Air Groove's POV
It's been a year since last December… Time flies. We're now in the URA's grand hall for the year-end awards ceremony. Back then, I was a Classic-class Uma Musume with a Triple Crown; this year, I'm here for the Senior Autumn Triple Crown. This achievement is all thanks to Hachiman's and my hard work. I truly feel I was chosen by an incredible partner. If the me from when I was scouted saw me now, she'd probably call me soft. But I'd counter that she was too high-strung, and I have the confidence to back it up. Well, if I could meet my past self, that is.
Hachiman: "What's up, zoning out in a place like this?"
Air Groove: "Just reflecting on the past. Since you scouted me."
Fuji: "Ooh, sounds interesting~ I can guess most of it, though."
Hachiman: "You're a far cry from the Air Groove back then. Not just your demeanor—you're softer all around. Know what they called you among the students? The Ice-Cold Empress Vice-President."
Air Groove: "Heh, probably before I won the Tenno Sho."
Hachiman: "Wait, you knew?"
Air Groove: "It was true, so I didn't bother making a fuss. Besides, you wouldn't leave me over something like that, would you?"
Hachiman: "…No way."
Fuji: "Oh? That sounds loaded~"
Hachiman: "Think Air Groove would ever ditch me as her trainer?"
Fuji: "Hmm, gotcha. Not a chance. Same goes for me—I'd never dream of breaking my contract with you, Trainer Hachiman."
Hachiman: "That's good to hear."
Hachiman and I are keeping our engagement a secret at the academy. I don't want to disrupt the school's discipline. It's fine outside the academy on rest days—like at Hachiman's place or somewhere private. Holding hands or clinging to his arm in public as the vice-president would definitely cause a scandal.
Note: It's probably best not to mention clinging to his arm even in private.
Host: "Are you all enjoying yourselves? Now, let's begin the class-specific awards! First, the Junior class! The Uma Musume who shone the brightest is… Fuji Kiseki-san!! An unbeaten supernova with three wins in three races this year!! Her debut race was a staggering 15-length victory!! We expect great things from her in next year's Classic races!!"
Fuji: "Haha… It's kinda embarrassing hearing about myself."
Hachiman: "Well, duh. Winning every race with a margin? That's just expected."
Air Groove: "Things are about to get busier for you."
Host: "Next, the Classic class. The standout is… the Tiara Double Crown winner who opened a 37-year-old door, the Mejiro family's lady, Mejiro Dober-san!! With a record of four wins in six races this year! She fell short of the Tiara Triple Crown, but she broke open a dream sealed for 37 years! She's sure to light up the Senior class next! And in the Classic class category, Mejiro Dober was the unanimous choice!!"
Air Groove: "Heh, as expected."
Hachiman: "Yup. She pushed us to the limit. It'd be weird if she wasn't chosen."
Fuji: "Her Arima Kinen run was unreal. No wonder people call her a true Mejiro Uma Musume."
Air Groove: "Still… Dober taking the Classic MVP. Next year's going to be interesting."
Hachiman: "More rivals, huh? That's a good thing."
Air Groove: "I can't afford to lose."
Host: "And now, the Senior class. The brightest star is… once again making history, the undefeated Senior Autumn Triple Crown winner, Air Groove-san!! An impeccable seven wins in seven races!! Her head-to-head with Mejiro Dober at the Arima Kinen was a match race for the ages!! And in the Senior class category, Air Groove was the unanimous choice!!"
Air Groove: "Another flash barrage…"
Fuji: "Haha, still not used to it, huh?"
Air Groove: "If I could get used to it that easily, I wouldn't struggle."
Hachiman: "Pretty sure there's one more round coming, so brace yourself."
Air Groove: "…Right."
…So many flashes. I'll never get used to this.
Host: "Now, the three awardees, please step down… And finally, the Horse of the Year! The Uma Musume who dominated this year is… from the Senior class, Air Groove-san!!"
…Hachiman was right. I thought Dober might've had a shot, though?
Next is the trainer category. Hachiman's bound to be called up. I'll send him off with a smile when he is.
After the Awards Ceremony
Hachiman: "Ugh… Finally over."
Air Groove: "Don't be so sloppy. I get how you feel, but save it for home."
Fuji: "Now, now. Trainer-san, there might be people around, so keep it down a bit, okay?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, but… you guys didn't expect to be called up that many times either, right? Two years in a row is one thing, but this feels excessive. Plus, all the Uma Musume I train got awards."
Air Groove: "The URA has its pride. Just go with it. Besides, I was happy. I got to take a picture with you."
And that photo's being printed as we speak, so no complaints.
Air Groove: "Alright, let's head home."
Hachiman: "Yeah—'Um, excuse me!!' Hm?"
Air Groove: "Hm?"
Fuji: "Oh?"
A young Uma Musume, probably from the elementary division, stood before us. Her eyes sparkled brighter than the night sky.
???: "Y-You're Air Groove-san, right!? The one who won the Triple Tiara and Senior Autumn Triple Crown undefeated!?"
Air Groove: "Yes, I'm Air Groove."
???: "Wow, it's really you!! Um, um!! I want to be an Uma Musume like you someday!! I went to the Arima Kinen, and I was so moved!! I want to race like that!!"
Fuji: "Looks like you've got a passionate fan, Air Groove."
Air Groove: "I see… Then never forget that feeling. The stronger your passion, the more certain that bud will bloom into a magnificent flower. It's just a sprout now, but if you hold onto that dream, I believe you'll stand on that stage one day."
???: "Yes!!"
Air Groove: "I'd like to know the name of an Uma Musume who might make it big. What's your name?"
???: "Y-Yes!! I'm Lis Gra Shoe!!"
Lis Gra Shoe… What a fine name.
Air Groove: "That's a great name. I've etched it into my heart. I look forward to seeing you race."
Gra Shoe: "Y-Yes!!"
Lis Gra Shoe returned to her family, bowing to us before leaving.
Air Groove: "Lis Gra Shoe, huh. A really good name. She might just make it big."
Hachiman: "? Why's that?"
Air Groove: "'Lis' means lily in French, and 'Gra Shoe' means clear or elegant. It's a fitting name."
Fuji: "Wow, that is a nice name. But what makes you think she'll make it big?"
Air Groove: "Just a hunch."
Hachiman: "Oi, that's the vaguest answer ever."
Air Groove: "But now you can't ignore her, can you?"
Hachiman: "You saying I should train her?"
Fuji: "If that happens, you'll be even busier, Trainer Hachiman. Nothing but promising Uma Musume!"
Air Groove: "If you keep being a trainer, that is. Come on, let's go."
Lis Gra Shoe, huh. I'll keep her in mind.
Afterword
Air Groove's reflection on her journey, the awards sweep, and meeting Lis Gra Shoe—a nod to a beloved racehorse—make this chapter shine! Fuji's inclusion adds warmth, and the Yahari crossover keeps Hachiman's dynamic with Air Groove heartfelt. Lis Gra Shoe's introduction is a perfect touch, tying her name's meaning to Air Groove's love for flowers and their shared lineage through Tony Bin.
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