Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories
Daiwa Scarlet's story
7 scenes, 378 lines
1. I Don't Want to Lose to You
48 linesToday, the academy's tryout races are being held. Whether or not a student can perform well enough to get scouted can significantly affect their future.
Looking around, I spy heaps of other trainers milling about, from newbies to veterans alike. Seems like everyone's got their eyes on those two today.
I'll try my best out there today!
So that's Daiwa Scarlet... She's definitely got potential, I'll say that!
She kept a dominant lead after the third turn in yesterday's scrimmage... meaning it's gonna be a tough fight to become her trainer. And huh, there's her competition!
Sup.
I see. Vodka's doing a better job of keeping her nerves in check. Now, the question is, who will prevail?
...Hmph. As if we're even on the same level.
Yo, I heard that. Heh, just don't come crying to me later, all right?
Oh, and just who do you think you're talking to? I'm the number one racer, Daiwa Scarlet!
Sparks are already flying between these two promising rookies. Looks like this'll be a race to remember!
Bang!
And they're off! The racers are out of the gate!
And leading the pack, it's Daiwa Scarlet! She's taken an early lead with her impressive speed!
B-but is she going to be able to keep up that pace?! Even for her, this might be a little...
Nah, if there's one thing you can count on, it's that Daiwa Scarlet's got tons of fuel in the tank. Look again.
The others are speeding up to try and match her, but they won't be able to keep up that pace for long. All according to plan.
Daiwa Scarlet has held the lead since the start of the race. But coming into the final stretch, a challenger appears!
Vodka, rounding the final turn! Vodka, giving chase! Daiwa Scarlet is right in front of her!
Tch?!
Raaaaaah!
Speed! Vodka is speed! An astounding comeback! Vodka and Daiwa Scarlet are neck and neck!
Daiwa Scarlet, Vodka! Daiwa Scarlet, Vodka! The finish line is right there! Your winner is...
Vodka! It came down to the wire, but Vodka takes first! In second, Daiwa Scarlet!
Huff... Puff...
Woo... Heh-heh. Looks like I'm the winner today, Scarlet!
...!
And so, the tryouts end with Vodka as the victor.
Later that evening...
Pant, pant, pant... No, this isn't enough! More, I need more stamina!
Not like that, never again!
You're...
Eek?! Wh-who's there?!
Wait, a trainer? I saw you at the tryouts earlier...
My apologies. I'm currently training, so could I ask you to leave?
I'm... a little busy beating my good-for-nothing self into shape.
Isn't finishing second pretty amazing already?
Second best won't cut it! I HAVE to be number one!
Ah... S-sorry.
At any rate, I'll be leaving now. Excuse me.
Daiwa Scarlet. To her, nothing's more important than being number one.
And for some reason, I can't get her out of my mind...
2. I'm Not Like Her
53 linesA few days have gone by since the tryouts, and I can't help but worry about Daiwa Scarlet. If I could just talk to her one more time...
I head out to look for her, but by the time I find her, she's already surrounded by plenty of other trainers.
The way the tryouts ended was certainly regrettable, but you too have what it takes to win a G1!
..."You too?"
I've got a plan all laid out! Instead of flying out the gate, you could save your energy for the end. That way, just like Vodka, you can w...
"Just like"... Is that right?
U-ummm...
Sorry, but are we finished here? ...Excuse me.
Daiwa Scarlet promptly leaves the scene, sporting a rather intimidating smile.
Hmmm. I heard that she was an exemplary honor student, but isn't she quite temperamental?
That attitude is a pass for me... She might have the talent, but even that only goes so far.
For now, I need to go after Daiwa Scarlet.
Aughhh! You don't needa stick to me all day! I told you, gimme some time to think!
You say that, but you keep on running away! Vodka, come join my team! I've already made arrangements for you to go overseas!
I get it, I really do! So leave me alone for a bit, would ya?!
Hey... Wait up, Vodka! I'm not giving up! I will make you the number one racer!
...Finally found you, Daiwa Scarlet.
Huh? A-Air Groove?! Um, did you need something from me?
A warning.
Huh?
I've come to warn you in my capacity as vice president. Daiwa Scarlet, recently, you've been sneaking out of the dorm every night, haven't you?
Uh... A-about that...
Breaking curfew to go out at night without applying for permission beforehand is inexcusable.
An honor student like you should know that by heart, Daiwa Scarlet.
Yes, ma'am. Please accept... my sincerest apologies.
Um... H-how did you know that?
I can easily tell by your expression and gait.
I'm sure you know this, but you're overworking yourself. You should stop before you injure yourself or something worse happens.
But I...
I... came in second. Even though I was aiming to be number one. Even though I had to be number one!
Every runner experiences it, the moment when their knees hit the turf. Words of wisdom from my mother.
What's important is how you stand up and recover. Failure is not something to be feared.
But, this has never happened before! I was always number one! I put my all into making sure that would stay the same!
...Air Groove. I'm being ridiculous... aren't I?
It's laughable, isn't it? Just because I was a little faster than the competition back home, I acted like I was number one, like I was something... Not to mention this whole honor student bit.
But you know, when I finally got to Tracen Academy... I easily lost to opponents like Vodka, opponents who were the real deal.
In reality... Becoming "number one"? I'm just not cut out...
Scarlet!
...?!
Daiwa Scarlet continues muttering to herself again and again, clearly frustrated.
If only there was something I could do for her...
3. What a Weirdo
59 linesFor a while after the tryouts, Daiwa Scarlet was constantly approached by trainers attempting to scout her.
But now...
Hm? What, is nobody going to talk to Scarlet?
I've set my sights on Vodka. No matter how much potential Scarlet has, her personality is going to make things difficult...
Well, you have a point there. Guess I'll try speaking to Vodka too.
Hmph, now that's more like it! The annoying crowd's gone, so I can finally focus on my training.
At least, that's what I'd like to say. Hey! What are you still doing here?!
I want to talk with you.
Huh? Oh, could it be that you still think I'm a perfect honor student who'll listen to whatever you say?
Since you're still here, I'll let you in on a secret. It was all an act.
This is the real me! And like those guys from earlier said, I'm stubborn, selfish, and short-tempered.
Well? Your dreams crushed yet? Good, then scurry along, shoo.
I'm not going anywhere.
...What? Were you even listening to me?
I'm saying I'm not the good girl you think I am! Get it into that thick head of yours already!
Tracen Academy's packed with fast runners! And me, I'm the one who decided to put on airs, get cocky, and then lose pathetically!
You're not pathetic at all!
What do you know?! I don't need your pity!
Because... I get it. All I do is mouth off about being the "number one this", the "number one that", but it's all talk, it's not real!
I lost to Vodka once, and here I am wallowing in self-pity and going on reckless training runs... Even I know that I'm being unreasonable!
But... what else can I do?! If I'm not number one, then how can I even face myself?!
I have to be number one in speed, in strength! Number one in popularity, in fans, and I won't settle for anything else!
I won't be satisfied unless I'm all of those things. That's the kind of person I am, take it or leave it!
To stay true to myself, I have to keep on being number one!
That's why I'm here, to support you.
...H-huh?
Wait, hold up. You're saying that after listening to my rant... Are you really that clueless?
Take a hint, pal! I told you, I'm a stubborn girl who's obsessed with being number one!
Then let's become number one together.
Tch, what's your problem! Why're you still trying to scout me?!
I'll say this now, but I'm not going to just nod my head and listen to everything you say, you know?
And if I don't like your training menu, I won't stop bugging you about it! Are you willing to deal with all of that?!
We can discuss all that until we agree!
...Wh-what the heck is with you?
Saying you want to support me... that we'll do this together... Hey, were you serious about all that?
I'll be your number one trainer.
...!
...Hmph. Could you not steal my catchphrase like that?
Geez... Looks like I've been scouted... by a real weirdo. Sniffle...
Daiwa Scarlet bursts into tears, as if she's been freed from the heavy burdens weighing her down.
A little while later...
I wonder how long it's been since I cried in front of someone else.
Sigh... Not really in the mood to run anymore. I guess I should head back.
Honestly, I've been feeling sluggish recently. So I think... I'll tuck in early for once.
As Daiwa Scarlet walks away, I notice that she's lost the spirit she once had. Looks like the second place finish at the tryouts really did a number on her.
Still brainstorming ways to get her confidence back, I decide to pay the cafeteria a visit.
Yoohoo, Vodka!
Huh? Oh, it's just Teio.
Whaddaya mean, JUST?! ...You okay Vodka? You've got this bored look on your face lately.
Not really... You're just imaginin' things.
It's just... Recently, she's always walkin' around with that dumb look on her face...
She? Oh, you mean Scarlet? She's your roommate and rival, after all. 'Course you'd worry!
Th-that's not, We're not like that...
But you're right, she's been pretty down in the dumps. I wonder if losing to you at the tryouts was a big shock for her?
...Y'know, I just didn't think she was the type to give up this easily.
Vodka?
Tch... Forget it. Whatever, one less rival for me to worry about. Catch ya later.
Hey Vodka, wait up! I said waaait!
I think I might have the perfect solution to all this.
4. The Unlikely Pair
57 linesDaiwa Scarlet, an Umamusume with an intense fixation on being number one.
That's why her second-place finish at the tryouts came as a shock, planting seeds of doubt within her. If that's the case...
You want me to have a rematch with Vodka?!
...So I can get my revenge for the tryouts? What's the point in that?
Let's take back your spot as number one.
You serious?
I'm on board, but it won't be easy. You do have a plan, I hope?
Maybe you want me to save my energy for the end instead of running at the front? Sorry, but some makeshift plan like that won't be enough against her.
I want you to run one furlong farther in front than usual.
Huh?!
Some trainer you are! Have you ever heard of "stamina management?" Anyone rushing to the front like that is guaranteed to burn out !
You're not just anyone though, you're number one.
Ugh...
Ughhh fine! We'll do it your way. I just have to do it, don't I?
Well don't just stand there, there's training to be done! You did prepare a training menu to build up my stamina, riiight?!
I'm warning you, your regimen better be up to par, or you'll regret it!
And so, Scarlet and I spend the next few days completely absorbed in building up her stamina. Before long, the day of the race is upon us...
Hm? If it isn't Air Groove! Yoohoo!
Teio... So you also came to watch.
When I heard about a one-on-one between Scarlet and Vodka, I just knew I had to see it! Hey, looks like they're gonna start!
Feeling nervous?
Scarlet. You ready yet?
It's finally time, the rematch against Vodka begins!
Hah!
Ah, Scarlet's out front! Is she going with the same strategy as last time?
But didn't this also happen at the tryouts? If this keeps up, won't Vodka pass her at the final stretch again?
No, wait. It appears that things aren't the same as they once were.
Now!
Huh?! Wai...
Wha, she's going for her last spurt this early?! She barely made it across the finish line last time, and you're telling me she's gonna keep this up 'til the end?
You're right. It's a reckless maneuver. However!
Pant, pant, pant...
(Back then, I couldn't become number one.)
(My bluff was called, my pride, torn to pieces. I drowned in self-pity, knowing full well how pathetic I was.)
(Even now... I'm still suffering! My body's hot! My throat hurts! I can't feel my legs! Still...)
(, I want to win! I NEED to win! Nobody's going to be number one, except for me!)
(I know that maybe I'm just being way too stubborn... But that's fine!)
Right now, let me show you just how pigheaded I can really be! Haaaaah!
Daiwa Scarlet wrings out the last of her energy as Vodka closes in. The winner is...
Bravo, Daiwa Scarlet.
Pant... Pant... I... won?
Aughhh, dammit! I actually lost, maaan!
Vodka...
Hmph. Hey, don't go thinkin' things are over.
Got it? Next time, I'm settlin' the score! I won't lose... honor student!
...Hehe. I like your attitude, I'll be waiting! The number one spot will always belong to me!
Isn't that right, Trainer?
It looks like my days of aiming to be number one with Daiwa Scarlet have only begun.
5. Two Sides of an Honor Student
39 linesAfter school, I start looking for Scarlet so we can get a head start on today's training.
Sorry for making you help me out all day. You were a big help though, so I appreciate it.
Not at all, I'm just happy I was able to assist. Feel free to rely on me whenever you need!
And with that, I'll be off!
Sigh. They've been running me ragged since morning... Gotta prepare for training now, too...
You're looking tired.
Eek?! T-Trainer?! Don't scare me like that!
...Geez, did you come here just to get me? Well, you could have saved yourself the effort! I was about to head over anyway.
And just so we're clear, I wasn't tired at all. It was just your imagination, a trick of the light.
Helping people out is kinda like an everyday thing for me. It's not a big deal.
As long as you aren't pushing yourself too hard, okay?
I know, I know. You might've forgotten, but I'm an honor student.
I'm more dependable than anyone else, and I never betray their expectations. Whether it's my conduct, my studies, or my running, I'm number one.
That's who Daiwa Scarlet is! So a few errands aren't enough to faze me.
Instead of prying into my private life, how about you focus on my training?
Didn't I say I would support you?
Y-you did say that when you scouted me... But didn't you mean "support" in the racing sense?!
Even then... You don't need to worry about me this m...
Hey Scarlet! Got a minute?
Ah... Wh-what's the matter? Something wrong?
I have to prepare the cooking utensils for tomorrow's home ec class. Sorry, but could you help me real quick?
Sure, I don't mind! I'll be right there, so could you go on ahead without me?
Yay, thanks a bunch! I'm glad I asked you! I'll be waiting!
Sorry Trainer, but you should go on ahead too.
I can help.
It's fine, I got this. And it's not that I don't want you with me, I just don't want to push my work onto others.
So off you go! Get prepped for my training! I won't take long, okay?!
Scarlet promptly shoos me away.
Thirty minutes later...
Sigh... That took way longer than I thought it would. Okay, let's get started.
...Huh, what's wrong? Why're you staring daggers at me... Are you mad? I do feel bad for making you wait, you know.
I'm worried you're taking on too much by yourself.
N-not even close! Besides, if I can't even do this much, how am I supposed to be number one?
I know I was late, so let's just train longer to make up for...
You can rely on me more!
What the heck... You're making me look like the bad guy here, you know?!
Also... you are my trainer, so I... d-do r...
Ahhh, never mind! Now I'm in a bad mood! Let's just hurry up and start training!
Daiwa Scarlet, a student set on being number one. It looks like it'll take a lot more time before she learns to count on me.
6. A Perfect Present
60 linesIt's my day off, so I decide to go for a stroll downtown when...
Ah, Mama? Sorry to bother you when you're busy. It's just... I was wondering about your itinerary for next month.
Mhm, mhm... Is that so? Mhm... Got it, thanks! Talk to you later!
Nice! Now that I know the hotel she's going to be staying at, I'm all set! All that's left is getting a present... Hehe! ♪
Were you on the phone with your mom?
T-Trainer?! What're you doing h, wait, don't tell me, were you eavesdropping? Not a very respectable hobby, if you ask me!
Sigh... Mama's birthday is next month, so I needed to know where to send my present.
You know, a surprise. Whether or not Mama will actually be surprised is another question though.
I'm trying to think of the number one present for her... The present that'll make her the happiest, that'll make her think, "That's my little girl!"
Need a helping hand?
You want to help? Hm, I guess having you carry my bags would be pretty nice.
Okay, I'll let you tag along. Now come on, we haven't got all day!
And so, I decide to help Scarlet with her present hunting...
But picking a gift is proving to be unexpectedly difficult.
Maybe a necklace... Hmmm. It's cute, but I can't picture Mama wearing this.
This earring is pretty, but a little too gaudy. Something a bit more refined would fit her better...
Oh, but what if I got her clothes? Like this one, it's the most popular brand name right now...
but that's also all it is. You see people wear this everywhere. If it's for Mama, I want something that feels more special.
How about a bouquet of flowers?
Not a bad idea... but I really want to give her something with more oomph. Since it's her birthday and all, I wanna make her jump for joy.
And to do that, I need to pick the number one present for her, a present only I could think of.
Probably won't find anything else here. Next up, the shopping mall!
Hmmm. There's a lot to choose from, but none of them scream, "Mama," to me.
You really love your mom, huh?
Of course I do! After all, Mama was an amazing racer!
She took home plenty of accolades during her racing career, and now she travels around the world doing all sorts of work.
She's like the Umamusume everyone looks up to, she's wonderful!
So she's your role model?
Mhm, that's right.
The first time I won a race, Mama wasn't there to watch, but she still left me a voicemail saying, "Congratulations."
At the time, I was so happy... And even now, she sends me a message whenever I win.
They're always short and to the point, but to me, they mean the world.
Is that why you want to be number one?
Well, something like that. I also just really hate losing, but I'm sure you know that already.
Anyways, that's why I have to pick out the number one present. I won't settle for anything less! So come on, let's keep looking!
...Hmmm, I'm starting to run out of ideas. Not sweets, not accessories, not shoes...
Hey, you got any ideas over there? I'll hear you out, but just this once.
And just so you know, cookie-cutter trinkets won't cut it. It's got to be something special, something only I could give her!
Something special, that'll make her happy... What would make Scarlet's mom hap, I got it!
What? Did you think of something?
You just need to win a race!
Win a race? And that'll be my present?
Hm... It might work, I guess? Mama always messages me when I win, after all.
Becoming number one for Mama... So I'll finish first, and when they interview me, I'll shout, "Happy birthday, Mama!"
It'll be the best birthday she's ever had!
I-it would, wouldn't it?! It might not be on the exact day of her birthday...
But it's definitely something unique, something only I can do. I'll give my best to Mama!
A sound idea, at least coming from you. I'll give credit where it's due.
All right! It's decided! I'm definitely winning the next race! That's what you want too, right? It's a win-win situation!
You got it!
Then what are we twiddling our thumbs here for?! Let's go train!
Huff, puff, huff... Phew.
I went a little overboard back there. Sweat's getting in my eyes...
No, I'm only just getting started! I'm feeling really motivated!
I'm sure your mom will be overjoyed.
Mhm... That's what's keeping me going.
Hehe, I should think of what to say to Mama during my victory interview!
But for now, let's keep going, Trainer! That number one spot is as good as mine, so you better put your back into it too!
Sometime later, Daiwa Scarlet achieves a decisive victory, taking home the number one spot.
Right on cue, she gets a congratulatory call from her mom. Picking up the phone, she lights up with a pure and precious smile on her face.
7. This Isn't Like Me, But...
62 linesToday marks the first day of summer camp. To make the most of our time, I've gone ahead and started Daiwa Scarlet on beach runs.
Pant, pant, pant... Haaah, aaagh... I'm sweating buckets...
Let me take a quick breather! Sigh... Running on sand really tires you out.
But it'll also build up your muscles that much more.
If it didn't, I'd have some choice words for you. I'm not trying to waste all my energy for no reason, you know.
If anything, I welcome a hurdle or two. Each obstacle I overcome is another step closer to being number one.
Okay, I'm done resting! Let's get back to it.
She's caught her breath, but I can tell her balance is a little wobbly. Looks like her legs are shaky, and I doubt this heat is doing her any favors either.
Let's call it here for today.
Huh? Were you even listening to me just now?
I said I welcome challenges! We're at summer camp, so isn't a tougher schedule par for the course?
If I complained about every little thing, there's no way I could become number one!
Even so, you shouldn't overwork yourself.
I don't need you to tell me tha, aah?!
Scarlet tries to take a step forward, but her legs give way beneath her.
Tch... I can't become number one if I get exhausted this easily. I have to do m...
Resting is also an essential part of training.
We still got camp tomorrow too, you know?
Fine, fine. I'll listen to you this time.
I mean, you are my trainer and all. And I can't stand you worrying about me.
Geez. As soon as I'm back up to snuff, we're making up for lost ground.
I better not find you sneaking out to run, okay?
Excuse me. I'm not a child, so could you not treat me like one?
If we're done training, then I'm free for the rest of the day, right? See you.
With a slight wobble in her gait, she starts heading back to the dorm.
Later in the evening, I decide to go check up on Scarlet. In the dorm hallway, an unfamiliar student comes up to me.
Oh hey, you're Scarlet's trainer. Are you looking for her?
I don't think she's in her room. I just saw her heading towards the entrance.
She was pretty beat after today's training... Is she going to be okay walking around by herself?
Oh, if it isn't my trainer? What's that look on your face for?
I was about to go for a walk an...
I'm coming too!
I-I don't mind... But, what're you getting so worked up for?
Don't tell me, you're worried I'll sneak in some training again...
You were a little unsteady this afternoon, so I just want to be sure.
Ah, so that's why. Don't worry, I took a relaxing bath followed by a nice nap.
Like you said, we have training tomorrow too. I wouldn't want to overdo it today and feel dead tomorrow.
But I've got to say... You really are a worrywart. You know, at first I thought you just didn't trust me.
How about this? I'll prove to you that I'm full of energy and feeling perfectly fine!
Daiwa Scarlet insists on leading the way, so I follow along beside her, when suddenly, lively festival music starts playing nearby...
I heard there was a festival going on nearby, so I was just about to go and check it out. Hey, don't all these delicious smells make you hungry?
Looks like your appetite's just fine, too.
Of course it is! A happy stomach is key to a happy me.
Come on, let's go buy out the food stalls! Oh, but before that, let's have some fun!
After taking in the festival, we load up on food and head to the beach. Yakisoba, takoyaki, shaved ice, cotton candy, we devour them one after the other.
Mmm, that hit the spot! Yum, yum! ♪
I'm glad you're having a good time.
Hey, didn't I tell you earlier? Stop being such a worrywart already.
Okay, I did overwork myself that one time, but now I'm not alone, so...
A-anyways that's how it is, so I'm fine now! Got it?!
Thanks for counting on me.
I didn't say it was you I was talking about, did I?!
It's just, you are a pro trainer... So I thought it'd be okay to leave the training stuff to you, nothing else.
B-basically, you better take responsibility for what you promised! You're the one who said, "Let's become number one together."
Just leave it to me!
And there you go, getting all carried away.
I'll be way more prepared for tomorrow's training, so you better not fall behind either!
I will become number one, but I can't do it alone.
That's why... you need to keep up with me and become the number one trainer too!
The next day, Daiwa Scarlet runs with a newfound resolve beneath the shining sun, more dazzling than even the distant horizon.