Occasionally, I get messages hoping for a racehorse arc. Let's be real—impossible! That'd multiply the cast with jockeys, stables, and trainers. How do you even handle that? And Rampage's lineage? She's a Mejiro now, but originally from a regular family. What do I do with her dam's sire?
Sure, it'd be fun to have a rookie jockey ride her to glory and fry their brain like Okabe's, but still.
"Found you, Rampage!" Thud! "Time to sell these stocks… maybe buy here instead…" "Your handling of me is too rough!" "Look at your own actions, idiot."
Rampage, sprawled on the grass checking stocks, dodges Flora's lunge. Flora crashes hard, making one question if this is really the G1 Japan Cup champion. Rampage considers revoking her rival status.
"What's your deal? What's with this obsession? You into me or something?" "I've said it's not like that! Though… my heart's racing… but no!" "…" "Don't give me that 'this girl's hopeless' look!"
Rampage sighs, head pounding from Flora's antics.
"So, what's up, Flora?" "You'll listen?" "Maybe. I'll hear you out, then ignore it." "Listen properly! Since you won't meet Taki-chan, how about a video call?"
Rampage vaguely recalls agreeing to a call to avoid a house visit. That time's come, huh?
"Your sister… I've got a bad feeling." "Why do you think so poorly of Taki-chan!?" "It's your fault, Sis."
A familiar voice—like a dark giant from some light giant show—comes through. Flora, dismayed, pulls out her phone.
"Taki-chan, even you…?" "Sis, you're smart but speak emotionally before thinking. That's why I've got a bad rep, right?" "Totally agree. Her sister's bound to be trouble, claiming love as her motive." "I apologize for my foolish sister." "Give me ideas to curb her weirdness." "I could if I were at Tressen, but I'm not enrolled yet." "This convo's brutal, and I'm left out!?"
Compared to Flora, this is rational and productive. Flora, dejected, flips the phone to show a gleeful Uma Musume with lifeless yet sparkling eyes.
"Finally, we meet! I'm Agnes Tachyon, Flora's sister, as you know." "No need for intros, but I'm the tyrant Mejiro Rampage."
Agnes Tachyon, named for a superluminal particle, daughter of Agnes Flora, sister to Derby-winner Agnes Flight. Undefeated in four races, she won the Satsuki Sho but retired after tendonitis. As a sire, she produced stars like Daiwa Scarlet and Deep Sky, proving her potential. She died young at 11 from heart failure—a life like a fleeting flash.
"What's Tachyon want with me?" "Who wouldn't want to meet an undefeated Uma Musume? I want to talk face-to-face, see your run with my own eyes!"
Rampage's wary—Tachyon's a mad scientist in the Uma Musume world, treating trainers like lab rats, dosing them with glowing concoctions. A different kind of unpredictable from Gold Ship.
"I want to collect data on your body. You're fascinating, the first Uma Musume to spark this much curiosity!" "Is that… a compliment?" "Absolutely! No one's as captivating or research-worthy as you!"
Rampage glares at Flora, who's just holding the phone, as if to say, This is your good kid? Flora looks away.
"I want details on your training menu! It'll perfect my race-speed theory!" "What are you, a white comet? I'll share the menu, but don't leak it." "I've got that much sense, unlike Sis." "Taki-chan!?" "Even your sister sees you that way." "I know I'm not one to talk, but Sis, you're too obsessed with Rampage." "Guh… gaaah!"
Flora collapses, reeling from her sister's words. Rampage, oddly convinced, is shocked Tachyon's so rational for a second-grader. Did isolation at Tressen turn her into that? She picks up Flora's phone.
"You're really still in elementary? You talk like an adult." "With a sister like her, I have to be." "Bet your other sister nags you constantly." "Haha, you nailed it!" "Flora mentioned a 'Fla-chan,' huh?"
So, Agnes Flight exists too. What about World or Digital? Probably foreign-bred… Rampage feels a twinge of sympathy. Tachyon must be an outcast at school. Does she even go?
"I love thinking. Peers treat me like a weirdo. School's inefficient—I study at home. I go when friends invite me." "You've got good friends." "Whether they see it that way, who knows."
Rampage considers connecting with Tachyon, showing her phone number.
"Call me directly. Don't use her as a middleman—it's dangerous." "Got it, Rampage. The undefeated champ's number… thrilling! I'll look forward to seeing your run!" "No weird drugs, and I'll send you a ticket." "Deal! I'd rather not be rejected." "Fun talk, Tachyon. Better than your sister."
Rampage ends the call, placing the phone by Flora.
"I'll admit she's a good kid." "See!? My precious sister!"
Flora bounces back instantly. Her sister obsession's intense, but better than bad blood. They communicate and understand each other—better than Rampage's own mess.
"Seriously, Flora, chill, or Tachyon'll give you the cold shoulder." "No way… but you made me like this!" "As if! You warped yourself!" "Warped!? Am I some hazardous material!?" "Worse, in a way!"
Tachyon's surprisingly normal… for now. She's not at Tressen yet, so maybe she hasn't hit her eccentric peak. Probably.
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