Gold City's story

I've got this. I did my training. I can win. I will win, with the strength of my own two legs.

Huh? Where'd you come from? And who are you? Wait, that get-up... You're a trainer with the academy?

Look, if you've got something to say to me, save it for after the race. Otherwise, I'll pass.

Wow, she's so pretty! Just look at her! So she's the one they're all talking about!

Oh, um... e-excuse me! Are you...

...Yes? Are you talking to me?

I knew it! You're the model, City, aren't you? I've seen you in a magazine. You're so gorgeous!

Ah... Yeah, thank you.

Whew, with looks like that, you can't help but get excited to see her race. Go get 'em, City!

...Right. I'll be sure to deliver a captivating performance.

Gold City is still trailing the pack with 400 meters to go! Not looking good for her!

Pant, pant... Come on! I... I'm not done yet! I can still do this!

And she crosses the finish!

Pant, pant... Fifth... Damn it.

Hmm. That late rally showed a glimmer of potential, but overall a middling... or lackluster performance. Well, not bad for a model running as a side gig.

Did you see her running, though? That golden hair waving in the wind, simply enchanting. Wow, am I glad I got to see that!

...

Hey, City! Time out, time out! You're literally going to kill me!

Pant, pant... What, Jordan, you already beat?

I mean, yeah I'm beat. But City, you're feeling it in your legs too, aren't you? It's right after a big race, you seriously need to rest.

City, Jordan's right.

Whoa, what the?! Geez, that scared me.

Manager... Hmph. What are you doing here?

Any more of this and it'll affect your work tomorrow. Just look at those wobbly legs, what if you fall and hurt yourself?

Yeah, yeah. Wouldn't want a scratch on your precious money mannequin.

City... Listen to me. I care about you, and I'm saying this for your sake.

I've set up this next shoot to perfectly fit your image, cool, fierce, gorgeous, and...

I get it! I'll do my job, all right?!

You've done a lot for me, I'm thankful. And I owe you big time, so I'm not trying to quit modeling or anything.

But I'm also going to keep running and training! And I've told you again and again to stay out of that!

...And I've always said that I'm against it. City, you don't know your true worth!

Huh? My worth?! Choose your words more carefully if you're trying to curry favor! I know I'm worth more than being your pinup...

Oh my gosh! I'm totally craving a bowl of curry right now!

...What?

I mean, it totally sounded like you said "curry flavor," yeah? You made me hungry.

So yeah, uh, Manager? Mind if the two of us head out to eat?

...All right. I have a meeting about tomorrow, anyway. Don't get yourself hurt, okay?

...She gone? Phew, talk about tension. Your manager never changes, huh.

Sigh... Sorry, Jordan. And nice thinking. Thank you.

Ahaha! City with a sincere thank you? Who even are you? ★

Oh, I wasn't kidding about being hungry, though. Can we go eat, like, now?

...Nah, I'm gonna run a bit more. You go on ahead.

For real? Okaaay. Don't overdo it, yeah? Catch you later.

...Okay. Let's do this.

I'm not all looks. I'm not some dumb dress-up doll.

I'm going to be... the real me!

Pant, pant... Phew. Yes, a new best time! Now to try upping my pace...

Wow, just wow! Your running never fails to amaze, City!

Huh? Who're you?

As you can see, I'm a trainer! And I'm here to scout you!

Scout me? ...For real?!

Er, I mean... Ahem.

O-oh yeah? And? If you want to scout me, aren't you going to, like, give your pitch? You know, like plans and goals?

Yes, of course! I am going to make you the top Umamusume.

...!

No one will be able to take their eyes off of you! The brightest star on the turf, Gold City! That's what I have in store for you!

Huh. N-not bad.

Well, how about a trial period? I wouldn't mind training with you for a little while.

Oh, great! No time to waste, then. I'll see you at training tomorrow! Get ready, because we've got lots to do! Later!

Hey, wai, Going already?!

That was fast. Said what he had to say and dipped. No nonsense, huh.

No one will be able to take their eyes off of me? "The brightest star on the turf"?

...!

Argh, I can't! I literally can't!

Let's gooo! Yes, yes, yes yes yesss!

Honestly, I ran like crap that race. I thought for sure I'd have to wait till next time, but no, I got scouted! Yes!

...Someone was watching. Actually seeing me.

This is it. It all starts here. I'm going to run with my own two legs, as the real me!

G1 victory? Or even more? Bring it on! This time, everyone will know me for who I really am.

...Ugh, what am I doing off in fantasy land? Fifth in tryouts is low-key awful, like actually.

Back to training... Wh-whoa!

Uh, hold on, you... came up to me before the race. Wait, what? So...

You... heard all that?

You're fricking kidding me! Eavesdropping? I can not believe you right now!

Oh, really now? So you were just concerned about me, is that it?

Sigh... Okay, okay, whatever. You're making me feel like a bully at this point.

Just, forget everything you heard, and not a word to anyone. Promise me that, and you're off the hook.

And you better not say "no guarantees."

Good, then that's that. I need to get back to training, so you go do whatever.

No use trying to scout me anymore. I've already got a trainer.

Geez, it's not a funeral. What's with you?

I swear you almost burst into tears apologizing just now. Got nothing to hide, huh? Ever been told you can't lie to save your life?

I mean, not like I really care or anything.

Uh, thanks? Usually trainers support, you know, their own trainees, so not sure what that's supposed to mean, but...

Oh, you know what I really don't get, though?

Why didn't you say anything? I mean, from the way you're talking, it sounds like you were here first.

So why'd you just let that other guy swoop in?

Huh? Seriously? Haha!

Ugh. Nothing good ever comes to goody-two-shoes like you, you know.

Anyway, you can give me all the support you want. I'm off.

So, that big fuss out on the course, that was City, wasn't it?

I think the guy she was arguing with was her trainer? Seemed pretty heated. Wonder if she's okay...

Then, what? You're saying I should just stop training?

No, no, not at all. It's just, you don't want to put on too much muscle and ruin your proportions, or get any nasty scratches on your body!

Form is what you should be working on. Looking pretty while you run is the name of the game for you. Oh, that and winning concert practice!

Okay, so, is any of that gonna help me run faster? Help me win?

Wait, that's what you're worried about? It'll be fine. I'll handle it. The trick is, you just gotta run in races you know you can win.

Then there won't be a scratch on your reputation! The glamorous, the victorious Gold City, star of the show! The perfect plan, am I right?

No... No, no, no! That's not who I want to be!

Tell me... Why?

You said... you'd make me the top Umamusume. That I'd be the brightest star on the turf.

So why? ...Why are you giving me this crap?!

What? No, no, my stance hasn't changed. I mean c'mon, you're the Gold City.

Everyone talks about you, the cool and fierce model!

...!

You'll be great. Just leave it all to me! How to present you, how to make you shine, I've got it all figured out.

You just have to do what I say! It's for your own good. I mean, that's what a trainer's for, isn't it?

Huh? Y-you again... Why are you...

And who do you think you are? Why don't you mind your own business, huh?

Oh yeah? You got some nerve, pal!

...

H-hey! ...Kid doesn't know what's good for her. I coulda made her a star.

Dodged a bullet with that temper, though. Oh well, plenty of fish in the sea.

Uwaaah! What, what is it?

You scared me... Seriously, what's going on? You the paparazzi or something?

Sooo, you feel the need to find her, why? ...Kinda sus.

I know you're trying to scout her, but like, you're just after her looks, aren't you? I mean, I get it, she's drop dead gorgeous.

But that means you're like, not any different from her manager, you know?

So lemme ask you. Why do care about her?

Support her, huh.

So like, you're gonna do what, exactly, for her?

You got nothing?! Wait, like actually? Not a good look.

...Huh?

Uh-huh... Well, you do you.

Wait, why's it feel like you're waiting for me to say something? Can you not?

Wh-whoa there, don't creep any closer! Nope, not doing this!

Ugh, again? You've got to be joking!

No! Just, no! And stay away!

Phew. Should be safe he...

How are you still following me?! Just get lost already!

Stop! Ugh, I can't with you! Why are you asking me, anyway?!

I literally have no idea where she could be. I mean, the riverbank, I guess, but...

Oh, shoot.

Hey, wait a sec!

Don't tell her you found out from me, okay? Seriously, you better not tell! She's legit scary when she's mad!

Hey! Are you listening?!

...You again? Look, this is getting annoying. What is it you want with me, anyway?

...Who says I have anything to say?

The thing is, I have nothing. Nothing. A pretty face, a dumb doll. That's me.

Modeling was fun at first, you know. They'd ask me to look happy, or strike a pose, and they'd heap on the praise when I did it. I was proud of myself.

They wanted a certain image from me, so that's what I modeled myself after, what I performed.

But then one day, I was walking down the street, when I saw this huge poster of myself. And I thought... "Who's that?"

"This image of perfection brought to life, like she was born to look pretty. Who is that?"

Didn't have to think twice to know the answer, "That's 'Gold City,' duh."

The real question was... "Who's the one standing here staring at her? Who am I ?"

It scared me. I wanted to scream, and I just, I couldn't take it anymore.

My mind just went blank and I took off running, and I ran and ran...

And that's when I saw it... the sunset.

I legitimately had no clue where I was. And I tripped... I don't even know how many times, my legs were caked in mud, my favorite dress was in tatters...

But the sky, I don't know why, but it was just so pretty.

...And that's when it hits me. This, this is me.

My legs hurt like hell, and my lungs felt like they were about to burst, but it all just felt like me.

So I came to Tracen. To run and run, and to become me. To carve the real me into everyone's memory.

But...

City! Thank goodness you're here! Did you not get any of my calls? Come on, you'll be late for work.

Manager... Sorry, we were, er, busy talking... Oh wow, yeah, that's a lot of missed calls.

Well, whatever it was, I'm glad I found you. I assume something happened with that trainer?

Yeah, something like that. Sorry, uh, work. Right, let's go.

Oh, can we head back to the academy real quick though? I need to reserve the training course.

...Listen, City. Don't you think it's about time to give it up? You're worn out, both in body and mind. You've tried so, so hard. Isn't it tiring?

...!

You don't like people judging you by your looks, but that's just how it is. You have to learn to accept it.

I'll make you a top model. You should be up on the stage where you'll shine the brightest. Forcing yourself into a world where you don't belong only brings pain.

A world where I don't belong... Hah, maybe you're right. I thought I was getting somewhere, and look at me now.

Yeah... Maybe it's time to give up.

City, wait here a moment. I'm going to go talk to the staff.

Mm, all right.

...Damn, okay. She got a big name photographer for this shoot. Bet he'll make me look really pretty.

You know... Maybe this is where I belong after all.

Huh? Wait, you... Why... How?!

My dream? You're literally making zero sense.

Huuuh?! What the, Why do you have my phone?! And why were you looking through it?!

That's not my dream! Not anymore, I quit already!

Give it back!

I'm done. I'm through. I'm giving up! And I'm deleting this picture!

I'll delete it right here, right now! I swear, I'll... I'll delete it...

...Why?

Why can't I just... press delete?

Who are you, anyway? Like honestly.

You're a nuisance, and a goody-two-shoes, and a stalker, eavesdropper, phone peeper, you have zero tact, you're clingy, and so, so damn annoying!

First you just wanna hear me out, and now it's "don't throw yourself away!" You never make any fricking sense! Seriously, who the hell do you think you are?!

Ughhhhh, I am SO done with you!

Fine then. Do it! Be my trainer. We'll see how fast you can make me run!

But I swear, treat me like a doll once, and I'll kick you so hard you'll regret ever talking to me!

What do you mean, "sounds good"?! Ugh, I can't.

City, sorry to keep you waiting! Oh, uh... You must be...

Never mind that, I'll tell you later. We've got work to do. You, wait here.

My manager's kind of a helicopter, so I'll introduce you to her. As my... my trainer.

And... done! Pant, pant... My time! What's my time?

Really? ...Wow, it actually is. I... I did it!

Ugh, do you have to be so extra all the time? But yeah... I guess I am amazing!

Hey, Trainer. You're over the top, and annoying, and tactless, and you really piss me off sometimes...

But you know, being a trainer really fits you. Maybe it's like, your calling, or whatever.

Oh, you better not let that get to your head, though. You haven't earned my full approval yet.

That there is exactly what I'm talking about! Ahaha! All right, time to hit up the gym for the rest of the evening. It's leg day after all...

City!

Huh? Manager? What are you doing here?

Sorry to interrupt practice, but it's an emergency! This could be your big break!

I'm sorry, Trainer! I'm going to have to cut practice short today!

Wha, Who made you boss? We've still got tons to work on!

Please, just hear me out. This will affect your future!

My future?

So, turns out, I was just a substitute. Some hotshot model canceled last minute, so I was called to fill in.

I got the job done, obviously. I always give one hundred-percent, no matter what.

But then my manager said I gave a "safe and bland performance."

Sure, it was a pretty big deal, even if I was just a sub. My big chance to get noticed by all these superstar names.

I get where she's coming from, but like, can she not take away from my training time? And get this...

She's like, "Ever since you started hanging around that trainer, you've been losing sight of your priorities as a model."

Like, I'm sorry, what?! Anyway, it got ugly. Ugh, what a disaster.

I mean, I know she's right. I haven't been as focused on work. Hard to care about poses when all I can think about is running.

Thing is, I promised to keep modeling so she'd let me enroll here. Managed to convince her I could do both.

But now that I'm actually getting serious about racing, well... Not exactly what I hoped for.

I really thought I could run two roads at once, but guess I just don't have that kind of agility.

Say, Trainer... You somehow knew I'd make a decent runner, didn't you?

You knew I wasn't just some pretty doll, that I could win out there on the turf... And you still believe that, right?

Yeah? Hah... Okay, I've decided. Honestly don't know why I didn't do this earlier.

What are you imagining? Relax, geez. If anything, it might be good news for you. Because I...

Am going to quit modeling!

Ugh, I lost momentum at the end again. What's wrong with me?

I threw away my career for this! Trainer, hit me with your most brutal training regimen!

Huh? Are you serious? But I can still...

O-okay, gosh... Don't have to go into scary teacher mode. Fine, I'll rest. Happy now?

...

...I know you're there. Sneak around all you want, you can't mask your annoying aura.

What, this? Oh.... just looking at old pictures.

Records of practice and my diet, and... some work things. Don't need these anymore.

Not really. I can just delete them. Racing is all that matters to me now.

Not that I have the times to show for it... I just, I don't know, can't go those last few meters.

...Well, change of pace, right? C'mon, if you hover around looking like my manager, you can be my unwanted attention repellant.

Oh, but don't actually act like my guardian, yeah? Just keep your mouth shut and look like you belong.

What a boring movie.

They had a few brands I like, but nothing really caught my eye... Sigh.

Huh? N-no! Just, it's hard to ignore, isn't it? But whatever, won't see any of those anymore.

Once I retire, the next model will take my place. Stand still for a second, and you'll fall behind and fade away.

Good riddance, I say. The cameras never saw the real me anyway. Just a worthless, fake illusion.

...I'm exhausted.

...

...Go on, spit it out. You've been wanting to say something, haven't you? This whole time, I can tell.

Ugh. What, another one of your lectures? No, I'm not missing anything. My past needs to be tossed out.

Huh? What are you even talking about? What does my phone have to do with anything?

A-are you stupid? Those mean nothing to me, okay? All I care about is running.

Here, I'll delete them right now. I don't need them!

Stupid pictures! I'm so done with these... stupid...

No! ...Er, fine, whatever. Just a little.

...This was my first time in front of a TV camera. Look at my face, I'm trying way too hard... I can't.

This was my first commercial. It did pretty good. This is me crying after my first screwup. Don't look. You never saw that.

This... this was my first pic with a fan. Said her dream was to be a designer, and have me wear her clothes.

...

Oh, shut up! What do you know, huh?! I'll delete them, all of them!

I'll do it, just... just you watch...

Why? ...I decided to throw this life away. I have to, or my running'll never amount to anything!

So why... why, when I'm running, do all the memories come flooding back?

During practice, and races, why does it feel like there's a gaping hole in my heart?

Why can't I just throw it all away? I just want to be rid of it, please!

Aha... You're so stupid. You literally said that already. Get a new line, stupid. I just can't with your stupidity.

Oh for, No, I really can't!

...No, you did not just say that. What, you think you're like my partner in crime now? Yeah, right!

Seriously! How do you keep it up?! Be discouraged for once! Stop bothering with a pain in the ass like me!

...Stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid. You are so stubborn, and cringe, and weirdly arrogant!

Sigh... Honestly, what even are you? Oh right, you're my "trainer."

...You really think I could run both roads?

Yeah... maybe. I guess I just have to keep looking.

Stupid. Telling a runner to take things slow? Sigh. I should probably say sorry to my manager.

Hah! Oh, I'm dying just picturing it. But no, I started this, so what do you have to apologize for?

Appreciate the sentiment, but I'll do this myself. And I'll tell her that, well, I've got two legs, one for racing, one for modeling.

Oh? So this is camp, huh? Not bad. Kinda got a nice vibe to it. I bet it'd make for a good photo shoot location!

Yep. Fashionably late, but, we can make up for lost time, yeah?

Hello, Trainer. I'm sorry she couldn't be here earlier, schedules didn't quite work out.

Right, I'm gonna drop my stuff off and get changed.

Excuuuse me? I'll be ready in ten. Don't underestimate how fast models can get changed.

City! Make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen, okay?

Yeah, yeah, don't need to tell me twice!

We're all supposed to cook today? Huh? I've barely ever held a pan. Whoa, nope, nope, nope!

You'll be fine! Just calm down. You know, I've never seen you in such a panic before. Hehe.

City! C'mon, it's a beautiful morning for training!

Ughhh, I'm so done. Anything but early mornings... Nope, not happening.

All right, one more race! And this time I'm winning!

You're on, but I'm not losing. I'll bet you three premium carrots.

Someone's feeling feisty! I'm in!

You know, I'd just about given up on coming here. With work and more work, it wasn't looking like I could make it.

But, you helped me figure out a schedule, and I told my manager how I feel... And, well, here I am.

Yeah, me too. Really, I am... Before, I probably would've just gotten pissed and complained about it.

Oh my gosh! Can you not?! But, well... I'm thankful, you know.

I got here late, but you've kept me busy, and I've gotten a chance to know the others.

No one's quite what they seem, are they? I guess I was judging others by what was on the surface, too.

Oh yeah, apparently there's going to be like a festival nearby. Want to check it out? I bet we'll see a lot of different faces!

Hey, it's City! She's so pretty!

I, um... I-I'm a big fan!

Here, take one. They're delicious!

City, you're the best.

Thanks. I'd be really happy if you'd watch me race too.

...Heh, didn't think so many people would recognize me here. Kinda funny.

Which labor, modeling or racing? Hard to tell which one they're talking about. All I really want people to notice is my running.

Huh? As if.

Go for a run? Wait, like now?!

Sooo why exactly did you drag me out of the festival for this? I swear, I am never going to get you.

Hello?! Ugh, fine, whatever. Okay, here I go...

Phew... My time? Yep, about what I expected.

Huh? As if that's gonna change anything. Whatever, here goes.

Huh? Ugh, don't you ever get tired? Oh wait, back at the festival...

City, you're the best.

...I got this!

Done!

Pant, pant... Phew. You reminded me of that kid from the festival, and then my legs... they just, like, surged ahead.

What, like they give me the power to go that extra distance? Well, in that case...

What if I... take all the fans of my modeling work, and get them to come to my races?

Geez, manipulative much? Using my fans like that. I knew there was an evil mastermind behind the mask.

But... Heh. I like it. Most of my fans only know me as a model, and now I can show them what I'm like on the turf.

Then they'll see I'm not just some pretty doll, I'm a champion!

...Okay, okay, you got me on board. If I want to win, I'll need you anyway.

So, uh... Let's keep it up, yeah? Partner.