With Lynx and Rice stepping in to replace Ikuno and Flora as training partners, the specialized "Rampage Menu" prepared by Minamisaka was underway. Between her comrade-in-arms and her "little sister," Rampage felt like she had the strength of a thousand; her spirit was already redlining.
"You're as fast as ever, Rampage! I'm not letting you pull away!" Lynx shouted.
"Rice won't lose either, Onee-sama!" Rice added, her voice determined.
"Then I'd better get serious too!" Rampage grinned, feeling the heat of the chase.
Rice was a stayer by nature, but since Rampage was training for the 2,400m middle-distance category, the distance felt close enough to Rice's specialty for her to truly press the pace. Her superior stamina allowed her to stay glued to Rampage even during a "Great Escape." Meanwhile, Lynx was running neck-and-neck with Rampage at a level that proved her claim of beating Lady and Dyna wasn't just talk. Rampage couldn't help but think that those two would have their hands full in the Champions Cup.
"Hah! If you're gonna beat those two, you might as well try to take me down while you're at it! See if you can break the Tyrant!"
"That's exactly why I came to Japan," Lynx retorted. "I'm going to paint your world pure white!"
"Then Rice will paint you black!"
"I love it! Come and get me!"
The "White Irregular" and the "Jet-Black Stayer"—two opposites were lending her their strength, and that reality sharpened Rampage's senses to a razor edge. Watching from the sidelines, Minamisaka allowed a faint smile to cross his face; his choice of partners had been perfect.
"To be able to run this hard against Lynx-san, who fights on the world stage, and Rice-san, who conquered the Melbourne Cup... this year's Legend Race is going to be a total bloodbath. But I suppose that's what makes it interesting."
"Ahhhhh... nothing beats a good soak..."
The voice drifted through the bathroom of Rampage's home. Having finished her training menu and her professional duties for the day, Rampage had returned home on time and was currently floating in the tub. While her house looked like any other from the outside, the interior featured several custom touches. The bathtub was one of them—oversized so she could fully stretch out her limbs and relax.
As Rampage soaked, another girl was washing herself nearby, giggling at the sight.
"Good work today, Onee-sama. You really are amazing."
"You too, Rice. You won the Melbourne Cup, after all. That's my little sister for you!"
"Ehehe... Rice thinks she's finally gained a little bit of confidence."
It was, indeed, Rice. As a thank-you for helping with her training, Rampage had invited Lynx and Rice over for dinner. They had decided to wash off the sweat before eating; Lynx was currently busy chatting with Fine Motion and would be joining them in the bath later.
"Still, I bet Palmer is walking tall right now," Rampage mused. "She supported the girl who won it all. Her reputation must have skyrocketed."
"Palmer-san and Trainer Yamada are incredibly popular in Australia now," Rice explained. "At the racecourse where the Melbourne Cup was held, they even have a photo displayed of the two of them hugging and crying tears of joy. It's become a bit of a tourist spot! They were both so embarrassed."
"Bwahaha! I bet her face was bright red!"
"It was! And the Trainer just had this 'Oh boy...' look on his face."
Rampage watched Rice out of the corner of her eye as the girl continued to wash. Looking at her now, Rice seemed to have grown taller. With her newfound self-esteem, she looked more mature—more like a young woman. Even her chest seemed a bit more... Wait, stop. My man's heart is acting up... Rampage squeezed her eyes shut just as Rice slipped into the tub.
"Hafuu... The water feels so good..."
She looked completely melted, like a "Relaxed Rice" meme come to life. Rampage felt her own stress evaporating just by looking at her. Rice's presence is so soothing, it could probably cure terminal illnesses, Rampage thought. Suddenly, Rice leaned against her.
"Hey, Onee-sama?"
"Hmm?"
"Rice really, really loves you. When Rice went to Australia and couldn't see you... it made Rice realize just how much you mean to her."
Leaning against Rampage's chest, Rice began to speak softly.
"It makes Rice so happy when you call her your sister. That's why Rice decided she didn't want to just rely on you anymore. Rice wanted to become a horse girl worthy of being by your side. After winning the Melbourne Cup, Rice felt like she finally got a little closer... So—Rice really loves you, Onee-sama."
"...Cut it out, Rice. You're gonna make me cry."
"Ehehe. Onee-sama, you always become a crybaby when Rice says she loves you."
"There isn't a 'big sister' in the world who wouldn't cry after hearing that from her favorite sister."
Rampage was genuinely moved. This was a different kind of joy than seeing Turbo grow up. She had always worried her affection for Rice was a one-way street, so hearing that Rice felt the same was overwhelming. She gently wrapped her arms around her.
"Thanks, Rice... I love you too. I really do. I'm glad you're in my life."
"Mmm... Onee-sama... I love you..."
Rice surrendered herself completely to Rampage's embrace. The comfort was so absolute she felt she could stay there forever.
Right then, the door swung open, and Lynx and Fine Motion marched in.
"Yay! Sorry to keep you waiting!"
"Bestie! Wait, you're in the bath with Rice-san?! I'm coming in too!"
"Well, Rice," Rampage sighed. "Looks like our 'alone time' is over."
"It seems so. But it's nice when it's lively, isn't it?"
"True enough. Alright, you two, wash up and get in. Otherwise, dinner's gonna be late!"
"Roger!" they chirped in unison.
The tub became cramped with the four of them, but the time passed in a blur of cheerful chaos.
"I knew it! Bestie, your boobs really are huge!"
"Hmm, I'm a little jealous... but Rice-san's skin is so silky!"
"T-That's not true! Lynx-san, yours is silky too... Pyaah?! O-Onee-sama, don't touch me so suddenly...!"
"I was just thinking that in terms of skin texture, you've totally surpassed me, Rice. I couldn't help it... Hey! Lynx! Stop kneading my chest!"
"But you said it yourself, Rampage, your skin is great too..."
"Listen, if you were Flora, I would've punched you by now!"
(Somewhere else...)
"—"
"Sister? What is it this time... Why are you staring into the void?"
"HOW COME WHEN IT WAS MY SCENE, THERE WAS ZERO EROTICISM, BUT OVER THERE IT JUST NATURALLY TURNS INTO A ROM-COM MOMENT?!!!!"
"...Maybe I should just run away to Rampage-san's house..."
(Author's Note: Since people told me the previous shower scene wasn't erotic at all...)
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Greyhounds
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"