Illuminate the Heart

Whoooa! Awesome!

So this is the Furlong Tower Christmas event, huh! There's a ton of people here! And the decorations are wild!

Hey, look. They've got Umamusume snowmen over there! We should get our picture taken...

Oh...

...

Isn't this just their usual fighting?

Hm, I don't know... Something's different.

Sigh... We'll have to fix this somehow, and fast. Those two are the stars of the lighting ceremony.

Furlong Tower... You both know of it, correct? It's not only a commercial facility, it's a popular symbol of the entire city.

Every winter, official ambassadors are chosen to help liven up the Christmas event held there.

And this year's official ambassadors are... Vodka and Daiwa Scarlet. You've both been chosen.

Me and Scarlet?! Vodka and I?!

We're official ambassadors?!

An official ambassador... That sounds cooool! Ambassador... Ambassador Vodka! Hehehe!

Dummy, she's still talking! Stay quiet and listen!

...You'll be given a variety of responsibilities, but your most important duty involves the lighting ceremony on the big day.

The tower will be lit up with a special holiday design. Lights representing two Santas will run up the tower in a spiral...

And when they reach the top, holiday lights will shine out into the sky, representing a gift of light from Santa to us all.

I had a chance to speak with the designer of this year's light display. They're actually quite a big fan of you two.

They told me they hope the "greatest rivals" will make this event truly exciting with a breathtaking performance.

Greatest... rivals?

Though you're the same age, in the same class, and even share a room, your opposite temperaments lead to nothing but endless bickering.

Yet when you run together, each of you recognizes the other as a true rival who pushes you to new heights.

When the two of you converge, it always brings a level of energy that inspires excitement. I have high hopes for this event.

Um, that's very generous of you to say, but... having her as my greatest rival?

(I mean... it's kind of true? I'm about the only person out there who can handle her.)

Y-yeah, what gives?! We're not like that, we just aren't!

(Though I guess... I am the only one out there who can put her in her place.)

They're asking that you participate as a pair. If you won't work together, neither of you gets to do it.

Wha?! No way! But I wanna be an ambassador!

As do I! I'd hate to refuse such an honor!

Then you'll have to accept the conditions, whether you like them or not. What will it be?

...Man, guess I don't have a choice. This really sucks.

I'm the one who hates this the most! But...

Looks like it's settled. The student council will be assisting with the arrangements. I'd like to get right into the details, but first... go get changed.

Too cooool! Too cuuuute!

They're only preliminary sample designs, but... I don't see many adjustments to make. You both look splendid.

As I explained before, the designer is very fond of you two. They even prepared these outfit concepts for us in advance.

Crazy! I really gotta give my thanks! And, Scarlet? You look so, uh...

...What?

Forget it.

All right, I'll call the rest of the team over so I can brief everyone on the event plans.

Furlong Tower has already begun decorating for the holidays. We will only be participating on Christmas Eve, during the event's climax.

In the run-up to the ceremony, there are a number of attractions planned to keep visitors entertained. The ambassadors will be expected to join in with these and contribute to the festive experience. Also...

...Hey. Was the prez's hair always that short?

Don't be an idiot! That's Laurel, not the president!

Still, though, the three of 'em waltzed in like, "student council, comin' through." Maybe the president had a makeover.

You might say I had a makeover. I'm now Sakura Laurel, student council president!

What?!

I'm now Sakura Laurel, student council president!

What?!

Kidding! I was just having fun! Air Groove's staring daggers at me, so let's forget I said that!

But really, once I heard only two student council members were helping, I volunteered to join!

I had to sit stuff out for a while and couldn't join any school events... So now I really want to make up for lost time. ♪

Ah, I getcha... Totally makes sense. So I guess that means the president isn't comin', huh?

What? Are you disappointed it's only us?

Ah! Not at all! Vodka's just horrible with words! She was only thinking out loud, she didn't mean anything by it!

Wooow, you two really are the greatest rivals. I've never seen a pair get along better!

We do not! We don't at all!

Quit copyin' me! Stop copying me!

Ahh, so this is the master performance Fuji Kiseki spoke of! Even when fighting, they're in perfect sync!

Sigh... I think we've explained enough. Laurel, Brian, a word with me, please.

Our two ambassadors will have their hands full preparing for the lighting ceremony. They even have a music performance scheduled before it starts, so we need to create space for them to concentrate.

That's why I've decided we should offer our help with the finer details. I'll look after Scarlet. Brian, I want you with Vodka.

Sorry? Why?

Vodka's fond of you. If you're there to support her, I'm sure it will be a boon to her motivation.

I'll work with Scarlet by that same reasoning. She's always paying close attention to how I conduct myself.

...Understood.

That's it? You're not going to say you don't want to? Or that you hate this? That you'd rather be running? ...What's gotten into you?

You want me to object?

I'll be fine without. But when you're this cooperative... it's rather unsettling.

You're the one who dragged me into this. Constantly insisting we have to make this a success no matter what...

I can't say that's wrong, but you're usually too stubborn to listen. Is something different this time?

...No. I just figured doing this would be easier than having you hound me. And...

I guess I... have more time lately.

...

Very well. Moving on, Laurel, your job is to assist in any way you can. You'll likely need to handle a large number of minor tasks. I hope that won't be a problem?

Certainly not. That's exactly what I signed up for! I'll try as hard as I can to make up for the president's absence! She's very busy with something else, right?

Yes. There's another major project she's working on right now, so I advised her to devote her full attention to that.

Ordinarily, even if I take the lead role on a project, I would still make regular reports to the president. But for this event, I absolutely insisted that we'd handle things on our own.

...It was a long process, but I managed to get her approval. To be honest, that was the biggest obstacle in our way.

Wow, sounds like the president has an incredible sense of responsibility. Or anxiety? She really wants to keep up with everything.

She's always been that way. And that's exactly why we have to make this a success. The president needs to see that we can execute this perfectly!

Oh, you're so passionate! We're doing this for her sake too, huh?

For the president's sake?

...You don't look very happy about it.

Forget it. Is that everything about the job, then?

Yes. I've explained the details of the lighting ceremony and given you your duties. There's nothing left to worry about, well, aside from Vodka and Scarlet's constant feuding...

But they're always in an argument, so it shouldn't be a big problem. I'm sure they'll work through whatever comes.

You're right. Those two are rivals, always and for...

Oh! Of course! Brian, we should go for it next year! Let's be the greatest rivals!

...! Stop talking nonsense.

Hey, meeting's over, right? Later.

Hm? Did she reject me? I thought for sure that was my chance to get close with her!

...Is that right? So that's what you're really after.

Hehe, but she called it "nonsense." I was hoping I'd get to explain how I feel...

I can't believe I'm stuck with you for the holidays. This is the worst.

Oh, and you think this is a blast for me? Bein' an ambassador's gonna make me so cool. Don't blow this for me.

Sure, just don't blow it for me either. Now, we've got training for our performance tomorrow, so get to bed already.

(I guess I sound really sore about this... but I know she pulls through when it counts. So...)

(I get fed up with her all the time, but she's the only person I can rely on. If we work together...)

(This event'll be a success.) (This event's going to be a success.)

As I've mentioned, the ceremony will include a show before the actual tower lighting. You'll be performing "Girls' Legend U."

Niiice! That rocks!

Our instructor has been kind enough to provide the arrangement and choreography, so Brian and I will show you how it works. Watch closely.

Woooo!

That was the coolest, Brian! That was fantastic, Air Groove!

Huh?

It doesn't seem so difficult, right? You two should be able to have it down in no time. Let's get right to rehearsing.

I'm so sorry for being late! Where are Vodka and Scarlet?

On stage, putting on quite the show.

Huh? ...Oh, wow.

You're going forward too much! Stand back a little more!

It's gonna look way cooler if we push far on this part! Why don't you follow my lead?!

You're ridiculous, always pulling these stunts!

Incredible... They're clearly in the middle of an argument, but somehow still nailing the choreography!

Heh, it kind of gives me the creeps.

Don't be negative. Through their competition, they've become completely in sync.

...Just wonderful. So this is what being the greatest rivals is all about.

You two make an amazing combination. I'm confident the ceremony will go off without a hitch. You weren't chosen as ambassadors for nothing.

Oh! Thank you very much! ♪

Didn't I tell ya? It's go big or go home!

Ugh, just don't get a big head!

...Their quarreling seems under control. So with those two proceeding smoothly, I just need to meet with the organizers about the details, and...

Hey... You've been handling all the meetings with management. And you stay up late planning how to teach our two stars choreography.

Is there a problem?

...No. Just bring me along for the next meeting.

...What was that about?

Hmm, hm-hm, hmm... ♪ Amaaazing combination. ♪ ...Huh?

So about the light display for the ceremony, I thought it might be nice to set up a monitor for everyone to see it easily.

You're right, and I've already made a request for one. We'll also arrange a dedicated camera crew, so...

(Oh, they're talkin' about the event. I should jump in...)

Ahh, it's Scarlet... She's so wonderful! And standing next to Air Groove, they're beautiful beyond words!

Yeah! Those two are in a league of their own. The vice president and the honor student... It's a perfect combination, isn't it?

(...Say what?!)

(She doesn't have anything in common with Air Groove! People only say that 'cause they don't know the real her!)

...I dunno. Maybe they sorta do look good together, I guess.

There you are. Trying to be late for the meeting?

Ah, I'm sorry! I was just thinkin' about stuff...

Sigh... My job's to assist you, not stop you from failing. You've got five minutes to wipe that grimace off your face.

Oh! R-right!

(Vodka? Don't tell me she's bothering Brian about some silly business! I'd better get over there...)

Check it out, I always thought those two look bad as heck standing together. Like, y'know... real rebels!

For suuure! They've both got that brooding lone wolf sorta vibe... They might be the ultimate duo.

(Brooding?! Vodka's the last person to be thoughtful. She doesn't have a single thought in her thick head!)

...But I suppose they do look good together, in a way.

Aw, crap! I lost one of my ear covers!

You what?! Oh no, you did not lose part of your costume!

Ahaha... I sure did... I mean, I threw it on the bed last night. Where the heck did it go after that?

Just when I thought you couldn't get any more thoughtless! I told you last night, "It's really important, so put it away nicely!"

Oh, yeah... You did, huh... Hahaha... Scarlet, I'm beggin' ya! You gotta help me find it!

...You don't seem so cool now. Kind of lame if you ask me.

Hey! The heck you just say?

Uh, I said I guess I'll have to come to your rescue. While I'm at it, how about I attach a bell so you don't lose it again?

Ngh! Whatever. I don't need help from you! Man, I'd love for people to see how you really are.

Meaning? Why would that even matter?

I'm sayin' you're just a superficial phony. Pretendin' to be an honor student when you're actually a noisy pain in the ass!

Ugh! I can't believe how horrible you are!

I've never met someone with such a complete lack of decency! Ahh, what're people even thinking, saying a good-for-nothing like you could be my rival?!

Gasp! You took the words right outta my mouth!

I dunno why people always think we're a good combo. I... I've never thought that about you, not even once!

...!

(What... what's even happening?! I thought I was...)

(I thought I was...)

(...Your greatest rival.)

Now, what's going on, you two? Did something happen?

...Nope. ...No.

It's no use. They're too stubborn to tell me anything. And the day of the ceremony's right around the corner...

When have those two not been fighting? They'll work it out on their own.

Hmm... But they seem really down about something this time. I bet they could use a break. I know just the thing!

Heya! Once this wraps up, how about we all go check out Furlong Tower?

All right, Brian and I are going to meet with the organizers. Laurel, you handle things here. Sound good?

Yep! See you soon! ...Now then.

Look at all these people. And think how many more people will be here for the lighting ceremony!

...Yes, you're right. We mustn't make a blunder of the show... but...

Oh, are you feeling nervous maybe? Not to worry! So long as you two are together, you're invincible! You're perfectly in tune.

More like out of tune! ...We're nothin' alike.

No, that's just it. That's why you're a perfect fit.

Huh?

You know how two puzzle pieces can have different shapes, but when they're put together, they fit perfectly? That's you two!

It's just like when you did that music performance! You were both trying to be the star of the show, so at first glance it wouldn't seem like it'd work...

But you each knew when it was the other's turn to go, so you never got in each other's way. Every time you clashed, it just pushed you both forward.

Neither of you has to say a word because you both watch the other so closely. Because you're two pieces of the same puzzle.

And when you fit together, you become the greatest combination!

...

Thank you. We'll be on our way now. All right. Hopefully things are going well on Laurel's end.

By the way, what was all this about? You're the last person I'd expect to volunteer for meetings like these.

...You're overextending yourself.

What? Listen, there's opaque and then there's pitch black. Care to expand a little?

You're in a fury trying to make this thing a success. Is that because... you want to impress Rudolf? You want her to pat you on the head for a job well done?

Ngh. Sigh... I thought you had something deep to say... but it was just nonsense. I'm not fishing for praise, far from it, I need to leave her speechless.

Do you remember the first Christmas event we held with our current student council members?

That event was our introduction to all the attendees there. Thanks to the president's meticulous planning, it ended in a tremendous success. Then, on our way home...

The president looked up at Furlong Tower and said, "We'll make ourselves a beacon that stands as a guide for everyone, just like that tower."

She wants to create a world where everyone can live happily. Those grand ambitions resonated with me, so I told her the beacon she aspired to was beautiful.

And do you recall how she responded?

"Beautiful it is, indeed. But a true beacon must be more than that, its light must be everlasting." That's what the president told us that night, smiling.

...I don't remember that. Anyway, what's that got to do with leaving her speechless?

Don't you think it's hard for her? The person who's closest to a tower can't truly see how tall it is, or how brightly it shines, even if they understand in principle.

But the light we seek should be one that captivates her heart as well. So we have to achieve results beyond what she imagined.

To build a beacon so incredible it takes her breath away... A light of hope that the president herself can aspire to, just like any other racer.

Heh, so that's it. All right, I get it... That's why you're the "Empress."

Oh, now you get it? Then I trust you won't be underestimating me again. The nerve of these people... treating me like some delicate flower.

(Air Groove, Vodka, Scarlet... They all have someone they're competing with. But me... I...)

...

Things seem to have improved since this morning. Laurel, just what kind of spell did you cast on them?

It didn't take anything as incredible as that! I simply told them what I felt.

I see. Well, they should be fine on their own then. It's time we headed back to the academy for our final preparations. Christmas is almost here.

...

(I gotta say somethin'. I know that's what I'm supposed to do right now. But... what? How the hell do I explain myself?!)

(I always carry out tasks to perfection, it's who I am. So for the sake of this job, I have to apologize... But I'm just so...)

(I'm so scared... that what she said is how she really feels...)

Merry Christmas! It's the day we've all been waiting for! Tonight at Furlong Tower we'll be holding a beautiful lighting ceremony!

And now, here are this year's official ambassadors! Let's hear it for Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka!

I'm Daiwa Scarlet! It's a great honor for me to be a part of Furlong Tower's lighting ceremony!

Vodka here! These lights are gonna rock your socks off, so don't miss it!

Wonderful! How about another round of applause? If I may, I'm sure we'd all love to hear why you accepted your roles for the ceremony.

Uh... Because we're the greatest rivals! We're the perfect pair to get this event shinin' like the stars!

What an inspiring sentiment! Now for the light display, I understand that two Santas will run, just like you, across the sky.

These two lights will race each other up the tower, and when they reach the very top, the entire structure will come alight!

This is going to be an unforgettable night, perfect for the holiday! You must be so excited, Scarlet!

Oh, uh, yes! And we'll be here to make sure everyone enjoys themselves until the ceremony! Let's have the most wonderful Christmas Eve together!

(The plan was for Scarlet to give their reason for accepting the ambassadorship. Since Vodka stepped in to help her... could they be back in sync?)

(I have to tell her... Why can't I thank her for bailing me out back there?)

Hey, Santa in the pantsuit! We're trying to get to the observation deck on Furlong Tower. Do you know how to get there?

I'm freezing! Let's just go inside already. Orrr... gimme a hug right this instant! ♪

Geez, you never get enough. Come here, youuu. ♪ So, Santa, how about those directions?

Eep! Wagh, uh, umm...

You can get there from the first-floor elevator! But I highly recommend the stairway on the exterior!

Ahh, that's right. Furlong Tower's stairway is famous. There are two spiral staircases, aren't there?

Yes! The view is splendid whichever one you choose. Though you might want to get there quickly!

Oh? Why's that?

The stairs'll be closed off later for tonight's lighting ceremony. Normally, each stairway uses motion sensors to light up around you as you climb...

But for the ceremony, the lights'll be programmed to turn on at the bottom and race all the way to the top on their own.

No way! That'll be so pretty! Then let's go up the stairway now while we can, before we watch it from below tonight! Thanks for the info!

Aren't those two cute together? They're so in sync with each other, just like us! Hehe! ♪

...

The lighting ceremony is about to begin! Get ready for the show!

...!

Uh, listen! Hey, um...

May I have a word with you both?

...Why are you acting so strangely? Just follow me. We've got trouble.

You can't do the light show?!

Yes, there's a problem with our program that's supposed to override the motion sensor on the exterior stairway. We won't be able to fix it in time for the ceremony...

So... the part where the lights race up the stairs will be gone? You're just gonna light the whole thing with no lead-in? That's kinda disappointing...

Yes, we're ever so sorry! I'm terribly disappointed by this myself... The rival Santas racing up was going to be the perfect complement to our two ambassadors.

Rivals racing...

Ah! Excuse me, but the motion sensor still works, even without the special programming, correct?

Oh, I get it! So then...

We can be the runnin' Santas! We can become the running Santas!

So you two will take control of the lights yourselves? I hope you realize that will be much more difficult than it sounds.

Yes, if you run up the entire stairway, the motion sensors will follow your movements. So in theory, it's possible to form a pair of lights racing up the tower.

However, as the stairways circle the tower on opposite sides, you won't be able to see each other's location. Meaning it's impossible to time your movements by sight.

You'll have to be so in sync that you can mimic the timing of a computer program, and your speed will have to be perfectly consistent.

...Are you certain you can accomplish this?

We are!

...After hearing their proposal, would you be willing to give us your trust and let them try?

You... don't even need to ask! If you say you can do it, I believe in you! It's an enormous request, but please try!

Thank you. You heard her. There's no time to lose. Go and start warming up for your new role.

Now, this means our ambassadors won't be able to perform in the ceremony proper. We'll have to keep everyone entertained in their place.

Since everything was set up for them to perform "Girls' Legend U," I'm thinking Brian and I can...

Wait! Would... would it be all right if I do that part? I can take over the stage performance! No, I have to!

That's no problem with me, but... will you be okay on your own?

You and Brian really ought to stay on standby in case something else comes up, right?

So don't worry. No matter what, I know I can deliver a fantastic show tonight. I'm going to put my whole heart into it... What do you say?

If you think you can make this the best experience for the audience... I have no objections. What do you think, Brian?

Do what you want.

Yeah... I want this. So...

Brian... Watch me. I want you... to see me.

...!

All right, guess it's time!

The lighting ceremony will be starting very soon! But before that... we have a surprise performance for you to enjoy!

The hell is going through her head?

She wants to "take your breath away." Even I can see that you've lost your bite recently... I know your injury must have affected you, but still.

...!

Even so, Laurel thinks you're... Never mind. You'll understand soon enough.

Watch her closely. It's the responsibility of a "beacon" to bear the burden of being idealized, after all.

(I'm going to bare my heart and soul to everyone with this performance. But especially to a certain person here... You!)

(There are so many things I had to give up. All those hopes that withered before they could bloom, both mine and everyone else's.)

(But... there's one thing I don't ever want to give up on. I need you to be here for me. You're my everlasting light, and...)

I wanna win with you!

...!

(Watch me, Brian. If this were the end of the world... let my light be the last thing you see!)

Sakura Laurel, give her a round of applause! What an amazingly spirited voice!

...Hm? Looks like she got her point across.

Forget that. The real problem's next. Vodka and Scarlet have to run that stairway.

...

...I'm going to run at my own pace. You can keep up, right?

Ha! Fine by me! I'm runnin' just the way I want, too. Because that's what got me here.

Vodka, Scarlet! Get ready for your cue!

...See ya at the top.

Laurel, nice work. That was a great performance.

Thank you! What's going on with Vodka and Scarlet?

It's about to start. They're going to create the light show themselves by running from the ground level up to the observation deck.

Brian, could you make it?

...Matching my speed to my partner. And not being able to see them, to boot... There's no training for that.

But you both think if anyone can do it, it's those two, don't you?

Yeah! This is Vodka and Scarlet we're talking about!

And with that, this year's light show... will be carried out personally by our two ambassadors!

Without further ado, please set your sights on Furlong Tower!

Here's the countdown! Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four...

...!

(I know we're separated right now, but I can still hear her breathing. How could I ever forget it, after all those times on the turf?)

(We can never agree on a damn thing. But there's one time we fit together perfectly. And that's... on the turf!)

Her pacing's like no one else's. I bet she's keepin' her starting momentum. So will I!

I'm sure she's not an inch behind me. But she always stretches out on the corners... Then I'll go wide too!

Crap! Did I go wide?! No, we're cool. She knows I do that. Gotta keep it up!

(We really are like puzzle pieces. That's why whenever we pushed each other with all we had... we snapped together!)

(That made me more angry than anything. I couldn't stand the thought of losing to her! But even when we try to deny it... we can't escape each other! Because...)

We're rivals!

Incredible! They're totally in sync! I can't believe they can't see each other right now!

So that's it. Right now, they're... in a race against each other.

We're almost at the big moment! Our two Santas are about to climb to the very top!

Haaaaagh!

Look at that! Our Santas just reached the top in incredible style, lighting up all of Furlong Tower!

The brilliant light is shining out to us, as if radiant presents are pouring down to each and every person!

Wow! Amazing! It's stunning! Uma Santas, thank youuu!

I... sob... It's the two lights of... the greatest rivals! It's beautiful!

...! Scarlet!

Vodka!

First off, great work out there, you two. You performed your duties as official ambassadors admirably. The organizers also said to express their deepest thanks.

Brian, Laurel, and I will help finish things up. So have a rest here and take in the nighttime view.

What? But we can help too!

Do I really seem that villainous? I'm not going to make you work after everything you've already done.

I must give my thanks as well. Thank you for making this event an incredible success. Now try talking it out for once.

...So, uh... I wonder what she meant by that. Haha...

...I'm sorry.

Huh?

I said I'm sorry! I'm sorry for calling you lame.

I was taking out my frustrations on you. But really... I actually...

...No worries. Don't be weird. Being stubborn suits you way better.

But...

I said some nasty stuff too. I think... I was feelin' the same way as you.

So... I'm sorry too. Let's just put it in the past. Yeah?

...I can't. I have to say this.

I want you to understand, even if this happens again! That... you really get on my nerves!

Say what?! The heck're you...

But that's exactly what makes me want to win. I can become better because I have you with me.

To me, you're... the person who drives me to win. It's hard to admit, but you're the opponent I strive to beat.

...So what about you? Just how do you feel about me really?!

You gotta be nuts! Y-you think I'm gonna say it?!

Spit it out! ...Please.

...

...I'm the same. I think that you're my greatest rival.

...Wait! Lemme say one more thing! That costume... You look damn good in it!

Gasp! Hmph! Well, you look pretty cool yourself...

Hey, y'know what? I don't think we've had any Christmassy food yet. Maybe I'll get a special salad to go or somethin'.

It's weird. A special day like this, and you're not demanding we get junk like meat or fries? Even though you look the type.

Sorry? ...Ohh, I see. That's what you wanna eat. But it doesn't fit your good girl act, so ya can't say it, right? Pffft.

Excuse me?! That's completely wrong! Why do you do this? ...It's like you can only be honest with that costume on.

Aaagh! You jerk! We promised to keep that between the two of us! Well, since you said that, I'm gonna tell 'em...

It looks like they've buried the hatchet. I knew they would, whether we intervened or not.

...Where is she, though?

Who, Laurel? She said she wanted to see the tree a little more. Oh right, I forgot...

Hm? Getting a pic?

Of course. It's for my report to the president. I need to show her the event was an amazing success.

Then hand your phone over. She'll be happier if you're in the picture too.

What? Why would I need to be in it? She'll think I've gone mad. And imagine how I'd look if I took one now. I didn't even fix my makeup.

Never mind. Forget that... There's a photo spot over there, right? Come on.

Wait, this might be... a little too much, I think. I'm not trying to show her anything frivolous.

Shut it. Ready or not...

Ah...

This should get her butt moving. Tell her, "We're doing just fine without you," when you send it.

That's going a bit far... Although, I think she'll be pleased to know that you helped so enthusiastically.

...Hm? Hold on, I just realized you have your hand on my shoulder. That should be me, I'm your superior. We're going back to take it again.

Laurel's near the tower, right?

Hey, don't even try to run away!

This is business. And... it's not that I underestimate you. The way you never shut up though, reminds me of my sister... That's all.

...Ridiculous. What are you, twelve?

...Beautiful.

Isn't it, Brian?

...You'll catch a cold. I know your constitution.

I'm fine these days. But anyway, just look at Furlong Tower... So many people must be looking up at this wonderful light right now.

To be a light to aspire to, higher than any other... This must be what it means to become a beacon.

You're not very direct. Just say it... What are you up to?

I wanted to light a fire in you!

It's true that I used to be pretty frail. That's why I'm behind everyone... Even you, though we started around the same time.

It wasn't easy doing nothing as I watched you accomplish so much. Let alone when I saw the fire in you begin to fade...

...!

But now I'm finally ready to fight... That's why I've been waiting to promise you something.

I wasn't able to be there for you, to inspire you like how Vodka and Scarlet do for each other.

Still... there's something I can do. If everything's going to end someday anyway, just as cherry blossoms bloom and scatter to the wind...

I want to be the one who takes your place! And then I'll keep moving forward, and I'll burn brighter than you ever did!

...Heh. So you came to take me down, huh?

Yeah! ...But obviously not you as you are now. The person I'm going to take down is full-power Brian, blazing with ferocity.

So how was that? Feeling any hotter?

...If you really want to know, face me on the track. Racing's in my blood. And I'll run till the day I die.

Sure! ...I'll be there.

(Now you fade from view, disappearing into the crowds. That's how it's always been. All I could do... was watch from afar.)

(But today... I met you face to face. And as you gazed at me, I'm certain I saw the flicker of a flame in your eyes.)

(Everyone here is walking alongside someone special to them. Leaning in close as if to shield them from the cold... Taking each step through life slowly, but together.)

(I can't be that kind of person for you... It's too late. So if you're going to bear the cold alone, at least let me send you off with a gift.)

(But once the holiday season is over, it will be time for flowers to bloom.)