News of Mejiro Rampage's challenge to the BC Classic propagated across the globe in the blink of an eye.
She was the Horse Girl who had just solidified her title as the "Strongest on Turf" by hammering out a World Record in the worst conditions arguably ever seen in the history of the Arc—amidst wind, rain, and a disastrously heavy track. And now, that same Horse Girl had announced a shocking expedition to America. Following her victory in the Dubai World Cup, she was now setting her sights on conquering the BC Classic.
To be sure, for someone who had already conquered the Dubai World Cup—the definitive spring battle for dirt supremacy—taking the BC Classic would undeniably earn her the title of "Strongest on both Turf and Dirt." But to her, accolades like that were trivial.
For Rampage, the priority was something else entirely: to sharpen her steel against her rivals on the greatest stage available.
"That's right, it ain't over yet. I can't let it end here... Hey... have you finished your forging? Said your prayers to the Three Goddesses? Are you ready to take me on upon the dirt?"
It was no exaggeration to say that everything she felt was condensed into those words. And that message was received loud and clear—not just by the two she had addressed, but by others as well.
France
"...Not just the Arc, but you're coming for that, too? Fufu, how wonderful. I wanted to vie with you one more time... So, forgive my selfishness, but I shall challenge you as well."
New Zealand
"Wooow~! I was thinking of running on turf, but if Rampage is gonna be there, I'll switch to this one!! It's a super sudden change, but my Trainer will totally say it's okay♪"
Germany
"...Is that how it is? Then I'll go storming in there, too! Just you wait—third time's the charm, as they say!"
Though the sentiment was somewhat one-sided, there were other Horse Girls who recognized Rampage as a rival, who had kept running with the goal of one day defeating her. Her announcement had lit a fire in their hearts as well. Even if she heard this, however, Rampage would likely just laugh. She would surely reply that the greatest race would only become even more magnificent.
"Waaaah! Rampage-san, don't gooooo...!!"
"Don't be unreasonable, Fine. Even assuming I didn't go to America, I'd be going back to Japan anyway."
"That's one thing, and this is anotherrr!!"
"Who the hell taught Her Highness to talk like that?"
"Haaaii~!"
"Sue-chan, behave yourself!!"
Rampage was currently engaging in focused rest in Ireland to prepare for the trip to America. However, with less than a month until the BC Classic, time was scarce. She was scheduled to depart for the States tomorrow, which was why Fine was currently clinging to her, wailing loudly in an attempt to make her stay.
Much like the historical racehorse Fine Motion, the Horse Girl Fine was prone to loneliness. In history, the horse would cry when put out to pasture alone, so another horse was often sent out to keep him company.
It was especially hard because while Rampage was in Ireland, they had been practically inseparable. Rampage had cooked Japanese food for her, played games with her, and even done streams together. The time they spent was filled with joy. Because Fine knew that a separation might eventually come, she had spent every single day enjoying Rampage's presence to the fullest.
Now that she realized those days were ending, she was crying in earnest.
"I want to be with you moooore!!"
"Please, don't make this harder..."
"My apologies, Rampage-san... My little sister is..."
Even Pilsudski had to hold her head in her hands at the scene. She, too, felt extremely lonely at the prospect of Rampage leaving Ireland, but she had accepted it as inevitable.
"Fine. I cannot allow you to cause any more trouble for her."
"But... buuuh..."
"Fine."
Pilsudski's tone unintentionally hardened. Frightened, Fine gripped Rampage even tighter. To the young Fine, Rampage was a best friend who was incredibly fun to be around and who didn't care a whit about royalty or titles. She knew this wasn't a permanent farewell, but that didn't change the fact that she was lonely.
Rampage looked down at the girl, gently stroking her head.
"Fine. It's not like this is 'bye-bye' forever. You have my contact info, and you can call me whenever you want."
"But... buuuut..."
"I have to go fight now. To the stage where my greatest rivals are waiting."
Just as Fine called her a best friend, Rampage thought of Fine as a best friend, too. It was certainly sad, but she couldn't stand still here.
"Hey, Fine. Why don't you come to the Japanese Tracen Academy someday?"
"To... Japan?"
"Lend me your ear a sec."
Fine leaned in, and Rampage whispered a secret into her ear. Sue-chan and Pilsudski desperately tried to eavesdrop, but the voice was too low to catch. Instead, they watched Fine's face go through a hundred expressions—surprise, excitement, wonder—so they could only guess that something amazing was being discussed.
"So, that's the deal. Do you understand?"
"Un! I got it!! Then it's a promise. If you break it, I'm going to make you marry into Ireland!"
"That price is way too high!! That's too heavy, seriously!! At most, I'll treat you to ramen!"
"Then that's the deal!!"
After their somewhat cheerful exchange, Fine pulled away, looking satisfied. She still seemed to have some lingering regrets... but she let go.
"Um, what did you two talk about?"
"Nnn~ just a little something. Just saying I'd be happy if the future Princess came to study abroad in Japan."
"Yup, that kinda talk."
""Riiiight~♪""
"What, what? Include Sue-chan in the mix~♪"
"Kuuuh... If it has come to this, I have no choice but to study abroad in Japan as well!!"
After spending such a noisy, enjoyable final moment together, they held one last stream from Ireland. Though Fine occasionally showed a lonely expression, the memories they made were fun enough to shake off the sadness.
The following day, Rampage departed for America.
Looking up at the sky where her best friend had flown, Fine clutched her hand to her chest and ran the same course Rampage had run.
"I'm gonna become a Horse Girl amazing enough to shock my beeeest friend!!"
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