Beaches, Bathing Suits & Blazing Trails

There's nothing like standing on the dance floor in a swimsuit while waving a fan! This is the joy of Bubblyland, girls! Woooo!

So this is Bubblyland!

Scarlet and Spe came in dead last?!

I know Scarlet recently had a fever, but I wonder why Spe did so poorly? Actually... She looks like she might've gained some weight, but...

Nooooo!

Huff... Huff... Huff! I can't afford to run like that anymore! I have to work even harder!

Gah! It's been a month already, but I still can't get out of my slump! What should I do, Mom?!

Listen, you need to step back and take it easy! From what you've been tellin' me, you've been training nonstop, right?

I-I have been resting properly! I sleep well, take relaxing baths...

That's not what I mean! I mean going out and having fun with your friends to refresh yourself. You haven't been doing that, have you?

Just trust me! Give it a try. Let go of aaall your worries for a while and you might just find that it solves your problem.

I... I suppose that's true...

B-but if I go and hang out with friends now before getting my running back on track, I'd just be slacking off!

Mama sent me something? I wonder what it is.

Wow! What a cute swimsuit! "Visit the beach or pool," huh? I'm glad she's thinking of me, but I wonder why the sudden gift.

She's so busy with work and usually leaves me to my own business, so why... Oh...

(Could it be she knows how horribly I did in our recent scrimmage?!)

(Maybe she thinks I'm doing a poor job of taking care of myself because of that... No, I'm overthinking things. There's no way she could've...)

...

Ngh! I'll definitely win the next race and make sure she knows I got first place!

Sigh... I can't believe I ended up arguing with Mom yesterday...

Ugh, what am I doing, wasting my time out here on the racetrack? I've gotta focus! I'm going to nail training today!

I had a feeling she'd be here! Um, would you like to run with me?

"I haven't been able to get back into shape since the scrimmage the other day, no matter what I do. Has it been the same for you, Spe?"

"Y-yeah! The more I think about it, the more confused I get about my running form. But everything was fine before..."

"I know what you mean. I'm in the same boat. That's why I thought challenging someone to a race might help me get back into stride, so..."

(Clouds of dust, pounding footsteps, someone ahead of me... Yes, this is what it's like to race! It's all coming back to me!)

(All right! We're almost at the fourth corner! All I've gotta do now is work these arms and legs and overtake Scarlet!)

(Wait, why aren't I speeding up?! How am I supposed to move my arms again? Just what's my form supposed to be when I run?!)

(Ah! The gap between us is going to widen even more if I don't hurry! I have to change gears... How do I do that again?!)

(Oh nooo, what should I do?!)

Gah!

Pant... Pant...

My goodness... Their forms are all over the place. They must've lost all sense of their own running styles.

I get the feeling they might've forgotten some other things, too, in their panic... Hmm, if that's the case...

Hey, Spe! I know a place that'll get you out of your rut and back in fantabulous form. Come with me to Bubblyland!

Th-there's a place like that?!

You betcha! I heard from Fuji that you and Scarlet haven't been doing well lately, so I thought we could all go.

I've rented a car and invited our sports fanatic, Tickezo, to join us too, so we're all ready to rock 'n' roll!

That said, Scarlet passed up the offer! She said she's already got a training regimen locked down. Haha!

What about you? You down?

(If this training facility that Maruzensky's recommending really can help people get out of their slumps, then maybe it'll work for me too!)

C-count me in!

Spe and Tickezo, you two'd better hold on tight! You're gonna experience the most amazing magic at Bubblyland!

Magic?! I'm going to that Bubbly whatchamacallit place too! No one can stop me!

So this is Bubblyland!

Wait! I-is it actually possible to do any training here?!

There's podiums to dance on, tiramisu and nata de coco at the cafe, mochi by the pool, and a giant waterslide to enjoy!

You can rent retro clothes over there?! Awesome!

Wow! Look at those cars! Their bodies are set so low to the ground!

No, hang on! This isn't a training facility at all!

Gasp! Wait... Don't tell me you tricked me into coming here?

Oh, you! There's no way I would do such a thing to my cute little junior! It's true that this place can help turn your bad vibes into good ones!

Just let yourself get carried away by the party fever, and you'll understand soon enough! Anyway, let's change into our swimsuits!

Whoa! W-wait a second!

Uuuugh! Where's all the magic?!

Calm down a little! Ugh, how did I even get dragged into this?!

Okay, I'll do two laps around the track this morning... No, I'll do four! I don't care what it takes, I will get back to normal by this weekend!

Huh? Isn't that...

Spe and Tickezo, you two'd better hold on tight! You're gonna experience the most amazing magic at Bubblyland!

Okaaay!

Bubblyland... Oh, that's the place Maruzen invited me to yesterday. I hope Spe can get some good training in there...

Magic?!

Eek!

Did she say magic?! I just heard something about the most amazing magic! They all looked so excited, it's got to be magic!

She did say that, but it's just a...

I'm going to that Bubbly whatchamacallit place too! No one can stop me!

Wait, is she seriously planning on running there?! You've got to be kidding!

(Oh my gosh, she's running at full tilt... Wait, does she even know how to get to that place? If she loses sight of the car, she'll be completely lost...)

Uuugh! Hang on, Sweep! Wait up!

Sigh... I never expected we'd have to go over three mountains. That was more intense than any training session! ...But that's not important!

Hey, Sweep. Listen to me carefully. The whole "magical land" thing was just a metaphor. Magic doesn't really exist.

It does too! My grandma's able to use it!

N-no, that's not what I...

There's definitely magic here! If you don't believe me, then I'll just have to find it and prove you wrooong!

Aah! Wait! Aw, I was planning to take her straight home once I caught up to her!

(Maybe I should just leave, and, no, I can't! An honor student can't just abandon someone who chased after a car all this way!)

Siiigh... Ugh, come on!

This is ridiculous! I have to hurry back and train!

Everybody ready?!

All right, here we go... Let's party hard at Bubblyland!

Wait, why are we in swimsuits?!

Because this is a pool resort, of course. ♪ They let you enter the disco and cafes in your swimsuit here! Plus, you feel the vibes more!

Tickezo, are you sure you don't want to buy a swimsuit?

Yep! Our school-issue swimsuit is durable! It's perfect for swimming as hard as you can, so it's good enough for me!

If you say so! Now come on! Let's enjoy ourselves to the fullest!

(Wh-wh-what should I do? There's no way I can get any training done here!)

(In fact, I don't see training grounds anywhere, and all the visitors just look like they're here to have fun...)

(What did Maruzen even mean when she said I could get out of my slump here?)

You know, Spe... There's only one thing you should be doing here today, and it's not running.

It's... not? Then what is it...

Wooooo!

Dancing?!

C'mon, Spe! Let's go up on that platform and get our groove on!

Huh?! Uh, you want to go over to that... dance stage thing? I don't know. I'm just, uh, I don't know what to do on one!

Don't worry! Once you start dancing, none of that'll matter! It'll be fun!

Besides, Maruzen said she wanted you to have fun and enjoy yourself to the max today, so let's gooo!

Come on, Spe! Just humor me and come dance with us! ♪

Whaaat?! W-wait a second!

Ohhh! What should I do?! I don't know how this dance goes at all!

Ahaha! This isn't a concert, so don't worry about choreography or anything! It'll be fine, just dance your heart out!

D-dance my heart out?! U-umm, like this?!

Yep, yep! Just like that! Don't forget to cheer too! Wooooo!

W-wooooo?!

Yeah, wave that fan! One, two! One, two! That's the spirit! Looking good, Spe!

O-one, two. One, two... Hehe. Just what are we doing? Ahaha!

...Hehe, thanks, Tickezo. You two are looking fine! ♪

Huh?! Maruzensky's here!

Oh my, my! Are you having fun, everyone?

Wooooo!

Let's all lose ourselves to the magic of the disco! Woohoo!

(People are smiling, music's playing, and everything's so bright and sparkly! It feels like a dream!)

(What is this feeling? It's been such a long time since I've felt this way...)

Spe! Don't forget to wave your fan!

Okay! Ehehe! ♪

Hehe. ♪

Aaah! Nata de coco's the best!

Hey, have you guys gone down that waterslide yet? It's so fast and super fun!

Wow, it's huge! Just listen to those screams, though. Is it really safe?!

Look over there! Another dance podium! It's called a water disco, 'cause you can dance surrounded by water fountains!

Oooh! So many girls are dancing on it! It looks like lots of fun!

This park is filled to the brim with delicious food and fun things to do... I never knew such a place existed.

It's happy hour at Bubbly Cafe, where you can enjoy our all-you-can-eat tiramisu. Come and join us!

All-you-can-eat tiramisu?! No way! Oh my gosh, where's the cafe?!

I can still taste that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth custard and slightly bitter espresso... I can't believe they let us have as much tiramisu as we wanted!

The souvenir shop also sells them, so I'm definitely going to buy some before we head home! Hehe, I hope the others will like it! ♪

Stop it right there, Sweep!

Eek!

Owww...

I-I'm so sorry! Are you okay? ...Wait, Spe?!

What?! You chased after us by foot?! I'm sorry! We didn't notice you at all!

Oh, no, you're fine. I'm sure no one would've thought we'd literally come running here...

I was planning to head back once I managed to catch her, but it's ridiculous how slippery she is... Sigh...

Y-you've sure had it rough...

Maybe I should just forget about going back and do my running here. What's the training like here?

Train...ing?

Maruzen actually invited me to come too, so I've been curious about it. It doesn't look like there are any training grounds, but... Huh? Spe?

Aaaah! Training!

Whoa!

I... came here... for training! What have I been doing?!

Huh... Don't tell me... you're just remembering this now?

Nooo, you don't have to rub salt in my wounds! Ugh, this is no time to be swooning over melt-in-your-mouth custard! I'm such a big, big dummy!

I'll waste all my time goofing off at this rate! Hold on, I'm going to ask Maruzen where I can go to train here!

H-hey, are you all right? Maybe you should take a deep breath and... Wait, Spe!

Welcome back! ♪ How was the tiramisu? Oh! Scarlet, you came!

Umm, I... I have to train right now! If I don't...

Oh dear, the spell on you has broken!

Maruzen! You're terrible! I can't believe you really lied to me!

Now, now, no need to be mad. It's true that this place can help pull you out of your rut!

I was planning on telling you this later, but it's fine. Come close and listen to my story, would you?

Ngh... O-okay!

Well... a long time ago, I also once pushed myself too hard because I wanted to live up to the expectations of those around me.

I was overthinking everything so much that it ended up getting in the way of my running...

Huh?! You went through the same thing too?

Hehe. I did. That's when my mother brought me here, to Bubblyland.

Hey, this is a pool resort! You said we'd be going to a training facility. How could you lie to me?!

My race is next week! I don't have time to fool around in place like this!

Come on, just humor me and give this place a try! Letting your hair loose is exactly what you need right now!

I was still skeptical, but I had no other choice, so I danced at the disco, played in the pool, and spent all day having fun...

Before I knew it, I forgot all about the outside world and lost myself in having fun. The worries weighing on my mind and body disappeared, and when I ran my race the following week...

Huff, huff, huff!

I remembered how to run again, as if all my struggles had been but a dream.

See? Mom does take care of you after all!

...When I saw you two struggling, I thought maybe you were going through the same thing I did when I was younger. That's why I brought you here.

I had a feeling that if you both allowed yourselves to reset your minds and bodies like I had, then perhaps you would be able to get back on track...

Like you...

(Huh?)

Spe? You okay?

Huh?! Oh, I'm sorry!

Um... Well, the thing is... I guess, maybe? I might be feeling a bit better...

Oh my!

I... I haven't done anything to solve my problem, but for some reason, my mind... kind of feels at ease!

Wonderful! That's a good thing! You must be finally starting to relax. I'm sure things will start falling into place!

(Huh? I feel like I've heard that before...)

Just trust me! Give it a try. Let go of aaall your worries for a while and you might just find that it solves your problem.

(I get it now. This is what Mom was trying to tell me.)

(I didn't understand her at all then... But it's like Maruzen is saying, I had total tunnel vision.)

I'll have to apologize to her once I get back.

Maruzen, I've made up my mind. I'm going to give Bubblyland a shot!

That's what I like to hear!

...

So beautiful!

That was so beautiful! I can't believe they have fireworks and festivals at night here! Bubblyland sure is something else!

Hehehe! ♪ After dinner, how about we see who's better at candy cutting?

Ooh, that sounds fun! But prepare to lose!

Ah! Hey, you three! I found a stall that sells shaved ice!

Yaaay! Come on, Sweep! Let's go get some strawberry shaved ice!

Hmph! No thanks!

Oh, dear me. Sweep Pea must still be in shock.

I bet she didn't expect Scarlet to go home.

All right! Time't have as much fun as we can! Scarlet, you should hang out with us before going back!

Sorry, but I have to decline.

Huh?

Sorry. It's not that I don't believe what you or Maruzen said.

But for me, I think the only way I can get better is by running. It's what I've always done. Furthermore...

I have to take first place in the next race, no matter what. ...I'm sorry.

We understand. No need to apologize! Feel free to talk to me if you're ever troubled, okay? I'll help you out whenever or wherever you...

There you are! Scarlet!

I was wondering where you went! I told you to follow me!

Ack! I forgot about you! Hey, wait, what are you talking about?! You're the one who ran off in the first place!

Don't tell me what to do! Bleeeh!

Grr! You little...

Sigh... Never mind. I can't keep wasting time here. Come on, let's hurry home, Sweep!

Oh, don't worry about Sweep Pea. She'll be fine with me. Go ahead and head back first so you can get your training in! ♪

B-but...

I did just say I'd be willing to help you whenever and wherever, remember? ♪

Oh... Thank you very much... Then I guess, um... I'll see you back at school.

Huh?! Wait, where are you going?!

Back to the academy. I have to train... I'll see you around, Sweep.

Hmph... What's with her looking all serious like that?

Was it really okay for us to just let her go home? I hope she's not pushing herself too hard.

Scarlet has her own way of thinking. It would be wrong to force her to stay, right?

Well, I am a little worried about her. But there are times when one simply wants some time alone to think.

Yeah... You're right...

Ugh, what is up with her? Scarlet's such a dummy, acting all high and mighty like that!

Ahhhh! I can't handle it anymore! I'll be right back!

Huh? Sweep?!

I wonder how much running I can do once I get off the train and get home. Either way, I have to run twice as much as usual tomorrow...

Hold it right there!

Sweep?!

...Scarlet, come with me!

What? Why?! I told you I was going home...

Just shut up and come! Follow me!

What? Geez, what does she want now?

Stay there! I'm going to cast one of my greatest spells on you!

A spell? Wait a sec...

Brassavola ☆ nodosa! ☆ Paphiopedilum ☆ delenatii!

Uh... Nothing's happening.

Huh?! I-I just messed up a little, that's all! As a favor, I'll cast it on you one more time!

Brassavola ☆ nodosa! ☆ Paphiopedilum ☆ delenatii!

Brassavola ☆ nodosa! ☆ Paphiopedilum ☆ delenatii!

Waaaaah! Why, why, why isn't it working?! Why aren't any red roses appearing?! And why won't any white pigeons come out?!

...Red roses? White pigeons?

This spell is really amazing! No matter how sad you are, it turns your frown upside down the moment you see it!

Grandma showed it to me so many times... Hic! It really is super amazing! Waaaaah!

...Were you trying to comfort me?

No! I was trying to cast a spell on you because you looked sad!

Magic, huh? Hehe...Thank you. I really appreciate you doing that for me.

...I'm sure your grandmother loves you very much.

Sniff... What do you mean?

She used sleight, er, real magic to cheer you up, right? Her love for you allowed her to do that.

Really?

Really. You can only cheer someone up when you give them enough attention to notice that they're upset to begin with.

It's like with my mom. She used to take me to the amusement park or out shopping when I was feeling down. I'm sure it's because she...

...was always looking after me.

...Oh.

...Scarlet?

Was that why... she sent me the letter? Not because I did poorly at the scrimmage...

...but because she cared about me... and saw that I needed a break? Is that... Is that really it?

...

Sigh...

Of course that was it. There's no way that Mama would've been that mean... Normally, I would've realized her intent right away, and yet...

What are you mumbling about? Tell me!

Nothing. I'm just realizing how out of sorts I've been...

Huh? What'd you say? I couldn't hear you!

If that's my problem, then...

Maybe what I need right now... is to have some fun.

...Right. Let's go, Sweep. Thank you for casting that spell on me.

Seriously, what is going on?! Wait... Do you mean my magic worked?!

Hehe... Well done, Sweep Pea! ♪

Huh? So you're not going home?

Nope. Sorry for being so indecisive.

No worries! I have nooo idea what happened to change your mind, but, oh, where's Tickezo?

Heeey! Everyone!

Eeek!

Oh, Scarlet! You came back! Nice timing!

Since this is Maruzen's hundredth visit here, they said we can have exclusive use of the entire light-up pool tonight as a special treat!

We can?!

Oh yeah! I'd completely forgotten about that!

Look, that tree's glowing! And so is the inside of the pool! This is so, so cool! It's like a world of magic!

Seriously! This place looks completely different at nighttime! We should invite Taishin and the others next time!

Good idea! Apparently, they only light up the area like this at night! ♪

Scarlet, are you sure you want to stay? You're not forcing yourself to be here, are you?

Don't worry, I'm not. I thought about it and decided I should stay. Besides...

I'd forgotten, actually, but my mom sent me a swimsuit. She told me to go out and have fun once in a while.

...!

...She seemed to think I needed it.

(I had no idea. So her mom said the same thing...)

In that case, we wouldn't want to upset your mom! Let's make sure you have some fun! Hehe!

Gah! What is this sparkly ball?! Why is it shining?!

Hey, I know! Let's play a game! Whoever manages to keep the ball until the very end wins!

That's a great idea. That might be a good training exerci, oh, forget training! I'm not losing to any of you if we're doing this!

I'll do my best too! ...Huh? Where are all these bubbles coming from?!

Hehe. We ran into quite a few roadblocks... but I'm glad everyone is having fun.

All right! I'll join in too! Woooo! ♪

Is this really safe? Are we sure this is safe? Is it actually okay for three people to be on this thing?

Don't worry, it's a three-seater! Come on, keep your eyes open and go, go, gooo! ♪

Ah-ah-aaah!

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh... No, no, nooo! This is way too faaast!

AAAAAHHHHH!

Hehe... Ahaha! That was so scary! But it was fun too!

Yeah... I was so scared, I thought I was a goner. Hehe.

Ahh... All I did was play, but I'm exhausted. I still can't get over how pretty the pool looked, all lit up and glittery...

I agree! They didn't have anything like that before. I suppose even Bubblyland isn't immune to change.

How was today, Scarlet? Did you have fun?

...I did. It's stressful to think about how I haven't done any training, but...

I suppose... it's not so bad to let loose once in a while.

Why don't we have just a little bit more fun tomorrow before we go home, then?

Let's do it!

Woooo! ♪ It's all about the disco when you come to Bubblyland!

Um, is it really okay for us to be up here?

Of course! Dance floors are made to be danced on! Come on, get into the groove! There's no half-hearted dancing allowed here!

She's right. Apparently, the most important thing at a disco is to let go of all your worries and dance your heart out!

You say that as if it's easy to do either of those things...

...No, I can't be like this. I'm here now, so I'm going to do it right or it's a waste of time.

I'm going to dance with everything I've got!

M-me too!

Hang on! Isn't that Special Week and Daiwa Scarlet next to Maruzensky?!

Here I go... W-wooooo! Let's dance, everyone!

Wooooo!

I-I can do this too... Um... T-turn up that music, DJ!

Yaaaaay!

Ahaha! Great job, you two!

Well, we've danced at the disco, had Italian food, and looked around some luxury brand stores! There's one last thing to do before we go...

And that's to enjoy the beach!

The weather's so nice! Being somewhere so spacious just makes me want to run!

Oh? In that case...

Tag! You're it!

Huh?! What?!

Hahaha! Run awaaay!

I'm not going to let you catch me so easily!

Huh?! All right! I'll catch up to you all, you'll see!

Seeeven, eiiight, niiine, ten! Huuup!

Aaaaah! Ahaha!

I'm gonna get you!

Ahhh!

I-I'm gonna get you! Huff, puff!

Huff! Huff! How are they all so good at running away?! Change of plans! Time to narrow my focus down to one person!

Eenie, meenie, miney, mo... There!

...!

Scarlet! Don't think you can outrun me!

Nooo!

Huff... Puff!

Give it up and let me catch you already, Scarlet!

No way! I'm terrible at being it!

Hehehe! If you won't give up, I'll just have to try harder!

Eeeek! Ahahaha!

You're not getting away from me!

Wow, they're incredible! You can barely even see them anymore!

Hey! Just how far are you going to ruuun?!

Hehehe! They're both running great, aren't they?

(The sand is so hot and the wind is cool on my face... This is so fun! I feel like I can go anywhere I want right now!)

(I don't know why, but this feels so familiar...)

...!

(That's right. This is what it feels like to run! It's just about kicking off each step without thought, cutting through the wind...)

(And simply moving forward!)

Huff... Huff! Hehe!

I've got you now!

Huff... Puff... Pant... Pant...

Oof, I don't even have the strength left to be it now. I'm exhausted. You were chasing after me like your life depended on it!

That's only because you were running away as if your life depended on it! Ahaha!

Hehehe. Aaah! That was fun.

My legs felt lighter than usual. It's been a while since I got so completely lost in my running.

Yeah. Same here.

Bubblyland has been amazing. It really did end up reminding me how to move again.

Running's just as fun as I remember. Hehehe.

I'll have to thank Maruzen. And my mom too.

I'll have to apologize to my mom as well!

Did you do something wrong?

Well... She kept telling me to go out and have fun, but I kept ignoring her advice... In the end though, she was right.

I wonder how she knew exactly what I needed?

...Yeah. It's strange, huh?

Heeey! Are you guys okay?!

We're fiiine!

We've come quite far. We'd better hurry back. And while we're at it...

Tag! You're it!

Hey! That's no fair!

H-hello? Mom?

Hey, Mama? You know, today I...