Stare....
"...?"
Stare....
Oh…! Swaying, swaying…!
"Mmm…"
Stare....
Hmm, hmm.
I can't help but wonder if we're really the same age.
How graceful her chestnut hair sways in the cool breeze.
"…Why have you been staring at my body like that since earlier?"
"Stare… ah, um, sorry. I was just… curious about a few things. Like body composition…"
Scarlet's face quickly drained of color, as if a cold wind had passed over her.
"Ah, no, no, no! Wait, that's not what I meant! Well, maybe it is… No! Definitely not! There's a very good reason for this…!"
"Hmph…"
"Really! I'm not thinking anything inappropriate… almost not at all! When I said 'body composition,' I meant, like… muscle distribution, physique, that kind of thing."
I probably wasn't thinking about anything lewd at all.
…Deji-tan just doesn't have that radiant charm that she does. It's only natural to be a little captivated.
It's like slowing your pace when spotting stylish clothes in a store window—it's irresistible. It's beyond your control.
"Well, that's fine… but why?"
"There's no harm in observing, right? To analyze and study the body of a Uma Musume. Like a trainer would. If you master this skill, it can be really useful… Besides, I want to pay attention to my teammates. There might be physical abnormalities I can spot that they wouldn't notice themselves."
Uma Musume have incredible strength, but… their bodies are surprisingly fragile.
The immense power derived from what is essentially a human-like frame puts a huge strain on their bodies.
Even with proper care, avoiding injuries is difficult.
Moreover, there are still many unknowns about the Uma Musume species. They can suffer from unique ailments that humans don't have. Some of these are untreatable or extremely hard to prevent.
Early detection and treatment of abnormalities can determine an Uma Musume's career longevity.
Yes, I genuinely care about my teammates' bodies. My lewd thoughts are barely even a fingernail's worth.
"…Do I really look like I'd get injured that easily?"
"Huh? Not really. I just care because you're my teammate… Why do you ask?"
"I've been told similar things before… by a senior researching Uma Musume."
Ah, so this senior is researching an Uma Musume Scarlet knows… hmm?
"Hey, could that be… Tachyon-san?"
Come to think of it, that mad scientist had taken a special interest in Scarlet. They were parent and child in history, after all. Seems like they've already met. In the anime, they first meet in the OVA BNW's Oath, but here, some kind of parallel event seems to have occurred, just like when Deji-tan and I joined Spica.
"Oh, you know Tachyon-san? That's right… Aurora. You're not calling Tachyon-san a mad scientist too, are you?"
"…Eh? Ah, yeah, of course. I think Tachyon-san is a kind person."
Right. Tachyon-san never used Scarlet as a test subject, so she reveres her as a kind senior.
"Everyone seems to misunderstand Tachyon-san… even though she's so kind and brilliant. Recently, she gave me a special supplement, and as soon as I took it, I felt amazing. She can make such incredible things, yet why do people misunderstand her?"
Because she is a little mad. Honestly, I don't dislike Tachyon-san—if anything, I like her. A Uma Musume with both captivating looks and terrifying hidden talent and madness. As an otaku, it's irresistible.
Even if asked to be a test subject for her medicine, I wouldn't mind. Though I'd like her to tone down the absurdly sweet and fluorescent things a bit.
Still… she's mad.
"…Ah, right. I was planning to go to Tachyon-san today to get the supplement. You coming?"
Hmm…
Deji-tan is holed up in her room, saying, "I want to focus on cultural and creative activities today…!" so tagging along to kill time isn't a bad idea.
"Yeah, I'll go."
At an empty classroom in Tracen Academy,
opening the door revealed Manhattan Cafe-san, the cool, dark-toned Uma Musume.
"Ah… hello… Scarlet-san, Aurora… Takion-san is in the library right now, but she'll be back soon."
"Hello, Cafe-san. Can we wait here?"
"Of course, please have a seat… Would you like some coffee?"
"Yes, thank you."
"…I'll have some too, please."
Scarlet and I sat on nearby chairs, waiting for coffee and Tachyon-san.
The sound of beans grinding and the rich aroma stimulated the senses. This was going to be quite good.
"…Ah, come to think of it… is she not here today?"
"Not here? Who do you mean?"
"Ah… that's…"
Not 'who' exactly, more like 'what'. Today, that cute "friend" wasn't around.
"…That girl left somewhere a little while ago."
Cafe-san turned her back to tell us. Seems we won't see her today. Too bad.
"…Hey, who are you two talking about?"
I assumed the "friend" was always with Cafe-san, but that's not the case.
…Maybe I can be optimistic and assume there's still a chance to see her.
"…Hey, who is it…?"
"…Sorry to keep you waiting. Sugar and milk are free to add as you like."
Two cups with a rich aroma were placed in front of us.
"Thank you. I'll try it."
Since it's homemade, I'll try it black first.
The taste is incredibly deep… aromatic, rich, full-bodied… my vocabulary can't capture it, but it's truly delicious.
"It's very good."
"Thank you… Having coffee with someone isn't so bad either… I wish that girl could try the coffee I made too…"
She spoke, staring off into the distance.
"…I'll have some too… But seriously, who is it?"
While enjoying the coffee, footsteps approached from the hall. That must be Tachyon-san.
Soon after, the door burst open.
"Ca–fe! Cafe! I just thought of a recipe that suits you perfectly, so I must experiment… Oh, guests?"
"Ah! Tachyon-san! Hello!"
"Hello, Tachyon-san."
Tachyon-san smiled at Scarlet, a look as gentle as a father to his child.
Ah… so precious!
"Ah, Scarlet… and Aurora. Do you need something from me?"
"Yes, Tachyon-san! It's about the supplement…"
"Oh! How was it? Did you notice the effects? Did it affect your running? Tell me all your impressions! Or was there a problem?"
"No! Actually, after taking it, I felt amazing!"
By the way, Scarlet is slightly taller than me.
…Which makes it insanely precious, seriously!
"…Feeling better, huh. Hehe… In that case, Aurora, I should express my gratitude to you again."
"…Me?"
"Yes. Thanks to your cooperation the other day, the supplement was much closer to completion. Your intriguing data helped immensely…"
Ah, the incident with Deji-tan almost crossing the line.
Looking back, I could have made excuses afterward. I really wasted the opportunity…
Tachyon-san clapped her hands, having just thought of something.
"That's right! I have a request for you two…"
"Yes! What is it?"
Good response, Scarlet. Excellent.
"The request is, I want you to take this substance…"
"No. I refuse."
Cafe-san immediately refused. Understandable—the mysterious pills Tachyon-san produced shimmered with rainbow colors, hardly looking like pills at all.
"It's such a beautiful color!"
No way, Scarlet.
"Hehe, right? Hmm? Are the dark bay girls displeased?"
"Well… I feel like that's a color you shouldn't drink…"
"Don't worry! This pill is for Daiwa Scarlet, made by improving the previous supplement recipe. Same immediate effect, even stronger, and easier to take. We tested it repeatedly, so there's no problem taking it."
…Well, if it's made for Scarlet, it probably won't be harmful. In fact, it might even have benefits.
"…I'll pass…"
"Ca–fe… Cafe, Cafe… I mean, I meant no harm. But the other day, I happened to see you gazing longingly at coffee beans online…"
Tachyon-san held a stylish bag of coffee beans, seemingly taken from nowhere.
"…I hope this is really okay."
"Yes, of course."
Cafe-san took it, and though silent, it was clear she gave in to the lure of the beans.
…Well, Scarlet is here too. It should be fine this time.
"All of you, take it, okay? Then drink up."
Tachyon-san excitedly handed us paper cups and the rainbow pills.
"Mmm… Much easier to drink than before! Amazing, Tachyon-san!"
Too fast, Scarlet. Too fast.
Admiration really blinds an Uma Musume.
"Thanks, it was worth the effort… Now, you two drink quickly. No worries, it's the same type of pill."
…Still seems suspicious, but I'll trust Tachyon-san.
I resolutely put the rainbow-colored pill in my mouth.
"…Hmm. Good, tastes normal."
"…Phew… Seems okay so far."
Cafe-san reluctantly took hers.
"Thanks for your cooperation, all three of you… Now, Scarlet, the rest of the supplement is in my room. Come with me to get it."
"Yes! Thank you!"
As they left the room, the mad scientist poked her head back in seconds later.
"…Ah, dark bays. I forgot to mention, as thanks, you'll be drinking a special water. Don't worry. Effects appear in about half an hour. I suggest being on something soft… like a sofa."
With that, she left.
"…Damn it!"
"That lunatic is completely putting on an act in front of Scarlet…"
Left behind were two deceived, pitiful Uma Musume.
"…Judging by her tone, we won't be having a pleasant time. I'll bring a blanket."
"…Ah, thanks…"
Basically, we'd better prepare to pass out. That was our only option.
"…Mmm?"
Before I knew it, I was floating pleasantly.
"…So floaty."
Looking down, the floor seemed far away.
"…! Whoa, I'm floating!? I'm floating!"
Definitely from the drug, but why am I floating? It's like being a ghost… could it be?
"…Aurora, have you noticed?"
Looking toward the voice, it was Cafe-san… also floating.
"Cafe-san? This… can't be…"
"…As you guessed… It's what's called an out-of-body experience."
No way… just from Tachyon-san's drug. I drank it carelessly… and now…
"…Experiencing such a wonderful situation! This is amazing!"
"…You're energetic, huh?"
"Yes! Any otaku would freak out in a situation like this! Woohoo!"
Being out-of-body means Deji-tan can't notice a thing.
I must go to her room immediately! And then… all sorts of things could happen…
…This might truly be heaven. Or rather, being where Deji-tan is, this is heaven.
"Deji-tan! I'm coming!"
Kicking off the air, I ran.
I reached Deji-tan's room, but only found her empty body.
"…Such a cute face… even in death of reverence."
…She had collapsed over her desk, pen in hand, with a draft of a fanwork involving Uma Musume.
"You didn't let go of your pen even in the end… truly a hero."
Time to check if the hero's body is alright…
Then, a voice came from afar.
…A voice that shouldn't be heard.
"…Whoa! My body is here! So this must be an out-of-body experience! I've longed… to be a wall, to watch Uma Musume from a wall… But now! My dream comes true! I fainted from how precious the manuscript I drew is! I must go see the Uma Musume immediately!"
Another Deji-tan appeared, floating outside the window.
"Whoa… Aurora-chan is in my room! But now, I won't be seen! Hehe… I can enjoy seeing your expressions… that no one else sees…!"
…She didn't realize my feet were also floating a centimeter off the floor. I'll pretend not to notice.
She floated closer, then stopped for some reason.
"…Wait. Aurora-chan can see occult stuff, right? Maybe she can see me…? Let's see."
She waved, danced, spun vertically in front of me.
"…Deji-tan is so cute."
"…Phew!? Wait… Maybe I'm talking while looking at my own body…"
Spinning again, waving hands…
…Yes! I see her panties—cough, cough.
"…So precious, Deji-tan."
"Ugh… She seems still looking at my body… Does that mean she can't see me?"
She peered directly at my face. Perfect timing.
I quickly put my hand around her shoulder and grabbed her.
"Alright! Seems we can touch each other out-of-body, Deji-tan."
"Wha!? Out-of-body…? You… can see me…!?"
I held her and floated into the air.
"No way!? Orl! Please! Explain!"
"Some stuff happened, yeah."
"Too vague! More details!"
"Tachyon-san's drug."
"Ah, got it!"
As expected, Deji-tan understands quickly.
And the princess carry is still perfect. It just feels… right.
"Shall we take a walk for a bit? Aerial walk. Sounds romantic. What do you think?"
I had planned to do various things while she was asleep, but this is much better.
Better than messing with her body… it's much more beautiful.
"Eh…? Wait!?"
"Relax… Now, walk. Step forward, keep walking. Don't be afraid… Good."
"Hya!? But… this is… too magical to call it 'emotional'…"
Walking in the sky, Deji-tan looks like an angel.
No wings, yet we're truly in the sky.
It's like a dream. Or maybe it is a dream.
Can such occult events really happen in reality?
Well, it's beautiful, so who cares.
"…Mmm?"
Suddenly, I was on a soft sofa.
…Not floating. Of course.
"…Good morning."
"Ah, Cafe-san… hello…"
Cafe-san sat beside me.
Clearly, we lost consciousness from Tachyon-san's drug.
"…The aerial walk was fun, wasn't it?"
"…Yeah, I guess."
…Ah. That means the strange experience wasn't just mine.
Then the door opened suddenly.
"Hey, both of you! How was it? The water-soluble, tasteless, colorless drug should have given you a completely neutral experience. Tell me!"
Ah… I see, I see… got it.
"Tachyon-san! No, Tachyon-sama! Thank you so much! You are a genius! The best Uma Musume! Please keep using me as a test subject!"
"Eh… wait. Don't call me 'sama,' it's awkward. But why are you acting like this…? Cafe, do you know something?"
"…I realized today that they are just that kind of creature…"
"…Hmm? Hard to understand… Aurora, you really are an interesting child."
…Just like Scarlet said.
Tachyon-san is kind, intelligent, truly the perfect Uma Musume.