Rampage found herself staring more, lingering longer, feeling more. "Weird feeling, finding calm," she mused.
She wasn't an ordinary Uma Musume—human soul, unknown origin, no longer a concern. Living fully as an Uma Musume was her victory, especially after contemplating suicide, the ultimate defeat. "Undefeated champion? Laughable, right, Three Goddesses?"
Training losses to Ramone, Maruzensky, Katsuragi Ace, and Shinzan piled up. If those weren't defeats, neither was her past despair. Her actions were a defiance of her former self.
"Hey, Ran, what's up?" Ryan appeared.
"Just zoning out," Rampage replied.
She'd skipped Mejiro's party again, per Asama's orders: "We're nearly done with the vulgars. Focus on this critical time." The purge of detractors was nearing completion, so Rampage hosted a year-end party and a New Year's special stream instead.
"Overseas soon, huh? When?" Ryan asked.
"Dubai World Cup's in March, so February or early March," Rampage said.
The spring dirt world championship demanded acclimation to foreign dirt, unlike Japan's unique tracks. Minamisaka agreed early travel was best, but the trainer proxy and Speed Symboli's schedule delayed things.
"Overseas… I never thought about it. You're amazing, Ran," Ryan said.
"The one who saved you is way more impressive," Rampage teased.
"Enough about that," Ryan groaned.
"I'll remind you forever," Rampage grinned.
Ryan laughed, conceding. "Then Europe?"
"Post-Dubai, straight there. Gotta race to adjust to their turf. Can't miss the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes," Rampage said.
"That's… huge," Ryan gasped.
A premier European race, like the Arc de Triomphe, it fit her schedule. El Condor Paser raced G2s and G1s before the Arc; Rampage would follow suit.
"Sounds epic," Ryan said.
"Wanna come?" Rampage offered.
"Don't say it so casually! Overseas isn't easy," Ryan protested, though the idea tempted her—not to race, but to support her friend through the grueling journey. "I'll dominate Japan while you shine abroad."
"Think I won't try? I'm carrying everyone's hopes, pal," Rampage said, gripping Ryan's hand tightly, their trained muscles clashing.
"Go get 'em," Ryan said.
"Gonna crush McQueen," Rampage vowed.
"That's a high bar. Duck under it?" Ryan teased.
"Fly," Rampage shot back.
"Fly?! You're the one soaring!" Ryan laughed, jogging off with a heavy yet lively stride.
Rampage's eyes sharpened. "Her too? What's the trend?"
"Your fault," Shinzan said, approaching.
"When'd you sneak up, Shin-san?" Rampage asked.
Ryan's weighted steps echoed Shinzan's iron shoes—likely five times heavier. Power anklets were trending at Tresen; even Brian used double-weight ones for self-training.
"You mentioned using Shinzan iron in your stream," Shinzan said.
"Was that bad?" Rampage asked.
"Nah, just the cause. Everyone's copying with power anklets," Shinzan replied.
Rampage had warned against reckless use, sharing her struggles with Shinzan iron. "Bunch of trend-chasers. Told 'em to be careful," she said.
"They're moderating," Shinzan assured.
"Why're you here, Shin-san?" Rampage asked.
"Gift," Shinzan said, revealing a box with new Shinzan iron, engraved with Rampage's name. "Minamisaka custom-ordered it for your overseas training. Be grateful."
"Overseas too? I'll look nuts… called 'crazy,' huh?" Rampage chuckled.
Madness, perhaps, but greatness required it. Trailblazers were always deemed insane. If called crazy, Rampage would win by breaking taboos, drawing true rivals. The iron was for them.
"Mad tyrant? Not bad. Join me abroad, Shin-san?" Rampage teased.
"Too bothersome. I'll nap in Japan while Speed handles it," Shinzan said.
"Cold," Rampage laughed, but she was grateful. With these, she'd forge herself abroad, turning pain into conquest.
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