Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories
Haru Urara's story
7 scenes, 335 lines
1. I'm Gonna Win! ♪
45 linesThe Tracen Meet is fast approaching. It's one of the Academy's regular events, and it features every category of race.
As such, the training grounds are filled with students practicing, eager to show off their skills on the day of the event.
Huff, puff... A-almost... there...
Among them, I see an exhausted Umamusume straggling far behind the others.
Fiiinish... Wheeze. Urgh... So dizzy...
When her body finally gives out and she falls to the ground, I rush to her side.
Are you okay?!
Y-yup, all good...
Phew... Can't let a little dizziness get in my way, especially if I want to win!
But thanks for checking on me! Um... Are you...
In answer to her inquisitive look, I quickly introduce myself as a trainer.
Whoa, a trainer, huh?! Nice to meet you! I'm Haru Urara!
Wait, that means you're coming to the Tracen Meet, right?
That's the plan...
Then make sure you watch my race too! I'm going to take first place!
Running feels really good! And look at all this energy! Not to mention how tasty carrots are! I bet I've got this in the bag!
As Haru Urara beams with confidence, I think back to how she pushed herself to the point of collapse during training.
Perhaps she's more talented than my first impression?
Anyway, I better get back to training! See you at the race! Bye-bye!
Huff... puff... Why are my legs so heeeavy!
With a strained cry, Haru Urara dashes off.
On the day of the event, curious to see Haru Urara's performance, I make my way to her assigned racecourse.
We've entered the final stretch! Haru Urara continues to lag farther and farther behind the pack!
Hnnngh! I'm not giving up yet!
And across the line! What a close race! We've got a photo finish on our hands!
Even as every other runner passes the finish line, Haru Urara continues to run with all her might, eyes fixed on the goal.
That's it! I'm almost there! And... Yah!
Now Haru Urara... has finally passed the finish line! A round of applause for her, folks!
Dead last... Judging from her form, I know she's not injured or sick. This really is the best she can do...
While disappointed, I can't seem to get the image of Haru Urara running with all her might out of my mind.
Huff... Wheeze... S-so tired...
You did your best.
Ah, you're that trainer from before! You really came to watch me run!
Ehehe... This is embarrassing. I thought I was gonna win for sure this time...
But guess what?! I ran the whooole race! All that training really paid off!
I could tell you ran with everything you've got.
Really?! Ehehe, I sure did!
Running really is the best! I can't wait for my next race!
Ah, now that I think about it, I'll be running in the next tryout race too!
Hey, you should come watch me race there too! I'll make sure to take first place then!
All right. I'll see you there.
Great! Then it's a promise!
Anyway, looks like I've got more practice ahead of me! Go, me, go!
Despite tasting bitter defeat, Haru Urara's eyes are filled not with sorrow, but overwhelming determination.
Facing her relentless optimism, I too am filled with a strong desire to see her race again.
2. Dojo Storming! ☆
46 linesSeveral days after the Tracen Meet, I stop by the training course, only to notice the students crowded around a certain area.
Huff... huff... I finished!
It seems the students are competing with each other in mock races. As I look past the winning racer, I see a familiar face.
That was a lot of fun though! Thanks, Urara!
I'm the one who should be thanking you! But watch out! I won't lose next time!
All righty... Who should I race nex, Hm? Ah, it's you again!
Doing scrimmage races?
No way, this is totally different! I'm dojo storming!
I read aaall about it in a comic book! You go up to strong people, challenge them, and win!
The comic said that was the secret to getting stronger, so I thought I'd try it out!
But it looks like you lost...
Yeah, but I just know I'll win the next one!
The dojo storming continues! My next opponent will be...
Ah! Spe! Hey, Special Week!
Oh, hello, Urara! Are you training too?
Yup, and I came up with a new way to do it too! Spe... I challenge you!
Huh? Challenge?
Yeah! Now you've gotta race me! Come on, Spe! Let's go!
What? Right now?
With that, Haru Urara has found her next dojo to storm. However...
Huff... Huff... Across the line!
A while after Special Week finishes, an exhausted Haru Urara approaches the finish line.
Oh no, Urara!
It's clear that Haru Urara's tenacity outmatches her stamina. While she may have crossed the finish line, she collapses almost immediately after.
Phew, I thought I was gonna pass out!
You did pass out...
Well, no worries either way! I'm all rested and ready for anything!
Still, you really are amazing, Spe! A worthy rival, for sure!
Th-thank you?
Don't get too cocky though! I won't lose next time!
After seeing you run like the wind, I just know I can do the same!
All right then, let's race again sometime!
Ehehe, I'm gonna hold you to that!
Okay... Back to dojo storming! My next challenge awaits! Bring it on!
Ah... There she goes...
That energy of hers really is something else. She's always so cheerful.
She exudes endless optimism.
I know, right?! I always feel so bad after losing, but Urara is ready to accept the next challenge no matter what...
Her fearless attitude gives me motivation to try harder.
And talking about motivation, I better get back to work too!
Whether it's the Tracen Meet or dojo storming, Haru Urara continues on with a smile, even in defeat.
And it's become clear to me that her optimism is contagious.
3. Give Up? Never!
53 linesThe tryouts draw closer. One day, during a trip to the shopping district, I hear a familiar voice.
Carrots! Get your carrots here!
What are you doing?
Ah, long time no see! Hehe, I'm helping the carrot farmer sell his stock!
He opens a stall here in the local farmer market every once in a while, but he's got a ton of leftovers this time.
We can sell these if we put our minds to it, though! Who wouldn't want a tasty carrot?
I appreciate the thought, Urara, but that's enough. It's my own darn fault for bringing so many carrots.
It'll be fine! We just gotta get people's attention, and those carrots will fly off the cart! Carrots! Get your carrots here!
Even when faced with a literal mountain of unsold carrots, Haru Urara's determined cries never waver.
That's the spirit, Urara! Come on, folks, we can't let her have ALL the fun!
In that case... Come and get it! I'll offer a deal on onions and potatoes to anyone buying carrots! Perfect for curry or stew!
Before long, the shopping district is abuzz with activity, all thanks to Haru Urara.
Woohoo, all the carrots are gone!
Who would've thought I'd sell every last carrot... I couldn't have asked for more. Thank you.
No problem! I'm just glad I could tell people how tasty your carrots are!
Th-there you are!
Ah, King! Sorry, but the carrots are all gone.
Ohhh, phooey! I'm late to the party... not! Aren't you forgetting something? You should be training right now!
Ehehe, my bad, but the carrot farmer was in trouble! I couldn't just ignore him.
Don't be too mad at her, miss. Our little Urara here was busy teaching me a very important lesson...
To never give up, no matter what.
Yeah! And I couldn't let those carrots go to waste!
I-I haven't the slightest idea what you're going on about...
Sigh... At least you had a reason for skipping training.
However! You shouldn't disappear without a word like that though! Do you know how worried Special Week was?
What?! Then I better go apologize to her right away!
Ah, wait!
Bahaha! Always bursting with energy, that one. At this rate, her dream of finishing first isn't far off from coming true!
Taking first place is her dream?
Oh, you didn't know? Haru Urara has never finished first place, even in training or the scrimmages.
Yeah, but she never gives up or even gets discouraged. She just keeps running with a smile on her face. Amazing, right?
As long as she keeps her head up, she still has a chance. Of course, an invincible racer like me has no such worries.
Thinking back, I recall Haru Urara mentioning first place a few times, but who would've thought it was such a big issue for her?
Perhaps the reason I find her so compelling... is that steadfast dedication to achieving her dream.
Ohohoho, H-hold on, don't ignore me! I demand my due respect!
Someone's hard at work.
Oh, it's you again!
Well, the tryouts aren't far off! I really gotta kick it into gear if I wanna take first place!
Sigh... I wonder what winning feels like...
I mean, running on its own is already so fun. If I take first place, I bet I'd be doing backflips!
That's your dream, right?
Well, yeah! I am an Umamusume, after all! I love running, but I want to win too!
And as long as I keep up my training, I'm sure I'll take first place someday! I won't give up!
So I better get back to it! Up next is... the dirt course!
Haru Urara's sunny outlook continues to shine on despite her track record.
She comes off as a little naive, but at the same time... I can't help but want to see her win.
Want me to help you train?
Really?! Could you?!
Ehehe, to be honest, I don't really know if I'm doing this whole training thing right, so having you here will be a big help!
All right, just you watch! I'll show you what I've got!
As I quietly observe Haru Urara's practice, my calling as a trainer is even more compelled to help this dreamer reach her goal.
4. I'll Win This Time
55 linesIt's the day of tryouts...
Today's the day! I just know I'm gonna win this time!
Someone's in a good mood.
Well, yeah! I've trained so hard, and eaten so many carrots, how could I not be?!
Although, I might've had a few too many carrots, hehe. I'm sure it's fine!
So this is where you've been.
We're here to cheer you on, Urara!
King! Spe! Thanks for coming, guys!
You trained with the mighty King Halo herself, you only have to go out there and win now.
Yeah, no problem! I'm definitely winning this!
I know you can do it! Just remember your training, and you'll soar down the track!
Remember my training... Okay!
I'll just think of all the times you stuffed your face with snacks! Or the time you tripped and got covered in mud!
Y-you don't have to remember those parts of training!
The third tryout race will begin shortly. Runners, please make your way to the starting gate.
Ah, that's me! I better get going!
Good luck!
Thanks! Don't take your eyes off me, okay? See you after the race!
At last, Haru Urara's tryout race begins.
The runners are racing through the dirt course, no doubt with the Twinkle Series on their minds!
Now who's this bringing up the rear? Why, it's Haru Urara!
Could she be conserving her energy... doesn't look like it! She's giving it her all, but she's still trailing behind the pack!
You can do it, Urara!
Give it everything you've got!
Go, Urara, go!
Show them what you're made of!
Go, Urara!
Everyone who has had their spirits lifted by Haru Urara's infectious optimism has gathered to cheer her on.
As the race reaches its conclusion...
...And across the line! Our winner has finished, followed shortly by the rest of the pack!
Will the ever-upbeat racer's hard work pay off at long last? Haru Urara's final placement is...
Woohoo! Ninth place! I've never done that well before!
Congratulations, Urara! That was an amazing race.
Indeed. You gave it your all, right up to the very end.
I guess that's the exciting thing about races. You never know what's gonna happen!
Good job today, Urara. Here, these carrots are on the house!
Really?! Yippee! This is just what I need to prepare for the next race!
And so, Haru Urara finishes ninth out of ten runners.
Well, that takes care of the tryouts. What a blast!
Your hard work paid off.
Ehehe, I still can't believe it. Ninth place!
But I just know I'll take first place next time! I can't wait until the next tryouts...
Being so optimistic in the face of defeat isn't as simple as she makes it look.
Maybe that's what makes Haru Urara so compelling to the people around her... including me.
Then do you want to aim for first place with me?
Wow! You're really gonna help me train some more?!
That's why I'm scouting you!
Seriously.
Yippee! Then that means I can run in the Twinkle Series!
If I make my debut there, I'll be able to run in all sorts of races!
And I'll get first place in every single one! Oooh, I can't wait!
Thanks for scouting me! I'll make it worth your while and win lots and lots of races!
With that decree, my journey with the endlessly optimistic Haru Urara begins.
5. Go, Go! ☆ For a New Record!
35 linesSpirits are high at Tracen Academy's public scrimmage. Among them, one student in particular is receiving a lot of attention.
Huff... puff...
Haru Urara still trails behind the others, but one look at her face and you know she's not giving up! Look at her go!
It's not... over yet!
That's it, Urara! Go!
She's picking up speed, but it's no good! The other Umamusume are still out of her reach! Will Haru Urara give up hope?!
Haru Urara's growing popularity has nothing to do with her speed, or even her form...
Good job, Urara! You sure put up a fight on the final stretch!
Ehehe, thanks! I might've lost, but I'll take home the gold next time for sure!
What garners people's attention is her unwavering resolve. No matter how bitter the loss, she still marches on with a smile on her face.
So? How'd I do? What was my time?
A little slower than your best, I'm afraid...
Seriously?! I coulda sworn I beat it! Oh well, guess I'll have to work even harder at practice tomorrow!
That's the spirit!
Yeah!
Excuse me, could I have a moment of your time?
Suddenly, a woman holding a camera approaches us. She hands me a business card.
Hm? "Umamusume Monthly"? You write for this magazine?
That I do! And I've also been a fan of yours since the tryouts!
Really?! Ehehe, thanks for the support! Hm? Do you take pictures for the magazine too?
Yes! I got some really nice shots of you running today!
Whoooa! Can I see?! What do I look like when I'm running?! Show me!
Hehe, all right, all right. I'll pick out a few especially nice shots and send them your way.
True to her word, we receive photographs from the reporter several days later.
Wow! I look so cute in these! Ah, but look at how flared my nostrils are in this one! Aw geez...
She also wrote you a message of support.
Whoa... She's saying such nice things about me! Ehehe... Ah, she even mentions you!
"Ever since you started working with your trainer, your smile's gotten even brighter."
"That must be one heck of a trainer." Did you hear that?! She really likes you!
I'm glad.
Same here!
I'm not the only one people cheer for. If I do well, people will cheer for you too...
Hehe... Guess I have another reason to work hard!
6. Super-Duper Secret Plan
41 linesAs I head towards the train station on my day off, I suddenly hear a familiar voice.
All right, time to put my super-duper secret plan into action!
Oh? And what would that be?
Well, you see... Wait! What are you doing here?!
I'm just doing some shopping.
Oh, yeah? Me too! Ah, but this is all a part of my super-duper secret plan, so that's all I'm telling you!
Aaanyway, I better get going! See you later!
Haru Urara dashes away before I can say another word. A mix of curiosity and concern compels me to follow her.
Hm... That magazine said it should be around here...
As she wanders around aimlessly, one of the nearby shopkeepers approaches her.
Lookin' for somethin' special, are we?
Yup! I'm trying to find the shoe store around here! Do you know where it is?
Forget about that store! I've got just the shoes for you, riiight here.
No, thank you! I'm not looking for just any shoes. I need the kind that give you super speed!
Well, what a co-inky-dink! These just so happen to be the world-renowned Super Speed Sneakers! How about I give you a deal on them?
Urgh... I have juuust enough to buy them, but... Are you SURE they'll make me faster?
Positive! First place is as good as yours with these babies on your feet!
Really truly?! Well... they are a bit expensive, but if they'll make me faster...
HOLD IT!
Trainer?!
What?! All that stuff about making me faster was a lie?! But he said first place was as good as mine!
Good thing I followed you...
No kidding... And now my super-duper secret plan to get faster is down the drain!
How were you going to do that?
With shoes that make me extra fast, of course!
Only practice can increase your speed.
I-I'm not trying to skip out on any training... I just want to get faster!
Can I ask why?
Remember those nice things the reporter said about you? That made me really happy.
If that's the kind of stuff she says NOW, imagine what people would say about you if I WON!
I figured if I could find a way to win first place faster, I could surprise you and everyone else!
I'd love to win a race, and if that means everyone will praise you, I'd love it even more!
She's already putting in the work, but Haru Urara still wants more. As a trainer, I'm in awe of her dedication.
Well, it's good to be motivated!
Right?! Ehehe, I'm glad you feel that way. I'll make sure to find the right shoes...
But we need to do this together.
Together?
Let's find a way to win... together.
Yeah... Yeah, you're right! I shoulda gone to you right away!
Well, looks like I'll need to give tomorrow's training some extra-special effort! See you then!
Haru Urara excitedly runs back to Tracen Academy. With a better understanding of her motivations, I feel my desire to help her win growing even stronger.
7. Relentless Guts
60 linesOne, two! One, two! And... finish!
Okay, one lap down, another lap to go!
One, two! One, two! One, two!
Even on the final day of Tracen Academy's summer camp, the hopeful underdog is hard at work.
Looks like Haru Urara's as bright as ever. Even the summer sun can't outshine her!
Her fan I met at the scrimmage seems to be writing a piece on the summer camp. I watch as the giddy reporter happily snaps pictures.
I'd love to stay and watch, but I've got another assignment. I took some great pictures, though, so I'll send them to you ASAP!
Haru Urara and I train for the rest of the day. At the end, the exhausted racer comes up to me, eyes full of expectations.
Huff... puff... I'm beat! But I did it! I finished the whole run!
Great job.
Yeah, I bet I'm much faster now! How was my time?!
...
Wh-why are you so quiet?! What was my time on that last lap?!
You still didn't beat your record...
Ohhh! Darn it! Then I'll do one more lap right no...
Gurgle.
Ah... Hehe, looks like I worked up more of an appetite than I thought!
Mmm! Crepes, cakes, candied carrots... Everything I try is so good!
Haru Urara and I have come to a local festival, both as a reward for her hard work and a means to replenish her energy.
If there's anything you want to eat, I'll get it for you lickety-split!
I'll keep that in mind.
Ehehe, I love festivals! ♪ Thanks for bringing me here!
Hehehe! ♪ Ah! Look, they've got a ring toss game! Now THAT brings back memories!
Urara? Is that you?
Oh, hello, Mr. Farmer! Are you having fun too?
That's my line! You must be taking a break from training. How was summer camp?
Well... I ran a whooole bunch, so I had a blast!
I see. Well, that's all that matters! Will I see the results of your hard work at the next race?
You bet! I KNOW I'll be taking home the gold this time. You won't want to miss out!
After that heartfelt declaration, Haru Urara and I say our goodbyes to the carrot farmer.
Shall we call it a day?
Um... Hey, would it be okay if we stayed just a liiittle bit more?
Together, we return to the moonlit beach.
Something you want to do here?
I just want to do one more lap before we head home!
I've worked so hard here, so I want to end on a high note and get just a teensy bit faster!
So please, time my last lap of the summer!
Haru Urara makes her way to the starting position with a more serious expression than usual.
Ready when you are! Just give me the signal!
On your mark... Get set... Go!
One, two! One, two! One, two! One, two!
Finiiish! Huff, puff... How was that?! What's my time?!
You... matched your best time!
Ohhh, drat! I thought I beat it for sure!
When we get back, I'm gonna work even harder! I will get faster and finally take first place!
Haru Urara's cries of determination echo from the beach to the ocean horizon. Surely she's feeling frustrated at her lack of progress.
I, however, know for a fact that she has improved. In order to prove it, I take out my phone.
Take a look at this.
I show her two of the photos the reporter sent me. One is from the first time the two met, and the other is from today's training.
Oh, that's me! But why are you showing me this now?
You look good here.
Huh?! Wh-what do you mean? N-no one's ever said that about me before.
Looking at the two photos, it's clear that her running form has improved. She's running in a much more efficient way now.
I explain to her that at this rate, it's only a matter of time before her speed increases.
Really? Then... does that mean I got better?!
Trust me!
Of course I trust you! But wow! That means I really am improving!
And I couldn't have done it without you! I'm so glad you're my trainer!
I've always known I could win if I put my mind to it, but now I really know!
And I hope you're ready, 'cause once we're back at Tracen, I'm giving practice a hundred and ten percent!