Uma-MuseumMe!

グレイッシュPARTY☆

All sorts of "Greys."

Cinderella Grey, "Say-What-Now?" Grey, Equation Grey, Taikobo Grey, "Oh-Well" Grey, Cute Grey, Racing-History-Buff Grey, Wild-and-Crazy Grey.

ゼッタイ☆天才伝説

Dad, Mom… everyone—I'm sorry. It's just that… well…

Sooooo sorry for being such a genius! ♡ Watching the races doesn't even get the heart racing, right? ☆ G1s are a total breeze, too. If I actually tried, I'd win in a heartbeat.

I mean, if I really went all out… It wouldn't just stop there, you know? Whoa—am I just too amazing? I really ought to share this with the whole world!

Maybe build a "Pandora-chan Museum" or something… And have them display my portraits! ♡ Title it "The Genius: Fusaichi Pandora"! It’d basically be a World Heritage Site. And obviously, I’d become the top dog at the academy, right? The cafe menu would be nothing but sweets!

You're so lucky, Trainer. Getting to be in charge of a genius like me? That's gotta be the luckiest thing ever, right?

Operation: Escort

"Ligne Droite" Free Dance Time In the courtyard…

"So, this is where you were… Cesario."

"Oh, Kris S… Yes, I just wanted to catch a bit of the night breeze."

"…"

"Kris S… Are you done dancing for the night? It seemed like there were so many girls who wanted to dance with you…"

"—I'm finished."

"Huh?"

"I danced with everyone who asked me earlier. So… Mission Accomplished."

"…Hehe, that’s just like you. Earnest and sincere— so very 'Kris S'."

"…Well, now all that's left is to wait for the Best Date results. 'Ligne Droite'—and this night—are coming to an end."

"…"

"…Cesario. Won't you dance with me one more time?"

"Huh…?"

"That is—if you're willing…"

"No… I’d love to…!"

誘うは夢心地

Only a few days remain until "Ligne Droite." It is that time of year again when you see Uma Musume all over the academy working hard on their pair dance practice. As I head to the dance studio where I was supposed to meet Journey…

"――Will you dance with me?"

I hesitate, unsure of the meaning behind the hand she holds out, but then she smiles.

"I couldn't make our schedules align for a date today… But the performance is coming up soon, and I really want to practice with a partner if at all possible――"

It seems she wants me to be her practice partner. After a moment's hesitation, I take her hand.

"……You don't have to treat me like I'm something fragile, you know――"

It seems my anxiety was showing in my awkward movements. Just as I was about to say— "I'm not up to the task, after all"— she gives my hand a firm tug.

"Pair dancing is all about trust… Come on, try trusting me and letting yourself go――"

I surrender to the arm that pulls me close, doing exactly as she says…

"――Hehe, you're quite good."

All I can see is the ceiling and those endless eyes looking down at me. I marvel at her rock-solid core as she supports my weight— —and then, it suddenly hits me.

Isn't the move we just did the opposite of the part Journey is supposed to handle?

"――Oh? So you figured it out."

With a playful smile, she holds out her hand to me once more…

世界を変える眼差し

"Almond Eye: A Perfect Victory for the Ages!" "Record-Breaking! A Spectacular Win!"

As I handed her a few magazines bearing these bold headlines, she flipped through the pages, her eyes crinkling with delight.

"Hehe… Hahahaha! I did it—I really did it! Crossing that finish line at breakneck speed… It felt absolutely amazing!"

"But this is just the beginning. There are even higher stages ahead… Races against even stronger rivals are waiting for me!"

"I need to build up such incredible strength that my own record pales in comparison!"

The ripples of joy stilled instantly, and her gaze fixed upon a different dimension. No relaxed smile played upon her lips; only a burning hunger colored her expression.

"Alright, reading time is over. Let's go, Trainer!"

"I’m going to beat even my own best!"

飛び立つヴィーナス

"The airport. A dramatic stage from which to take flight into the world.

In the Gold Member lounge, I settle onto the sofa and raise a toast, watching the planes as they depart.

—A dream. Yes, a dream.

What those planes carry isn't just people and luggage. They carry countless dreams and hopes as they soar through the sky.

Who takes off next? …That’s right—us. Crossing oceans, flying through the skies, we’ll illuminate the world with this pure, brilliant radiance!

Come, let’s go! Anywhere at all. The whole world is calling my name!"

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝ With those words, she spread her arms wide and strode out of the lounge.

Passersby turned to look; seeing her walk with such bold, sweeping confidence, they understood it all.

"Pearl! Pearl! Pearl!"

She acknowledged the cheers with a wave of one hand.

"Thank you! I’m taking your passion along with me as I fly away!"

…—No one noticed, though.

That she held no suitcase in her hand, nor a ticket bound for any destination.

And no one would have ever guessed:

ふりさけみれば天花のわらう

The New Year's sky, gradually brightening. Air so cold it bites at the cheeks. Solemn music. Snow and ink-black shadows. —And an Uma Musume running.

Just as I stood there, captivated and dazed, Flowers and a voice seemed to rain down upon me.

"For the sake of one and all, let us offer a prayer. May you— —run on forever, true to your heart!"

Divine, like a goddess. Compassionate. Graceful. Pure. That was the kind of voice it was. And yet, at the same time…

"Come this far, keep on running; I’ll light the path for you. But in return—you’d better not keep me waiting, okay?"

I felt as though I heard that sort of voice, too—mischievous and inviting. Was it just my imagination? Probably just my imagination. But still…

Maybe I’ll give running a try, if that’s what you’re telling me to do.

不屈の遠吠え

"Hmm? What on earth happened to that child?"

—Sob… Mommy…

"W-what should I do? It looks like this child got separated from her parents…"

"Hahahaha! In that case! Leave it to me!"

"Citizens!! This child here has been taken into custody by me—the Demon King!"

What is it? Is there a new show starting? Oh, looks like something fun is going on! Hey, hey, let's go check it out over there!!

"Eek! W-we're getting so much attention…! O-Opera O, what on earth are you doing…!?"

"We're going to put on an impromptu play! I'll kidnap this child! Doto will rescue her! That way, she'll stand out too, right?"

"Come now! Let the performance begin!"

"W-what!? Umm… uhhh!"

"Citizens!! This child here has been taken into custody by me—the Demon King!"

"—Rebellious Watchdog, Dotoberos! Try and rescue this child from me!"

"…D-Demon King! Give that child back! Or else…!"

"O-or else… Umm, the Demon King will… um… how should I put it…"

—Big Sister!

Good luck!

"—!"

"E-even if you're the Demon King, I… I…!"

"I will… defeat you!"

"—! Hmph… Ah, that's the spirit! I accept your challenge! Rebellious Watchdog!"

That crowd of people… Oh my, it's a play…! Maybe that child is watching from somewhere nearby…

—Oh, Mommy! It's me, it's me…! I'm right here! "And with that, the curtain falls! Our role ends here! Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you all for gathering here!"

Is it over already? Doesn't it start from here?

咆哮のアポヤンド

It echoes loudly in the quiet night. Almost deafeningly so.

"Brian! That playing just now was super cool! I want to hear it again, Maya does! ♪"

Both the high-pitched voice and the low, resonant bass notes reach out into the darkness, fulfilling their purpose.

But what is this? A sound that lingers inside my body, with nowhere left to go. It makes me feel breathless, makes me want to let it all out—

(～～～～～～～♪)

"Whoa, isn't that a bit too rough!? It's totally different from that cool vibe earlier!"

"……But, hehehe. It might actually be good! That feels more like you, Brian. That 'roar'—it really suits you."

"……Hmph."

My fangs bared instinctively. Ah, I see. To devour more greedily, to tear right through. That insatiable craving for more… It overlaps, somehow, with that sensation.

Devilish Whispers

"—Ah, ah… I won…! On this grand stage where the strong gather—"

"Dreams, love, convictions… All of them… all of them… I hunted down."

"I’ve… unleashed it…" "I set it free."

"Even though I kept it hidden…" "It could never be contained."

"It’s filthy… it’s shameless…" "That is who I am."

"It felt exquisite, didn't it?" "…That’s not…"

"It stirred your blood, didn't it?" "Stop it…! I am—"

"Accept it, Still in Love. I am you, and you are me. A wanton 'demonic nature' that devours by instinct, drowns in ecstasy, and revels in ravagement—"

"Come… hurry and fall. Cast off those dull, restrictive shackles, and let us savor the dizzying heights of the ultimate hunt."

"It’s alright; there is no need to grieve. That beloved one of yours… No matter what version of you they see—"

波間のオフショット

"Oh, Falcon—so this is where you were. I found some delicious-looking tropical juice, so please, have some."

"I also borrowed a hammock for you. Feel free to use it however you like."

"Th-thanks… Flash, are you being extra kind today?"

"It’s a token of appreciation from me. Thank you for all your hard work balancing your 'Umadol' activities with the summer event."

"Nah, I'm totally fine. Being busy is perfect for an Umadol!"

"…Precisely because that’s the kind of person you are, I wanted to give you this gift."

"Flash… Yeah! Thanks!"

"Then today, I'm going to enjoy myself to the fullest!"

"We have plenty of time; I can even arrange snorkeling or an aromatherapy massage on the beach."

"Wow, that sounds the best ever! I'm doing it all!"

"Oh, but I don't want just me having all the fun. Flash, I'm making sure you switch into 'off-duty' mode too, okay? ♪"

"Hehe… All right. I’ll join you."

アルストロメリアの夢

"Hey, hey, what do you think? Does it suit me? Do I look like a celebrity?"

The fairy, bouncing around in innocent excitement, asked me that question for the umpteenth time. It suits you. I wonder how many times I’ve given that same answer.

"Hehe, right? Totally, right? ♪ With this 'winning outfit'—this dress— we’ll head to Dubai… and charter a luxury cruise ship! We’ll all sing and dance out on the open sea, and feast on a gourmet meal… And then, while watching the sunset, we’ll talk about the future… Eek! ♡"

"Oh, you really are something, Vivlos. We’ve been having this exact conversation for a while now, haven't we?"

"But, Big Sis! No matter how many times I hear it, it makes me so happy!"

Her eyes sparkled brightly as she leaned in close.

"I’ve looked up to you—the way you were that day—for so long! And now I’ve finally got my own 'winning outfit.' It’s the ultimate celebrity look, packed with my ultimate dream… My very special… 'Winning Outfit'—my wedding dress!"

"…!"

"And to hear you say it suits me… That makes me happier than anything!"

The next moment, that pure-white outfit flared out softly against the blue sky. The pearls studded across the dress caught the sunlight, illuminating her radiant smile. With that smile, and looking up at me…

紺碧の戴冠式

There was a past I wished to turn my eyes away from. There was an adversary I could not defeat, no matter how often I challenged them. …I will never forget the bitter hardships I endured time and again.

But I am done hanging my head. I will not look back, nor will I stand still.

An Ixia flower crowns my head. Straighten my back; tuck in my chin. I have no need for hesitation. I simply fix my gaze straight ahead.

Without fear, without flagging, nobler than anyone else. It is I who shall bloom in full glory in this world. I swore it—in the name of the Goddess.

"I will lose to no one anymore. Not to you, nor to myself…!"

Do you guys like when I include the image flavor text in my posts, or is it annoying/dumb/inconvenient at all?

The Cleansing Wind

Born upon the same earth. Living beneath the same sky. Longing to run across the same stretch of grass.

You and I— even if the waters soon fall calm, we share a bond that is undeniably real.

You, like a spring breeze— may you always dwell in warmth. You, like a gentle zephyr— may you drift on, serene and enduring.