Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories
Manhattan Cafe's story
7 scenes, 443 lines
1. I RejEcT yOu
57 linesCan you believe in that which you cannot see?
Hehe... You're incredibly fast, without a doubt... I'm going to have to do better than this...
That which is only beheld in the eyes of another?
...So that I can catch up... to my friend...
Who exactly are you?
It's well past dusk when I realize I've forgotten my phone somewhere.
I probably set it down while focusing on watching some training sessions around the academy today.
I jog back to where I assume I've left the thing, and am reassuringly greeted by a flashing low-battery light.
Oh, thank goodness...
Hehe...
s is fun... hehe..., ow can I..., atch up?
I don't expect to hear anything on the track at this hour, let alone laughter. Is someone really out here training right now?
Phew... Don't worry... I can keep going.
...That's right. However many more times it takes...
...I really love... running with you...
(Just, uh... who is she talking to?)
There's certainly no one around besides us. I know that it's quite dark out, but still. Thinking it strange, I approach the lone student, when...
Thwack!
Wha?!
It feels as if something has rammed into my shoulder. I can't see anything in the vicinity, however.
(Right... I am pretty exhausted, after all...)
But a girl talking to someone who isn't there? And then myself colliding with some kind of invisible force?
The night air isn't the only thing giving me the chills... Though it's probably just my imagination running wild...
Are you for real? I'll gladly take up the offer! It's always been my dream to make it big in a G1 race!
For real. Let's turn that dream into reality!
O-okay! I've been aiming to debut in the Twinkle Series this whole time, so...
I sense you've got what it takes. I'll be back to watch your tryout race. Think you can show me everything you've got?
Oh, right. The girl from last night...
Hey, Trainer! Looks like you've got your eyes on someone.
Oh, the girl over there? ...She does run with mighty fine form. Are you gonna scout her?
Well, I'm not so sure just yet...
Really? I've definitely seen her somewhere, though... Um, maybe in these pamphlets, yeah?
Found her, Manhattan Cafe. She's good. If you're not going to scout her, then I'm off to chat to her.
You want... to scout me?
Yeah! If you don't have anyone else in mind, why don't we aim for the top of the Twinkle Series together?
The Twinkle Series...
You can outrun anyone else out here for sure!
...Anyone else? Hm... Do you think... I could even outrun... her?
..."Her"? Who? Oh, I'm guessing you have a rival then?
...Yes. She's incredibly fast... That girl standing right over there...
O-over there? But there's no one th...
She looks like me... She's the one who led me here. My dear friend...
She hasn't changed since we were children... Always running ahead of me... I dream of... reaching her...
Huh...
Sigh... Save your breath. Don't think she's looking to really talk to anyone, let alone be scouted.
What do you mean?
I couldn't make heads or tails of anything she was babbling about... It was like she was trying to drive me off. And honestly, the things she was saying were kind of, uh...
Kind of creepy?
What?
I'm just saying that maybe you shouldn't bother. She seems to be more trouble than anything...
I'm reminded of what happened last night.
...That's right. However many more times it takes...
...I really love... running with you...
I chalk up all that happened last night to my imagination, but perhaps there is something more at play here.
Does she really not have any interest in being scouted?
My mind drifts, pondering the mysterious Manhattan Cafe. Next thing I know, the sky has darkened into a murky night...
2. I wOn'T aLLow iT
61 linesWith a long day's work behind me, I allow my mind to wander a bit. As it would turn out, I haven't been able to forget about Manhattan Cafe.
I wonder if she's out there again...
I make to leave my room and head for the track, not knowing who, or what, I will find.
Click, clack.
The door doesn't budge. No matter how much I twist and turn the knob, it refuses to open.
(Is someone pushing on the other side?)
Knowing that shouldn't be the case, I tense up my shoulder and ram the door. It gives way this time, and on the other side I'm greeted by...
No one.
I convince myself that the door fixture itself is to blame, and make my way down to the track without much of a second thought.
Pant, pant...
I've been running after you... ever since I was little... Why... can't I ever catch up?
...How are you able to accelerate through corners like that?
How... do you maintain that form? It's as elegant as willow branches swaying in the breeze.
...You're just... so incredible. But even so... I'm definitely going to catch up with you someday...
...So I'm going to keep running. And running... No matter how long it takes...
Manhattan Cafe's silhouette melts into the shadowy reaches of the track. She soon re-emerges onto the final straightaway with an incredible burst of speed.
Haaah!
Her jet-black hair does well to keep her concealed in the murky darkness, but she's able to make her presence known with an explosion of speed.
What do you think? That ability of hers is quite impressive, is it not?
Wah!
Hehe, surprised to see me? I'm sure your blood pressure spiked a fair bit just now. I'd love to get a pulse reading, but there are other matters at hand.
I assume that you are one of the new trainers looking for someone to scout. Or perhaps...
You are a trespassing rascal, spying on Umamusume late at night. I would be obligated to report you, of course.
I'm a trainer!
Is that so? Well that's good to hear. Caught your attention, has she?
I'm a little curious, that's all.
Oh? I wonder what the source of that curiosity could be. Is it her abilities, or have you noticed some manner of strange phenomena that seemingly stem from her?
No matter, I suppose. You'd best speak with her directly rather than gawk from afar. Time is finite, after all.
And while I'd be interested in observing how she chooses to engage with you, I'm afraid I must get back to my research.
Ah, but allow me to impart one piece of advice.
Be assertive in your proposal. You'll find that she can be surprisingly compliant.
What was that all about?
"Strange phenomena," though. Has she also experienced such after interacting with Manhattan Cafe?
Pant, pant...
Good evening.
Hm? Yes... it is.
Do you always train this late?
It seemed like you were talking with someone just now.
I glance around the empty track, unable to spot anyone else.
You won't be able to see her... No one can, no matter how hard they look...
So please... don't concern yourself with it. You really... shouldn't.
I'm the only one... who ever notices her. She... she remains far away, even from me...
So you have a friend that only you can see?
I take her word for it, but what could that possibly mean? A "friend" that only she can see?
Is she talking about something like a ghost?
InCorRecT
...!
No one is around but the two of us. I can't claim to have heard a voice, but my mind has somehow been infiltrated with an answer to my query.
Huh?
Manhattan Cafe gives me a slight bow, and walks off.
I cannot deny that I do seem to be experiencing strange phenomena. Could it have something to do with this "friend" of hers?
There's certainly a lot on my mind, but more than anything, I cannot stop thinking about her amazing running earlier.
3. ExiSteNce
74 linesMy mind dwells only on Manhattan Cafe's immense ability. I decide to make my nightly sojourn to the track once more, when...
Bzzt.
The lights in my office go out.
...
It saves me the trouble of having to hit all the switches myself at least. I leave the pitch-black room behind.
It appears that she is running after that "friend" of hers this evening as well.
Tch... So far...
Unlike before, though, her steps are erratic. Maybe she's too fixated on catching up to her "friend" to maintain a stable pace...
Pant, pant, pant... I'm still... not there...
Good evening!
I know this is sudden, but if it's not too much trouble...
Huh?
Can you tell me about how your friend runs?
I can't see her. But it's for that very reason that I want to know more. What style is she using? When does she make for the finish line?
If I knew what kind of technique her rival was employing, then I'd be able to offer her some advice. She's trying so hard. I really want to do what I can for her...
It may be none of my business, but I'd like to help.
She's fast?
...Yes.
Okay... So she's fast...
...Yes.
Something tells me she's not too keen on opening up about this.
For the next few evenings, I make it a habit to visit the training course.
Something strange happens every time. Books falling off shelves, or the TV seemingly turning itself on... I even encounter a jammed door once more...
I've gotten used to it, though!
Luckily, Manhattan Cafe seems to be getting used to my visits as well.
Um... She's a bit wild today... Like she's really motivated.
Though she is still a bit apprehensive, she shares a little more about her friend with me on each passing night.
I'm really not having much luck with this whole scouting thing. How about you?
I've found someone.
My evenings spent with Manhattan Cafe have all served to make me want to be her trainer.
The only catch is, I can't see her friend, and I don't know if that'll be a deal-breaker.
I got some good advice yesterday...
That trainer... probably thinks I'm strange. And the advice might just be an excuse to watch...
...But... if I'm being honest...
I feel like... even by a little bit... just a little bit...
I've... been able to close the distance between us.
... Maybe... I can count on a visit... tonight as well.
I fully intend to watch her train this evening, but I can't help but wonder if I'm starting to become a nuisance.
Clack.
The door opens without issue...
But I feel as if I'm dragged through it by some immense force.
What the...
I quickly brush it off and make for the track.
Good evening. You're here... a bit earlier than usual...
I can sense a hint of relief in her voice.
The next day, I go out in search of Manhattan Cafe at the courses once again. I'm greeted by a different face instead.
Oho, searching for Cafe, are we? You're not like most of the other trainers, then.
Agnes Tachyon...
Hehe. Why don't you come with me instead? Your mannerisms fascinate me.
Isn't that...
Welcome to my laboratory! Impressive, is it not? Oh, and the other half is Cafe's space.
I would urge you not to touch anything over there. I rummaged through her articles once, and the amount of research material that spontaneously combusted in the aftermath was enough to bring me to tears.
What a strange space. Though I can observe it with my own eyes, it feels as if it lies within a separate dimension entirely.
Perhaps if I were a psychologist, I would be more keen on unraveling its mysteries.
Tell me, though. What do you think of this "friend" that Cafe is always speaking of? Do you believe she exists?
Yes, because Cafe says she does.
I see. "Existence" itself begs definition, but setting that aside, you trust in that which neither you nor I, nor anyone else can physically observe.
Not very scientific of you, I must say. What gives you such confidence?
Simply observing something isn't everything.
Merely shifting your position can change your field of view. Surely it follows that things can exist outside our perception, visible only to another.
Thinking this argument to be ironclad, I express it to Agnes Tachyon...
Ahahahaha! Wonderful! Even I cannot deny that there is a plethora of possibilities yet unknown!
Hehehe. I trust now that you won't be a waste of my time.
I'm feeling quite invigorated indeed. Come, let me prepare you some tea. What? Don't fuss over the incandescent glow!
4. wE CaN BE fRiEndS
69 linesThe day of the tryouts has come.
Though I was hoping to have formally scouted Manhattan Cafe by now, an opportune moment hasn't appeared.
Trainer, are you really looking to scout her?
That's the plan.
Sure, she's a great runner, but the way she keeps going on and on about that imaginary "friend" of hers is unsettling. You're not put off by it?
I don't think she's imaginary.
Y-you're kidding, right? I can understand wanting to support her, but...
...Good morning.
Waaaaah! Gyaaaaah!
Thud, thud, thud!
... I'm sorry... You were clearly in the middle of something.
No worries, we just finished.
Is your friend here today?
...Yes.
There are many capable runners set to take to the track today. She'll need to focus on outpacing them over anything else. Will her friend end up leading the pack, I wonder...
Keep your cool and run at your own pace!
Sorry, that was a bit quiet. Can you...
The tryouts are about to begin. Would the runners participating please gather...
... Please come back here... this evening.
The runners are at the starting gate. And... they're off! The race has begun.
(Run... run... run... The smell of the turf... The dirt is nice and firm... I'm in great form.)
(That person's... That trainer's words seem to have lent a spring to my step. My breathing is stable... I feel like I could run for much longer than usual...)
(There are so many runners... in front of me...)
(But I know that she's there... I know that my friend is up there... waiting for me to catch up to her.)
(No one else can see her... but she is so dear to me...)
(I never did mind that people couldn't believe what they couldn't see... I only... wished that they would respect her...)
(But now...)
(That trainer... wants to know more about her...)
(Precisely because she can't be seen. Just by saying that... my friend has finally gotten the respect she deserves.)
Haaah!
(We've endured so much ridicule... So much cruelty... Never been given the time of day...)
(It's time to run past all that... If I can get even a little closer to you today than I could yesterday... then I...)
I can run freely... after you... after my dreams!
What acceleration! She pierces through the pack like a needle! She's like a shadow swallowing everything before her!
Woooo!
In contrast to the afternoon's tryouts, the track this evening is still and silent. Manhattan Cafe stands before me, pensively.
Please, can you listen to me for a moment? I'd like to tell you... about my friend...
Actually... I can see many, many things that others can't. There are other beings... besides my friend...
However... No one has ever believed that when I told them.
"There's no way they exist." "Creepy." "It's just your imagination." "You're delusional." "It's all in your head."
Those awful words... They only served to hurt my precious companions... It made me sad, too.
Because of that... I tended to keep to myself as a child. I didn't want them to be hurt... any more.
I was always rather frail... The people around me were never too surprised that I stayed mostly quiet.
But one day... I saw a girl who looked a lot like me, even if only from behind... She was running.
And even though I couldn't see her face... I could tell that she was having fun. I started to feel... envious...
I chased after... Left that dark room that I had shut myself in.
The outside world was bright... Overwhelmingly so. But my friend... She was still running... Having fun...
I began to wonder... what exactly I was so afraid of. Even though no one would believe in her... she was able to run without a care...
Since then... my friend has been running ever forward... In front of me...
I can see why she's so important to you.
Yes... But I've still...
...This whole time... I've still not seen her face.
I can't catch up... And she never looks back... I've only ever seen her from behind... as she runs ever forward.
So I want... to catch up. I want to run... at her side.
Though she is telling me this in her usual hushed voiced, I can sense the straightforward fervor that has welled up inside her.
... You still can't see her, right? So... Um...
You can tell me more about her anytime.
I would like to scout you.
... Do you think... I can catch up with her?
Absolutely!
...Okay!
Thwack!
As I share a smile with Manhattan Cafe, I feel a strong clap on my back.
"I trust you."
There's no voice, no spoken word. And yet... I can feel the sentiment coming from someone.
5. BeHiND yOu
44 linesOne day, heavy rain necessitates we cancel our outdoor training. I'm spending time in my office to put together an indoor training plan.
(Wait a sec... Where's my pen?)
I've noticed that I've been losing items much more often lately. Yesterday I misplaced some paperwork from the academy, and today it appears I've lost my pen.
I stand up from my desk to go fetch a new one, when...
Bump!
Urk!
Though I'm alone in my office, I feel as if someone has collided with me, and I stumble forward.
(Maybe I'm just tired...)
That won't do. How am I supposed to be an effective trainer if I'm just bumbling around? I slap myself on the cheek and proceed.
Music?
I notice that the music we were using for our shuttle runs has stopped.
Oh, sorry! I spaced out for a moment!
I should probably get more rest.
...?
Yeah, that's probably for the best.
Okay... In that case, I'll be sticking around a little longer.
Oh, then I'm okay to stay too.
You don't... need to do that. Please go home and rest...
No detours... Go straight home... And also...
You shouldn't come to the training course at night... At least for a little while...
You mustn't visit me... at night...
I walk outside to find that the rain has stopped. I head home while pondering what she just told me.
(She doesn't want me visiting her at night for a while it seems...)
Maybe she's upset with me for all the careless mistakes I made today. I begin to think of ways to avoid making the same blunders tomorrow, when...
I'm chilled to my very core. It's as if someone is glaring at me from behind...
Wh-who's there?
I turn quickly to find no one there. I still feel some kind of presence directly behind me!
...Um.
Whaaah!
I forgot... to tell you something.
Y-you scared me half to death!
I'm sorry... That wasn't my intention.
I just wanted to tell you to be careful...
So with that said...
I knew it... Instead of me, it looks like it's targeting Trainer...
Is it... displeased? Or could it be...
6. I wiLL ProTect yOu
71 linesIt's been some time since I noticed my health starting to deteriorate. Unfortunately, I haven't sensed much improvement either.
Manhattan Cafe has been urging me to return home immediately after our training sessions lately. I thought that by doing so, I'd be getting all the rest I need...
(No work today. How about some fresh air!)
Staying cooped up in here can't be good for me either. I grab the handle of my front door and give it a spirited twist...
...Hello.
Waaah!
I find Manhattan Cafe standing on the other side. Just how long has she been there?
Oh, sorry! Did we make plans for today?
I could use some fresh air.
... Um... Trainer...
Want to come with?
Since we're together, I begin to think that a more drastic change of scenery might be nice. What kind of place might she enjoy?
This place is actually...
Oh, were you not a fan of aquariums?
That's not it... I was just thinking that this place... is a bit darker than I would have thought...
Trainer...
We can't become separated... Give me your hand.
...!
Don't even think about... letting go. Now, shall we be off?
Hand-in-hand, we stroll about the aquarium. It's rather busy, likely because today is a holiday. The crowd in front of the central tank is especially large.
H-hey, don't push!
Oh no, Trainer!
I'm carried off by the wave of people. Separated from Manhattan Cafe, I find myself in an empty hallway.
This area is suffocatingly quiet. Is it a staff-only corridor? It's also bone-chillingly cold. Do they really keep the air conditioning that strong in here?
(I need to get back to Cafe...)
I turn around and begin searching for a door, when...
Snatch!
I feel as though someone, or something, has grabbed on to both of my ankles. No matter how much I struggle, I can't budge an inch.
Play... with... me...
(Th-this can't be good...)
I don't dare to even glance down at my feet. All the while, I feel like they are being dragged out from under me.
I'm thankful to be outdoors. The bright warmth offers a much-needed sense of relief. Just what had happened back there?
Are you feeling... better?
Yes, thank you.
That's good. We should be okay... out here.
I'm sorry... That was careless of me. It's usually fine when there are so many people around.
It looks like... little can stop it now.
I'm afraid... it might come after you again.
"It"?
It's... hard to explain.
There's something else... but it's not like my Friend.
This one... seems more like a bad memory... or a regret... It's stuck here... like a scar...
It's probably better... if we don't talk about it. Our interest might be... stirring it to act...
Do you actually... believe me?
Of course.
In that case... you should be very careful. Try to stay near... other people.
Please give me... just a little more time...
The look on her face is one that I've been seeing a lot lately, entirely serious.
Too bad about our aquarium trip, though...
For now... that's just how it is. Please be patient...
I really wanted to do something nice for you...
Huh?
For me? But I thought... you were the one who wanted to go...
Trainer... You...
You put yourself in harm's way... just for me... That might explain it......
Did you say something?
She walks by my side as we make our way back to the academy, though she spends most of the time gazing at the ground.
Please don't worry... I can do this...
She wears an expression of intense determination.
7. ShE ANd i
67 linesAt summer camp, Manhattan Cafe is exerting herself something fierce.
Good work. Let's call it a night.
But Trainer...
We're calling it a night.
Definitely!
Okay... Well in that case... there's something I'd like you to do for me.
It's very... important.
Manhattan Cafe asked me to come watch her race tonight. When I reach the meeting place, I notice that she is alone.
Thank you for coming... Trainer.
Everything has... led to tonight. I need you... to see this.
Will you be racing your friend?
...!
Don't turn around. It's... after you.
As long as it can see me... you are safe. It may try to draw you away... however...
And if that happens?
I don't know. But...
I won't let it happen.
I'm going to beat it tonight... and put an end to this. Trainer...
Do you believe me?
I swallow hard. I have no idea what will happen if she loses, but I know that there is only one answer to the question at hand.
I'll always believe you.
Thank you... Shall we get going?
The rules are simple. We'll run to that big rock, and then back. The first one to reach you again is the winner.
It's fast... But...
I won't lose. I've also... gotten faster. And it's all thanks to your guidance...
I'm ready. Can you give us the signal?
I nod and take a step back, then raise my arm to give the starting signal.
Ready... Go!
She takes a deep breath, then dashes off into the night. Her silhouette melts into the murky darkness, just as I have witnessed many times before.
I see only her shadow, yet strangely, I think I see another set of footprints behind hers, as if someone is giving chase.
("It" really is here, then...)
I can see the sand being kicked up behind them, and it indicates that they are about neck-and-neck. Cafe leads barely, a fierce look emblazoned across her visage.
(You really are... fast. You've always... wanted to run like this, haven't you?)
(To run like this... To get faster... But you couldn't tell anyone... because no one can see you...)
(Oh! So that's why... you needed my trainer...)
(If anyone, Trainer would certainly believe in you...)
You won't be able to see her... No one can, no matter how hard they look...
I'm the only one... who ever notices her. She... she remains far away, even from me...
I was sure... that you couldn't see her. But it really feels like... you can...
(You wanted... to be noticed... Noticed by Trainer... But...)
A sudden strong wind kicks up the sand, blocking my view. The runners should be arriving at my position any moment now, but I can't see a thing.
Suddenly, and as though it was a figment of my imagination, the wind storm subsides, and the beach is calm once more.
It... no, she... has gone. Probably because... she was able to do what she'd always wanted...
And that was... to run like everyone else.
Like everyone at the academy... To win and lose... To get faster and stronger...
But... No one was able to acknowledge her.
If only... I had noticed sooner, then she might not have gone after you...
But she must be happy now, right?
I think... she is...
It's all thanks to you.
You're really... quite the unusual person...
You... must've been scared this whole time... Yet you were able to move on... like it was nothing.
(Someone like you... is what she needed... and what I...)
Oh!
What's up?
There's a shooting star... It's like she's running off... into the night...
Um... Trainer... Would it be okay if... we stayed here a bit longer?
All falls silent, and Manhattan Cafe and I gaze upon the night sky for a while. This has truly become an unforgettable summer camp.