpai's words.
—Well, I'm not one to talk, but, are you sure? From what I heard, she didn't have good results in her debut race. They weren't good; she placed third.
—Results in a single race aren't very important. Many famous Uma Musume today didn't win their debut races.
—Well, I guess you're right. Anyway, you shouldn't have competition to recruit her, so I don't see why you'd want Gold Ship's help. Unless... she rejected you, right?
Pegasus just grunted, giving Okino all the answer he needed.
—Well, I guess I can help you, though it'll have to be tomorrow, since Gold Ship was absent due to a cold... though I doubt that's why.
Okino said this last part to himself because he knew his pupil too well, so he could imagine that Gold Ship simply didn't feel like getting up to go to class.
—I guess that's better than nothing.
---
Time Skip: The Next Day
—Oh, so you're the scary young trainer everyone's talking about. I imagined you'd be bigger.
—And you're the Alien Uma Musume. I thought you'd look like one.
—Hahaha! Hey, trainer, I like this kid.
Pegasus looked at the strange silver-haired Uma Musume in front of him. Without a doubt, she was as strange as described.
Gold Ship has long, straight, silver-gray hair, with blunt bangs that cover her forehead. She wears a brown, brimless cylindrical hat, adorned with a gold emblem, attached to brown straps that go around the back and sides of her head, as well as one under her chin. The straps are attached to each side of the head by a large circular copper ornament, and the overall appearance of her headgear is similar to a horse's headstall. Her eyes are a striking pale pink color, and she wears a purple bow on her right ear. She is one of the tallest Umamusume at Tracen Academy, standing at 170 cm.
And she was dressed in the Tracen Academy tracksuit: a red and white tracksuit top and pants.
—Well, I'll get straight to the point. I asked Okino-senpai to bring you because... What the hell are you doing? — Pegasus's tone was calm but serious at the same time. He closed his eyes before opening them again, looking incredulously at Gold Ship, who was now playing with a paintball gun to knock down some cups.
—How the hell did that get in here? Also, aren't those kinds of toys banned at the academy?
—You'll get used to it, kid... just ignore it.
The tone of the trainer with the lollipop in his mouth sounded tired and resigned, like an old man who had seen so many strange things with the Gold family Uma that he had simply stopped looking for an explanation for her craziness.
—Gold Ship, could you listen to us for a while?... Please.
—Oh, but trainer! The scary trainer spoke too seriously and bored me.
—It will only be a moment, Gold Ship. If you do it... you won't have to participate in today's training.
—Wow, now we're speaking the same language, trainer. —The gray-haired Uma Musume's ears perked up in satisfaction as she stopped playing with the paintball gun, before knocking over the last little cup on the academy's lawn—. Well then, how can the great Gold Ship-sama help you, scary trainer-kun?
—Do you really have to call me that? —Pegasus said, somewhat exasperated. Seriously, why did so many people say he was scary? Pegasus thought his appearance wasn't bad, considering that here at Tracen there was a tall, skinny trainer who looked like he hadn't slept well in weeks; to him, that was much scarier.
—Seriously, kid, you have a face and body that many girls would consider attractive, but your presence is walking terror.
—Thank you for your kind words, senpai.
—Always a pleasure to help you, my faithful junior.
Pegasus rolled his eyes at Okino's words, who either didn't understand or simply decided to ignore the sarcasm in Pegasus's words, maintaining that always relaxed smile.
—Anyway, Gold Ship, I need you to help me with Festa.
At the young trainer's words, Gold Ship could only blink in confusion.
—Nakayama Festa?
—Yes, that one.
—An Uma with a winter hat on her head.
—Yes, that's her.
—About this tall.
—Exactly.
—With eyes similar to mine.
—Yes.
—Who likes to gamble.
—...Yes...
—Who belongs to the Gold Family, like me.
—...Yes... —Pegasus said with his voice and eyebrow trembling strongly. Now, seriously, he didn't know if Gold Ship was messing with him or if she was just that dumb, or in the worst case, she was just playing dumb to annoy him.
—Oh, I see! That Nakayama Festa. —The gray-haired Uma Musume's voice sounded theatrical and exaggerated, as if she had made the discovery of the century.
—So, will you help me?
—No.
—Can I... at least know why you're refusing, Gold Ship-san?
—Because I don't know you, scary trainer-kun. —The tall girl said while crossing her arms under her ample chest, then giving a look that was both accusatory and distrustful to the young chestnut-and-white-haired trainer—. Who knows what intentions you might have with my dear older sister?
She's the older one? That was the thought that crossed the minds of Pegasus and Okino upon hearing Gold Ship's statement.
—I can assure you I'm not trying to do anything weird with Festa. I just want her to be my assigned Uma Musume, that's all.
—Oh, and why should I believe you, scary trainer-kun? What they say about you here doesn't give me very good reasons to entrust my sister to you.
—That's taken out of context...
—Oh, then enlighten me, scary trainer-kun.
—Simply put, a woman from the tax department took 20% of my salary for some fees that, according to her, I hadn't paid.
It was a blatant lie, and Pegasus knew it, but he simply couldn't say that the woman he was insulting was his grandmother for sabotaging his entrance exam grade. First, because no one would believe him, and second, people would look at him even worse for speaking that way about his grandmother.
—Oh, that makes more sense! Those things are terrifying.
Gold Ship said with a solemnity that didn't seem to suit her at all, given her usual personality.
—So, would you help me?
—You're really being persistent about this, huh. —Gold Ship said, letting out a sigh while thinking for a second, toying with the paintball gun in her hands, until finally giving her answer—. Since you're being so insistent about this, I guess I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.
My sister Festa is a simple person, even if she doesn't seem like it. Just challenge her to a game, more specifically to a bet, and offer her something juicy that she can't ignore and reject. I guess the most logical thing would be money, although something of value could also work. But if you do that, make sure it's nothing with great sentimental value; if you do that, she'll probably reject you definitively. If not, then she'll accept. After all, I heard her whining to Dream Journey-neesan about how she lost everything she won the other time. So take advantage of that, although, of course, first you'd have to beat her. So try to make it something you can win at.
Pegasus nodded at Gold Ship's words, now understanding what he had to do, but there was only one problem:
What could he challenge Nakayama Festa to?
Nothing came to mind.
Until his eyes landed on the toy gun in Gold Ship's hand.
—Gold Ship-san, could you lend me that?
—Huh? What do you want it for? —The white-haired Uma Musume said distrustfully, making Pegasus sigh and lean in to whisper something into one of her long horse ears.
—Oh, so that's it. You're truly cruel, scary trainer-kun. Like a Kaiser wanting to take for himself something that refused to be his.
Alright, scary trainer-kun. Here you go, although I would have preferred to use the sack.
Gold Ship said while handing the toy gun to the young trainer's hands, under the gaze of a confused Okino, who had already been reduced to nothing more than a mere spectator to these two, who seemed to be whispering as if plotting some terrifying plan.
In his mind, Okino could only pray for Nakayama Festa. It seemed that girl would seriously need it.
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Scene Change
Nakayama Festa sighed while petting the Tracen Academy director's orange kitten. It was strange that she wasn't with her, but Festa simply didn't pay it any mind; after all, she enjoyed moments like these, where she could play with or feed small animals or care for plants. Simple things, but ones she enjoyed almost as much as the adrenaline of gambling.
—What's wrong, little one? —The girl's voice came out in a surprisingly sweet tone as she saw how the orange ball of fur in her lap bristled and then curled into a ball—. Huh, when did it get dark?
The Uma Musume with the hat on her head murmured when she felt a shadow cover her, blocking the light.
—You are...
—It's been a while, Festa-san.
—What do you want, buddy? I thought you had given up.
—Nah, I just evaluated my options.
—So, you found someone else and came to rub it in my face? —The chestnut-haired girl's voice sounded bored, as if she had seen it coming.
—Oh, no. That day I told you I wanted you, and I still think that. I just changed my strategy. —Pegasus's voice was more serious than usual, making Nakayama Festa shiver, her ears and tail perking up at the intensity with which Pegasus had said "I want you." But before she could say anything, Pegasus spoke again—: Nakayama Festa, I challenge you to an all-or-nothing.
End of Chapter
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Author:
Yes, I know, this is late, but I've been busy with my driving classes, then the exam to pass, and then I caught a cold (that almost killed me).
Honestly, I don't think there will be a chapter this Sunday, since I just finished this one. It should have been uploaded last week, but being sick I couldn't write it due to lack of energy and motivation.
Now, a few curiosities about this chapter for those interested:
· Pegasus is very easily embarrassed, especially if the person provoking him is sincere about what they're doing.
· All the members of the Gold family that we know in the game, in this fic, are indeed family. Hence Gold Ship refers to Festa and Journey as sisters.
· Pegasus's instinct can be fooled by people like Gold Ship and Tazuna, which makes this ability not entirely reliable.