Chapter Text
The Japanese are on crack. This shouldn’t have worked.
—AUTHOR J. WIN, MEMOIR
Umamusume.
From what I remember in the early days of college, Umamusumes are girls born to run, either to achieve their dreams or being the number one... or something more than that, the possibilities are endless. Honestly, I didn't pay much attention back then.
I drive through the city streets with the moped my Dad bought me back in college. It's not much—old and vintage, but it does the job of helping me get to places.
Through the visor of my helmet, I watch the streets brimming with people walking by the sidewalk. Cars drive through the lively roads as if trying to catch up to an event. Delicious aroma that wafts from the shops and even making their way through my protective helmet. And a hint of carbon emission—gotta love the city.
At the edge of my visor—to the right, I see a speeding blurr. I glance slightly to see it. It's two girls who're running at a seperate lane—not for bicycles or anything, but one made to accommodate something specific. Their turnover rates are insane compared to what humans can do, they're even leaving me—who's in a moped—behind.
Those are Umamusumes. Powerful, fast, and participates in races. Like I said, they're born to run. Kinda insane if you think about it. Despite Umamusumes being a part of society, I've always felt like it's straight out of a storybook.
Not sure why though....
The Umamusumes are both young girls, one with black hair and one with bay brown. I can't see much details since I have to keep my eyes on the road…
Speaking of which, I'm heading to my first job, and to be fair, I don't like having this job. I don't think anyone likes having a job. Unless they're passionate about it.
Man, it would be some Hail Mary if Symboli Rudolf decides to show up in my office or something, that would at least be a nice consolation.
I make a right turn while driving and finally reach the gates of Tracen Academy—the very place where Umamusumes can achieve their dreams—and the very place I'll work in.
The place is quite huge—like college campus-level huge. It has dormitories, indoor swimming pools, entire tracks, literally everything dedicated to training Umamusumes. With my horrible sense of direction, I'm a hundred percent gonna get lost in this maze of a school.
I drive through the gate and into the courtyard, baffled by the amount of greenery in this place, kind of relaxing to be honest... How did they even balance the organic from the inorganic buildings? This is some top-notch architecture work.
After reaching the parking area, I carefully park my moped and take off my helmet. Then, I make my way towards the entrance while pulling out my smartphone.
Check the time. Eight-thirthy. Morning class are already starting for the students.
I am late—on the first day too. I'm definitely getting fired immediately…
I pick up speed and entered the main building. And the search ensues; I need to meet with the Director's Secretary.
“They said she's a woman with dark brown hair and clad in a green uniform...”
Should be easy to spot.
These hallways however, are a pain in the ass to navigate. I can't understand how the students, trainers, and employees here manage to navigate this labyrinth…
Right turn and... Oh. At an empty hallway, the same woman I'm looking for stands.
I approach her with a light jog. "Good morning, ma'am. Are you the Director's Secretary...?" “Good morning,” the woman greeted me back, noting my countenance before asking, "You must be the new trainer! Mister Sean Touyama, right?"
I nod before she formally introduces herself.
"I am Tazuna Hayakawa, the Director's Secretary." Gracefully clasping both her hands in front of her, she continues, "Follow me, we'll meet with the Director before you start."
"A—alright. Lead the way, ma'am.”
Side by side, we make our way towards the Director's office. No conversation. She just lead me
She doesn't realize I'm late? Or maybe they're pretty lax on the first-time trainers. I just hope it's the last one.
While we walk, she speaks in a professional yet soft manner. "Welcome to Tracen Academy, Mister Touyama."
I nod as if I'm paying attention but all I'm thinking about is what kind of punishment I'm getting for being late—ON THE FIRST DAY.
She continues, "Tracen is one of the finest Umamusume training facilities in the country." A pause, then a glance at me. "Mister Touyama, are you paying attention...? You seem to be spacing out."
"Oh uhhh y—yeah, I've heard."
It's not a lie. I did not understand though. Two completely different things.
Miss Tazuna cleares her throat. "Tracen is home to many Umamusumes who yearn for the tracks."
"WELL SAID!"
That high-pitched and somewhat sharp voice felt like it pierced my ears.
Tazuna and I flinch, turning around to the source of the noise.
What meegs my gaze is what looks like a four foot tall figure standing in a striking pose. She has blonde hair with white streaks, a pair of blue eyes and she wore a light blue dress with dark blue sleeves.
I blinked twice just to confirm that I wasn't seeing things, she was a...
Child?
I took a glance at her white hat, on top was a...
Cat?
W—wha...?
"Director?!" Miss Tazuna gasps.
Director?!
"I'm sorry, who?"
She takes a breather, tilts her body slightly to the small-statured figure. Her hand moves, gesturing softly. "This is the Director."
I don't even have words to use anymore. No jokes to calm myself.
"Indeed!" the director shouted. "My apologies for shouting, I'm quite excited to see another promising trainer such as yourself!"
I smile awkwardly. "Uhhhh thanks...?"
What's so promising about me? My tardiness and unwillingness for this work shows otherwise.
"Wait." I turn to Tazuna. "Is this child really running this place?"
"..."
Silence.
Tazuna smiles softly. "Let's head to the office, shall we?" she says like my last inquiry never occurred at all..
With the Director now—who's identity I'm still reeling from—we enter the Director's office.
The entire walk was hella awkward and my question from earlier was avoided. Just what is going on exactly? This is beyond my expectations of the employment world.
Miss Tazuna and the Director are talking on their own but I never pay any attention, my eyes wandering elsewhere.
We come to a halt, facing a double-door which Tazuna opens, revealing an office with a lot of fancy furniture. This is straight out of a rich person's home!
Oh wait.
The Director makes a striking pose, which I find weirdly cool. With the flick of her wrist, she unfolded her fan like a blooming lily and spoke with enthusiasm and a burning passion in her voice, "Welcome to Tracen, Trainer Touyama!"
Miss Tazuna already said that...
"I'm the Director of this institution, Yayoi Akikawa!" She flicks her wrist again, closing the fan before crossing her arms. "From this day forward, you're a part of Tracen!"
Discreetly, I lean slightly to Tazuna. "Is she always like this...?"
Miss Tazuna nods. I can tell she's already used to the booming high-pitched voice judging by her wry smile.
The Director continues, "I expect you to go all out when helping your soon-to-be trainees achieve their dreams and ambitions!"
Miss Tazuna steps in, taking over. "The common goal of our academy is to participate in the highly renowned Twinkle Series."
Twinkle Series... Oh yeah that. If I recall correctly, there's two main race series that Umamusume can enter, The Twinkle Series and the... Uhmm... Was it the Dream Trophy League...? I probably got that wrong.
Basically, the Twinkle Series has a collection of races ranging from Grade Three to Grade One. It's also meant to promote racing and to build reputation in those three years. That's mostly what I remember about the Twinkle Series, Dream Trophy League however...
That information went over my head when my Dad explained these things. Hell, I'm actually surprised I remembered.
"Mister Touyama?" Miss Tazuna's voice breaks my train of thought.
I flinch before replying, "Oh yeah—I'm listening."
"Now that's said and done..." The Director flicks her wrist, her white fan opening again. Then, she points at me and continues. "You will start your work today!"
I cross my arms and give a nod. "I'll try my best, Miss Director..."
Well, that marks my start as a trainer. Strangely, I feel a bit uplifted. Maybe because of the Director's liveliness or Miss Tazuna's soft and professional demanor.
But imagine getting a job.
I wanna go home.
"By the way, Mister Touyama." Tazuna leans slightly, scanning me up and down. "Where's your trainer badge?”
"Oh. It's underneath my hoodie."
I tug the side of my black jacket, revealing the smooth, circular, red badge with a racing plate glinting in gold.
"Well, I hope you wear that badge with pride and honor!" The Director declares, grinning at me with a fang pressing against her left cheek.
Oh I wish. When a job is not your passion, it turns into empty obligation. But I'll try my best—.
Besides, I wanted to be like you.
My own voice from the past resonates at the forefront of my thought. It's already been a year since that phone call with a friend of mine.
He was secretive. And I know there's a lot going on in his head that he shows. And that's precisely why I said those words…
That's right…
What am I doing making petty complaints? I should be at least thankful that I reached this place by following a path laid to me by others.
Stand firm.
"I will."
I can feel my fingers digging through my palm as I clench them in a tight fist.
Hold your head high.
For Dad, for him, and for her..
From afar, I see her—one of the strongest and inspiring racers to have ever lived—standing tall at the summit of a steep mountain.
The Emperor.
Her imposing figure silhouetted against the sky. Others toil below, their efforts thwarted by the mountain's unforgiving slope.
“Rudolf...”
And soon, I'll join their ranks... And maybe... stand by her side.
I'm already tired from imagining it. I need a break, man.