If it were the Hishi Miracle of the past, knowing she was viewed as an enemy by an Uma Musume like Symboli Kris S would have left her restless and trembling.
Even if the other girl had approached her for a chat, she likely would have done nothing but offer a strained laugh and try to change the subject.
After all, she was just so... ordinary.
How could someone as unremarkable as her ever become a rival to a genius?
How could she possibly deserve a prodigy's attention?
But now, Hishi Miracle refused to let herself back down, not even by a single step.
The moment she saw that red streak of light representing Dream Weaver—the light that once seemed capable of cutting through anything—falter and lose its absolute edge, Hishi Miracle made a silent vow.
She would not let her trainer's dedication go to waste.
If the day ever came where she stood on the shimmering stage of a G1 race, she was going to win it all!
Now, with the Kikuka-sho trophy practically within arm's reach, she had to face the reality: this might be the only chance she would ever get in her entire life.
So... even if her opponent was the formidable Symboli Kris S, and even if that girl had already defeated her once before, Hishi Miracle would not allow herself to be a coward!
The heavy rain at Kyoto Racecourse soaked Hishi Miracle's hair.
Her bangs clung damply to her forehead and brows, making her look a bit disheveled, but the light burning in her eyes was bright enough to set the track ablaze.
"I... I won't lose again..."
"I'm going to use this Kikuka-sho to prove to the world that my trainer didn't make a mistake. That I, Hishi Miracle, am an Uma Musume worthy of being her disciple!"
"I'll win this race fair and square, and then... I'll bring that trophy, the symbol of victory and glory, back to my teacher!"
The tension was razor-sharp. Hishi Miracle stared straight into Symboli Kris S's eyes.
A year ago, she never would have dared to do something so bold, but today, she had the courage to spare.
Symboli Kris S's face, usually as calm as still water, seemed to flicker with emotion. She studied the stubborn fire in the other girl's eyes for a long moment before speaking slowly.
"Those are good eyes. So ordinary, so full of sorrow, yet there's a lion hiding within them."
"It seems I was right to turn down my trainer's suggestion. Compared to Equinox, I truly do want to share a track with you."
"My junior, Liberty Island, will defeat Equinox. And I... I will defeat you right here."
In reality, there wasn't much of a formal "senior-junior" bond between Hishi Miracle and Liberty Island.
Hishi Miracle simply felt that since she had met their teacher a week earlier than Liberty Island had, calling herself the "big sister" wasn't technically wrong.
Of course, in the past, Hishi Miracle would never have dared to say that out loud. Back then, she spent every day by Liberty Island's side, witnessing the meteoric rise of that genius firsthand.
Feeling plain and unable to keep up with the pace, she would have been too embarrassed to claim the title of senior.
Though she didn't realize it as the words left her mouth, Hishi Miracle had already completed her metamorphosis.
She was no longer shackled by her own inferiority. Instead, she could stand tall and tell the world with pride: she, Hishi Miracle, was going to be the brightest star on the stage.
"Liberty Island and Equinox, huh..."
Symboli Kris S repeated the names softly, looking thoughtful.
"Is it a coincidence, or is it fate? It feels like all the Uma Musume who once looked up to her have gathered together this year to settle the score on the track."
"Equinox and Liberty Island, you and I... it's the same for all of us."
"By the way, have I ever told you my story?"
Hishi Miracle shook her head before answering.
"Do you really want to do this now? The race is about to start."
"It's fine. I'll make it quick."
"Besides, knowing your opponent better helps you find the will to surpass her, doesn't it? I already know your story, so you should know mine. That's only fair."
Without explaining how she'd learned so much about Hishi Miracle, Symboli Kris S began to speak right there on the track.
"I am an Uma Musume of the Symboli family."
"The Symboli family of the Emperor, Symboli Rudolf."
The Emperor—it was such a clear, unmistakable title.
The moment those words were spoken, only one figure came to anyone's mind. Hishi Miracle was no exception; she reacted almost instantly.
"Rudolf... The Emperor..."
"I remember. She was the Student Council President at Central Tracen Academy, wasn't she?"
"She is now the head of the Symboli house."
"Back at Central Tracen, the Head was very close with her. Under the Head's influence, those of us in the younger generation naturally found ourselves watching her every move."
Symboli Kris S gestured toward the stands. She knew Hishi Miracle's trainer would be there; there was no need to clarify who "she" referred to.
At that, Symboli Kris S suddenly recalled a moment from her childhood. After a long day of work, Symboli Rudolf had managed to find a rare bit of time to spend with the juniors.
It happened to be the day of one of Dream Weaver's races, so everyone had gathered in the Symboli family's theater room to watch.
While everyone else was cheering for the race, Symboli Kris S found her mind wandering. She noticed Symboli Rudolf sitting off to the side, wrapped in silence.
Symboli Kris S wasn't the type of girl to hide what she was thinking—not now, and certainly not as a child. She had simply asked what was wrong.
Back then, Symboli Rudolf had answered like this:
"There was something I wanted to say to her once, but because of one accident after another, I never got the chance."
"After the Triple Crown, everyone got busy. She started her overseas expeditions, and I returned to the Symboli estate. The chance to say those words drifted further and further away."
Symboli Kris S remembered Rudolf's expression that day vividly. The red light of victory flashed like a ghost in her eyes. While the room celebrated, the Emperor's gaze had been strangely heavy with grief.
"Even now, are you still fighting while carrying the expectations of so many people?"
Symboli Kris S hadn't understood what that meant at the time. No matter how much she pestered Symboli Rudolf, the elder girl only offered a smile without an explanation.
It wasn't until their break was over that Rudolf patted her on the head and spoke again.
"If you ever get the chance to meet her on the track in the future... could you deliver a message for me?"
She hadn't understood the emotion in Rudolf's eyes back then. Only later did she realize that the feeling was called regret.
"The Head and Dream Weaver are the two Uma Musume I admire most."
"The words the Head couldn't say back then... I will stand before Dream Weaver and say them in her place."
"Of course... I'll do it as the winner of the Kikuka-sho."
Symboli Kris S's intent was clear. She believed that as someone who had only won G2-level races, she didn't yet have the right to stand before Dream Weaver.
Hishi Miracle quietly tightened her fists. She felt the weight of Symboli Kris S's resolve. But in any race, there can only be one winner.
Since everyone had a reason they couldn't afford to lose, they would just have to leave it all on the dirt.
"Preparations are complete! All runners, please enter the gates!"
The announcer's voice boomed across the track. Hishi Miracle and Symboli Kris S turned as one and began walking toward the starting stalls.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.