Mejiro Manor's training grounds had long been empty.
Or rather, when a place was this vast, even frequent visits from one dedicated Uma Musume left no noticeable trace, especially if others rarely came.
But that lack of visitors wasn't an excuse—not for the steadily growing Mejiro McQueen.
Straight ahead, accelerate fully, no slowing down. Faster, faster…
If Ruka-nee were here, she'd breeze through effortlessly, like she was flying just above the ground.
Yes, if she were here.
Her vision wavered slightly as she sprinted, but her focus remained locked ahead.
She saw her—she really saw her!
Mejiro McQueen saw that white figure racing fearlessly ahead.
"Oh, you've found me again, McQueen. Want to race?"
Of course! Racing with you is exactly what I want most!
Responding with fierce determination, McQueen pushed harder, accelerating sharply—yet her opponent easily increased the distance between them.
Indeed, her rival was Ruka-nee, the legend carved into history.
Losing was nothing to be ashamed of when your opponent was so powerful.
But… but!
Mejiro McQueen couldn't accept defeat.
Whenever she considered giving up, whenever she felt weak, she remembered that rainy day, the moment she ran side-by-side with Twilight Song.
She admired Twilight Song deeply.
How should she define such a feeling?
Twilight Song was undoubtedly the strongest Uma Musume she'd ever met. Even Mejiro Ramonu, who struggled against Dancing Brave, had been utterly crushed once Twilight Song unleashed her full power, as easily as snapping a twig.
Every genius of their generation saw Twilight Song as their greatest rival—but in the end, their collective reward was nothing but repeated defeat.
Such strength!
Yet, despite always crushing her opponents mercilessly on the track, Twilight Song would return home and smile gently, offering warmth and companionship. Even though she rarely spent much time at home, Mejiro McQueen felt special—she knew she received nearly all Twilight Song could give.
Realizing this, her admiration slowly blended with familial affection, confusing her heart even further.
So, she kept growing stronger—relentlessly stronger.
Just as she reached her limits, she collided head-on with that cruel, stormy day in Paris.
After returning from Paris, McQueen had sunk into despair for a while. Only when she revisited this familiar training ground, the place where she'd raced alongside Twilight Song, did she suddenly regain her determination—much to everyone's surprise.
The reason?
"Oh, really, don't push yourself too hard, McQueen. If you're tired, rest. Would you like some snacks?"
McQueen slowly halted, trembling and nearly collapsing. Yet, finally, she shook her head.
Snacks were a luxury she couldn't afford—not yet. Not until she could catch up with Ruka-nee…
To achieve that, she needed strength—more and more strength!
McQueen carefully studied the figure before her. After repeatedly confirming through subtle clues, the clever little filly had long realized something.
Either her mental state had deteriorated, causing hallucinations—or…
Her beloved Ruka-nee had stayed behind, unable to move on after death.
Which was true?
McQueen didn't know, nor did she want to. All she wanted was to become stronger.
Strong enough to claim victory once more in Paris, strong enough to challenge this "Twilight Song" standing before her.
She had to win.
She had to reclaim that glory, remind the world again of Twilight Song's strength. And afterward, in a challenge known only to herself, she would finally confront this presence in front of her.
Then, perhaps, she'd understand who or what this was.
"You're pushing yourself again? You stubborn little thing—stop it. Absolutely stop it."
McQueen's face showed reluctance, but she nodded obediently. Indeed, her body was at its limit…
That was enough for today.
"There, there, good girl. Now, go rest. And remember, McQueen, don't tell anyone."
That I'm still here beside you.
This phantom always reminded her of this each time she was about to leave. Why was that? Did she not want others to know? Was she afraid someone would suspect McQueen's sanity?
After Twilight Song's death on the track, every Uma Musume race had added mandatory medical check-ups. Costs were deducted from prize money, with shortfalls covered entirely by local associations.
So, regardless of the phantom's true intent, wasn't it really just out of kindness and care? Such warmth…
Mejiro McQueen offered no reply, merely leaving the training grounds. She glanced back at the last moment.
Twilight Song waved gently before dissolving into the breeze.
Whatever this presence truly was, it held the same warmth, the same kindness…
McQueen pondered in confusion, emotion and logic colliding chaotically inside her.
Even if it wasn't real, couldn't she comfort herself with the idea? Because, after all, you know it clearly, Mejiro McQueen—Ruka-nee is gone.
Truly gone.
Yet, wasn't it somehow comforting that she only appeared before McQueen?
The filly smiled softly, uncertain how to describe the emotions swirling inside her.
Of course, Mejiro McQueen would never reveal to anyone that she could still see Twilight Song.
Wasn't this best?
A world where Twilight Song existed only for her…
If only such a world really existed…
Hehe.