Hexian Unicorn Racecourse was in full winter mode. This year marked the 50th running of the "Witch Grand Prix," the Amethyst. It had been four years since the mare Sweet Root and Heart's Rage had stormed this very track. The stands were packed, everyone waiting in anticipation. The track condition was perfect. Commentary by Mr. Adam, with Mr. David Citra as the guest commentator.
"Lucy, who did you bet on? I placed my ticket on Fung Cap. His past records clearly show he's in form."
"How dare a vampire like you sit next to me and speak about my Moonblood heritage?"
"Lucy, my dear sister, don't say that…" After saying this, Luna opened her arms and hugged Lucy tightly.
"Come on, didn't we always sneak off together to bet on horse races when we were little?"
"How many times since that day must I tell you? You are not my sister."
"You placed a bet on Blue Cross again, like old times, didn't you, Lucy?" Luna's face wore a knowing smirk. It was like the smile of a salesperson who knew their customer well. Her smile was so broad she almost closed her eyes.
"What kind of expression is that? Anyway, not many people trust Blue Cross, but he's always been a lucky horse for me."
"Lucy, please stay like this."
"I have no intention of changing anyway."
Sakura Mega Wonder takes the lead! Blue Cross is in front, catching Screen Hero. Sea Journey charging from the outside! Sea Journey! Shallow Sky, push! Shallow Sky, push! But Sea Journey is in the lead! Sea Journey breaks away!
Blue Cross, and Shallow Sky moves up to 3rd! Sea Journey has done it! An overwhelming victory! A long-awaited G1 win! A G1 victory after two and a half years for Sea Journey!
"Blue Cross was so close. Oh well, next time."
"Yes, it was really close. The race ended by just a horn's difference," Luna said, then got up from beside Lucy and started walking toward the back.
"Where are you going? There are more races."
"I know. But Blue Cross is racing again right after the break. I'm going to place a bet on him this time."
Luna walked decisively toward the betting window. Deep in her heart, a small hope flickered—to see Lucy's old, warm smile once more. Blue Cross… the horse Lucy always believed in, always secretly supported. Perhaps this was more than just a race.
She got her ticket and looked at the small slip of paper in her hand. "Blue Cross, Win." Simple and clear. When she returned to the stands, Lucy was still sitting in the same spot, her gaze fixed on the preparations on the track.
Luna sat down beside her and quietly placed the ticket in the space between them. Lucy glanced at it sideways, her expression unchanged, but a brief sparkle flashed in her eyes.
"The next race, the Winter Sparkle Stakes, 1600 meters!" the announcer's voice echoed. On the track, the horses and unicorns approached the starting line. Blue Cross stood out with his deep blue hood and calm demeanor. His jockey patted the animal's ears, as if giving it reassurance.
The starting pistol fired!
The horses surged forward. Blue Cross had a perfect start, immediately positioning himself among the front runners.
As they approached the first turn, a gray horse named Lunar Mirage tried to overtake, but Blue Cross refused to yield. Unconsciously, Luna had grabbed Lucy's hand. Lucy did not pull away.
As they entered the final stretch, the excitement peaked. Blue Cross was in second place, with only the speedy Winter Gale ahead. The crowd was on its feet, roaring.
"Blue Cross, push! PUSH!" Luna shouted, her voice trembling with excitement.
Lucy jumped up, her eyes glued to the track. "Come on!" she yelled, her voice unusually fervent. "COME ON, BLUE CROSS!"
As if hearing her voice, Blue Cross unleashed a final burst of energy. His strides lengthened, his horn gleaming in the air like a symbol of power. The distance between him and Winter Gale decreased, decreased… and at the finish line, in what seemed like a photo-finish moment, Blue Cross thrust his horn forward to win!
The crowd went wild. "BLUE CROSS! THE WINNER! AN UNBELIEVABLE RESULT!" the announcer screamed.
Victory belonged to Blue Cross.
Luna jumped for joy and immediately turned to Lucy. They looked at each other simultaneously, with the same pure joy. All the tension, all the cold words between them melted away in that instant. Lucy's eyes shone with the happiness of victory—and something more.
"You see?" Luna whispered, her eyes brimming with tears. "He always smiles for you."
Lucy hesitated, then slowly, almost stumbling, opened her arms to Luna. And Luna rushed into them. Amid the crowd's celebration, the two sisters hugged tightly. A slight tremor came from Lucy's face, hidden in Luna's hair.
"Thank you," Lucy murmured, her voice muffled against Luna's shoulder. "Not just for the horse… for waiting."
Luna held her even tighter. Nothing more needed to be said. The victory celebrations on the track became a song of new beginnings for them. The wounds of the past might not have healed, but now, in the warmth of that embrace, there was hope for healing. And in the distance, Blue Cross's horn, a symbol of triumph, continued to shine.