Days Flying By

(The Solefall Faire.)

('Tis the autumn variant of the annual Fan Fests. Unlike the sporty feeling of spring, the autumn variant is distinct not only in name.)

(Classes and teams alike gather voluntarily to put out a variety of exhibits. You could say it is like Tracen's very own celebration of culture.)

(In other words, it's a veritable feast for the eyes, a divinely bestowed assemblage of Umamusume giving it their all in a non-race setting!)

(My name is Agnes Digital. I'm just your average, ordinary Umamusume.)

(I prefer to live behind a filter so as to not breathe the same air as my precious Umas. However...)

Step right up for the hauntiest of houses!

(How did I end up like this, the gaudiest of sights for all to see? Well, it all started about a month ago...)

(The hum of the cicadas remained loud and clear as we stood at the finis of our summer vacation...)

(And the illustrious Legion of the Demon Queen boasted only one member.)

Hehe. Hehehehehe. Heh! Heh! Heh! Heh! Heh!

Bwahahahaha! My plans for the ultimate haunted house, the superest of scares; the pinnacle of panics! Windy's Demonic Castle is ready for the darkness of night!

Anyone who dares step foot inside will succumb to the dreadliest of dread!

I think you mean "most dreadful of dread." Good morning, Windy!

Oh, g'morning to you too! I assume you wish to join the legions of Demon Queen Windy?

If you insist, then I suppose I could accept you within my ranks. Demon Queen Windy's Castle is a humongous plan, after all.

Haha. I bet it is. I can see you've put a lot of thought into making all kinds of pranks. Try not to overdo it, okay?

Eh? Wait, this isn't really s'posed to be a prank or anything...

Sorry! Can you show me your sports nutrition textbook? I totally blanked on our quiz today!

Yes, yes. I had a feeling this might happen. See you later, Windy!

Ah... Erm...

Hmph! This really isn't just a bunch of pranks...

I just thought now would be a good time... The Solefall Faire is perfect for getting everyone together to make Windy's Demonic Castle a success...

Well, whatever! I'm plenty the demonic mastermind all on my own! As long as I've got my planbook on me...

As long as... I've got my planbook... Huh?!

It's gone! My precious planbook! It's gone, gone, GONE! I must've dropped it somewhere!

Urgh... Can't find it around here either. It's over... So, so, over!

All those nights dwelling in the darkness to come up with the perfect plans...

Huh? Wh-what happened?

Doto! Are you okay?!

Owie owie owie... I-I'm fine, but more importantly, this notebook on the ground is safe...

You would contort your body in such a way to avoid trampling a lost object? Might you be the patron saint of charity? Nay, might thou be an angel?

Hehe. Well, considering I ended up falling, I'd say I'm still just a klutz...

O Mother Nature! May your beautiful bounties continue to nourish and protect this most blessed soul until the end of time!

U-um, anyway, what do we have here? "Demonic Castle... Blueprints"?

Ah! That's my notebook!

(I need to get it back, stat! I can't have more people think I'm planning some stupid pranks...)

Oho? Ohohoho? "Windy's Demonic Castle"?! It rings quite majestically in the ear, does it not?!

Hmm?

Wow... This is really quite detailed. It's incredible!

(Hmmm?)

A haunted house in the form of a castle? Now that's something I'd love to see and hear, to live from start to finish!

This looks like quite an ambitious exhibit. It would be fun to see it work out.

Hey, you two! I heard everything, and I accept your praise!

I'll have both of you join my legion as generals! S-so now you've gotta, um...

You've gotta help me make Windy's Demonic Castle a devilishly huge success!

(Henceforth, there was naught to do for myself and Doto but to offer our utmost unto our adorable yet cool Demon Queen!)

(Preparations for Windy's Demonic Castle at the Solefall Faire were proceeding smoothly, until...)

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm SO SOOORRY! I-it's because I'm such a dodo-brained klutz!

Ahhh, please calm down, Doto! It's okay, just breathe!

Lookie, we've got plenty of fabric, needles, and thread! I had a feeling something like this could happen, so I prepped extra!

But we've only got about a fifth of the cloth left! I'm sorry, it's because I keep ripping the fabric, messing up my stitches, and breaking the needles!

You're doing everything you can do to help out, and that's enough! Nay, more than enough! Still...

Perhaps inexperienced cosplayers such as ourselves... are not up to the task of weaving garments befitting the Demon Queen's legion...

But any warrior at my command needs to wear something ultra cool, no buts!

Sheesh, what has become of my underlings? Hear me! I, Windy, have made...

H-have made?

Aaabsolutely zero progress! Sewing's hard!

Making these outfits is gonna take more time than I thought... Digital! How much longer do you think it'll take to finish just one?

My liege! I shall utilize Digitan Date Divination in my calculation. Hmm...

Eureka! Please, lend me your ears. Whisper, whisper...

Hmm, I see, I see. So in other words...

We're DEFINITELY not gonna make it!

Um, Windy... I know I'm the one dragging us down, but if I may be so bold...

Maybe we should try to recruit more people for our cause? W-with some assistance, we might be able to somehow...

...If there's anyone out there who really wants to join my ranks, then that's fine by me. I don't wanna bother with the searching, though.

Um, b-but...

I've spoken, I don't wanna bother! This conversation's finished, and I'm gonna go work over there!

I'm fine with just the two of you. Everyone else is just... They're just gonna make fun of me...

... Um, Digital? I have a teeny favor to ask...

Huh? Oh! Yeah?

Huff, huff, huff! This ain't over!

Hrrraugh! See ya later!

Agh!

Phew, that lap was totally yours! Good stuff, Helios.

Wa-heeey, today's just my day! But what's up, Palmster? Vibes outta whack?

Y-yeah, you got me. I've been training a lot harder recently. Been thinking I need to give it my all for the autumn race season, y'know?

Everyone's talking about the huge races McQueen and Ryan are prepping for, but I've got my first fall race coming up too.

I'm not gonna let them outclass me. Nothin' to it but to win! You're gonna be at the gates with me, right? Can't afford to lose to you either!

So right! I'ma stay winning, so you better get ready!

(Well, I say that, but... Hmm...)

Hrmmm... Hm?

Huh? What's up, Helios?

Thank you for the design, Digital! I hope these flyers can really speak to the people...

Right? But color me surprised, Doto. To think that you would go behind our queen's back to search for new recruits...

I-I would really hate to give up now. I just want all parts of Windy's plan to live up to her dreams.

B-but I really wouldn't be able to do this without your help, hehe. Thank you very much!

Not at all! I mean, it's not like I did anything special...

Hey, YO! What's good to know? ☆

Windy's Demonic Castle?! Sheesh, our little goddess, wait, our Demon Queen ATE with this plan!

Oh, so she's planned it for the Solefall Faire? I guess that is coming up soon. And you said you were looking for some new helping hands?

Yes! So ummm... Palmer, Helios... w-would you consider...

Say less! This is gonna be lit, right, Palmster?

Huh?! H-Helios?

Oh relax, relaaax! It's important to get away from just runnin' all the time, yeah? Even you were saying how tired you were!

We're at Tracen Academy, remember? Not some go-hard-or-go-home burnout bootcamp.

Which means student life is just as vital as racing life! So we gotta go all in! Or something!

Helios... But I'm...

And! I just know our gal Palmster's too kind to say no when people need her help! ☆

Urgh! ...Ahhh.

Doto, Digital. You mind giving a message to the Demon Queen? Tell her she has two new willing minions in the wings.

Yes, right away!

Waheeey! You're on fire today, Palmster! ☆

Haha, geez. Thanks, Helios.

Wooow! Finally! Finally, my four divine generals have gathered!

Agnes Digital! Meisho Doto!

Mejiro Palmer! Daitaku Helios!

And standing at the top, Demon Queen Windy! We're unbeatable! Nothing will get in our way!

Tsk, tsk, tsk, we've still much to do, my liege!

Huh?

She's right. We could use even more hands. You've laid out all of your plans in painstaking detail, so I think it's gonna be a pretty big task.

I think we'd want to get at least ten more people on board.

Ten?! It took us long enough to just find four!

Errrm. B-but you know, Palmer and Helios were the only ones to express even slight interest in our flyers...

Urgh... Dwelling in the shadows as I am wont to do, I'm afraid I won't be much help...

We'll turn those tsk tsks into hehes yet! Just leave it to the new blood! ☆

Yeah. All right, let's do this, bestie!

Waheeey!

Hey, hey, hey! There's something going down in the plaza! Some people are dressed up in costumes and handing out candy!

Huh, candy? Aren't they a bit early for Halloween?

Looks like they're trying to build hype for their Solefall Faire exhibit! Let's go check it out!

Bwa... BWAHAHAHA! S-something like that?

We are of Demon Queen Windy's legion! Our ranks are recruiting allies for the Solefall Faire!

Hey, hey, candy's free for the eatin'! And all you gotta do is give our flyer a readin'! Don't sleep on my crew, tell your friends who's who, now everybody come through and join the legion! ☆

Skdjsds... Such splendor! The light of the party... It is almost too much for my eyes to behold!

Wahey! I'd know that duo from a mile away. Those getups are adorbs too. You're rockin' 'em, gals!

'Sup! Wanna rock some threads just as fire? You just gotta help us out with the Solefall Faire!

Oh, looks like this exhibit is all Windy's idea. Whoa, this could actually be pretty fun.

Right? Feel free to drop by for a visit! Let's make Windy's Demonic Castle pop off!

Uwaaah, so many people... I-if they all join us...

Hey, what's with the ruckus? And what are you all wearing?! The Solefall Faire is still well off!

Oh, crap!

Time to scram! ☆

Huff, huff... That was close! We would have gotten chewed out for sure if he'd caught us.

I don't think I've ever changed so fast in my life! B-but you know, that was kind of fun...

Sorry 'bout that! Didn't think we'd get shut down so quickly. We handed out the flyers, but no one actually agreed to help out...

Umm... I was hoping to join Demon Queen Windy's legion... Is this the right place?

Oh? Yeah, you're in the right place for sure! ...Hey, when did all of you get here?!

Hey, hey! Turns out this is the place!

Hey, does anyone plan on using the rest of this paint? It'll dry up if we just leave it here.

I managed to finish half of this blackout curtain! Can we hang it on a window to make sure I got the size right?

Y-y-yes! That's right, I'll be using this lantern to guide visitors into the castle.

I see, Digitan is at your command! Just gotta make sure everyone is evenly spaced out, got it!

Hahahaha! We're gonna use every inch of this classroom to build the baddest haunted castle ever! Can't wait! ☆

The more folks who participate in the exhibit, the larger we can make it! But that means we've still got plenty left to do!

Just wow...

(There's just so many people... Wow! We should be able to make it now...)

Windy's Demonic Castle is definitely, DEFINITELY gonna be a huge success!

(And so henceforth, preparations for Windy's Demonic Castle were coming along swimmingly.)

(With the increase in our ranks came a certain tendency for some things to go awry, however...)

What, you wanna black out every window? I'm not sure that's a good idea. If we make everything dark, you won't even be able to see where the walls are.

Huh? A demonic castle's gotta be totally pitch-black! What if we just bought even more black fabric?

That would probably put us over budget... We've got so many other aspects to focus on as well.

B-but! The room's just gotta be pitch-black! Everything need to be covered!

Erm... I mean, I'll give it another look, but please don't get your hopes up. Sigh...

Urgh...

Yo, my liege! That's why I love ya!

Huh?

You want to build the best castle and do your legion proud, yeah? Mad respect for sticking to the vision!

Ah, y-yeah! This has to be the coolest castle ever, so yeah!

And you, nice Demon Queen minioning!

Huh, m-me? "Nice minioning"?

You're trying your best to uphold your queen's wishes, right? Thanks so much for handling all the budget stuff.

Well, I'm just doing the job I was given, and I want this to succeed too, so...

That's it, that's it! We're all seeking those success with a smile vibes! ☆ So maybe you can cook a little more with the whole pitch-black thing?

I'm sure we can find something that works! So we wanna make sure the room is pitch-black, walls included, huh?

Pitch-black... Pitch-black... Oh, I've got it! We've got some construction paper left over from making the hallway decorations!

Ah! I think I remember there being tons of black left over! We could cover the walls with that!

It's perfect!

We're so back! ☆

Ahhhhh...

Huh? Digital? Digital, get it together!

Oh, th-thank you, Doto. I might have been buzzing too close to that blinding light...

At this very moment, I fully understand the mind of a moth. How could I not be drawn in when those two handled that disagreement with the kind of grace I could only dream of?

I'm so glad that Palmer and Helios were able to help us out. Truly, from the bottom of my heart...

Hm? B-but you've done so much for us too, Digital!

Eh? Oh, there you go again! You're much too kind, Doto. Digitan's presence is but a drop in the bucket.

I couldn't even speak up in the presence of conflict. An otaku dares not to pressure her oshi.

B-but...

Doto! Can you give some advice for this outfit?

Oh, yes! Be right there! ...

Phew! It's coming along! We're cutting it close, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Yep! I can hardly wait for the day of! It's shaping up to be a Solefall Faire exhibit for the ages!

So true! I wonder if Rubae and Miracle will show up too? Even got a LANE message from Jordan yesterday telling me that it's lookin' lit! ♪

Better tell her you're looking forward to her pulling up, then! ♪ And you know, I can't help but think as all this is going down...

Windy's something else.

Yeah, I get that! Love the vibes her type gives off! ♪

Yeah, what can I say? It's just nice to see her do her thing. Even if she comes off a little selfish, she's got a strong vision, and she knows it.

This might come off as a bit stiff, but I really respect that. You have to be pretty strong to pull off that kind of thing.

So yeah... Um... Y'know...

Hm? What's wrong, Palmster?

Uh... So hey, Helios.

I've got my own selfish request to make, so uhhh... you mind?

All right! Red and purple cellophane: check. New set of markers: check. I think we're done here.

Yo, we might've copped everything in the store! ☆ Sheesh, everyone's bag is so huge!

Hehe, they really are! We'll be safe for decorations and costume materials at this rate. We've got acrylic paints, cardboard, and chocolate bars too!

Wait... Chocolate bars? When did we go to a candy store?

Bwahahaha! Perhaps you should be more observant, like right now!

Whoa, what's with all these snacks? And in my bag too? I've been had!

Hahahaha! There's a buncha donuts in my bag! Truly devious, my liege! ☆

I can hardly believe you've all only noticed now! This is no time to get sloppy! To atone, bag duty is all yours! ☆

I suppose once we get back, you can have some of those snacks as a reward for other jobs well done.

Pant, pant... Truly the goddess of mischief, my liege. I thank the powers that be for letting me observe!

Hm? Doto? Is something the matter? You've been deep in thought for a while now.

Oh, it's nothing big. It's just that I've had the wallet with our budget in it the whole day, so...

You say mischief, but I think that Windy paid for all of those snacks out of her own pocket.

Urk...

Whaaa?! D-D-Digital!

Hey, Doto! Why so slow? You're suspended from bag duty! All your candy's gonna be mine!

Whoa, so devious, my liege! ☆

Heh-heh, that's right!

W-Windy, those bags are so heavy! P-please at least let me carry one of them!

No can do! Unless you can catch me, that is!

W-wait a moment pleeease!

Oh, we racin' now! I'm not gonna lose! Hahaha!

Well, looks like someone's having fun.

Ehehehe, indeed. Guehehehe...

Heh, you look happy too! These are some seriously good vibes, for sure.

Events like the Solefall Faire have a way of bringing the most unexpected people together. It's fun, isn't it?

I never would have thought I'd get to hang out and become such good friends with you, Digital. Thank you and Doto both for the invite.

Whoa, f-f-f-friends, you say? I am not at all worthy of the title!

B-but uh... Umm... I'm really happy to hear you say that... Yep.

Haha, don't be so stiff!

But really, I'm so thankful. I was setting myself up for disaster before you came along, honestly.

I was so focused on the upcoming autumn race season that I was recklessly pushing myself. I was feeling all outta whack, like, mad stressed out.

Oh... I-is that so? I'm sorry we bothered you during such a busy period...

Nah, not at all! Helios pushed me a bit to take you up on your invitation. She knew I could benefit from stepping away for a bit.

And seeing everyone work so hard prepping for the Solefall Faire, I was reminded of something.

That it's okay to be selfish, sometimes.

Palmer?

It's time. Windy, everyone! I have something I'd like to tell you.

Beginning next week, Helios and I want to start focusing on training for the autumn racing season again.

So I apologize... You might not see us around the classroom as much.

We really wanna continue to help, but sorry. There's something we really want to succeed at too.

Yeah. The two of us got to thinking, we really wanna blow the lid off of the autumn circuit.

The Demon Queen herself taught us something very important. It's not that we've got to win, or that we've got to give it our all.

It's that we want to win, and that we want to give it our all. And we owe it to ourselves as besties to make that happen!

...!

... Hmph!

Not like I care what you do! The Demon Queen's ranks shall not suffer with the loss of a measly two minions!

HOWEVER! Never forget that you're third and fourth amongst my four divine generals!

I won't forgive any pathetic race showings, do you understand? You must show everyone just how awesome your ruler truly is!

Windy...

Haha, you've got it, my liege! Keep a close eye on your minions, now! ☆

That makes sense. It's a little sad, but... I'm rooting for the two of them.

Hm? Digital?

(I knew it was a grave sin to ignore her, but I was so lost in thought that Doto's words flew right past me.)

(As the summer heat faded and the autumn breeze set in, the racing season that I had always looked forward to continued to approach...)

(But in that moment, amidst the cool zephyr upon my cheeks...)

(I found myself wishing that summer wouldn't end.)

Gyaaah! W-we'll never make it! There are still so many costumes to make, to say nothing about our sign!

Well, we could only really expect to lose some folks right about now. It's not just Palmer and Helios who've gotta prepare for the upcoming racing season.

Don't forget the other classes and teams are prepping exhibits too. We're in peak busy season right now. It's all up to us to build the throne then, yeah?

Urgh... Hey, you over there! Don't worry about the throne. Just move on to the next thing on the list!

Huh, are you serious? It's so much more simple than what you had planned out, though...

I'm the one who's gonna be sitting on it, so what do you care? I'm tired of watching over all of this. Let's just move on!

Hey, wait up! Well, I suppose we could make it somehow if we skipped this...

...

(Thusly, the days did pass, until the eve of the Solefall Faire finally arrived.)

We. Did. It!

We actually made it! I was seriously worried there for a bit!

You can say that again! I can't wait to see what everyone thinks tomorrow!

Yes, well I suppose some praise is in order, my legion! Good work, and rest well tonight. There's just a little left to do tomorrow morning!

Doto is in a meeting right now, so one of you go tell her that we're done here.

Okay, I'll go let her know. See you tomorrow, Windy!

And what do you think you're doing, Digital? You need to head back too.

Eh? Oh, um, yeah! For sure! But uh... as it stands...

Can we really say that the Demonic Castle is complete?

...!

Your humble servant recalls a different vision! The plans you had laid out, they had more...

More oomph! More demonic power! More tricksy charm! Everything was positively bursting with your vision!

'Twas akin to the fanciest of storybooks, decked out with special paper and gold leaf!

...I don't really get what you're saying.

Uwah, please forgive me! But r-really...

Are we really going to end our work here? Oh, they do let people stay the night in the school building right before the Solefall Faire! I'll just go ask...

I said we're done! Your job here is done!

I'm just gonna... do the rest by myself.

Huh? A-all by yourself?!

Oh, shut it! Just go home already! Get outta my way, useless minion!

I swear, I can't rely on any of you for anything! I gave you one simple instruction and you can't even do that right!

So your queen is going to do everything by herself! Just go home already!

Eek!

So that's how it went. Maybe I shouldn't have left without putting up more of a fight...

I see... Windy...

I understand... truly, I do! I can see that this is just another example of our liege's benevolent nature...

Just the fact that we got this far without Palmer, Helios, and the others is amazing... We should be proud of what we were able to achieve!

I can feel that she doesn't want us to sweat the details, but she also doesn't want any compromises! That's why she's trying to do it all herself! I don't want to just stand idly by...

But my oshi said it plainly: "I'll do the rest myself." Who am I to go against her wishes?

Um, Digital. These, um, "oshis" that you keep on mentioning. Are they like people that you admire or something?

Huh?! Uh, y-yeah! There's a bit more to it, I'll admit, but I think that's a good way to think of it.

I see... Uh... Um...

Digital, m-maybe it's not my place to say this, but...

A-are you sure you're fine with leaving her alone like that, then?

Huh?

I also... have someone who I really admire. She's stronger than anyone, radiant, and never backs down from a challenge. She seems the type to be okay on her own.

And because I look up to her, I know her skills and majesty well enough to realize she is fine on her own... But at the same time...

I don't... ever want to leave her on her own.

I wish to be... her friend.

Friend... Ah.

I never would have thought I'd get to hang out and become such good friends with you, Digital.

Ahhh...

(I had always thought the relationship between an otaku and her oshis was a one-way street. That it simply had to be.)

(But... maybe in this case...)

(The smallest of holes poked through that filter I prefer to live behind... and as it did, the fresh air hit me with such a force...)

Urgh... When did it get so dark? I guess there's no one left doing overnight prep?

So it really is... just me.

Grrr, that's fine! I'm gonna see Windy's Demonic Castle on to its glorious completion! For sure!

(I mean, I was so happy when we were all giving it everything.)

First Digital and Doto, then Palmer and Helios... Seeing all of the members of my legion slowly come together was so amazing...)

(And then she said...)

The Demon Queen herself taught us something very important.

That's right, I'm the illustrious Demon Queen, and my subjects admire me so!

I'll do this. I'll make sure that all who step foot into my lair feel the dreadliest of dread!

I can't wait to see the looks on my underlings' faces tomorrow. Now this is an actual prank!

Eek! What's that sound? Don't tell me... A ghost?!

C-come no closer! I need some kinda weapon!

Goood eveniiing?

Gyaaah!

Urrghhhgh! Thank you very much!

Huuuh? Digitaaal!

Uwah, it's just us, Windy! I'm sorry for startling you!

Doto! Eh, then the person I just walloped... Digital?! H-hey, wake up! Open your eyes, Digital!

Your wish is my commaaand!

Wait, just like that?!

Hehehe, verily, I am the undying jiangshi Digitan, one of Demon Queen Windy's four divine generals!

And one of your loyal followers.

So please hear my plea, my liege!

Please allow us to help you complete the castle!

I-I'm sure we can be of some assistance! Please, my liege!

D-Digital, Doto...

I knew I'd seen that lantern before. It goes so well with your costume, Doto.

Dang, there sure are a lot of us. Maybe we should go apply for permission to stay the night.

E-everyone! When did you...

Well you see, we couldn't really sleep, you know? Guess we were all hyped up over building the castle.

We knew there was just a bit more work to be done, so... can we help out too, Windy?

Oooh, you guys...

HMPH! You really are all just hopeless! You'd best praise my benevolence!

Right, let us get started then!

Yeah!

Sniff... Thank you.

Hey, can't we make the Demon Queen's outfit even more outrageous? She's the very last scare, after all.

Yeah, maybe we can add some horns or something? I could probably whip something up with some paper-mache!

Oh, heck yeah! I'd definitely look even cooler with some horns! Do it!

(And shortly, the sun broke forth from beneath the horizon.)

Mornin'! Anything left to help with? Training's got me PUMPED!

Sorry we couldn't be of any help lately! Wait... Whoa!

Bwahahaha! Witness the birth of the devilishly demonic Queen Windy!

Slay, Queen! Serving nothing but the most wicked of vibes! Love ya, my liege!

So cool, Windy! I'm gagged!

Hehe, hahahaha! Keep the praises coming!

Hehe, if Windy's happy with it, then so am I!

To witness the Demon Queen bask in the morning glow! I know that I will be revived endlessly, without fail!

(Ah, so the morning did glow. The Solefall Faire was finally upon us, which meant my time with my friends was approaching its end. And knowing that alone made me feel a bit...)

(Lonely.)

(And so, we've reached the opening of the Solefall Faire.)

We've got a haunted house just waiting to scare ya on the third floor! Won't you stop by?

Oh, I would be remiss not to mention that it's actually a haunted castle! A fortress molded by the hands of a legion of hardworking and precious Umamusume!

Hey there, demonic propagandist! Time to switch!

Hey, yo! ☆ Just leave it to us!

Ah, if it isn't two of my fellow divine generals! Thank you, I shall leave this task in your most capable of hands!

Reception for Windy's Demonic Castle is right over here!

Digitan has finished with propaganda duty! How fare our guest numbers?

Well met! Um, we've had a long line that only just cleared now! I'd say the numbers are good!

Ah, to be expected of a castle as illustrious as ours!

I believe my ability to draw in the crowds to be the weakest among the divine generals. Surely more guests will arrive shortly with those two outside.

(Our efforts are being repaid in spades, for the shrieks echoing from the halls of Windy's Demonic Castle barely cease throughout the entirety of the Solefall Faire.)

(Though perhaps they're less cries of fear, and more the joyous howls of those appreciating a simple scare and the sheer cuteness of our queen.)

(And soon...)

Break time! First, to the auditorium to watch everyone's shows. Then, hit up as many exhibits as possible, then check out the food stalls after that...

I've got a lot on my plate, but 'tis a plate stacked with the sweetest of morsels!

But wait, if this is the performance that's next on the schedule, then that means there's only about two hours left until the closing ceremony!

Then it'll all be... over?

(As I make the rounds, the sun sets before I know it. All that remains now is cleanup and the after-party.)

(A blazing bonfire surrounded by Umas engaged in pair dancing or snacking on leftovers from the food stalls...)

(Perhaps on some other day, their very visages would be enough to send me into a frenzy, but I...)

Oww! D-did something bite me?!

Wait, I'd recognize that silhouette anywhere! Wait just a moment!

Oh, Digital! Wait... lemme guess. You also felt some mysterious bite, gave chase to the shadow and ended up here?

"Also," you say... Does that mean it happened to all of you? Doto and Helios included... Why, the whole entire legion is here!

Bwahahahaha! You all make for such easy prey! ♪

I believe I've told you time and again to not get sloppy! You might find yourself victim to the most devilish of...

(And at that very moment...)

(As if to elevate the Demon Queen's words of wisdom into the very sky itself, the brightest of lights shines across the rooftop.)

Whoa, amazin'! I just knew this would be the place to see them!

Hm? Wait, so you baited us all into coming up here for this?

Now this is what I'd call a lit reward... literally! Our liege is the GOAT!

H-HMPH! Don't get it twisted!

Well, Windy's Demonic Castle DID turn out to be a big, huge, massive success! As your illustrious Demon Queen, some thanks are in order, I suppose.

Windy... Thank you so much! This year's Solefall Faire was just so much fun!

It's a little sad to see it end, after all we've been through...

...

(Yeah, it is a little sad for sure.)

(But there's a happiness in my heart to match... no, eclipse it. After all...)

(I've managed to break through that hole in my filter entirely, breathing the same air as all of you.)