Air Groove's story

Huff... huff... huff... huff...

Phew...

Air Groove, sorry I kept you waiting! I can get pretty distracted when I'm running off of the grounds.

Heh, I've come to expect that of you, Suzuka. I figured it was something like that, so I didn't pay it much mind.

Do you still have the stamina for our partner run?

Yes, no problems there. I'm ready when you are.

Oh, is that Air Groove and Silence Suzuka I spot? Lookin' like they're gearin' up for some partner running. This could be interesting!

Now that's a pair we may be able to learn a thing or two from.

Huff... huff... huff...

Wow! Suzuka's front running is as magnificent as always.

I don't think Air Groove plans to let her keep that lead, though. Look, when Suzuka pulls ahead, the fire in Air Groove's eyes just grows stronger!

Heh...

Haahh!

Whoa! Hold up, how the hell did she close that distance so easily?!

That acceleration! She did well to conserve that energy and use it at the most opportune moment. Suzuka can't catch up now.

Gasp...

This one's mine!

Well heck, that was pretty exciting! Now I feel like challenging her myself.

I understand the feeling, her racing is top notch. You could even call it textbook.

And she's vice president of the student council to boot. I'm glad that we have someone like her going out of her way to support us.

Her methods of "support" can be a bit harsh, but I guess it's helpful to us all the same.

Small wonder all of our darling ponies adore her. She's one of the ideals I strive for.

By the way... You, over there. I noticed that you've been starin' at Air Groove practically this whole time.

Yeah, you. I don't see anyone else behind you. Can't say I've seen you around before. You a new trainer?

Wait, are you out to scout Air Groove or somethin'?

Aw, well now... I hate to break it to you, but you're a bit late.

Air Groove! There you are! I guess this means you were doing some personal training today too?

Yes, that's right. Is there a problem?

No, but I did want to talk to you about tomorrow. Something's come up for me, so would you be okay with delaying our session by a half hour?

Hm. But our course reservation has already been processed, no? In that case, I'll come out and get started ahead of you.

Huh? I thought you might enjoy the little break...

My debut race is just around the corner. I can't afford to waste even a single minute.

Besides, I take breaks as necessary without needing to be told. Have I ever not been well enough to train, even once?

W-well, no... I don't think so. All right, then please begin your training as planned.

Haha, never afraid to lay into her trainer, that one. But yeah, now you've seen them.

She already has a trainer working with her. I'm sorry you had to find out like this.

I guess she never did run a tryout race, but there's no rule sayin' that you have to do that before getting scouted.

Wh-why won't you listen to me? I'm Air Groove's trainer, am I not?

Tracen Academy respects its students' autonomy above all else. That is why the student council system exists to begin with.

But if she attempts to keep up with student council activities and tutoring, it will hinder her own growth. So please!

Air Groove has joined the student council with clear intention and purpose. No one can have her abdicate the role but herself.

Have you consulted with her on the matter of quitting the student council?

W-well...

No, I can't recall her ever doing so.

Air Groove? But why are you here right now?

I'm sorry to have let this disturb you, Miss President. I'll talk to her alone from here.

Is that so? I'll be on my way then. Just... don't be too hard on her, okay?

...I'll try.

Now then... I think you've overstepped the line.

Wait, please listen to what I have to say! I'm just worried that you might be spending your precious time on things that don't matter!

Things that "don't matter"? If that's how you see it, then I see no further point trying to reason with you.

No... Why? Don't you want to be winning races? You need to consider how you manage the time you spend!

Winning races, you say... If that's your sole concern, then I'm afraid we were never going to see eye-to-eye.

This conversation is finished. Consider our contract void as of this very moment. Now, if you'll excuse me.

Oh brother, there she goes doin' it again.

Yep. Honestly, I'm not sure if she'll ever find a trainer who lives up to her crazy standards...

Wait, you've been starin' at Air Groove all slack-jawed again?! You don't learn either, do you?

Oh, but wait. I guess this would be something of a chance for you then, huh?

Look at that! You could go over and try to scout her right now!

Course, as you saw just now, the Empress isn't exactly easy to win over. If I were you, I'd take my time and, oh. Welp, so much for waiting.

Good heavens... For a school as prestigious as Tracen, it sure does seem to be lacking in quality trainers as of late.

If only there were someone I could fully place my trust in...

Huh? And just who on earth are you? Bold of you to make such a wild statement out of nowhere!

Hmph. You're persistent, I'll give you that. But I'm sorry, I've had enough with trainers at the moment.

And I'm certainly not about to sign up with a greenhorn trainer like...

Actually, wait.

I plan to do some strength training tomorrow at the campus gym. Bring me your proposed strength-training regimen.

If you can prove some basic competence as a trainer, then maybe we'll talk.

Hmm, I'll give you a pass. It looks like you have what it takes to manage a regimen at least.

Here are the terms of our contract: you shall guide me in training, and concern yourself only with my training.

Everything else will be left up to me. That includes my involvement in the student council and the management of my own free time.

Yes, as long as you stick to the terms. So let's make this formal.

I am the Empress, Air Groove. I aim to embody the ideals of all Umamusume and serve as a guiding beacon for all.

While results on the track are of course essential, they're far from all I seek. If I can't garner the admiration befitting an empress, they mean nothing.

You'll have a very specific role to play amidst these aspirations. I trust you understand that?

I sense a bit of hesitancy. I'll overlook it for now.

Not like I plan to actually rely on you...

Is that all for today? I'll be taking my leave, then.

I'm hardly compelled to tell you... but no matter. I spend time guiding some of the more junior students.

The academy offers instruction for runners who haven't signed up with a trainer, but it's a uniform curriculum that can't account for every student's needs.

Some students find themselves struggling with the lack of personalized guidance. I aim to simply keep them on track until they find a trainer.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

What? A meeting? Now?

No can do, I'm on my way to attend a student council cleanup event. Besides, I've told you to give at least one day's notice when making schedule changes.

Compile all your points in a document and send it to me later. I'll take a look at least.

The frontmost runners are entering the homestretch! And today's favorite, Air Groove, makes a bid for the lead!

Can she make it? Will she do it? The finish line is within reach! Will Air Groove take the win?!

And it's all over! The Empress Air Groove fails to clinch first by a neck's length!

Defeat... Ugh. What a pathetic performance!

No, I can't let my emotions get the best of me here. My capabilities as an empress are simply lacking, thus leading to this failure.

I'd best learn from this disgrace, refine myself until I become worthy of my name.

Listen up. I'm enacting some changes as your client. I know we were supposed to have the afternoon off, but we'll be holding a meeting.

We need to completely redesign the regimen in order to get superior results.

Hey, are you listening to me? You seem to be off in your own world.

You'd better not be thinking of saying anything out of line.

We established this from the start, correct? You'll be concerned only with providing me the most effective training regimen possible.

Or will you breach the terms of our contract, like the others?

But if she attempts to keep up with student council activities and tutoring, it will hinder her own growth. So please!

Air Groove has joined the student council with clear intention and purpose. No one can have her abdicate the role but herself.

I understand the situation. So that's why you've come to me. Mhmm.

Indeed, I could probably tell most anything you would want to know. But that would hardly qualify as grasping her true intentions.

If you really wish to be of one mind, don't you think it would be better to have her reveal these things to you herself?

That said, I can see that you thought long and hard on her situation before coming to me. Your sincere devotion is very clear.

In deference to that devotion, perhaps I can offer some guidance. Follow me.

You could work on improving your starting acceleration. Pitch your heels immediately and try to lead with a longer stride.

A longer stride? I've tried stretching my legs farther, but it always makes me lose precious speed...

Long strides require you to master a certain rhythm, one that your body isn't used to yet. I think I can teach you something helpful.

Try marking the course at one-and-a-half-meter intervals and aim to hit those marks as accurately as possible.

Once you get used to that distance, try upping it to 1.8 meters, and then up to two. This exercise should help you hit that rhythm you need.

Oh, okay! Thank you for sharing that. I'll give it a try!

Mejiro Dober has a bit of a complicated relationship with men, and as a result has a hard time internalizing tips from the male instructors.

Air Groove was the first to notice this, and took the initiative to lend her a helping hand.

Her instruction is one of the biggest factors behind Mejiro Dober's success here at the academy.

And it's not just Dober...

There you are, Suzuka. What are you doing?

Huh? Um... Nothing, really.

I heard that the course I wanted to run today is closed for maintenance, so I don't actually have anything to do right now.

With running off the table, nothing else came to mind? Heh... how very like you.

Well, I come with some good news. The student council just finished looking into that maintenance. Part of the course is now available for use.

Oh! Really?

It's almost time for curfew, but knowing you, I reckon you'd go for it even if it meant only getting in a few minutes of running.

You're right! Thank you, Air Groove!

Silence Suzuka can be a bit eccentric at times, but Air Groove has a good understanding of her personality. They speak quite frequently.

And in her role as vice president of the student council, too, she always does everything in her power to address this academy's issues.

The entire student body feels the benefits of her efforts, and of course, I couldn't ask for a more reliable vice president.

So, how was that? Do you think you were able to glean some of the information you were seeking?

Very good. It's wise to avoid jumping to any premature conclusions.

I was a little concerned that she might cast her scepter aside entirely, but I'm glad to see my fears were unfounded.

It's nothing. ...She has a maiden race coming up soon, yes? I wish you both the best of luck.

I am the Empress, Air Groove. I aim to embody the ideals of all Umamusume and serve as a guiding beacon for all.

Oh, okay! Thank you for sharing that. I'll give it a try!

You're right! Thank you, Air Groove!

Huh? My training regimen? You'll look over it in place of Air Groove?

Wow, thank you very much! Oh, so about this part on hamstring exercises...

Man, these documents are really giving me a headache. Maybe I should ask the vice prez about them...

Oh, really? You'd be a lifesaver! I wasn't sure how to tally up the votes here...

Hey. Just what do you think you're doing?

Don't play dumb. Do you think I wouldn't notice that you've been snatching up my student council tasks and student appointments?

What are you trying to say? That I should just stay in my lane and focus on racing?

Well? Answer me! And if I don't like what I hear, our contract is over!

What?

To... help me?

Hmph. Me, rely on you? You could stand to be a little more dependable before suggesting such a thing.

However...

Our contract will remain effective. That is all.

A sturdy scepter to support my weight as I walk my royal path...

So that is a trainer's role...

After a beautiful start, she's pushed all the way forward to the front of the pack, it's today's favorite, Air Groove! Can she shake off her debut race loss?!

Ha!

She's not slowing down! She's fast! Air Groove widens her lead! She's in a league of her own!

What a finish! Our winner comes in at an overwhelming five lengths ahead of her competition!

The curtains are rising on the legendary reign of the Empress, Air Groove!

There you are. Wait... Why on earth are you so out of breath?

Well, whatever. The seeds I ordered have finally arrived, so let's get started.

Flower seeds.

Hey, how many times do I have to tell you?! You're covering those seeds with way too much soil!

Take your time and do each step properly. These seeds are way too fragile for you to be rushing through this.

All right, that should do. I'm looking forward to seeing them bloom.

What, are you trying to say that's unexpected of me or something? It's written all over your face.

When given the care and attention that they need, the buds emerge strong and go on to bloom beautifully.

The cycle repeats as new buds grow, a testament to perseverance and aspiration.

It was the sight of my own mother running on the turf that allowed me to bloom into who I am.

The winner of the G1 Japanese Oaks inherits the title of "Queen of the Oaks."

My mother was able to rise above the rest and ascend the throne as a queen.

When I learned about that legendary race and just how hard she fought for the title... I was shaken to my very core. The seeds of aspiration were sown.

I dreamt of following in her footsteps, of surpassing my limits, setting foot into the world of racing, and claiming victory.

And more than anything, I knew I wanted to continue the cycle and inspire others, just as she inspired me.

That's why I chose to embrace the title of "Empress." I wish to become one who is looked upon by all Umamusume as an ideal to strive for.

To be as one like my very own mother, to bloom mightily and elegantly as a sign of hope for the future.

And for that, simply winning races won't suffice. I need to prepare the soil of this academy well, so that the seeds that follow after me may grow strong.

If my trainers see no value in those seeds, then I have no need for a trainer, or so I thought...

But you... well. I suppose you may have earned a little, just a tiny bit, mind you, of my t-trust...

Oh, shut it! You've got to be the worst gardener I've ever met!

Geez, I was entirely too quick to bring up this metaphor.

Knock it off with the tomfoolery!

Stay in formation! First the box step, then the turn! Maintain eye contact!

O-okay!

You're finished if you fall behind tempo! Next is a heel step. Get ready to come forward!

O-okay!

Okay, let's switch to pair training. Get with a partner and begin the routine!

Okay!

Hm? Were you always there?

The winning concert is an integral part of any Umamusume's duties. Naturally, dance practice is going to be tough.

It's so awesome to get lessons from the Air Groove!

Can't be sloppy in front of her! Let's do this!

Hey, keep your eyes on, you'll fall!

Eek!

...!

Ow ow ow...

Waaaahhh! Air Groove! Are, are you okay?!

I'm fine... This is nothing to be alarmed by.

Then there's nothing stopping me from getting back to work. If you'll excuse me, I have a lesson to teach.

What do you want? Those girls are counting on me for instruction. Don't get in my way.

Better care? I think I've got that under control, thank you. You've no grounds to be telling me how to take care of myself.

An empress cannot abandon those in need for anything. A mere scratch is no reason to...

B-back off! I could hear you where you were standing before.

Oh please, stop with that face. Geez, what's gotten into you?

I suppose... Sigh...

Fine. I'll take the rest of the day off and let them know we'll resume practice at a later date.

It won't do for an empress to allow her audience to see her in anything less than an ideal state.

...And I suppose causing anxiety for one's trainer isn't very empress-like either.

All right, enough talk! I'm going to nap here for a while.

Well, off you go then. Do you want me to get some rest or not?

You've got quite the nerve to keep me waiting, Trainer.

You didn't know about it? It's official academy property, and we even utilize it for some classes.

Anyway, I called you out here to help me move these.

We have more blooms than anticipated. This was not originally my intention, but I could use a hand.

If you've got time for jokes then you've got time for work. Let's go.

Wow, they're all so lovely! Thank you for doing this every year, Air Groove!

One flower per person. Stay in line, and tell us which color you desire when it's your turn.

Make sure to deliver them in person if you can, preferably with a letter or gift. That's the best way to show your appreciation.

Mom's definitely going to love this!

That's right. I always plant them so that they'll bloom around this time.

Many of us are living far away from our parents currently. At times like these, it's more important than ever to show our gratitude.

Incidentally, do you know what a yellow carnation signifies?

Do I have to explain everything?

First, take the red carnation. It signifies love for one's mother. It makes for a very popular gift on this day.

On the other hand, a yellow carnation signifies jealousy, and is often avoided as a gift.

You may be surprised to hear that there are a number of students who choose the yellow carnations.

Many of them are second-generation runners, and it is no stretch to say that they see their own mothers as their biggest rivals.

In other words, giving your mother a yellow carnation is akin to saying that you will surpass her legacy.

All right, that was the last student. Thank you for your help.

It looks like we only have a single yellow carnation remaining.

I suppose I'll give this one to my own mother.

U-umm...

Oh, you're from Ritto Dorm. Is something the matter?

I was doing some extra training today, and before I knew it the sun started setting. Um... Are the flowers all gone?

...

No, in fact, you're quite lucky. There's exactly one left.

Go on, it's yours.

Oh, thank you so much!

Heh... Just enough, then.

Heh. You're such a worrywart.

I'm not too proud about what happened at that dance lesson, but I've thought long and hard about my attitude since then.

If I mean to earn the respect of others, I need to respect myself.

It's no good pursuing my ideals if I neglect my own needs in the process. On that point, I admit... I was a little foolish.

What just happened now is different, though.

That's right. I don't mind going without a flower at all.

Even without a tangible symbol to represent it, the resolve in my heart is firm. I will tell my mother of my ambition directly.

Exactly. So there is nothing you need to worry about.

I can't have any trainer of mine being too flustered for my sake.

Although... I suppose if you hadn't spoken up in the infirmary, I... wouldn't have...

I'm taking better care of myself now, that's all!

My mother doesn't often reminisce about her racing career, but I once overheard her say that she couldn't have become a queen by herself...

That the watchful eyes of someone she trusted became a mirror, one which more honestly reflected her ideal self.

What I'm trying to say is... well, you know.

Why do I get the sense that you're teasing me? ...Fool.

Phew. Twenty kilometers already?

I don't tire out on the sand as easily as I used to. When it comes to improving stamina and core strength, there's truly no better place than the beach.

Not to mention its utility as an analogue to dirt courses. I'm in better form than ever, right now, I don't think I could lose to anyone. ...Hm?

Dear me. Is it already time for the festival to begin?

Students tend to get much too excited at the festival every year. Someone has to keep an eye on them for their own safety; I should go.

Very well... as long as you understand that we're going for work and not to fool around.

If you can promise me that, then sure, come along.

Cotton candy, takoyaki, candied carrots... All these sweets can't possibly be doing anything positive for the students' training.

I seem to recall telling you that we aren't here to fool around. Did the summer sun fry your brain or something?

Really, what am I supposed to do with you... Hm?

Eek! S-stop that, please!

I just need a few shots! You're all Tracen students, right? You're practically guaranteed to be future stars!

How impudent...

Sigh... No, I'll go.

Please keep watch from here.

Excuse me. Did you mention that you were a journalist?

Huh? W-wait... You're the Empress... Air Groove!

I'm not sure which publication you represent, but our school requires all reporters to obtain permission before talking to students.

This measure is in place for the protection of students' privacy. I trust you understand that?

Oh, um... I'm sorry. I'm an Umamusume-centric reporter, you see...

Racing has been a passion of mine since I was young, and I guess I kind of lose control when I see the runners I admire up close...

Please do know that we are honored to encounter our fans.

But we would all appreciate if you could adhere to proper etiquette. Schedule something official, and you won't encounter any problems.

All right, that marks the end of my shift, and everything's in order.

I suppose we could return to the lodge now, but...

Ah... Are those fireworks?

In that case, come with me. I know a good spot.

Just like flowers, fireworks are the product of much hard work and attention. No wonder they're a sight to see in full bloom.

Planting a garden in the sky... It wouldn't be a simple task, but someday...

Wow... They really are beautiful.

Heh, what are you looking at?

Hey, what's with the sappy expression? Have you no shame?

The show's finished. Let's head back for real this time.

Oof.

Hmph. It'll take more than a silly stumble to...

Actually... Strike that.

Will you help me with this shoe?

Hey...

While you're doing that... answer me one question.

In your eyes... How do you perceive me?

I see. Then I've been cultivating my own bloom effectively.

I'm still not fully convinced of... what was that? The greenness of your thumb? ...Well, maybe you'll get there eventually.

Continue to work hard, and perhaps you really can produce a wonderful crown of flowers for me, just as I will lead you to glory.

But first, could you please put on my shoe?