The Fast and the Fearless!

Huh...?

Mistrare, what's wrong?

It's just... I thought I heard something crying out from somewhere...

Something crying out? I didn't hear anything. Wait a second... This all seems really familiar.

That's strange. I was thinking the same thing.

Let me guess. You heard a "kreh kreh" sound?

No. The sound I heard this time was something like... Vroom vroom vroom... VROOOOM vroom...

Um... I don't think that's something crying out.

Oh? Is that so?

Come on, faster! *vroom vroom vroom* *VROOM VROOM*

Wha, ?!

That must have been the source of the cry... But what exactly was that flying object? It didn't look like a bird, and it didn't have wings... Yet...

Haha, that's right. Mistrare, you've never seen a drone before, have you?

Drone? That flying thing just now is called a drone?

Al. I want to chase it. Can we?

Huh? Chase it?! I mean, I guess it's fine...

Yay! Thank you, Al.

I think it went that way! Let's hurry after it!

It's pretty rare to see you get all excited like this. All right, let's go after it.

I think it went this way...

Its flight speed was quite high. Can everyone in the future fly like that?

Not quite everyone... That drone before is what is called a machine. It's kind of a special case. In the future, people can fly with ease when assisted by machines, but flying with their physical bodies alone is another story.

I see... Still, it's quite amazing.

I suppose humans have always yearned for, and been curious about the sky.

The sky! That is what has always captured our hearts. The eternal attraction of the sky!

Huh?

That's the same drone sound as before...

I can hear it over there... Let's go, Mistrare!

Whoa, so many people... Why are they all gathered here?!

Is it some kind of...festival? I've never seen a crowd as lively as this before.

Huh?! Something's about to start!

Ahem... Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for coming today! Welcome to Elzion's best annual festival!

We're about to start! The event you've all been waiting for... The Sky Race Championship!

Everyone from cute ladies to big, macho men have polished their wings for this day! Without further ado, we want to see you cut up those beautiful skies! All right! Can we get some introductions?! I'm this race's chairman, scorekeeper, and broadcast camera controller...

A little flashy, but a gentleman drone to the last! The sky-loving Pinguino! My brother drone is a chairman of the Miss Elzion contest! A little sibling patronage goes a long way!

Everyone who's come to see the race today, remember, we're taking applications up till the last minute! Last-minute pilots are always welcome!

A sky race?

Judging by Guino's explanation...

W-Wait a second, Mistrare. Guino?

It's a nickname.

I see... You really do have a thing for shortening names...

Hmph... It's cute, isn't it?

Back to the sky race. It seems to be a contest to see who can fly the skies the fastest... Correct?

And who's this lady we have here?!

Huh? Me?

Yes, you! You can't escape my gaze! Those wonderful wings protruding from your back! You'll be joining the race, yes?!

Huh?!

Ah...!

It's true! They are quite the works of art!

Amazing! Such beautiful wings! How do you think they were made?!

Oh... Um... Well...

Mistrare?

Um... Yes...

Um... Please don't stare at me like that. Don't you have any shame? You're embarrassing me...

Huh?!

It is extremely impolite to stare at someone's wings like that!

R-Really?!

Al! You're trying to look, too?! Oh... Now I'm going to have to make you just as embarrassed!

I'm not looking! I promise!

I'm so sorry, miss! I didn't know you weren't supposed to stare at a lady's wings! But you must have put a lot of effort into making them! You must be really serious about winning! Don't just stand there in the corner, come over here! The race is about to start!

N-No thank you... I'm fine... And these wings aren't fa...

A wing-shaped flying contraption... Truly a treasure filled with dreams and romance! Beautiful wings, just like a white dove... Just how will you pilot with them?! Everyone in the crowd is looking forward to a spectacular show!

What are you going to do, Mistrare? They've completely mistaken you for a race participant.

Th-That puts me in quite the predicament.

Hmm...

Why not go for it? It might turn out to be fun!

Al?! Wait a second!

Well, well!

That declaration... Perhaps his interest in the sky race has been piqued as well?

Huh?! I definitely can't fly!

Don't worry! Championship management is renting out skyboards to beginners. Try one out! The rules are simple: Pass through the four checkpoints! Your total time will be tallied, and compared against other racers!

And with that, we have two new contestants joining the race!

N-No way... How did I get caught up in this?

Al... Why not go for it? It might turn out to be fun!

......

Without further ado, it's time to welcome all of the contestants!

Thanks to all the contestants participating this year, my circuits are boiling with anticipation!

These faces all seem kind of familiar...

Allow me to introduce each of our racers! Is what I would usually say, but first! You're all dying to hear about the fabulous prize given at the sky race every year! This year's championship prize is...

A championship prize... It doesn't matter what it is, I'm already prepared. I'm half participating by accident anyway. I have no interest in any prize...

This year's championship prize is...

Ta-da!

Sponsored by KMS PR, it's the newest communication terminal designed and signed by the impossibly famous Miss Elzion, Shannon!

Of course, there are fabulous prizes for 2nd place and lower, don't forget about that! By the way, the participation award is a special pen designed by yours truly to commemorate this championship!

It'll give your hands wings! Write like you're floating on air! And it even has my cute face on it! I know you'll all love using this pen! Ah! I've spent too much time promoting myself!

The participation prize is a pen, but the winner gets a communication terminal. A communication terminal is that square, super convenient, magic-like slab of metal, right?

If what you're saying is true...

Then... I must win that prize at all costs!

M-Mistrare?! What's the matter all the sudden? Didn't you just say you weren't interested?

Al! No matter what, I will win this race. And claim the prize! All with these wings of mine! I'll give it everything I have!

Y-You've really changed...

I must have it! Ah... If I miss this chance, I'll never be able to get another!

True, if we miss this chance, we don't even know how to buy one... All right, just for you Mistrare, I'll give this race everything I've got!

Al... Thank you. Let's do this together!

Oh-ho! It seems our two new flyers are raring to go! Let's check in on our other contestants and see how they're doing! First is...

We'll start with three contestants who are participating for the first time! IDA's strict Disciplinary Committee chief, Ruina! The one with a pirate flag on her heart, Yazuki! And the shining amethyst of the sky, Helena!

I will get that new terminal...

I'll show you the skill of a former sky pirate!

Watch how I fly, Galliard...

By the way, as fate would have it, Yazuki's special skyboard is manufactured by... None other than Sebastia, the granddaughter of KMS' chairman! What could their relationship be?!

Continuing on, we have three contestants who have failed to get the grand prize year after year! The pink dynamite, Riica! The cute destroyer, Retro! And, information analysis specialist, Clock!

Proclamation: I will win this year's grand prize!

All right! I'm gonna finish this race this time!

I won't lose to these small fries.

Next, we have two previous prize winners! A contestant with unending love for his little sister, Sharkie! A normal looking fellow with hidden potential, Ford!

Huh? Unending love for his little sister? Did he really have to say that...?

Ha! T-Today might be the day that I find something more important than my princess.

Just you wait and see, Fukahire!

After today, no one will say they don't remember me ever again!

What's happened with Sharkie?! Anyway, both seem raring to go!

And finally, let me introduce the cream of the championship crop! The familiar, yet glaringly beautiful boy vying for the top! The No. 1 boy you'd want to ride with, Cetie! Next, we have all the members of IDA's secret, prestigious Anti-Club Club! With Cetie is a secret weapon, Macron, that's come along with him, just like a girlfriend that never gives up!

We'll show you that ACCs never slow down!

And this year, we've brought along a promising new rookie!

Finally, he was able to join us!

And we'll show you why we're feared as the light speed ACC!

Kyahaha! No rival can stand before the power of my love for Cetie!

Our enemies aren't the contestants. Our only limitation is the very speed of light!

What amazing commentary! Please note that we will continue without a comment from Synth Hydra, because it is unable to land!

Everyone seems pretty tough...

Even still... Losing is not an option. I will do whatever it takes to fly above all the other contestants.

It's a declaration of war! The first-time championship participant Mistrare has given a declaration of war! The calm flower has bloomed into a flaming plume! Don't take your eyes off her!

Contestants... Are you ready?! It's almost time for takeoff! The first checkpoint to go for is Nilva... Are you ready to GO-GO-GO?!

Huh?! I-It's starting already?!

Al... Let's do our best!

Who will control the skies and shine forth to first place?! Contestants! On your mark...

Get ready... Set... GO!

We're currently tallying the times for the 1st quarter of the race! Please wait a moment! First off, due to championship regulations... Aldo and Riica have been disqualified for going over time! That's too bad... Come back next year when you're...better prepared.

I seriously thought I was a goner...

That's why I told you, Al... You can't use up all your strength in a flight of that distance. You even had that handy skyboard, unlike me.

Ah... It's not my fault! I'm just not good at riding those.

Ah... It's not my fault! I didn't think it would be so hard to ride...

I really didn't think I'd be one of the first to drop out of the race. Since Riica was disqualified too, she and I will be cheering you on.

This turn of events does not compute. How could I be disqualified again this year?

Query: Perhaps we could make pig-tail flying mandatory for all participants?

There are quite a lot of people gathered in Nilva today. It's usually such a quiet place...

Do you think everyone has come to watch the sky race?

Mom, hurry! Ciel is about to start singing!

I know, I know. There's no need to rush, Ciel isn't going anywhere.

Singing? Is there a concert or something today?

Are you curious?

I suppose so. I'm curious what kind of song it will be...

Then we should go, too. There's still some time before the placement announcement.

Today, I'm so happy to sing for you all in celebration of the sky race!

Ah... His voice penetrates the soul, opening up wider than the sky itself!

It's so overwhelming... I think I'm going to cry!

Oh... What a wonderfully beautiful melody...

I too feel as if this melody is somehow spreading all throughout my body...

Yeah... It's a nice song.

Heehee... How was it?!

It was a wonderful song. Ciel... One day, I would like to spread my wings in the sky with you, and sing to our heart's content... That's how you made me feel.

Huh?! That...That makes me so happy! If that's the case, I need to learn how to fly... Next time, let's sing together!

Wow...

Contestants, apologies for keeping you waiting! We've finished tallying the score! Gather around! Break-time's over!

Ah, seems like it's going to start again.

Shall we go?

Give it your best shot!

Welcome back, everyone! Did you get plenty of rest? Allow me to announce the results of the 1st quarter! The coveted tentative 1st place is...

Cetie and Macaron! Just like a flash of light, they really never slow down!

Whew... But this is just the beginning.

Wow! We're just the absolute coolest!

From 2nd to 5th place are all the members of IDA Anti-Club Club! Finally, tying for 6th place is Sharkie and Ford!

We've got to do whatever it takes to overcome him and claim first place!

Hooraaaaaahhhhhh!

Tch... These guys think they've already won. It's just the 1st quarter!

From 8th to 13th place is Helena, Mistrare, Synth Hydra, Retro, Clock, and Yazuki. The tentative last place is unfortunately Ruina!

These flying boots are really old. They don't have enough power. It's tough to fly for a long time.

The anticipation building around the fierce competition between Helena and Mistrare is unbearable! Synth Hydra's time was better than anticipated, but how will he fare next?! The 2nd quarter of the race is about to begin!

The next goal is pretty far away again... You can do it, Mistrare!

Yes, leave it to me. The top contestants' flying techniques are quite amazing but... If I lose with these wings of mine, I'll be a disgrace to the Winged People. This competition is just getting started!

(I never noticed Mistrare was so competitive...)

Are you ready to fly, contestants?! Make for the half-way point of Laula Dome! On your mark...

Get set... GO!

Allow me to announce the results of the 2nd quarter!

The 2nd quarter is the real turning point of the race. The contestant who made the best time is none other than...

The first-time contestant, Mistrare! And she broke the championship record for fastest time! The winged girl is a force to be reckoned with!

Mistrare, that's amazing!

Heehee! I simply got serious and gave it my all. I intend to keep the fastest speed until the end.

Wow, you're so full of confidence! Now I'm starting to get fired up!

Now, how about the rest of the announcements? 2nd place goes to Cetie! 3rd place, Synth Hydra! 4th and 5th place, IDA ACC! 6th place, Sharkie! 7th place goes to Yazuki and Helena 9th place, Ford! 10th and 11th place go to the remaining IDA ACC members! They must be tired! Retro and clock went over time... Ruina unfortunately had to withdraw due to a malfunction with her flying boots.

This is all part of the plan! We'll work together and beat all of you!

Horah!

It seems I must conduct a thorough analysis of the next course before continuing...

Isn't it wonderful to see all the contestants fired up?! It's just going to get more exciting in the second half! But before that, we've prepared meals and time for a quick nap on this island! Everyone, take a breather before the 3rd quarter starts!

It's pretty crowded here, too. But it seems like instead of watching the race, they're more concerned with eating and enjoying a drink.

Even if it's a contest, I suppose it is still a festival of sorts... I can certainly understand the desire to praise each other's activities, and to talk and have fun together.

Up until now, I haven't had many opportunities to do so...

Is that right? How about it, miss? Wanna take a walk with me?

Huh? Is that you, Hardy?!

Is he one of your friends too, Al?

That's right. We're like brothers.

It's a long story... But that's beside the point. What are you doing here?

Can't ya tell by lookin'? I'm a bartender here. This is just another job from the organization.

Is that right? How about it, miss? Wanna take a walk with me?

Huh? Who're you?

Me? I'm Hardy. As ya can see, I'm just a normal bartender. For today...at least.

My organization is financin' the Championship League, and we've rented out this whole place to offer customers food and drink. It's a good way to get everyone pumped up and excited for the sky race. That's why I'm here! Say, let me treat the lovely lady who set a new top speed record to a special drink.

You know about me?

Yeah, of course. I thought I'd caught a glimpse of a goddess in the broadcast screen.

Huh?! That's... I-I'm not...

Are you okay, Mistrare? Your face has gone red...

Yes, um, I'm fine. I was just surprised by this gentleman's wink... Thank you for the special drink.

Looks like you're enjoyin' the drink. Only a classy girl like ya could understand it's uniqueness.

How about ya, lad?

Thanks for the offer, but I'm good.

Ugh...

Huh? Mistrare? What's wrong?

Ngghh... Ugh...

The flavor's not to your likin'? Don't overdo it, miss. I'm glad ya enjoyed it but...

Ugh.... Urp...

*sniffle* Waaaaaah!

M-Mistrare?! What's wrong all the sudden?!

H-Hey, miss!

It's just... I...remembered Flamey all the sudden, and... *sniff* Waaaah!

Fla...mey?

Of course, Al! Flamey! My cute little Flamey... The way it thought I was it's mama, and always chirped and snuggled up to me... Every day since then, I've wondered if Flamey will come to see me... It's probably already forgotten all about it's mama... *sniff* Flamey... I'm so sad without you!

N-No way... You're still caught up on that Flame Eater that left the nest?!

*sniffle* *sob* *sniff* I miss Flamey!

Ah... I hope this wasn't somethin' I started. What do ya reckon, Aldo?

Waaaaah!

H-Hey, Mistrare! Please, you've gotta stop crying!

*sniff* I'm sorry... I didn't want to show this side of me to you, Al...

Haha... I was just a little surprised to see this side of you, that's all. Anyway, you've got to rest up before the race starts again.

Hm? At a time like this...?

Ah... Got it.

Clock, Retro, Macaron. It's too bad, but we've received an emergency call. We're heading back to Elzion immediately.

Whaaat?! We've already made it so far, though!

Quiet, scrapheap. Our duty comes first.

Waah! I was looking forward to seeing Cetie win!

This year I'll let it slip, but next year I'm definitely coming back to get the championship. All right, let's go.

Hehehe... How convenient. All the troublesome flyers are disappearing one by one. It's about time to begin our grand strategy for the 3rd quarter.

Ladies and gentlemen, have you all had a good rest?! I know I had a good time spreading my wings here and there! Before the race starts, I have some bad news! The Crimson Flash Cetie has dropped out of this year's race due to a sudden work-related issue! This is an unexpected development! Don't get cocky though, the show must go on! The 3rd checkpoint is a new addition to this year's race... It's Last Island!

Without further ado... On your mark... Get set... GOOOOO!

Even though you got 1st place before, I'm surprised you were so far behind in the 3rd quarter.

Oh... I wasn't expecting the strong winds. I couldn't get as as much speed as I wanted to.

D-Don't worry about it, at least you didn't go over time!

Y-You're right! I'll make a comeback in the last race, no matter what!

No way! My board suddenly slowed down in the middle of the race, too.

Huh?

So it wasn't just us. I asked everyone a minute ago, but it seems like they all had some slight problems with their machines.

Problems with their machines? What do you mean?

Mistrare, did you notice anything?

Al... I'm flying with my own wings. I haven't a clue about machines.

Oh... Right.

Hm. Still, even with those wings of yours, I'm quite certain I saw you lose some air control in the middle of the race.

No. That was...

I also had some sudden problems with my jet equipment... It got me a little nervous there.

Are you sure you all didn't just forget to do a machine inspection?

So says you. Can you say you're on top of your maintenance? Negligence and self-conceit are the big no-nos of racing.

Seems like everyone had a lot of trouble.

Indeed... Hopefully the race can end without any more problems.

My apologies! Sorry to keep you all waiting!

And without further ado, we've come to the final challenge! Let's get the 4th quarter race started!

It's time!

Listen, Mistrare. I'll be cheering you on with Riica from over there. You've got this!

Thank you! Leave it to me!

Boys and girls... Ladies and gentlemen! Laugh or cry, this is the final course of the race... Even so, everyone still has a chance to win! Don't give up, and finish this race with grace! Sink your teeth in and go for the gold! And last, don't forget to have fun!

On the honor of the Anti-Club Club!

I'll show you how a former sky pirate flies!

I'll crush anyone who gets in my way!

This year will finally be the year I win!

Galliard... I'll do my best!

I shall fly to victory with these wings of mine!

All right everyone, are you ready?!

Get set... GOOOOO!

Huh?! My skyboard is short-circuiting!

What the heck! Mine too!

Ack... Wh-What's going on here?! I can't...fly any higher than this!

Wha, ? Huh?!

Wh-What's happening out there?! All of the contestants' flying contraptions seem to be malfunctioning!

A-And me too... M-My air suspension device feels off for some reason...

Whooooaaa?!

Mistrare! Are your wings all right?!

Yes! I'm fine, but all the other contestants' flying machines are...

Y-You... You don't have any problems?!

Obviously, I'm different from everyone else here... But why is this happening?

Unexpected malfunction! Un-Unable to process!

Riica, you too?!

*beep* Aldo... Speculation: High chance...of interference signal generation somewhere nearby!

An interference signal?! Where could it be coming from?!

Locating source of signal...

Signal located! Interference signal being generated from a flying object hidden by rocks to our rear!

Over there!

Will everything go back to normal if we take care of that?! I guess there's only one way to find out!

Al! We've got to destroy that right now!

Got it! Let's go, Mistrare!

Riica... You're back to normal!

Affirmative. Thank you. All systems in top condition.

I'm so glad... Now everyone can fly again, right?

Negative. We must first apprehend the criminal.

You know who was generating the interference signal?!

Affirmative! Confirmed life form sending commands via remote switch to previously destroyed mechanism. Relaying information...

Criminal confirmed: Ford!

Source of interference signal traced to culprit. Low likelihood of miscalculation.

Speaking of which... You're the only one whose board didn't have any malfunctions, right?

Ford! You were using a device to shield yourself from the interference signal, weren't you?!

You better have a good explanation for this!

If we could just examine your board...

Hey, wait!

Al! Leave this to me! Everyone, please go ahead and continue the race! I'll capture the guy responsible for all of this!

You're not getting away from me...

Victories achieved by cheating are meaningless!

Are you all right, Mistrare?!

Yes... I'm fine. I just showed him that these wings aren't just for flying. Al... Can you handle the rest?

Huh... You can't be serious... You're planning on going back to the race?! You realize everyone's already started, right?!

Even still, I want rejoin it. The race isn't over yet...

I see... Got it. I'll be rooting for you all the way!

Leave it to me!

Aldo. Once the criminal has been handed over to the authorities, we should return to Elzion. It is imperative that we see the results of the race!

Good idea! Let's head to the Gamma District!

My oh my, that was quite a turbulent development! I thought I was done for when I lost my flight controls... The goddess with magnificently glittering wings saved the day! The special award goes to Mistrare! Thank you for your brave deeds!

Y-You're making me blush! I only did what was right... Please, forget about it and let's move on.

Wow oh wow, her modest demeanor is enough to make a gentleman like me get fired up! Now it's finally time to announce the championship winner! This year's victor is...

Sharkie! Everyone, please give a big round of applause to Helena, Yazuki, and Synth Hydra, who all tied for runner-up!

You weren't able to get the prize after all...

Though regrettable, we were cheering for you the whole time.

Yes, it's too bad... But I'm completely satisfied with the outcome!

R-Really?! You seemed like you really wanted that prize. I figured you would be more upset about losing.

Well, you see...

Don't you worry your sweet little head, winged goddess of mine!

Huh...? Winged goddess?

It wasn't lust for the prize, or for glory that drove me to win the championship, you see... It was all to show proof of my undying love for my beautiful winged goddess!

If you will, I want you to have the prize. The communication terminal is yours... And...so is my heart!

No thank you.

Huh?! Wh-Why not?!

Are you sure you want to turn it down, Mistrare?! You really wanted it, right? Though all that stuff about love sounded like nonsense to me...

Really wanted it? No... I wasn't interested in the grand prize. I wanted the participation award... The pen.

Wait... YOU'VE GOT TO BE JOKING!

Why are you so surprised?

I mean... Everyone who participated gets that pen, right?

Th-That's right! This here grand prize is worth way more! It's super convenient, too!

How could you say such a thing?! This pen is amazingly, terrifically, fantastically convenient! It's a groundbreaking, wonderful tool that's...just perfect for me!

What...do you mean?

It's just as Guino said. It will give your hands wings, and let you write like you're floating on air...

Could there be a more perfect writing utensil for someone compiling a record of the Winged People?!

The ball-point pen made popular in Elzion allows one to write for long periods of time... Thus, it is an exceedingly fitting instrument for Mistrare's use.

But if you just wanted the pen, there was no reason to try so hard to win the championship, right?

W-Well, you see... I didn't know I would get the participation award just for participating...

A-Anyway, I got what I wanted, so I have no need for the grand prize.

WWWHHHHAAAAATTT?!

Hahaha! What a loser, brother!

Oh! If it isn't you, Fukahire! Did you come to cheer on your big brother?!

Don't be ridiculous! I just happened to be passing by, and caught sight of your sad attempt at confessing your love! You shouldn't cause trouble for others, you know! Get your butt up, we're leaving!

H-How cruel fate is! At least... At least let me give you my pen as a present!

How sad...

Confession of love failed to register.

Um... Wait!

Huh?

What is it?

We were all amazed by how beautifully you can fly!

Huh?!

We learned from watching you that it's not just about flying fast.

We want to thank you for teaching us that lesson...

Please, take all of our pens!

R-Really?! Are you sure?!

Of course! We want you to use them!

...... Heehee... Thank you! I'm so happy...

With this many pens, I could write 100... No, even 1,000 volumes of records!

That's great, Mistrare. I'll give you mine, too.

I concur, please take my pen too.

Really?!

Oh... I never thought I could be so happy...

I'm so glad to be a Winged Person!