Dashing towards Your Dreams

Ah... I made it. I finally arrived!

I'm in... Tokyo!

...Wait, stay on track! This isn't the time for dawdling! Let's see... now that I'm at the airport, I have to...

Um, excuse me? Could you help me please? I need some directions.

Yes, of course! Where are you trying to go?

I'm trying to get to the Japan Umamusume Training Center Academy, please!

Tracen Academy: Japan's best training institution for Umamusume who aspire to enter the racing world.

I've always admired the Tracen Academy racers. Ever since I was little, I've watched them light up the track on TV...

Each and every one of them was so special! They really sparkled! I always wanted to be just like them!

(So I couldn't believe it when I passed the school entrance exam. Mom and I had to pinch each other to make sure we weren't dreaming!)

(But this is no dream. No, I'm here to make my dreams come true! That's why... I have to run!)

I'm here! This is the station closest to the academy! Mom told me to make sure to ask someone for directions, but...

...Nah! I have a map, after all. I can just use this and I'll be fine! After all...

From today on, I'm a student of Tracen Academy!

...A student with no sense of direction! Dummy, dummy, dummy, dummyyy!

Where in blazes am I?!

Uh-oh... The sun's getting low... and I'm hungry too. Am I on a one-way road to disaster? Mooooom!

Huh? Was that the wind?

(Not a chance! That was totally...)

Those ears, that tail... They're just like mine!

...?

Whooooa! No way, omigosh! You're actually, like really, actually...

...an Umamusume, aren't you?!

H-huh? I-I am, but... do you need something?

No! I mean, this is just my first time seeing one in person like this!

(Whoaaa, like... Whoa! This is crazy! She's an Umamusume like me, yet so different! Her tail sparkling in the setting sun is so prettyyy!)

Ummm...

Aaah! S-s-sorry! I didn't mean to stare at you like that! I was just so amazed with how pretty you are... Ahahaha!

Oh, now that I take a closer look, that red tracksuit of yours... Does that mean you're a student at Tracen Academy?

Y-yes... And your uniform means... you're one too, no?

Ah, I just transferred here today though! I'm Special Week! Nice to meet you!

Is that right? ...Um, nice to meet you too. I'm Silence Suzuka.

Suzuka, huh? I won't forget! Anyway, um... is it okay if I ask you something?

...Yes?

The Academy! Do you know how to get there?

Huff, huff... Phew. Special Week, um... are you okay?

Wheeze... Wheeze... Wheeew... I-I'm okay! I mean, I'm better than okay!

That was a lot of fun! Like, sooooo much fun!

I've never run together with anyone before, let alone another Umamusume!

The tippy tap of our footsteps and our tails swishing around together... Hahaha! It was so great, you know? Like, seriously fun!

You think so?

Um... By the way... we're here. This is Tracen Academy.

Huh?! It's here?!

This is...

It's...

It's sooo huuuge... Ueeergh...

Aah?! Uh... Special Week?!

(And so the curtain rises on my new life at Tracen Academy!)

Hey, Special Week?! Um... Please, w-wake up!

(...Though I can't even rise to my feet!)

Huh?!

Ah, it's already this bright! Sorry, Mom, I'll head out to the fields right 'way!

Wait a sec... this is...

G-good morning.

Aaah?! An Umamusume! Wait, I mean... Suzuka?! Huh? Um, I... What?!

(Oh, that's right! Yesterday, I arrived in Tokyo! Then I met Suzuka and we ran together! And after that...)

After that... I was totally shocked at how big the academy is... then I got all dizzy.

...Hey, Suzuka. Just wondering, but... I totally caused you a ton of trouble, didn't I?

Not really... I heard from the dorm leader Fuji that you're my new roommate, so I figured I'd just carry you back with me.

You carried me back?! Aaaahhhh! I'm sorry, so, so sorry!

Oh, but you said we're roommates?! That makes me so happy! ...But I feel super sorry too! Aaaaah!

U-um... are you okay?

Phew... Yeah. I feel much better after washing my face! Sorry I made such a racket earlier, hehe...

But can you blame me? Tracen Academy is seriously amazing! I mean, even the dorm's washrooms are ginormous!

Yes, well, there are two dorms, Ritto and Miho, both of which are divided into several buildings.

Still, there really are a lot of students. If we didn't have this much room, we would probably all be squished together.

I see! ...Ah, are those bottles over there all tail-care products? There's so many!

Exactly who is making all this noise this early in the, Huh? Haven't seen you around before.

Ack, sorry! I-I'm Special Week, I just transferred here yesterday!

Ah, so you're the one... I'm Air Groove, the vice president of the student council. I heard you collapsed earlier. Are you all right?

I-I'm f-f-fine! Your Excellency!

I'm only a vice president.

Um. Special Week, it's okay. She's actually not that scary. Despite how she appears...

That's the most reassuring description you can muster?

...Ah, forget it. In any case, you might want to check out a mirror, Special Week. Your tail is still a mess.

It is?! S-sorry, Your Grace!

I told you, I'm just the vice president... Honestly.

...Suzuka, can I ask you to give her a tour of the place? After that, show her to the student council office. The president will be waiting there.

Ah, sure... I can do that.

I know it's a lot of walking around, but your leg is okay now, right?

Huh? Oh yeah, it's completely fine. I've even started training again.

Is that so? How about registering for a scrimmage, then? I remember seeing quite a few that lined up well with your recovery.

Hm... Um, about that...

Waaah! Wh-what?! What, what?! Sorry, does anyone know how to stop the dryer?

Sorry... I should go and help Special Week.

Understood.

Okay, as for our tour... this is the cafeteria here. They serve breakfast and dinner every day, which includes days off like today...

...!

Ah.

Urk. Sorry, I know you're in the middle of explaining everything. But I missed dinner yesterday and can't bear the hunger anymore...

...

Eh... Hehe... Hehehe!

S-Suzuka?

Ah, s-sorry. It's just... your belly gave you away. I can't... Hehehe. Hahaha!

Haaah... Um... First off, let's grab something to eat, then.

Okaaay...

I-I-I... I hope, I hope I'm not bothering you!

No need to be so formal. I should apologize for calling you here when you're still settling in.

O-oh, not at all! Um, the p-p-p-privilege is all mine. ...No, wait, the pleasure? U-um!

Haha... Well, I should start with an introduction. I am Symboli Rudolf, Tracen Academy's student council president.

Special Week, we warmly welcome you. If you ever have any issues with your student life, please feel free to let us know.

Th-thank you! Pleased to meet you!

Likewise. As you already know, Tracen Academy is the country's greatest learning facility for Umamusume longing to enter the racing world.

Here you'll inspire and be inspired through friendship and rivalry, find your one and only trainer, and battle on with frenzied effort in the Twinkle Series.

I expect you to work vigorously in achieving a bright future for yourself. Welcome to Tracen Academy, Special Week.

That said, I was hoping to offer you a tour after our meeting, but... unfortunately, I have other affairs with the student council that I must attend to.

Which! Means! That! It's my time to shine!

Eep!

When Prez is in trouble, I'm the one who comes running! Me, the venerable Tokai Teio! Wahahahaha!

Wh-wh-wh-wh-where did you just come from?!

Teio... it's fine if you want to kid around, but you could choose a better time and place.

Okaaay, sorry about that. ♪ Ah, you're the new transfer student, right? I'm Tokai Teio, nice to meetcha! ♪

All right, let's get on with the tour! On your marks, gooo!

H-huh?! W-wait for meeee!

Goodness...

Whatever the case, I know I can trust Teio.

Right then! Let the academy tour begin! First up, this is our classroom! We gotta study too, you know!

Hm... Showing you this is pretty boring, yeah? Any old school has classrooms. Come on! To the next place!

Huh, already?!

Ta-daaaa! It's the turf track! From here on, you'll be training on this beauty!

Wooow, amazing! It's so well-kept and clean!

Well, that's all thanks to the maintenance staff! Thank you, staff, for always supporting us!

Okay, onto the next place!

There's more?!

Now it's time for a back-to-back marathon through three training facilities!

First up is the school's gym. All the devices were built to be used by us Umamusume, so going full throttle is totally okay! ♪

This is the pool! Being able to swim no matter the time of year is the best! Incidentally, I'm especially great at diving!

But my number one thing is dancing! Forgetting to practice for the winning concerts is a big no-no, you hear?

Oh, and here, this is... Huh? New girl?

Y-yes, I'm here! Sorry to keep you waiting.

Hmmm. Are you tired? Well, the academy is really spacious, and we have been running from place to place.

Weeeell... Yeah... All right, I've decided! Now's the perfect time, too!

Let's move on to the last place in our tour!

Hey, this isn't Tracen Academy! Why are we at the Tokyo Racecourse?!

Come, come, no need to fret the deets! Rather, we need to hurry up before things start!

I'm talking about the G1 race, of course!

G-G1?!

That's right! It's part of the prestigious Twinkle Series that every racer aspires to!

Within the series, the G1 races are the toppest of top-class! And this one's about to begin!

Rounding the fourth corner is number three, Antagonist! But number seven, Ribbon March, holds on! Look at her persevere!

And here comes number ten, Ay Tanri, from the outside! She's pulling to the front with incredible speed!

200 meters to go! They're neck and neck for the lead! It's a close one! They're running side by side, right up to the finish line!

Wooooow!

(Such thunderous cheering, it's like a storm! The crowd feels so electric! )

So this is the Twinkle Series!

How about that, new giiirl? Tell me what you think of a real G1. ...Oh.

Ahaha, doesn't look like I need to ask!

Yeah, I feel so energized! No, maybe it's more like...

I want to be on that stage too! I want to appear in the Twinkle Series and seize my dreams!

Mom, Mama, now that I'm here at Tracen Academy in Tokyo, I'm gonna give it everything I've got!

All righty! Starting today, my life as a Tracen Academy student finally begins!

Oh, that's right! If it's okay with you, Suzuka, do you want to go to school toge...

She's already gone?!

Her tracksuit's not here, so maybe she went for an early morning run? Wow, she really wakes up early...

I wonder if she'd let me run with her again if I asked.

Maybe when she gets back, I'll work up the courage to ask. Then afterwards... Hee hee!

Ah! I gotta get going! If I keep daydreaming, I'm gonna be late!

Bueno!

Hello, greetings, and salutations! I've been waiting for our bold new challenger to step into the ring! Bienvenida, Special Week!

Huh, ah, huh?!

Oh... Do excuse her for startling you. I'll be sure to give her a stern talking to afterwards.

My lecture senses are tingling!

I'm Grass Wonder, and this is El Condor Pasa. It's a pleasure to meet you, Special Week.

Y-yeah, nice to meet you too! So... is it okay if I call you Grass and El then?

Sí! Oh, and if ya feel like it, I wouldn't mind ya taggin' "the world's strongest racer" to my name either!

Anda! Class is about to start! Hasta luego, Spe! See ya later!

Y-yeah, see you!

(Did I just make some friends? Yeees! I should keep this up for class and training too!)

All right, then, Special Week, please answer number five... Special Week? Hey, are you listening?

Y-yes?! S-sorry, I was copying notes from the board!

(So fast! Back home, the teacher always met my pace since I was the only student. I didn't think classes in the big city'd be goin' a mile a minute!)

This is bad, bad, bad, Spe! There's gonna be a quiz in math class next!

Wh-what?! A quiz?! Wh-wh-what should I do? I'm not ready at all!

It's times like these where one must remain calm, Spe. The contents of the test will all be fundamentals, so you'll be fine.

Grass... Oh, thank you so much! That's right, if it's the basics then it'll be okay!

(Or at least that's what I'd say if I knew the basics!)

Special Week... Now, I know you're our new transfer, but this score is... I think I'll have to assign you some extra work.

I'm sooooorry!

Sigh...

Don't think too much about it, Spe. It's still your first day, it's normal not to have a solid grip on things yet.

Yeah, she's right! There's no use in feelin' down! In any case, this afternoon is...

The highly anticipated! The long-awaited! The moment we've all been waiting for... Practice tiiiiime! We'll be training our racing skills!

Training! Yeah... You're totally right! So what if class went bad? Surely training will go much better!

Oh my. It seems Spe will be in this group for the scrimmage.

No way! Now I'm feelin' extra pumped! I heard her results in the entrance exam were super amazing!

Yes, I'm also looking forward to it. I wonder what kind of running style she has.

Huff... puff... Huff... puff...

Hmm, she's a little behind the middle. Think that makes her a late surger?

She seems somewhat... stiff.

(There are four furlongs to go! I'd better kick it into high gear here!)

Haaah, hm! Huh?!

(Wh-what?! No way, why are my legs so heavy?! I-I shouldn't be tired yet!)

Guess she ran out of gas...

Hm... She's likely not used to this track... Then there are also nerves to consider... Those combined might already have her drained.

Hmm... So that's why her running feels off. Qué pena...

Sigh... First class and now training too? Everything's gone so horribly...

Now, now, Spe. Remember, it's still your first day. I think it's best if you take your time getting used to everything.

Graaaaass! You still haven't changed yet?! Don't tell me you've forgotten your promise, your sworn oath!

Calm down. If it's our partner running you're referring to, then, no, I haven't. You'll have to excuse us, Spe. We'll see you tomorrow.

Oh... Y-yes, see you tomorrow!

Both of them are so amazing. Classes during the morning and training in the afternoon. Then more training after all that.

...

(I wonder if I'll be able to keep up... Mom...)

Sigh...

Oh, welcome back, Special Week.

Huh?! You're here already?! Ahaha...

Wait, those shoes... Are you going for a run?

Yeah, it's my daily routine.

Oh, is that right? ...Ah.

I wonder if she'd let me run with her again if I asked.

Maybe when she gets back, I'll work up the courage to ask. Then afterwards... Hee hee!

(That's right. I was thinking of asking her if I could come... too.)

(Although... What if running together is only fun for me? What if I... just get in her way?)

Special Week? Is something the matter?

Sorry, it's nothing! I'm gonna eat some dinner. It's already dark outside, so be careful! See you later...

Hm? Oh no. If I don't leave now...

Hm, Suzuka? You're going running at this hour?

Um... I don't plan on going very far, so if I leave right now, I should be back in time before curfew...

Of all the, people like you really are trouble. I'm tagging along.

You're letting me run?

You were prohibited from running for quite a while, so... it's not like I don't understand your urge to get back out there.

Thank you.

(The streetlights flicker... and though the days may still be hot, the breeze at night is so cool...)

(It all feels... so good.)

Phew... Let's take a breather, Suzuka. How's your leg? Does anything feel off?

I'm fine. My injury was only a sprain, after all. I think it was excessive to have me stop running.

You shouldn't think lightly of injuries you incur while racing. Even the smallest injury could hurt your racing career.

That's true, but... it was so hard not being able to run.

I often found myself jealous of the others. I'd lose track of time just watching them run.

So all those odd complaints expressed to the student council about "feeling watched" were because of you.

I'd also dream of running, and my legs must have been actually moving while I slept. I would wake up with my futon and covers all a mess.

You were pretty lucky you had no roommates to witness your alarming sleeping habits.

I found myself spacing out in class, and when called on by the teacher, I'd stand up and say, "I'm ready to run!"

First off, you need to pay attention in class, Suzuka.

N-never mind that... The point is, I've been having a hard time.

That isn't hard to imagine, given your stubborn obsession with running.

Isn't it ironic? I came to this school and started entering races because I love running. But that's exactly what lead to my injury.

Hm...

Oh... That break was a little too long. We have to get back before curfew. Let's go, Air Groove.

Pant... Phew.

Your form was a little sloppy, Suzuka.

I was just... distracted.

What, are you thinking racing doesn't matter so long as you can still run?

...

I believe there is a definite reason for you coming here to Tracen Academy.

Is there? What would that...

That is something you have to answer for yourself... It's getting cold. Let's head back to the dorm.

(I... love running. All alone, I run on and on, always chasing after that peaceful scenery beyond.)

(But... isn't that something I can find while running on my own?)

(In that case... why did I come to this school to race?)

Phew... That hit the spot.

Huh? Special Week... You're not going back for more?

Oh, yeah. Five bowls will do... Sorry, I should head out.

(...Mom.)

Aaah! Stop, stop! I can't be homesick already! I just got here!

(Does her stomach hurt, maybe?)

Silence Suzuka, sorry to disturb you during your meal, but can I have a moment?

Huh? Oh, yes... What is it?

It's about this weekend's planned scrimmage. There's an open spot.

I know you were previously injured, and this scrimmage seems like a good opportunity to get you back on the track. What do you think?

Racing in the scrimmage? Um... Well, yes... If it means I can run...

Oh...

Isn't it ironic? I came to this school and started entering races because I love running. But that's exactly what lead to my injury.

Something wrong? Are you still not feeling up to it, perchance?

Ah, um... Sorry. Can I have a little time to think?

...I see. Very well, then. I certainly won't force you. But let me know as soon as you've made your decision.

All right... Good night, Special Week.

Yeah, good night, Suzuka.

(Tomorrow will bring more classes and training... Will I be able to get the hang of things? Or...)

(I really do want to race, but if I get injured again at the scrimmage...)

Siiigh...

Hm-hm-hmmm. ♪ What to do? What to do? ♪ Wonder if I can find something fun. To. Dooo, Oh!

Hey! New! Giiirl! What's up? Gotten used to the academy yet?

Oh, Teio...

Huh? Why are you looking so glum?

Gotcha. So that's what's got you down in the dumps.

I thought I was prepared to face some tough challenges here, but this is beyond anything I could have imagined... Sigh...

Hmm, I see, I see... Yeah!

This won't do!

Wh-what?!

This won't do! Won't do at all!

I know the classes and training sessions are hard here, and I get that you're stressed because everyone's so fast...

But if that's what the academy represents to you, then that's a real shame!

It is? Really?

Yup! And I'll tell you why.

You still haven't learned the very best thing about this place!

The best thing? What could that be?

If you wanna know... come with me!

Huh?! Ah, wait, Teio!

Come on! Hurry up and follow me!

W-wait, please! Huh? Why am I getting déjà vu?!

Huff... puff... Teio... where are we going?

Huh? Who's that running over there?

Haaaaah!

El! Sh-she's really going for it...

Ahaha, looks like El's revved up today too! You two are in the same class, right?

Hey, have you ever asked El why she runs?

Why she runs? Well, no, not yet...

Raaaaah!

She runs in order to prove that she's "the world's strongest racer"!

Not just in the Twinkle Series, either. She wants to prove her strength by also winning races abroad.

The world's strongest... So that's why! El is incredible!

Tsk, tsk, tsk. El's not the only one, you know?

Hmph!

Grass is incredible too! Well, in her case, maybe "overwhelming" would be more accurate.

Do you... know why Grass runs?

Haaa!

The zenith!

That's her goal, and what a great goal for a racer to have. Who cares if it's simple?

The world's strongest racer and "the zenith"...

Haha! Told you those two are amazing!

Still, "the world's strongest racer" and "the zenith" won't mean much when I become the best Umamusume to ever exist.

...!

You know President Symboli Rudolf, right? We all say she's the best in Tracen Academy!

I'm going to become like her and be the best Umamusume around. No matter who I face, I won't lose.

That's because I'm "the Invincible Teio"!

Invincible... So that's your dream...

Well, yeah, right now, it's just a dream. But we're students of Tracen Academy!

If you find a trainer here, you'll be able to race in the Twinkle Series. And on the racecourse is where our dreams lie!

Everyone here came to this academy with a dream in their heart. It's here, and only here, that we can make them come true!

Make your dreams... come true!

All right, then how about you and I get started already? Up for some partner running, new girl?

Partner running... Wait, you mean now?! Me and you?!

Yeah, right now! Come on, no dragging your feet! It's racing time!

By the way, what's your reason? Why do you run? What're you at Tracen Academy for?

Why? I...

I...

(But this is no dream. No, I'm here to make my dreams come true! That's why... I have to run!)

Okay, we're doing this. Ready, set... GO!

Huff... puff... huff... puff...

Oh! Good job keeping up, Spe!

But... you won't outrun me!

(She's fast! The pressure I felt earlier... it's even more intense now!)

(Does... does her strength come from the desire to realize her dreams?)

Well... In that case!

What the?! She completely closed the lead I had!

Teiooo! I...

I came here to be the best Umamusume in Japan!

...Oh yeah?

Well, guess what? You're not beating me, Spe!

AAAHHHHH! RAAAAAH!

Tracen Academy... is a place to make dreams come true!

Of course... so that's it!

Well then... Do you get it now, Spe?

Yes!

Thank you so much for showing me the best thing about Tracen Academy, Teio!

Oh, it's nothing. Hehehe!

Ah, is it that time already? Special Week, I'm heading...

Inhale... exhale... All righty! SUZUKA!

Y-yes?!

Is it okay if I go running with you?

Sure! ...Huh?

All righty! All done stretching! Let's hurry up and run, Suzuka!

Seeing as we're here together, why don't we do partner running? Let's treat it like a real race and give it our all!

A race...

Suzuka, does starting off with a 1,600-meter left-handed race sound good? I'll go prepare!

Ah, o-okay...

Okay then, then let's do this! Ready, set... GO!

Huh? Whoa?! She's already way ahead!

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

(It's just me on the track. No one else in sight, and all I can hear is my feet quietly hitting the ground... My favorite things...)

(Then... what's the point of racing? I could just run by myself forever...)

(Why am I... racing?)

Haaaaah!

...?!

Suzuka! Coming to Tracen Academy and being able to race with you has made me so happy!

That's why... I won't lose! Yaaaaah!

Ah! No way, she passed me...

(No. The lead is... my spot!)

Haaah!

Whoa, Suzuka! Well, I'm not finished yet!

(She's not backing down! If I don't keep focused, she could turn this around!)

But I won't... I won't give up my lead!

Waaah?!

...Not yet! Not yeeeeet!

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

Hehe!

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

Phew... Wow, we really ran a lot!

Yeah... We certainly gave it our all.

...

Suzuka? Um, are you okay? It seems like something's wrong.

Ah... No, I was just... admiring the view.

(How silly of me. What was I so worried about?)

First across the finish is Silence Suzuka! That's Silence Suzuka, showing off her splendid front running!

Pant... pant... pant...

(Competing with everything I have, pushing my limits to make it to the end...)

This is... the view from the lead!

(Thank you for reminding me... my new friend.)

You know, Suzuka, you're craaaaazy fast! I'm gonna have to train a lot more! I'm so pumped!

Um...

Ah, yeah? What is it?

Um... Is it all right if I call you Spe?

Huh? Oh... Yeah! Yeah, of course!

You two!

Aaaaah?! Waaaah?!

What are you doing out at a time like this! It's way past curfew! Get back to your dorms now! Move those feet!

Y-yes, ma'am!

Hmph. What a handful...

Dear Mom and Mama, student life is way rougher than I thought it would be. Everyone's so fast, lessons are difficult, and I'm very busy.

But... I have a dream that I intend to make reality.

Because of that, everything is okay! I'm going to do my best, together with my friends and classmates!

Someday I'll make my debut, appear in the Twinkle Series... and then make my dream come true!

I'll make you both proud! Love, Special Week.