As the world finally began to catch its breath after Flora's victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the relative calm didn't last long. There was no room for complacency, for the Autumn G1 season was looming on the horizon.
In the Triple Tiara line, a fierce three-way battle was brewing between Dragoon Lance, Oguri Roman, and Hishi Amazon. The focus was split: would a second consecutive double-crown be achieved following the Oka Sho and the Oaks, or would Hishi Amazon hold the line and seize the final jewel for herself?
Meanwhile, in the "Classic" Triple Crown—often called the Royal Road—the conversation centered on one name: Narita Brian. With her greatest rival, Sakura Laurel, away on her own overseas expedition to the Arc, the public was convinced that Brian's path to an undefeated Triple Crown was essentially a formality. Everyone was eager to see just how dominant her performance would be.
"And yet, Ms. Rampage, you seem remarkably composed—uninterested, even," the SP Captain noted.
"It's not that I'm uninterested," Rampage replied, her eyes never leaving her team's training session. "But our time to face them is still a ways off. It's only logical to prioritize my own team right now."
The Captain stood beside her as they watched the Pleiades girls run. Rampage was a Triple Tiara winner herself and a former member of Team Canopus; two of the three current "Tiara Titans" were technically her juniors. The Captain found it strange that Rampage showed almost zero reaction to the hype surrounding them.
"Even if they are opponents you'll eventually have to clash with?"
"And when is that 'eventually,' exactly? At the earliest, next autumn or winter. Worrying about next year's problems today won't change a thing. I'd rather put my effort into the here and now—that's how you build a future."
"I see... That is a very sound argument."
"Isn't it?"
Rampage understood the stakes, but she wasn't losing sleep over them. If she were to face the Tiara girls after the Shuka Sho, her options would be the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, the Japan Cup, or the Arima Kinen. The first two were too close to the Shuka Sho's schedule to be practical. That left the Arima Kinen, but a 2,500-meter race was a tall order for the three current Tiara contenders. It was highly likely their encounter would happen even further down the road.
Which meant, if there was anyone to keep an eye on, it was Narita Brian.
"Though, I don't have a shadow of a doubt that Brian will clinch the Triple Crown..." Rampage mused.
"You hold her in such high regard?"
"Her only real threat was Laurel, and she's halfway across the world. The schedule is in Brian's favor—and besides, she's got that idiot Flora backing her up."
Brian's raw talent was a threat on its own, but the team surrounding her was just as formidable. With elite runners to push her, Brian was capable of reaching heights few could dream of—much like how Rampage had pushed Laurel during their training sessions.
"If I may ask... what is your honest opinion of Ms. Flora?" the Captain inquired.
"She's a total creep."
"Ah... I meant as a runner, but... I see."
"Bestie!"
Before the Captain could follow up, Fine Motion's voice rang out across the track.
"Hey, hey! Look! Maya just set a new personal record!"
"Oh? Seriously? Nice work, Mayaya! Alright, let's move on to the next set!"
"Yessir!"
The Captain watched them go, realizing her questions would have to wait. The relationship between these women was truly bizarre.
Agnes Flora, the 'Great Flower' who never stopped challenging Mejiro Rampage, the 'Eternal Tyrant.' They recognize each other as rivals, yet their interactions are... well, unlike anything I've ever seen. Is this a unique trait of Japanese horse girls?
"Flora-senpai. I want to borrow your strength. To be honest, you're the last person I want to ask, but I'm in no position to be picky."
"Oh? Did I just get insulted in the same breath as a request for help?"
Over at Team Rigil, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Narita Brian was facing the challenge of an undefeated Triple Crown—the first since Symboli Rudolf. Her elder sister, Biwa Hayahide, was already assisting with her training, but Brian knew she needed more high-level competition. Thus, she had approached Flora with a bow—and a sharp tongue.
"I mean, sure, my body is recovered and I'm ready to run, but did you have to call me a 'compromise'?" Flora asked, sounding offended.
"Ideally, I'd be using Rampage-san's strength, but she has her hands full with Team Pleiades. I can't let my personal training interfere with her work. So, I'm settling for you. Honestly, I'd rather just stick with President Rudolf."
"Did you hear that?! Did you hear this junior of mine?!" Flora shrieked, looking at Hana-san and Rudolf. "I am your senior! I am the winner of the Arc! Have some respect!"
"I understand her reluctance to use your power," Rudolf said calmly. "But Brian, you must understand."
"Endure the present to conquer the future," Hana added. "If you can overcome her now, you will surely surpass me one day."
"Wait, am I the villain here?! This is my home team!" Flora cried.
President Rudolf, a fellow Triple Crown winner, had already agreed to help Brian. But Brian clearly looked like she was swallowing a bitter pill by accepting Flora's help, likely only doing so because her trainer, Tojo, had insisted.
"Of course Rampage-san would be better! I know that! I want her more than anyone!" Flora shouted. "Do you even need me?!"
"We do," Tojo interjected. "You have the stamina for long distances. In that one specific area, you actually have more utility than Rampage."
Rampage's limit was generally 2,500 meters; anything beyond that required her to pace herself significantly. Flora, however, had the lungs and legs to sprint through the 3,200 meters of the Tenno Sho (Spring). For training for the Kikuka Sho, Flora was actually the superior partner.
"We are asking for your strength as the girl who conquered the Arc," Tojo said. "Will you help her?"
"I want to help, but it's hard to feel motivated when she's acting like I'm a piece of gum stuck to her shoe!"
"Anyone would act like this after seeing that 'love confession' you broadcasted to the entire world during your victory interview," Brian deadpanned.
"I agree with Brian-san," Grass Wonder added with a polite smile.
"Me too," Fujiki Seki chimed in.
"Grass-chan?! Fuji-chan?!" Flora wailed.
Flora's achievement was undeniable, but her obsessive feelings for Rampage and her dismissal of the Arc as a mere "stepping stone" had earned her a reputation as a certified eccentric. It was a truth no one could deny, and it gave Tojo a perpetual headache.
"Fine! Fine, I get it! I'll just have to shut you all up with my results!" Flora snapped, her competitive fire finally ignited. "Listen here, Brian-chan! Don't think for a second that an 'undefeated Triple Crown' means you can beat me! I conquered the world! I have no equals!"
"Hmph. A stalker who couldn't even beat Rampage-san talking about the 'top of the world.' The end times are truly upon us."
"That's it! I'm officially ticked off! Get to the turf right now! Hurry, hurry, hurry!"
Flora, face flushed with rage, shooed Brian toward the track. Watching them, Rudolf let out a small chuckle.
"For all her complaining, she really does have a heart for her juniors," Rudolf said. "And finally... I can lay down my own burden."
"Rudolf... are you sure about this?" Hana asked.
"Yes. I have no regrets. I will run the Legend Race. I want to face her in a match where we both give everything...!"
Symboli Rudolf had turned down her spot in the Dream Trophy League. Instead, she had registered for the Legend Race and already fought her way through the qualifiers. Others, like Maruzensky and Mr. C.B., had also announced their participation. This was likely the last chance to race a "full-power" Rampage without any lingering regrets.
"Now, Flora! Show me the speed that won the Arc," Rudolf called out. "Tell you what—if you can actually beat me today, I'll consider setting up a dinner date for you and Rampage."
"REALLY?!" Flora's eyes turned into literal flames. "OH YEAHHHHH! I'M CHARGED UP! I'M FEELING IT! LET'S GOOOOOOO!"
"...Gross," Grass Wonder whispered.
"Are you sure you should be making promises like that?" Fuji asked, worried.
Rudolf flashed a rare, mischievous glint in her eye. "I said I would consider setting it up. I never said I would guarantee it. I'll make the effort, but I suspect Rampage will simply refuse."
"My, my. You've become quite the devil, haven't you?" Hana teased.
"Fufu. Sometimes, a little 'discipline' is necessary, don't you think?"
Hana nodded. After all the trouble Flora had caused her, she was more than happy to give the okay on that little trick.
"Now then," Rudolf said, stepping onto the track. "I think it's time I got a little fired up myself."
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